Dotcom developments

Written By: - Date published: 7:31 am, July 26th, 2013 - 104 comments
Categories: accountability, john key, Spying - Tags: , , ,

It’s no real surprise that the public trust Kim Dotcom more than John Key:

Public sides with Dotcom in poll

… At issue is whether the Prime Minister knew about Kim Dotcom before the raid on his Coatesville mansion in February last year.
John Key has always denied it, but Mr Dotcom says he has evidence to prove it.

A 3 News Reid Research poll asked the public who they believe; 52 percent said they believe Dotcom, while 34 percent believe Mr Key. The rest said they didn’t know or care.

For other coverage: John Key’s credibility takes a hit. A reminder to Key that his “popularity” as preferred PM is a politician’s “popularity” (he’s seen as the least bad option perhaps), not to be mistaken for the real thing.

In other Dotcom developments, check out this audio from last night’s anti GCSB Bill protest: Kim Dotcom reveals how John Key knew about him prior to the raid – Audio. Starting about 1:30 Journalist Selwyn Manning describes “some breaking news from Dotcom”:

Manning: He said that the New Zealand SIS back in mid 2010 … made a recommendation to the immigration minister … that he be blocked from getting residencey here in New Zeland. … Kim Dotocom said that information that has come through from his case through disclosure and legal means has shown that later in 2010 the Prime Minister John Key went to Hollywood and met with the movie brass over there. Now the very next day the SIS pulled its advisory and then supported his residency application. Now the implication there from Dotcom was that if this is true then the net seems to have been cast to basically capture him and the thing was in play …

Interviewer 1: [Recaps and questions why?]

Manning: The logic would suggest … was the SIS then turning it around so he would get residency here, he was then on safe New Zealand soil so the FBI could do what it did.

Interviewer 2: And catch him.

[… discussion …]

Interviewer 1: If that is the case, then John Key must have known.

Interesting.

104 comments on “Dotcom developments ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tiger Mountain 1
    26 July 2013 at 8:04 am

    While Dottie may be a natural right winger or at least gravitate to the financial elite he may have learned a thing or two whilst a resident of ‘Boston Rd Flats’ with no Banksie is sight to bail him out. Not to mention all the rest of it–illegal surveillance, special gagging order via Bill English, lies, lies lies, erratic memories etc.

    A simple flow chart shows it all leads back to ShonKey knowing. This has to stick. Anne Salmond is onto it, anyone without the backbone to oppose the bill should never show their faces again at an ANZAC ceremony.

    My WWII era parents did not like my activist views but always encouraged me because “thats why your dad went to war” and they believed that.

  2. ghostwhowalksnz 2
    26 July 2013 at 8:06 am

    …late in 2010… ”

    Its a bit vague, you need to nail down the actual dates

    • David H 2.1
      26 July 2013 at 9:07 am

      Why Key is sure’er than sure, and positive that it was AFTER the raid in 2012 that he first heard of KDC.

      • Veutoviper 2.1.1
        26 July 2013 at 9:17 am

        Key has said on many occasions that it was the day BEFORE the raid – not after the raid. That is,he claims that the first he heard of KDC was on 19 Jan 2012.

        • David H 2.1.1.1
          27 July 2013 at 10:14 am

          Sorry my bad, I was about 2 days out. Unlike Key, who could be up-to 2 to 3 years out.

    • Veutoviper 2.2
      26 July 2013 at 9:40 am

      The timeline prepared by NZ First released in April 2013 covers this earlier period – with sources of the information.

      http://nzfirst.org.nz/sites/nzfirst/files/the_john_key-kim_dotcom_timeline_1.pdf

      NZF’s press release in April 2013 also raised the coincidence timewise between Key’s meeting with Hollywood bigwigs and the withdrawal of the SIS objections to KDC’s immigration application – so KDC’s statement last night was not actually a new revelation.

      In fact, NZF released a press statement in April 2013 re the SIS

      As it is relatively short, here is the release – copied from the NZF website

      “SIS OK Dotcom’s Residency Day After PM Met Hollywood Bigwig
      10 April 2013
      Andrew Williams
      New Zealand First says Prime Minister John Key needs to come clean about the full extent of his knowledge about the FBI investigation into Kim Dotcom.

