Dotcom snoopers: The “dirty, disgusting, despicable game”

Written By: - Date published: 4:19 pm, February 14th, 2014 - 73 comments
Categories: blogs, brand key, john key, slippery, spin, Spying, uncategorized - Tags:

So, the PM is hinting that his tips about Winston Peters visiting Kim Dotcom 3 times, came from Cameron Slater.

This is the same Slater who said on TV 3’s The Nation that:

Slater: Well, Auckland politics is like where any politics is, in that it’s a dirty, disgusting, despicable game. And it involves dirty, disgusting despicable people at all levels.  And to have this sort of high and mighty belief that New Zealand politics is clean, isn’t.

Stuff reports:

Prime Minister John Key has given his “100 per cent” assurance that intelligence agencies were not spying on Winston Peters, indicating his source was controversial blogger Cameron Slater.

Key revealed today that he speaks regularly with Slater.

[…]

“Contrary to what you might want to believe I can read, it happened to be in the New Zealand Herald, it happened to be on the Whale Oil website, and a member of the public, basically for want of a better term, rang me up and said what was the case,” Key said.

“I assumed it was right, I said it and it turned out to be right.”

He confirmed he and Slater spoke regularly, including this week when they discussed Dotcom, but Key hedged when asked if Slater was his source.

“I wouldn’t say that … I wouldn’t say either way, I’m just telling you it’s not GCSB or SIS.”

Key said he regularly called Slater, who broke the story of the Len Brown affair, “to see what he’s got on his site and mind”.

[…]

“Contrary to what you might want to believe I can read, it happened to be in the New Zealand Herald, it happened to be on the Whale Oil website, and a member of the public, basically for want of a better term, rang me up and said what was the case,” Key said.

“I assumed it was right, I said it and it turned out to be right.”

He confirmed he and Slater spoke regularly, including this week when they discussed Dotcom, but Key hedged when asked if Slater was his source.

“I wouldn’t say that … I wouldn’t say either way, I’m just telling you it’s not GCSB or SIS.”

Key said he regularly called Slater, who broke the story of the Len Brown affair, “to see what he’s got on his site and mind”.

NZ Herald‘s Claire Trevett is also reporting this story.

But, the question remains, who told Slater and who told the Herald gossip columnist?

This is looking like a sophisticated circular shell game.  Normally it’s thought that the PM’s office leaks stuff to right wing bloggers.

[Update] Full transcript of the John Key stands up video, “PM’s whale oil ‘friends’ “, on Stuff at the link: there are multiple unidentified interviewers in the video.

Key: A member of the public, basically for want of a better term, rang me up and said what, what was the case.  I assumed it was right.  I said it. And it turned out to be right. But I can absolutely swear my life on it that there’s been no public agency involved.  Nor would there be.  And by the way, if there was, that would be an immensely serious thing, that would see the end of myself as prime minister and the end of the government, so, um, I think he’s out to lunch and in Lala land.

Interviewer: Does he need to provide some evidence of that?

Key:  I would welcome any evidence he’s got.  I would be more than happy to comply with any enquiry.  I’m happy for a complete review of GCSB, SIS, every agency I have any involvement with.

Interviewer: Was it a member of the public? Was it somebody that came to you and said “Those things in the paper, they’re true, prime minister, what are you gonna do about it?”  How did that happen?

Key: Yeah.  They rang me up and said, he’s been out there 3 times, and um, it’s apparently accurate. I said fair enough. I didn’t assume it was that controversial to be honest.

Interviewer: Was Cameron Slater the member of the public that contacted you.

Key: I’m not gonna say who it was. But I can tell you they don’t work for the GCSB or SIS or any other agency.

Interviewer: [?]

Key: Every so often.

Interviewer: Every so often – weekly?  Monthly?

Key: Dunno. I’d have to go and look at my files.

Interviewer: When you spoke to him this week did you discuss Kim Dotcom or []?].

Key: Briefly.

Interviewer: So he was your source?

Key: No.  I wouldn’t say that.

Interviewer: You would not say “No”?

Key: Well you know.  I’m not gonna say either way.  I’ll just telling you it’s not GCSB or SIS.

Interviewer: Did you call him or did he call you?

Key: Ohhhh. I rang him. [sucks in breath]

Interviewer: [?]

Key: Well he’s a blog site. He writes.  He he, writes a whole lotta stuff I don’t necessarily agree with all of it. I speak to lotsa bloggers blogsters.

Interviewer: [?] with Cameron Slater:

Key: I just know him.

Interviewer: What do you call him for?

Key: Oh cause I talk about lottsa political events. See what he’s got on his site and mind.

Interviewer: How any other bloggers do you speak to on a regular basis?

