Build a bridge and get over it

Written By: Matthew Whitehead - Date published: 2:32 pm, November 7th, 2017 - 227 comments
Categories: flip-flop, national, Parliament - Tags: obstruction, select committees, simon bridges

It’s now Simon Bridges’ turn to be the one whining in the media about the new government, complaining that Labour is planning to go through with plans he himself praised in Parliament to decrease the presence of larger parties in Select Committees, a move that was unanimously agreed to earlier by all parties.

Clearly he hasn’t gotten the memo on new talking points, however, as he does concede in his outraged flip-flop that the new government are “using [their] majority to make the opposition less effective.” It’s nice to see National MPs finally acknowledging that a majority of New Zealanders who voted did so for our new government, even if it does come with a rather pathetic whining tone.

Bridges also wins an award for the best ironic comment since Donald Trump forgetting when it was he claimed to have an excellent memory, by claiming that “nobody envisioned the current situation, where the biggest party by far is in opposition,” when it is in fact one that National has previously whined about when they thought Clark’s Labour Party would fail to outpoll them back in the day. I for one also envisioned it more recently every time I decided to volunteer for campaign activities to unseat English’s previous lot as the government, as I knew we weren’t going to approach a situation where Labour was the biggest party in Parliament this election, and I would suspect there are many other readers of The Standard who contemplated that scenario too, if they were watching the polling. Certainly more than 50% of voters seemed positively inclined to the idea, too. He must carry around a distinct lack of awareness with him like some sort of isolation bubble, because straight-man lines this good just don’t write themselves without some sort of powerful denial going on.

Select Committees are an important and influential part of our process, where the Government gets its feedback on changes from the community, and recommends adjustments to bills based on it, but the important part is actually having a representative there to listen to good ideas that may have come from your corner or elsewhere that might otherwise have been missed, not actually to be able to bully your way through to an outcome by dint of numbers, and using them to genuinely obstruct business rather than to improve the quality of bills was never intended.

Chris Hipkins is absolutely correct to charge ahead with the changes to eliminate roughly 24 spaces on select committees, which would leave some MPs without any to attend, although government backbenchers would all still have roles due to cabinet members traditionally not sitting on select committees. Those members can instead focus on asking questions in question time, giving speeches in the house, or, shock horror, actually talking to their constituents and attending community events to listen or participate, and can swap in with others from time to time to get the necessary experience to move up in their party if necessary. National had previously threatened to abuse its size on select committees to obstruct the business of Parliament with no other justification than simply because they had lost, so despite their claims of moral high ground about the importance of opposition, any negative side-effects to them are thoroughly earned, and can be considered if and when National prove they are willing to function as a loyal opposition, that allows New Zealand’s legitimate government to operate, even if they disagree with how. They will still have a fair voice in matters, but parliamentary moves to obstruct business should be saved for bills that are genuinely disastrous, and where the public is actually against them. National, of course, will most likely get no such chances where it actually opposes such legislation, as the only decision looming with any prospect of popular revolt is Labour’s continued flirtation with signing a TPP without significant progress on a better way around the ISDS issue, and National supports TPP11 regardless of public opinion.

If National are such a strong opposition, I’m sure they’ll find a way to cope, but it seems like by “strong opposition” they mostly just meant “we’ll keep trying to abuse process and hope the new Government doesn’t find a way to cut us off.” Bridges needs to realize that we live in New Zealand, not the United States, and you can’t try to walk all over your political opponents and then complain that they retaliated and put you back in your place. Welcome back to opposition.

Update: During the swearing in of the new Speaker, absences of a number of Government members temporarily gave National a majority of votes due to those members not having been sworn in. A deal was struck that National would not oppose Trevor Mallard as speaker, but Labour would add another twelve select committee slots- enough for all of National’s backbenchers to get on select committees- in exchange for their not nominating an opposing candidate for Speaker. This may allow National to obstruct the new government’s business in select committees, however by setting the tone in a more collegial manner, may also have convinced the opposition that it is no longer necessary to do so. I await with interest the first select committee hearings so we can all see which it’s going to be.

Update 2: Turns out National didn’t have a majority after all: 58 government MPs were sworn in at the time, and 56 opposition MPs. However, by carefully phrasing their comments in the house, National were able to imply they might have a temporary majority without actually lying, and have embarrassed the new government on its very first day in Parliament.

227 comments on “Build a bridge and get over it ”

Comments are now closed

Robert Guyton 1

7 November 2017 at 2:49 pm

So National could have supported Mallard, and let-pass the opportunity to force a deal over the select committees?
Of course the could have. Instead, they chose the wheeler-dealer way – wonder why???
- Puckish Rogue 1.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:00 pm
  
  Would Labour have let pass over the select committee if National hadn’t have forced their hand?
  
  Sorry I mean if Labour hadn’t of gifted the opportunity to National
- Matthew Whitehead 1.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:34 pm
  
  National knew that Labour would eventually have the numbers to change the speaker, so they would only make a temporary gain and embarrass the government by electing their own candidate in the interim. By making a deal around the select committee numbers, they secured a permanent gain instead, and Labour gets to avoid the embarassment and look magnanimous and reasonable.
  - Puckish Rogue 1.2.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 3:56 pm
    
    1-0 to National and a good lesson for Labour
  - Freddo 1.2.2
    
    7 November 2017 at 3:57 pm
    
    Surely you mean Labour get to look like absolute fools Matthew? I don’t often agree with the Herald but their current headline “National makes Government look like fools as it blackmails Labour for Speaker vote”, has it dead right in my opinion.
    
    I despair. How on earth do Labour think they can achieve the things the people have finally put them there to do if they are going to perform this incompetently.
    - Matthew Whitehead 1.2.2.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 4:20 pm
      
      Yeah, sorry, at first the coverage assumed National really did have the numbers. It took a fair amount of combing over it to reveal they didn’t, and I wasn’t watching proceedings live, I had to quickly catch up to update this post for today’s events and didn’t take time to confirm the numbers myself.
      - Tanz 1.2.2.1.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 9:47 pm
        
        The people didn’t put them there, Winston Peters did. Very funny first day, bring it on. Go National, formidable already! Nats won the election, Labour won the auction.
        
        red-blooded 1.2.2.1.1.1
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:08 am
        
        If National won the election they’d have their own speaker cos they’d be the government. Adjust your thinking to the realities of MMP.
- Sabine 1.3
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:38 pm
  
  to set the tone for the future.
  have a seat and get some popcorn.
- John 1.4
  
  7 November 2017 at 6:31 pm
  
  How does that stunt National pulled in the house today fix the poverty levels or homelessness????
  - Michael 1.4.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 11:53 pm
    
    It doesn’t but it makes the Government looks as if it isn’t able to “fix the poverty levels or homelessness” either, if it can’t even make sure it’s got the numbers in the House.
- Zack Brando 1.5
  
  8 November 2017 at 2:45 am
  
  Jacinda has been working hard and needs a brake. The Xmas period will no doubt revive her …
  
  Firstly, I feel Malcolm Turnbull has done a number on her with his pseudo, sycophant rhetoric wrapped in demeaning undertones design to aggrandize himself (Malcolm Turnbull) and Australia … while belittling New Zealand.
  
  Let’s not forget Australia has a huge housing bubble, tent cities and a large hidden underclass, not to mention questionable forgiven policies.
  
  Secondly, the ‘Speaker of the House’ fiasco was plain embarrassing and I’d be whipping the whips. Jacinda obviously needs some down time and perhaps a couple of quarter ponder combos.
  
  Saying that, she is the leader and the time has come for her to walk in that authority and demand her caucus are more prepared. She’s good at delegating but needs to convey a sense of strong expectations. This fiasco was uninspiring for new MP’s.
Enough is Enough 2

7 November 2017 at 2:58 pm

I think Simon built the bridge in Parliament today.

The smarmy Tory.
- Matthew Whitehead 2.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:47 pm
  
  We’ll wait and see if he’s actually done that, or simply got a concession to obstructing select committee business. I’m hoping it’s the former and that this is an end to the various whinging complaints of the opposition, especially as Mallard has promised to set a tone as Speaker more akin to that of Lockwood Smith (ie. relatively impartial, and with regard to the rights of the public and the opposition more than as a shield for the Government) than of his most recent predecessor.
  - One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 4:55 pm
    
    It’s the latter. The National Party thinks it can win in 2020 using Tea Party tactics. Can’t see it myself, but hey!
    - Matthew Whitehead 2.1.1.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 6:32 pm
      
      I’m inclined to believe that the Nats are aiming to be obstructionists, too. It’s in their nature, but I’m happy to wait and see.
- tracey 2.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:48 pm
  
  Pity he didnt build the 10 promised up north with as much haste
  - North 2.2.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 8:56 pm
    
    Bridges is a nasty little ex-Crown prosecutor full of shit. He’ll get his.
Bondy 3

7 November 2017 at 3:08 pm

Isn’t Hopkins Minister of Ed?
Maybe needs to go to a Charter School & learn to count.
How embarrassing for Jacinta on her big day.
- Trey 3.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 4:04 pm
  
  Hipkins and Jacinda. Maybe you need to go to a State School and learn how to spell
  - ankerawshark 3.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 6:19 pm
    
    lol Trey
  - Wayne 3.1.2
    
    7 November 2017 at 8:29 pm
    
    Auto spell checkers such as the Apple IPhone change Jacinda to Jacinta
    - Obtrectator 3.1.2.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 8:53 pm
      
      So learn to spell properly for yourself, and stop relying on adventitious aids!
    - Muttonbird 3.1.2.2
      
      7 November 2017 at 9:29 pm
      
      If you correct the spell checker often enough it learns. Unlike Joyce and English!
- One Anonymous Bloke 3.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 7:02 pm
  
  How embarrassing
  
  There are worse ways to be “bloodied”. Now the Prime Minister has seen Double Dipton’s tactics as well as his hand.
  - Bondy 3.2.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 7:22 pm
    
    Nice spin – “look, a squirrel over there…”
    Face it, your semi-legitimate heroes had their respective arses handed to them on a plate. Did you see the “PM” try and bullshit her way out of it?
    These clowns will be the laughing stock at any international gathering they’ve been given forged tickets to.
    No doubt a dressing down by Whinney is on the cards.
    - 3stepstotheright 3.2.1.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 7:37 pm
      
      Yes, I await with interest BLip’s new list on Jacinda’s lies.
      - Anne 3.2.1.1.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:49 pm
        
        And I await with bated breath for your inevitable demise on this site.
        
        Ignore this hysterical troll folks. Stop feeding it!
        
        Bondy 3.2.1.1.1.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 8:06 pm
        
        Translation: This truth makes me feel uncomfortable, please someone make it go away.
        
        NewsFlash 3.2.1.1.1.2
        
        7 November 2017 at 10:27 pm
        
        Anne
        
        The nut jobs are out in force over Nats politicking, you would almost think that they think they’ve just won the election again, most are still furious that their SCREWED up party FAILED, it’ll be a long time before they get another opportunity.
        
        Also, Peters not being there as he was organizing writs to be served to the top Nats and journo’s
        
        Tuppence Shrewsbury …
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:33 am
        
        It’s not really politicking, it’s something not seen in parliament for a long time. A strong opposition. This is good for democracy, why should the opposition delver just roll over and accept the governments position?
        
        mpledger …
        
        9 November 2017 at 5:02 pm
        
        They are all meant to be acting for the benefit of NZ’s citizens, not to obstruct each other in petty power games.
        
        But if National want to play that game, I don’t think it’s going to win them many points with ordinary citizens who want NZ to be a better place for them and their children.
veutoviper 4

7 November 2017 at 3:08 pm

Matthew, your update in fact needs updating.Labour believed Nat’s spin that the opposition had the numbers when in fact they did not.

Fine, there were five Labour, NZF and Green members absent (Parker, Peters, Poto Williams, Gareth Hughes and Priyanca Radhakrishanan). But David Carter was also absent on the National side.

This gave actual numbers of 58 on the Government side, and 57 on the National/Act side. Lots of discussion/links on Open Mike.
- Cinny 4.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:10 pm
  
  Irony that Carter was absent.
- Matthew Whitehead 4.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:35 pm
  
  You mean 56, if David Carter was absent? (the government has 63 MPs, and we have a 120-seat Parliament, so the opposition should max out at 57) It could also have been that some MPs were on the grounds but hadn’t been sworn in and weren’t present to be sworn in- we would probably have to go over the video to check relative numbers.
  