      Andrew Williams MP today produced evidence that a director of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Kevin Tsujihara, was part of Government talks on The Hobbit in October 2010.

      “Mr Key hosted Kevin Tsujihara at Premier House on 26 and 27 October 2010.

      “At the time, Mr Tsujihara was President of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment and oversaw Warner Bros’ anti-piracy operations. He is now the CEO.

      “It’s intriguing that on 28 October 2010 – a day after Mr Key met with Mr Tsujihara – the SIS lifted a hold on Kim Dotcom’s residency application.”

      “It would be astonishing if the Prime Minister – who is also the Minister in charge of the Security Intelligence Service – was not informed of this decision.

      “The fact that it happened a day after Mr Key met a representative of the MPAA, a group which is known to have been lobbying the US Government to arrest Mr Dotcom, makes it virtually impossible to believe.

      Mr Williams says the Prime Minister has so far refused to confirm that Mr Tsujihara was also at a private dinner he attended in Hollywood last year, citing privacy concerns.

      “But Mr Key has admitted that the Dotcom case was discussed at that dinner.”

      Mr Williams says a timeline prepared by New Zealand First – collated from Parliamentary Questions, OIA requests and media reports – leading up to Dotcom’s arrest in January 2012 reveals an extraordinary set of facts.

      “Our timeline also shows that Mr Key met with the SIS on 12 October 2010. That was a day before the SIS put a hold on Dotcom’s residency application.

      “How on earth could they not have told him?” says Mr Williams.”

      EDIT – snap. Karol at 5.1.1 and I were obviously commenting at the same time.

  3. martin 3
    26 July 2013 at 8:43 am

    @ghost.
    The day after the Hollywood exec meeting was the date

  4. karol 4
    26 July 2013 at 8:49 am

    Has the statement from Kim Dotcom about the 2010 developments, been removed from the video on demand version of the meeting last night. I can’t find it.

    Part 1 of the video on The Daily blog, ends at about 1hr 22 mins. Part 2 is 8 mins long. The KDC statement came after Cunliffe’s statement, which was at about 1hr 14 mins. Anthony says the KDC statement is at 1 hr 30.

    • Veutoviper 4.1
      26 July 2013 at 9:11 am

      I have just rechecked the Daily Blog video and KDC’s statement re the 2010 developments starts about 1 hr 33 mins. There are a couple of questions between Cunliffe’s statement and KDC’s revelations.

      The video I just watched goes on well past 1 hr 22 mins right to the end of the meeting and some time afterwards when everyone is mixing around.

    • karol 5.1
      26 July 2013 at 9:20 am

      Thanks. KDC’s statement about the SIS is at 1hr 33mins.

      Just a general statement. The SIS initially blocked KDC’s application fro residency saying there was an FBI investigation against him. Late in 2010 Key met with Hollywood people, including the MPAA, and the next day the SIS reversed its decision and granted KDC and wife residency.

      • karol 5.1.1
        26 July 2013 at 9:25 am

        Andrew Williams, NZ First has the timeline here:

        Andrew Williams MP today produced evidence that a director of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Kevin Tsujihara, was part of Government talks on The Hobbit in October 2010.

        “Mr Key hosted Kevin Tsujihara at Premier House on 26 and 27 October 2010.

        “At the time, Mr Tsujihara was President of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment and oversaw Warner Bros’ anti-piracy operations. He is now the CEO.

        “It’s intriguing that on 28 October 2010 – a day after Mr Key met with Mr Tsujihara – the SIS lifted a hold on Kim Dotcom’s residency application.”

        So, KDC’s statement isn’t actually new information.

  6. Roflcopter 6
    26 July 2013 at 9:02 am

    So… no “smoking gun”, just more weasel words from DotCon the convicted fraudster.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 6.1
      26 July 2013 at 9:12 am

      He has stated repeatedly that he will present the evidence in court next year. In the meantime he clearly has every intention to keep the pot simmering.

      I encourage you to put your faith in your dear leader, John Key. Stake your reputation on his good faith and trustworthy character, it’s a sure thing, honest, no really, truly.

