National confirms tax cuts and spending despite "bigger" deficit; Maori Party begin hui debating government deal; Mike Williams to stand down; businessman cleared of assassination charges; and more
- Despite a grim economic outlook from Treasury , National will press ahead with its tax cuts and spending promises. Prime minister-elect John Key confirmed that the deficit is "bigger" and unemployment is "kicking up", but his plans had not changed, the Press reports. He said "while the position is worse, I wouldn't describe it as Armageddon". According to the DominionPost, Key believes New Zealand's high official cash rate gives the country a significant advantage."If that weaker scenario is anything like what it could be, then you will see significant rate cuts in New Zealand."
- The Maori Party has begun several days of hui to seal a deal with the new National-led government. The DomPost says the Maori Party pushed for an associate Maori Affairs post and a role in welfare, but the Herald says Tariana Turia or Pita Sharples could become Maori Affairs minister, with the party also taking an associate role in education. In return, the Maori Party will support National on confidence and supply. Maori MPs will host 40 hui to gauge its members' views and will have an answer by Sunday. The Otago Daily Times quotes "prominent Otago Maori" Tahu Potiki saying National's offer was a "take it or leave it chance" for Maori.
- Just 55 percent of Maori voted at the weekend, well below 2005 figures and this year's national average of 78 percent. Tariana Turia says poverty-stricken Maori communities are "alienated and disenfranchised" and "As a nation, we must address the huge issues around Maori electoral participation."
- Labour leader Phil Goff has said it was a mistake to ram through the Electoral Finance Act without cross-party support last year. Goff said the law should be reviewed and John Key agreed to consult Labour before replacing it.
- Long-time Labour party president Mike Williams will stand down early next year, with union leader Andrew Little expected to replace him. Little confirmed he also intends to stand for parliament in 2011.
- New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan has been cleared by the Fijian High Court, a year after he was charged with conspiring to assassinate Fiji's self-appointed prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Khan had always denied any plot and is still claiming damages after being beaten by Fijian police.