Coleman’s disgracefully cowardly display

Written By: - Date published: 8:38 am, November 15th, 2013 - 151 comments
Categories: referendum, same old national - Tags:

National’s, weird, favourite line at the moment is to say ‘we’re going to ignore the asset sales referendum and the opposition are hypocrites because they ignored the smacking referendum’. Russel Norman finally had had enough yesterday, and asked Jonathan Coleman just who had been PM when the referendum happened. Coleman’s answer was textbook cowardliness.

Dr Russel Norman: Can the Minister tell us who the Prime Minister was in 2009 when the so-called smacking referendum happened, and who was the Prime Minister, the leader of the Government, who made a decision to take no action as a result of that referendum?

Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: We all know the answer to that question. But the other thing we do know is that the economic suicide bombers of the Green Party would, if they got the chance, be bursting into the Cabinet room—

Dr Russel Norman: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Minister did not attempt to answer the question. Then, he started a diatribe about the Green Party. It has nothing to do with the Green Party.

….

Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: We all know the answer to that question, but we also know that if the Green Party got hold of the Treasury benches, the Green Party members would be going out and printing billions of dollars to try to buy these assets back. I challenge them to deny it.

…. (8 minutes of points of order as Coleman desperately tries to get out of saying it was Key)

Hon David Parker: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Who was the Prime Minister at the time of the citizens initiated referendum in respect of the smacking issue, and who was the Prime Minister and who was in Government when that referendum was ignored?

Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I do not have that information with me, but if you would like to submit the question in writing, the Minister will get back to you.

The answer, of course, is that John Key was the Prime Minister who ignored that referendum, even after his MPs collected the signatures, and he was the one who brokered the deal so that National voted for the law in the first place. Now that they’re cuddling up with Colin Craig’s Crazies, National’s desperate to forget that… but they kind of brought it back up themselves, eh?

Bit of a backfire there from National – trying to blame the opposition for National’s own actions in government. And the inept, cowardly, Jonathan Coleman just made it worse for them.

151 comments on “Coleman’s disgracefully cowardly display ”

  1. fender 1

    It was appalling to watch and that pathetic speaker Carter just made it even more farcical.

    • Tom Gould 1.1

      Coleman lied, plain and simple. But lying comes so easy to Tories, maybe we should cut him some slack? Arch-Tory Carter, in the Chair, probably didn’t pick it up as lying either, for the same reason. It’s just how fascist regimes roll, folks.

      • Naturesong 1.1.1

        Lets not get ahead of ourselves.
        Fascism is not here yet.

        As far as I can tell, there are two pieces missing; overwhelming and unthinking nationalism or the intertwining of religion and government are signs of facist regimes. Though religion is not necessary, there does need to be a force that unifies and binds the people into a single entity to the extent that any “other” becomes a natural enemy of not only the state, but the dominant communities within it..

        1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism — Not here yet
        2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights — Check
        – “There have been twelve pieces of legislation in recent years that have been identified as inconsistent with the rights and freedoms protected in the New Zealand Bill of Rights, and on a number of occasions urgency has been used in Parliament to limit or bypass select committee scrutiny,” – Mr Moore, Law Society New Zealand
        3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause — Check
        – Unions, Unemployed, Maori, Green Party members
        4. Supremacy of the Military — Check
        – GCSB, Governer General, Increased Police Powers
        5. Rampant Sexism — Check
        – Rape Culture, Overwhelming predominance of men in cabinet
        6. Controlled or Compliant Mass Media — Check
        – Fairfax, APN, Mediaworks
        7. Obsession with National Security — Check
        – GCSB, TICS
        8. Religion and Government are Intertwined — Potential
        – Colin Craig? Charter schools?
        9. Corporate Power is Protected — Check
        – Chorus, Sky City, TCCP
        10. Labour Power is Suppressed — Check
        – Employment Relations Amendment Bill
        11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts — Check
        12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment — Check
        13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption — Check
        – Hobbit, Sky City, Tiwai
        14. Fraudulent Elections or Supression of Democratic Process — Check
        – ECAN, Disempowerment of Local bodies

        We’re almost there folks.
        Thankfully we’re an Island nation. A war against a neighbouring country, perhaps one with which we had historical grievances, would be just the ticket.

        • Wayne 1.1.1.1

          I know the Left would love to characterize the Nats as Fascists. All I can say is try and seriously campaign on that theme and see how far you get.

          As I have said before, I am waiting for the flood of international condemnation that must surely come that NZ is being run by a fascist government.

          • karol 1.1.1.1.1

            Yet, Wayne, you have no condemnation for right wing MPs calling the Greens “Taleban” and “suicide bombers” etc?

            • Tracey 1.1.1.1.1.1

              +1

              Wayne like others choose to skip over this point to make supposedly droll commentary about facism… anything but public condemnation their “team”. Better to laugh at anonymous commentators than condemn elected representatives.

              • gobsmacked

                Exactly, Tracey.

                A huge difference between ordinary people ranting on the internet (we all do that), and the language that is deliberately used by Ministers of the Crown.

                I’m quite certain, given his own record in public life, that Wayne views the government’s terms of abuse with considerable distaste.

                I’m less certain that he is prepared to say so.

          • gobsmacked 1.1.1.1.2

            But the Greens are “Taliban” and “suicide bombers”, yes?

          • fender 1.1.1.1.3

            In cahoots with other fascist regimes….that condemnation may be some way off..

          • Tracey 1.1.1.1.4

            Selective reading Wayne?

            I dont think the Nats are facists anymore than I think that Dunne and Coleman’s characterisation of Green MPs as terrorists is right. I condemn both. You however ignored that obvious point, presumably deliberately? Facism only came up because of the lack of condemnation of Coleman and Dunne.

