The Life Sciences Biotechnology summit is being held at Tākina Conference centre in Wellington on the 10 March. They are discussing advancing a Bio-Future for Aotearoa and Beyond. [1]

The keynote speakers are from Bayer/Monsanto and Merck. Dr. Shane Reti is speaking on the Gene Technology Bill and its progress in Parliament.

There are two conflicting views, one of which is that the Bill will not be passed this year but will be one of the first Bills to proceed after the Election if National has a majority. The other view is that Dr Reti is working hard behind the scenes to make it acceptable to New Zealand First by tweaking controls to improve safety. [2]

However both potential futures lack the social license that is needed to moderate the extreme deregulation of gene technology that is intrinsic to the Bill.

An awareness rally highlighting the problems of the Gene Technology Bill was held outside the venue, there was a lot of support, interest and concern about allowing genetically engineered (GE) organisms into the environment and food registered by the passers‑by both international and national.

"The Gene Technology Bill is seriously flawed and does not promote safety to the environment or health of the people. Instead, it promotes industry protection from liability, food pollution and genetic contamination," said Claire Bleakley president of GE Free NZ.

The Gene Technology Bill carries an unacceptable 'opportunity cost' of lost exports and further reliance on external inputs that increase New Zealand's vulnerability. Supermarkets and food suppliers are gatekeepers that must ensure consumer safety, transparency and labelling of GE food.

The war in the Middle East is increasing the price of oil, which makes our pesticides, pharmaceuticals and fossil fuel‑reliant machines unaffordable.

It is the perfect time for a strategic rethink moving to support resilience through organic, regenerative agroecology systems and to move away from agricultural dependency on pesticide companies like Bayer/Monsanto. [3]

References:

[1] https://lifesciencessummit.co.nz/programme/#10March

[2] https://newsroom.co.nz/2026/03/05/particularly-complex-gene-tech-bill-in-doubt-as-coalition-talks-hit-brick-wall/

[3] https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/46-vandana-shiva

The Closure of Marsden Point: A Strategic Misstep in Fuel Security?

Given the current situation many are asking about the Marsden refinery a brief history is in order
 

New Zealand's decision to shut down its only oil refinery at Marsden Point in 2022 has come under intense scrutiny amid ongoing global energy disruptions, particularly the current 2026 Middle East conflict involving Iran and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. What was framed as a purely commercial move by private shareholders now appears to many as a risky gamble on stable international supply chains — one that hindsight suggests underestimated geopolitical vulnerabilities.
 

Historical Context: From National Asset to Private Enterprise
 

Marsden Point Refinery, near Whangārei in Northland, opened in 1964 as a public-private partnership under the Second Labour Government led by Walter Nash. It was built to enhance post-war self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported refined fuels after global shocks like World War II. The refinery processed mostly imported crude to produce petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and other products, supplying up to 70% of New Zealand's needs at its peak.

In the 1980s, under Robert Muldoon's National Government and the "Think Big" policy, the facility underwent major expansion, including a hydrocracker and Auckland pipeline. Costs ballooned to around NZ$1.84 billion, with taxpayers effectively underwriting much of the debt through levies and guarantees — a deliberate strategy for national energy stabilisation.
 

The turning point came in 1988 under Roger Douglas and the Fourth Labour Government's neoliberal reforms (Rogernomics). The Petroleum Sector Reform Act deregulated the sector, removed protections like import licensing and price controls, and handed operational control to the private consortium (major oil companies like BP, Shell, Mobil, and Caltex held the majority shares). The government provided compensation but exposed the refinery to full market competition. 

Critics argue this shift — influenced by the Business Roundtable and Treasury — prioritised short-term efficiency over long-term sovereignty, selling off or deregulating strategic assets in a wave that many felt benefited multinationals at the expense of New Zealand's resilience.

The 2021–2022 Closure: Commercial Decision Amid Distraction
 

By 2020, the refinery (operated by Refining NZ, later rebranded Channel Infrastructure) faced declining Asian refining margins, competition from larger mega-refineries, and COVID-19 demand drops. It had run at losses or thin margins for years, culminating in a 2021 net loss of NZ$552.6 million (including impairments).
 

