Borrows charged for injuring protestors

Written By: - Date published: 11:48 am, July 12th, 2016 - 114 comments
Categories: national - Tags: , ,

Good – MP Chester Borrows charged after driving into protesters

MP Chester Borrows has been charged over injuring two women with a car during a Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) protest.

The Whanganui National MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives told NZME he would defend the charge of careless driving causing injury for the March incident in Whanganui.

He would not comment further.

Coverage at the time –

https://twitter.com/ONENewsBreaking/status/712779577701978112

No Right Turn wrote about the potential consequences.

114 comments on “Borrows charged for injuring protestors ”

  1. One Anonymous Bloke 1

    Hard not to be cynical about the fact that the charge makes a by-election unlikely. Or is it more a case of no-one who has a public difference of opinion with Oravida Collins is above the law?

    • red-blooded 1.1

      I’m interested: what do you think he should have been charged with?

      • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1.1

        I didn’t say the charge is wrong, I said it’s hard not to be cynical about it.

        • red-blooded 1.1.1.1

          My question wasn’t an attack; it was a genuine attempt to understand your reasoning. I think it’s bloody good that he is being charged, and I just can’t see how Burrow’s being charged makes a by-election LESS likely (which is what you said in your original comment). What way of handling this do you think would have made a by-election more likely, given that he hasn’t stood down and Key hasn’t taken action against him? What action could the police prosecutors take that wouldn’t be “hard not to be cynical about”, from your point of view?

          Sorry, Anon Bloke, but I just can’t understand your reasoning.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1.1.1.1

            If he is found guilty and fined, he’ll keep his seat. Being found guilty of a more serious charge would trigger a by-election automatically, no matter the sentence.

            Idiot Savant’s post (linked in the OP) lays out the options.

            Edit: perhaps not: according to DtB below, Borrows seat is on the line…

            • red-blooded 1.1.1.1.1.1

              Hey, I’d like to see a by-election as much as the next person (even if that person was you, Mr B). The problem is, that there’s a difference between being “careless” and “reckless”. Burrows was definitely careless:

              “The test for careless driving is whether the motorist exercised the degree of care and attention that a reasonable and prudent driver would exercise in the circumstances.”

              But was he reckless? “The test for reckless driving is whether:
              -The driver fell below the standard of care expected of a reasonable and competent driver;
              -The resulting situation was objectively dangerous; and
              -The driver was aware of the potential danger and continued to act despite knowledge of the possible consequences.
              This is a higher degree of culpability than careless and dangerous driving, and requires police to prove a specific state of mind.”
              http://www.drinkdrivelaw.co.nz/dangerous-driving/

              I think it’s the state of mind issue that’s the sticking point. Plus, while he did leave the scene of an accident, that law is written to compel people to ensure that help can be accessed for anyone injured, that the right person is identified for any future prosecution, that insurance issues can be worked out… etc. Burrows was being filmed, there was a police officer at hand; it’s not like he fled away into the night, never to be seen again.

              I guess I’m just saying, don’t let’s get over-excited about this. It’s perfectly right that he should be charged, but let’s keep it in proportion.

              • Draco T Bastard

                But was he reckless? “The test for reckless driving is whether:
                -The driver fell below the standard of care expected of a reasonable and competent driver;
                -The resulting situation was objectively dangerous; and
                -The driver was aware of the potential danger and continued to act despite knowledge of the possible consequences.

                This clearly describes exactly what Borrows did. He drove into the protesters fully aware of the danger but did it anyway.

                I think it’s the state of mind issue that’s the sticking point.

                His state of mind is quite obvious in the video – he simply didn’t give a shit if he hurt anybody or not.

      • Erik Bloodaxe 1.1.2

        Assault with a blunt instrument?

      • Sebbie 1.1.3

        “Careless” implies accidental but there’s nothing accidental about driving your car directly into people standing right in front of you. So it should be a more serious charge really.

    • Draco T Bastard 1.2

      I suspect that’s why it took so long to lay charges. He was obviously guilty but they had to find a way so as not to get him kicked out of parliament as he should be.

      EDIT:
      Actually, he’s been charged with causing injury which means that he faces up to 5 years in prison which means that, if he’s found guilty, that he will be kicked out of parliament and there will be a by-election.

      • mary_a 1.2.1

        @ Draco T Bastard (1.2) … but will he be convicted? I have some doubts there. You know, the usual Nat’s old boys club in action (bribery and corruption), like the ferals they are, protecting their own toxic lot!

