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Phil Twyford

@philtwyford.bsky.social
821 followers 177 following 131 posts

Member of Parliament for Te Atatū. New Zealand Labour Party. Spokesperson on immigration, associate foreign affairs.

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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I spoke in the debate on the Privileges Committee's finding that the CE of MBIE deliberately misled Parliament. Parliament cannot do its job of holding government accountable if public servants don't tell the truth when they come to Parliament. youtu.be/r72QB4Aw6v8
youtu.be
Debate on Privileges Committee finding on MBIE misleading Parliament
YouTube video by Phil Twyford
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The Govt has announced the long overdue making of the Community Refugee Sponsorship scheme (CORS) permanent - 50 places in the first year. 200 per year after that. Unfortunately within the existing annual 1500 intake - not additional. That is very disappointing. 1/2
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
It is time we reined in the power of the social media companies and online platforms, and held them liable for the harms they cause. Here's a speech I gave on Parliament's inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter on line. Read the report selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/6/e05a9618...
youtu.be
Speech by Phil Twyford MP on the inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online.
YouTube video by Phil Twyford
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Everlee Wihongi jailed by ICE for a month now moved to another prison unable to communicate with family or lawyer. Labour is calling on Foreign Affairs Minister to advocate with US govt for her release or at least she should be told why she is being held and able to communicate with family & lawyer.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Ministers staged a NIMBY revolt against their government’s own housing policy for Auckland. As a result fewer homes will be built. Rents and house prices will be higher than they would have been. And you wonder why so many young people are going to Australia! Full speech: youtu.be/YG2t5XzY7UI 2/2
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Our city needs more houses but the communities I represent in West Auckland have had more than their fair share of development because the leafy suburbs have refused their share. The Govt cutting planning targets due to NIMBY pressure will make that worse. youtu.be/YG2t5XzY7UI 1/2
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Under the National Government New Zealand’s once proud independent foreign policy has been reduced to abject servility to the Trump White House. #StoptheWar Full speech here youtu.be/aiusHG5NOoU 3/3
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
The Government has no credibility talking about the “international rules based order”. It criticises Iran at every turn but says nothing about the US-Israel illegal war of aggression. #StoptheWar Full speech here youtu.be/aiusHG5NOoU 2/3
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
If the National Government sends New Zealanders to “clear the Straits of Hormuz” they will be seen as belligerents in the war and New Zealanders will become targets. #StoptheWar Full speech here youtu.be/aiusHG5NOoU 1/3
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
The New Zealand Labour Party condemns the US attack on Venezuela including kidnapping its president as a blatant violation of international law.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
Around the world politicians are demonising migrants, dividing people and damaging democracy. We don't want that in NZ. Migrants benefit our society. We need to get better at helping them settle successfully so they benefit and New Zealand benefits. (1 of 2 videos from a recent speech in the House.)
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Amiah Mansfield is the Waitakere College pick for my 2026 parliamentary internship programme. Congratulations Amiah! Presenting the award and meeting Amiah and her family on stage was my highlight of a joyful night celebrating the successes of the Waitak year.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
At attempt to talk about China and foreign interference candidly but with balance. My speech in the third reading of the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill. youtu.be/fKI9a-ORqo0
youtu.be
Talking about China and foreign interference
YouTube video by Phil Twyford
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Labour had a great result today in the West. Shane Henderson topped the vote in the Waitakere Ward. Sarah Paterson-Hamlin won the Whau. Labour won the top-polling six spots on the Henderson-Massey Local Board, increasing it's majority by one with the election of Susan Diao. Proud of the Labour team.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Earlier this month Rachel Boyack, @teanau.bsky.social and I carried out a NZ MPs fact finding mission on Myanmar. Check @samsachdeva.bsky.social's story for a good summary. #NZMPsMyanmarFactFinding #Myanmar #SpringRevolution #ShamElection #whatishappeninginmyanmar newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/02/n...
newsroom.co.nz
NZ must reject 'sham' Myanmar election, MPs say
After meeting Myanmar's revolutionary groups and political prisoners, NZ politicians say we must offer more than 'nice words on paper'
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Human rights campaigners on refugees & asylum seekers, te tiriti, Palestine, Myanmar, workers, young people, Rainbow, disability, criminal justice (and more) came together with Chris Hipkins and Labour MPs in an evening of conversation on organising for progressive change. #humanrights #LabourParty
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Labour says the Govt should follow the likes of Spain, Ireland, Norway and now Australia (and 75% of UN members states) and recognise Palestine now - to convey there must be a new settlement that recognises the Palestinian right to self-determination. 1/4 www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
Foreign Minister Winston Peters raises recognition of Palestine as a state in Cabinet meeting
New Zealand will make a decision on whether to recognise Palestine as a state over the next month, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
I’m recruiting two 20 hour per week positions to work with me doorknocking and phoning people in West Auckland to talk with them about the things that really matter. If that sounds like you, check the job ad www.livehire.com/careers/parl...