The board initiated a strategic review, and on 6 August 2021 — during peak COVID preoccupation with lockdowns and border closures — shareholders voted overwhelmingly (99% support) to cease refining and convert to an import terminal. The decision passed easily due to backing from major oil-company shareholders (Mobil/ExxonMobil 14.4%, Z Energy 12.9%, BP 8.5%), who gained from cheaper overseas refined products and long-term terminal contracts.

The Labour Government under Jacinda Ardern declined to intervene financially. Energy Minister Megan Woods rejected loan or subsidy proposals, stating in cabinet papers there was "no strong case" on fuel-security grounds, as risks were low and imports diversified. Refining ended 31 March 2022.
 

Opposition came from unions (FIRST Union/E tū), Northland communities, workers (240 direct jobs lost plus contractors), and politicians like Winston Peters (NZ First), who called it "economic treason" and amplified myths like concrete poured in pipes (debunked by the company). A grassroots group, Operation Good Oil, produced detailed reports highlighting increased shipping emissions, flawed margin projections, and heightened vulnerability — claims that have aged well amid current crises.
 

Generational Perspectives: Age and Lived Experience
 

A notable factor in the decision was generational difference. The Sixth Labour Government Cabinet (circa 2020–2021) had an average age around 48–50 (with Jacinda Ardern at 41), younger than prior eras. Megan Woods was in her late 40s. Many ministers lacked direct memory of the 1970s oil shocks, 1990–91 Gulf War, or repeated Hormuz tensions.

In contrast: Winston Peters (born 1945) was 76 in 2021, with decades of political experience through multiple crises. Shane Jones (born 1959) was 62, similarly shaped by historical volatility. Older voices emphasised strategic buffers; the younger cohort trusted global markets and prioritised emissions reductions (shifting refining overseas cut 1 million tonnes CO₂e annually on NZ books). 

The Greens supported (or welcomed) the closure as aligning with decarbonisation and "just transition" goals, with some shareholders calling it "pandering to the Greens."
 

Current Vulnerabilities and What Might Have Been
 

Today, NZ imports 100% of refined products (domestic crude — 5–10% of needs — is exported as light/sweet). Transport (76% of oil use) relies on diesel/petrol/jet fuel for commutes, freight, supermarkets, and services. Lubricants (for machinery, wind turbines) are minor (<2%) and low-risk imports.
 

If Marsden Point still operated: It would provide crude-import flexibility (cheaper/more diverse sourcing) and local refining buffer against disruptions.

In the 2026 Hormuz crisis, it could mitigate price spikes and shortages (current stocks: 58 days petrol, but refined-product reliance exposes us more).

Reopening is now studied (feasibility NZ$4.9–7.3 billion, 6+ years), but ruled out as unaffordable. Coal is secure (domestic); gas faces Qatar-linked risks.

The closure — a private vote, but enabled by 1988 deregulation and non-intervention in 2021 — highlights tensions between commercial logic and national resilience. As Peters and Jones argue, age and historical awareness matter when geopolitics bites. Whether it was a deliberate sell-out or genuine response to economics, the outcome has left NZ more exposed than many anticipated.

whatever the outcome of this new war its vital that people keep informed and make their own contingency plans where possible – be pro active 

PSA and Workers First Union write to PM urging him to investigate Winston Peters over false claims about unions

The PSA and Workers First Union have today written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon alleging that New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has made false claims in breach of the Cabinet Office Manual that the unions failed to consult with his party earlier enough in their efforts to get his party to vote against the Fire at Will / Uber Bill.

The unions have released their letter to the Prime Minister (attached) which sets out the facts of the lengthy attempts they made from 2024 to just days before the Bill was passed last week to persuade NZ First to vote against the most anti-worker Bill in decades.

Last week Winston Peters told RNZ NZ First could have stopped the Fire at Will / Uber Bill if unions had approached him earlier. The party failed to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill or put forward any amendments to the Bill, which passed its Third Reading on Tuesday despite his party indicating 'tweaks' were coming during the Second Reading debate.

"Winston Peters and New Zealand First betrayed workers by voting for the most anti worker legislation in over 50 years and he had the gall to falsely blame unions for not engaging with him earlier. The facts are clear, as laid out in our letter to the Prime Minister - we had several constructive engagements with NZ First," said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

"We remain adamant that the facts were laid out to the party clearly, and early, but NZ First chose to side with ACT and National despite its claims to be a party that cares about workers," said Fitzsimons.

