Nothing to Hide? + more moaning

Written By: - Date published: 3:50 pm, September 15th, 2008 - 46 comments
Categories: act, election 2008, election funding, Media - Tags:

Prime is running a series of interviews every Sunday until the election with the leader of each party in Parliament, starting with Rodney Hide last night. It was surprisingly good. Hosted by Bill Ralston with a panel of Barry Soper, Audrey Young, and Colin Espiner, some good questions were asked and Hide himself was good in that he was perfectly willing to lay out his thoughts and views. Even if it did make him look awfully naive at least he doesn’t try to hide his true views to win more votes (unlike one party we could mention).

But I was a bit frustrated to see that the panel and the host were the same old crowd. Is there really no-one else than the dozen or so political commentators that seem to show up in every newspaper, radio show, professional blog and, TV programme? When did this tiny group get into the position where they could decide who would ask questions to our political leaders and decided that it should be only themselves?

Why can’t we have actual experts asking the questions? Couldn’t we have a panel of the great economic minds in this country that could take the leaders to task over their economic plans, instead we get hacks like whathisname the editor of NBR representing ‘business interests’. Couldn’t we have unflinching, well-informed, deep questions on political issues from the likes of Margaret Clark or the cutting queries of Kim Hill, instead of vapid questions on morning television?

The problem is, and its no criticism of these individuals who have a lot on their plates, the people we get asking the questions are simply not experts on all the issues they are trying to grill the politicians on. Politicians constantly get off easy as a result. Key is expert at this, fobbing off a question with a nonsensical answer safe in the knowledge that the questioner will not know enough to follow-up. Let’s get some real experts asking the questions and giving analysis. I don’t mean the Therese Arseneaus of this world who see politics as a values-free game, I mean real experts who genuinely care about their area of expertise and will make sure they get the answers the New Zealand public deserves to hear.

[But getting back to the Prime interview. I noticed that Hide says ACT used secret trusts to funnel donations to the Party but I’ve just had a look at their donations returns and there is no record of donations from any trusts.. now, that looks dodgy.

46 comments on “Nothing to Hide? + more moaning ”

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  1. the sprout 1
    15 September 2008 at 3:57 pm

    hmm, inconsistencies in ACT’s financial returns.
    very interesting. sounds like the basis of a fruitful investigation.

  2. Jeeves 2
    15 September 2008 at 3:59 pm

    Not necessarily dodgy, there are plenty of anonymous donations and a donation from the Association of Consumers and Taxpayers, which is able to receieve money on trust for the ACT political party. A trust doesn’t need to call itself “Trust” in its name. A company can hold money on trust for Act and so can a single natural person trustee, thereby obscuring the identity of the donor. Just to be a legal wanker.

  3. Inventory2 3
    15 September 2008 at 4:11 pm

    Jeeves – quite right, just as several high-profile legal firms held and paid money to the Labour Party on behalf of anonymous donors over the last couple of years. The donations were properly declared, as were National’s donations from entities such as the Waitemata and Ruahine Trusts. New Zealand First’s donations from the Spencer Trust have, of course, not been declared.

  4. Crank 4
    15 September 2008 at 4:11 pm

    We could get get inteligent people asking inteligent questions Steve, but thanks to the damage your mob have done to the countries education standards there is not enough people in New Zealand that would understand them.

  5. Rocket Boy 5
    15 September 2008 at 4:14 pm

    Wouldn’t it be better if all political donations via trusts were banned and if the maximum donation from an individual (or company) was limited to say $5000 per year? With anything over $100 having to be declared?

    I’d also count any unpaid services (i.e. having a ‘free’ lawyer) as a donation that had to meet the same criteria, otherwise you had to pay for it out of the party or your own funds.

  6. Robinsod 6
    15 September 2008 at 4:16 pm

    “get get”??? “inteligent”??? “countries”??? “there is not”???

