Demand for assisted dying is on the rise – should we be worried?
The statistics: The latest annual report by the Assisted Dying Registrar, published last week, showed the number of active applications for assisted dying rose by 20% in the past year. That statistic alarmed advocacy group Voice for Life, which noted the increase was occurring at a time when the workforce involved in the Assisted Dying Service was shrinking.
The analysis: New Zealand’s assisted dying regime is still relatively young and cases were always predicted to rise gradually each year before stabilising, meaning year-on-year increases are to be expected at this stage. Assisted deaths made up 1.25% of all deaths in NZ over the same period, which is in line with Ministry of Health predictions. In countries where assisted dying is more established, assisted deaths typically make up around 2% of all deaths.
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Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.1% Yes
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32.8% Maybe?
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26.1% No
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.9% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
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