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
On the deck of the Rainbow Warrior tonight @helenclarknz.bsky.social who did more then any other political leader to make New Zealand nuclear-free, spoke about the fight to stop nukes back then and the need to keep fighting today against war and nuclear ☢️ weapons. @greenpeace.org.nz
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Dozens of West Auckland’s social sector groups came together with Labour MPs to talk about The Wellbeing of Westies, a chance to reflect on the policies that will allow our communities to thrive. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
The New Zealand Labour Party does not support the ongoing attacks, including the United States bombing of Iran, which is in breach of international law, and the Government should be saying this. - Peeni Henare, Labour Party foreign affairs spokesperson. 1/3
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
My speech on NZ’s current foreign policy debate: independent foreign policy or a return to a US-led alliance (this time against China)? www.labour.org.nz/speech_nziia...
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
A big group of my Labour colleagues came to West Auckland today to visit the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court aka Te Whare Whakapiki Wairua. It’s a super special part of our justice system that aims to help addicts get clean, and off the treadmill of jail/relapse/addiction.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Brooke van Velden is trying to make the health and safety system friendlier, more collaborative, and more helpful to business. We know how this ends. Check out this must read story by Rebecca Macfie who wrote the definitive account on the Pike River mining disaster. newsroom.co.nz/2025/06/09/h...
newsroom.co.nz
History's verdict is already in on van Velden's safety reforms
The Government is instructing WorkSafe to be kinder and more supportive to businesses, and to shift its focus from enforcement to advice. We know from bitter history where this leads
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Last night Vanushi Walters and I hosted an event at Parliament for human rights campaigners and Labour. What an amazing group of activists.* The talk was about solidarity and how we can all work together for progressive change.❤️🌹💪 1/2
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
If you live in the Whau Auckland Council ward vote @otakoulane.bsky.social SarahPaterson-Hamlin for Council in the elections later this year. Sarah (pictured with me and my Labour colleagues on the left Vanushi and Deb) is Labour’s candidate for the Whau and she’s awesome. 🌹💪👍
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Waiting hours and hours in pain at the A&E is a sign our health system isn’t working. Hear Labour's health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall on Labour's prescription to fix the health system. 7.00-8.30pm, Thurs 29 May, Hub West, 29 Corban Avenue, Henderson. More info and RSVP here - bit.ly/4muLLS6
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
This is some of the Te Atatu Labour crew at the Party’s regional conference this weekend. These are my people. ❤️💪 We debated and voted on a lot of good progressive policy cos that’s what we do in the Labour Party! 😂
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Labour is asking the Government why it is silent on Israel’s deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, saying New Zealand should be speaking out.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
David Parker made his last speech in Parliament last night, after 23 years in politics. He has made a huge contribution to NZ and to the Labour Party. Brainy, kind, thoughtful, Machiavellian enough to get things done in politics, and a true egalitarian, I'm going to miss him. 1/2
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Te Atatū Peninsula was host to the inaugural LGBTTQIA+ Mixer mix and mingle last weekend. We're a community that celebrates our diversity, and are naturally inclusive and welcoming. The West Auckland rainbow community plus friends and allies turned out in numbers. Looking forward to the next one.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Migrante Aotearoa fights for the rights of migrant workers. At Migrante's invitation I got to spend a couple of hours with a big group of workers listening to their experiences, and their ideas on what can be done to stamp out the curse of migrant worker exploitation. 1/4
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Happy May Day. As the best sign at today’s union protest on Lincoln Road said: Labour, protecting workers since 1916; National, undermining workers since 1936. The more things change, the more they stay the same. 🌹🌹💪❤️ #mayday #marangaake #union #westauckland
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
John Campbell's investigation into Destiny, what makes them tick, where the money comes from, the issue of charity status, and why they are so out of step with values of decency and inclusiveness, is excellent. www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/under-... Here's a good review thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/...
thespinoff.co.nz
Reviewing John Campbell’s fearless exposé of Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church
The new TVNZ+ docuseries is a gripping and unsettling look at how Destiny Church has amassed money and power – and why its growing aggression should alarm us all.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
John Campbell's investigation into Destiny, what makes them tick, where the money comes from, the issue of charity status, and why they are so out of step with values of decency and inclusiveness. www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/under-... Here's a good review in The Spin Off thespinoff.co.nz/.../reviewin....
