Collins and Oravida
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7:01 am, March 5th, 2014 - 114 comments
Categories: same old national -
Tags: judith collins
Judith Collin’s endorses a company, Orivida, that her husband is a (presumably paid) director of. That same company has previously made political donations to the National Party.
That’s a conflict of interest. One that’s particularly sharp given the previous use of John Key’s image to promote the same company.
John Key’s defense is:
It doesn’t preclude her dropping in. There is no commercial value there.
But there’s considerable commercial value in an endorsement from a Minister, especially in China – a market that place a lot of value on political status.
This looks murky to me. Particularly as Collins appears to have been travelling on the tax-payer’s dime.
My question is was her husband with her, and if so was he also travelling at taxpayers’ expense as the Minister’s spouse?
I’d also like to know if this is a one-off visit. If it’s not then when did Collins’ husband become a director and when did she first visit the company? When did John Key? And when was the donation made?
This looks a lot like the situation that saw National MP, Pansy Wong, resign in 2010. Is history repeating?
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- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...8 hours ago - Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe 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 ...10 hours ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-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 ...11 hours ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation 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 ...12 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA 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 ...12 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign 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 ...12 hours ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, 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 ...15 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime 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 ...1 day ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe 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 ...1 day ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe 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 ...1 day ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal 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 ...1 day ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe 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 - ...1 day ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit 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 ...2 days ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe 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 ...2 days ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe 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 ...2 days ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime 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 ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA 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 ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’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 ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed 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 ...3 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans 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 ...3 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate 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 ...4 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe 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, ...4 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges 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 ...4 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, 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 ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime 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 ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime 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 ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign 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 ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance 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 ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe 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 ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState 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 ...5 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime 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 ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds 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 ...1 week ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth 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 ...1 week ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe 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 ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew 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 ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime 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 ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate 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 ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew 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 ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 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 ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Rousing farewell for Kiwi doctors flying out to Gaza aid flotilla
Kia Ora Gaza A passionate haka reverberated through Auckland International Airport as a medical team of three New Zealand doctors received an emotional farewell from a big crowd of supporters before flying to Turkey to join the international Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. The doctors, who left Auckland yesterday, hope to ...2 hours ago - Communities Against The Fast-track Heartened By ‘Overwhelming’ Public Response; Disgusted By ‘...
With submissions closing today, Macassey-Pickard says groups around the country have been supporting a huge range of people to make their submissions. ...4 hours ago - Renters Rights To Drastically Reduce Under Landlord GovernmentThe Government’s announced changes around tenancy rules set renters’ rights back by nearly a decade. ...4 hours ago
- NZPI Submission on Fast Track Approvals BillOur response to the new legislation is informed by targeted conversations with practitioners working in the system and through an implementation lens. ...4 hours ago
- Fast Track Invite List Includes Most Destructive Industries In New ZealandThe new ‘Fast-track Approvals Bill’ would give just three Ministers the power to approve or deny development projects. They would avoid the usual checks and balances that are in place to protect rivers, land, the ocean, and communities. ...4 hours ago
- Eugene Doyle: Helen Clark on why AUKUS isn’t in New Zealand’s national interestCOMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Helen Clark, how I miss you. The former New Zealand Prime Minister — the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory — gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held ...4 hours ago
- Government releases list of organisations shoulder-tapped for fast-track consents
The government's released the list of organisations provided with information on how to apply - just hours before public submissions on the bill close. ...6 hours ago - The Week in Politics: Job cuts surge and Waitangi Tribunal troubleAnalysis - It's been a grim week for public servants, while trouble is also brewing between the government and Waitangi Tribunal. ...7 hours ago
