90 Minutes, Extra Time, Then Penalties.

Written By: - Date published: 1:26 pm, July 17th, 2014 - 51 comments
Categories: election 2014, internet mana party, john key - Tags:

The most damning thing about the SIS email exchange regarding Kim Dotcom’s residency application is the hour and half between the digital discussion and the unusual decision to drop their veto.

There are lots of things that can fill an hour and a half; a movie, 9 holes of golf, a game of football. Or, in this case, a phone call or two to confirm that, yes, the Government really do want to let a known criminal and alleged fraudster who was likely to be busted by the Feds any minute settle in NZ.

That’s my belief anyway. Occam’s razor and the public service’s rules of engagement strongly suggest to me that the two spooks checked upstairs, got the nod and swiftly dropped the objection.

The only question left is ‘how far upstairs’?

But this post is about another, related, matter. And that’s the alleged evidence that Key lied about when he first heard of Dotcom. If the PM has lied, then that strengthens Dotcom’s defence against extradition. He can then rightly say he has not had a fair go; that the parties trying to send him to the States to stand trial do not have clean hands. He can argue, convincingly, the whole case was prejudiced and fatally flawed by the actions of the PM, various government agencies and the FBI.

The potential personal gain for Kim Dotcom is obvious. The effect on the election may not be quite as positive.

We’re used to Key lying. Hell, according to the polls, nearly half of us either can’t see it or just downright love it. Lie to me baby!

KDC and his hobby lobby, IMP, have decided that the killer blow will not be delivered until 5 days before the election. This timing seems off to me. Why not do it at the start of the election period?The polls actually open on the 3rd of September, two weeks before the big man’s big day. A significant number of advance voters, who might be influenced by the evidence, will have already done their democratic duty by the time KDC hits the stage at Auckland Town Hall. They can’t change their vote, even if Dotcom provides compelling evidence that might make them wish they could.

I think this extra time is a tactical error that is going to diminish the return on the revelation, even if it’s a doozy.

However, my biggest concern is the penalty the rest of the left will pay if it turns out that Dotcom’s Big Reveal turns out to be a great white on a trampoline. Rather than the triumphalist tone of Chris Trotter’s fantasy,we might be rolling our eyes at the biggest Meh in Kiwi political history.

It worries me greatly that Laila Harre says she does not know what the evidence actually is. Laila’s a clever negotiator, a fierce competitor and not one to rely on a big bluff. But her hands seem tied here. There’s no going back if KDC doesn’t deliver.

If we’ve learned anything from the H-Fee débâcle, it’s that a failure to deliver a knock-out blow leads to a loss on points. In this case, though, the damage is likely to be to the Greens and Labour. Hone might still scrape through in Te Tai Tokerau anyway, as he has considerable personal support to fall back on. Voter disgust is most likely to be focused on the larger parties who risk being tainted by association. By way of an example of this phenomenon, Winston Peters vacantly holding up a sign saying NO did Labour no favours at all in 2008.

Dotcom must deliver. Sooner would be better, but if we must wait, well, it had better be worth it. Or else we all pay the penalty on Election night.

I guess we’d better hope that Gary Lineker’s observation about football also applies to the former Kim Schmitz:

“Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”

 

Te Reo Putake

51 comments on “90 Minutes, Extra Time, Then Penalties. ”

  1. mickysavage 1

    Agreed TRP.

    I would also like to have a campaign that concentrated on the many important issues concerning the country and not a who is telling fibs contest between two very wealthy men.

    • Yes but one of those men is the PM and although we all know he’s a bald-faced unapologetic fibber, the country needs a bit more persuading. I don’t know if the timing is off or on but often elections turn very quickly, like others I hope the evidence makes key squirm and blab off – making a mistake because of his vanity and the the tide turns – here’s hoping.

      • AmaKiwi 1.1.1

        Micky, I am sorry to bring you the bad news but many people vote on the candidates’ personalities.

  2. Tracey 2

    With all his lawyers and experts dont we have to assume KDC knows everything you have said and chosen this day. I am not saying he has chosen the day for political reasons, but definitely for strategic reason be it business, personal or political.

    • Te Reo Putake 2.1

      I’m sure he’s personally chosen the day, Tracey. But that in itself is odd.

      Laila Harre, the leader of his political party, has not been entrusted with the details of the disclosure. That alone suggests to me that either he hasn’t got anything of substance or he isn’t using her political experience in a sensible way. I’m sure Laila would have made exactly the point I made, that we have the longest ever early voting period and that leaving the announcement to the last few days risks diminishing the result of the disclosure.