    I really really want to believe you’re employing irony here but I’m pretty sure you ain’t…

  7. Crank 7
    15 September 2008 at 4:20 pm

    ‘I really really want to believe you’re employing irony here but I’m pretty sure you ain’t ”

    Quite right Robinsod. I am usually reasonably thick but if you add to that a cold then the writings of a retard result.

  8. burt 8
    15 September 2008 at 4:27 pm

    Steve P.

    That kite you just tried to fly about ACT’s party returns has failed to fly. I think if there was a story there Winston would have been all over it like a rash…

    Assuming of course his own house was in order… Doooh!

  9. the sprout 9
    15 September 2008 at 4:33 pm

    burt, Peters is very patient when it comes to making the most of a counter-strike.
    you’d really have to be foolish to think Hide will get out of this unscathed.

  10. randal 10
    15 September 2008 at 4:34 pm

    How about some experts indeed. the meedia in New Zealand is a closed shop and its about time there was a change. dont you remember how judy bailley became the “MOTHR” of the nation. bushwah. she was never my mother. this country has become completely infantilised and locked into a dreadful system of codependency that only recognises the idiotes that manage to get themselves onto the telly in the first place. I think there are about seven universities in new zealand all with a political science faculty but the media are only interested in themselves and jealously guard their priviliges. If they contracted someone with any intelligence then the restof the country would see how vain and stupid they are. TV1 needs a good cleanout and so does radionz national nights. they appeal to the group one level above radio snakeoil and radio spud and are little more than an advertisment for inanity and mob rule.

  11. Inventory2 11
    15 September 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Careful randal. Robinsod is in the house, and has already taken Crank to task for his spelling and grammar!

  12. Chris 12
    15 September 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Crank, it certainly wasn’t our mob who were responsible for the dumbing down of the university system via bums on seats and forcing universities to admit all and sundry just so they could get funding. That was plainly your mob. Oh and remember, national started development of NCEA before clark et al. gained office.

  13. burt 13
    15 September 2008 at 4:39 pm

    the sprout

    I hope Rodney gets all he deserves.

    Allerting us to the fact that one of NZ’s most vocal campaigners about secret trusts and big business influence in politics has been using secret trusts and accepting donations from big business – without declaring them…

    What do you think he should get for his troubles – Winston’s knighthood ?

  14. John Dalley 14
    15 September 2008 at 4:42 pm

    $100.000.00 from Allan Gibbs recently, i wonder what Rodney had to promisefor that cheque.

  15. gobsmacked 15
    15 September 2008 at 4:46 pm

    Last night’s programme was quite good, certainly better than the main networks’ weekday 7pm shows which are usually more lightweight than Shortland St.

    What came across very clearly is that both Rodney Hide and the media (Audrey Young leading, others agreeing) do not believe John Key when he says he won’t have Roger Douglas in cabinet. So watch this space: the better ACT do in the polls, the more Key will slip and slide.

    And if he backtracks on one “rule-out”, why not two?

  16. randal 16
    15 September 2008 at 4:48 pm

    mind your own business inv2. Oh i forgot. you are a tory and you are always looking to tell other people what to do. Its part of the dispostion to being a rightwhinger.

  17. burt 17
    15 September 2008 at 4:49 pm

    gobsmacked

    Roger Douglas might be minister outside of cabinet – I hear it the way to organise a govt without backing down of misleading claims that are made before elections.

    Oh, I’m not saying it’s OK for National to be this tricky because Labour has, but likewise it will be an uphill battle for labour supporters to complain about such arrangements.

  18. randal 18
    15 September 2008 at 4:51 pm

    and furthermore inv2 why dont you stay on topic and contribute to the debate? Are you another apologist for the pissweak grovellers who call themselves journalists?