            Will you write here that you condemn Coleman for using epithets like “economic suicide bombers” and Dunne for comparing some green MPs to the Taliban?

          • Naturesong 1.1.1.1.5

            Wayne, I’ll concede that a couple of the points are tenuous, and one is a continuation of policies pushed by both parties (Urewera Raids, Tough on Crime stuff that just locks more people up instead of addressing the causes etc ).

            We’re obviously not there yet, however, I think even you will have to admit that we are moving very clearly in that direction.

          • framu 1.1.1.1.6

            way to miss that point wayne

            do you hear that sound like a plane overhead?

          • geoff 1.1.1.1.7

            You’re not fascists, you’re just greedy, stupid and selfish.

          • BrucetheMoose 1.1.1.1.8

            Not Fascist yet? Just have a closer look at how they are conducting themselves in Canterbury/Christchurch. It is a microcosm of how they would like it all to be.
            Ignoring normal democratic procedures and the gradual systematic undermining of businesses and property rights, ultimately leading to confiscations, all done under the guise of a crisis – check

      • Murray Olsen 1.1.2

        Carter does sort of seem stupid enough to not know the answer, to be fair.

    • David H 1.2

      When you think he can’t get any worse..

  2. Lanthanide 2

    Coleman can’t say “we all know the answer” and then say “he doesn’t have the information [on] him”.

    Speaker should have held him up for contempt of parliament right there and demanded he speak the name or leave the house.

    • Tracey 2.1

      He couldnt with Lockwood in the chair but he can with the “farmer” in the seat.

      However it may be because he is too busy to do his Mp and Speaker job because “David currently farms sheep and beef properties on Banks Peninsula and at Cheviot in North Canterbury.”

      being an MP and Speaker must just be his hobby.

  3. Tracey 3

    So Dunne likens the Greens to the Taliban and now this ” economic suicide bombers of the Green Party” from Coleman.

    This is ok is it? Is it ok to call the PM a nazi now?

    No editorials slamming the scaremongering of the rght by comparing the Green MPs to terrorists?

    Someone needs to ask Coleman if he considers the Greens former proposal of quantitative easing to be like a suicide bomber… if he says yes, does he consider David Cameron and Barrack Obama to also be like suicide bombers for their quantitative easing policies.

    • fender 3.1

      “Is it ok to call the PM a nazi now?”

      That’s what these idiots want, it would be a better idea for the opposition to show that they are the more mature MP’s.

      • Tracey 3.1.1

        I agree fender, was more highlighting the hypocrisy and the lack of chris, BM, Hooten, Wayne, infused railing about the right resorting to shameless comparisons because they must be desperate. And always while Brand Key is out of the country

    • Enough is Enough 3.2

      I am not sure whether you should be holding out the UK as an example of where quantative easing has been a raging success.

      Cameron, since he came to power has taken the UK backwards to the point where the Kingdom is on its knees.

      The US as well. For its quantative easing, all we have is a Wall Street flush with cash and soaring stock prices, and a growing impoverished underclass.

      Lets not ask that question aye.

      • Tracey 3.2.1

        I am not suggesting it has been a raging success I am pointing out the hypocrisy of calling the greens terrorists for espousing it while the PM sticks his tongue down the back of Cameron and Obama’s trousers even though they too are “economic suicide bombers”

        The public would not go much beyond the shallow end IF the media would actually print

        “Today Johnathan Coleman called Russel Norman a suicide bomber for advancing the same economic solution as implemented by David Cameron and Obama.”

  4. karol 4

    greens are terrorist?!!! Who is the nasty party again? And when are the MSM going to call the Key government on it’s shameless spin, distortions and diversions?

  5. Naturesong 5

    The speakers performance is particularly shameful:

    http://inthehouse.co.nz/node/22021

    Dr Norman’s supplementary starts at 4.41.

    • North 5.1

      Farcical ! Someone should have pushed it to the point of being ordered out by that joke of a speaker thus more widely publicising the farce of it. Like a dimwitted banana republic caraciture wearing the meanest cloak of parliamentary ethics.

  6. ghostwhowalksnz 6

    Expect this to be the ‘face palm’ of the week when the usual Beltway pundits write up their comments ?

    Probably not, as that is only reserved for Labour or Greens faux pas

  7. Macro 7

    Greens are called “Economic Terrorists” By National! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.. The clowns on the treasury benches at the moment wouldn’t know an economy if they fell over it. And they are trashing ours as fast as they can with their mismanagement.

  8. Appleboy 8

    My god. I’ve seen everything now. These guys are beyond contempt. What utter tossers. It’s like they no longer care what people see – there’s just no attempt to hide their true nature any more.

    • Red Rosa 8.1

      +1

      Until recently, many of us had not been exposed to Parliament TV and the appalling mix of arrogance and ignorance displayed by National Party MP’s.

      Russel Norman’s calm and measured questions contrast with the puerile and evasive responses of Ministers, time and time again.

      The Labour Party campaign slogan, ‘Fairness and Decency’ is right on the money.

  9. gobsmacked 9

    Agree with all the above. I listened to the whole performance live, and it brought Parliament into contempt. The Speaker was not even pretending to do his job.

    Ultimately, though, this disgraceful episode (and it was worse than usual but hardly new, it happens every week now) will disappear without trace. The general public won’t even know about it. That is the core issue for the opposition.

    Bullies and cowards do whatever they can get away with. Yesterday opposition MPs made a good attempt at stopping them, but – and it’s a crucial “but” – they played by the rules. The rules of “points of order” leading to “speaker’s ruling”. They got nowhere, Coleman got off.