      • Jones 1.2.2

        Which means he won’t be found guilty.

        • mosa 1.2.2.1

          GUILTY!! whats that where the Nast Natz are concerned.
          Line em up and ride them down its only a anti TPPA protester.

      • red-blooded 1.2.3

        Really? What I see when I go looking at the various reports bouncing around is that he’s been charged with careless driving causing injury or death. It’s actually a really low-level charge:

        “Under Section 38(1) of the Land Transport Act, “A person commits an offence if the person operates a vehicle on a road carelessly or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, and by that act or omission causes an injury to or the death of another person” The maximum penalty is three months imprisonment, and there is a mandatory six month disqualification from holding or obtaining a drivers licence following conviction. In the grand scheme of charges that arise from often serious injury or death, the penalty is very, very low. The reason the penalty is so low is the same reason it is one of my favourite charges to defend: it could happen to anyone, and, there is no criminal intent.” – taken from http://www.iornslegal.co.nz/#!Careless-Driving-Causing-Injury-or-Death/ca6b/55ab165d0cf25466c2a3ad6f

        He did a stupid thing and hurt someone who didn’t deserve to be hurt. Probably, this was caused by arrogance and ill-temper. Possibly, it was caused by poor judgement and sloppy driving skills. I think it’s more likely the former than the latter, but we can’t know 100%. Personally, I think the charge fits the action.

        • McFlock 1.2.3.1

          However, what I find interesting is whether he stopped to ascertain injury and render assistance. His current charge is that injury occurred and he was merely careless, but if he injured someone and failed to stop, that is a five year maximum.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 1.2.4

        Are you sure?

        Contravention of section 8 causing injury or death
        (1) A person commits an offence if the person operates a vehicle on a road carelessly or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, and by that act or omission causes an injury to or the death of another person.
        (1A) A person commits an offence if—
        (a) the person drives a motor vehicle, or causes a motor vehicle to be driven, carelessly; and
        (b) by that act or omission, causes an injury to or the death of another person.
        (2) If a person is convicted of an offence against subsection (1) or subsection (1A),—
        (a) the maximum penalty is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $4,500; and
        (b) the court must order the person to be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence for 6 months or more.
        (3) The imposition of a mandatory disqualification under this section is subject to section 81.

        LTA S.38

        • Draco T Bastard 1.2.4.1

          No, you’re right. It’s section 7, Reckless Driving, that has the 5 year imprisonment and he’s been charged under section 8. It is, of course, Reckless Driving causing injury that he should be charged with because he did drive into the protesters on purpose.

      • Wensleydale 1.2.5

        It’ll be a cold day in Hell before Borrows goes to prison. And if, by some miracle, he did — it would be one of those day-spa prisons with a golf course out the back ordinarily occupied by rich white financiers who got caught fleecing the elderly of their life savings.

  2. James 2

    I think that the protesters had no right to be blocking his way. But he had less right to do something that could (and did) cause any of them harm.

    A minute of time and the police could have easily cleared his way.

    He deserve to be charged and (looking at the evidence available) be found guilty.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1

      You have it the wrong way around: it’s Borrows and the misery factory he props up that are in the way.

      • James 2.1.1

        yes dear. Are you incapable of a reasoned reply?

        • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1

          What’s unreasonable about it? The protesters are performing a valuable public service, which is more than can be said for the occupants of the vehicle: Borrows (or his passenger) can cross the floor any time they want to.

          How many more families become homeless for every day they fail to do so?

          • James 2.1.1.1.1

            “The protesters are performing a valuable public service, which is more than can be said for the occupants of the vehicle”

            According to you – which does not make it a fact. It just shows you are a little think and can only beat your chest and go left good – right bad when trying to have a discussion.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1.1.1

              Oh well, if we’re going to discuss facts, what underpins your idea that the protesters have no “right” to be there? The police response to the recent anti-TPPA actions in Auckland suggests otherwise.

              Perhaps your characterisations apply closer to home than you intended.

              So much for little think.

              • dukeofurl

                can you see the video, the protesters were standing on footpath- its where the cars have to give way to pedestrians

              • James

                No – I know you have little reading skills – but I said they had no right to block his way.

                FFS – how thick are you.

                • One Anonymous Bloke

                  Since the whole point of the protest was to block his way, your opinion simply reveals which side you’re on.

