Dr Bex
@drbex.bsky.social
She/her. Pākehā. Community Psychology. Food insecurity. Mum of 4. Aotearoa.
Reposted by Dr Bex
Since 1968, CEO pay has exploded while worker pay has remained stagnant. If worker pay grew at the same pace as CEO pay, today’s typical worker would make $431.80 per HOUR.
Instead, today’s typical worker makes $36.49 per hour — while CEOs make 280 times that on average.
The system is rigged.
Instead, today’s typical worker makes $36.49 per hour — while CEOs make 280 times that on average.
The system is rigged.
November 10, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Since 1968, CEO pay has exploded while worker pay has remained stagnant. If worker pay grew at the same pace as CEO pay, today’s typical worker would make $431.80 per HOUR.
Instead, today’s typical worker makes $36.49 per hour — while CEOs make 280 times that on average.
The system is rigged.
Instead, today’s typical worker makes $36.49 per hour — while CEOs make 280 times that on average.
The system is rigged.
Reposted by Dr Bex
I think this is the bit where I say BOOOOOM!
Err BUT...
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
Government 'got to sort out' homeless in Auckland CBD, PM Christopher Luxon says
November 10, 2025 at 6:03 AM
I think this is the bit where I say BOOOOOM!
Reposted by Dr Bex
Good news everybody! ANZ has posted a record $2.53Billion profit, just when we thought everything was dire and no one had any money we find out that ANZ is absolutely coining it!!! #NZPol
November 9, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Good news everybody! ANZ has posted a record $2.53Billion profit, just when we thought everything was dire and no one had any money we find out that ANZ is absolutely coining it!!! #NZPol
Reposted by Dr Bex
Forced charter school conversions, whassup #nzpol
Guessing gov behind wanting sanctions placed on struggling schools... #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Education Review Office says 'stronger consequences' needed for struggling schools
In its annual report the Education Review Office criticised the lack of support for under-performing schools and called for "stronger consequences" for those that did not demonstrate progress.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Forced charter school conversions, whassup #nzpol
Reposted by Dr Bex
For anyone passionate about The Huia or commuter rail, Waikato Regional Council are looking for feedback on the service. Open to anyone. Share it around #nzpol #transit #nz yourvoicematters.waikatoregion.govt.nz/future-of-te...
Future of Te Huia
The Te Huia passenger rail service has been operating between Waikato and Auckland since 2021. Whether you have travelled on Te Huia or not, we want to hear your thoughts about the service and what it...
yourvoicematters.waikatoregion.govt.nz
November 10, 2025 at 1:52 AM
For anyone passionate about The Huia or commuter rail, Waikato Regional Council are looking for feedback on the service. Open to anyone. Share it around #nzpol #transit #nz yourvoicematters.waikatoregion.govt.nz/future-of-te...
Err BUT...
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
Government 'got to sort out' homeless in Auckland CBD, PM Christopher Luxon says
Government 'got to sort out' homeless in Auckland CBD, PM Christopher Luxon says
Central government and Auckland Council are considering how they can move homeless people out of the CBD ahead of summer.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Err BUT...
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
Reposted by Dr Bex
"[Luxon said] I think we need to have quite a mature conversation about assets in New Zealand"
But you won't have a mature conversation about
CGT
Emissions
Health
Education
3 waters
etc.
Fuck you, mate.
#nzpol
But you won't have a mature conversation about
CGT
Emissions
Health
Education
3 waters
etc.
Fuck you, mate.
#nzpol
He talk about farms and other “non-performing assets” but he really means healthcare, education and water infrastructure - I mean: let’s be mature about this
NZ needs to have a ‘mature conversation’ about selling state assets, PM says
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has indicated asset sales could be included in National’s manifesto for the 2026 election.
www.stuff.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 3:52 AM
"[Luxon said] I think we need to have quite a mature conversation about assets in New Zealand"
But you won't have a mature conversation about
CGT
Emissions
Health
Education
3 waters
etc.
Fuck you, mate.
#nzpol
But you won't have a mature conversation about
CGT
Emissions
Health
Education
3 waters
etc.
Fuck you, mate.