      • Winston Smith 6.1.1
        26 July 2013 at 9:18 am

        I encourage you to put your faith in your dear leader, John Key. Stake your reputation on his good faith and trustworthy character, it’s a sure thing, honest, no really, truly.

        – Better than relying on Dot Con

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 6.1.1.1
          26 July 2013 at 9:21 am

          Well then, I guess when someone starts relying on him you’ll have a point.

          • Winston Smith 6.1.1.1.1
            26 July 2013 at 10:12 am

            Seems to be the left relying on Dot Con which is a pretty sad state of affairs for the left

            • One Anonymous Knucklehead 6.1.1.1.1.1
              26 July 2013 at 10:20 am

              No, it doesn’t seem that at all. Not even to you: you’re just trying (and failing) to score what you imagine will be a hit.

            • tracey 6.1.1.1.1.2
              26 July 2013 at 11:02 am

              Given your very low opinion of dotcom if it turns out key has lied about this matter, what
              will your opinion be of the pm then?

            • tracey 6.1.1.1.1.3
              26 July 2013 at 11:03 am

              Given your very low opinion of dotcom if it turns out key has lied about this matter, what
              will your opinion be of the pm then?

    • Santi 6.2
      26 July 2013 at 9:29 am

      We must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to have any faith in a convicted fraudster and con-man like the infamous KDC.

      • vto 6.2.1
        26 July 2013 at 9:34 am

        We have scraped the bottom of the barrel to put faith in a lying money-trader who keeps shitting on those less fortunate. Scum.

      • tricledrown 6.2.2
        26 July 2013 at 9:38 am

        Santi or a money trader who worked for Merrill Lynch the most corrupt corporation ever!

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 6.2.3
        26 July 2013 at 9:41 am

        Well then Santi, when someone puts their faith in him you’ll have a point.

      • Huginn 6.2.4
        26 July 2013 at 6:47 pm

        “we”?
        Santi, you are a sad, sad sock puppet

  7. One Anonymous Knucklehead 7
    26 July 2013 at 9:07 am

    One huge question the post leaves unanswered: does Mr.com have proof that Key ordered the SIS to pull its advisory?

    I mean, it’s obvious that’s what happened, but without a paper trail (or Warren Tucker in the dock giving evidence to that effect), Key will survive.

  8. martin 8
    26 July 2013 at 9:12 am

    Knucklehead, it was the day after he met Hollywood execs.
    The SIS isnt releasing the docos as Dotcom said they sadly for him sight “national security”

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1
      26 July 2013 at 9:19 am

      He also says he has proof Key lied, and he’ll present it in court.

      • Roflcopter 8.1.1
        26 July 2013 at 9:23 am

        Which has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he’s wanted for repeated copyright infringements…

        He’s like Hone Harawira in court over the last few days, trying to dance around the outside with all manner of theatrics, and like Hone he’ll be told by those who are there to consider his case, that the theatrics are irrelevant to the reasons he is before them.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1.1.1
          26 July 2013 at 9:27 am

          What lovely ad hominem drivel. I expect you find it compelling.

        • lprent 8.1.1.2
          26 July 2013 at 9:34 am

          I realize that you cannot prevent yourself from being an idiot, but you could at least inform yourself about what he is charged with. Try Wikipedia. Even you can probably achieve that.

          It isn’t copyright violations. It is a mixture of conspiracy and “racketeering” charges that are do nebulous that every businessman in the world could get charged with something similar. Moreover the US courts probably don’t have any authority to make them. In other words it is a political charge made by someone with political clout.

          Has very little to do with parking a car over a driveway.

        • martin 8.1.1.3
          26 July 2013 at 9:34 am

          The copyright issue has nothing to do with whether the PMs lying

      • weka 8.1.2
        26 July 2013 at 9:39 am

        “He also says he has proof Key lied, and he’ll present it in court.”

        Yes. Given that both KDC and Key seem confident in their positions, one has to wonder what the evidence is and where it came from. Maybe KDC has a Hollywood mole (ha!) and has something from the meeting. SIS documents seem unlikely. Otherwise I suspect he will present circumstantial evidence rather than proof.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1.2.1
          26 July 2013 at 9:45 am

          Perhaps Paul Davison will figure out a way to put Warren Tucker in the dock 🙂

          • yeshe 8.1.2.1.1
            26 July 2013 at 2:25 pm

            dog tucker — what marvelous fun that would be !

            and maybe PD has already figured it out ?