"Uber drivers and our union had many constructive meetings with New Zealand First over the last 18 months, and we warned them repeatedly of the damage that Brooke van Velden's law change would wreak on New Zealand. Winston Peters' false claims to the contrary show that he is full of hot air and should apologise for his untrue statements or front up to Uber drivers and explain himself," said Dennis Maga, General Secretary Workers First Union.

The unions say Mr Peters has clearly breached the Conduct of Ministers provisions in the Cabinet Manual, as set out in paragraph 2.56, which states that Ministers, at all times, including in their political capacity must uphold the 'highest ethical and behavioural standards'.

"As we say in the letter to the Prime Minister, 'we cannot accept that any reasonable interpretation of paragraph 2.56 would find that it is acceptable conduct for a Minister to wilfully misrepresent the facts in order to show others in an unfavourable light'. When Hon Judith Collins made inaccurate comments about teacher salaries, she appropriately corrected herself and apologised which is needed here too," said Fitzsimons.

"Unions need to have constructive relationships with all parties, no matter their colours, and at times we will disagree as we do over the Employment Relations Amendment Bill. But we can't abide a party leader, a senior Minister, and one as experienced as Mr Peters, deliberately misrepresenting the facts," said Dennis Maga.

"NZ First put the business interests of their coalition partners over the interests of workers in voting for this draconian Bill, despite our best efforts over many months to persuade NZ First to back workers, not the ACT Party.

"NZ First were more than capable of drafting their own amendments to the Bill since its introduction, and they have a taxpayer-funded Parliamentary office and policy unt and under their coalition agreements they could have and should have simply voted this exploitative law down," said Maga.

"We urge Christopher Luxon to take this matter seriously, meet with us and investigate Mr Peters over this clear breach of Cabinet rules. Truth must be the gold standard in modern politics," said Fleur Fitzsimons.

Parliament has just passed the most extreme anti-worker legislation since the notorious Employment Contracts Act of 1991, stripping away protections that have been the foundation of fair employment for decades.

"The Employment Relations Amendment Bill effectively introduces fire at will, leaving New Zealand workers more vulnerable than at any time in the past 30 years," said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

"This is a disgraceful power grab by employers that will pile more pressure on families already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis this Government promised to fix.

"Workers can now be sacked at will with employers able to undermine personal grievance protections even when their own conduct is clearly unreasonable.

"This law change will radically change every workplace in New Zealand. Workers can be unjustifiably dismissed and walk away with nothing.

"How does threatening people's jobs help families cope with higher prices and a weak job market? It shows how heartless this Government is - prioritising the profits of business over the wellbeing of working New Zealanders and their families."

The changes will also affect the quality of public services New Zealanders rely on.

"Insecure workers means insecure services. When teachers, health workers, and other public servants face constant job insecurity, it undermines their ability to deliver the quality services New Zealanders deserve.

"This law will drive down wages and accelerate the exodus of skilled workers offshore to countries that value their expertise and provide job security."

"Supporters of this law change talk about 'labour market flexibility.' But flexibility is not evenly shared.

"For large employers, it means more power. For workers, it means uncertainty - wondering whether a minor mistake could cost them their job, or whether a new contract quietly removes protections they once relied on.

"Just like in 1991, with the Employment Contracts Act, business lobby groups are the strongest supporters of these reforms while workers face losing their jobs, reduced protections and weaker bargaining power."

Latest attack in Government's war on workers

The bill is the latest in a series of attacks on working New Zealanders by the Coalition Government:

• Axed Fair Pay Agreements
• Reinstated 90-day fire at will
• Scrapped pay equity for more than150,000 women workers
• Suppressed minimum wage increases
• Proposing to cut back sick leave for part-time workers

"The changes made today continue the shift of power in one direction only - strengthening the hand of large employers while leaving workers more exposed in an already fragile economy," said Fitzsimons.

"This Government's priorities are clear: landlords and big business are in but working New Zealanders and their families are out.

"Come the election in November, the PSA will be reminding voters of the choices the Coalition parties have made to put the interests of business ahead of working families."