- It never rains but it pours: intense rain and flash floods have increased inland in eastern Australi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Before climate change really got going, eastern Australia’s flash floods tended to concentrate on our coastal regions, east of the Great Dividing Range. But that’s changing. Now ...7 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaThe PM has defended how he's talked up NZ trade on his trip to Southeast Asia, after criticism from his own delegation. ...7 hours ago
- ‘It could be the death of the museum’: why research cuts at a South Australian institution have ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Finkel, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Sia Duff / South Australian Museum In February, the South Australian Museum “re-imagined” itself. In the face of rising costs and inadequate government funds, CEO David Gaimster, who took the reins last June, declared ...7 hours ago
- Government signs off $41m clean energy deal with Asian Development BankThe government has committed $41 million to clean energy transition at the Asian Development Bank's Energy Transition Mechanism. ...8 hours ago
- Are 2 mid-career AFL retirements a sign Australian athletes are taking brain health more seriously?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, School of Allied Heath, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, La Trobe University This week, Collingwood AFL player Nathan Murphy announced his retirement, brought on by his concussion history and ongoing issues. The 24-year-old’s seemingly sudden retirement, ...10 hours ago
- Luxon: Waitangi Tribunal comments from coalition parties 'ill considered'Comments from ACT and NZ First ministers about the Tribunal were "ill considered" and "that message will be underscored" to them, the PM says. ...10 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation Facing Staff Cuts From Govt Funding SqueezeThe Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources for those facing the loss of their job, so it’s wrong in the very week the Government adds another 1000 jobs to its tally of cuts, that this is happening. ...10 hours ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...10 hours ago
- How the coolest little capital is shrinkingIt's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...10 hours ago
- Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...11 hours ago - Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...11 hours ago
- Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...11 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford Graham
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...11 hours ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...11 hours ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...11 hours ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job CutsWith New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...11 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...11 hours ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...11 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...12 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...12 hours ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...12 hours ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...12 hours ago
- Auckland dog attacks: Callouts for attacks on other animals going upRoaming dogs are responsible for more than a thousand attacks on animals each year, and the number is growing. ...13 hours ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānauThe Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...13 hours ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...14 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...14 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...15 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...15 hours ago
- ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...16 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...16 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...16 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...16 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...16 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...16 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...16 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...16 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...16 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...16 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...17 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...20 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...20 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...20 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...20 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...20 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...20 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Ethnic tensions will complicate the Albanese government’s multicultural policy ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...1 day ago
- Group plans work to improve safety of female MPsNew research shows harassment of elected officials - especially women - is on the rise. ...1 day ago
- Ukraine warns of WW3 ahead of long-stalled Congress aid voteUkraine's Prime Minister says his country desperately needs the US to approve long-stalled security assistance. ...1 day ago
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It’s a bad look. Well timed intro too at the end of the section on cunliffes secret trust.
Nah not a bad look for National, the party of double standards. It’s a good way for them to illustrate that they’re beyond criticism. They can happily give the finger to taxpayers and say ‘these rules are for everyone else, not us hypocrites’
remember from micky’s post:
-The National government paying Paula Rebstock $290,000 for her failed inquiry
-Gerry Brownlee spending $1500 to lease an SUV while watching the America’s Cup race in San Francisco.
-Tim Groser and a private secretary spending over $8500 to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington for a week, during a month in which Groser spent $18,200.
-John Key, DPS bodyguards and staffers flying down to Queenstown for the New Zealand golf open, at an as-yet unknown cost.
So it’s ok for collins to do this then? it’s a bad look. the question is whether or not the national party will be brought down by a glass of milk. whether it looks unfit to govern by the majority of the voting electorate by drinking the lactations of bovine creatures. oh boy question time will be fun.
“So it’s ok for collins to do this then?”
um.. pretty sure geoffs not saying that
milk isnt the issue – using influence of govt position for private gain is the issue – one which sank pansy wong
Yeah Collins, Key and the rest of Nact can do whatever they want. They are beyond reproach.
And those complaints in the MSM about power price rises are misguided, a majority of people voted for that too.
Suck it all up, this is a “brighter future”.
It’s great for collins to do this. Yet another example of who National really is. Do as I say, not as I do.
She is the ‘Minister of Justice’ clown. What is the message here, I wave the rules and I’m above them?
Considering this happened nearly 6 months ago and was obviously a non event at the time, evidenced by no outrage from anyone, until now. One can only assume the release of this “major development” was a defense mechanism to take the focus off other less than ethical behaviour being reported this day.
did you know about it in october? Did Mr Slater, the outter of all perception of corruption in politicians blog about it extensively in October?
I suppose the question should be when did this little “gem” become known? Because if it was anything but yesterday it doesn’t look good!
This visit took place in October last year.
Why did TVNZ role it out with the Political News after the Cunliffe Trust last night ?
Seems strange to me – why not at the time in October – was it a secret ?