      For IMP, every percentage of a percentage counts, so why waste any opportunity to gain votes?

      • Tracey 2.1.1

        That is why i tend toward a legal strategy that has a political impact not a purely political one. He hasnt told the leader of IMP ergo it is a dotcom personal/legal thing not a party thing.

        By assuming it is about politics is what has got you confused, in this i suspect politics comes behind legal and business.

      • Anne 2.1.2

        I’m sure Laila would have made exactly the point I made, that we have the longest ever early voting period and that leaving the announcement to the last few days risks diminishing the result of the disclosure.

        My concern too. Dotcom is new to this country. He does not have sufficient experience of our political scene or the psyche of the average Kiwi to be able to make an informed judgement on the right time to release the bombshell. If he is insisting on making these decisions without input from someone like Laila Harre then he is making a big mistake.

        Btw, How come I knew it was TRP who wrote the post before getting to the bottom?

        • ghostwhowalksnz 2.1.2.1

          hes relying on the polls having an inbuilt bias that will be revealed on election day as ‘National poll drop’. Previously they have looked to a reason , any reason for the polls giving National a higher vote than the voters do. Expect to read ‘Dotcom causes National to drop 6-8% on election’ type headlines.

        • Te Reo Putake 2.1.2.2

          Cheers, Anne. How come you knew it was me? Was it the footy related title? Or perhaps I just have a distinctive writing voice (of reason?). I hope to write a few more posts over the next couple of months. And I really do encourage others to give it a go. LP is very helpful and encouraging.

          Re: Laila, I simply don’t get why she hasn’t been told. She must have asked, because she is way too experienced to go into battle unarmed. If she has asked, and been refused the information, then that is a significant trust issue and a real belittling of the Internet party itself.

          Whatever the situation, the risk is that the left’s campaign to win election 2014 is going to be hijacked by a person whose politics, as recently as 3 years ago, were libertarian and currently still appear to be entirely based around what’s best for Kim Dotcom.

          I reckon Laila is quietly fuming. I think we should be too.

          • Tracey 2.1.2.2.1

            i think it shows she is not a puppet with his hand up her arse. IF this is a legal/personal/business strategy, briefing her would feed the puppet meme.

            I cant get my head around the various cases so dont know how it works with those… Do you know of a timeline for the cases?

          • Anne 2.1.2.2.2

            How come you knew it was me?

            Style of the prose.

            Hell, according to the polls, nearly half of us either can’t see it or just downright love it. Lie to me baby!

            … if it turns out that Dotcom’s Big Reveal turns out to be a great white on a trampoline.

            Pure TRP

    • AmaKiwi 2.2

      If extradited, Kim Dotcom may spend the rest of his productive life in US federal prison.

      For him, that is the ONLY consideration. How to stay out of jail.

  3. philj 3

    xox
    Talking footy. A Sean Fitzpatrick is on Acts party list (16).Is this the ex AB?

  4. Ross 4

    A significant number of advance voters, who might be influenced by the evidence, will have already done their democratic duty by the time KDC hits the stage at Auckland Town Hall.

    How many voters will be voting early? About 10% of votes cast at the last election were special votes. But there were only minor changes to the allocation of seats as per election night. I’m not sure that an early disclosure by KDC would have a major effect on the election outcome. Indeed were he to release his evidence now, it could be fish and chip paper by next week.

    • Tracey 4.1

      I have also asked in another thread why so many would be voting early?

      • Tiger Mountain 4.1.1

        As part of the NZCTU “Get out and Vote” campaign http://www.getoutandvote.org.nz polling places (including mobile) may be set up as allowed by the Electoral Commission in places and areas where there are high concentrations of workers and or union members and other potential voters rather than just Librarys or council buildings say.

        Whether this works remains to be seen, training sessions are being conducted from this week, but it is well worth using union delegates networks and convenient times to help motivate people to vote.

        Employers are also required to give adequate paid time off for employees to vote to under S162 of the Act.
        http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0087/latest/DLM309807.html

        • Tracey 4.1.1.1

          Isnt that for election day though, not for the previous two weeks?

          • Te Reo Putake 4.1.1.1.1

            No, there will be a small number of booths open in all electorates from the 3rd of September. I’m trying to track down some more specific info on what’s open where, but my guess it’ll be council offices, libraries or similar.

            http://www.elections.org.nz/voting/when-you-cant-get-there-day

            • Tiger Mountain 4.1.1.1.1.1

              One of the changes is that you can just vote early, you do not need a reason like being away from your registered electorate on the day etc. as previously.