        • Winston Smith 8.1.2.2
          26 July 2013 at 10:18 am

          Given that one is a con-man wanted for questioning in the US and the other is the PM of NZ using occams razor I’d say the simplest answer is Dot Con is full of shit because he knows the media (duly supported by the left) will eat up anything he says

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1.2.2.1
            26 July 2013 at 10:58 am

            I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t need Kim.com’s help getting a poor impression of John Key: John Key does that all on his own when he has none fifty thousand yeah a hundred thousand shares on camera and he can’t hide those lyin’ eyes, when he slits his throat, when he can’t recall which of his lawyers helped screw his pants on this morning.

            But none of the ad hominem crap you or I can muster matters one little bit. What matters is what’s in those disclosure documents.

            Tick tock.

            • Winston Smith 8.1.2.2.1.1
              26 July 2013 at 11:41 am

              You may not need Dot cons help but Labour certainly need him

              “But none of the ad hominem crap you or I can muster matters one little bit. What matters is what’s in those disclosure documents.”

              – I agree

              • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                26 July 2013 at 12:03 pm

                Labour needs him? Again you are overstating your case. If Key weren’t in the gun over Kim.com it would be something else tripping him up. You can’t tell that many lies for too long before they catch up with you no matter what you’re doing. As Felix (and vto?) have said “He will fail at the peak – it’s written in his character.”

                • Winston Smith …
                  26 July 2013 at 1:34 pm

                  Labour need him beacuse:

                  A. They have no money and are hoping Dot Con gives them some
                  B. No one seems to care what Shearer says but do when Dot Con speaks
                  C. Labour are (at worst) going backwards or (at best) flat lining so need Dot Con because he seems to be the only one scoring major points

                  “He will fail at the peak – it’s written in his character.”

                  – Far be it from me to disagree with Felix and VTO however being that the Left have tried (and failed miserably) to pin something, anything on John Key and dent his popularity for years I’ll go with history on this and say that Key is a helluva lot smarter then most give credit for and more cunning then most

                  Hes the most popular and effective post-MMP leader we’ve had for a reason and the left consistantly underestimate him to their peril

          • vto 8.1.2.2.2
            26 July 2013 at 11:01 am

            Winston Smith, you do know John Key is a compulsive liar don’t you.

            • Winston Smith 8.1.2.2.2.1
              26 July 2013 at 11:45 am

              Of course, he is a politician after all

              • weka …
                26 July 2013 at 7:40 pm

                Cop out and disingenuous. Show me a Green MP who has lied as often as Key has (or lied at all in fact). You should be able to pull up a list like BLiP’s one about Key’s lies for each MP in parliament.

  9. Wayne 9
    26 July 2013 at 9:16 am

    Why is this evidence.

    It is really just a hypothesis. Which is that John Key goes to Hollywood, that he is told that KDC should be extradited, that a direction is then given to SIS to withdraw their objection, presumably by John Key.

    But there is no evidence presented here that supports this hypothesis.

    But seriously, do you really think John Key would act like this? Do you really think Hollywood moguls would even raise KDC with the PM?

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 9.1
      26 July 2013 at 9:23 am

      I’m not expecting to see any actual evidence until election year. This is just Kim.com telling us what he knows.

    • vto 9.2
      26 July 2013 at 9:26 am

      Fascinating isn’t it Wayne how your government has intertwined the forces of capital and government to an extent far greater than ever seen before in New Zealand.

      This is fascism.

      Can you handle that? Has it even occurred to you? What do you intend to do about this?

      • vto 9.2.1
        26 July 2013 at 10:51 am

        Hello Wayne?

      • Santi 9.2.2
        26 July 2013 at 11:52 am

        This is fascism you said..

        Take a deep breath and sit down, calm down. Anger is bad for your health.

        • weka 9.2.2.1
          26 July 2013 at 12:06 pm

          “Anger is bad for your health.”

          Only if you don’t express it a useful way.