Background Employment Relations Amendment Bill

In summary, the changes will:

• mean workers who are legally unfairly dismissed will have no proper remedies if they have contributed to the situation, however minor.
• allow employers to fire at will workers who are unjustifiably dismissed and earn more than $200,000 - they cannot access a personal grievance process for unjustified dismissal.
• remove the provision that automatically enrols new employees in collective agreements for 30 days. This means new workers will risk being exposed to 90-day fire-at-will trials before understanding the protections offered by collective agreements.
• allow employers to deem workers contractors removing their right to holiday and sick pay and means they can be fired at will - the law change written by multi-national ride share company Uber.

Finance: The NZ dollar firmed over the week and is now just on 60 cents against the US dollar.. The Aussie differential is tough for those holidaying in Aussie. Brent Crude moved up a little and is currently at $US65.76/barrel.

Wool: The wool prices are firming with strong demand from China. There is growing optimism in the sector

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: The meat schedules are steady to firmer with some upward movement in beef schedules. The expected grass growth following the recent rain will allow farmers to keep stock on the farm a little longer if necessary.

Dairy Prices. Rabo Bank is reporting some optimism for the industry this season following the last two good auction results. The next auction is this on 3rd February.

It is time to remember that it is National Lamb Day on 15th February. It is a Sunday this year so you have an opportunity to celebrate with a roast dinner or just some chops on the BBQ. It was 15th February 1882 when the first shipment of lamb left Dunedin for the UK. It is good to remember & celebrate our agricultural milestones & understand the importance of agriculture in the NZ economy.



Jim’s Weekly Rant:


The Prime Minister announced the election date last weekend, so we have until 7th November this year to consider what we want our country to be like for the next 3-years. The promises and the bribes will come thick and fast over the next few months as the various parties jostle for their positioning in parliament. We have already heard that National will just consolidate on its work to date with no promises of a new utopia. The Greens are keen to take us back to the stone-age without fuel and heating while Te Party Maori want to close all prisons by 2040 – I will be well dead by then so I will miss the fun they also want to set up a separate Maori civil defence system to protect Maori and the Maraes with a $100 million fund. The Labour have already signalled a “Capital Gains Tax” as we all need more taxation. You have all probably heard me rant about CGT in the past as it is an inflation tax or capital maintenance tax – they don’t understand the true definition of Capital Gains which can only occur over and above inflation!!. Act will continue to push the Treaties Principals Bill as they try to create a more equitable society and Winston’s party will play popular politics through the year. It is going to be fun, but the sad reality is that it is a serious game that is being played and we are the porns in the game. I would encourage you all to join a political party as that is where the influences happen, the MP’s rely on their committee people and members for local feedback. I would encourage you all to write down what you would like NZ to be like in 20-years and see how your vison aligns with one or more of the political parties. I would encourage you all to look at the various governments around the world and see what they are doing and how NZ might strive to emulate their vison or part of it. Do you want us to be like the Australian Albanese government, The UK’s Sir Keir Starmer’s or the Argentinian, Italian or Polish governments or do you want a Trump styled leader. There are good examples of good and bad regimes around the world and, being a small country, we can get it right. No government is perfect, but some have more good points than others and I am always reminded of Winston Churchills statement:

Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has no heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains. And another to assist us in our preparation please remember these wise words: The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. The recent polls in Australia and the UK have been interesting where the Australian First Nation Party led by Pauline Hansen is gaining in popularity along with the UK’s right-wing Reform Party lead by Nigel Farage. They are interesting times. I was pleased to hear the government has put more money into disaster relief, but I am confused when they give the Marae’s $1 million for their work through the disaster times, there are many other groups that help and to single out the Marae’s is wrong and sends the wrong message to other groups – next time just leave it to the local Marae!!! Your opinions and comments matter, but when discussing politics try to keep an open mind and take time to listen to others points of views without too much personal judgement – I was a t table discussing Trump the other night and one of the group worked himself up into a vitriolic frenzy over Trump to a point where the conversation had to be stopped and the guy left disgruntled and angry. No one learns anything in those situations, so stay calm and enjoy some of the banter and even serious discussions.that will take place over the next 10 months.

Finance: The NZ dollar firmed over the week and is now just on 60 cents against the US dollar.. The Aussie differential is tough for those holidaying in Aussie. Brent Crude moved up a little and is currently at $US65.76/barrel.

Wool: The wool prices are firming with strong demand from China. There is growing optimism in the sector

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: The meat schedules are steady to firmer with some upward movement in beef schedules. The expected grass growth following the recent rain will allow farmers to keep stock on the farm a little longer if necessary.