          • Kiwiri 4.1.1.1.2

            In that getoutandvote.org.nz website, there is this which, by stating the 3 September date, may perhaps be construed as suggesting the option to vote early:

            “Voting in this election will start on 3 September and finish on 20 September. We’ll make sure that all our Pledged Voters know where and when their local polling booths are open and we’ll answer any questions Voters have.”

            And I recall Adam Bennett’s piece (“Advance Voting Worth Fighting For”) saying:

            “Election day may be September 20 but parties across the political spectrum are gearing up for a fierce battle during the two weeks before that over what is expected to be a record advance voter turnout. …

            “The tally is expected to increase again this year with parties and the union-led Get Out and Vote campaign planning big promotional pushes to raise awareness of the option [of advance voting].”

            http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11285735

      • Anne 4.1.2

        Parents who spend Saturday running around after their sports playing kids will often vote prior to election day. Others plan to be out of the electorate on the Saturday and yet others will be out of the country. You don’t need a reason anymore. Just turn up to the early voting polling booth. Every electorate will have at least one – usually a Council Office or local Post Office – something like that.

      • Herodotus 4.1.3

        https://www.med.govt.nz/about-us/pdf-library/tourism-publications/Outbound%20Travel%20by%20New%20Zealand%20Residents%20Report%20-225KB%20PDF.pdf
        In 2008 1,965m kiwis travelled overseas 5,400/day. I know this includes all ages. 1.3m p.a. travel for a period of 8 days or more. As one of these this year I will be seeking a early opener !!!
        Perhaps these are a large part of the forgotten non voters from last election ?

  5. Tiger Mountain 5

    Anyone not an IMP insider or ultimately inside Dotcom’s head, is operating on guesswork as to what the 15 Sept. might mean but some things are known.

    • Dotcom and family have been to unpleasantness and back and he is still fronting, he has personally stared Key down in public and is not going to let this one go. The yanks, FBI and MPAA play tough and he knows it.
    • Someone other than Tory spinners is in control of part of the narrative now. They won’t like it and it is a useful pressure point.
    • K Ryan on RNZ today, said Kim has moved through NZ like a “wrecking ball” her term, and he has certainly had an impact on politics, surveillance agencies and even legislation. Banksie and ACT won’t forget him in a hurry either. He has delivered on his utterances so far.
    • The IMP roadshow had a full hall of several hundreds at Kaitaia, good, but during the storm aftermath excellent, the turnout at Kelston this Sun 20th at 2pm will be interesting too. Meetings like these tend to get “Yes we can” spirit rippling out as Winston knows.
    • How can expectations generated be met? Probably can’t as TRP outlines. Proof of a lying Key is one thing, Torys will sadistically vote for him anyway. But for others, enough might be enough.

    So my take is no more knowledgeable than anyone elses, I just think the Dotcom effect will be more positive to a change of government than negative. The effect will only be tiny in votes but an important tiny in a close race.

    • Chooky 5.1

      +100…i dont see a problem in Dotcom making Key and everyone else wait and the impact will be greater just before the Election if it really is a fireworks banger …and I would like to think it is! ( Dotcom is good at running a party as well as promoting a political party)

      …if it is a little fizzer then people will be preoccupied with more important things like student fees for tertiary education and housing and retirement age and beneficiary support and the tv debates between Cunliffe and Key… and the Greens and Winnie /NZF and Mana/Int fronting up against National on tv

      ….i am very optimistic about Int/Mana’s contribution to this Election for the Left win…they have some very good policies

  6. tinfoilhat 6

    If we’re relying on KDC to somehow win the election for the left we really are up the creek without a paddle.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 6.1

      Ask John Banks how his denial turned out.

      • tinfoilhat 6.1.1

        I don’t see how John Banks is even remotely relevant to my comment.

        I’m glad Banks is no longer part of the NZ political scene but in my opinion KDC is a charlatan and will end up doing more harm to the broad ambitions of the left in NZ and Laila Harre’s agenda with Kim has more to do with her perceived slight by the Greens than anything else.

  7. Treetop 7

    “When the President does it, that means it’s not illegal,” – President Richard Nixon, in a 1977 interview with David Frost

    Voters quickly forget what a man says.” – President Richard Nixon

    http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/Funny-Presidential-Quotes/a/Richard-Nixon-Quotes.htm

    A person would have to be in a coma for them to believe that Key did not know of Dotcom until days before the January 2012 raid. I have tried to make it simple by just saying that Key alleges he did not know of Dotcom until shortly before the raid. Key is being protected and probably laughed about behind his back.