This is the real interview below, National MP Mike Sabin an ex fuzz who’s son goes in to deal to Collins. In brief Mr Fit It (Joyce) teams up with Mr Stitch It (Sabin) to ‘crush’ Judith Collins. What’s in it for them? Work it out Pop.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Collins-says-Oravida-visit-not-conflict-of-interest/tabid/1607/articleID/334569/Default.aspx
did you know about it ion october? Did Mr Slater, the outter of all perception of corruption in politicians blog about it extensively in October?
She’s a bad look. Miss Piggy comes to mind
Collins brushing visit off as cup of tea on way to the airport.
Visit was invitation, visit accompaniedby Ambassador.
Not exactly popping in for a snog with the hubby before flying home.
Did they have a Ngati Whatua room?
lol
Collins is a serial offender.
The China PR photo. [saved to my computer in case it is taken offline]
The story about it on Oravida’s website
That PR photo is great. Just add caption and distribute widely.
When did you save it? I thought I saw it yesterday with an Australian flag on the table, and looking at it now it looks badly Photoshopped with the single red star.
And now it appears to be an NZ flag everywhere I can find it… must have imagined it!
I’m bigger than you…you are disturbing my tea break….out of the way scum…..no the Cabinet Manual does not apply to me….why?????? because I’m bigger and tougher and SCARIER than you!!!!!!! Now I have a cup of tea to finish, begone…..
two words
pansy wong
that now makes two of keys MPs caught out doing the same thing
“It doesn’t preclude her dropping in. There is no commercial value there.”
\
and did the journo then ask if key realised that having a foreign govt offical visit was in fact considered extremely good for business in china?
once again key gives an answer that shows hes bullshitting or staggeringly thick and the media dont bother pressing the point
Paddy Gower should be spewing out lines like
” Key Turns Blind eye to Corruption in Caucus”
Instead we will get “John Key not bothered” John Key says dont worry be happy and really its all Labours fault becasue they raised it Im not to bothered about it Ive got more important things to worry about.
Part of this is because John Key’s move is to actually act confident, arrogant, and not bothered about it which works out pretty good in downplaying reasonably minor stories.
Cunliffe should be doing the same thing (which he used to do), I hope he’s not taking advice from the same person who advised HC to be ‘softer’ and made her lose the debates to Key.
I think it’s obvious Gower gets told what to say, much like Slater receives his instructions.
Gower is a troll, he just trolls the side that gives him the best reactions.
Wouldnt be surprised if Gower decides to head into politics himself in a few years. Dont think he will be standing for Labour though.
On a list, only a mum could vote for a face like that.
Personally I’d like to see him “standing” near a road when I’m out driving 😈
“Personally I’d like to see him “standing” near a road when I’m out driving :twisted:”
Yeah standing next to a big muddy puddle doing a live cross slagging off DC .
Corin Dann will probably stand for Labour
Hey righties, this is what actual corruption looks like. Try to remember, eh?
Just as long as she didn’t take money from KDC and get him to write her policies I’m happy.
Let’s unpack that.
You’re happy that a minister flies around the world on the taxpayer in order to lend support to her family’s company(s?) who also happen to donate $56,000 to the minister’s party.
This all happened in the real world, but you reckon that’s ok because you made up a rumour about something else that never happened at all.
The denial is strong in this one.
Still waiting for y’man Presland to confirm (or not) that.
[lprent: Have you been harassing my authors outside of what they post? I could probably confirm something for you. ]
Would I do that????
Just pointing out that all this surmising of whether KDC was an anonymous contributor could be easily cleared up. Anyway, I would never dream of harassing one of your authors in that capacity.
[lprent: I’m trying to figure out if you are really are that thick or if this is just an act.
You are asking a lawyer to break confidentiality on a trust that he set up on a request from a client. Don’t be such a munter. He’d probably get disbarred or severely reprimanded if he did what you are asking him to do. It is both impossible for him to do and indeed impossible for him to even comment on.
And he is one of our authors. So I’m happy to answer for him. You have to be totally fucking kidding…
And I think it is an act. Added an extra 4 weeks for wasting my time. ]
That’s a trifle more than a perception of a conflict of interest if you ask me. Collins always struck me as stupid and vindictive rather than corrupt, but I guess she can add that to her cv too.
“claiming she had tasted and endorsed their products.”
Slightly different then her saying she had endorsed their products or in her own words: “I certainly don’t endorse any products other than the fact I always try and help New Zealand companies trying to export.”
But nice try at diversion, well done for giving it a go 🙂
you do understand that having a govt minister visit your business is a big deal in china dont you?