          Marginialising other people’s politics by calling them emotional…. bad for the soul (assuming you have one).

    • karol 9.3
      26 July 2013 at 9:27 am

      Key didn’t meet with the Hollywood execs in Hollywood but at Premier House in NZ. It was part of the Hobbit discussions (see my link & quote above.

    • weka 9.4
      26 July 2013 at 9:34 am

      “But seriously, do you really think John Key would act like this? Do you really think Hollywood moguls would even raise KDC with the PM?”

      Wow, that would have to be one of hte most naive comments I’ve seen in a while.

    • tricledrown 9.5
      26 July 2013 at 9:44 am

      Wayne they didn’t talk about a small bunch of unionists working on th hobbit films either1

      • Wayne 9.5.1
        26 July 2013 at 10:17 am

        But the Hobbitt was the known public purpose of the meeting. Getting the Hobbit movies made here was a Govt priority and that was plain to everyone.

        What is being suggested here is that as a side issue, KDC was also mentioned, that the FBI wanted to extradite him, and the only thing in the way was uncertainty about KDC’s residency status. And this about a guy the PM had never heard of until that moment (this being the timeline alleged by KDC).

        Effectively a request to the PM, “PM, can you also sort this out for us, the problem is the SIS”

        • weka 9.5.1.1
          26 July 2013 at 10:21 am

          What makes you think that JK hadn’t heard of KDC until that meeting?

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 9.5.1.2
          26 July 2013 at 10:25 am

          Perhaps they read the Wikipedia article on the SIS and figured that, as the responsible minister, Key would be the right person to raise the issue with.

          I expect that’s naïve of me, imagining that Ministers might expect to take questions about their portfolio.

          “Well, copyright infringement is just one lawyer’s opinion and I can show you another who’ll give you a counterview.”

          Then again why bother asking him: his word ain’t worth shit.

        • karol 9.5.1.3
          26 July 2013 at 10:32 am

          According to the NZ First press release, not only was Dotcom’s residency granted the day after the PM met Hollywood execs (over the Hobbit), but also this:

          “Our timeline also shows that Mr Key met with the SIS on 12 October 2010. That was a day before the SIS put a hold on Dotcom’s residency application.

          Coincidence that both happened the day after Key had these meetings?

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 9.5.1.4
          26 July 2013 at 10:44 am

          Who said they asked him to “sort this out”, Dr. Mapp? Maybe they said “That megaupload thing, that’s all in hand, thanks for your help, John, get your guy to come by later and we’ll see you right.”

          But it really doesn’t matter how the subject came up does it?

        • vto 9.5.1.5
          26 July 2013 at 10:53 am

          “But the Hobbitt was the known public purpose of the meeting”

          wtf does that have to do with anything worthwhile or relevant to the issue?

          And further, tell us what both the unknown public purpose was and the non-public purpose was.

    • Veutoviper 9.6
      26 July 2013 at 10:06 am

      But seriously, do you really think John Key would act like this? Do you really think Hollywood moguls would even raise KDC with the PM?

      Yes.

      Why? Because as well as meeting with Hollywood moguls here in NZ in Oct 2010, Key also met with them in Hollywood in Oct 2012 (and that is just the meetings we know about!)

      Prior to the Oct 2012 meetings (just after Key had publicly apologised to KDC) Key was adamant the KDC would not be discussed at those meetings. In the event, it transpired that they DID discuss KDC.

      I do not have time right now to google links to the many articles that appeared at the time of the 2012 meetings – but there were numerous articles both here in NZ (Stuff, Herald etc) and in the US on the meetings and the fact that KDC was discussed.

      So, Dr Mapp, I appreciate that as a former Minister in the current government, you are trying to defend your party and PM. But stop the BS.

    • Sable 9.7
      26 July 2013 at 10:07 am

      No one believed our own government illegally spied on its own citizens either and yet here we are. Kim Doctom has if nothing else proven himself a lot more astute than Keys and he has been able to back up everything he has said so far. Keys on the other hand has been left looking like an idiot again and again with nothing by rhetoric to back up his dubious claims….

  10. martin 10
    26 July 2013 at 9:21 am

    Wayne.
    Of course not.
    The Hollywood execs never wanted a case bought against him to protect their copyrights on the internet.