Key: Heaps.

Interviewer: Why..? heaps? Seriously?  So, care to share any of the bloggers that you speak to?

Key: I’m sure you speak to a lot of them as well.

In the Stuff article, Slater is reported a saying:

Slater confirmed he was the source.

“If the prime minister said that’s the case, that’s the case,” Slater said.

Controversies surrounding Slater should not preclude the pair from having a professional relationship, Slater said.

“I’ve got a wide network that’s got across the party spectrum. I’ve got contacts in the Labour Party, I’ve got contacts in the Green Party, I’ve got contacts in the Conservatives, I’ve got insiders in NZ First, I talk to everybody.”

He described his relationship with Key as “professional … where I ask questions and he gives me answers”.

So there’s a slight discrepancy between key saying he rang Slater to chat and see what’s on his site and mind, and Slater saying he asks Key questions and gets answers.

[Update] Stuff audio transcript corrected/edited 15 Feb 2014.

Report from  TV 3 News Thurs 13 Feb 2014, 6pm: ‘Key used GCSB to spy on me’ – Winston Peters. Key is asked how he knew Peters had 3 meetings with Kimdotcom.

Extract from video:

Key: Oh well, people tell me things from time to time.

Gower: Who?

Key: Not gonn tell ya.

Key: Don’t need to.

Key: Well, like I say, don’t need to.

Key: From time to time, people see things and from time to time they tell me.

Key: A person told me it was three. I was pretty sure they’d be right because, they often are, and guess what, they were.

 

73 comments on “Dotcom snoopers: The “dirty, disgusting, despicable game” ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Paul 1
    14 February 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Unbelievable.
    Our country’s leader’s source of news is a blog from the sewer.
    This says it all about Key and the direction he’s taking this once fine nation.
    Shame.

    • well I never 1.2
      14 February 2014 at 4:39 pm

      I agree, I don’t know which is worse, using the nation’s spy agency for personal political control, or relating (supporting) the lowlife that spews out his bile, and starts crying when anyone stands up to him.Where are the statesmen?

  2. weka 2
    14 February 2014 at 4:31 pm

    Does anyone else feel a bit sick that the Prime Minister of NZ regularly talks to Cameron Slater? I mean, I understand that Key is right wing and would keep in touch with the right wing blogosphere, but Slater?! That’s actually pretty fucked up.

    • Anne 2.1
      14 February 2014 at 8:03 pm

      He’s on the same level as Slater weka. The only difference is: he knows how to hide it from a largely gullible public. I picked it up at the time of the Mt Albert byelectoin in 2012. Some photographer caught Slater and Key together deep in conversation. Whatever Slater was telling him, Key’s eyes had lit up and he was hanging on to his (Slater’s) every word. From that split second photo capture… I have regarded Key with the utmost contempt. That he is romping around as our PM is truly embarrassing.

    • Rosie 2.2
      14 February 2014 at 9:49 pm

      “Does anyone else feel a bit sick that the Prime Minister of NZ regularly talks to Cameron Slater?’

      Yes. Yes, I do and yes, it is pretty fucked up, even by Key’s lack of standards.

    • marty mars 2.3
      14 February 2014 at 9:56 pm

      Yes it makes me feel very queasy – he rings him up – key has dispelled any illusions anyone may have about him – “oh hasn’t he got jolly good instincts”… “oh what a clever political player…” – wake up!!! The slimely snake is actually really slime covered and slides along on its belly flicking its fucken forked tongue to taste the air and see which way to go. There are no gloves on now – he rings up slater – rings him up!!!

      key i didn’t think you could go down any lower in regards to how little i think of you but you have – well fucken done you.

  3. fender 3
    14 February 2014 at 4:33 pm

    “to see what he’s got on his site and mind”.

    Who would want to know such toxic information as this FFS. Good to have it confirmed though how friendly these birds of a feather are.

  4. phil 4
    14 February 2014 at 4:38 pm

    Did the spy agency seed the information to The Whale? Then PM rings the whale for a chat? How circular. Sounds like CIA Modus opperandus.

  5. xtasy 5
    14 February 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Now there could be some other source that has not yet been considered. While we know of course that the GCSB and SIS have top notch equipment to do their jobs, you can as a private individual also buy rather astonishing modern technological equipment, like concealed tiny cameras, audio recorders, transmitters and what else there is.

    Any tech savvy person, who may have been media, private investigator, a friend of Slater or other individuals that now have been exposed of being party of the “informant network” and “the informed” themselves, could theoretically have been to Coatesville, perhaps installed some equipment near the entrance, in trees or on posts, or wherever, to “surveil” what traffic and persons go in and out.