                  My response – comparing the one protest with the other, and noting the Police response – is valid.

                  Charitably, I’m prepared to explain this to you.

                • Draco T Bastard

                  …but I said they had no right to block his way.

                  Actually, they do as they have a right to protest.

                • stigie

                  Yep, totally agree, they should have been protesting from the footpath and not in front of the vehicle. What a lot of fuss with medical people etc. i believe she was up and walking ok next day.

                  • One Anonymous Bloke

                    Observation isn’t your strong point: the protesters were on a footpath (yes, they were). I suggest you remove your bullshit-smeared right wing facemask and have a look at the photos.

                    Even if they’d been on a road, the police response to the TPPA protests – ie: to allow them – shows exactly how grounded in reality your lickspittle opinion is.

                    • Being on a footpath and/or being a protestor doesn’t magically endow you with the right to obstruct a vehicle entrance or other public way. That’s why the cops will come along and tell you to fuck off. Also why they’ll drag you out of the way and arrest you if you don’t. Borrows’ offence was more serious than the protestors and resulted in injury, which is presumably why he’s been charged, but both parties were committing offences.

                    • dukeofurl

                      Generally these sort of things have strict liability, what ever the reasons you did the illegal maneuver, you have to wear it.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      @Psycho Milt: I’d like to see the argument in court. They weren’t obstructing a right of way they were expressing their disapproval of government policy.

                      Borrows and Bennett aren’t Joe Public going about their lawful business. They’re ministers of the Crown ripping the guts out of this country.

                      They have every right to expect hostility, obstruction and contempt wherever they go. Diddums.

                    • I get your point – they’re politicians so a certain leeway for political protest has to apply. It would be outrageous if the cops present had actually charged the protesters with obstructing a public way, but no similar outrage arises from Borrows being charged.

            • Sebbie 2.1.1.1.1.2

              People have been protesting things for thousands of years. That’s how we got the vote for women etc… it’s a democratic country people have the right to protest. They may not have had a legal right to block his way but he had much less right to deliberately drive straight into them especially when the police were right there to help him. It was extreme arrogance and recklessness. Also when exiting a drive way pedestrians have the right of way.

    • Sabine 2.2

      Ahhh the excuse that if the protester would not have protested then the defended would have never driven over them.

      Protesting is legal in NZ, there are ways to deal with non violent and not co-operating protesters i.e. the police can / and often has carried these guys away to make space.
      However it is still illegal to just simply drive over people that are lying on the ground.
      Does not matter why they are lying on the ground, it is and should be considered assault at the least – attempted murder at the worst. Simple as that.

      The dear Minister and his mate had a choice to make, wait until the police clears teh way (something they are trained for) or drive over people with a vehicle that has the capacity to crush the people. Ahhh, choices, if people would just not always make those poor choices under a National led government. Its weird.

      • James 2.2.1

        Sabine,

        You misunderstand my comment.

        “Ahhh the excuse that if the protester would not have protested then the defended would have never driven over them.”

        No – That is not what I said. To be 100% clear – I am not making that excuse, and nor do I think any rational person could (or should) try to make it.

        What he did stands alone and he should be accountable for it.

        I agree with the rest of your post (in the most part).

        • Sabine 2.2.1.1

          as i said protesters are protesting. Usually there is always someone who said :” they have no right, it inconveniences me, and besides who cares, and if we could just all go along and be submissive and obedient little drones.

          Ghandi, the Suffragettes, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, the antiwar protesters of 2003, heck the Protestors here in NZ during the spring bock tour and the lady from the recent protests Leshia Evans all stood in the way of someone and inconvenienced them. And luckily for us they did.

          None of the freedoms we enjoy today came because we got given them, people fought for them.

          you might want to remember that.

          the minister was a stupid prick for driving over people on the floor, he showed that a. he is happy to commit murder in front of cameras = stupid prick, b. he is not fit for government as he can’t control his urges = stupid prick, and his government should have kicked out this stupid prick the moment they saw the images. As for his colleque in the car who did nothing to stop him from being a stupid prick? Should be charged as he was.

          so hold your contempt for the little inconvenient protesters they did not attempt to drive over a human being to bring home a point.

    • mpledger 2.3

      Pedestrians have right of way on the footpath.

    • Chuck 2.4

      Borrows was stupid to fall into the trap that was well planned for him. Block his exit, maximize the reaction from Borrows, and have it splashed over the 6 o clock news.