  19. Chris 19
    15 September 2008 at 4:51 pm

    “this country has become completely infantilised and locked into a dreadful system of codependency that only recognises the idiotes”

    You’ve hit on something here. The amount of business-brained idiots with little to no understanding or care of anything outside the simplistic world of business is staggering. Anti-intellectualism in this country is immense and in some ways insurmountable, driving our brightest away. As much as the right try and paint this as a dollars issue I think they miss the point. They leave because the tall poppy system is alive and well, however if you’re some hick who managed to win on a few houses you’re treated as the pinnacle of society because you’ve built a small fortune and can like, drink at bars with like classy mirrors and shit. Now, not that I’m saying wealth and success are bad, but the amount of attention and encouragement given to sleazy property developers at the expense of genuinely innovative entrepreneurs is just shocking over here. No wonder we all leave, I think it’s hard to blame the left for this thought. Then again, maybe with national’s tax cuts they can attract back even more opportunist scum to counteract the genuinely intelligent and innovative people who leave.

  20. gobsmacked 20
    15 September 2008 at 4:57 pm

    Burt

    Fair comment, but I don’t think it’s the Labour supporters that National are worried about. It’s Bill English’s “Labour-plus punters”, voting for more of the same but from nice Mr Key instead of tired old Helen.

    Douglas as a minister would be a dream gift for the left. A very un-secret agenda.

  21. Mike Collins 21
    15 September 2008 at 5:04 pm

    Chris,

    But isn’t a property developer (particularly a rich one) just another form of entrepreneur? They have seen an opportunity and taken it. Properties don’t just develop themselves. In that sense they contribute to society.

    I do agree that innovation and property development aren’t necessarily the same thing. We do definitely need more of the former, if we’re to keep moving ahead as a nation. You’re right that we need to battle the tall poppy syndrome and actually start celebrating wealth and it’s creation. We could do with a little less intellectual elitism in my opinion too.

    Back to the original topic (how novel). Knowing Rodney, he is someone who I have never seen lie. More than that he is incredibly open with the truth and his opinions. Rather than obfuscate he is much more likely to come out and say it how it is. As he says, ACT doesn’t need fifty percent of the vote to achieve its goals. Why not be upfront?

  22. Phil 22
    15 September 2008 at 5:16 pm

    Mike,

    In 2002, I could have thrown a dart at a map of NZ, bought the closest house for sale, and made a financial killing (and so could’ve you!). That doesn’t count as entrepreneurial talent to me.

    The best metric would have to be; who’s able to make a profit when the market is in downturn? They’re the entrepreneurs we should be celebrating!

  23. randal 23
    15 September 2008 at 5:19 pm

    cue a million violins and the heavenly choir singing the praises of wodney. he is a little squib and a sneak and never done anything in his life except creep around rich people in case they might throw him a few crumbs. bah humbug.

  24. Better Dead Than Red 24
    15 September 2008 at 5:22 pm

    “or the cutting queries of Kim Hill”

    C’mon people. That is an entirely subjective view. Its is my own opinion that Kim Hill is a vapid leftist whose reporting is so partisan she wouldn’t get a job if the media ever set real standards of objectivity for journalists. I’m no Winston fan, but I still remember her deliberate misquote in an interview with Peters a few years ago, and Winston catching her right out. Brainless and unprofessional. She’s yesterdays news.

    As for the show in question ( I didn’t see it) – I actually agree with the thrust of your argument. The panel was just the usual collection of tired old leftists. All Colmes. No Hannity.

    Time for some fresh blood. Barry (I vote Labour) Soper?? Bill (I haven’t made my mind up yet) Ralston??? Yawn… hopeless. How about Trotter and Hooten??

  25. burt 25
    15 September 2008 at 5:23 pm

    randal

    We were just discussing how the tall poppy syndrome is not a good thing – did you miss that point? Hell keep up man, even Labour are “ambitious” now….

  26. randal 26
    15 September 2008 at 5:31 pm

    stay on topic burt. pay attention! its about the media infantilising the population wuth anoouncers/autocue readers who are selected for their hair and teeth and their willingess to grovel to the advertisers or anybody else with money.
    we have become a nation who have to externally reference everything and are obsessed with the size of their purchases.

  27. Billy 27
    15 September 2008 at 5:40 pm

    Has the nasty media infantalised you randal? Is that how it happened?