    Some voters are not bothered about voting for a liar so it will not matter to them when Dotcom makes his move and what his evidence is.

    The question I have is: When Key goes are his personal files/conversations held with the GCSB and the SIS destroyed?

    Key having knowledge of Dotcom would have been made verbally.

    The fools in Hollywood have gone about Dotcom the wrong way, it will cost them money, there will be more Dotcoms to shutdown.

  8. Gruntie 8

    Tinfoil hat is on the right track – if the left are pinning their hope on KDC dropping the H-Bomb on Key Inc. 5 days from the Big Day Out we are fucked – while in my dreams I’d love to see KDC land a KO punch on JK, it’s looking like a mirage.

  9. Gosman 9

    The decision to extradite him or not is before the courts. Do you think extradition decisions should be made at a political level instead?

    • Te Reo Putake 9.1

      Who you talking to, Gossie? I believe the court case has been delayed again, till way after the election. As for political involvement in such decisions, are you comfortable with the political interference that the SIS guys allege forced them to abandon their objection to Dotcom’s residency application?

      • Gosman 9.1.1

        Of course not. If there is evidence of political interference from a particular politician or politician it should be made public and those resposible should suffer the consequences.

        As for who my question was addressed to, it was an open question to whoever supports the general thrust of this posting in relation to a political decision to stop his extradition.

  10. Bob 10

    “He can argue, convincingly, the whole case was prejudiced and fatally flawed by the actions of the PM, various government agencies and the FBI”
    This is the thing that doesn’t add up TRP, Dotcom has gone out and put a bounty on anyone that is able to help successfully fight his extradition. If he really did have a clear smoking gun as he claims, he would have simply played this card and his extradition defense may have already been concluded!
    I think he has overplayed his hand here and it isn’t going to be a pretty end for him, this could be the catalyst for the media to turn on him and therefore a good chance the public will also turn on him.
    The fact Cunliffe hasn’t ruled out offering a Ministerial post to the Internet party yet may bite him also.

    • Tracey 10.1

      He claims he can prove the prime minister lied. Everything else about bombshells and smoking guns related to elections or whatever are media and blogger words, not Dotcom’s.

      Anyone who has been to court knows that only a fool relies on one piece of evidence, especially when the defendant has money to offer money for info.

      Dotcom made a huge donation to IP? didnt make himself leader and doesnt hide he is fighting his extradiction. ?. Colin Craig is getting huge donors, including himself and he is self proclaimed leader. You think he isnt peddling a particular barrow which gives him some personal gain, in whatever form?

      Mr Liu and Mr Shi paid decent money to National and have, on the face of it seen good returns.

      We ought to be equal opportunity haters striving, by voting, for those whose behaviours we can explain to our children and have them emulate it with our blessing.

  11. Grantoc 11

    A good post.

    Dotcom’s maneuvering over whether or not he’s got something on John Key reveals the InterNet Party for what it has always been, a vehicle designed to benefit Dotcom and his needs, and not New Zealand and its needs.

    The deliberate effort to create drama around a ‘bombshell’ announcement a few days out from the election is absolutely about Dotcom, and absolutely nothing to do with any set of policies designed to benefit New Zealanders.

    Laila Harre has been set up to give the party a semblance of political credibility. But she is no where to be seen in this drama. She is being sidelined by Dotocom’s ego and personal needs. I would hope, for the sake of her own integrity that she sees things for what they are and resign from the Internet Party.

    • Treetop 11.1

      Mark Sainsbury said on Radio Live this morning that Dotcom saw Holmes before Holmes died. Holmes told Sainsbury that Dotcom has a big secret (two weeks before Holmes died), but did not say what it was..

      Is Dotcom giving Key until 15 September to stop the extradition?

      What I really do not like is that Hollywood has the problem with Dotcom and Key has aided them by over stepping the mark to deliver Dotcom to Hollywood. Another way to put this is that a PM assists a super power without knowing what the case is about regarding a man who he does not know of and is granted residency and then the PM uses covert means which he is in charge of to ruin the man.

      One minute Dotcom is granted residency and then he is being extradited to the USA.

      Extreme political interference against a single individual would break just about anyone. Dotcom is being treated like a political prisioner. I think that Dotcom would be eligible for refugee status based on how the NZ Government have treated him because he would fit the criteria that the NZ Government use.