  I can’t actually edit my posts once they’re up atm, as I’m just a contributor, not an author. This piece was originally written yesterday, well before Parliament sat.
  - veutoviper 4.2.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 3:41 pm
    
    Yes, 56 not 57 – but I am not going to beat myself up as the pedant of all time, Graeme Edgeler originally counted it as 55!
    
    I watched it live – and had the full lists of MPs alongside and was surprised at the missed call ups, but did not really count them at the time.
Cinny 5

7 November 2017 at 3:08 pm

Do MP’s get additional $ for each select committee they are on please?
- McFlock 5.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:35 pm
  
  Well, they were really keen for everyone to have a committee…
  
  Apparently not, unless they chair or deputy-chair the committee.
  
  I guess they just want the CV rights.
  - Cinny 5.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 4:17 pm
    
    Thanks
- Matthew Whitehead 5.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:36 pm
  
  Nah, for National it’s about influence on the proceedings of the select committees, and potentially being able to obstruct business in a few key areas where they as opposition get additional slots.
  - tracey 5.2.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 3:50 pm
    
    Isnt there a danger this could backfire insofar as Nats deliberately obstruct and slow progress and be seen as destructive sore losers? Time will tell I guess.
    - SpaceMonkey 5.2.1.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 4:11 pm
      
      Isn’t that exactly what they’ve said they’re going to do?
      - tracey 5.2.1.1.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:13 pm
        
        Yes. But I am using the words that better describe what they intend and suggested a consequence.
        
        I am confused as to how Nats have a place for all backbenchers on select committees when there are 120 MPs but only 108 SC positions?
        
        Matthew Whitehead 5.2.1.1.1.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:23 pm
        
        Cabinet ministers tend not to sit on relevant select committees, and party leaders don’t always sit on them, either, meaning that the government doesn’t actually want every govt MP on a select committee. 108 is enough to give every National member who wants one a full-time SC place.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:27 pm
        
        Thanks Matthew.
  - Wayne 5.2.2
    
    7 November 2017 at 8:36 pm
    
    The additional slots don’t change proportionality. As the Select Committee slots are increased they are allocated on a proportional basis.
    It is quite important for the Opposition to have all their MP’s on Select Committes. It is one of main roles for Opposition MP’s so missing out would be a real blow for the MP’s who missed out.
    - red-blooded 5.2.2.1
      
      8 November 2017 at 7:17 am
      
      So why did your party originally decide to cut the numbers then, Wayne? Presumably it was assuming that this issue would affect others, not them, but they must have known that they wouldn’t rule for ever. And the “no one predicted” line doesn’t cut it in a system that has always relied on coalitions (not on the biggest single party governing).
Draco T Bastard 6

7 November 2017 at 3:17 pm

Why was parliament even sitting if not all of the MPs had been sworn in?

Seems that such would remove representation.
- veutoviper 6.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:38 pm
  
  It was sitting exactly for the purpose of swearing in MPs and selecting the Speaker.
  
  Today’s session was the Commission Opening as explained in the following links, with the formal State Opening happening tomorrow, which I put up on Open Mike earlier today for information.
  
  http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1710/S00072/state-opening-of-the-52nd-parliament.htm
  
  https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/parliament-in-election-year/te-whakatuwheratanga-o-te-p%C4%81remata-opening-of-parliament/step-by-step-guide-to-the-opening-of-parliament/
  
  It is not unusual for not all MPs to be available on the day. David Parker and Winston Peters have already left for Vietnam and the APEC meetings starting tomorrow (and also the TPP-11 negotiations which are continuing on the sidelines of the APEC meetings). They were originally due to leave with the PM tomorrow night or Thurs morning but Stuff and RNZ are now reporting that they have already left.
  
  Where David Carter (N) and the two other Labour MPs and one Green MP were is not known.
  
  IIRC, any MPs absent from the Commission Opening can be sworn in separately by the Clerk of the House – presumably before or after the Commission Opening. Peters and Parker have already been sworn in as Ministers by the Governor-General at the Government House ceremony on Oct 26.
  
  SNAP – Matthew.
  - Matthew Whitehead 6.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 3:52 pm
    
    No idea where Gareth is, nothing on his social media atm, so I’d expect his absense is personal, as being the chief Musterer, (green version of a Whip) it’s normally his job to be around whenever possible.
  - Craig H 6.1.2
    
    8 November 2017 at 4:37 am
    
    Poto Williams was at the Commonwealth Women’s Parliamentarians meeting (she’s in the steering group here – http://www.cpahq.org/CPAHQ/Main/Directory/Main/Directory.aspx?hkey=ca90e66d-2c90-4fdc-abcf-59e09b6fe59c&QueryMenuSelectedKeyctl00_TemplateBody_WebPartManager1_gwpciNewQueryMenuCommon_ciNewQueryMenuCommon=cb5cbad9-2404-4378-8d86-73a7bdc66639
- Matthew Whitehead 6.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:41 pm
  
  New MPs can be sworn in at any time, and it’s quite regular for a few to be absent during the election of the speaker, although usually the government would be careful that it had the numbers to elect the speaker even if the entire opposition had shown up. It’s a little embarrassing for Labour to be caught in anything like that situation, but these are of course the hiccoughs that happen when the house switches polarity.
  - tracey 6.2.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 3:52 pm
    
    And Brownlee made a few bungles as House Leader BUT this one will get good air time and Bridges and English had air time before it unfolded.
Stunned Mullet 7

7 November 2017 at 3:34 pm

Isn’t this Hipkin’s second strike ?
- 3stepstotheright 7.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 3:40 pm
  
  There are some good people in this accidental government. Hipkins is not one of them.
  - Matthew Whitehead 7.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 3:43 pm
    
    The government wasn’t formed accidentally, it was quite deliberate, having an extra two weeks or so on the more common formation process. 😉
    
    As you will have read if you went through the main text of the post, I am not one to tolerate undermining the new government’s legitimacy or majority. It was formed democratically through due process, and everyone voting for NZ First knew, or should have known, that their position on who to support was that they wouldn’t decide until after the results came in, ie. they could support either Labour or National. There is no legitimate argument that NZ First was in any way obliged to support a National government.
    - 3stepstotheright 7.1.1.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 3:49 pm
      
      This government was formed accidentally. Labour never expected to be in government…hell weeks out from the Election they were polling mid ’20’s. The debacle today in parliament is nothing compared to what’s coming.
      
      “There is no legitimate argument that NZ First was in any way obliged to support a National government.”
      Totally agree. But after today’s legal filing by Winston Peters, do you seriously believe he negotiated with National in good faith?
      
      This government is an accident. They lack preparation, they lack experience.
      - tracey 7.1.1.1.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 3:54 pm
        
        Good Faith? I chuckle when Nat supporters roll this out.
        It is like the Cabinet Manual requirement that Cab Ministers conduct their personal and professional lives to the “higest ethical standard” and Nat supporters said “Meh” for 9 years… and 44% of voters voted for them again. Good Faith would have seen Nats follow convention today.
        
        NZF and Green and Labour were clearly close or able to form a govt in polling well before the election. This tired old line is right up there with Susie the Poisoner.
        
        As for lack of experience you must have peed yourself over the 2008 government.
        
        3stepstotheright 7.1.1.1.1.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:02 pm
        
        “NZF and Green and Labour were clearly close or able to form a govt in polling well before the election. ”
        
        And there is my point…because you’re assuming that combination was a foregone conclusion. It wasn’t, as far as the negotiating parties were concerned. It appears it was to Peters.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:30 pm
        
        No I am not but not being a fore gone conclusion is NOT the same as an accident as you assert. By that logic Nats would also have been an accidental govt because NZF going with them wasnt a foregone conclusion.
        
        No comment on lack of Good Faith and breaches of Cab Manual by prior cabinet?
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:36 pm
        
        “…not being a fore gone conclusion is NOT the same as an accident as you assert.”
        
        It is when the largest party in the government only polled 36%.
        
        “No comment on lack of Good Faith and breaches of Cab Manual by prior cabinet?”
        
        “Good Faith would have seen Nats follow convention today.”
        
        Why? To hide the incompetence of the government? You do know that Labour have previously challenged the speaker in much the same way, a point well made by Barry Soper in this interview https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98626460/live-opening-parliament.
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:07 pm
        
        “That was deliberate”. Gimli*.
        
        One of the advantages cited for MMP is that it makes it difficult for any single party to form a majority government.
        
        It’s working exactly as advertised. On purpose. It’s certainly one of the reasons I voted for it.
        
        Yay for MMP. Yay for sad Toryboys calling the government names because their owner can’t buy legislation at Cabinet Club any more.
        
        *a little humour to help you get over it.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:22 pm
        
        To expose the hypocrisy of supporters of the former govt now demanding standards they never held their preferred party to account. You raised the good faith aas some faux moral argument. It would fly if you clearly havent been supporting the previous govt.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:47 pm
        
        Or…you could actually address the arguments?
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:50 pm
        
        Which I have repeatedly done above and below. What you mean is I havent
        
        A. Agreed with you
        B. Allowed you to move the goalposts
        
        Psych nurse …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:31 pm
        
        Now that Peters has issued legal procedings against several National MP’s ,it’s obvious going with National was never an option.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:36 pm
        
        Maybe. What if National had negotiated policy with NZF and made some concessions instead of assuming he was ego driven? He might have shelved his case?
        
        BM …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:38 pm
        
        Yep Peters lied to a big chunk of the people who voted NZ First.
        
        He lied about being neutral and the negotiations been all about policy.
        
        He lied about the need to wait for all the special votes
        
        He lied to labour and screwed them over and forced the Greens out of Cabinet.
        
        NZ First is dead next election, it’s only votes will come from the left and why the fuck would anyone on the left vote for this lying old arsehole.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:52 pm
        
        But lying doesnt bother you BM if it gets someone power? 44% of voters voted for a party with a 9 year history of lying.
        
        If he lied he gets no kudos from me but watching supporters of the Key/English govt be outraged is hilarious
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:58 pm
        
        “44% of voters voted for a party with a 9 year history of lying.”
        
        Do you believe Jacinda didn’t know Labour actually had a majority in the house today, as she claims?
        
        BM …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:00 pm
        
        It’s going to be National vs Labour/Greens in 2020 if the COL lasts that long.
        
        I’ll take comfort in the fact that the chances of Ardern getting a second term are remote.
        
        Back to another nine+ years of National rule. 😈
        
        cleangreen …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:06 pm
        
        BM =Bungled Mush…..
        
        Nothing true in what BM said just makes it up.
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:06 pm
        
        😆
        
        Being the Tea Party will guarantee a victory in 2020. Spoil everything you can. The electorate will lap it up. In fact, I’d be surprised if they don’t rise up in spontaneous rebellion against your foul oppressors.
        
        When they don’t, you will know they’ve betrayed you and you can add them to the enemies list.
        
        Good times.
        
        BM …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:15 pm
        
        Face facts this government is a cluster fuck, it’s doomed.
        
        Three years if you’re lucky, then all this left wing bullshit tossed down the long drop where it belongs.
        
        Then normal transmission resumes for the foreseeable future.
        
        Matthew Whitehead …
        
        7 November 2017 at 11:19 pm
        
        Duly noted: BM thinks NZF has put itself into a death spiral.
        
        I’m going to predict something different- as long as Winston hangs on, NZF will stay above 5%, and when I predict that, you know I’m not being biased because I’m on record as finding NZF dangerous and harmful to our democracy, even if I think they’re easier to work with than the Nats.
        
        I think their supporters generally like the idea that Winston keeps both Labour and National on their toes because their core supporters tend to have beef with both parties. I think the ones that do want him in coalition tend to favour Labour. I think a few soft right-wing voters might go back to the Nats from NZF, but they’re probably gonna pick up more centrist voters than they lose for going into coalition and winning a bunch of stuff for the regions, and doing it speedily and fairly.
        
        That’s of course assuming that NZF doesn’t get into any big controversies any time soon that cause them to hit bumps. But I think they’re resilient to hit a bump or two and stay above the threshold atm.
        