One which carries significant financial potential for your business
Hope so! Boosting the sales of a NZ company is usually the job of the TRade Minister but if the Justice Minister is just passing through then why not?
Only you’re forgetting that other companies sales will drop, only because they don’t have a director married to the (in)justice minister.
Make out a list and I am sure she will be only too happy to visit them next time she is in the area.
….post divorce that is.
Only if the list is headed:
National Party Donors. 25K+
*ahem make that 55k +
Now that secret trusts are OK, it’s all on again……..going for $100k…..
What do you mean “Now”?
You’ve thought they were ok all along, Natty boy.
Just a coincidence that of all the companies she could choose to help/visit she chose the one that her husband as a director.
“then why not?”
because its corruption
So, as long as there is money to be made by a NZ company (albeit based in china, dont know tax implications for NZ), you dont mind who uses their influence unfairly?
“Oravida’s website
The Honorable Judith Collins, Minister of Justice, ACC and Ethnic Affairs, His excellency, Ambassador Carl Walker visited Oravida Shanghai office upon company’s invitation. As a NZ company committed to branding NZ’s premium food products and developing the distribution channels in China for these products, Oravida has been at the forefront of advocating food “made in NZ”. Both Minister Collins and Ambassador Walker recognized company’s efforts, congratulated us on what we have achieved and encouraged us to continue building NZ’s premium food reputation in China."
Of ALL the companies to visit, it’s just a coincidence it was her husband’s (a director of it anyway)
Oh? so the Ambassador was there too? You fail to mention the date of the visit and the date this was first raised in NZ.
For someone who professes to vote Greens you are sure keen to “die in a ditch” for Labour.
hardly dying in a ditch, how melodramatic and self important of you. In any event, which part of that release don;’t you think enhances the company in the eyes of the Chine or anyone else looking to buy from the company, without revealling that Ms Collins husband is a director of the company?
“so the Ambassador was there too” according tot he company website, which is different from this guy on the internet said, so I believe it must be true.
There are 2 National MP’s very happy about this, Stephen Joyce and Mike Sabin. Effectively Collins can kiss her leadership aspirations goodbye, actually going on form she should be stood down as a Cabernet Minister pending the result of a full look into all her favour’s afforded to her husband.
It’s already a is a very bad look John Key trying to down play the whole affair by trying to compare Helen’s visits toAuckland University while her husband worked there, that’s a stretch by slippery John Key that doesn’t wash. It’s stinks Key’s association with this cash cow firm also.
Actually better put 3 MP’s too be fair, DC will be happy the heat is redirected back at the National Party.
Anyone have concerns that the Labour Party political research unit will stuff this one up ?
I do.
I feel a lot more confident holding my breath now Matt McCarten is on board. I know in social media land it’s got a fair few of the voting public highly annoyed.
Sending a message to the big ears of Patrick Pixie Gower…Please urgently call National MP Mike Sabin asking would he be interested in taking over the Minister of Justice portfolio?
Yes, the reference to Helen Clark’s visits to her husband at the University where he works and trying to liken that to what Collins has done was the biggest stretch I’ve ever heard, but not one journalist pulled Key up on it – none pointed out that Peter Davis WORKS at the University, he doesn’t have shares in it, he’s not a Director and he doesn’t own it! What it showed more than anything was that the media NEVER question what John Key says about anything! TV3 have lost me, I won’t watch any more, Gower is literally UNBELIEVABLE!
Didn’t Helen sack her husband at one stage when he was on a hospital board? Gower not mention that?
She kind of sacked the whole board. Peter was collateral damage…. 🙂
Shades of Pansy Wong indeed.
And Judith is WONG WONG WONG too!
So while Cunliffe is lambasted for correcting his error of judgement, in public, on air and apologising to his caucus, all things that key has NEVER done Judith Collins gets away with “so what” and key calling it “dropping in” regarding her trip to China. Absolutely abysmal reporting and it’s about time gower was returned to the rat run. His run down of Cunliffes’ lapses one by one last night was not reporting. It was as plain as the nose on his face that he is there to tarnish Labours’ image at every opportunity.
I know who I trust and it ain’t the yellow bellied, scuttling for cover,never been wrong in my life key. Cunliffe at least fronts up and is honest with us.
“Honest”????? Then who were the two donors who had their names hidden and he now has to return the donation to try and keep their names secret?
grumpy, I remember Cunliffe saying that the release of the names of the two donors was not up to him, but to the two concerned. He said he had no control over their decision to remain anonymous.