      The court will decide on all the available facts.

  3. red-blooded 3

    Well, this’ll be interesting to keep an eye on. Any chance of getting the original video up? The link just takes me to today’s story, with no visual.

  4. save nz 4

    With John Banks getting off, and now trying to milk the tax teat again, I think there is less and less trust in the judiciary being fair.

    Anyway if Key gets his way, the police will become a commodity anyway under TPPA and police will be on low wages and poorer conditions with cheaper obediant police being imported in.

    • Jones 4.1

      Oh yes… the gradual privatisation of the police force.

      For most of the people there will be freemium service: some-day response times and the law to follow, while those who want to pay for the premium service can have rapid response times and some discretion over what laws should apply to them.

      We could even have gold, silver, bronze etc. service standards tailored to our individual needs. Who needs gated communities when you can afford to pay for a personalised police service…?

    • North 4.2

      The purpose of the Judiciary is to keep the underlings in line. For the benefit of those who are not the underlings. No question about it.

  5. fisiani 5

    No Court will ever find Borrows guilty of a driving offence. Watch the video.

    • dukeofurl 5.1

      they are standing on the footpath- look up rules about cars and footpaths

      • dukeofurl 5.1.1

        Road rules

        Pedestrian right-of-way
        Pedestrians have the right-of-way over vehicles on footpaths. They also have priority over vehicles when vehicles are entering or exiting a driveway across a footpath.

        In this situation, a driver entering or exiting a driveway like this must give way to pedestrians on the footpath

        Likely that Borrows will go for a plea bargain for a lessor charge – and get it.

        • Psycho Milt 5.1.1.1

          You don’t seem to understand right-of-way. Having right-of-way at an intersection means the other traffic lets me move first – it doesn’t mean I get to stop my car on the intersection and block the other traffic for as long as I feel like it.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.1.1

            Therefore they can drive into me and the judge will say “Good for you Sir Mr. Borrows sir, and please may I lick your spittle?”

            • Psycho Milt 5.1.1.1.1.1

              False dichotomy – I’m not arguing Borrows had some kind of right to drive into them.

              • One Anonymous Bloke

                To be clear, I’m arguing that they had every right to get in his way, because he’s an MP, and this has nothing to do with right of way and everything to do with freedom of expression.

      • fisiani 5.1.2

        They are jumping in front of a car and had their tootsies squashed.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.2.1

          They were impatient and suffering from an overweening sense of moral authority and instead of waiting for the Police to clear the way, drove into a pedestrian.

      • Psycho Milt 5.1.3

        they are standing on the footpath- look up rules about cars and footpaths

        Yes, do look up the rules, for instance the Summary Offences Act 1981:

        “22 Obstructing public way

        (1) Every person is liable to a fine not exceeding $1,000 who, without reasonable excuse, obstructs any public way and, having been warned by a constable to desist,—

        (a) continues with that obstruction; or

        (b) does desist from that obstruction but subsequently obstructs that public way again, or some other public way in the same vicinity, in circumstances in which it is reasonable to deem the warning to have applied to the new obstruction as well as the original one.

        (2) In this section—

        obstructs, in relation to a public way, means unreasonably impedes normal passage along that way

        public way means every road, street, path, mall, arcade, or other way over which the public has the right to pass and repass.”

        • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.3.1

          unreasonably impedes

          They were nihilist protesters???

          • Psycho Milt 5.1.3.1.1

            I’m pretty confident that courts wouldn’t consider “I was obstructing that guy on a public way because I was angry with him about something” to be “reasonable excuse.”

            • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.3.1.1.1

              Ah, then you probably need to consider who is on trial here.

              • Sure – the public-way-obstructors’ offence was a trivial one and they weren’t charged for it. Doesn’t alter the fact that they didn’t have some kind of right-of-way that entitled them to block the footpath, as alleged in 5.1/5.1.1.

                • One Anonymous Bloke

                  Were they on trial, and were I a lawyer, I guess I’d defend them on the basis of their freedom of expression rather than their right of way.

                  • red-blooded

                    Hey, there are lots of ways to express an opinion, even on a protest. I’ve taken legal and illegal action when protesting. Just saying, “I was expressing myself” doesn’t make an action legal.

                    Good on these people for getting out there and confronting Burrows with their views. Don’t let’s pretend that the law should only apply to one side in a protest situation, though.

