Watercare signed a confidential agreement to pay $1 million annually for 20 years to Waikato-Tainui, raising concerns about transparency and the unclear benefits to ratepayers. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

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Critics say benefit to ratepayers of Watercare’s secret $20m deal with iwi ‘murky at best’

Last year, in a deal not disclosed to the public, Watercare, Auckland’s water services provider, signed an “agreement relating to relationship matters” with Waikato-Tainui’s main council, Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Inc. This deal means Watercare will pay $1m every year for 20 years. The money is reportedly meant to support research and environmental projects related to water in the lower Waikato River area, which belongs to Waikato-Tainui. Sam Warren of the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance calls it ‘murky at best.’

7 September 2024

Elon Musk’s X scores a win in lawsuit against California’s content-moderation law

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted Elon Musk’s X a preliminary injunction, reversing a prior decision that upheld California’s content moderation law, AB 587, requiring transparency in managing hate speech and sensitive content.

7 September 2024

The new Māori Queen: Kuini Ngā Wai hono i te pō, 27, to succeed her father Kiingi Tuheitia as Māori monarch

The spotlight is on Kuini Ngā Wai hono i te pō, 27, takes on the mantle of Māori Queen following the passing of her father, Kiingi Tuheitia.

She is the second-youngest monarch in the Kiingitanga movement’s history and was chosen by the 12-member Kiingitanga council, Tekau maa-rua, after some deliberation.

7 September 2024

Family First: “Disturbing” data in latest assisted dying report

The Registrar’s Annual Report for 2024 shows a 5% increase in assisted deaths over the past year. However, Family First notes that with one in four applicants not receiving palliative care, the End of Life Choice Act only provides a ‘right’ to one choice – premature death.

7 September 2024

New Zealand’s supermarkets face increased scrutiny as profit margins grow on non-fresh food

Supermarkets in New Zealand are under fire after expanding their profit margins on non-fresh food. The Grocery Commissioner is now calling for stronger regulatory tools to open up the grocery sector. While supermarket giants claim falling profits, critics argue the “duopoly” continues to squeeze consumers and suppliers.

7 September 2024

The responsibilities, and liabilities, of school boards

Often composed of elected parent, staff, and student representatives, school boards are essential to ensuring schools meet their obligations. They have a wide-range of duties from overseeing the curriculum to keeping students safe.

7 September 2024

Missing something in your diet? You’re not alone: Study suggests billions have inadequate micronutrients

A new study estimates that more than 99% of people are deficient in at least one vital nutrient, and the consequences could be more serious than just feeling sluggish. Think blindness, anaemia, and weakened bones.