#nzpol
This is horrific.
It also disproportionately impacts on women who go back to retrain later in life- mostly after time at home engaging in care duties.
Now, older women are forced into poverty by this cruel neoliberal system we're in.
It also disproportionately impacts on women who go back to retrain later in life- mostly after time at home engaging in care duties.
Now, older women are forced into poverty by this cruel neoliberal system we're in.
'Dinner or debt': Pensions cut to cover student loan payments
'Dinner or debt': Pensions cut to cover student loan payments
One Taupō pensioner says she is still facing a $58,000 student loan from a business degree she took two decades ago.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 5:30 AM
This is horrific.
It also disproportionately impacts on women who go back to retrain later in life- mostly after time at home engaging in care duties.
Now, older women are forced into poverty by this cruel neoliberal system we're in.
It also disproportionately impacts on women who go back to retrain later in life- mostly after time at home engaging in care duties.
Now, older women are forced into poverty by this cruel neoliberal system we're in.
I am digging into the cost of nonattendance at health specialist appointments, and it turns out that the most widely cited figure (o$29M/year) is actually a TPU hit job - based off OIA requests and with VERY opaque workings out
#NZpol #UrbanMyths #healthcare
#NZpol #UrbanMyths #healthcare
November 10, 2025 at 4:35 AM
I am digging into the cost of nonattendance at health specialist appointments, and it turns out that the most widely cited figure (o$29M/year) is actually a TPU hit job - based off OIA requests and with VERY opaque workings out
#NZpol #UrbanMyths #healthcare
#NZpol #UrbanMyths #healthcare
Reposted by Dr Bex
He talks as if we’ve not done this before and suffered the shitty consequences. Fuck of you empty suit, you’ll be overseas living the high life while the rest of pay the price for your stupid decisions.
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
NZ needs to have a ‘mature conversation’ about selling state assets, PM says
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has indicated asset sales could be included in National’s manifesto for the 2026 election.
www.stuff.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 AM
He talks as if we’ve not done this before and suffered the shitty consequences. Fuck of you empty suit, you’ll be overseas living the high life while the rest of pay the price for your stupid decisions.
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Reposted by Dr Bex
Luxon thinks we need a "mature conversation" about selling state assets... But I don't think he really means that, because a mature conversation would look at the history of failure and the shortsighted focus on profit ahead of public interest.
He wants a conversation where we agree with him.
He wants a conversation where we agree with him.
November 10, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Luxon thinks we need a "mature conversation" about selling state assets... But I don't think he really means that, because a mature conversation would look at the history of failure and the shortsighted focus on profit ahead of public interest.
He wants a conversation where we agree with him.
He wants a conversation where we agree with him.
Reposted by Dr Bex
Exorbitant power prices but sub par services. This is the outcome when shareholder dividends are put ahead of investment in infrastructure and maintenance. #nzpol
Far North plunged into massive power cut, more than 23,000 without electricity
The power went out just after 5.20pm.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 6, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Exorbitant power prices but sub par services. This is the outcome when shareholder dividends are put ahead of investment in infrastructure and maintenance. #nzpol
Reposted by Dr Bex
Australia has so much electricity from solar power that it is going to start offering free electricity to everyone for at least three hours during the day as the wholesale price of power goes negative
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
Australia has so much solar that it's offering everyone free electricity
Australia's extensive solar power penetration makes so much energy that the government wants to offer free electricity at peak hours.
electrek.co
November 6, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Australia has so much electricity from solar power that it is going to start offering free electricity to everyone for at least three hours during the day as the wholesale price of power goes negative
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
Reposted by Dr Bex
So let’s get this straight. Lifeline is unfunded by govt & needs $2 million. But govt just hands $24 million to Gumboot Friday and is happy to give millions to the bloody Michelin Guide for tourism puffery of dubious value. Everything this govt does is run on vibes.
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/06/l...
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/06/l...