                    As it happens, there were no charges laid against the protesters because they were not really hurting anyone. Burrows did hurt someone and he’s been charged.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      I said I’d defend them on that basis, not that I’d expect to win. It’s a strong argument though, and not without precedent.

        • Draco T Bastard 5.1.3.2

          And how does the right to protest change that?

          Because we can be assured that it does.

          • Psycho Milt 5.1.3.2.1

            Wrongly assuming that the right to protest implies the right to commit offences is a mistake that’s seen quite a few people surprised and outraged at being arrested over the years.

            • Sabine 5.1.3.2.1.1

              so if it is a protester who is standing / lying in front of you then it is ok to drive into them.

              if it is your wife/child/dog than it is not ok to drive into them?

              i thought it is just generally considered bad taste to drive into / onto people full stop?

              • False dichotomy – not having the right to obstruct a public way doesn’t imply that other people have the right to run you over if you do.

              • red-blooded

                Of course it’s not OK to drive over/into them, Sabine. It’s OK for the police to move them, though. People who protest by blocking access know that they’ll probably be moved; this didn’t happen on this occasion and Burrows did what he shouldn’t. It wasn’t OK. He’s been charged. Surely this is a good thing?

        • William 5.1.3.3

          But the protesters haven’t been charged with an offence under the Summary Offences Act, so that’s all irrelevant.

          Possibly the police examined whether that would have been a goer but observed the constable didn’t warn them to desist, he merely ushered them to the side. They were moving there when silly old Chester drove on through before the way was clear.

          • Psycho Milt 5.1.3.3.1

            It’s not irrelevant to the implied claim in 5.1 and 5.1.1 that the protesters had the right to block the footpath – the Summary Offences Act makes it clear that they didn’t.

            And just in case that particular logic fail comes up again: no the fact that the protesters were illegally obstructing a public way doesn’t imply Borrows had a right to drive into them.

            • William 5.1.3.3.1.1

              Read the section of the act you quoted. It doesn’t create an offence of blocking a public way, only of unreasonably blocking it. The corollary of that is that it is possible to block it in a reasonable manner, which is not an offence.
              Watch the video, the blockage lasts no more than 15 secs before they’ve moved aside. I don’t envy you arguing in a court that they created an unreasonable blockage.

              • The concept that you have a right to obstruct a public way if you want to is as bizarre, if not quite so scarily insane, as the Kiwiblog commenters’ view that you have a right to run people over if they’re in your way. For future reference, no it’s not “reasonable” to deliberately obstruct other people, regardless of how long you do it for or what you personally feel about the people you’re obstructing, and yes you can be arrested for it.

                • Ross

                  Yes, you can be arrested for it. But they weren’t in this case, which suggests police were not concerned by their conduct. But this isn’t about the protestors. It’s about the actions of two MPs who, after injuring protestors, drove off.

                • One Anonymous Bloke

                  “if you want to”

                  Is that what “reasonable” means in a legal sense?

    • William 5.2

      As dukeofurl commented above, the protesters were on the footpath. Borrows was exiting a driveway.

      The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 states:

      “4.4 Giving way when entering or exiting driveway
      A driver entering or exiting a driveway must give way to a
      road user on a footpath.”

      The interpretation section states:

      “road user means a driver, rider, passenger, or pedestrian”

      From watching the video, he did not give way.
      An injury occurred.
      Are you still confident!

      Bingo with dukeofurl, my reference was actually to your earlier comment at 1.22.

  6. James 6

    Charged with careless driving causing injury.

    Under section 38 of the Land Transport Act, the maximum penalty for careless driving causing injury is three months’ jail, or a fine of up to $4500.

    • Sabine 6.1

      no loss of drivers lisence?
      the stupid prick gets to stay on the road and further risk injuring others?

      • McFlock 6.1.1

        Minimum six month disqualification:

        If a person is convicted of an offence against subsection (1) or subsection (1A),—
        (a) the maximum penalty is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $4,500; and
        (b) the court must order the person to be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence for 6 months or more.

  7. dukeofurl 7

    Careless driving causing injury cases have even reached the Supreme Court

    eg Peter Miles DAVIES v New Zealand Police – Courts of New Zealand SC 83 2007 , however in that case ( mattress fell off trailer which then injured a motorcyclist) the issue was reparations rather the circumstances.
    Im sure this sort of charge would be well supported by case law to the CA level over the culpability of the driver in all circumstances

    But I found this gem.

