bridie witton
@bridiewitton
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@NZStuff senior political reporter, get in touch: [email protected]
Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Joined October 2012
Max Key, son of former PM John Key, just asked @jacindaardern about government debt and whether she is concerned future generations will be paying this back at the business nz lunch in Auckland.
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One more time for the people in the back: spending👏time👏in👏prison👏doesn’t👏stop👏people👏reoffending👏&👏in👏some👏instances👏raises👏the👏likelihood👏that👏they👏will 👏commit future👏crimes.
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Heartbreaking to see kids at the convoy protest, seen one crying having to witness what I presume is mum be arrested, and there’s a few who look under 10 in the protestor scrum against police.
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Jacinda Ardern's speech is full of light, laughing at herself but revealing the extreme personal toll & the darkness of her premiership.Says she couldn't eat before question time due to stress, and ends with a rallying call for politics:."You can be anxious, sensitive, kind . ".
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Can't help but feel this fixation on 'the gangs' & vaccination is a distraction: 19% of the eligible are still unvaccinated, more than 800k people. There's about 7000 patched gang members. NZs inequality, colonisation and the deprioritisation of vulnerable groups is the problem.
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No words for this photo of a baby playing in the water at the muddy convoy protest
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We should be given a reason why the team mates wouldn't agree to put their names to their comments @nzherald
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Being so open and this toll - how she was so stressed it contributed to her being unable to fall pregnant, how the wonder of her position never left her - is another generous insight into her life which will connect with so many people and inspire and empower them - esp women.
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A person who doesn't like vaccines has threatened to OIA me 🤠.
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In the House, @jamespeshaw asking people to question what kind of a country allows its most vulnerable to live in substandard housing, re the hostel fire in Newtown which has killed 6, with 11 more still missing #nzpol.
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The lovely @Jasonwalls92 bought a few dozen bowls for the gallery kitchen but didn’t check their dimensions - not sure I’ll be able to fit my weetbix in here
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NZ is probably experiencing a type of chronic stress as a result of the floods, pandemic years, mosque shooting, earthquake . we know what this does to a person, but not to an entire nation. It's pretty trite at this point, but seems like only way through is to be kind ✌️.
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Climate Minister @jamespeshaw imploring the House to "stop making excuses for inaction" over climate change, saying he has never been as sad or angry, mentioning "procrastinations, half measures and delays" as #cyclonegabrielle destroys livelihoods #nzpol.
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sometimes it reoccurs to me that, as a council reporter in London, I offended a local councillor when I approached them using their first name -- but in NZ our prime minister is called Chippy and this is one of his main pics on social #nzpol
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Big vibe from gallery colleagues after my question was just answered with “no” 🙌.
At today's 1pm press conference, an important question was asked. "Why not?".
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PM Chris Hipkins first speech in Parliament. Palpable emotion, throat catches after speaking about rescue efforts and bravery in HB and as paying tribute to perished Muriwai volunteer firefighter Dave van Zwanenberg #cyclonegabrielle #nzpol.
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The National Party has shown how seriously it is taking the School Strike 4 Climate, sending Emma Chatterton to speak – its candidate contesting the Remutaka electorate (where she will take on Prime Minister Chris Hipkins) #nzpol.
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Wow.
Eastbourne has a population of 3000, three buses and a ferry. Wainuiomata has 20,000 people and no direct bus to town.
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56.5% of people with previous convictions are reconvicted within 2 years after leaving prison.Around 35.8% are re-imprisoned after 2 years.Most people that are in the criminal justice system have been abused. 53% of women and 15% of men in prison have experienced a sexual assault.
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Mask of the day!.
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What does it say abt quality of political debate when #RoeVsWade sparks big (& legit) discussion in NZ but @HelenClarkFound report on suicide as leading cause of death in pregnant ppl - more than half of which are Māori - causes little debate #nzpol .
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In Rob Campbell's latest LinkedIn post, he says his only behind the scenes disagreements with Minister Verrall and Minister Parker "have been about my focus and push on Maori involvement in governance" #nzpol.