        Sam aka clump …
        
        7 November 2017 at 11:27 pm
        
        Personally I think if Labour/NZFirst can use some of that billion dollar regional infrastructure fund money and create a loyalty program that connects businesses, restaurants, and dairy farmers. Maybe we could clear some of those millionz of diary cows that is in desperate need of a BBQ with out totally screwing up.
        
        Craig H …
        
        8 November 2017 at 4:39 am
        
        What are you on about? The MPs I’ve managed to discuss it with don’t think Winston lied about any of that.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:48 pm
        
        And the papers were filed the day before/after the election (according to Newstalk ZB tonight.
        
        Matthew Whitehead …
        
        7 November 2017 at 11:20 pm
        
        You’ve said your piece and everyone has heard it, stop littering it everywhere else in the thread.
        
        Frank Macskasy …
        
        8 November 2017 at 12:21 am
        
        And the papers were filed the day before/after the election (according to Newstalk ZB tonight.
        
        It’s telling that you care more about Peters filing papers in Court rather than the very real probability that a National minister or party apparatchik deliberately mis-used private information and leaked it to the media.
        
        It seems that National Party sycophants like you, 3stepstotheright, (aka Intrinsicvalue/Contravert/LionKing/NehemiaWall/Sceptic/etc) are more concerned about maintaining power with the party they identify, with than any wrongdoing on their part.
        
        Because thus far you’ve not expressed one iota of concern that the State (ie, the National government) mis-used it’s power to attack a political opponant. Dangerous stuff.
        
        Though no doubt if Labour pulled such a stunt, you’d be spitting blood & fury as well as your usual crap.
        
        Instead you’re more than willing to make up any old shit to throw around, including calling the Coalition government “accidental” and Prime Minister Ardern a “liar”.
        
        Personally, I think you’re deranged. The shit you’ve posted here is almost identical to the voluminous shit you used to post on TDB before Admin/mods gave your lying arse the heave ho.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 10:09 am
        
        “Because thus far you’ve not expressed one iota of concern that the State (ie, the National government) mis-used it’s power to attack a political opponant.”
        
        And you’ve not posted an iota of evidence that they did.
        
        Frank you have a modus operandi that is utterly transparent. You write voluminous posts containing barely disguised misrepresentations and out and out falsehoods. When you are called on it you resort to insult.
        
        I have no idea who all those people are you quote, but I’d suggest if they were banned from TDB is was because your lies were exposed, and you needing protecting.
        
        red-blooded …
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:24 am
        
        Why would it appear that Peters didn’t negotiate in good faith? Because your lot didn’t win? The fact is that there was a better policy fit with Labour. And, BTW, one might wonder if a party that foresaw the possibility (probability) of having to negotiate with another should perhaps have held by on trying to destroy it by leaking sensitive info they shouldn’t have been in possession of in the first place…
      - Matthew Whitehead 7.1.1.1.2
        
        7 November 2017 at 3:55 pm
        
        Actually Jacinda very deliberately said she would still try to form a government even if she wasn’t the plurality winner (ie. largest party in Parliament) well before the election, so please get your facts straight before you embarrass yourself any further.
        
        And yes, all new governments after an extended period lack experience and preparation. There was similar bungling when National returned to power under John Key. (it was years before they stopped calling opposition members “Ministers” in the house, as I recall)
        
        And yes, National said they felt the negotiations with NZ First were done in good faith at the time, so it’s not even a matter of my personal belief- your lot said it too, and in fact Tracey Martin confirmed to the media that the final decision wasn’t fully made until the very day they announced it, because there had been some questions about whether a comment she made related to the decision to go with Labour or not, when instead it was actually referring to the uncertainty that that was what was going to be decided.
        
        3stepstotheright 7.1.1.1.2.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 3:59 pm
        
        “Actually Jacinda very deliberately said she would still try to form a government even if she wasn’t the plurality winner”
        
        Of course she did. What else was she going to say?
        
        “There was similar bungling when National returned to power under John Key.”
        
        You mean National failed to have enough numbers in the house to have a speaker elected on the very day he was due to be elected?
        
        “National said they felt the negotiations with NZ First were done in good faith at the time…”
        
        And that would have been their sincere view. Until they were served those papers.
        
        Matthew Whitehead …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:10 pm
        
        Actually it looks from people going over the video like the Government had the numbers even if David Carter hadn’t been absent, so may not have needed to concede anything, but either fell for a bluff or decided to concede the SC point anyway in exchange for Mallard going unopposed.
        
        I can’t speak for NZ First beyond what’s in the public sphere, as I’m not a member or a supporter of the party and have no insider info. The only process I can give any insight into is the Green one. Being served papers for the leak of Winston’s personal info is the least the old government can expect, and Peters has every right to do that. It’s not evidence of any lack of due process in forming the government, and remember, Peters is very deliberately trying to cede power back to his caucus at the moment, who made the final decision on who to support, so that he has people ready to lead the party when he decides to leave.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:30 pm
        
        “It’s not evidence of any lack of due process in forming the government…”
        
        Yes, it is. I’ll make my case this way:
        
        1. Given the time frames involved, it is highly likely Peters was briefing his legal advisors while negotiating with National and Labour.
        2. If not, at the very least Peters would have been ‘forming a view’ of his course of action.
        3. It is simply implausible that Peters would be negotiating in good faith to enter government with people he was about to take to court.
        
        Labour rolled over and they must now be seriously questioning what they had to give up.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:35 pm
        
        You keep moving the goalposts. You define, aboce, an accidental govt as one that was not a foregone conclusion prior to Election Day based on polls. That means a Nat Govt would also have been accidental.
        
        Do you think that MPs should always cobduct themselves with Good Faith and if a Cabinet Minister uphold the requirements of the Cabinet Manual? If no, why not? If yes how did you feel about the multiple bteaches of it under National. As for Good Faith, remember the lie from Brownlee and Key about losing the Hobbit at a time they had evidence to tge contrary?
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:39 pm
        
        “You define, aboce, an accidental govt as one that was not a foregone conclusion prior to Election Day based on polls.”
        
        No I didn’t. That was just one of the points I made. My discussion with Matthew about NZF originated from his comment about ‘good faith’. Please read the thread more carefully.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:51 pm
        
        “…how did you feel about the multiple bteaches of it under National….”
        
        How do you feel about accusation that Labour sent its party president to dig dirt on John Key?
        
        How do you feel about a NZ Labour Party MP using the NZ Parliament to dig dirt on an Australian MP?
        
        Do you seriously believe Jacinda Ardern knew they had the numbers in Parliament this afternoon (chuckle).
        
        Do you want me to go on?
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:18 pm
        
        Yes because you are the one complaining that Good Faith has been breached.. You assume I am a Labour supporter/voter. I finally stopped voting Labour after the Field and Pledge Card term. When did you stop voting National or ACT?
        
        Matthew Whitehead …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:23 pm
        
        @3stepstotheright: Actually, you’re the one who raised the issue of good faith. I talked about legitimacy, democracy, and due process.
        
        I don’t specifically think NZF engaged in bad faith, and it’s up to you to make that case, given you’re the one who raised the issue, and I don’t actually think it’s critical to the legitimacy of the government in any way that NZF did negotiate under good faith with National- they were under no obligation to negotiate with either bloc, they could have simply announced a preference and negotiated based on that if they had wanted to.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:19 pm
        
        “No I didn’t. That was just one of the points I made. My discussion with Matthew about NZF originated from his comment about ‘good faith’. Please read the thread more carefully. ”
        
        No. You wrote
        
        ““NZF and Green and Labour were clearly close or able to form a govt in polling well before the election. ”
        
        And there is my point…because you’re assuming that combination was a foregone conclusion. It wasn’t, as far as the negotiating parties were concerned. It appears it was to Peters.
        
        Seems odd. You say it is an accidental govt and yet say that Peters was always goubg with Labour which means far from accidental it was determined, based on the polls, weeks before the election. Contrary to your first statement about it not being possible weeks out.
        
        ”
        Woooosh… there go the goalposts
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:52 pm
        
        You really don’t seem to be able to understand multiple arms of the same argument. So I’ll spell it out for you.
        
        1. Winston Peters went into coalition negotiations having already filed legal papers. If you don’t understand the implications of that, then I can’t help you.
        2. The polls have not at any time indicated a Labour Green government as a probability. Trevor Mallard admitted tonight he had given up on being Speaker just 2 months out from the election.
        
        This is a government born of spite and driven by incompetence.
        
        Edit…Newstalk ZB has just confirmed the papers were filed by Peters the day after the Election.
        
        red-blooded []
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:35 am
        
        Actually, 3steps, this is a government born out of hope – the voters’ hope for a shift away from the implacably awful reign of your guys. When people vote for opposition parties they are voting for change. Even the NZF voters who didn’t know which way Winston would go wanted him to effect change, either way.
        
        As for the issue of legal papers – what the hell did you expect the man to do? Roll over? Leaking the docs was spiteful and tactically stupid. This legal action is the outcome. Shock! Horror!
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:05 am
        
        what the hell did you expect the man to do?“
        
        I have no problem with him taking legal action. Pretending to be negotiating in good faith when you patently aren’t…well that’s just dishonest.
        
        Matthew Whitehead …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:30 pm
        
        1) Given the timeframes involved, I think it was highly likely that Peters was formulating the case even before the election. That doesn’t mean he had ruled out negotiating fairly with National- he could simply have decided that National handing over the info he wanted voluntarily would have been part of any governing arrangement, as what he’s suing for right now is information leading to the identity of the leaker, not actually for damages, which suggests no personal animus against the National Party MPs listed in the case, but rather that their inclusion is to ensure he doesn’t miss any relevant information regarding the identity of person who breached his privacy rights.
        
        2) Even if that is the case and you accept that NZF was under some obligation to deal fairly with both Labour and the Nats, (which I don’t think it is, and I don’t think they are) Winston forming a point of view is not the same thing as NZF forming a point of view anymore, as he is making deliberate steps to devolve power to the rest of his caucus and build up the remainder of the party as able to stand independent of him. He was very clear that the decision on the coalition would be made by his caucus as a whole.
        
        3) Again, NZF is under no obligation to negotiate in good faith with the party he turns down when he forms a legitimate government. Everyone accepts, for instance, that the Green Party could predetermine that it would support Labour before the election, and that the Māori Party could announce it would prefer to work with Labour. New Zealand First was free to make its own decisions based on whatever concerns their caucus and their voters wished them to.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:17 pm
        
        “That doesn’t mean he had ruled out negotiating fairly with National-”
        
        Yeah, it does. There is no way Peters could have been issuing legal proceedings and negotiating with the same people in good faith on a future government at the same time.
        
        “Winston forming a point of view is not the same thing as NZF forming a point of view anymore,”
        Winston IS NZ. Always has been.
        
        “”NZF is under no obligation to negotiate in good faith…”
        That’s a strange view, but even accepting it, Peters represented he was negotiating with both in good faith. That makes him a liar.
        
        Frank Macskasy …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:24 pm
        
        3stepsintosilliness;
        
        “Yeah, it does. There is no way Peters could have been issuing legal proceedings and negotiating with the same people in good faith on a future government at the same time.”
        
        Oh? Why not? If Peters has a case, the Courts will decide.
        
        It’s called natural justice.
        
        You’re just bitter that the Nats have been turfed out and with their belligerent behaviour, will be in Opposition for the next nine years. In the meantime, you’re relegated to irrelevancy on political fora spouting your childish nonsense.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:27 pm
        
        “Oh? Why not? If Peters has a case, the Courts will decide.”
        
        Taking legal action against the people you are about to form a government with? Yeah right.
        
        And you’ve got posts to reply to about your bullshit lies Frank.
        
        red-blooded []
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:38 am
        
        Leaking info about someone you may need to negotiate with? Not exactly good faith…
        
        Matthew Whitehead …
        
        7 November 2017 at 11:08 pm
        
        Winston isn’t going to be NZF forever. It’s very clear from the moves he’s making to empower senior MPs within the party, to attract new talent, and to devolve power back to his caucus that he is preparing to retire. If NZF really is all about Winston, it’ll die off at that point. But Winston is betting that his fans will stick with the party. We’ll wait and see.
        