    Frankly, the opposition have got to get into their heads that the old rules don’t apply. Lockwood Smith made a fair fist of it, but David Carter never will. Just spluttering “outrage!” is the epitome of bubble-talk, the insiders complaining about life inside the bubble. It achieves nothing.

    So what can they do? Change the game. You can PREDICT what National Ministers will do from Key to Coleman to Bridges to the rest. So be prepared.

    Countless possibilities, if you want to be bold (but do they?). e.g. Ask the same question over and over again, forget other supplementaries, just keep going until it becomes a NEWS story (seriously, study Media 101 … repetition = news.). Quote Hansard (list all the insults ministers use, get the Speaker to rule that they’re OK – because he’s a lapdog, he will – then immediately use all of them in a question. And so on, and so on.

    Ask questions that work …

    e.g. NOT

    Hon David Parker: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Who was the Prime Minister at the time of the citizens initiated referendum in respect of the smacking issue, and who was the Prime Minister and who was in Government when that referendum was ignored?

    BUT

    “Who … (deliberate pause) …was … (pause) … Prime Minister … (pause) … in 2009?”

    Then STOP. 5 years we’ve been begging them to ask short sharp, questions. Still begging!

    Let’s be clear: Carter, Coleman, Key – we all know totally bloody obnoxious. But the vast majority of voters don’t know, because they don’t hear them. So to make them hear, get these bastards on the news. To get them on the news, make a scene.

    Sorry to rant on, but I despise bullies, and it’s frustrating to see them thrive. They must be stoped. New tactics, new energy please.

    • Naturesong 9.1

      Hon Dr Russel Norman: “Who … (deliberate pause) …was … (pause) … Prime Minister … (pause) … in 2009?”
      Speaker: “Point of Order Hon Gerry Brownlee”
      Hon Gerry Brownlee “The question does not speak to the principle question “Can he rule out the partial sale of Air New Zealand proceeding prior to 30 November 2013″, nor does the Minister of Finance have ministerial responsibility for the selection of the Prime Minister”
      Speaker: “Hon Dr Norman, please direct your supplementary to the subject at hand”

      Coleman broached the subject of the previous referendum, which is why the speaker correctly allowed it. The speaker should have forced the Coleman to answer, and when he didn’t, should have named him for contempt.

      I agree on the shorter questions, also not inserting schoolboy insults into questions which some of the Labour MP’s are prone to do.
      Dr Norman is normally pretty good with his questions, but when the speaker is just there to egg on his mates, it’s an uphill battle

      • Colonial Viper 9.1.1

        Yes. But as gobsmacked pointed out – its not going to happen with this Speaker.

        Frankly, the opposition have got to get into their heads that the old rules don’t apply. Lockwood Smith made a fair fist of it, but David Carter never will. Just spluttering “outrage!” is the epitome of bubble-talk, the insiders complaining about life inside the bubble. It achieves nothing.

        +1

      • gobsmacked 9.1.2

        Naturesong, none of that matters.

        You see, the idea is to get the question into the media. Not to be approved by the Speaker.

        If question is ruled out of order, repeat it. And again. And again. Worst that can happen? The questioner gets thrown out, and then he makes the news. For (in the public’s eyes, which is ALL that matters) asking a simple question while a Minister played the dick.

        Naturesong, you have explained the insider’s rules. The rules the opposition are losing by. Forget them.

        • Naturesong 9.1.2.1

          Fair point – don’t worry about the speakers rulings, get the public to rule on it instead.

          For that to happen Labour would have to be extremely disciplined and excruciatingly civil.
          I don’t have that much faith to be honest, all it takes is Clayton Cosgrove or Trevor Mallard to open their mouth and its all over

          • gobsmacked 9.1.2.1.1

            Yes, it needs to be done smart, and I agree 100% that Mallard could snatch defeat from victory.

            There are “Mallards” on the gov’t benches, like Simon Bridges. Target him with the questions, his mouth will deliver for the opposition.

        • gobsmacked 9.1.2.2

          (just seen your edit)

          OK, fair comment on Labour MPs. They have far more supps than Norman, and don’t use them well. Very frustrating.

        • ghostwhowalksnz 9.1.2.3

          It should be a new question itself:

          Does Dr Coleman stand by his previous statements regarding the Prime Minister disregarding the results of the ‘anti smacking’ referendum.

          Add another foot to the rope !

        • Hanswurst 9.1.2.4

          The problem would be the media spinning it as Labour MPs asking vexatious questions to which the answers are already known and thus bringing parliament into disrepute. It would be bullshit spin, but it would probably work. A bunch of opinion pieces by Watkins and Armstrong later, in which they basically say “National ministers avoid questions, Labour MPs run around playing silly games; both should grow up and address the serious issues,” and it would all be forgotten, chalked up to another round of parliamentary circus. That would represent a win for National, assuming the rest of the overage continues as it has for the last seven years.

    • kenny 9.2

      Agreed.

      It’s time the opposition got serious about this. Cause a scene, get thrown out of the house.

      The only upside to this governments behaviour is that they are acting like a 3rd term one. Keep saying this and people will start to think it.

      Third term behaviour!

      • Crunchtime 9.2.1

        Yep agree this is a great tactic: behave well, but continue to ask questions until they are either answered or the speaker reveals his own contempt for the house by throwing the questioner out.

    • Anne 9.3

      +1 gobsmacked. Some of us have been begging short, sharp questions and equally brief campaign messages and leaflets for the past 40 years? They have lost the art if listening.

    • Draco T Bastard 9.4

      Ultimately, though, this disgraceful episode (and it was worse than usual but hardly new, it happens every week now) will disappear without trace. The general public won’t even know about it.

      And that is the core of the corruption in NZ.

      • TheContrarian 9.4.1

        Parliament TV is live every day and is on YouTube always. It won’t disappear and the public has full access.