  28. Felix 28
    15 September 2008 at 5:41 pm

    As for Hide, he is a slimy little bottom feeder but at least he stands by what he says. You won’t find him toning down his beliefs to appeal to anyone but the rich because he just doesn’t give a fuck.

    And good on him – he says what he means and the public can make a fair decision on whether they agree with him.

  29. randal 29
    15 September 2008 at 6:19 pm

    grow up billy.

  30. jo zinny 30
    15 September 2008 at 7:10 pm

    Felix,

    Apt, mostly.

    Says what he means, you opine, but does he know what he is saying. For example taxcuts are the main component of supply-side economics. Prior to a recent Election he was asked for his take on this, yes using those words. His totally lame response was “I don’t know what you mean by that—” Point is he darn well should. Else outta there.

    Maybe of interest is how since then RH has gone decidedly american-style.. bringing on primaries for candidate selection — yeah I know it split his party up quite a lot and built resentments – the talented Franks, for example, shifting to National. But did it improve his political-economic knowledge? Not that I’m aware, though for boasting and stalking those he is willing ‘remove’ this guy takes the biscuit.

  31. Daveo 31
    15 September 2008 at 7:53 pm

    Knowing Rodney, he is someone who I have never seen lie

    What about when he accused the EPMU of being racist?

  32. Steve Pierson 32
    15 September 2008 at 8:06 pm

    BDTR. Trotter and Hooten? c’mon, that’s ehat I’m talking about how shallow is the pool that we have to turn to bloody trotter and hooten for everything?

  33. Pascal's bookie 33
    15 September 2008 at 8:33 pm

    I can’t see why we cant have QC’s interviewing the buggers. At least they could craft a follow up and won’t stand for that bland media training non responsive bleggidty blagg that we are so fncking bored with.

  35. randal 35
    15 September 2008 at 8:41 pm

    hey the disnosaurs a re still filling their skite reels but by now it should parse as sh*te reel. ralston and all the rest have been around so long that even his pock marks have got pock marks.

  36. rave 36
    15 September 2008 at 9:02 pm

    See Simon Power accusing Labour of doing a flip flop on gangs.
    Do undo others as you undo yourself.
    Goff is the new Winston outflaking the Nacts.
    Instead of keeping the Asians outside he wants to keep them inside.
    That only leaves the students and the poor.
    Wonder what Labour can do for them?

  37. gobsmacked 37
    15 September 2008 at 9:06 pm

    A fascinating link from Robinsod there. That’s exactly the sort of thing that should be followed up by the media.

    As should a case before Hawera District Court tomorrow. Keep an eye out for media coverage of the Beehive “white powder” scare. Or not.

    Let’s see now: “Google”, or “fake anthrax in the mail” – which is more serious? Which one was a harmless prank? Which one was a crime?

    Rochelle’s background and political motivation has been investigated. How about Douglas Hancock’s?

    Let’s see what happens tomorrow.

  38. Johnty Rhodes 38
    15 September 2008 at 9:25 pm

    Why should it be followed up gobby?
    BC RS said it’s true? It’s true, it’s from the 9th floor.
    What about revalations that HC knew about Winnie’s Las Vagas jaunt after denials. This too should be investigated by the media. This surely is much more serious. Trust & Helen Clark, thats an oxy-moron. More lies are coming from her vile mouth on a daily basis, along with that forked tongue pom Cullen. Linking Merill Lynch’s demise to JK is a load of stinky stuff.

    As for Hancock, if he say voted National in the past, so FU%$en what? I don’t think he was under instructions from JK to send baking powder to the beehive!!!!!!!

  39. mattyroo 39
    15 September 2008 at 9:58 pm

    Pierson, I agree it would be great to see some real “industry experts” quiz the politicians. I can’t imagine your sponsors thinking it such a wonderful idea however…

    Imagine your horrible little twerp of a friend cullen being grilled on financials by a true economist. The stupid fuck even said the other day, that the worst was over with regard to the global credit crunch. I can’t believe that “stupid prick” has been allowed to fuck us all in recent times, without even the courtesy of a reach around.

