Common Sense - 10/01/2026
We’re back for our first newsletter of 2026! All your progressive leaning news, commentary and actions in Aotearoa gathered in one place.
News
Main stories
The Manage My Health breach continues to be a major scandal, with users fearing privacy breaches and extortions if the data is released. You can listen to the 1/200 episode on the breach from earlier this week here.
Sir Tim Shadbolt, former activist and long-time mayor of Invercargill, passed on Thursday this week at 78. His public funeral service will be held next week Friday. (RNZ)
Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was kidnapped by US special forces in a raid on the country last Saturday, before being brought to New York City to stand trial on "narco-terrorism" charges. Foreign Minister Peters wrote in a statement that "New Zealand is concerned by and actively monitoring developments in Venezuela and expects all parties to act in accordance with international law." Former PM Helen Clark has called the attack clearly illegal under the UN charter. PM Luxon has so far refused to comment on the raid, instead referring the press to Peters' statement. (RNZ)
This Sunday marks 180 years since the Battle of Ruapekapeka, the last battle of the Northern War of 1845 - 1846. A commemoration is being held on the site of the pa over the weekend. You can watch RNZ's documentary about the battle here. (Peter de Graaf, RNZ)
Round up
PM Luxon is "working from home"ahead of Parliament resuming in late January, after promising to be "back to work on the 3rd or 4th of January." (RNZ)
New MFAT data shows that at least 39 New Zealanders were either held in US detention or experiencing immigration difficulties, a new yearly record amid US immigration crackdowns. (Gill Bonnett, RNZ)
Cabinet has made a decision on controversial "move on" orders to force homeless people out of public spaces, but is refusing to say what that decision is. (Amelia Wade, The Post (paywalled))
The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) went on strike for an hour on Friday as part of a years-long pay and conditions dispute, with a warehouse blaze in Pakūranga during the strike, leading to a "blame game" between the NZPFU and FENZ. (NZH)
The government has U-turned on prescription fees, with patients needing to pay $5 every 12 months to access their prescription instead of every 3. (Russell Palmer, RNZ)
Stuff-owned Neighbourly has experienced a data breach, making users "vulnerable to online threats". (RNZ)
Fisheries NZ is investigating a report of illegal fish dumping after a spearfisher filmed dead fish floating near Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf. (Finn Blackwell, RNZ)
The Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team, the local board party at the centre of allegations of widespread electoral fraud, has lodged a petition in the High Court requesting a judicial review of the decision to overturn last year's election results. (Blessen Tom & Gaurav Sharma, RNZ)
PSNA head John Minto's Christchurch home was vandalised this week, with Palestinian flags being torn down, and graffiti sprayed over signs and the pavement. (Matthew Tukaki, Waatea News)
Opinion pieces / long form
Te Tiriti Is Not Up for Redefinition: The Movement That Shook Aotearoa by Matthew Tukaki (Waatea News)
A history of Aotearoa New Zealand's Red Scares and the impact on those affected - Part 1 by Kaimataara (Substack)
Pakuranga Burns by Nick Rockel (Substack)
Primer #1 for 2026: A political economy in stall mode by Bernard Hickey (The Kākā)
The great Papatoetoe vote heist: A view from a South Auckland local by Joe Hendren (Substack)
Who funded David Seymour's trip to Argentina? by Mountain Tūī (Substack)
Gig Guide
No static gigs we know of this week, but as always you can refer to Funksta’s list on bsky for Palestine actions here.
If you want to help us resource and continue improving our round up and gig guide please consider supporting us on Patreon