  11. Santi 11
    26 July 2013 at 9:39 am

    In suggest NZ deports KDC back to his native Germany. Have a safe flight, fraudster.

    • weka 11.1
      26 July 2013 at 9:50 am

      Yeah, pity he’s a resident with legal rights in NZ. Damn law.

      • Richard Christie 11.1.1
        26 July 2013 at 10:15 am

        Ah, the rich irony in that the SIS withdrawal of objection led to DC’s residency.

        The sting that went bad.

    • amirite 11.2
      26 July 2013 at 9:51 am

      I suggest NZ to deport Santi to the Stupid camp. The sooner, the better.

    • Sable 11.3
      26 July 2013 at 10:10 am

      Yes and he will probably get a fair trial too. No chances of that in this totalitarian shit hole.

    • Sable 11.4
      26 July 2013 at 10:10 am

      Yes and he would probably get a fair trial too. No chances of that in this totalitarian shit hole.

  12. tricledrown 12
    26 July 2013 at 9:47 am

    Grinch where do we send a corrupt lying ponzi scheming money trader to then.

  13. Sable 13
    26 July 2013 at 10:00 am

    Keys behavior comes as no surprise, what does surprise is that people still support him. I think this speaks volumes about how little we have come to expect from our government.

    As to Kim Dotcom, my advice, if you can, fly to Russia and join Edward Snowden, you wont get fair or legal treatment in this country. Its now no more than a satellite state of the USA.

    • Wayne 13.1
      26 July 2013 at 10:24 am

      I am pretty sure Judge Winkelmann would be offended to read that she is not giving “fair or legal treatment” to KDC.

      • Veutoviper 13.1.1
        26 July 2013 at 10:31 am

        Despite my response to you at 9.6 above, I agree with you on this comment.

        So far in the KDC case, Judge Winkelmann has proved herself to be an excellent judge.

      • tracey 13.1.2
        26 July 2013 at 11:09 am

        Thank god for the courts which recently a couple of ministers questioned because they disagreed with their rulings.

  14. infused 14
    26 July 2013 at 10:07 am

    Have to bookmark this thread for next years. Hilarious.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 14.1
      26 July 2013 at 10:15 am

      Yeah, because then if he can’t prove Key knew you’ll be able to concoct some more witless fiction how everyone was relying on him, eh, and you’ll give yourself a little pat on the back and tell yourself how witty and clever you are, and generally be boorish and vacuous as usual.

      Yawn.

    • Sable 14.2
      26 July 2013 at 10:15 am

      There wont be a next year. If you post comments in the coming months that upset Emperor Keys expect square jawed goons on your doorstep and a one way ticket to a super max prison (read dungeon).

    • tracey 14.3
      26 July 2013 at 11:12 am

      Thank god he didnt sign a painting for a charity auction cos that would be truly awful.

    • tracey 14.4
      26 July 2013 at 11:12 am

      Thank god he didnt sign a painting for a charity auction cos that would be truly awful.

    • tracey 14.5
      26 July 2013 at 11:13 am

      Thank god he didnt sign a painting for a charity auction cos that would be truly awful.

    • Pascal's bookie 14.6
      26 July 2013 at 4:41 pm

      Have to bookmark this thread for next years. Hilarious.

      Hilarious.

      http://thestandard.org.nz/war-talk/#comment-615629

  15. karol 15
    26 July 2013 at 10:40 am

    Selwyn Manning has responded to my comments about what is/isn’t new about Dotcom’s statement last night:

    Hi Karol,

    Yes that is true regarding the timeline. But the important new fact is as you note that KDC was citing the SIS documentation recommending to the Minister of Immigration that his application for residency be declined, and according to KDC the reason given was because he was under FBI investigation.

    And then later in 2010, the SIS reversed that recommendation the day after the Prime Minister met with the Hollywood brass. The SIS and the Prime Minister in charge of the SIS should explain what caused it to reverse its recommendation all-the-while knowing KDC was still under FBI investigation.

    If all this does stack up, the Prime Minister does have a lot of explaining to do as to how he could possibly not know of KDC at that time. The timeline and the SIS reversal have become an important element in the saga.