    In 2010 while Minister of Transport, Joyce admitted to two prior driving convictions, careless driving resulting in a fine in 1988, and careless driving causing injury resulting in a fine and loss of licence in 1989.- wikipedia

  8. Neil 8

    Move along nothing to see here, Burrows will only get a wet bus ticket across the wrist

  9. Steel-bodied car .v. soft-bodied human

    Nice optics, National.

  10. Accelerator .v. agitator

  11. ropata 11

    I hope they throw the book at Chester the Festerer. The arrogance of car drivers knows no limits in NZ. Can’t count the number of times I’ve nearly been run over by dickheads on driveways, dickheads on the wrong side of the road, dickheads who fail to stop on a stop sign, etc etc ad infinitum

    • “chesters”?

    • You really, really don’t want to go over to the Kiwiblog thread on this subject then, as it features a surprising number of commenters who apparently need to have it explained to them that no you’re not actually allowed to run someone over if they’re in your vehicle’s path.

  12. If I can be a tad contrarian , I can see a couple of points worth making about the debate so far.

    First up, the protesters were not pedestrians. They weren’t using the footpath for the purposes of travel. Having been on about a zillion protests and pickets (and having organised a good percentage of the same), I can assure readers that blocking driveways isn’t legal. But it is terrific fun.

    Secondly, Borrows is actually one of the better Tory MP’s. He’s an old fashioned kind of Nat and tries to behave decently. He’s also publicly anti-racist. That combination possibly explains why he has never been given senior posts by Key and Joyce.

    If the Whanganui seat was redrawn to reflect the wishes and needs of the town and district, he wouldn’t be the MP. The excellent Hamish McDouall would be instead. But the electorate is gerrymandered so that the urban majority are disenfranchised in favour of the Taranaki rump. So, a by-election would be likely to return a Nat MP, which is a boost I don’t think they deserve, So lets be careful what we wish for there.

    For all of the above, Borrows has broken the law and deserves a conviction. However, I wonder if he’ll be offered diversion, as I imagine this will be his first serious offence (other than a speeding ticket a few years ago),

    • dukeofurl 12.1

      Police guidelines mean you cant be offered diversion for a traffic offence which carries a mandatory minimum disqualification, as this one does.

      I thought i was the only one who could see the blatant gerrymanders of central NI electorates.

      • te reo putake 12.1.1

        Cheers, good knowledge!

        The shape of the Whanganui seat really bugs me, as it effectively separates the town from its hinterland and near neighbours. Basically, I reckon that anywhere the Whanganui Chronicle* is sold should be part of the electorate. That would include Waverley to the west, Marton to east and Taihape to the north. That would be the area that actually forms the Whanganui district economically and socially.

        *NZ’s longest surviving newspaper or so I’m told. I’ve unintentionally featured in front page photos on two occasions. Sales plummetted.

        • Anne 12.1.1.1

          I’ve unintentionally featured in front page photos on two occasions. Sales plummetted.

          Why’s that? You surely can’t be that ugly. :mrgreen:

          • te reo putake 12.1.1.1.1

            Actually, both occasions were in my youth, when I fancied myself as a punk/new romantic/Sebastian from Brideshead style icon. The chiselled cheekbones are long gone, but I’ve still got a full head of hair and most of my teeth. And I still hate the Eagles.

            • Psycho Milt 12.1.1.1.1.1

              And I still hate the Eagles.

              Fuck, yes. Glad to hear it.

            • Rosie 12.1.1.1.1.2

              Fair enough on the Eagles and go the new romantics buzz you had going on back in the day. Back in the day, way way back, (eg, up to 19th century and possibly early 20th) “a full set of teeth” used to be a trading bonus for those using the services of professional match makers in Ireland. True Story.

              If things get any worse in our economy you may have to trade in your teeth for a new set of whiteware if your appliances crap out on you, or you need a new set of tyres or something. Best to take care of them.

              • Good advice Rosie, I’ll give ’em a good going over in a few minutes. Sadly, I seem to recall hearing that NZ has one of the worst rates of tooth decay in kids. Something to be proud of, eh?

                You might find this bit of dental news interesting: http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/pogues-frontman-shane-macgowan-reveals-7046421

                And apropos of nothing, anybody know why we scrub our teeth in cold water? We wash pretty much the rest of our bodies in hot water. Is there a good reason for turning the cold tap on?