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Another day, another dense and important govt document reporters are only given minutes to read and digest before asking questions 🤪.
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A farmer who helped out in the rescue efforts in Hawke's Bay was unhappy with a Stuff story he felt made him look like too much of a hero (he is one) - this is the kind of humility, courage & generosity in our rural community that I think has been overlooked at times.
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Britain, are you ok?. (Suggestions from @thetimes to combat falling birthrates:.-a tax for the childless.-a telegram from the Queen on the birth of your third child. 🧐).
This can get in the fucking bin. And then we can kick the shit out of the bin, set fire to it and throw it over a fucking cliff.
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it's uncomfortable to talk abt, but even in my experience i've had v offensive sexual comments that have rocked me. it's just part of the job now.
"The voices of thousands of women journalists worldwide have been muffled and, in some cases, stolen entirely as they struggle to conduct interviews, attend public events and keep their jobs in the face of relentless online smear campaigns.".
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Not sure advising Pharmac on how to avoid media "including leaving select committee rooms immediately 'looking fairly hurried" - and told which journalists are likely to be friendly or hostile" is err helping it communicate the work it does . .
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policy idea to boost the birth rate: free therapy for men!.
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rob campbell wore it first.
Late stage realisation… LinkedIn is quietly lining up to be the twitter replacement. As more journalists, politicians, newsmakers, abandon twitter, they’re heading to LinkedIn. Sharing articles, thoughts….It’s a VERY different culture, but seems to be where newsmakers are now.
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Also heard a very high pitched scream earlier from what sounded like a child.
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Interesting juxtaposition of love heart, smiley face and threat of violence here at the convoy protest
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Rawiri Waititi was not in Parliament to hear he has been suspended (for 24 hours) after appearing to substantially breach a name suppression in an active court case . because he is at fashion week 💅.
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Parliament lawn hugely bolstered by protestors now, 12-3pm being the busiest time generally
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Twitter insiders have told the BBC that the company is no longer able to protect users from trolling, state-co-ordinated disinformation and child sexual exploitation, following lay-offs and changes under owner Elon Musk. 🤪🤪🤪.
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Last week, I had my third dance with the rona. It was horrendous, I was sweating and delirious for 36 hrs, the thought I might die crossed my mind. My advice is to avoid the kraken at all costs 😷.
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so chic!.
look at the clean aesthetic of The Post . so readable and attractive (relative the very noisy Weekend Herald)
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Thank you for still following me through the dark time when I was hacked by people fraudulently selling Xboxes. I hope you didn't buy one. 🤠.
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PM Chris Hipkins: The Government has worked with investor company BlackRock, to launch a $2 billion fund with the goal of making New Zealand one of the first countries in the world to reach 100% renewable electricity.
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Parliament grounds are open again to the public,having been closed since the protests began. Sausage sizzles and Mr Whippy 😋
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@toddsmith98 @marcdaalder @bryce_edwards This is a really bad take Todd. I’ve been asked to “bring Marc down” by protesters who want to harm him, as have other colleagues. Reporters across outlets have been in the crowd the whole time talking to people despite the volatility.
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More than 10,000 Covid-19 vaccinations were administered to Māori yesterday, the highest number in the vaccine campaign so far, Associate Minister of Health Peeni Henare has announced. #COVID19 #DeltaVariant #nzpol.
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Have more babies, he says but does he realise how many ppl out there are emotionally avoidant? Can someone pls develop a policy on that .
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What are ppls views on Rob Campbell's sacking?.it's thrown up some discussion over how many in snr governance roles have been terrible at their jobs yet often fail upwards/sideways, Rob just shared his personal views publicly #nzpol.
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without specific examples this looks pretty gendered. i wonder if she was ambitious too - god forbid!.
We can all agree bullying etc is bad but here’s one opinion: Karyn Hay should be allowed to do any of this stuff if she wants .
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"Peaceful" protest this AM:.-car driven at police, braking before it hit .-3 officers injured after 'substance' thrown at face.-"this is war" & "get the little one" re woman officer on the police line.- more aggro at media incl prolonged whistle blowing in @TVNZ cam op ear.