Dairy Prices. Rabo Bank is reporting some optimism for the industry this season following the last two good auction results. The next auction is this on 3rd February.

It is time to remember that it is National Lamb Day on 15th February. It is a Sunday this year so you have an opportunity to celebrate with a roast dinner or just some chops on the BBQ. It was 15th February 1882 when the first shipment of lamb left Dunedin for the UK. It is good to remember & celebrate our agricultural milestones & understand the importance of agriculture in the NZ economy.



Jim’s Weekly Rant:


The Prime Minister announced the election date last weekend, so we have until 7th November this year to consider what we want our country to be like for the next 3-years. The promises and the bribes will come thick and fast over the next few months as the various parties jostle for their positioning in parliament. We have already heard that National will just consolidate on its work to date with no promises of a new utopia. The Greens are keen to take us back to the stone-age without fuel and heating while Te Party Maori want to close all prisons by 2040 – I will be well dead by then so I will miss the fun they also want to set up a separate Maori civil defence system to protect Maori and the Maraes with a $100 million fund. The Labour have already signalled a “Capital Gains Tax” as we all need more taxation. You have all probably heard me rant about CGT in the past as it is an inflation tax or capital maintenance tax – they don’t understand the true definition of Capital Gains which can only occur over and above inflation!!. Act will continue to push the Treaties Principals Bill as they try to create a more equitable society and Winston’s party will play popular politics through the year. It is going to be fun, but the sad reality is that it is a serious game that is being played and we are the porns in the game. I would encourage you all to join a political party as that is where the influences happen, the MP’s rely on their committee people and members for local feedback. I would encourage you all to write down what you would like NZ to be like in 20-years and see how your vison aligns with one or more of the political parties. I would encourage you all to look at the various governments around the world and see what they are doing and how NZ might strive to emulate their vison or part of it. Do you want us to be like the Australian Albanese government, The UK’s Sir Keir Starmer’s or the Argentinian, Italian or Polish governments or do you want a Trump styled leader. There are good examples of good and bad regimes around the world and, being a small country, we can get it right. No government is perfect, but some have more good points than others and I am always reminded of Winston Churchills statement:

Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has no heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains. And another to assist us in our preparation please remember these wise words: The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. The recent polls in Australia and the UK have been interesting where the Australian First Nation Party led by Pauline Hansen is gaining in popularity along with the UK’s right-wing Reform Party lead by Nigel Farage. They are interesting times. I was pleased to hear the government has put more money into disaster relief, but I am confused when they give the Marae’s $1 million for their work through the disaster times, there are many other groups that help and to single out the Marae’s is wrong and sends the wrong message to other groups – next time just leave it to the local Marae!!! Your opinions and comments matter, but when discussing politics try to keep an open mind and take time to listen to others points of views without too much personal judgement – I was a t table discussing Trump the other night and one of the group worked himself up into a vitriolic frenzy over Trump to a point where the conversation had to be stopped and the guy left disgruntled and angry. No one learns anything in those situations, so stay calm and enjoy some of the banter and even serious discussions.that will take place over the next 10 months.

Documents released under the Officials Information Act to the PSA expose the detailed advice the Public Service Commission received about the risks of stepping over the lines of political neutrality.

The Public Service Commission in an unprecedented move spent public money on social media adverts targeting striking health workers and others just days before the historic mega strike on 23 October.

"These documents are absolutely damning. They show Government knew exactly what they were doing - breaching political neutrality to advance the Government's bargaining position," said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

"The warning in the documents couldn't be clearer: 'We are the system leaders for political neutrality. We must role model best practice - particularly to retain our credibility', officials advised.

"The documents paint a clear picture of the lengths gone to in attacking the mega strike, and expose the roles played by Ministers including the Prime Minister.

"The risks were abundantly clear. That's why the Auditor-General warned the commission following a complaint by Labour MP Camilla Belich, stating that the issue of public spending on advertising raised significant constitutional issues about political neutrality.

"There was an extraordinary amount of communication between officials and between Ministerial offices to check facts and consider risks because it's clear the risks to political neutrality were well understood by officials advising the Commission and Government.

"The documents also show the commission was prepared to spend up to $10,000 on the campaign, all unbudgeted for.

