Perspective with Ryan Bridge: Win for truckies, loss for coastal shipping

On the face of it, this coastal shipping decision from James Meager seems like an odd one.

It's a win for truckies, like it or not, we're about to get 500 extra trucks filled with 15,000 tonnes of bulk cement on the road each month.

But it's bad for coastal shipping, even though the Minister says it's actually good for coastal shipping.

James Meager: Maiden Speech

After six years of a Labour Government Parliamentary democracy in New Zealand is in a fragile state. With new MPs likely to have a significant influence over our democratic future, Breaking Views is featuring a selection of maiden speeches, which reveal deeply contrasting views... Here is the Maiden Speech of National’s James Meager:

I move, That a respectful Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor-General in reply to Her Excellency's Speech.

To the fallen heroes, whose final resting places adorn these walls, and who fought for our freedoms and our precious democracy, I acknowledge you.