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Image Open Mike 20/12/2025

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 20th, 2025 - 13 comments
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13 comments on “Open Mike 20/12/2025 ”

  1. Image SPC 1
    20 December 2025 at 7:06 am

    The narrative of Luxon.

    It was hard work to try and get $44 billion worth of savings out of the back office of the public service so that we could go off and get extra doctors, nurses, corrections officers, and spend that money on the front line.

    https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360917648/christopher-luxon-people-dont-always-understand-plan

    FACT CHECK

    The government has deliberately staffed wards at 80% capacity by delaying hiring of new staff (high rate of departures caused by workplace stress) to save money

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/582339/hospitals-asked-to-save-510-million-despite-538-million-going-unspent

    Reply
    • Image Kay 1.1
      20 December 2025 at 9:23 am

      SPC- the dompost article is paywalled. Are you able to provide a synopsis? I'd love to know his plan.

      Reply
      • Image SPC 1.1.1
        20 December 2025 at 12:12 pm

        I've observed what they have done.

        This article is not the place where he describes it.

        “And I think, I think generally, you know, we've had a good plan from day one. People don't always understand that plan, but I think people are starting to recognise that now.”

        That polls show the public do not think the plan is working. But he seems to think this is because they do not understand what it is (the way he explains it all to himself as to why they do not notice it doing any good).

        There is the basic story about budgeting to taste/porridge.

        Too much tax and spend is too hot. Too much austerity is too cold. He claims muddling in the middle is just the right lukewarm.

        This is shaping up as a key Beehive selling point for voters in election year.

        The TU had Richardson play the cold porridge card to help them out

        The simplicity of the narrative is because people do not get plans.

        There is a focus public sector reform (ACT DOGE friendly)

        But looking forward, it is clear that public service reform is going to be a continued focus for the Government under Luxon. He – and the senior levels of the public service – view reform as essential to delivering the goods for New Zealanders.

        Luxon’s message is simple. More work is needed.

        “I think it's quite a far … quite a bit behind. Obviously. You know, government activity is a significant part of the economy, and I think there is a huge opportunity in the second term to really modernise the public service.

        “My vision is that I want large service organisations that are very customer-focussed and technology enabled. And for that to happen, there's got to be a lot more embracing and digitising of government.”

        Reply
        • Image Obtrectator 1.1.1.1
          20 December 2025 at 1:40 pm

          Luxon’s message is simple. More work is needed.

          Yes …. all together now, you Boxers out there: "I will work harder."

          Uh … not hearing much response ….

          Reply
    • Image SPC 1.2
      21 December 2025 at 5:41 pm

      ACT libertarian and probable member of the Free Speech Union and the Taxpayers Union (ex Bradbury associate) is team cold austerity porridge.

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360916340/new-zealand-deserves-better-nicola-willis-plan

      Reply
  2. Image Stephen D 2
    20 December 2025 at 10:38 am

    https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/17/teachers-will-be-given-extra-training-to-tackle-misogyny-in-schools?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

    ”Children as young as 11 who demonstrate misogynistic behaviour will be taught the difference between pornography and real relationships, as part of a multimillion-pound investment to tackle misogyny in England’s schools, the Guardian understands.”

    The UK is certainly ahead of us when it comes to dealing with these issues.

    Reply
    • Image greywarshark 2.1
      20 December 2025 at 11:28 am

      Thanks for that illuminating excerpt Stephen D – I wonder if some in UK positions of power have had bits excerpted from their brains, or perhaps some additions made of a controlling nature to control nature.

      Reply
  3. Image bwaghorn 3
    20 December 2025 at 7:12 pm

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/582341/ministerial-advisory-group-defends-catering-bill-for-public-meetings-around-new-zealand

    I fully expect seymour the which finder to demand a $3 budget per person for any more meetings

    Reply
  4. Image Ad 4
    20 December 2025 at 7:50 pm

    Just finished a week kayaking the Whanganui River. A revealing and grand way to understand New Zealand in a new way. Recommend.

    Reply
  6. Image SPC 6
    20 December 2025 at 9:55 pm

    The music of LUX

    Reply

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