        I said Peters and his party are under no obligation to negotiate in good faith with both National and Labour. As in, it was absolutely his right to predetermine who he wanted to go with, although I don’t think he actually did do that. The only people he needed to negotiate in good faith with are the ones he ended up picking, so in this instance, he could have strung National along if he really wanted to. The only reason to negotiate in good faith is to set a solid ground for future government. National have made no statements suggesting that they agree with you that the negotiations were in bad faith in retrospect, and they are the only ones who would know and have any reason to admit it. Your claiming so without any National MPs coming out and saying it is no better than a conspiracy theory.
        
        I’m done discussing this with you, as you continue to baselessly assert that a legal action to compel discovery of documents is some sort of action designed to hurt the National Party and thus precludes his going into government with them. It’s absolutely reasonable for him to have prepared that case before the election with no idea he’d be in the position of holding the balance of power, and held off on filing it in case he decided to coalesce with National. If he had predetermined his coalition partner, he would have filed during the election campaign, as it would arguably have damaged National’s vote to do so.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:00 am
        
        “It’s absolutely reasonable for him to have prepared that case before the election with no idea he’d be in the position of holding the balance of powe“
        Most, if not all polls had NZF in that position. It is simply not credible to assert he had ‘no idea’ he would be in that position. And your blithely ignoring human nature. Taking legal action against people you could be in government with is a clear sign you have no intention of actually following through.
        
        Doogs …
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:58 am
        
        Pure supposition. Try and put up some actual facts. 10 steps to the right and off the edge of the world, I think.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:31 pm
        
        Cant recall the last time a Nat Minister had a sincere view
      - Draco T Bastard 7.1.1.1.3
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:43 pm
        
        This government was formed accidentally.
        Nope and no matter how many times you repeat it it’s still not going to be true. That means that, if you do repeat it after this, you’ll be lying.
        
        Labour never expected to be in government…
        
        Wrong again. The numbers actually stacked up in the weeks leading up to the election. Which is why National panicking throughout the election.
        
        They lack preparation, they lack experience.
        
        Wrong. they have experience. In many cases more than National have. And they have prepared as well – note all the actually policies that they have.
        
        There’s still going to be a few hiccups simply because shit happens.
        
        3stepstotheright 7.1.1.1.3.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 4:54 pm
        
        This is an accidental government. I’ve made the case clearly. And it’s been further supported by the fact that now the Government only has a majority on 5 of the 12 select committees.
        
        “The numbers actually stacked up in the weeks leading up to the election. ”
        
        Not without NZF it didn’t. And as the election drew closer, Nationals vote actually rose.
        
        “they have experience.”
        
        The PM has zero experience of anything of worth. The Minister of Finance has worked for MFAT, and then in politics. I could go on, but this is a line up of amateurs with very little life experience outside academia and politics.
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:10 pm
        
        You’ve made your case.
        
        Here’s the NZ Initiative arguing against MMP:
        
        MMP was designed in post World War II Germany to prevent a Führer-like figure emerging. A parliament of coalitions would prevent concentration of power.
        
        Works as advertised. Not by accident.
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:33 pm
        
        National and its supporters never believed they couldnt get 50% of vote plus the puppy and/or bnever elieved they just needed to make Peters DPM and govt benches were theirs again = accidental coalition.
        
        Hubris my friends. Pure and simple. And now the Susie robbed us and Barnes missed the forward pass of the rugby world cups mentality is showing.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:01 pm
        
        MMP decides the formation of parliament. It is then up to the component parts of parliament of form a government. This government is (at least for now) legitimate. They also happen to be accidental.
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:11 pm
        
        They also happen to be wibbly wobbly, and fake!!!, and my grandma could make a better government than you, and a you suck I want my mom government, and any other label you care to apply. After all, “sticks and stones will break my bones”.
        
        Still won’t get you the Treasury benches, and MMP is working as advertised.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:15 pm
        
        I have never argued it isn’t. It has delivered relatively stable government to NZ since 1996. The latest incarnation will certainly test it’s resilience for incompetence, but that’s democracy, eh!
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:24 pm
        
        Depends how you define incompetence. If they reduce the rate of malnutrition, “third world”* diseases, and “morbidity with a social gradient”** they’re beating National hands down.
        
        *which doesn’t really exist anymore: cf. Hans Rosling et al.
        
        **love how the Treasury department sound like soulless ghouls much?
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:11 pm
        
        “Depends how you define incompetence.”
        
        Well, it’s early days and we already have some good examples:
        
        http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11941091
        http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11941411
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:30 pm
        
        Yes! A win for National over mumble procedure committee something. Sorry. I failed civics, if it was a subject in the first place, which it wasn’t. What was the question?
        
        I’m not sure Labour can grasp that offering free tertiary education to everyone regardless of nationality is a good idea, but Germany does it. So that might be a win by serendipity.
        
        Serendippywhat mumble mumble.
        
        Government yay, National mumble technical details loser denial cough.
        
        Frank Macskasy …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:26 pm
        
        You are obsessed with this fanciful notion of “accidental”. Is that the best you have? Because really, 3waysdown, you’re showing yourself up as really inept in this discussion.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:30 pm
        
        https://thestandard.org.nz/so-there-was-a-housing-crisis-after-all/#comment-1410153
        
        Stop running away, Frank.
        
        Doogs …
        
        8 November 2017 at 8:01 am
        
        A one stringed instrument . . . or an accidental troll perhaps?
        
        mpledger …
        
        9 November 2017 at 5:19 pm
        
        Probably paid by how many posts he can make that carries the same meme i.e. “accidental government”.
        
        McFlock …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:16 pm
        
        Line 1: Winston negotiated with the nats in bad faith because he was always going to be taking legal action against the nats so was always going to go with Labour/green
        
        Line 2: This government is an accidental government because Winston could have gone with either party.
        
        lol
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:54 pm
        
        Line 1 is correct.
        
        Line 2 should read: Labour polled 36%, and the Labour Green combination never looked like making a sustained attempt at government. Even Trevor Mallard had given up.
        
        McFlock …
        
        7 November 2017 at 11:44 pm
        
        Yet they still campaigned, negotiated, and won.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:01 am
        
        And now we know why!
        
        McFlock …
        
        8 November 2017 at 1:06 pm
        
        Yes.
        
        Because the nats believed their own bullshit that winston could be bought with a few baubles, so treated him like shit and still expected him to roll over if they offered him enough.
        
        Whereas Labour and the greens treated him with respect.
        
        See how that works?
        
        Even if he had no intention of going with National (and they could still have got him on side if they’d treated him with respect) Winston could have just said “a plague on both your houses”. But he chose to work with Labour.
        
        mpledger …
        
        9 November 2017 at 5:27 pm
        
        Winston is a lawyer. He is using his knowledge of the law to get to the heart of a very serious issues – who leaked his private information. To lawyers suing people is neither here not there – it’s just a tool.
        
        National have nothing to fear from his request if they have nothing to hide. In fact, they ought to be happy in helping to weed out any state servant who has been breaching privacy.
        
        But the more National supporters are seen to be generating so much opprobrium about the whole things means that National must have something to hide.
        
        Carolyn_nth …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:18 pm
        
        Unlike Bill English who worked on a farm for a couple of years, then went into politics.
        
        David Parker – worked in law then in business, including as a manager.
        
        Gerry Brownlee- worked in his family’s timber business, trained as a builder, then went into teaching.
        
        Bennett – worked in a rest home, then went into politics.
        
        Robertson – yes worked for MFAT, including at the UN – also managed NZ’s overseas aid programme, to Samoa
        
        Steven Joyce – was a radio presenter, was part of the team that built up the station.
        
        Chris Hipkin, worked as policy analyst for Industry Training Federation, then as training manager for Todd Energy, then worked in parliament.
        
        Yeah – glaring difference there?!
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:30 pm
        
        Bill English worked on Dad’s farm following a Degree in English Lit… holiday “job”? Then became a career bureaucrat working for Treasury and tfen a politician
        
        Do not forget Joyces Zoology Degree. As for radio. A 28 year old working in an Auckland radio station with a Marketing and Communications Dehree gaining adveryisers and arranging events gets paid 47k after being there 3 years. So you could say he learned the ways of low wages = wealth for owner….
        
        Carolyn_Nth …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:45 pm
        
        Brownlee, went to St Bedes’ school (privileged education?) Failed UE twice, then went to work in family’s business where he trained as a carpenter….
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:53 pm
        
        Notice the recurrence of the word ‘worked’. And the influence of private enterprise. You know, actually being responsible for making money, not just spending it.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:16 pm
        
        “Chris Hipkin, worked as policy analyst for Industry Training Federation, then as training manager for Todd Energy, then worked in parliament.”
        
        Analyst. Training Manager. MP. Great. No wonder he screwed up so badly today.
        
        eco Maori/kiwi …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:26 pm
        
        3 stupid right Get some tissues I can see a tear in your eyes
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:27 pm
        
        LOL
        
        tracey …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:26 pm
        
        You actually come across as a parody now.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:38 pm
        
        Not without NZF it didn’t.
        
        That means that they stacked up.
        
        The PM has zero experience of anything of worth.
        
        She’s been in the NZ parliament for the last nine years and she’s run multiple political organisations.
        
        The Minister of Finance has worked for MFAT, and then in politics.
        
        So he knows what’s happening then.
        
        I could go on, but this is a line up of amateurs with very little life experience outside academia and politics.
        
        Better than what National have which isn’t even that and they’re completely disconnected from reality.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 5:46 pm
        
        “That means that they stacked up.”
        Your argument was about BEFORE the election.
        
        “She’s been in the NZ parliament for the last nine years ”
        Big deal.
        
        “and she’s run multiple political organisations.”
        No she hasn’t. She’s been a researcher and political advisor, and President of the International Socialist Youth
        
        “So he knows what’s happening then.”
        He knows nothing about Finance.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        7 November 2017 at 6:27 pm
        
        Your argument was about BEFORE the election.
        
        So?
        
        Before the election the numbers stacked up – it was a high probability that it could be a Labour/NZ1st/Green government. All the parties (except possibly National) would have planned on the eventuality.
        
        Big deal.
        
        Yes it is.
        
        No she hasn’t. She’s been a researcher and political advisor, and President of the International Socialist Youth
        
        Exactly. She has serious experience.
        
        He knows nothing about Finance.
        
        I’m pretty sure that you’ll find that he does.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:09 pm
        
        “So”
        So, the numbers didn’t stack up before the election without NZF.
        
        “Exactly. She has serious experience.”
        At nothing of real significance.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        8 November 2017 at 12:33 am
        
        So, the numbers didn’t stack up before the election without NZF.
        
        Which is meaningless. With NZ1st it was a distinct possibility even before the election and now we have a government after hard negotiation. Nothing accidental about it.
        
        At nothing of real significance.
        
        I think you’ll find that she’s done more positive stuff for the world than any one in National who only ever think of themselves.
        
        And, yeah, it’s real world stuff with real significance.
        
        As i said up thread – you can keep telling lying to yourself but it won’t change the facts.
        
        Doogs …
        
        8 November 2017 at 8:06 am
        
        And what does Joyce know about finance? Failed papers and saw a fictitious hole in some well researched and verified figures. Don’t make me laugh!
        
        Frank Macskasy …
        
        8 November 2017 at 12:25 am
        
        And you’ve got posts to reply to about your bullshit lies Frank.
        
        Oh dear me… someone’s throwing their toys around… 😀
        
        red-blooded …
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:46 am
        
        People get experience by doing the job. Key had bugger all experience when he became PM. Many of the Nat ministers were without real experience when they started in their roles.
        
        Get over it, mate. You lost. There’s a new government, elected by a majority of voters. Your last government was actually elected by a minority (49.3% if I remember correctly) – this one was elected by more than that (50.4%). A small difference, but the point is that this government is perfectly legitimate and you need to accept the decision of the voters.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:03 am
        
        Legitimate, oh yes. But accidental none the less.
        
        red-blooded …
        
        8 November 2017 at 11:51 am
        
        Piss off. Those of us who voted for these three parties did so deliberately. The 3 parties negotiated together. Deliberately. They made a set of (deliberate) agreements.
        