    I would much rather a “rich prick” (Key) in control of the countries purse strings, than a “stupid prick” (Cullen.

  40. Better Dead Than Red 40
    15 September 2008 at 10:08 pm

    “BDTR. Trotter and Hooten? c’mon, that’s ehat I’m talking about how shallow is the pool that we have to turn to bloody trotter and hooten for everything?”

    Well, I don’t see them that much, but then again I see virtually no mainstream media. I dunno. I give up. Really just wanted to register my negative on Kim Hill.

  41. Robinsod 41
    15 September 2008 at 10:18 pm

    BDTR – you’re mellowing bro.

    Johnty/mattyroo? You guys are so funny. How about you come over to my blog and post some of that sidesplitting stuff?

  42. Mike Collins 42
    16 September 2008 at 12:23 am

    Daveo,

    I was initially surprised when I saw that comment published. However having read Shawn’s statement of response I can understand why it was made. Fair enough too. You might not have had the chance to read Shawn’s statement yet but I suggest you do.

    Jo zinny,

    I’m not sure what you mean by that either. Simply asking someone to comment on your very broad and not necessarily correct statement doesn’t entitle you to label him negatively. He’s not a mind reader ffs. Tax cuts aren’t necessarily a core part of supply side economics, so that blows your whole premise apart.

  43. Ianmac 43
    16 September 2008 at 1:16 am

    Since this is largely about the quality of reporting/commentary/interviewing, there is a good piece by Gordon Campbell on http://election08.scoop.co.nz/ The horse-racing commentary is great. Perhaps Gordon could do some of the interviewing?
    I saw the Hide interview and Hide did answer quite well but the questioning was diffused rather than focussed.

  44. randal 44
    16 September 2008 at 10:59 am

    welll mattyroo…cullen is still going while merril lynch has bit the dust…house built on sand and all that. Keys is /was just a mechanic while cullen has the depth and experience to understand what is happening over the whole economy and not just the credit markets where hyped up ‘traders’ steal off central banks and anyone elses money they can get their hands on. however when I read what stupid pricks like you write I pray and hope you will give keys your money to mind.

  45. Greg 45
    16 September 2008 at 12:51 pm

    “I don’t mean the Therese Arseneaus of this world who see politics as a values-free game, I mean real experts who genuinely care about their area of expertise and will make sure they get the answers the New Zealand public deserves to hear.”

    Having had Therese as a lecturer and having read a number of academic articles by her, I can assure you that she is very much an expert in New Zealand politics and knows how to ask the tough questions of politicians.

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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • The teacher trainee challenge
    David Farrar writes –  Radio NZ reports: The Education Review Office says too many new teachers feel poorly prepared for their jobs. In a report published on Monday, the review office said 60 percent of the principals it interviewed said their new teachers were not ready. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Words and (in)actions
    New Zealand’s economic performance and the PM’s vision   Michael Reddell writes –  When I wrote yesterday morning’s post, highlighting how poorly both New Zealand and its Anglo peer countries have been doing in respect of productivity in recent times (ie, in the case of New ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What do you hope for/fear from the budget?
    Hi all,Firstly - thank you! You guys are awesome. The response I’ve received to last night’s mail has been quite overwhelming. It’s a ghastly day outside, but there are no clouds in here.In case you didn’t read my email and are wondering what on earth I’m talking about you can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on ACT’s charter schools experiment
    If there was still any doubt as to who is actually running this government – and it isn’t the buffoon from Botany – then this week’s announcement of a huge spend up on charter schools has settled the matter. While jobs and public services continue to be cut in the ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Drought fuels wildfire concerns as Canada braces for another intense summer
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Gaye Taylor As widespread drought raises expectations for a repeat of last year’s ferocious wildfire season, response teams across Canada are grappling with the rapidly changing face of fire in a warming climate. No longer quenched by winter, nor quelled by the ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus and pick ‘n’ mix for Thursday, May 16
    Half of Christchurch City Holdings Ltd’s directors and its chair resigned en masse last night in protest at Christchurch City Council’s demand to front-load dividends File Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The chair of Christchurch City Council’s investment company and four of its independent directors resigned in protest last ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Controversial proposal could threaten coalition
    The University of Waikato has reworded an advertisement that begins the tender process for its new $300 million-plus medical school even though the Government still needs to approve it. However, even the reworded ad contains an architect’s visualisations of what the school might look like. ACT leader David Seymour told ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • Of Rings of Power Annatar, Dramatic Irony, and Disguises
    As a follow-up to the Rings of Power trailer discussion, I thought I needed to add something. There has been some online mockery about the use of the same actor for both the Halbrand and Annatar incarnations of Sauron. The reasoning is that Halbrand with a shave and a new ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    2 days ago