I think the important thing is to understand why the LP has a rule allowing anonymity to people providing support to a leadership candidate. It’s to allow donors freedom from possible recriminations after the contest is over, when the time comes to reunite after a winner is announced.
The reason for banning trusts donating money to political parties or individuals over a certain level without naming the donors is to show the transparency required to allow us, the public, to see whether in our judgement that our politicians have not been bought by wealthy donors.
One, I think it’s a question of scale. Two, I’d bet that if huge amounts of money came into the LP leadership contest, then the effects of that would be noticed and questions would be asked, and probably answered by other people in the know. Three, the situation did involve the LP. Its (our in my case) rules affect its members and are there for them (us).
Be assured that any leader of the LP who bought their way into the top job would be identified and find themselves a leader of a much reduced membership and recipient of huge vilification.
Vilification, meantime, might be better directed at the likes of Judith Collins, John Banks and Colin Craig for their words and deeds. Other worthy recipients have been named also in other comments to this post- Worth, Key, Groser, Wong for example.
but your cool with corruption – you say so yourself -so whats you damn problem?
FFS, this happenned last October – where was this outrage then?
oh, so there is a time limit for perceptions of corruption in your view? Given you didnt know the ambassador was there too, I am guessing you didn’t know about it in October either.
Unless Whaleoil in his crusade to out corruption amongst politicians was posting his outrage about it for weeks last October????
did you know it happened in october, back in october or as a result of recent media reporting?
oh.. hold on
“Just been revealed that this incident happenned last October”
stop being a dick
Then there’s Tim Grosser (Sept 2013) and John Key (Oct 2012) doing similar.
After the Richard Worth debacle where Worth apparently touted for business in India and got a bollocking from Key for doing so, it’s hard to believe National ministers could be so cavalier. Of course, a cynic might say that since Oravida has been generous at throwing money in National’s direction, this is National’s way of saying thank you.
http://agrihq.co.nz/article/milk-runner-tangles-pm-in-product-endorsement?p=7
http://www.oravida.com/lwl/newsen/
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10564659
this is exactly what Wong did and so we should be getting Collins resignation any minute now.
If we don’t then that is just National showing their true colours.
I don’t think so – I think we’ll get a whole lot of “this is different because…bullshit bullshit”
yep it would take degrees of humility, honesty and integrity to do that so… right… oh look john key has pulled a funny face for a photo ffs what a sick joke some of this shit is.
The number 1 idea to understand is this.
The National party are not dumb. saying it , even thinking it is like preying to a god that does not exist. It will not save you. The National MPs. /John Key is dumb is an idea that needs to be buried so deep that it can never be found.
Instead why not go with the idea that they actually know exactly how they are communicating- in a post modern- beyond politics sort of way. Everything is ironic, they can do and say whatever they like, no logic is required, they can go backwards, forwards and side to side.
Well I do not doubt that Trevor Mallard or someone will roast this one in parliament this arvo. Someone has to, the media certainly are not.
The thing is collins et al genuinely believe there is nothing wrong with this… john banks genuinely believes signing something as a declaration without reading it is fine. Thats the scarey part to me.
All those who rabidly chastise brown and accuse him of corrupt will be in plausable deniability mode or just silent.
It is important to realise that tory mp’s are not in government for any higher purpose than to make money. they are egregiously venal and that is that.
I agree that fundamentally tories believe that if people can make more money then everything else follows. Its just that ideologically they look back and even tho everyone isnt making enough money they seem to tell themselves its because the socialists did let them finish.
Hopefully Labour will get off their arses and demand an investigation
Some musings on personal names, history, and whether we can ever really know what writers and speakers mean if they develop their own code or argot. And if they say something and we think it means something else who can master the meaning and the truth?
I didn’t realise that Collins was such a Pansy, I thought of her more as a Meat Grinder. How can she get away with this when Pansy didn’t.
Pansy is such a nice name. I thought I’d look up Judith and we had better be prepared for even harder times if she gets into power apparently. If she decides you aren’t one of ‘her’ people well then……
The historical background to the name Judith –
‘Jewish heroine in one of the books of the Apocrypha; she saved her people by decapitating the Assyrian general Holofernes’.
And these blonde tsarinas are powerful. I was trying to look at Spitting Image clips which showed Margaret Thatcher and her influence, even after death, is so strong that the computer couldn’t play any of them.