        There’s not such thing as an “accidental” government. Voters make decisions. So do politicians. It’s not like there was a giant flood and the Nats were washed away in an accidental landslip or wave. They were voted out – there’s a difference.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 12:11 pm
        
        The definition of an accidental Government is one who didn’t expect to be in government, and is only in government because of a party who did not negotiate honestly. If the shoe fits…
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 12:20 pm
        
        “The 3 parties negotiated together.”
        
        Which three parties?
        
        If you’re referring to Labour, NZF and the Greens, you’re wrong. NZF negotiated a coalition agreement with Labour, who then negotiated a supply & confidence agreement with the Greens.
        
        Labour got screwed by thinking NZF were sincerely talking to National; the Greens got screwed because they are once again outside of the coalition agreement. Which is why we have this https://thestandard.org.nz/the-missing-noun/.
        
        RedLogix …
        
        8 November 2017 at 12:24 pm
        
        You are making two false claims:
        
        1. Immediately after the election it was always obvious on the numbers that a Lab/NZ1/Grn coalition was a real possibility. To suggest no-one could have ‘expected’ it is just plain wrong.
        
        2. If you have specific evidence that NZ1 lied, or misled National at any point during the negotiation process, on any substantive matter, now would be a good time to produce it. Weak waffles will not cut mustard.
        
        I should advise you that tiresome repitition of false or unsubstantiated claims tends to eventually get the moderators attention.
        
        I realise it was YOUR expectation that NZ1 would go with National, but projecting this onto the rest of us an calling it an ‘accident’, is a trainwreck that is taking place entirely inside your head.
        
        Sally's Husband …
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:02 pm
        
        “Accidental”?
        
        That’s quite an insult to all those voters who voted Labour, Green, and NZ First. So basically what you’re telling us is that in your view anyone who doesn’t vote the way you want them to is an “accident”?
        
        Even by Tory standards that’s quite a high level of arrogance you’re showing us, 3Steps.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 10:36 pm
        
        “That’s quite an insult to all those voters who voted Labour, Green, and NZ First. So basically what you’re telling us is that in your view anyone who doesn’t vote the way you want them to is an “accident”?”
        
        Oh dear, that is pathetic. I have made no reference to voters, only to this government. So stop your crying.
      - Frank Macskasy 7.1.1.1.4
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:09 pm
        
        3stepsintolalaland, your grasp on reality is tenuous, to say the least.
        
        In case you hadn’t noticed because you’re lost in your own lalaland, 1,152,075 voters voted for National.
        
        1,305,333 voted for opposition parties (Labour, NZF, Greens).
        
        ref: http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/
        
        1,305,333 beats 1,152,075 .
        
        You are unable to accept the will of the people graciously. I think you’d be happier in a one-party state.
        
        3stepstotheright 7.1.1.1.4.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:12 pm
        
        You’ve got some catching up to do on another thread, Frank, where I exposed your lie about debt under National. You’re over your 4 hours.
        
        Frank Macskasy …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:30 pm
        
        The only thing “exposed” is your willful tendency to cherry pick “facts” and mis-represent with half-truths, omission, and outright lies.
        
        Don’t forget, my anonymous little troll, that others can read the rubbish and links you post and have arrived at the same conclusion.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:31 pm
        
        https://thestandard.org.nz/so-there-was-a-housing-crisis-after-all/#comment-1410153
        
        McFlock and others valiantly tried to defend your honour, but failed.
        
        I’ll extend your 4 hours Frank. Any courage to have a go?
        
        [lprent: Don’t demand. Or I will make start making manfatory demands on you and you won’t like them. It is a stupid behaviour that usually starts flamewars and gets me annoyed. Then I depart from my usual loveable behaviour and have some fun educating the fuckwit who wasted my time.
        
        Read the policy and count this as a warning. ]
        
        Frank Macskasy …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:41 pm
        
        3steps… mate, if you didn’t get it the first time, I’m not wasting a second go at it with you. Re-read what I wrote. It’s still there, and I kept my language simple for you.
        
        Try to keep up.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:42 pm
        
        “Re-read what I wrote. ”
        
        Here’s what you wrote:
        
        ” and paid down the debt that the Nats had accumulated over the ’90s.”
        
        And this was my response:
        
        “Well that’s demonstrably false.
        A graph showing net debt to GDP is available here https://tradingeconomics.com/new-zealand/government-debt-to-gdp.
        Extend the parameters out to “MAX”. Net debt peaked just after the end of the Labour government in 1990, and reduced steadily through to the election of Labour in 1999.”
        
        McFlock even tried to suggest you were referring to ‘actual debt’, but even then you were wrong https://thestandard.org.nz/so-there-was-a-housing-crisis-after-all/#comment-1410390.
        
        And please don’t call me ‘mate’.
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        7 November 2017 at 7:50 pm
        
        Don’t call this little tosser “mate”, Frank. Call him “poppet” or “sweety” or “the gimp”.
        
        Or perhaps “a flaccid avatar for centre right talking points”.
        
        Whatever. Just not “mate”. OK? That might hurt his alleged feelings.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:01 am
        
        You obviously missed Frank’s comment about my taking more than 4 hours to reply to a post.
        
        Sally's Husband …
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:00 pm
        
        He more than replied and answered, 3Steps. You just didn’t like the answer you got. Because his was correct and yours is bullshit.
        
        If you’re the same clown that kept spamming The Daily Blog with your misinformation and distortions, then you got your ass kicked all over the place on that blogsite as well.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        8 November 2017 at 10:34 pm
        
        “He more than replied and answered, 3Steps. ”
        
        Another sycophant appears for Franky.
        
        No, Sally, Frank didn’t answer, because he made a claim he knew was a lie. But here’s challenge for you. Post the reference where Frank answered this https://thestandard.org.nz/build-a-bridge-and-get-over-it/#comment-1411151.
        
        Go on.
        
        mpledger …
        
        9 November 2017 at 5:49 pm
        
        On an August 28 report
        NZ First leader Winston Peters says he won’t stand by and let someone get away with “blatant dirty politics” after information about his superannuation overpayment was leaked.
        
        “I’ve been flat out, as you know, on the campaign of issues and when I’ve got time I’ll turn my mind to it, but I’m not going to stand by and let someone get away with blatant dirty politics and breaking the law.”
        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96249118/Winston-Peters-has-investigators-working-on-who-leaked-info-about-his-pension-overpayment
        
        The election was in September.
        
        Peters was quite upfront before the election about going after who leaked his information after the election. He was open and transparent. National chose to negotiate with him under those conditions just as he chose to negotiate with them.
        
        3stepstotheright …
        
        9 November 2017 at 9:57 pm
        
        “He was open and transparent. ”
        
        No, he wasn’t. He negotiated with National to screw down Labour. He succeeded, but it was utterly dishonest…to both Labour and National.
        
        mpledger …
        
        10 November 2017 at 11:29 pm
        
        This is getting exceedingly silly.
        
        In negotiations, people use leverage to get what they want. And everyone in negotiations know their opponents are doing so.
        
        Winston had leverage and he apparently used it very wisely.
        
        And National made some really dumb choices to give Winston that leverage.
    - Grantoc 7.1.1.2
      
      7 November 2017 at 8:28 pm
      
      Matthew, you’re making a very generous assumption about NZ First voters. A different but equally valid assumption is that many of them (the majority perhaps) have very little or no idea of what they’re voting for and the implications of their vote – except that they ‘like’ Winston. That was it. And thats why questions can be raised about how much moral authority this government actually has to be the government.
      - Venezia 7.1.1.2.1
        
        7 November 2017 at 11:32 pm
        
        Grantoc…Just like many National voters have very little idea what they are voting for and the implications of that vote – except that they are property speculators and don’t want their huge capital gains threatened.
        
        Grantoc 7.1.1.2.1.1
        
        8 November 2017 at 5:18 pm
        
        There must be a huge number of property speculators out there Venezia – just under 50% of the voting public.
        
        Who ever knew this – apart from you Venezia, But you might be slightly exaggerating me thinks.
        
        mpledger …
        
        9 November 2017 at 6:11 pm
        
        Whoosh!
      - greywarshark 7.1.1.2.2
        
        9 November 2017 at 6:30 pm
        
        Oh Grantoc considers in his eminence that he is thinking ‘about how much moral authority this government actually has to be the government’.
roy cartland 8

7 November 2017 at 4:00 pm

Wow, that sucked. Really sloppy from the govo. As Gordon Campbell says:
http://werewolf.co.nz/2017/11/gordon-campbell-on-the-battle-over-select-committees/

“Footnote: Well, that didn’t last long. Never under-estimate Labour’s ability to score an own-goal. Not only did Labour miscount the initial vote to elect Trevor Mallard as Speaker – it had the votes, but was bamboozled by National into thinking that it didn’t – but in its confusion, it then gave away its strategic position on select committee representation, for no valid reason.

Blimey. If Labour can’t lift its game, the next three years are going to be ugly.”
- Matthew Whitehead 8.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 4:12 pm
  
  Yeah, not a good sign, although once all members are sworn in, this sort of bluff can’t be repeated again because they’ll only need a fraction of members present to give the remaining votes in absentia.
  - roy cartland 8.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 4:30 pm
    
    Yeah, I guess a fool is better than a knave, but still…
- Draco T Bastard 8.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 4:44 pm
  
  I think this shows that no parliamentary vote should be able to go through until everyone’s sworn in as it’s removing people representation.
  
  Oh, and the count of who’s there should be electronic.
  - tracey 8.2.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 5:34 pm
    
    And Chippy needs to pay attention to detail. If he knew the numbers were fine he needed to communicate that better to those giving the SC concessions.
  - Matthew Whitehead 8.2.2
    
    7 November 2017 at 6:18 pm
    
    Well, Labour claims they weren’t taken in and rather they made the decision based on wanting the vote to be unanimous. Up to you if you believe that.
- Anne 8.3
  
  7 November 2017 at 6:29 pm
  
  Have to agree Roy Cartland @ 8. Good grief, they should have seen that one coming. And fancy conceding all those select committee placings. On a hiding to nothing methinks. And
  why did they not hit back and called the Nats out for being pathetic losers and playing childish games that don’t benefit anyone?
  
  Winston Peters and David Parker are already at APEC but the others… why the hell were they not there on the very first day of parliament? Not good enough.
- Sanctuary 8.4
  
  7 November 2017 at 7:06 pm
  
  Labour’s whip(s) and leader of the house need to be fired over this fiasco.
Booker 9

7 November 2017 at 5:21 pm

I agree this isn’t the greatest start, but it’s a useful lesson for Labour/Greens/NZ First: National are modeling themselves after the US Republican Party, looking to obstruct everything possible and can’t be expected to follow parliamentary convention (or their word given Bill English said before the session they’d vote for Mallard).

Instead they’ll be looking for every loophole in parliament rules to try crap like this. Sure they got some MPs on select committees but National themselves just spent 9 years ignoring select committee advice, so I don’t think there’s much gain there. And in return they’ve shown they have no problem maneuvering things to their advantage when government MPs are away doing their jobs (how’s that for eroding democracy!), as well as give the government the clear heads up that they can’t even so much as assume reasonableness or adult behavior out of National – just like the GOP.

They’ve clearly revealed their hand from the very opening, but I think in the long term the gain isn’t going to match the benefit – if I were in Labour I’d now be playing very hard ball, closing off every loophole in parliament proceedings in order to smash National. It also shows yet again to anyone who might think of going into coalition with them that National are unable to get along with anyone.
- Carolyn_Nth 9.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 5:38 pm
  
  According to quotes of Ardern, etc., on RNZ, they had wanted a unanimous, uncontested vote for Speaker, as is traditional, and knew they had the numbers to elect Mallard if a vote was forced.
  
  It reads like before the speaker election, etc, National had agreed with Labour to support Mallard – but then saw an opportunity to vote someone of their choice,
  
  http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/343269/govt-denies-being-hoodwinked-over-speaker-election-vote
  
  Also sounds like it’s increased Green MP involvement in select committees – sounds good to me.
  - James 9.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 7:01 pm
    
    Gee they gave away a lot just for a unanimous vote.
- One Anonymous Bloke 9.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 6:18 pm
  
  Bridges is making his play for leadership. The authoritarian followers will struggle not to follow him.
  