"The commission has promised an external review, but weeks after the Auditor‑General finding, it has yet to reveal who is doing that or what the terms of reference are.

"That independent investigation needs to be wide ranging and look carefully at each step of decision‑making and the role that Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister played.

"The timing of this document dump must also be investigated. The PSA was told on 3 December the information would be released by 9 January 2026. Instead, they've buried it on the Friday before Christmas.

"Political neutrality is an important constitutional convention contained in the Public Service Act 2020 and the Cabinet Office Manual.

"I've never seen anything like this - public agencies actively campaigning against workers exercising their democratic right to strike.

"At the end of the day, the time and energy wasted on this inappropriate spin campaign is time that should have been spent bargaining in good faith with unions representing the very workers who keep our health system running.

"The Government owes health workers and all New Zealanders answers from this extraordinary attempt to undermine a legitimate strike. Lessons must be learned."

The Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update has confirmed taxpayers' worst fears, as plans for a surplus have slipped back another year to 2030.

• In December 2023, a surplus was forecast for 2027.
• Budget 2024 pushed plans for a surplus out to 2028.
• HYEFU 2024 delayed surplus a further year to 2029, despite introducing the OBEGALx measure which delivers a more favourable reading of the books.

Commenting on this, Taxpayers' Union Spokesman James Ross said:

"When Nicola Willis took up the reins as Finance Minister in December 2023, a surplus was only three and a half years away in 2027. Now it'll take six and a half years instead, with the surplus slipping further back to 2030."

"The Finance Minister says we're on the right track to reach surplus, but we seem to be walking backwards. Every time Treasury opens the books, balancing them seems like more of a pipe‑dream."

"The Budget in May predicted a $214 million surplus by 2029. Within six months, that's deteriorated by more than $515 per household, projecting a $945 million deficit for the year even using the Minister's custom OBEGALx measure."

"There's only so far we can keep kicking the can down the road. The Robertson‑Willis spend-and-borrow approach isn't working, and Budget 2026 needs to deliver a realistic pathway back to surplus."

"Merging four ministries into one is a taste of what the Government should be doing all day long," says ACT Leader David Seymour.

"In May I spoke to the Tauranga Business Chamber, saying 'We currently have 82 ministerial portfolios... held by 28 ministers. And under them, we have 41 separate government departments...' These comments were dismissed at the time, but they have become real.

"Ireland, a country with the same-sized population as New Zealand has sixteen ministries. Today's merger is a step in the right direction, but there is more to do. A smaller, more efficient Government would have 20 ministers, and no more than 30 ministries.

"The advantage of a smaller Government is greater efficiency. Under ACT's proposal, which we will take to the election, no minister would have more than two departments, no department would have more than one minister.

"Right now, some ministers have seven portfolios and one department answers to 23 ministers. Everybody has a boss, but 23 is ridiculous. If we want government that's responsive to the people, it needs to have an organisational chart that doesn't look like a bowl of spaghetti.

"This merger will improve Government's focus on supporting Kiwis to get stuff built, and we shouldn't stop here."

• Meat inspectors to protest plan at Parliament midday today

The Government's proposal to privatise meat inspection services has been dealt a devastating blow, with AsureQuality's submission warning the plan will increase costs, create workforce chaos, and all for no good reason.

AsureQuality carried out an impact analysis of MPI's proposed model compared to the status quo, independently validated by business analysts BDO New Zealand. The findings expose glaring flaws in a proposal that even the Government's own state-owned meat inspection service says is unnecessary and unworkable.

"This analysis by the Government's own meat inspection service is a damning indictment of a proposal that puts at risk our $10 billion a year red meat export industry," said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

The PSA has seen the analysis reported by Stuff Mastheads today and comes as meat inspectors prepare to gather at Parliament at midday to protest the reckless privatisation plan (see details below).

The Government wants to replace independent AsureQuality meat inspectors with company-employed ones. Up to 330 inspectors currently employed by AsureQuality face being forced to transfer to meat companies on lower pay and inferior conditions.

"This explosive assessment should mark the end of the flawed proposal. It shows private meat inspection is bad for farmers, bad for workers and bad for New Zealand's international reputation.

"AsureQuality are on the side of New Zealanders and farmers on this and should be listened to - they are the experts. BDO are independent, their analysis is thorough and should be respected by the Government."