  • The future of Nick's Kōrero.
    This isn’t quite as dramatic as the title might suggest. I’m not going anywhere, but there is something I wanted to talk to you about.Let’s start with a typical day.Most days I send out a newsletter in the morning. If I’ve written a lot the previous evening it might be ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • The PM promises tax relief in the Budget – but will it be enough to satisfy the Taxpayers’ Union...
    Buzz from the Beehive The promise of tax relief loomed large in his considerations when  the PM delivered a pre-Budget speech to the Auckland Business Chamber. The job back in Wellington is getting government spending back under control, he said, bandying figures which show that in per capita terms, the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Fucking useless
    Yesterday de facto Prime Minister David Seymour announced that his glove puppet government would be re-introducing charter schools, throwing $150 million at his pet quacks, donors and cronies and introducing an entire new government agency to oversee them (the existing Education Review Office, which actually knows how to review schools, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Setting things straight.
    Seeing that, in order to discredit the figures and achieve moral superiority while attempting to deflect attention away from the military assault on Rafa, Israel supporters in NZ have seized on reports that casualty numbers in Gaza may be inflated … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    3 days ago

  • Far too light a sentence
    David Farrar writes – Newstalk ZB report: The man responsible for a horror hit and run in central Wellington last year was on a suspended licence and was so drunk he later asked police, “Did I kill someone?” Jason Tuitama injured two women when he ran a red ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Unwinding Labour’s Agenda
    Muriel Newman writes –  Former US President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation.” The fight for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Sequel to “Real reason Waitangi Tribunal could not summons Chhour”
    Why Courts should have said Waitangi Tribunal could not summons Karen Chhour Gary Judd writes – In the High Court, Justice Isacs declined to uphold the witness summons issued by the Waitangi Tribunal to compel Minister for Children, Karen Chhour, to appear before it to be ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • The Govt’s Fast-Track is being demolished by submissions to Parliament
    Bryce Edwards writes –  The number of voices raising concerns about the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill is rapidly growing. This is especially apparent now that Parliament’s select committee is listening to submissions from the public to evaluate the proposed legislation. Twenty-seven thousand submissions have been made to Parliament ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A generation is leaving at a rate of one A320-load per day
    An average of 166 New Zealand citizens left the country every day during the March quarter, up 54% from a year ago.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The economy and housing market is sinking into a longer recession through the winter after a slump in business and consumer confidence in ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • NZUP RORS back to life
    The government has made it abundantly clear they’re addicted to the smell of new asphalt. On Tuesday they introduced a new term to the country’s roading lexicon, the Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS), a little brother for the Roads of National (Party) Significance (RoNS). Driving ahead with Roads of Regional ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • School Is Out.
    School is outAnd I walk the empty hallwaysI walk aloneAlone as alwaysThere's so many lucky penniesLying on the floorBut where the hell are all the lucky peopleI can't see them any moreYesterday morning, I’d just sent out my newsletter on Tama Potaka, and I was struggling to make the coffee. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • How Are You Doing?
    Hi,I wanted to check in and ask how you’re doing.This is perhaps a selfish act, of attempting to find others feeling a similar way to me — that is to say, a little hopeless at the moment.Misery loves company, that sort of deal.Some context.I wish I could say I got ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • The Rings of Power: Season Two Teaser Trailer
    I have hitherto been fairly quiet on the new season of Rings of Power, on the basis that the underwhelming first season did not exactly build excitement – and the rumours were fairly daft. The only real thing of substance to come out has been that they have re-cast Adar ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – What ended the Little ice Age?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Talking Reo with the PM
    “The thing is,” Chris Luxon says, leaning forward to make his point, “this has always been my thing.”“This goes all the way back to the first multinational I worked for. I was saying exactly the same thing back then. The name of our business needs to be more clear; people ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Waitangi Tribunal’s authority in Chhour case is upheld – but bill’s introduction to Parliament...
    Buzz from the Beehive It’s been a momentous few days for Children’s Minister Karen Chhour.  The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision which blocked a summons order from the Waitangi Tribunal for her. And today she has announced the Government is putting children first by introducing to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Australia jails another whistleblower