  Happy days.
- Frank Macskasy 9.3
  
  7 November 2017 at 7:35 pm
  
  I agree, Booker.
  
  But more to the point, it shows that National is continuing to engage in dishonest tactics and the headline-grabbing media will love this.
  
  And if the Nats go “nuclear” as the US Republicans have done, they’ll find themselves dropping in the polls. In the US they still have First Past the Post, so conservative voters have nowhere to go. In NZ, under MMP, voters have more flexibility; more choices.
  
  The Nats may find that the public don’t like their taxes being wasted by obstructionist MPs indulging in point-scoring and game playing.
  
  If I were English, I’d be re-thinking this strategy. New Zealanders want co-operation in parliament, not obstruction. This will re-bound badly on him.
  
  I await the next polls very eagerly.
  - One Anonymous Bloke 9.3.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 7:47 pm
    
    I have a sneaking suspicion they’re already out, for those in ~~the know~~ David Farrar’s propaganda trough.
    
    This just in: ~~David Farrar~~ National “is still above Labour” 🙂
  - Grantoc 9.3.2
    
    7 November 2017 at 10:24 pm
    
    Frank – explain if you will in what way “National is ….engaging in dishonest tactics”?
    
    Given that close to 50% of the electorate (the public) voted for the Nats, I’d say the public would quite pleased by their tactics, which may mean their poll ratings increase.
    
    And by the way how do you know that ‘New Zealanders want co operation in parliament, not obstruction”. Tell us about your research into this.
    - Sam aka clump 9.3.2.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 10:30 pm
      
      Don’t mean to but in. Just wanted to mention that Saudi sheep business thing. And that other high profile case about using others interlectual property for campaign purposes. Catcha later.
    - Frank Macskasy 9.3.2.2
      
      8 November 2017 at 12:01 am
      
      Grantoc… I have a few blogposts on my blog and/or The Daily Blog that will answer your questions about National’s dishonest tactics. We can start with Bill English lying about Todd Barclay and work backwards from there to Dear Leader Key and his 500+ fibs (which fellow poster/blogger BLiP has documented extensively)…
      
      Given that close to 50% of the electorate (the public) voted for the Nats
      
      National got 44.4% of the vote. That’s not “close to 50% of the electorate”.
      
      In fact, their 1,152,075 Party Votes represents only about a quarter of the population.
      
      ref: http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/
      
      Tell us about your research into this.
      
      Really?!
      - Wayne 9.3.2.2.1
        
        8 November 2017 at 7:34 am
        
        On that basis Labour only got 20% of the vote of the population. It is a meaningless statistic.
        
        Sally's Husband 9.3.2.2.1.1
        
        8 November 2017 at 9:04 pm
        
        Regardless of which, I agree: 44.4% is not “close to 50%”. 49% is close to 50%. 49.9% is even closer. But not 44.4%. You Righties really need to learn to count.
        
        Frank Macskasy 9.3.2.2.1.2
        
        9 November 2017 at 7:46 am
        
        That’s true, Wayne. But Labour hasn’t been whinging about some mythical “moral right to govern”. They haven’t assumed that size equates to a mandate to automatically to govern.
        
        The sense of entitlement from the Nats is over-powering and we’re not getting that from anyone else.
  - Booker 9.3.3
    
    7 November 2017 at 11:11 pm
    
    I agree too – obstructionism isn’t going to work in an MMP environment. Not to mention most people will already have enough exposure to US politics to recognize the same tricks being played out here, so it will get old fast.
  - 3stepstotheright 9.3.4
    
    8 November 2017 at 10:26 am
    
    Good spin, Frank, but Labour are claiming they knew they had the numbers, so why concede on the SC’s? Labour are lying. And they need to lean to count.
    - Sam aka clump 9.3.4.1
      
      8 November 2017 at 11:46 am
      
      I guess the honeymoon is over. Let the bitchin begin!
    - Frank Macskasy 9.3.4.2
      
      9 November 2017 at 7:51 am
      
      And they need to lean to count.
      
      The left are way ahead of you on that point 3stepsto***. The most trenchant criticism has been from supporters of this government.
      
      But I repeat; if that’s how the Tories want to play the game, so be it. I’m betting that the Coalition Government has learned it’s lesson and won’t be allowing a repeat any time soon.
      
      Meanwhile, the Public will be the one to decide if National’s dishonesty will be supported or not. Again, I’m betting that New Zealanders’ innate sense of fair play will view dimly the machinations from the Nats.
      
      But if you think that kind of behaviour is acceptable by you, well, that speaks volumes about your own moral compass.
      - 3stepstotheright 9.3.4.2.1
        
        9 November 2017 at 7:57 am
        
        http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11941784
        
        It wasn’t National being dishonest Frank.
        
        Sam aka clump 9.3.4.2.1.1
        
        9 November 2017 at 11:17 am
        
        Wow 3way. PHD’s in economics?? 😂😂😂😂
- Matthew Whitehead 9.4
  
  7 November 2017 at 11:14 pm
  
  Yeah, this is why when I wrote this piece I was pleased it looked like they were going to play hardball with National. I’m still not sure I buy their line about giving up their position on that just to get Mallard appointed as Speaker with no contest. If the opposition wants to play hardball, you play hardball with spikes.
- Venezia 9.5
  
  7 November 2017 at 11:37 pm
  
  Booker…I agree 100%.
patricia bremner 10

7 November 2017 at 5:52 pm

Our whips didn’t work it.
- Sanctuary 10.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 7:05 pm
  
  What do you expect, when the Labour chief whip is that useless piece of past it dead wood Ruth Dyson? She should get the bullet for this fiasco, but she won’t because she is a woman with all the right connections in the party’s factions.
- Westiechick 10.2
  
  7 November 2017 at 8:05 pm
  
  who didn’t turn up and why?
  - Delia 10.2.1
    
    8 November 2017 at 12:25 am
    
    Well Winston is at Apec, I get the impression they were all gainfully employed elsewhere..you could always ask on the Labour FB page..do a bit of your own homework.
Nick 11

7 November 2017 at 5:54 pm

Really childish from the natz, what a pack of wasters. Pathetic bunch of humans.
- James 11.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 7:00 pm
  
  Yet they have put themselves in a position to oppose more effectively- great result.
  - the pigman 11.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 7:14 pm
    
    Yup, you’ve got to hand it for them, the Nats were complete shit at governing, but they seem to have really found their niche in Opposition — fighting the battles about the political issues that count.
    
    Their talents would be wasted elsewhere, I’m sure the electorate will oblige and let them do what they’re good at for the next 12 – 20 years, or until the board gets taken over and they’re re-branded by the next shareholder activist, whichever comes earlier.
cleangreen 12

7 November 2017 at 7:13 pm

It was a planned strategy from the house of “Dirty politics” so we should never expect this pathetic lot of National MP’s to work in the best interests of all citizens of NZ and not just for their rich friends.

We now know what to expect from this ‘dysfuctional National Tory lot’ from now on.

Jacinda make sure in future to have your enemies (national) close and your coalition partners much closer.
Foreign waka 13

7 November 2017 at 7:18 pm

And here I am thinking that the NZ parliamentarians are so much better than what we see in the US…. apparently not. It must be tremendously embarrassing to have Mr English constantly going on about why he is not the PM. Good god, get on with it and give something back after so many years of a more than ample remuneration from your employer, the taxpayer.
- gsays 13.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 11:15 pm
  
  To be fair, fw, it is the issue he would march in the street for.
cleangreen 14

7 November 2017 at 7:55 pm

Yes Foriegn waka,
I agree entirely here.
Labour coalition needs to now investigate the whole last nine years of financial documentation to see what seedy corrupt practices went on under natioonal as we can see clearly now they rely on deluding and bluffing the public as they hoodwinked the labour today with the threat of saying they had ‘the majority’ when they did not clearly have so labour need to re-double their efforts to find undesirable financial dealings in all those last nine years of dealings they made as there may well be some evidence of using public funding to carry out their past dealings with other parties illegally.

National are dishonest, and Labour will find some evidence in those Government financial records over the last nine years for sure.

Jacinda please ‘lets do this’.
- Grantoc 14.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 10:27 pm
  
  You don’t know what you’re talking about CG.
  - One Anonymous Bloke 14.1.1
    
    8 November 2017 at 9:00 am
    
    Looks that way. I thought everyone knew that the bribes National MPs and ministers solicit are delivered in the form of “lucrative business opportunities” once they leave office.
    
    The Party gets cash upfront, the MPs deliver whatever legislation has been paid for, and book a seat at the trough for later.
Ian 15

7 November 2017 at 8:05 pm

no excuse for basic incompetence.If labour were running my dairy farm today and didn’t have a resource consent ,we would have been given an abatement notice. The clowns are running the circus. Failing to sort out the chaiman ,with hundreds of years of precedent is a massive fail for this government.
- greywarshark 15.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 8:29 pm
  
  They have only just started their term. How come you are decrying Labour and lambasting them ie roasting them like mutton chops on the barbecue? Are you always going to be making negative comments about the left? Or maybe I just look at the wrong times.
  - Ian 15.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 9:03 pm
    
    They are only their because a short drunk bearing a grudge has a liking for baubles . You need to implant that in your brain as the Government evolves.
    - mauī 15.1.1.1
      
      7 November 2017 at 9:17 pm
      
      Have some faith in your new regional commandant please Ian, this is only day 1.
    - patricia bremner 15.1.1.2
      
      8 November 2017 at 12:35 am
      
      Ian, takes one to know one. Short drunk that is.
- Delia 15.2
  
  8 November 2017 at 12:23 am
  
  If only the National MPs realised we employ them and they are actually working for us, not their pathetic party which is now out of govt..sorry Ian the truth hurts, but it is over for National. Labour/NZFirst are now in charge.
- RedLogix 15.3
  
  8 November 2017 at 1:56 am
  
  Turns out that the members absent had the leave of Parliament, and everyone knew the numbers, but National exploited this without warning to play an ugly game. It is routine for members to be absent the House and customary for all Parties to respect this, and/or resolve any concerns expeditiously in the Business Committee. Breaking with this basic courtesy to is unprecedented.
  
  And again, it is customary for the Speaker to be elected unopposed as a mark of respect for the role; blackmailing the govt by threatening to force a vote is also unprecedented.
  
  And then using that blackmail to derail change to an agreement that the House had already voted for unanimously is a blatant, cynical hypocrisy of the lowest kind.
  
  And naturally our media lapped this up and praised this ‘brazen bluff’ all to high heaven.
  
  And all this on the first day. Well English did signal that he was going to run an obstructionist Opposition and now we have the opening play in that game plan confirmed. It’s not going to get any better from here on in.
  
  While Adern may shrug it away as a ‘bit of politics”, Mallard who now runs the House will not forget in a hurry.
  - Wayne 15.3.1
    
    8 November 2017 at 7:16 am
    
    David Carter was not elected unopposed. That might be part of the reason for yesterday. Also deep memories of 1996, when Labour just went crazy in the first few weeks of opposition.
    Labour was hardly noted for assisting the government during the last 9 years, and used whatever leverage they had.
    But overall not a big deal, in fact business as usual.
    Labour can’t just stiff National whenever they want as they were doing on the Select Committee numbers. Inevitably there will be consequences.
    In the event the Speaker was elected unopposed.
    - Graeme 15.3.1.1
      
      8 November 2017 at 7:40 am
      
      “In the event the Speaker was elected unopposed”
      
      In my mind that was the objective. And achieved, with clarity. National has to accept Trevor Mallard as legitimate speaker and can’t grumble like Labour did with Carter.
      
      It also showed Jacinda Ardern is prepared to do business and make a deal. It looked a bit messy, but so’s business and life.
      
      National came across as petulant children, sure they got half of what they wanted, but they had to support the Speaker’s appointment.
      
      Good governance by Jacinda Ardern.
  - Wayne 15.3.2
    
    8 November 2017 at 7:19 am
    
    Mallard will put this in the past. He was ultimately elected unopposed.
    If Mallard wants to be remembered as a good speaker he will act in a non partisan fashion. Lockwood Smith set a good example of that.
Carolyn_nth 16

7 November 2017 at 8:13 pm

First comes denial – belligerence and arrogance to delay the feelings of grief.