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Scoop from @gblock8 shows it will take a huge effort to stamp out Covid at the margins of society and in the shadow economy, where it will have been business as usual throughout lockdown.
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A measles catch-up campaign only got 6.7% of targeted 15-30 yr olds, childhood immunisation rates are dangerously low.The health system would struggle w measles outbreak on top of the pandemic, flu and workforce shortages.My story here:.
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@PeterBale Agree, there are a lot of fantastic and hard working reporters who do not do this incl many of my colleagues, but across the media landscape there are many silver spoons with very little understanding outside of middle class NZ.
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@fugglepop @David_Cormack Fugglepop, it's about reoffending when you get out! Which most people do!.
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6 questions 🧐.
Another day, another egregious limit on press freedom in the Pacific. Except this time, it's the New Zealand prime minister's office which has capped questions for Ardern's bilateral press conf with Samoan PM Mata'afa.
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For those of you worried about the impacts of 'cancel culture': Prince Andrew - who reached an out of court settlement w a woman who said he sexually assaulted her when she was 17 and had ties to convicted pedophile - is 8th in line to the British throne.
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Tenacious reporting from @rachjthomas about how ICUs as they stand won't cope when Covid - inevitably - becomes endemic. Nurses have been pulled from elsewhere to plug gaps, but this cannot go on indefinitely. You can't magic up ICU nurses.
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wastewater testing in Tauranga and the Mount have come back negative.
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I wonder if Wellingtonians will ever reach this level of outrage?.
In Ottawa, residents exasperated by the trucker convoy have been mounting counter-protests.
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Vape retailers are getting around incoming rules to stop youth vaping - 27 new stores have opened within a few mins walk from schools in just 8 weeks: .
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The lack of urgency to lift Māori vaccination rates will go down in history and should be a source of national shame.
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NZ will become a fully independent country and "stand on its own two feet" eventually, says PM Chris Hipkins ahead of his UK trip for King Charles III's coronation, but a referendum on the issue is not a priority for him.
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Health plays a vital role in responding to abuse but some nurses are waiting a year for in-person training on how to help. Violence is a choice, and we shouldn't just put the onus on the victim, but this is a missed opp:.
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As well as everything else, there’s a total lack of fairness in this type of insidious misogyny. The voices of victims are front and centre of nearly all reporting on any other issue.
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The state services commission on risks of placing an independent monitor for children inside the office of the children’s commission:. “Oranga Tamariki and others may perceive its feedback as coloured by its advocacy role on behalf of children.”. Are we in the upside down?!
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The Christchuch Call will lose its biggest champion with Jacinda Ardern leaves politics. National hasn't thought about it, ACT thinks social media giants can police themselves. A slew of alternative sites have sprung up. Where does this leave the work?.
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@HuttJatt OK, it's not a god given right, it's to ensure transparency. Access to information is a key pillar of the public service. I understand it's trendy pretty trendy atm to stoke anti media flames on the interwebs, so I will leave it here.
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“Tensions are incredibly high. Police officers are being punched, kicked and having water thrown on them” @sophiecornish11 meanwhile a protestor with a megaphone says they’re doing nothing wrong and are stronger than police .
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Had a chat with @DAaronovitch about @drayeshaverrall 's smokefree legislation for @thetimes - have a listen below:.
Should the UK follow the New Zealand smoking ban?. 🎙️ On today's #StoriesOfOurTimes podcast @DAaronovitch chats to addiction expert @robertjwest and political reporter @bridiewitton
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There is a story on Stuff and NZH on this tribunal decision. “I had a 40-year unblemished record until this. I am pretty bitter about the actions and motivations of the Teaching Council. ".
A 40 year unblemished career for this teacher ended when he just did what any good parent would’ve done - and the silence from main stream media is deafening.
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Real different vibe today at the convoy protest - feels more like a music festival and a lot more people and tents are here
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Met people from Buryatia, a small republic in Siberia, protesting against their fathers and brothers being conscripted into Putin's army as part of first Russia's mobilisation since the WWII. One said men as old as 60 has been conscripted.
