Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
@rachelbrooking.bsky.social
Labour. Spokesperson for environment, food safety & space. LLB/BSc. Authorised by R Brooking, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 🇳🇿
I came away inspired by the positivity of urban change that has created an inviting place for us humans to gather - without air pollution and with shade - community creating 🙏 Also this diagram behind us summing up the discussion is cool.
A bunch of great people having an insightful conversation at the NZ Government Roundtable session at the 21st @is4urbanhealth.bsky.social conference in Whanganui-a-Tara today!
@richardhills.bsky.social @georgeweeks2014.bsky.social @rachelbrooking.bsky.social Celia Wade Brown and Vida Christeller
@richardhills.bsky.social @georgeweeks2014.bsky.social @rachelbrooking.bsky.social Celia Wade Brown and Vida Christeller
November 20, 2025 at 9:11 AM
I came away inspired by the positivity of urban change that has created an inviting place for us humans to gather - without air pollution and with shade - community creating 🙏 Also this diagram behind us summing up the discussion is cool.
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
The deputy Prime Minister this week admonished a regional council for enforcing its rules (which it is legally required to do) on the basis that the RMA will be overhauled at some point www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Are Cantabrians living in ‘the republic of ECan’?
The deputy PM is urging Environment Canterbury to pause its enforcement of consenting laws. Is this even possible? The Press fact checks David Seymour’s comments.
www.thepress.co.nz
September 27, 2025 at 12:37 AM
The deputy Prime Minister this week admonished a regional council for enforcing its rules (which it is legally required to do) on the basis that the RMA will be overhauled at some point www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
A terrible change that the PM justifies by reference to Australia - without any acknowledgment of compulsory voting across the ditch. Not comparing apples with apples.
Oh well yes that sucks. Note also that the govt is requiring the select committee to report back in 4 months rather than the usual 6. So much for fulsome scrutiny of a rights infringing change to our fundamental democratic processes 😤
Electoral Amendment Bill passes its first reading in Parliament
July 30, 2025 at 5:14 AM
A terrible change that the PM justifies by reference to Australia - without any acknowledgment of compulsory voting across the ditch. Not comparing apples with apples.
🤔 National’s election campaign talked a big game about localism which is quite different from scraping regional councils! Presume regional councils are seen as too environmental for Luxon. 🤯
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
PM open to scrapping regional councils amid RMA reform
The PM says he's looking into council rates caps as well.
www.nzherald.co.nz
June 22, 2025 at 11:13 PM
🤔 National’s election campaign talked a big game about localism which is quite different from scraping regional councils! Presume regional councils are seen as too environmental for Luxon. 🤯
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
Morning report “does changing the balance mean more pollution?”
Answer “it depends”.
Rules to protect freshwater are to bring back swimmable rivers. Something that is an anathema to Hoggard and the Minister ‘for’ the Environment.
Answer “it depends”.
Rules to protect freshwater are to bring back swimmable rivers. Something that is an anathema to Hoggard and the Minister ‘for’ the Environment.
May 29, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Morning report “does changing the balance mean more pollution?”
Answer “it depends”.
Rules to protect freshwater are to bring back swimmable rivers. Something that is an anathema to Hoggard and the Minister ‘for’ the Environment.
Answer “it depends”.
Rules to protect freshwater are to bring back swimmable rivers. Something that is an anathema to Hoggard and the Minister ‘for’ the Environment.
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
It will be a fascinating week in Parliament, as recommendations of Privileges committee to suspend 3 MPs are debated — as @acgeddis.bsky.social
explains.
I wonder if we might be discovering some conventional rules about operation of the Privileges committee?
www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
explains.
I wonder if we might be discovering some conventional rules about operation of the Privileges committee?
www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
Govt to debate suspensions handed down to Te Pāti Māori MPs
Parliament will debate on Tuesday whether unprecedented suspensions handed down to Te Pāti Māori MPs for potentially intimidating conduct - doing a haka in the House - should be adopted. Otago Univers...
www.rnz.co.nz
May 18, 2025 at 8:19 PM
It will be a fascinating week in Parliament, as recommendations of Privileges committee to suspend 3 MPs are debated — as @acgeddis.bsky.social
explains.
I wonder if we might be discovering some conventional rules about operation of the Privileges committee?
www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
explains.
I wonder if we might be discovering some conventional rules about operation of the Privileges committee?
www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
These are the pay equity claims that the government wiped out in just two days to make its budget balance. It's appalling that tax breaks for tobacco companies are being funded by cutting women's pay rises and backpay.