                • Anne

                  Probably to do with the toothpaste. Hot water would probably cause it to dissipate faster and be less effective. That’s an educated guess from an ex-School Dental Nurse – a long time ago.

                • Rosie

                  Always good to keep up with the dental news in Shane McGowans world, thank you TRP. This bit explains the issue prior to the restoration and is a timely warning to any of us, who risk straying off the straight and narrow:

                  “Shane’s oral issues were the result of years of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as constant fighting.”

                  As for water temperature and oral hygiene, I go for tepid to warm water when cleaning me pearlers. Cold water is not good for sensitive teeth.

                  Jim Anderton once said we should have universal dental care in NZ btw, and I fully support that.

                  As for staying on topic, please see comment at 16.

                • William

                  When I was a child I did once rinse my toothbrush under the hot tap. All the bristles fell out.
                  We usually wash our bodies using warm water, not hot. Most handbasins have separate hot & cold taps rather than a mixer arrangement so for those of us who use a cupped hand to get rinse water to the mouth it would be painful. Next time you remodel your bathroom talk to your designer about the latest trends in mixers 🙂

  13. stigie 13

    “They have every right to expect hostility, obstruction and contempt wherever they go. Diddums.”

    Yes and someone gets their little toes run over and then a big fuss over nothing.
    One can’t help thinking this was staged. BTW OAB Diddums !

  14. Ross 14

    Wasn’t Paula Bennett sitting next to him? She should have had a good view of the protestors. I’m surprised (nah, not really) that she didn’t tell him to stop.

    The worst part of this is that after running over the two women he kept on driving. I mean, that’s the sort of behaviour you’d expect from Paula but not from other Tory ministers.

  15. fisiani 15

    Just saw the picture accompanying the post. No one was taken to hospital by ambulance. Very misleading. Typical.

    [Oh, do piss off. The photos are from the incident and are of the injured woman being treated by ambulance staff before being taken to A&E. I hope nobody minds if I give Fisiani a holiday for abject stupidity? No objections? Righto, a week it is. TRP]

  16. Rosie 16

    In 1999 Christine Clark, the wife of a port worker in Lyttleton was intentionally run down whilst on a picket line at the port. She died that new year’s eve in hospital as a result of the brain injury sustained from the impact of the SUV. The driver was charged with manslaughter.

    When I saw the footage of Chester Burrows, several months ago, wilfully driving at the protesters, albeit at snails pace, I saw the same ugly hatred that comes from those who refuse to tolerate lawful dissent and who will go to the extreme of using a weapon, in both cases a vehicle, to shut people up because in their eyes they are a nuisance.

    While Derek Powell’s actions can’t be compared to Chester Burrows, and while one intentional act resulted in death and the other the injury of two women, the intention of abuse is the same.

    Chester Burrows needs to be fully held to account for his actions, but I doubt he will for reason’s pointed out already in the NRT link, despite the fact this behaviour is unacceptable in anyone, but especially an MP.
    He should stand down. Our PM, who, by some sick joke is STILL a white ribbon ambassador, should tell Burrows to man up and take responsibility for intentionally injuring these two women.

  17. Repateet 17

    No problem for Chester. He’ll just get to be chauffeured everywhere in a Ministerial car. He is the Minister for Wanganui Collegiate isn’t he?

    You know Wanganui Collegiate, which I saw quoted recently as the answer to the argument about schools not being closed if they’re “failing” state schools whereas “failing” private schools do close.

    Ministry of Education thought it shouldn’t be bailed out by letting it become integrated but they and Parata were over-ruled by Cabinet.

    Wanganui Collegiate’s cost us more than $9 million so far and though Chesters wearing it this time he’s done us a service by proving to wankers like David Farrar that failing private schools do not just close. His lowlife buddies like Borrows see that their interests are looked after.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8345722/Parata-overruled-on-Collegiate-integration

    • dukeofurl 17.1

      Hes been dropped from ministerial ranks for a few years now. So it will be taxis

  18. Ross 18

    Burrows didn’t seem to want to stop and it’s clear the protestors were standing directly in front of his car. He says: “I was inching forward, they were taken out of the road, and I didn’t drive until the road was clear.” In fact, at no time did he stop. I do hope he doesn’t lie to the court.

    http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/police-investigate-whether-borrows-ran-over-protesters-foot/