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The 20% yet to have a single dose have the hardest lives in NZ; ppl who had dry 2min noodles for lunch at school & came to netball training w a bottle of coke. They & their families will be the ones who die when the virus is endemic & are being left behind in the vaccine rollout.
Covid-19 modellers have calculated the estimated reproduction number of the Delta outbreak – but say just a slight shift could see case numbers spike unless vaccination rates increase.
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@BenThomasNZ That's right, one of the main goals of the reforms is to "cut bureaucracy" . Campbell clarified with me today he thinks the duplicated roles could be cut now and those resources moved to the frontlines
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So disturbing. We know untreated mental illness can impact a person's entire life - leading to physical health issues, financial problems, lack of job stability, substance abuse, prison, suicide. These children's lives are being limited by a shortage of care.
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Simon bridges speaking at his last bridge run, @AmeliaJWade audibly snorting when he says he will even miss the press gallery.
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@SublimeKarnage @codycoopernz @David_Cormack My humble view is that we shd be smarter about whom we put in prison, jailing those who are a true public safety risk but avoiding jail time in situations where it’s likely to worsen crime.
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😵💫😵💫😵💫.
one month ago today jacinda ardern announced her resignation. since then:. 💁♀️ labour kumbaya-ed to hipkins.💁♂️ cabinet reshuffle.💁♀️ co-governance debates into waitangi day.💁♂️ auckland floods.💁♀️ whirlwind australia trip.💁♂️ policy bonfire.💁♀️ cyclone gabrielle. bit on.
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great points in this thread - it must neuter diversity of thought at agencies, on boards etc to have this jobs for mates situation.
Multiple people in senior public roles – Campbell, Maharey, Dyson – now in various forms of trouble for political comments. Makes me think about how our system allows so many political appointees to big public jobs, with free reign for jobs for the boys/girls. Time to change? 1/.
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Some portaloos are full this morning at the convoy protest. A man on a loud speaker says protesters should come and move the concrete blocks placed along Lambton Quay. Another protesters tells him, firmly, that no one is moving the blocks
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Feeling a lot of grief and sadness today esp looking at the MOH vaccination data released y'day. We have known this would be the case for so long.
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@BenThomasNZ Only Auckland GPs have been funded to do this - everyone else only funded for administering vaccines. Big oversight IMO.
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Reaaaaally time for Govt to clearly outline who is exempt from vaccination - if not for the sake of its own ministers - in lieu of creating any kind of fake vaccine certificate black market in the coming months. .
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This is disturbing . .
Group chats between sexual predators who targeted women at Christchurch’s popular Mama Hooch Bar showed they were hunting young females, encouraging each other along the way. @NZStuff .
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This Saturday between 12-8pm there will be a vax-a-thon live across the country, from Cape Reinga to the bluff, PM @jacindaardern says, with prizes for those getting vaccinated and competition between towns and regions #nzpol.
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All 18 contacts of Northland case have returned negative Covid tests, Director General of Health says.
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I would second this, from growing up in Reporoa, but would add there were fewer opportunities & less scope about what was possible in life (no Youth UN, debating etc.) & moving to the big smoke twas a v big challenge as a lil hermit farm girl.
when i was growing up in kawerau in the 90s and 2000s it was possible to go to a decile 1 school and receive a good education and, as importantly, receive as many opportunities as kids at higher deciles. today, i think the good education is possible, but not the opportunities.
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A new report from the @ASMSNZ finds it will be 100 years before Māori life expectancy catches up with Pākehā while the wealthiest 10 per cent of New Zealanders can expect to live a decade longer than the poorest 10 per cent
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@WhaiaP @benmackey 'Hang em high' was written in chalk in front of parliament and there was a noose hanging on a tree. Specific threats were made to and about colleagues. Many of the people there who I spoke to believed in conspiracy theories and were opposed to vaccination.
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A fascinating autopsy of how 2 comments about Shakespeare were amplified and given a new life, prompting the PM to wade in, via @DomPost .
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