And this oldie from Gordon Lightfoot for the “pretty legal” song copyright infringers:

Sometimes I think it’s a sin,
When I think that I’m winning and I’m losing again.
RedLogix 17

7 November 2017 at 8:43 pm

An archetypal ‘under-arm bowl’ moment from National. They’ve won the point, but reputational damage will linger for a long time after.
- James 17.1
  
  7 November 2017 at 9:46 pm
  
  Reading all the press it’s labour that have come out bad not national.
  - RedLogix 17.1.1
    
    7 November 2017 at 10:32 pm
    
    Colour me surprised. Funny how they say things like it was ‘blatant blackmail’ or ‘an audacious stunt’ … but come down on the side of approving of it.
  - Doogs 17.1.2
    
    8 November 2017 at 8:22 am
    
    “badly” . . . it’s an adverb, related to the verb “come” . . . how I hate uneducated trolls!
  - Ffloyd 17.1.3
    
    11 November 2017 at 7:39 am
    
    ‘All the Press’ Do you mean NZ Herald and Stuff NatRags? Do you read anything else?
Roy 18

7 November 2017 at 9:43 pm

Well I’m going with slamming a few things out under urgency. If the Nats are going to be dicks about it and just set out to undermine and frustrate, the Gov can just go without them. They wouldn’t be the first, now would they.
NewsFlash 19

7 November 2017 at 11:29 pm

Absolutely hilarious, tonight, reading the posts from all those disenfranchised Nat voters vent their frustration because not enough Kiwis were stupid enough to support the biggest liars in NZ political history, I bet their alcohol consumption has increased dramatically since the inevitable news was delivered.

NZ has a habit of replacing the Government every 9 yrs, regardless of how effective or ineffective, as in the most recent election.
- Drowsy M. Kram 19.1
  
  8 November 2017 at 12:21 am
  
  Yes, a hugely entertaining series of comments from disappointed Nat supporters, and if this opening salvo is any indication then the governing Labour/NZ1st/Green team can look forward to an erratic stream of National party own goals for the foreseeable future.
  
  The fact that many commentators see National’s blackmail bluff as a win is tragicomedy gold. It’s confirmation (as if any was needed) that the Nat magpies intend to continue their dirty lying ways – what a gift. Wait until Joyce and English start cawing again about fiscal holes – they just can’t help themselves.
  
  IF the NAct opposition can behave in a consistently constructive fashion, and begin the process of party renewal (and, critically, leadership renewal) without importing more deBarclays, then they might just have a shot at the NZ treasury benches in six years. But that’s a big IF. They are propelled by a glut of lies that has generated considerable momentum, and even with the best will in the woeld will take time for reform.
Delia 20

8 November 2017 at 12:21 am

National let us know when you want to start working for the country and not for yourselves. I doubt the NZ public will put up with these stunts for very long.
Michelle 21

10 November 2017 at 11:58 am

I listened to many of the maiden speeches in parliament yesterday the gnats sound like they still haven’t come to terms with MMP or losing. They were happy with MMP delivering them 3 terms but now they seems angry , bitter, twisted and out for revenge. They really need to pull their bloody heads in or bugger of if they aren’t truly interested in what is best for our country and stop being selfish. And the rubbish that came out of some of their mouths they truly believe their own spin. Hayes and Lee should be ashamed of themselves putting the boot into their own people and they really think they have made a difference. Now if they had made such a difference to Maori why have so many chosen to vote for change. We ain’t all stupid.

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Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery funding
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Further environmental mismanagement on the cards
The Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environment
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management system
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise Palestine
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kind
The Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Three strikes has failed before and will fail again
Resurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Māori Party
1 week ago

Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freeze
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Fast-track submissions period must be extended
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Release: Progress on climate will be undone by Govt
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect them
News that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunches
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Oranga Tamariki cuts commit tamariki to state abuse
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
Māori Party
2 weeks ago

Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals bill
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Government throws coal on the climate crisis fire
The Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project instead
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priority
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Te Pāti Māori to visit Queensland to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
Māori Party
2 weeks ago

Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful law
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homes
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Labour Blog
3 weeks ago

Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on media
The action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...
Labour Blog
3 weeks ago

Landlord Government leaves little hope for renters
The Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Opportunity to build a more sustainable economy
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Mining resurgence a welcome sign
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 hours ago

Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
16 hours ago

Government to boost public EV charging network
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
16 hours ago

Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
17 hours ago

Independent review into disability support services
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
22 hours ago

Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
24 hours ago

Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Speech – Eid al-Fitr
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Government saves access to medicines
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Pharmac Chair appointed
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Diplomacy needed more than ever
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

PM announces changes to portfolios
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
7 days ago

New catch limits for unique fishery areas
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Overseas decommissioning models considered
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Trade relationship with China remains strong
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 weeks ago

$41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 weeks ago

Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 weeks ago

Judicial appointments announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 weeks ago

Free trade deal with the European Union comes into force
The European Union ambassador says the FTA will have immediate wins for kiwifruit, apple, and onion growers. ...
Radio NZ – political
35 mins ago

Violence against women is both a legal and cultural problem. What can we do to address it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosalind Dixon, Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW Sydney Australia is finally having a sustained conversation about violence against women and what we can do about it. It is more than time. Australian women and girls continue to experience ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
41 mins ago

GP clinics are going to pay more payroll tax, which could reduce bulk billing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne stockfour/Shutterstock Preliminary bulk billing data released this week shows a 2.1% rise in bulk billing up to March. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
41 mins ago

‘Make me a sandwich’: our survey’s disturbing picture of how some boys treat their teachers
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Schulz, Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Australia is once again grappling with how we can stop gendered violence in our country. Protests over the weekend show there is enormous community anger over the number of women who are dying and National ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
41 mins ago

Australians lose $5,200 a minute to scammers. There’s a simple thing the government could do to re...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University AnastasiaDudka/Shutterstock What if the government was doing everything it could to stop thieves making off with our money, except the one thing that could really work? That’s how it ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
41 mins ago

Psychological drama, wilderness reality and everyone’s favourite dog: the best of streaming this M...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury The Conversation It seems to be a time of old favourites. This month our experts have recommended two new seasons – the second season of Alone Australia (although ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
41 mins ago

Te Tiriti o Waitangi could be heading home after 'long and arduous journey'
After 184 years, Te Tiriti o Waitangi may be on its way home. ...
Radio NZ – political
57 mins ago

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is about to peak and could be the best this century – here’s how ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland A bright Eta Aquariid meteor photobombed this photo of comet C/2020 F8 (SWAN) in May 2020. Jonti Horner Meteors – commonly known as shooting stars – can be seen on any night of the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 hour ago

Wondering what Australia might look like in a hotter world? Take a glimpse into the distant past
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Flannery, Honorary fellow, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Current concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere are unprecedented in human history. But CO₂ levels today, and those that might occur in coming decades, did occur millions of years ago. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 hour ago

Foreign minister speech tipped to shed light on Aukus involvement
Winston Peters has been keen to dismiss speculation on our involvement in Aukus but will give a speech tonight on the direction of our foreign policy, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
2 hours ago

Will New Zealand’s school phone ban work? Let’s see what it does for students’ curiosity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Usmar, Lecturer in Critical Media Literacies, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images With the coalition government’s ban of student mobile phones in New Zealand schools coming into effect this week, reaction has ranged from the sceptical (kids will just get ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 hours ago

School's struggle with asbestos removal: 'It's destroyed me'
An Auckland school's efforts to get rid of asbestos has been so tough its principal thought of quitting the job. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 hours ago

Urgent democratic need to save NZ’s journalism ecosystem
A new report on protecting journalism and democracy in New Zealand recommends a levy be charged on global platforms like Facebook and Google to fund media firms undertaking public interest reporting. It also calls for the reinstatement of a powerful Broadcasting Commission to distribute public funding for journalism and other ...
NewsroomBy Tim Murphy
3 hours ago

Unions Celebrate May Day During Tough Time For Working People
On International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi and the wider union movement are celebrating the proud history of the labour movement during a tough time for working people. ...
Scoop politics
3 hours ago

'Never a right time' – MPs respond to pay rise news
The pay rises are not particularly great timing when the public is doing it tough, ACT Party leader David Seymour says. ...
Radio NZ – political
4 hours ago

The highs and lows of James Shaw’s 10 years in parliament
From bills to beards, a walk through the former Green co-leader’s time in politics. After close to a decade in politics, James Shaw is preparing to bid farewell to parliament. Tonight will see the former minister deliver his valedictory address, certain to be a speech filled with Shaw’s trademark wit ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
4 hours ago

Efeso Collins deserved better than what parliament offered yesterday
Two months ago, MPs unanimously voted to give themselves a week off in Efeso Collins’ honour. On Tuesday, most were too busy to give even an hour of their time. The day Fa’anānā Efeso Collins died, parliament felt different. In a building that operates at a breakneck pace, everyone stopped ...
The SpinoffBy Joel MacManus
4 hours ago

What you need to know about the world’s biggest election, happening right now
India’s election involves hundreds of millions of people and is a months-long affair. Here’s how voting works and what’s at stake. The biggest-ever election in world history started on April 19, with more than 10% of the world’s population eligible to vote. Elections in India, the world’s most populous country ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff
4 hours ago

When the doghouse is an upgrade, ECE is in trouble
Opinion: The impression from the carpark is very inviting. The area is well fenced but barred so there is easy visibility of loved ones. Inside, the spaces are welcoming and clean and staff are friendly and clearly comfortable. I am greeted by ‘Kim’. She has worked here for three years, ...
NewsroomBy Susan Bates
4 hours ago

Daily crossword, Wednesday 1 May
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 1 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
4 hours ago

Boards, don’t just wait for the axe to fall
Opinion: Community organisation board members need to step up their strategic thinking The post Boards, don’t just wait for the axe to fall appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Jo Cribb
4 hours ago

We have an emergency emergency
After the Christchurch earthquake, the then-national civil defence boss compared his experience to “putting a team on the rugby field who have never ever played together before”. Now, eight years later – and following a damning inquiry into the emergency response of cyclones Gabrielle, Hale and the Auckland anniversary weekend floods – ...
NewsroomBy Tom Kitchin
4 hours ago

A body in Devonport
“I had just come off the end of a major robbery case which I had been working on for six months when I got a call on the afternoon of September 1, 1992, that some remains had been found at a building site in Devonport, so I drove over with ...
NewsroomBy Scott Bainbridge
4 hours ago

Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 1 May
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 1 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
4 hours ago

Beef and beliefs: EU diplomat on the NZ relationship
Brussels’ man in Wellington on our newly active trade deal and the shared values underpinning ties The post Beef and beliefs: EU diplomat on the NZ relationship appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Sam Sachdeva
4 hours ago

If not journalists, then who?
Comment: Journalists are very good at telling other people’s stories, but they fall well short when writing about their own profession. Perhaps that is why it is so undervalued. Every successive poll on the public’s attitude toward journalism is more alarming than the last. In the last month we have ...
NewsroomBy Gavin Ellis
4 hours ago

Preterm babies deserve better care
Opinion: A young Māori woman and her Pacific partner arrive at their local hospital by ambulance. She has gone into labour at just under 24 weeks, but the couple haven’t recognised the symptoms – and don’t know the risks of premature birth for their baby. By the time they arrive, ...
NewsroomBy Professor Katie Groom
4 hours ago

Bishop backtracks after fast-track backlash
Behind closed doors, NZ First will be arguing fiercely against any watering down of the ministerial decision-making powers in the Bill The post Bishop backtracks after fast-track backlash appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Marc Daalder
4 hours ago

Boy in the Water: Mum speaks publicly for first time
Emotional scenes played out in the Invercargill courthouse on the first two days of the coronial inquest into the death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones, in which the boy’s mother was accused of disposing of her son’s body. The second season of Newsroom’s award-nominated podcast The Boy in the Water ...
NewsroomBy Bonnie Sumner
4 hours ago

Pacific alliance condemns France over bid to ‘derail’ Kanaky decolonisation
Asia Pacific Report A Pacific civil society alliance has condemned French neocolonial policies in Kanaky New Caledonia, saying Paris is set on “maintaining the status quo” and denying the indigenous Kanak people their inalienable right to self-determination. The Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organisations (PRNGOs) Alliance, representing some 15 groups, said in ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
7 hours ago