    In 2014 former Australian army lawyer David McBride leaked classified military documents about Australian war crimes to the ABC. Dubbed "The Afghan Files", the documents led to an explosive report on Australian war crimes, the disbanding of an entire SAS unit, and multiple ongoing prosecutions. The journalist who wrote the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Some “scrutiny”!
    Back in February I blogged about another secret OIA "consultation" by the Ministry of Justice. This one was on Aotearoa's commitment in its Open Government Partnership Action Plan to "strengthen scrutiny of Official Information Act exemption clauses in legislation" (AKA secrecy clauses). Their consultation paper on the issue focused on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • TVNZ is loss-making, serves no public service due to bias, and should be liquidated
    Rob MacCulloch writes –  According to the respected Pew Research Centre, “In seven of eight [European] countries surveyed, the most trusted news outlet asked about is the public news organization in each country”. For example, “in Sweden, an overwhelming majority (90%) say they trust the public broadcaster SVT”. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • The conflicted Covid Chair
    David Farrar writes –  Kata MacNamara reports:    Details of Tony Blakely’s involvement in the New Zealand Government’s response to the pandemic raise serious questions about the work of the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry over which he presides. It has long been clear that Blakely, a ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Attacking the smartest and most resilient people in the room is never a good idea
    Chris Trotter writes – Are you a Brahmin or a Merchant? Or, are you merely one of those whose lives are profoundly influenced by the decisions of Brahmins and Merchants? Those are the questions that are currently shaping the politics of New Zealand and the entire West. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • A fortune-telling failure, surely, if the tarot cards can’t see a bulldozer coming
    RNZ reports –  It’s supposed to be a haven of healing and spiritual awakening but residents of the Kawai Purapura community say they’ve been hurt and deceived. It’s the successor to the former Centrepoint commune, and has been on the bush block opposite Albany shopping centre since 2008. It ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The climate battleground heats up
    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. Usually we have a video chat to go with this wrap, but were unable to do one this week. We’ll be back next week.Several reports ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Tuesday, May 14
    The Transport Minister has set a hard 'fiscal envelope' of $6.54 billion for transport capital spending. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The economy is settling into a state of suspended animation as the Government’s funding freezes and job cuts chill confidence and combine with stubbornly high interest rates to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on why anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitic
    To be precise, the term “anti- Zionism” refers to (a) criticism of the political movement that created a modern Jewish state on the historical land of Israel, and to (b)the subjugation of Palestinians by the Israeli state. By contrast, the term “anti-Semitism” means bigotry and racism directed at Jewish people, ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Climate change is making hurricanes more destructive
    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Because hurricanes are one of the big-ticket weather disasters that humanity has to face, climate misinformers spend a lot of effort muddying the waters on whether climate change is making hurricanes more damaging. With the official start to the hurricane ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Wayne Brown’s PT Plan
    Yesterday the Mayor released what he calls his “plan to save public transport” which is part of his final proposal for the Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP). This comes following consultation on the draft version that occurred in March which showed, once again, that people want more done on transport, especially ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Potaka's Private Universe.
    And it's a pleasure that I have knownAnd it's a treasure that I have gainedAotearoa’s coalition government is fragile. It’s held together by the obsequious sycophancy of Christopher Luxon, who willingly contorts his party into the fringe positions of his junior coalition partners and is unwilling to contradict them. The ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Our slow regional councils
    The Select Committee hearing submissions on the fast-track consenting legislation is starting to become a beat-up of regional councils. The inflexibility and slow workings of the Councils were prominent in two submissions yesterday. One, from the Coromandel Marine Farmers Association, simply said that the Waikato Regional Council’s planning decisions were ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law after all
    Back in April, the High Court surprised everyone by ruling that Ministers are above the law, at least as far as the Waitangi Tribunal is concerned. The reason for this ruling was "comity" - the idea that the different branches of government shouldn't interfere with each other's functions. Which makes ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • NZTA takes the wheel after govt gives it the road map for regional roads (and puts a speed governor ...