  16. vto 16
    26 July 2013 at 10:44 am

    Why does John Key want to listen to and record every single communication and conversation of mine?

    The arsehole hasn’t answered this question.

    • weka 16.1
      26 July 2013 at 11:02 am

      He doesn’t, he wants the spooks to.

      But I reckon with all this confusion around what Key knew and when, and given his poor memory, the easiest solution going forward is for everything Key says and does to be recorded. No more confusion, simple.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 16.1.1
        26 July 2013 at 11:05 am

        Paging Dr. Nixon.

      • vto 16.1.2
        26 July 2013 at 11:12 am

        Why does John Key want the government to listen to and record every single communication and conversation of mine?

        The arsehole hasn’t answered this question.

        • ropata 16.1.2.1
          26 July 2013 at 2:08 pm

          Key did raise the spectre of terrorism in the select committee; asking Thomas Beagle of Tech Liberty what he would do if there was a bombing.

          http://youtu.be/zNG-ZdAoUtA?t=10m45s

          Beagle’s response was that it is a hypothetical scenario and does not justify a bill which effectively puts a camera in everyone’s home

          • Arfamo 16.1.2.1.1
            26 July 2013 at 2:11 pm

            Well the US’s now multiple internal security agencies have this kind of monitoring capability and how well did it work to prevent the Boston Bombings?

      • Richard Christie 16.1.3
        26 July 2013 at 3:51 pm

        Now there is an idea for a web protest.

        Designate a week and encourage every citizen to cc all electronic communication to the GCSB.

        Probably won’t result in denial of service but it may make a point.

        • weka 16.1.3.1
          26 July 2013 at 3:58 pm

          Someone else had the idea to cc John Key.

          Nice bit of protest, but would need smart organising (and legal advice).

  17. Bearded Git 17
    26 July 2013 at 10:56 am

    Looking at the many right-wing responses above, you know they are on the wrong side of this issue. Talk about panic. Key’s credibility, such as it ever was, is sinking fast.

    • infused 17.1
      26 July 2013 at 12:17 pm

      There’s no panic at all… it’s you lot jumping up and down as if you’ve won lotto… but when you get the ticket read, you find all you’ve won is another ticket.

    • Huginn 17.2
      26 July 2013 at 7:51 pm

      Definitely. This hysterical stream of toxic vileness directed at Dotcom is very interesting

      They’ve got a real problem on their hands because Dotcom is a really good fit with the Libertarian Right – which has a well defined philosophical position on the state’s use of computational methodologies which goes back at least to Hayek’s early work.

      It’s the Road to Serfdom that Papa Fredie warned them about all those years ago.

      The problem for the Nats is that there’s nowhere for these guys to go since John Banks and Garth McVicar took over Act – and they’re never, ever going to vote for Colin the Conservative because they’re not . . . conservative.

      National has snuffed out its partners so that it can present us with a single political solution, the last thing want now is for these guys to develop an independent political identity

  18. RedBaronCV 18
    26 July 2013 at 10:02 pm

    So the GCSB are going to record evrything Key does and says? Premier House will be bugged?
    No more convenient brain fades and since they have nothing to hide they will release it all??

  19. Don't worry be happy 19
    27 July 2013 at 1:20 am

    Dot com met with John Banks right? Several times?

    Dot com is techno savvy to say the least.

    John Banks is shall we say ‘talkative’…and into promoting his importance, perhaps about his relationship/influence with the PM.

    It’s perfectly legal to record a conversation in NZ if one party is aware that the conversation is being recorded and not at all difficult to do.

    Wheeling and dealing with powerful politicians with spooks in their pay for a safe place for himself and his family I’m picking KDC has been very careful and protective of some fascinating listening for us all in Court.

  20. Rodel 20
    27 July 2013 at 6:28 pm

    Quite like the dotcom stuff but still think anyone who gave John Banks $50,000 needs to be extradited somewhere.

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  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
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    6 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
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    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
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  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
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  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    13 hours 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 ...
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    19 hours 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 ...
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    20 hours 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 ...
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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    23 hours 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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    3 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
    3 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 ...
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    3 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 ...
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    3 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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
    5 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
    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
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    1 week ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
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    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
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    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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