Lifeline to cut operations unless funding shortfall is plugged
Lifeline Aotearoa says it has had to stop services between midnight and 7am since March, and without sustainable funding, it cannot continue a full 24/7 service.
www.1news.co.nz
November 6, 2025 at 6:52 AM
So let’s get this straight. Lifeline is unfunded by govt & needs $2 million. But govt just hands $24 million to Gumboot Friday and is happy to give millions to the bloody Michelin Guide for tourism puffery of dubious value. Everything this govt does is run on vibes.
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/06/l...
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/06/l...
Reposted by Dr Bex
Or: we aren't even taking our full ten days so we're saving you a gazillion. Also: fuck off
Study shows Kiwis taking more sick leave, costing economy $4.17 billion a year
Study shows Kiwis taking more sick leave, costing economy $4.17 billion a year
A study showed workers spent an average 6.7 days a year off sick - a more than 20 percent jump on 5.5 days off in 2022.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 6, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Or: we aren't even taking our full ten days so we're saving you a gazillion. Also: fuck off
Reposted by Dr Bex
Ardern and Shaw, willfully or no, were taken for a ride by National and Fed Farmers on climate change. Nats/Feds delayed climate action with false promise of seeking 'consensus'. As soon as they had the power they ditched He Waka Eke Noa and 'Zero Carbon Act'. Don't get fooled again.
November 6, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Ardern and Shaw, willfully or no, were taken for a ride by National and Fed Farmers on climate change. Nats/Feds delayed climate action with false promise of seeking 'consensus'. As soon as they had the power they ditched He Waka Eke Noa and 'Zero Carbon Act'. Don't get fooled again.
Reposted by Dr Bex
I fully support this, noting that the skeleton of the Social Security Act is still buried in the original 1930s meaning, and has significant catching up to do.
What if we did tho, what if we didn’t means test disabled people on the SLP and just paid it like we do for NZ Super? Not related to your partner’s income, not related to your income, and just, well, supported people?!
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
What if we paid the Supported Living Payment like we pay the pension?
A simple policy change that could dramatically lift disabled households out of poverty
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:47 AM
I fully support this, noting that the skeleton of the Social Security Act is still buried in the original 1930s meaning, and has significant catching up to do.
Reposted by Dr Bex
I have been saying for years, due to the unique nature of the disabilities, a pension is more accurate and just allow those of us who can do intermittent part time work to not lose out on that either
What if we did tho, what if we didn’t means test disabled people on the SLP and just paid it like we do for NZ Super? Not related to your partner’s income, not related to your income, and just, well, supported people?!
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
What if we paid the Supported Living Payment like we pay the pension?
A simple policy change that could dramatically lift disabled households out of poverty
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I have been saying for years, due to the unique nature of the disabilities, a pension is more accurate and just allow those of us who can do intermittent part time work to not lose out on that either
Reposted by Dr Bex
#NZpol
Imagine that.
A government, a society, that actually acts like... a real govt (y'know, that whole "tackling issues in the interests of everyone" thing, weird right?) and an actual society (same vibe).
It'd be a yuge change from *whatever the hell it is we have now*, that much is for sure.
Imagine that.
A government, a society, that actually acts like... a real govt (y'know, that whole "tackling issues in the interests of everyone" thing, weird right?) and an actual society (same vibe).
It'd be a yuge change from *whatever the hell it is we have now*, that much is for sure.
What if we did tho, what if we didn’t means test disabled people on the SLP and just paid it like we do for NZ Super? Not related to your partner’s income, not related to your income, and just, well, supported people?!
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
What if we paid the Supported Living Payment like we pay the pension?
A simple policy change that could dramatically lift disabled households out of poverty
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:55 PM
#NZpol
Imagine that.
A government, a society, that actually acts like... a real govt (y'know, that whole "tackling issues in the interests of everyone" thing, weird right?) and an actual society (same vibe).
It'd be a yuge change from *whatever the hell it is we have now*, that much is for sure.
Imagine that.
A government, a society, that actually acts like... a real govt (y'know, that whole "tackling issues in the interests of everyone" thing, weird right?) and an actual society (same vibe).
It'd be a yuge change from *whatever the hell it is we have now*, that much is for sure.
What if we did tho, what if we didn’t means test disabled people on the SLP and just paid it like we do for NZ Super? Not related to your partner’s income, not related to your income, and just, well, supported people?!