The analysis, using a case study, shows the annual costs for a single chain will skyrocket by over 20 percent - from $861,000 to $1.07 million annually per plant, plus $343,000 in setup costs.

"The Government claims efficiency, but this analysis shows the opposite and smaller processors will be hit the hardest with even higher costs.

"Independent meat inspection isn't broken. AsureQuality says the existing model is 'safe, compliant and accepted by trading partners.' There is 'no evidence the changes are required to meet market access requirements.'"

"When even AsureQuality - the state-owned company providing the service - says this will 'increase costs, reduce flexibility, and create capability challenges,' you know the Government's proposal is fundamentally flawed.

The submission warns of 'staff attraction and retention challenges due to monotony and isolation', and 'negative impacts on workforce sustainability, recruitment and retention.'

"We should respect the skills and experience of meat inspectors who have given their lives to the industry, ensuring we meet export market demands around food safety. It's reckless to disregard them.

"Why mess with a proven service which has protected a vital export industry and its reputation for food safety?

"Just like so many other reforms by the Government, this is ideology over evidence, and farmers and meat inspectors will pay the price.

SAFE is condemning the Government's decision to push the Animal Welfare (Regulations for Management of Pigs) Amendment Bill through its next stages under urgency today, calling it a deeply cynical move that will entrench cruelty and undermine the foundation of New Zealand's animal welfare system.

The Bill will allow the indefinite use of farrowing crates and mating stalls - confinement systems the High Court ruled unlawful in 2020 for preventing mother pigs from turning, nesting, or caring for their piglets. Under existing law, farrowing crates were due to end on December 18.

SAFE Chief Executive Debra Ashton says today's events show a Government willing to ignore science, sidestep judicial findings, and override democratic processes in order to satisfy industry demands.

"This is a dark day for mother pigs in Aotearoa," says Ashton.

"By rushing it through under urgency, the Government has shown utter contempt for animal welfare, for the courts, and for the New Zealand public. It has handed the writing of our animal-welfare rules to industry lobbyists behind closed doors."

Throughout the Bill's development, animal-welfare organisations and experts were excluded from discussions while NZ Pork was given privileged access to confidential drafts. Evidence was withheld until the eve of the submission deadline, and nearly 90% of public submitters opposed the Bill.

"All of this political maneuvering has very real victims: the mother pigs trapped in cages barely larger than their bodies," says Ashton.

"And it shakes public confidence in the entire animal welfare system. If protections can be undone this easily, then every animal is at risk ."

SAFE is calling on all opposition parties to publicly commit to reversing the law change and restoring protections for mother pigs.

"We know many MPs are just as distressed as the public to see these protections rolled back. A commitment to reinstate them would send a powerful message that compassion will prevail," says Ashton.

The Taxpayers' (not-a-) Union stunt with Ruth Richardson "debating" Finance Minister Nicola Willis and promoting this with expensive boxes of fudge is a deliberate false-flag operation to make Willis seem more moderate than she really is.

"New Zealanders won't be fooled by this gaslighting - these right-wing zealots would have done more good by donating the cost of the fudge to food banks where the pain of the Government's austerity drive is being felt," said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

"Nicola Willis is no moderate - it's her decisions that have seen $20 billion given away in tax cuts and handouts to landlords, big tobacco and businesses.

"It's her decisions that led to our health system being underfunded and under strain.

"It's her decisions that cancelled pay equity for over 150,000 women to prop up her Budget.

"It's her decisions that have seen thousands of public servants laid off, including over 600 scientists and researchers.

"We know what this is really about - Richardson and her mates are trying to shift the Overton Window - to make this prescription for austerity appear mainstream and normalised so it doesn't cost votes.

"Let's not be deceived. Bottom line Ruth Richardson and her misguided right-wing acolytes want even worse pain to be inflicted on New Zealanders.

"Let's not forget she was the finance minister who lost her job in 1993 when the then Prime Minister, the late Jim Bolger, woke up to the damage her austerity drive was inflicting on the economy, pain that nearly cost National the election that year.

"The real debate on our economic future isn't Willis v Richardson; it's a prosperous future for Kiwi workers and their families compared to the failed economic medicine Willis and Richardson want us to swallow. They are out of touch.

"The PSA will not be eating the tainted fudge we received."