New Koi Tū future report calls for overhaul of outdated NZ mediascape to restore trust
Koi Tū New Zealand cannot sit back and see the collapse of its Fourth Estate, the director of Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, Sir Peter Gluckman, says in the foreword of a paper published today. The paper, “If not journalists, then who?” paints a picture of an industry ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
8 hours ago

Chalmers outlines a more ‘risk-based’ foreign investment policy and guardrails around Future Mad...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Foreign investment proposals with implications for Australia’s strategic or economic security will face tougher scrutiny, under a policy overhaul to be announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Wednesday. At the same time, the government ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
9 hours ago

National first introduced piece of Oranga Tamariki Act legislation it now seeks to repeal – Wi...
A Waitangi Tribunal inquiry report has warned government that a repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act could cause harm to children in care. ...
Radio NZ – political
13 hours ago

New Papers On Government Consumption Multipliers, Automatic Stabilisers And Economic Shocks
The Treasury has published today three new papers covering government consumption multipliers, automatic stabilisers and the impacts of global shocks on New Zealand’s economy. ...
Scoop politics
13 hours ago

Pacific state of Hawai’i first in US to pass dual Gaza ceasefire resolutions
Asia Pacific Report The Pacific state of Hawai’i’s House of Representatives has joined the state’s Senate in calling for a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza, becoming the first state to pass such a resolution, reports Hawaii News Now. In March, the Senate passed a ceasefire resolution with a 24–1 ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
14 hours ago

Australia just made a billion-dollar bet on building the world’s first ‘useful’ quantum comput...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Ferrie, A/Prof, UTS Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research and ARC DECRA Fellow, University of Technology Sydney PsiQuantum The Australian government has announced a pledge of approximately A$940 million (US$617 million) to PsiQuantum, a quantum computing start-up company based in Silicon Valley. Half ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
15 hours ago

What are heart rate zones, and how can you incorporate them into your exercise routine?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hunter Bennett, Lecturer in Exercise Science, University of South Australia Cameron Prins/Shutterstock If you spend a lot of time exploring fitness content online, you might have come across the concept of heart rate zones. Heart rate zone training has become more ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
15 hours ago

Ministry of Māori Development proposes to cut 38 positions
A recruitment pause put in place last year had reduced the scale of job losses necessary, says the secretary for Māori development. ...
Radio NZ – political
16 hours ago

'A man of the people': MPs pay tribute to Fa'anānā Efeso Collins
The MPs reflected on the impact Fa'anānā had in Parliament, in his communities, and their long friendships with him. ...
Radio NZ – political
17 hours ago

School phone ban for 16-year-olds 'very backward' – principal
Two secondary school principals are not convinced a phone ban is warranted and say it will be difficult to enforce. ...
Radio NZ – political
17 hours ago

27 years in captivity – free Marwan Barghouti, ‘Palestine’s Mandela’
SPECIAL REPORT: By Eugene Doyle He is the most popular Palestinian leader alive today — and yet few people in the West even know his name. Absolutely no one in Gaza or the West Bank does not know him. That difference speaks volumes about who dominates the media narrative that ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
17 hours ago

Members of Parliament and Prime Minister to get pay rise
The Remuneration Authority has set an ordinary MPs' salary at $168,600 a year, and the PM's salary will rise to $484,200. ...
Radio NZ – political
17 hours ago

Long before politicians called to ‘stop the boats’, First Nations people welcomed arrivals from ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Will McCallum, PhD Candidate – School of Communication and Creative Arts, Deakin University Earlier this year, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of not supporting Operation Sovereign Borders – the military-led border security operation that has “closed Australia’s borders ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
17 hours ago

Does the AFL ban on skinfold testing avoid fat shaming – or has footy ‘gone soft’?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominique Condo, Senior Lecturer in Sports Nutrition, Deakin University Microgen/Shutterstock There was, perhaps unsurprising, outcry from some sections of the sports media when it was revealed the AFL was removing body composition testing (including skinfold testing) in its junior (under the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
18 hours ago

Supreme Court reinstates PNG MP after bribery ruling overturned
By Melyne Baroi in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinea MP, Peter Isoaimo, who had been ousted by the National Court in an alleged bribery case, has been reinstated by the Supreme Court on appeal. A three-member Supreme Court bench found that the National Court had erred in finding that ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
18 hours ago

Problems for news media arose 'too fast' – former media minister Melissa Lee
The former media minister says she may have been "a little slow" in reacting to dramatic changes. ...
Radio NZ – political
19 hours ago

‘When the ship docks’: Publishing the poetry of the late Schaeffer Lemalu
Publisher Chris Holdaway reflects on the unique project of collecting the work of the late, terrific poet Schaeffer Lemalu. One of the nice things you can do as a truly independent publisher is to make the books that writers want to make, whatever they happen to be. That’s how I’ve ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Holdaway
19 hours ago

New minister announces review into disability support services funded by Whaikaha
The ministry has been under fire for not consulting with carers before changing entitlements to flexible funding support. ...
Radio NZ – political
20 hours ago

Afghanistan Service Recognised In NZ Post’s Modern Veterans Stamp Series
Those profiled in the stamp series served on overseas deployments from 1995 onwards, and all have been awarded theNew Zealand Operational Service Medal. ...
Scoop politics
20 hours ago

On the politics of vengeance
Last night’s dismal poll result for the coalition government shows the limits of trying to govern as an opposition, argues Joel MacManus. There’s a quote from the American political activist Barbara Deming: “Vengeance is not the point; change is. But the trouble is that in most people’s minds, the thought ...
The SpinoffBy Joel MacManus
20 hours ago

Govt might take $1.1b hit to return GST on rates to councils
Analysis by infometrics shows central government collected about that amount in GST from rates in 2022. ...
Radio NZ – political
20 hours ago

‘Abject failure’: why Australia’s scheme to curb foreign influence doesn’t work and can’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shireen Morris, Associate Professor and Director of the Radical Centre Reform Lab at Macquarie University Law School, Macquarie University Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock Foreign interference in Australian democracy poses a growing risk to our national sovereignty. It refers to coercive, corrupt or ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

Defendant Pleads Guilty In Mortgage Fraud Scheme
A defendant charged by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has pleaded guilty to four charges of obtaining by deception in relation to a mortgage fraud scheme. Sentencing has been scheduled for 14 August 2024. ...
Scoop politics
21 hours ago

A handy primer for arts spokespeople who know nothing about New Zealand art
What to say when pesky journalists ask gotcha questions like ‘can you name a single book you’ve ever read?’ and ‘did you read it, or did you just see the movie?’ This week, Act Party arts spokesperson Todd Stephenson foolishly agreed to an interview with Newsroom’s Steve Braunias regarding his ...
The SpinoffBy Hera Lindsay Bird
21 hours ago

School cellphone ban: What you need to know
Explainer - What will a ban on cellphones in schools achieve? Can students use them during lunch breaks? And what happens if you need to contact your child? ...
Radio NZ – political
22 hours ago

We found pesticides in a third of Australian frogs we tested. Did these cause mass deaths?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jodi Rowley, Curator, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Biology, Australian Museum, UNSW Sydney Jodi Rowley, CC BY-NC-ND In winter 2021, Australia’s frogs started dropping dead. People began posting images of dead frogs on social media. Unable to travel to investigate the deaths ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Share Of Home Transfers To Overseas Buyers Remains Low
In the year ended March 2024, 0.4 percent of home transfers were to people who didn’t hold New Zealand citizenship or a resident visa, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...
Scoop politics
22 hours ago

364,000 New Zealanders rely on an accomodation supplement – but these 3 flaws need fixing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wasay Majid, Research Assistant , University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau New Zealand’s accommodation supplement scheme is facing scrutiny, with Social Development Minister Louise Upston recently saying “there is merit in considering whether the current settings are fair and sustainable long-term”. The ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Manasseh Sogavare bows out of prime ministerial race in Solomon Islands
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor The first prime ministerial candidate has been announced in Solomon Islands and it is not Manasseh Sogavare. The man of the hour is Jeremiah Manele, the MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei constituency in Isabel Province, who served as minister of foreign affairs in the last government. ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
22 hours ago

If you love a dog, you must also love disposing of its shit
Protesting the removal of bins by leaving piles of your dog’s shit for others to deal with doesn’t make you a hero – it’s precious and entitled behaviour. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve stood on the shoreline of Auckland’s Cheltenham beach, desperately trying to scoop increasingly liquid dog shit ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
23 hours ago

Analysis: What the shock poll tells us about the coalition government
Analysis - Christopher Luxon will be alert to the factors driving the dire polling, but won't be waving the white flag just yet, RNZ political editor Jo Moir writes. ...
Radio NZ – political
24 hours ago

Moe mai rā: Tributes to Vincent O’Sullivan
Writer, teacher and academic Vincent O’Sullivan died on Sunday 28 April. Here we gather tributes from friends, colleagues, and students who remember his extraordinary contributions. I went down to the garage tonight. There was a bird shrieking out in the bush, in the dark, maybe a kākā. Miraculously, through the ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books
24 hours ago

Call for radical reform of Pharmac's budget amid concern Kiwis not getting basic standard of ca...
New Zealand offers no appeal for drug companies because it's so hard to make a sale, the Cancer Society says. ...
Radio NZ – political
24 hours ago

The cost of being: A ‘semi-unemployed’ house-sitter with dwindling savings
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a burnt-out corporate escapee explains how she gets by ‘working as little as possible’. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female Age: 31 Ethnicity: Pākehā Role: Contractor in ...
The SpinoffBy The Cost of Being
1 day ago

Think all chemicals are bad? From our food to your phone, modern life relies on them
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Schmidt, Professor of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney Albert Russ / Shutterstock The icebreaker of many a barbeque conversation is something like “what do you do for a crust?” “I teach chemistry at university,” is what we usually reply. Then silence. Our ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Tech-based sexual harassment at work is common, male-dominated and often intended to cause harm
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asher Flynn, Associate Professor of Criminology, Monash University Shutterstock Sexual harassment is often considered to be a person-to-person act, but new research shows Australians are also experiencing and perpetrating workplace harassment in large numbers through technology. Our latest study shows one ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

When supplies resume, should governments subsidise drugs like Ozempic for weight loss? We asked 5 ex...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fron Jackson-Webb, Deputy Editor and Senior Health Editor Rostislav_Sedlacek/Shutterstock Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. But what do we actually know about them? This month, The Conversation’s experts explore their rise, impact and ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Gaza Petition To Be Tabled In Parliament Today
A petition signed by more than 16,500 people, demanding the government take stronger action to halt the genocide of Palestinians by the State of Israel, is being presented to the House of Representatives today by Hon Phil Twyford. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

It’s time to strike an environmental grand bargain between businesses, governments and conservatio...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Burnett, Honorary Associate Professor, ANU College of Law, Australian National University jenmartin/Shutterstock April has been a bad month for the Australian environment. The Great Barrier Reef was hit, yet again, by intense coral bleaching. And Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek delayed ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Vietnam, brutalist architecture, fees and Gaza: how student protests shaped Australian universities
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Lewi, Professor, Architecture, The University of Melbourne Anti-Vietnam War protests at the University of Sydney, 1969. Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy SEARCH Foundation, CC BY Australian university students are beginning to set up encampments on campus, ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Waitangi Tribunal report urges government stop changes to Oranga Tamariki Act
The report highlights concern over the approach the government is taking. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Politics live: Shocking poll result for coalition, government pushes school phone ban
The education minister says a "handful" of schools haven't brought in full bans and are being spoken to. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

On The Anniversary Of The Live Export Ban, SAFE Urges The Government To Stand Firm
SAFE CEO Debra Ashton says while this milestone should be a cause for celebration, it is overshadowed by the looming threat of its reversal. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Poll serves government an unwelcome entrée to the Budget
Winston Peters might not give a ‘rat’s derriere’ about last night’s poll, but it revealed the unusual absence of a honeymoon period and little payoff for the government’s action plan approach, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
1 day ago

NZ started discussing AUKUS ‘Tier 2’ involvement in 2021, newly released details reveal
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marco de Jong, Lecturer, Law School, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Details released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under the Official Information Act reveal New Zealand officials have been considering involvement in AUKUS from the outset. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

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