Google shows one entry saying that in American the name Judith means young. It’s official apparently that Americans don’t speak English and words we think are English can mean anything they decide.
In `Through the Looking Glass’ Alice discussed words with Humpty Dumpty who held forth on the advantages of getting presents on un-birthdays because there are more of them.
‘And only one for birthday presents, you know. There’s glory for you!’
‘I don’t know what you mean by “glory”,’ Alice said.
Humpty Dumpty smiled contemptuously. ‘Of course you don’t — till I tell you. I meant “there’s a nice knock-down argument for you!”‘
‘But “glory” doesn’t mean “a nice knock-down argument”,’ Alice objected.
‘When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.’
‘The question is,’ said Alice, ‘whether you can make words mean so many different things.’
‘The question is,’ said Humpty Dumpty, ‘which is to be master — that’s all.’
Corin Dann’s handling of this on Breakfast on TV One this morning was inadequate. He said, to the effect, that as Collins’ hubby was only Director and not a shareholder he had not benefiting directly from the business of the company! Corin Dann’s grasp of the role and responsibilities of a company director are inadequate. National’s media handlers will be very pleased with Corin’s performance.
See him here, skip in 2 min 40 seconds on this
http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/cunliffe-running-time-get-labour-moving-video-5857751
If he really said that, it’s an appalling analysis. It’s more of the “if it helps a company make money, oit must be ok” philosophy
He is a paid puppet of the corporate news.
What else would you expect?
Corin Dann is a Labour man
Proof?
Just been revealed that this incident happenned last October and was dismissed at the time. Dragged out now by TVNZ to deflect attention from Cunliffe. I think the Labour/TVNZ current investigation has just got a bit more added to it…….
Hey Mug we can all see Joyce is hanging Collins loud arse out in the breeze. It’s an internal scrap for the leadership after Key heads home to America.
How odd, that Mr “crusading against all perceived corruption by politicians” Slater didn’t rage on about it for weeks on his blog in October and November and make press releases to the media?
Is 5 months your limit on perceived corruption grumpy, or does only a month have to pass before it can’t be used against someone, do tell.. you seem to be fighting awfully hard to avoid any suggestion that Collins did wrong, or was seen to do wrong.
If my enterprise was trading in China and I knew a cabinet minister, I would move heaven and earth to get them to visit and support the business, isnt this what Govts are supposed to do, enable and help enterprise to grow.
China is a big market and you need all the help you can get.
Well, if you are not related to, or married to a Nat cabinet minister, your only option would be to try to move heaven and earth.
Touche
The tory handbook
“if someone is trying to make money, it mus be ok.”
Yea, fuck the perception of favoritism. You know we are governed by NZ mores and not Chinese, right? Wasn’t the Ambassador going sufficient for this?
you mean like the painting is being auctioned for charity, so it was actually a great thing Clark did?
Obviously Tracey, your ability to engage in a rational manner has left you.
Export is a pretty important facet of our economy and China is a large part of that. Many small NZ businesses are trying to break into China and supply the growing Chinese consumer base. I think NZ has developed some pretty good product and distribution solutions over the last few years and the agreement with them has obviuosly made a big difference.
When we have invested in new kit and machinery, our local MP’s generally turn up and make a bit of a song and dance about it. If you give them enough warning they are generally pretty good at making themselves available for local enterprise and community activities.
Is your MP, your wife?
Obviously your complete lack of understanding of conflict of interest and being seen to act with propriety inhibits your ability to contribute to this discussion.
Do your local mps have financial interests in your company? If so, do they declare them? Does their visit involve international travel on the taxpayer dime? Was the visit only taking place because of their partners’ interests in the company?
Why is this basic concept of ethics so difficult for you to grasp?
because rob is trying to justify something he knows he cannot, and would abhor if it had been during the labour government…
now, had collins signed a picture for raising money for a charity…the wrath that would befall her
“pretty good at making themselves available for local enterprise and community activities.”
locally yes, but in china? at their husbands company? (directorship of course)
Yes and a 50 K political donation paths the way to red carpet treatment when you dial the favour in. “who pays the piper calls the tune”
you might well want that – and try to get it, and theres nothing wrong with that
but thats a different matter to a govt minister (who definately knows its not allowed) using her position of power and influence to do it, while being related/married to one of the directors
now rob – i like to be charitable – but just how willingly dense are you being here?