        • Draco T Bastard 9.4.1.1

          How many people even know that Question Time exists, that’s it’s on TV and available on the net?

          My own feeling on the matter is that the majority of people don’t know. These people will watch the news on TV1 or 3 and never hear anything about it.

          • TheContrarian 9.4.1.1.1

            Quite often the news will have clips from parliament but that isn’t really the point. Parliament TV is available to everyone, is on YouTube, archived for all and parliament is open for anyone to attend in person. What’s the problem? Hardly ‘corruption’.

            • Macro 9.4.1.1.1.1

              That is not the point that Draco was making – He contends (and I agree) that the ‘corruption’ exists because these sorts of abuses of power go unreported to the general public by the mainstream media – which is the sole source from which the majority of the population take their “news”.
              The fact that video clips are available to all is neither here nor there because for the majority they are unaware of their existence.

              • TheContrarian

                How was this an abuse of power?

                Seems to me it is a ham-fisted attempt to avoid answering a question – a frequent occurrence that both sides of the house are guilty of.

                • Hanswurst

                  It is an abuse of power because Coleman knows that the speaker (who wields the power in this case) will continue to insist that what Mr. Coleman is waving around is not, in fact, a leg of ham, but a bona fide fist.

                • McFlock

                  So basically Colman pled incompetence (not knowing who the pm was four years ago) in order to incompetently (“ham-fisted”) try to avoid admitting that the government’s latest lie (that Labour ignored the s59 referendum) was also incompetent (patently and demonstrably untrue on the very face of it).

                  Nah, I reckon you’d have difficulty finding an example of that from labgrnmana.

                  Whether they are truly that incompetent, or just obviously feigning it to avoid accountability (and that would be an intentional abuse of power no matter who does it, because it’s subverting procedures that were specifically designed to ensure an accountable government), I don’t care. This nact government needs to go.

                  • photonz

                    So you’ve gone all anal and pedantic on a minor point, drawing attention to the much bigger issue that Labour pushed through the anti smacking law when poll after poll showed 80-90% of the population were against it.

                    Keep digging. Dig dig dig.

                    • McFlock

                      Was “anal” your word for the day?

                      John Key was the Prime Minister who ignored that referendum, even after his MPs collected the signatures, and he was the one who brokered the deal so that National voted for the law in the first place.

                      John Key […]brokered the deal so that National voted for the law
                      Pretending that Labour “pushed it through” is just more photoshopping of history by an habitual liar.

    • Kath 9.5

      Agree +

  10. captain hook 10

    coleman is a thicko.
    no amount of academic credentials can disguise it.
    and a bully to boot.
    that is why he is in the National Party!

  11. captain hook 11

    coleman is a thicko.
    no amount of academic credentials can disguise it.
    and a bully to boot.
    that is why he is in the National Party!

  12. Seti 12

    Yeah, National have been using the wrong referendum to highlight the hypocrisy. It was the MP Reduction Referendum that the Clark government ignored.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 12.1

      And before that National ignored the result of the referendum on Fire Service reorganization.

      But of course they paid a price, as national will over asset sales, which must be one of the fastest in getting to the voters

    • Naturesong 12.2

      Yup, however, the MP reduction referendum was eventually drawn in 2006 as a private members bill (New Zealand First MP Barbara Stewart) and Labour did allow to to pass to select comittee.
      edit – scratch that – no labour “aye” votes in first reading

      The select comittees recomended that the bill not be passed and was particularly brutal on the substance of the change.

      The bill failed at the second reading 112 to 9.
      National voted against it lock step.
      They are quite a disciplined lot when it comes to voting.

  13. photonz 13

    The anti smacking bill was introduced in 2007 by Labour Greens against overwhelming public opposition, and now they’re trying to blame National for it.

    That’s truely wacky, not to mention dishonest. The scary thing is people with such warped thinking want to run the country,

    In recent polls only 11% of people think it’s made any difference at all.

    The vast majority of people think it has no effect and ignore it.

    • gobsmacked 13.1

      @photonz

      You’re very confused. Labour/Greens aren’t “trying to blame National for it”. Read again. Think.

      Key-word: Referendum.

      • Tracey 13.1.1

        He’s not confused, he is being deliberately deceitful. He has been pushing government policy for a
        few days on this site. This topic is one he could have addressed the facts, he chose not to.

        I wish srylands would post, he and this guy could have a love-in.

        • fender 13.1.1.1

          There was someone with a different name going on about the dirty infected people to be found on public transport recently, so I suspect srylands is still lurking about…

    • Naturesong 13.2

      The purpose of the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Bill was to close a loophole which allowed some parents to beat the tar out of their kids and get away with it.

      Arguments in Comittee
      Sue Bradford (Green): I would like to take a brief call to make a direct response to Mr Copeland. Of course, as far as I know, there has never been a conviction or a prosecution of someone once lightly smacking a child. That is simply because we have the defence of reasonable force under section 59 of the Crimes Act, which is for the purpose of correction. It is this section this bill seeks to repeal. The problem is that at the moment we have cases where people who severely beat their children escape conviction in court under section 59 of the Crimes Act. The whole point is that this bill is not an anti-smacking bill; it is an anti-beating bill. Under section 194 of the Crimes Act an assault on children under 14 is against the law. The situation in this country is that we have this defence of reasonable force, which allows people to get away with quite seriously assaulting their children. Thank you.

      The bill passed the first reading and went to select comittee, where it was debated at length.
      Amendments were made at the request of the National party
      Remember when the Governement of the day did actually seek consensus because they took their duty of governing for ALL New Zealanders seriously?