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Labour welcomes these improvements. The Pacific is family, and Pacific people have made it clear this something they want. We support continuing to review and improve the policy settings to make it easier for Pacific people to visit New Zealand. www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
rnz.co.nz
'Make it easier and cheaper': New Zealand eases visa restrictions for Pacific Island nations
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who is currently in Tonga, says government wants to make it easier for Pacific people, but he expects all visitors to follow the rules.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Delara Elavia of St Dominics College is the 2025 Youth Member of Parliament for Te Atatū electorate. Congrats Delara! I am looking forward to having Delara walk alongside me in my MP work this year. #YouthParliament2025
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Nurturing Families give pre-loved stuff to families and children. 🧸🚂🪁We need this in West Auckland where too many people are going without the basics. If you are a philanthropist or just an ordinary Westie who can donate financially to support this work, please email Tayla@nurturingfamilies.nz 👶❤️😍
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Auckland's Myanmar communities came out for a candlelight vigil for the victims of the earthquake that has killed several thousand people, and the military dictatorship that continues to wage war on the people, bombing townships in the aftermath of the quake. #MyanmarEarthquake #SpringRevolution
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
I appreciate how seriously the Police have followed up the events of 15 Feb in my electorate. They investigated whether Brian Tamaki incited the violence but decided there was insufficient evidence. They have however charged 7 Destiny members with assault & other offences. @chsaotearoa.bsky.social
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
There was a beautiful celebration of Nowruz the Persian New Year tonight at Parliament. Thank you to the Iranian, Afghan, Kazakh, Kurdish communities and everyone who made the event such a success!
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
The generals in Myanmar having continued to bomb civilians in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Labour is calling on the Govt to press for a ceasefire and an end to the airstrikes. Singapore has just called for a ceasefire. www.labour.org.nz/news-myanmar... www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Junta continues air strikes after devastating Myanmar quake
A UN Special Rapporteur tells BBC it is "nothing short of incredible" that the military would "drop bombs when you are trying to rescue people".
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Labour's David Parker gave a foreign affairs speech this morning setting out how Labour would navigate the new world (dis)order. The multi-polar world we now live in demands an approach to foreign policy that is truly independent of the great powers. 1/8 www.labour.org.nz/news-navigat...
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
My complaint to the Charities Commission relies on serious wrongdoing as a basis for deregistering a charity. The Charities Act provides a number of examples of wrongdoing: the two I relied on are conduct that is 1. oppressive, and 2. improperly discriminatory. www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3606...
thepress.co.nz
Strip Destiny’s charitable status? Turns out it’s not quite that simple
Last month, following startling scenes outside a children’s storytime event, a good part of NZ began demanding justice - but we might be barking up the wrong tree.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
The students of Waitākere College have started this petition for the reinstatement of the original school lunches programme. (You know, the locally-made, fresh, nutritious and tasty one that was delivered on time.) Please sign the petition and share this post. petitions.parliament.nz/f4fff921-4e5...
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
I'm supporting a really great organisation in the disability sector get a campaign up and running. We are looking for volunteers who can contribute skills in copy-writing, social media, video and photography. If you are interested in finding out more email me on phil.twyford@parliament.govt.nz
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
The Government is proposing to cut the jobs of 109 specialist literacy teachers who work with children who are falling behind with their reading and writing. The Government should be expanding this service, not cutting it! Add your voice by signing the open letter: win.newmode.net/nzeiteriuroa...
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
The PM seems to have thrown New Zealand’s principled anti-nuclear advocacy under a bus. NZ has long opposed India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, but the Prime Minister has walked that back in the India-New Zealand joint statement. www.labour.org.nz/news-luxon_q...
labour.org.nz
Release: Luxon quick to give away principled position on nukes
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Labour's foreign affairs spokesperson David Parker in an extended conversation with Toby Manhire on the current volatile international environment ahead of a speech for Diplosphere “Navigating the New World (Dis)order in Turbulent Times”. thespinoff.co.nz/politics/15-...
thespinoff.co.nz
David Parker on what Trump and a whiplash world mean for New Zealand
A wide-ranging conversation with the opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs.
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Phil Twyford @philtwyford.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Wage theft is set to become law but the National Party voted against it. Strange, for the “party of law and order”. Or is it?
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