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
What if we paid the Supported Living Payment like we pay the pension?
A simple policy change that could dramatically lift disabled households out of poverty
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
What if we did tho, what if we didn’t means test disabled people on the SLP and just paid it like we do for NZ Super? Not related to your partner’s income, not related to your income, and just, well, supported people?!
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
#nzpol
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
Reposted by Dr Bex
Thanks @drbex.bsky.social for a dose of hope and thoughtfulness before I head into the rest of my day. #nzpol
Finding hope and keeping joy under neoliberalism
Despite (or perhaps because of) it all - DR BEX
Finding hope and keeping joy under neoliberalism
Despite (or perhaps because of) it all - DR BEX
Finding hope and keeping joy under neoliberalism
Despite (or perhaps because of) it all
open.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Thanks @drbex.bsky.social for a dose of hope and thoughtfulness before I head into the rest of my day. #nzpol
Finding hope and keeping joy under neoliberalism
Despite (or perhaps because of) it all - DR BEX
Finding hope and keeping joy under neoliberalism
Despite (or perhaps because of) it all - DR BEX
Reposted by Dr Bex
Excellent article by @jennaprice.bsky.social in the @canberratimes.bsky.social giving a real solution to the #ChildCare crisis. 12 months paid parental leave + get rid of the profiteers
October 31, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Excellent article by @jennaprice.bsky.social in the @canberratimes.bsky.social giving a real solution to the #ChildCare crisis. 12 months paid parental leave + get rid of the profiteers
Reposted by Dr Bex
Please help if you can. Beckie is always supportive of others and needs a hand at the moment.
Give a little if you can, please share if you can't, do both if you're extra awesome, and let's see if we can help Beckie get more than her two front teeth for Christmas (showing my age with that reference).
She's good people and deserves some love.
Ngā mihi, G
givealittle.co.nz/cause/beckie...
She's good people and deserves some love.
Ngā mihi, G
givealittle.co.nz/cause/beckie...
Beckie's Fund-raiser For A Partial Denture
Beckie needs a partial denture to restore function and visual alignment of her bottom teeth.
givealittle.co.nz
October 31, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Please help if you can. Beckie is always supportive of others and needs a hand at the moment.
Reposted by Dr Bex
God this guy is full of shit.
He did nothing about the MP with 25 houses, the idiot in New Plymouth with a donor rort and the Uffindel allegations which were proved true.
The lying starts AT THE TOP
#nzpol
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
He did nothing about the MP with 25 houses, the idiot in New Plymouth with a donor rort and the Uffindel allegations which were proved true.
The lying starts AT THE TOP
#nzpol
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Luxon: I would have sacked Andrew Bayly anyway
MP Andrew Bayly told Newstalk ZB on Thursday he would not have offered his resignation if he knew at the time what he knows now.
www.stuff.co.nz
October 30, 2025 at 9:29 PM
God this guy is full of shit.
He did nothing about the MP with 25 houses, the idiot in New Plymouth with a donor rort and the Uffindel allegations which were proved true.
The lying starts AT THE TOP
#nzpol
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
He did nothing about the MP with 25 houses, the idiot in New Plymouth with a donor rort and the Uffindel allegations which were proved true.
The lying starts AT THE TOP
#nzpol
www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Reposted by Dr Bex
Yeah that's a solid "nah" from me too. Fund schools better. Fund more teacher aides. Give EVERY kid an education plan which supports them to learn and thrive! This is an excuse to keep underfunding the public education system by segregating autistic kids and it sucks.
This is what I expected from the government, but it's incredibly disappointing that Autism New Zealand should go along with it. We need to make "regular" schools cater to neurodivergent students — which will benefit everyone! — not segregate difference.
Government announces new charter school for secondary students with autism
The government has announced the Autism NZ Education Hub will start in Term 3 for neurodivergent secondary students who are struggling with traditional schooling.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 31, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Yeah that's a solid "nah" from me too. Fund schools better. Fund more teacher aides. Give EVERY kid an education plan which supports them to learn and thrive! This is an excuse to keep underfunding the public education system by segregating autistic kids and it sucks.