(Also listed in alt text)
(Also listed in alt text)
May 8, 2025 at 3:22 AM
These are the pay equity claims that the government wiped out in just two days to make its budget balance. It's appalling that tax breaks for tobacco companies are being funded by cutting women's pay rises and backpay.
(Also listed in alt text)
(Also listed in alt text)
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
So, we knew it was bad — undemocratic expedited process, dodgy retrospectivity and objectionable nullification of claims. But this shows it was doubly worse — a calculated and deliberate ambush to deprive claimants and a policy fait accompli.
National briefed its MPs two days prior to pay equity overhaul announcement
National briefed its MPs two days prior to pay equity overhaul announcement
Officials warned ministers of 'legal risks' if the government talked about its intentions to make changes to pay equity laws ahead of the new legislation being passed.
www.rnz.co.nz
May 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
So, we knew it was bad — undemocratic expedited process, dodgy retrospectivity and objectionable nullification of claims. But this shows it was doubly worse — a calculated and deliberate ambush to deprive claimants and a policy fait accompli.
🤯
This government talks a big game about regulatory care and principles of good law-making in its Regulatory Standards Bill then doesn't walk the talk in practice.
May 6, 2025 at 4:51 AM
🤯
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
Golly gosh. Several important bills are today being passed through all stages under urgency and without select committee scrutiny/public submissions -- and bills with constitutionally objectional features, such as retrospective effect and nullification of existing court proceedings etc. #wildwest
May 6, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Golly gosh. Several important bills are today being passed through all stages under urgency and without select committee scrutiny/public submissions -- and bills with constitutionally objectional features, such as retrospective effect and nullification of existing court proceedings etc. #wildwest
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
March 26, 2025 at 11:22 AM
🙅♀️ “amenity” not distingushed from “biodiversity” effects in discussion of this 💨farm & relevant laws. Killing native 🦇🦎 is very different from how something looks. Labour’s RMA replacement made this distinction. Nats went back to RMA 🤯https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/hint-rma-reforms-may-aid-projects
Hint RMA reforms may aid projects
Resource Management Act (RMA) Reform Minister Chris Bishop has hinted projects such as the $1 billion Southland wind farm are more likely to make...
www.odt.co.nz
March 23, 2025 at 10:42 PM
🙅♀️ “amenity” not distingushed from “biodiversity” effects in discussion of this 💨farm & relevant laws. Killing native 🦇🦎 is very different from how something looks. Labour’s RMA replacement made this distinction. Nats went back to RMA 🤯https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/hint-rma-reforms-may-aid-projects
Nb Labour replaced RMA with Spatial Planning & Natural & Built Environment Acts removing non-complying activity status (which appears to be the issue here with threshold tests not met). Yes those laws would have taken time to implement. But better than what National has done - repeal & revert to RMA
Insanity according to Chris Bishop. Well, he is not wrong. 😅
March 17, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Nb Labour replaced RMA with Spatial Planning & Natural & Built Environment Acts removing non-complying activity status (which appears to be the issue here with threshold tests not met). Yes those laws would have taken time to implement. But better than what National has done - repeal & revert to RMA
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
WATCH: “You really get the idea that people are the boss on the street, & not machines.” Watch a GREAT mini-film on one of the most inspiring world cities, #Utrecht Netherlands, via exceptional urban film-maker @streetfilms.bsky.social with @modacitylife.com @bicycledutch.bsky.social & more. #Dutch
Utrecht: Planning for People & Bikes, Not for Cars
YouTube video by Streetfilms®
www.youtube.com
March 15, 2025 at 3:22 AM
WATCH: “You really get the idea that people are the boss on the street, & not machines.” Watch a GREAT mini-film on one of the most inspiring world cities, #Utrecht Netherlands, via exceptional urban film-maker @streetfilms.bsky.social with @modacitylife.com @bicycledutch.bsky.social & more. #Dutch
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
Free, fresh and locally made school lunches. Labour will bring them back.
March 12, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Free, fresh and locally made school lunches. Labour will bring them back.
❤️🐸 wonderful to see Phil’s work continued 👇
Congrats to Tobia and Hadley on this amazing mahi...it is such a wonderful resource on Aotearoa unique frogs. Well done. www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroo...
Getting educational frog resource off the ground
A year's work came to fruition for two Otago Master of Science students when a new bilingual resource they spearheaded went live on the NZFrogs website this month.
www.otago.ac.nz
March 10, 2025 at 9:11 AM
❤️🐸 wonderful to see Phil’s work continued 👇
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
Electorate MPs have a super important but often under-appreciated role in our democracy, and effectively connecting with constituents is a huge part of that. This would be a great role for anyone looking for part-time comms work in Ōtepoti.