      You will notice that in the 3rd reading every single national MP voted for the bill

      • Tracey 13.2.1

        The debate was flawed. Once it got called anti-smacking the facts became secondary.

        Prior to this law a parent charged with beating their child with a metal pipe could, and did, claim that they believed they were using reasonable force for the purpose of discipline. The focus was not on what a reasonable parent would think about the beating, but what the beater thought about the beating they were administering. Juries, applying this law would find that if a parent thought it was reasonable for discipline then that belief was all that mattered. That was patently stupid.

        It seems the right arent just drven by the need to own stuff, they need to own their children too.

        • Naturesong 13.2.1.1

          At the time I opposed this bill.

          My view was they the problem was that the judiciary was not applying the test of “reasonableness” correctly.

          After select comittee, the “reasonable” was still contained within the bill.

          I feared that after having this wierd public argument, that didn’t seem to have anything really to do with the actual legislation, we would still have a law with the same loophole, just moved sideways.

          Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act 2007

          Parental control
          (1) Every parent of a child and every person in the place of a parent of the child is justified in using force if the force used is reasonable in the circumstances and is for the purpose of—
          (a) preventing or minimising harm to the child or another person; or
          (b) preventing the child from engaging or continuing to engage in conduct that amounts to a criminal offence; or
          (c) preventing the child from engaging or continuing to engage in offensive or disruptive behaviour; or
          (d) performing the normal daily tasks that are incidental to good care and parenting.

          Thankfully, subsequent to the amendment passing, the judiciary seems to have pulled its head in, and finding that beating your child with a jug cord is not reasonable, even if you believe that you are “performing the normal daily tasks that are incidental to good care and parenting”

    • Tracey 13.3

      and yet thousands of parents havent been snatched from their homes in sweeps by police because they paddled their kids bums as we were promised by those who wanted the right to defend the beating of their children with the subjective notion of “if *I* believed it was reasonable discipline” it is ok.

      I note you have no comment or quote or statistic to address the PM’s lie and Coleman’s idiocy.

      here are the facts: PM claimed that the Labour Government ignored the referendum on s59a. A lie, it was HIS government that ignored it. Could have stopped the legislation, could have repealled even if it had been passed by the Labour government.

      Fact: A Bill is not a Law and has no standing for enforcement.

      Only 11% think it made any difference. Cool, and how many said it had destroyed their ability to parent? None?
      .

      .

      • framu 13.3.1

        also the idea that good parents should never have the police question them and treat them with suspicion was pretty laughable

        so the cops want to get your side of the story because someone accused you of breaking the law – boo fucking hoo. Some people dont even get that option

    • lprent 13.4

      Didn’t National vote against the private members bill after the referendum in 2009? Ummm…

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_citizens-initiated_referendum,_2009#John_Boscawen.27s_private_member.27s_bill

      John Boscawen’s private member’s bill[edit]
      By coincidence, Government coalition and ACT MP John Boscawen had a private member’s bill legalising smacking drawn from the ballot less than a week after the referendum. Prime Minister John Key said his National Party would vote it down, with the Labour Party and Green Party also opposed making it likely to be lost after the first reading of the bill.[21] In September 2010 the Bill was in fact defeated 115–5 on its first reading in Parliament.

      The main reason was that the “smacking” referendum and Boscawen’s bill were both written by cretins who couldn’t frame a statement that expressed their intent without looking like angry reactionary fuckwits, and so wrote statements that were essentially meaningless and unable to be made into legislation.

      From vague memory most National MPs also voted for the Bradfords anti-smacking legislation because it was pretty good legislation, especially after it made it out of select committee

      But keep rewriting history, and I’ll keep pointing out exactly how silly you are..

      New category of fool – “Cretinous like Craig…”

      • Tracey 13.4.1

        STOP posting facts.

        • lprent 13.4.1.1

          I can’t help it.

          I don’t have the time that some people have to develop these kinds of ideas. I just use google, check against my memory, and do a quick cross through reasonably trusted sources. Doesn’t take nearly as much time as some of the fools seem to spend on writing complete mythological crap.

          Facts seem to be easier to find than developing a whole conspiracy theory from scratch and a few myths. Of course it could just be my science, production/operations management, and programming background getting in the way of a good fairy tale. But I’d have to ask why adults spend so much time on childs tales..

        • Rodel 13.4.1.2

          s59 is ‘anti-hitting’ not ‘anti-smacking.’

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 13.5

      Good to see Photonz is keeping up the usual standard of comprehension fail.

    • framu 13.6

      how could they introduce the bill against overwhelming opposition?

      the bill has to first be made public before the public can react

      fucks sake – you make some shockers in the logic fail dept

      so…
      back to the actual point of who ignored the ref RESULT

      Who … (deliberate pause) …was … (pause) … Prime Minister … (pause) … in 2009?”

    • miravox 13.7

      The bill wasn’t introduced by Labour and/or the Greens. It was a private members bill.

      It required wording negotiated by John Key to get it over the line…

      Anyway, one of the few decent things Key has done, and he got a lot of praise for it at the time. Strange to try and disown it now.

  14. Rhinocrates 14

    This was a win for Russel Norman – he got both Coleman and Carter to publicly make fools of themselves.

    There’s a line attributed to Lyndon Johnson by Hunter S Thompson (HST hinting that he made it up himself): “I don’t care if he fucks pigs – I want to see him deny it!”

  15. Appleboy 15

    I swear if ‘the public’ ever saw a compilation of clips in the house of Key at his worst they’d see that ‘nice mr Key’ in a light enough to change their perception for good. He , and his ilk, are a completely different beast in the house – ugly, arrogant, lying, deceptive, boorish…just plain..National!

    How about a 3 min collage with the bi line “Ever have the feeling you’ve been had?”