  19. john 19

    Lesson 1: Don’t stand in front of a moving car?
    Don’t we teach 4 year olds this?
    Lesson 2: “Protesters” have the right to protest. This does NOT give them the right to stop others from exercising their rights, in this case driving a car in a driveway.
    When no injuries (of note) are sustained, stop lying around like an acting soccer player. Just to get political attention for your protest.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – Does CO2 always correlate with temperature?
    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 ...
    3 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: In today’s ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Tuesday, March 19:Kāinga Ora’s dry rot The Spinoff DailyBill McKibben on ‘Climate Superfunds’ making Big Oil pay for climate damage The Crucial YearsPreston Mui on returning to 1980s-style productivity growth NoahpinionAndy Boenau on NIMBYs needing unusual bedfellows Urbanism SpeakeasyNed Resnikoff's case ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 hours ago
  • Relentlessly negative
    Negative yesterday, negative today. Negative all year, according to one departing reader telling me I’ve grown strident and predictable. Fair enough. If it’s any help, every time I go to write about a certain topic that begins with C and ends with arrrrs, I do brace myself and ask: Again? Are ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 hours ago
  • Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    Bryce Edwards writes –  It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 hours ago
  • Promiscuous Empathy: Chris Trotter Replies To His Critics.
    Inspirational: The Family of Man is a glorious hymn to human equality, but, more than that, it is a clarion call to human freedom. Because equality, unleavened by liberty, is a broken piano, an unstrung harp; upon which the songs of fraternity will never be played. “Somebody must have been telling lies about ...
    6 hours ago
  • Don’t run your business like a criminal enterprise
    The Detail this morning highlights the police's asset forfeiture case against convicted business criminal Ron Salter, who stands to have his business confiscated for systemic violations of health and safety law. Business are crying foul - but not for the reason you'd think. Instead of opposing the post-conviction punishment and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 hours ago
  • Misremembering Justinian’s Taxes.
    Tax Lawyer Barbara Edmonds vs Emperor Justinian I - Nolo Contendere: False historical explanations of pivotal events are very far from being inconsequential.WHEN BARBARA EDMONDS made reference to the Roman Empire, my ears pricked up. It is, lamentably, very rare to hear a politician admit to any kind of familiarity ...
    7 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support for the various parties in ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    8 hours ago
  • Bishop scores headlines with crackdown on unwelcome tenants – but Peters scores, too, as tub-thump...
    Buzz from the Beehive Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered news – packed with the ingredients to enflame political passions – worthy of supplanting Winston Peters in headline writers’ priorities. He popped up at the post-Cabinet press conference to promise a crackdown on unruly and antisocial state housing tenants. His ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    9 hours ago
  • Will it make the boat go faster?
    Ele Ludemann writes – The Reserve Bank is advertising for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor. The Bank has one mandate – to keep inflation between one and three percent. It has failed in that and is only slowly getting inflation back down to the upper limit. Will it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    11 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi The fact that a ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    12 hours ago
  • Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Bryce Edwards writes – Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    12 hours ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' at 10:10am on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Gavin Jacobson talks to Thomas Piketty 10 years on from Capital in the 21st Century The SalvoLocal scoop: Green MP’s business being investigated over migrant exploitation claims Stuff Steve KilgallonLocal deep-dive: The commercial contractors making money from School ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    12 hours ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things on Tuesday, March 19
    It’s a home - but Kāinga Ora tenants accused of “abusing the privilege” may lose it. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government announced a crackdown on Kāinga Ora tenants who were unruly and/or behind on their rent, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop saying a place in a state ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    13 hours ago
  • New Life for Light Rail
    This is a guest post by Connor Sharp of Surface Light Rail  Light rail in Auckland: A way forward sooner than you think With the coup de grâce of Auckland Light Rail (ALR) earlier this year, and the shift of the government’s priorities to roads, roads, and more roads, it ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    14 hours ago
  • Why Are Bosses Nearly All Buffoons?
    Note: As a paid-up Webworm member, I’ve recorded this Webworm as a mini-podcast for you as well. Some of you said you liked this option - so I aim to provide it when I get a chance to record! Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    16 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on March 18
    TL;DR: In my ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Monday, March 18:IKEA is accused of planting big forests in New Zealand to green-wash; REDD-MonitorA City for People takes a well-deserved victory lap over Wellington’s pro-YIMBY District Plan votes; A City for PeopleSteven Anastasiou takes a close look at the sticky ...
    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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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
    2 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
    3 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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 ...
    5 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
    5 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
    10 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
    12 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
    13 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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
    6 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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-19T09:13:31+00:00