    Buzz from the Beehive  Tolling was mentioned when Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the government was re-introducing the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme, with 15 “crucial” projects to support economic growth and regional development across New Zealand. All RoNS would be four-laned, grade-separated highways, and all funding, financing, and ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • Change in Catalonia?
    or the past 14 years, ever since the Spanish government cheated on an autonomy deal, Catalonia has reliably given pro-independence parties a majority of seats in their regional parliament. But now that seems to be over. Catalans went to the polls yesterday, and stripped the Catalan parties of their majority. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • Having an enrolment date is not depriving anyone of a vote
    David Farrar writes –  Radio NZ report: Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said the Electoral Commission should make sure the system ran smoothly and “taking away the right of thousands of people to vote” was not the answer. “Thousands of people enroled and voted on the day. If ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Perhaps house prices don’t always go up
    Don Brash writes –  There was a rather revealing headline in the Herald on Sunday today (12 May). It read “One in 8 Auckland homes on market were bought during boom, may now sell for loss”. The first line of text noted that “New data shows one in ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Can’t read, can’t write, can’t comprehend – and won’t think…?
    Mike Grimshaw writes –  At a time when universities are understandably nervous regarding the establishment of the University Advisory Group (UAG) and the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) it may seem strange – or even fool-hardy – to state that there are long-standing issues in the tertiary sector ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Time for some perspective
    Lindsay Mitchell writes –  A lack of perspective can make something quite large or important seem small or irrelevant. Against a backdrop of high-profile, negative statistics it is easy to overlook the positive. For instance, the fact that 64 percent of Maori are employed is rarely reported. For ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Will NZ Herald’s ‘poor journalism’ cost lives?
    Earlier this year, the Herald ran a series of articles amounting to a sustained campaign against raised pedestrian crossings, by reporter Bernard Orsman. A key part of that campaign concerned the raised crossings being installed as part of the Pt Chevalier to Westmere project, with at least 10 articles over ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    5 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to May 19 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 19 include:PM Christopher Luxon is expected to hold his weekly post-cabinet news conference at 4:00pm on Monday.Parliament is not sitting this week. It resumes next week for a two-week sitting session up to and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • Webworm Popup Photos!
    Hi,Thanks to all the beautiful Worms who came to the LA Webworm popup on Saturday.It was a way to celebrate the online store we launched last week — and it was super special.As I talk about a lot, I really value our community here — and it was a BLAST ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

  • DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
    "On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.  “I raised my concerns after being ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Unions should put learning ahead of ideology
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools.     “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMA
    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguard
    Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationship
    New Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says.  “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019.  “It is my pleasure ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New Caledonia
    New Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.  “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of State
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card funding
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Further sanctions against Russia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • One year on from Loafers Lodge
    A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaboration
    New Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says.    “This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Penk travels to Peru for trade meetings
    Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Minister attends global education conferences
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA Chair
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call Foundation
    New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.   This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Panel announced for review into disability services
    Distinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister welcomes Police gang unit
    Today’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners.  “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Chief of Defence Force appointed
    Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
    Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
    Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
    The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
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  • Accelerating Social Investment
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  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
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  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
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