    • Naturesong 15.1

      Here’s the thing though.

      People actively want to vote for bullies, if they believe that person is working in their best interests.
      And there is also a small section that doesn’t even worry about whether the person is acting in their best interests, they vote for that guy, “’cause he gets things done!”

      And there’s folks who vote with whoever their peer group votes for because thinking is too hard, conforming to the group norm is safe, and is rewarding emotionally. I call these ones “nodding dogs” – Seen loads of these types in middle management in corporates I’ve worked for.

    • Rumour Willis 15.2

      I want to see a montage of John Key slurping like a trout sucking shit off a riverbed every time he finishes a sentence. It would go on for a couple of hours. I’m not even exaggerating. He does it so often. My skin crawls every time he does it.

      I’d love to see David Cunliffe just do a deliberate, pointed, 5-second slurp after every question in the house. When asked to stop, he can just point out that it seems to be working well for the Prime Minister. Just troll Key until he either looks stupid or stops slurping. Either way, we win.

  16. Richard Down South 16

    The Greens are economic terrorists?

    Ill just put this here http://www.nationaldebtclocks.org/debtclock/newzealand

  17. photonz 17

    This is funny. We’ve got lefties getting all anally retentive with minor and largely irrelevant points, making themselves look to the public like they’re trying to blame the anti-smacking bill on National.

    When all they are doing is –

    1/ Reminding the public that the Greens Labour bill went ahead despite overwhelming democratic opposition.

    2/ Reminding 90% of the public of how pissed off they were with the Greens/Labour anti smacking law.

    3/ Making the left look dishonest as they look like they’re trying to shift the blame.

    4/ Reminding the public that opposition the the asset sales is significantly less than opposition to the anti-smacking bill.

    Keep it up.

    And when you’re finished, you could always shoot yourself in the other foot to have a matching pair.

    • Tracey 17.1

      Ah I see, you are from the “repeat a mistruth over and over until people believe it’s the truth” school.

      Would it really hurt you so much to admit Key deliberately misled parliament ( the public you claim to champion) or lied by suggesting labour ignored the referendum results in 2009 when the Nats had the government benches?

      You are the one making yourself look stupid.

      I dont “blame” labour for the repeal of s59a of the Crimes Act, I applaud it It’s Key lying to mislead the public that he was somehow anti the change is deceitful…

      • photonz 17.1.1

        You just proved my point.

        You’re getting anal about who said what in Parliament, but all that’s happening is everyone is getting reminded that Labour and Greens passed a highly unpopular law against the wishes of the vast majority of the population – it didn’t take a referendum to know that.

        • gobsmacked 17.1.1.1

          Why did National vote for the law, first in opposition, and then in government?

          • photonz 17.1.1.1.1

            The Bill was going to be passed anyway.

            So National took a pragmatic approach and did a political deal, and got the bill watered down in return for support.

            The Greens and Labour were driving the bill, and that’s what people remember.

            Trying to shift the blame to the National who were in opposition at the time simply looks dishonest.

            • gobsmacked 17.1.1.1.1.1

              And since 2008?

              “Government coalition and ACT MP John Boscawen had a private member’s bill legalising smacking drawn from the ballot less than a week after the referendum. Prime Minister John Key said his National Party would vote it down.”

            • Naturesong 17.1.1.1.1.2

              No. What is dishonest is National trying to blame the previous governement for something they voted for.

            • Tracey 17.1.1.1.1.3

              what blame? Key is the one pretending he wasnt the PM who passed the Law? If he isnt happy with how he voted why hasnt he brought in a Bill to repeal it? He’s had 4 years?

              And yea yea, you would vote labour again and have before and would again but…. not unless they are like National now or the Labour govt of 1984.

            • framu 17.1.1.1.1.4

              “Trying to shift the blame to the National who were in opposition at the time simply looks dishonest.”

              they werent in opposition – they were the govt at the time – why the fuck do you keep avoiding that rather undebateable fact?

              you keep saying shit that just isnt true

              you better be getting paid – otherwise your firmly marking yourself as a sub level moron

              • photonz

                “they werent in opposition – they were the govt at the time – why the fuck do you keep avoiding that rather undebateable fact?”:

                The bill was passed against overwhelming public opposition in 2007.

                DUH!!!

                • Crunchtime

                  The bill? Irrelevant. This is about REFERENDUMS. DUH!!!

                  The smacking referendum was in 2009.

                  You’re just as cowardly and disgraceful as Coleman.

                • ghostwhowalksnz

                  The entire National caucus voted for it !
                  remember

        • Naturesong 17.1.1.2

          Not really.

          What is getting repeated is the recognition that John Key and his ministers continue to lie, in parliament and to the public.

          For a group that keeps banging on about individual responsibility, their members don’t seem to have any.

          National Party Lies and Hypocrisy

          National Party Lies and Hypocrisy

          National Party Lies and Hypocrisy

          etc …

        • Tracey 17.1.1.3

          “everyone”? You really do need to get over yourself.

        • framu 17.1.1.4

          how could labour and greens pass a law when they werent even the fucking govt!

          fucks sake – the greens have never been in govt!

          fuck off shill

          • photonz 17.1.1.4.1

            framu says “how could labour and greens pass a law when they werent even the fucking govt! fucks sake – the greens have never been in govt!

            fuck off shill”

            Hilarious – abuse from someone because they think Labour wasn’t in power in 2007.

            • Te Reo Putake 17.1.1.4.1.1

              Nope, the abuse is because you’re too thick or too arrogant to admit that the repeal was passed with the support of National as well. It wasn’t a Greens bill or a Labour bill or even a National bill, it was a private members bill. But it enjoyed overwhelming support in Parliament with only a dozen or so MP’s voting to continue child beating.