Key just cleared her, so everything must be kosher.
Grant Robertson disagrees. And now he’s linking Peter Goodfellow to Oravida.
Their up to it in their neck and the Kiwi punters are less than impressed. Judy Doll you are very vulnerable to sharp objects like knives.
“So What So What So What ?”
The minister being transparent.
And talking shit.
Claims she drinks milk.
Doesn’t……..she squirts it.
Good to see her transparently rattled.
Unattractive and viper-like when rattled.
Not to say efforts at nice are pretty.
Smug set to the mouth.
Sly smile no wave.
Endora off “Bewitched”.
“Claims she drinks milk.
Doesn’t……..she squirts it.”
Isn’t it ironic that this that the comments here have come down to this disgusting level. Had this been somebody making similar comments about a female Labour MP they would have been had a lifetime ban imposed in microseconds. Yet again we can’t argue the topic we have to take it to this personal level.
Count me out!
Goodbye then……..sensitive wee sausage.
I don’t understand the “she squirts it” bit. Is it a sex thing?
Perhaps North could clear it up for us.
Not a consumer of milk. A producer of milk. A cow.
Has this got the Pansy Wong ‘pong’?
FYI ….
19 February 2011
Press Release: Penny Bright Independent candidate Botany by-election:
Latest developments in the Pansy Wong scandal.
“The Communications Advisor for the Office of the Auditor-General confirmed yesterday that it had not yet decided whether or not to investigate the use of Pansy Wong’s electorate office address as the business address of Shipley & Wong Ltd,” says ‘Anti-Corruption campaigner’, Penny Bright, Independent candidate in the Botany by-election.
“Has the current National Government Prime Minister John Key, been responsible for helping to cover-up arguably corrupt conduct which involves former National Party Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, who is a 50% shareholder in Shipley and Wong Ltd?”
(SHIPLEY & WONG – Companies Office Number: 1245430)
“Does Prime Minister John Key know of and approve of the registered company address of SHIPLEY & WONG LTD, changing to 735 Chapel Rd, Botany, on 11 June 2010, at a time that former National Party Prime Minister Jenny Shipley was a 50% shareholder, and her husband Burton Ross Shipley was a Director – along with Sammy Wong, Pansy Wong’s husband?
735 Chapel Rd Botany, being the address, at that time, of Pansy Wong’s electorate office?”
“How is it that neither then current National Party MP (Pansy Wong) , or her husband; or a former National Party Prime Minister (Jenny Shipley) , or her husband, knew that this was wrong, and effectively constituted ‘misuse of public office for private gain’?
How ‘dodgy’ is that?”
“Why don’t New Zealand MPs have a ‘Code of Conduct’ with sanctions for breaches thereof?”
“Why isn’t the Office of the Auditor-General investigating? What’s the hold-up?”
“Why isn’t the Office of the Auditor-General proposing a ‘Code of Conduct for MPs as part of the ‘systems solution’ for this problem?”
“Isn’t it time NZ had an ‘Independent Commission Against Corruption’ to help set up systems to enable genuine transparency and prevent corruption?”
Penny Bright
Mark F
This is an equal opportunity blog. It seems to me that anyone who is regarded with enough fear and loathing will receive equivalent negative comments. Feel welcome to stay out of it – there are enough RW already here which need hoovering up, the bag is full already.
The media bias continues.
Cunliffe still 3rd story on NZ Heral online.
No sign of Collins story in top 8 news stories.
Corrupt media.
That’s because there is no Collins story, just a pathetic attempt to take the heat off Captain Cock Up
and his funnelling money through secret trust accounts, possibly from the fat German fraudster.
Of course
One maybe Bob Jones and the other the Mad Butcher. It’s all loose change in the pocket compared to the well heeled rich mates of Goodfellow, Key and the old boys network. I’ve given over the threshold ‘separated’ to a bit player political party and buggered if I wanted my name publicised, and I’m a mere legend in my own mind.
Mark my words, one of these days some of the oppressed citizenry is going to take violent exception to all this corruption. And when they do, that genie won’t be easily put back in the bottle.
The hardest thing to believe however, is Oravida’s paying large sums of money to National for her services. It’s the husband I pity – I’d pay quite a lot not to have anything to do with her.
The leadership question is no doubt interesting to the participants – but seriously, neither Joyce nor Collins have the charisma for it. So another three terms in the wilderness for the Gnats – couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of people.