      Gosman@ 9. I thought that the decision to extradite was made at a political level.

      • Treetop 11.1.1

        From day 1 Key has not taken any responsibility for the GCSB, the Police or the SIS for illegally spying on NZ residents/citizens. Saying sorry is not taking responsibility.

      • Tracey 11.1.2

        The crown could withdraw its application and I suppose on some level he could influence crown law, but i cant see this govt not letting the case run its course which, with appeals will be years.

      • Anne 11.1.3

        Another way to put this is that a PM assists a super power without knowing what the case is about regarding a man who he does not know of and is granted residency and then the PM uses covert means which he is in charge of to ruin the man.

        Interesting hypothesis Treetop. If your analysis is correct then it would mean Key – to put it bluntly – ballsed up. Then he used what means available to him to destroy Dotcom’s credibility in order to save his own credibility. Something Key would be more than capable of doing.

    • Tracey 11.2

      Dotcom hasnt called it a bombshell you have. Saying it will be revealled on 15 September and that he didnt make the announcement as IP just makes you look silly.

      • Te Reo Putake 11.2.1

        I’m not so sure that KDC made the announcement on behalf of the Internet Party, Tracey. His actual words were:

        “On September 15, I’m doing a Town Hall event in Auckland and I invite everyone to come there because that is going to be the day when I’m going to reveal my evidence…..my evidence around the political interference and my evidence that John Key lied,”.

        Three “my’s”, two “I’m’s” and an “I”. No mention of the IP at all. Now, English is not his first language, so it could be that he has personalised the announcement without understanding the implication that it excludes the IP. But Laila Harre, the leader of the IP, literally does not know what the evidence is. That’s a practical, and almost disrespectful, exclusion of the party.

        I’ve tried to find the details of the actual Town Hall booking, without success. When it finally pops up on the calendar, I’m picking it’ll be a Dotcom gig, not an IP event.

        • marty mars 11.2.1.1

          He can’t win – if it had been a ‘Party’ announcement then people would say look he IS the Party, why no separation, no arms length. It seems to me to be the opposite of disrespectful.

          • Te Reo Putake 11.2.1.1.1

            Well, Marty, he actually is the party. It’s not separate from him in any meaningful way and his failure to tell the nominal party leader of the nature of the evidence he is going to present kinda shows that. Laila’s just a hired hand on a need to know basis. And she really does need to know.

            Just imagine you were in her position. You’re the leader of the party, but you’re not privy to the details of the single biggest event in the party’s brief history. The party’s success or failure depends to a large extent on the announcement, but, you, the party leader, aren’t entrusted with the facts. Marty, at what point would you say, ‘fuck this, I’m the leader, I want to know what’s going on’?

            • marty mars 11.2.1.1.1.1

              I think you’re making a bit more of it than it is. The episode to date shows an example of separation between them all. Whatever is dropped by KDC is designed to damage the liar PM. You’ve seen this political separation and deniablity and all the rest of it enough to know it makes sense to do it that way – especially when it involves taking on the big man up top.

              • Colonial Viper

                Keeping the Town Hall a KDC event with IMP commenting only on issues relevant to policy (GCSB bill, copyright etc.) is the way to go IMO.

                The real trick is who they have decided to have on stage with KDC. It’s a big stage and he can’t be alone up there.

      • Treetop 11.2.2

        I did not use the term bombshell, I said a big secret.

        Thanks for 11.1.2

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Peters holds his ground on co-governance, but Willis wriggles on those tax cuts and SNA suspension l...
    Buzz from the Beehive Here’s hoping for a lively post-cabinet press conference when the PM and – perhaps – some of his ministers tell us what was discussed at their meeting today. Until then, Point of Order has precious little Beehive news to report after its latest monitoring of the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Labour’s final report card
    David Farrar writes –  We now have almost all 2023 data in, which has allowed me to update my annual table of how  went against its promises. This is basically their final report card. The promise The result Build 100,000 affordable homes over 10 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • “Drunk Uncle at a Wedding”
    I’m a bit worried that I’ve started a previous newsletter with the words “just when you think they couldn’t get any worse…” Seems lately that I could begin pretty much every issue with that opening. Such is the nature of our coalition government that they seem to be outdoing each ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Dune 2, and images of Islam
    Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
    2 days ago
  • New Rail Operations Centre Promises Better Train Services
    Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things at 6.36am on Monday, March 18
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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