              • ropata

                photonz = Colin Craig??

                National is trying to cosy up to the Conservative (party of one), so photonz can’t admit that Key is full of shit

        • Crunchtime 17.1.1.5

          It’s not who said what, it’s not about what Labour/Green did, it’s about what National (under Key) did: National were in govt in 2009 and had a majority (via coalition) – they could have upheld the result of the referendum, but instead they ignored it.

        • Puddleglum 17.1.1.6

          Getting ‘anal’ about that small matter of the truth and of the Prime Minister seemingly lying?

          Do you have no regard for the truth?

          Is winning all that matters to you?

          John Key – the architect of the wording of the act – was the one who tried to ‘remind’ New Zealanders about the s59 repeal – not ‘the left’. John Key was the one who tried to ‘remind’ New Zealanders that Labour ignored the referendum; despite National being government at the time.

          All the commenters here are doing is correcting John Key’s ‘memory’.

          Or do you think it more sensible to let Key’s ‘reminiscences’ become the official version of history?

          Perhaps the commenters here are actually ‘reminding’ people of the truth.

          Not such a foolish thing, I would have thought.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 17.2

      Gosh, that view from Planet Photonz totes showed us, eh.

      I guess that means you won’t be voting Labour then, Photonz.

      Which means they must be doing something right.

      • photonz 17.2.1

        I could vote for Labour again if they got their act together. I’ve voted for them more than I’ve ever voted right, so I’m probably in the middle.

        The problem with Labour is they come up with poorly thought out reactionary ideas at the last minute like the power plan – then looked totally dumbfounded when it was pointed out that their power plan crushed not only dividends and capital growth – but also their main arguments for keeping the assets.

        • gobsmacked 17.2.1.1

          Several questions to you upthread, please respond.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 17.2.1.2

          How to demonstrate in one short comment that you’re a fool, a liar, and a turncoat.

          • Colonial Viper 17.2.1.2.1

            The last time photonz voted for Labour, Roger Douglas and David Caygill were the in-crowd.

            • photonz 17.2.1.2.1.1

              Helen Clark.

              Knuckelhead says “you’re a fool, a liar, and a turncoat.”

              Better a “turncoats” making an intelligent decision than mindlessly switching off your brain and cultishly following the same crowd whether they deserve your support or not.

              That’s mindless. You may as well just lodge your election votes in now, for the rest of your life.

              • Crunchtime

                Better a “turncoats” making an intelligent decision than mindlessly switching off your brain and cultishly following the same crowd whether they deserve your support or not.”

                Very astute comment. If only you followed your own advice.

                • photonz

                  I’ll happily vote Labour if they can get their act together.

                  Right now they’re pushing a referendum that says

                  “Do you think NZ should retain our assets so we can destroy both their value and income with the Labour Greens power plan?”

                  • ropata

                    oh, you want Labour to get together with ACT… you really *are* an astroturfer

                  • Crunchtime

                    Are you talking about the power companies now?

                    I’d happily see their “value and income destroyed” in order to give the NZ public reasonable power prices.

                    After all, that’s what they are for: supplying power to the New Zealanders who own them.

                    Not for providing value and dividends to shareholders.

                    Ever since the electricity industry was broken up and “reformed” into a corporate model we have faced power prices rising faster than inflation. The exact opposite of what was promised.

                    It was a stupid idea in the first place, and it’s nice to see Labour taking us back in the direction of real efficiency – not just profitability.

        • Paul 17.2.1.3

          Haha.
          Given your views it’s impossible you voted for a party left of Genghis Khan.

          • McFlock 17.2.1.3.1

            Photoshop reckons they once voted for Helen Clark.
            Either they’re touching up history again, or they couldn’t get the hang of MMP the first time around.

        • Tracey 17.2.1.4

          Labour has …”reactionary ideas”

          adjective
          adjective: reactionary

          1.
          opposing political or social progress or reform.
          “reactionary attitudes toward women’s rights”
          synonyms: right-wing, conservative, rightist, ultra-conservative; More
          blimpish, diehard;
          traditionalist, conventional, traditional, old-fashioned, unprogressive;
          Birchite
          “government policy became increasingly reactionary”
          antonyms: radical, progressive

          noun
          noun: reactionary; plural noun: reactionaries

          1.
          a reactionary person.
          “he was later to become an extreme reactionary”
          synonyms: right-winger, conservative, rightist, diehard, Colonel Blimp;

          He was posting for about a week before he trotted out that chestnut.

    • Paul 17.3

      Yes a you tube compilation of Key at his worst would be great.

    • framu 17.4

      back to the actual point of who ignored the ref RESULT

      Who … (deliberate pause) …was … (pause) … Prime Minister … (pause) … in 2009?”

      • Paul 17.4.1

        You’ll need to speak slower than that if folk like Bridges and Coleman are to understand you.

      • photonz 17.4.2

        Which has virtually no relevance to the public compared to who was driving the bill.

        Only to anal pedantic people on the extreme left.

        • karol 17.4.2.1

          photonz –
          the ….. topic …. is …..referendums.

          How slowly does it have to be said before you understand?

          It is related to the asset sales referendum.

          Or do you just keep wanting to change the subject?

        • rhinocrates 17.4.2.2

          What is it with photoshop’s obsession with anal sex? Ringers are supposed to suppress any sign of personality, but their obsessions are leaking out.

  18. photonz 18

    karol – if you pull your blinkers in tightly enough, you’ll be able to keep the subject about an irrelevant point.

    Then you won’t have to look at the big picture at all.

    Like Labour and Greens pushed through the anti smacking bill against overwhelming democratic opinion.

    Keep shooting those feet.