Are you in Dunedin and looking for a 10 hour a week job helping out the local MP with coms, research etc? If so please apply ASAP (noting this is my first post 😬) 🙏 www.livehire.com/careers/parl...
Senior Communications Advisor, Rachel Brooking MP (Part-Time) - Parliamentary Service
Dunedin, New Zealand • Having clear communications between the MP and their constituents is of the upmost importance. You will play a pivotal role in this engagement.
www.livehire.com
February 18, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Electorate MPs have a super important but often under-appreciated role in our democracy, and effectively connecting with constituents is a huge part of that. This would be a great role for anyone looking for part-time comms work in Ōtepoti.
Are you in Dunedin and looking for a 10 hour a week job helping out the local MP with coms, research etc? If so please apply ASAP (noting this is my first post 😬) 🙏 www.livehire.com/careers/parl...
Senior Communications Advisor, Rachel Brooking MP (Part-Time) - Parliamentary Service
Dunedin, New Zealand • Having clear communications between the MP and their constituents is of the upmost importance. You will play a pivotal role in this engagement.
www.livehire.com
February 18, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Are you in Dunedin and looking for a 10 hour a week job helping out the local MP with coms, research etc? If so please apply ASAP (noting this is my first post 😬) 🙏 www.livehire.com/careers/parl...
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
The Government has refused to join 79 other countries condemning US sanctions against the International Criminal Court even though NZ has long been a member of the International Criminal Court, which impartially prosecutes serious war criminals for atrocities. Silence is assent?
Release: Craven silence on ICC conveys consent
www.labour.org.nz
February 9, 2025 at 8:21 PM
The Government has refused to join 79 other countries condemning US sanctions against the International Criminal Court even though NZ has long been a member of the International Criminal Court, which impartially prosecutes serious war criminals for atrocities. Silence is assent?
#Waitangi - an excellent speech 👇
Here is Justin Tipa’s powerful speech at Ōnuku today, a profound challenge to national leadership, a scathing attack on the ideological extremism of Act it also offers a path for unity - it received a standing ovation: ‘We are not the Radicals’ ngaitahu.iwi.nz/connect-2/co...
Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa Hui Whakaū I Te Tiriti ki Ōnuku Waitangi Day 2025 Commemoration Speech
ngaitahu.iwi.nz
February 6, 2025 at 8:06 AM
#Waitangi - an excellent speech 👇
Reposted by Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin
Cliff the Ambulance & Labour MPs, along with Dunedin City Councillors & staff were there to hold the govt to account.
@rachelbrooking.bsky.social
#Nikon #Photography #DunedinHospital #TheySaveWePay
@rachelbrooking.bsky.social
#Nikon #Photography #DunedinHospital #TheySaveWePay
January 31, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Cliff the Ambulance & Labour MPs, along with Dunedin City Councillors & staff were there to hold the govt to account.
@rachelbrooking.bsky.social
#Nikon #Photography #DunedinHospital #TheySaveWePay
@rachelbrooking.bsky.social
#Nikon #Photography #DunedinHospital #TheySaveWePay
🏥 Good that tertiary teaching inpatient hospital build will be restarted on consented, remediated land with piles in the ground next to the built outpatients building. Bad that (including shelling) there will be fewer beds and theatres. Thread 🧵 thespinoff.co.nz/politics/01-...
‘We have listened’: Simeon Brown confirms the south will get a New Dunedin Hospital
Simeon Brown travelled to Dunedin to confirm that the new Dunedin hospital will be built.
thespinoff.co.nz
January 31, 2025 at 10:07 PM
🏥 Good that tertiary teaching inpatient hospital build will be restarted on consented, remediated land with piles in the ground next to the built outpatients building. Bad that (including shelling) there will be fewer beds and theatres. Thread 🧵 thespinoff.co.nz/politics/01-...
Totally bonkers to include coal in a special list of “critical minerals” 🤯 www.labour.org.nz/news-mining_...
Release: Mining plan offers false promises with real damage
www.labour.org.nz
January 31, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Totally bonkers to include coal in a special list of “critical minerals” 🤯 www.labour.org.nz/news-mining_...
Shane Jones is right - mines scheduled in FastTrack will go ahead. But they won’t have the same environmental controls as mines approved under the RMA because the new law trumps protections of nature. Fasttrack could do better- even Straterra submitted to include protections 🦗🐸
January 30, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Shane Jones is right - mines scheduled in FastTrack will go ahead. But they won’t have the same environmental controls as mines approved under the RMA because the new law trumps protections of nature. Fasttrack could do better- even Straterra submitted to include protections 🦗🐸