    • McFlock 18.1

      From the post (you know, the actual topic at hand):

      The answer, of course, is that John Key was the Prime Minister who ignored that referendum, even after his MPs collected the signatures, and he was the one who brokered the deal so that National voted for the law in the first place

      On so many levels, in so many comments, on so many threads, you’re a fucking liar, photoshop.

      Are you trying to impersonate a paid shill for the sake of irony, or are you really just a moral vacuum, desperately clinging to the tory delusion in a futile attempt to preserve the last (albeit atavistic) shred of humanity that exists in the cold, dark, lonely, and boundless abyss that pretends to be your soul?

      • photonz 18.1.1

        Ooohh! Some mindless abuse from a mindless abuser – so hurtful.

        Wake me up from your tedious abuse if/when you’ve ever got something intelligent to say.

        The reason you want to keep to the topic at hand is because it’s irrelevant minutiae, and you don’t want to look at the big picture (the anti smacking law) which gave the Labour Party a bloody nose and makes them look like hypocrites when they talk about going against the democratic wishes of the people.

        • Crunchtime 18.1.1.1

          Empty meaningless comment devoid of content and sense. Begone, Nat shill.

        • McFlock 18.1.1.2

          The reason you keep wanting to change the topic at hand is because you support a government that claims incompetence when it’s corrupt and is genuinely incompetent when it’s not intentionally corrupt.

          cluebat: if you need to constantly lie to support a government, it probably shouldn’t be the government.

    • Draco T Bastard 18.2

      Colin Craig and repealing Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act.

      With this in mind, remember when Bob McCoskrie and Family First gathered signatures for a referendum that posed the totally disingenuous question…

      Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

      This is not what this law did and nor does it read as such, which really did make me wonder if Bob even read the new law…

      There wasn’t an anti-smacking bill. There was a law change that ensured that people who abused their children would be charged and found guilty rather than getting away with it as was happening before the repeal of s59. I think you’ll find that most people are actually in favour of that.

      • photonz 18.2.1

        Draco says “There wasn’t an anti-smacking bill.”

        Yes – and the earth is flat.

        Keep it up – you look more and more delusional.

        • Draco T Bastard 18.2.1.1

          No, I just accept what actually happened and the reasons for it while you look more and more desperate to defend John Key’s and National’s lies.

  19. Dumrse 19

    ……yawn…… Fuck I’m right outa popcorn now.

    • Pascal's bookie 19.1

      That’s a shame, just when Colin Craig steps into the lamelight, already endorsed by the muppet in chief.

  20. rhinocrates 20

    Well this is amusing. National is sending out mating calls to Colon Craig’s Conservatives and has “Photonz” astroturfufing for them because they know that ACT and United Figleaf are dead while Dunne in a fright wig is desperately claiming that he’s still relevant.

    Remember everyone, popcorn is unhealthy. Eat salad while you watch this spectacle.

  21. Phil 21

    A timely post, as I’ve been pulled over by the police twice in the last week. On one occasion for absolutely no reason. Just checking my seat belt and warrant, he said. In talking to other folks I was surprised at the disdain and general dissatisfaction with the police. It seems people are losing trust in them for many reasons. We are heading towards a police state folks, be very careful, and wary.

  22. Matthew Hooton 22

    I don’t get the debating point the Greens are trying to make here. They draw attention to the fact that John Key ignored the pro-smacking referendum, and presumably they agree he should have ignored it. Doesn’t that just legitimise the concept of prime ministers ignoring CIRs? Which plays into Key’s hands on the MOM issue?

    • felix 22.1

      The point is that John Key is lying. Again.

      • gobsmacked 22.1.1

        Exactly, Felix.

        The Greens didn’t introduce the “debating point”, Matthew. They – and anybody else with a grasp of reality – are responding to the bizarre utterances of a Prime Minister who no longer even pretends to tell the truth. He started this fabrication on Wednesday in the House (as you well know).

        When the leader of our country says that a government which didn’t exist responded to something which didn’t happen, he is either a liar or hallucinating. Either way, we should all be worried.

    • rhinocrates 22.2

      Oh look, the hollow man’s back again, and even paid to bring up the section 59 amendment in an attempt to rewrite history.

      Go back to your carefully-preplanned attacks on rape apologists Hoots – that’ll play far better and be much more topical, as you must know.

      You do know that even your own paymasters snicker at you behind your back?

  23. repateet 23

    Remember to clap politely when David Carter is bestowed with his knighthhood folks!

  24. peterlepaysan 24

    Key is a ventriloquists dummy and Coleman and the Nats all know it We have been bought by wall street and Washington. Gordon Gecko Rules!

    Key will very soon retire to his homeland of Hawaii, Hollywood, Wall Street and Washington having reduced NZ to a pack mule controlled by which ever deputy sheriff is looking after Australia.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    1 hour ago
  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    1 hour ago
  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    1 hour ago
  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    1 hour ago
  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    1 hour ago
  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    1 hour ago
  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    1 hour ago
  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    1 hour ago
  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    1 hour ago
  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    1 hour ago
  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    5 hours ago
  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    5 hours ago
  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    5 hours ago
  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    5 hours ago
  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    5 hours ago
  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    5 hours ago
  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    5 hours ago
  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    5 hours ago
  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    5 hours ago
  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    5 hours ago
  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    5 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 hours ago
  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    5 hours ago
  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    5 hours ago
  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    You talking about me?  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    8 hours ago
  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago
  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    9 hours ago
  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    9 hours ago
  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    10 hours ago
  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    14 hours ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    16 hours ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    16 hours ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    16 hours ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    16 hours ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    16 hours ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    16 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    16 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    16 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    16 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    22 hours ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    1 day ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    1 day ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 day ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    2 days ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days 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
    12 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-20T08:32:58+00:00