    This may sound far fetched for some, but with the importance of Dotcom, of his case and what he now represents in the form of a true THREAT to our PRIME MINISTER and this government, nothing can be ruled out. There would be enough persons who would be very keen on any information they can get. So apart from possible “sources” around Dotcom himself, this may need to be investigated also.

    As for Key and Slater, yeah, thanks for the PM, to finally come out with the truth. So not only is Judith Collins a regular chatter with the abominable person that runs Whaleoil.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1
      14 February 2014 at 5:15 pm

      Who’s running who?

      Key/Collins/Slater/Lusk are responsible for Whale Oil. That much is certain.

      It raises an interesting question. Rising inequality inevitably leads to increased infant mortality, and more dead children for Key/Collins/Slater/Lusk to mock.

      Is that a conflict of interest?

      • marty mars 5.1.1
        14 February 2014 at 10:08 pm

        Who is running who? – yep that is a question that i’d like more illumination around – “If you want to destroy my sweater, hold this thread as i walk away, watch me unravel, I’ll soon be naked, lying on the floor, I’ve come undone…” This thread will get pulled until the yarn snaps or key is lie-ing there unraveled.

    • Anne 5.2
      14 February 2014 at 8:14 pm

      Spot on xtasy. Electronic spying equipment is available, and provided the user knows what he/she is doing and how to operate the equipment they can spy on all sorts of people in all sorts of situations. I said yesterday on Open Mike (I think) that Key doesn’t have to acquire such info. from the spy agencies. He has his own spies and informants and we know Slater and Farrar are merely two of them. Don’t be surprised if his private spy agency the KIS(?) is partly funded by himself and other ‘key’ businessmen who live in his pockets – or he lives in theirs…

      • Murray Olsen 5.2.1
        15 February 2014 at 12:39 am

        There are plenty of Perfed out coppers who manage to do security work for the oil companies. Some of the same faces turn up at protests all the time, taking photos. Some of them would no doubt be happy to contract their dubious talents to the Taxpayers’ Union (haha), the New Zealand American Business Association, or even a rightwing think (haha) tank. These guys play for keeps, and do not want to lose Key.

        • xtasy 5.2.1.1
          15 February 2014 at 11:04 am

          I have been to a few protests, particularly against the benefit “reforms” (or rather draconian “cut backs” to entitlements and endless sanctions), and some were with activists at meetings Bennett and some other National MPs held for the public.

          It was astonishing and telling, how friendly and warm the relationship between the present cops and the National politicians and members were. They all seem to know each other very, very well, and I have never seen the cops be as “warm” and friendly with any Labour or other MPs on public events. That certainly told me something about the true state of affairs, as to how New Zealand is “run”!

          And yes, there would be NO shortage of private investigators or even volunteers, to do some of the dirty works to assist their National Party friends and mates, in higher and less higher places.

          I witnessed also last general election day, how near our local election booth, there were many hurried, almost worried and overly determined middle class while males (apparently business and similar folks), who asked me for the way to the booths, and they seemed to be so determined to cast their votes. It all had the feel as if they were shit scared that National and Key might lose, as that seems to them to be seen as a “disaster” to their lot in New Zealand society, indeed in their narrow minded view a “disaster for the country”.

          Sadly we know what the outcome was. So there is NO surprise that they will involve their most loyal blogsters, like the Whale and Farrar, to intensify efforts, to make sure that Key and Nats get the upper hand in the public media and social media battle, no matter what means will be necessary. We are witnessing just the very beginning of what is to come this year.

  6. blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 6
    14 February 2014 at 4:49 pm

    Can someone please explain what is so wrong with leaders of political parties meeting? Doesn’t seem like the big issue that it is being made out to be – by the-desperately-increasingly-friendless-National party.

    Surely meeting up in person is the best way for them to find out what they have in common and how (or if) they can work together?

    Or are they expected to look on one another’s websites and work it out that way?

    Or better yet, perhaps they are expected to read Whale Oil like our PM does or watch to voxpops on TV3 news and draw conclusions from what Whale Oil and TV3 news deems important to convey?

    • idlegus 6.1
      14 February 2014 at 7:24 pm

      “Can someone please explain what is so wrong with leaders of political parties meeting?” – nothing, just media spin & beat up, distraction, its all the silly right wing contributors to this blog have got it seems, weak!

      • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 6.1.1
        14 February 2014 at 11:03 pm

        ah, thanks idlegus, it is nice to hear someone else is viewing things the way I am 🙂

  7. Not a PS Staffer 7
    14 February 2014 at 5:01 pm

    Karol

    The real news is the stupidity of Russell Norman going cap in hand all the way out to DotCom’s palace to discuss election tactics. A visit like that, by taxi, in not going to be kept secret. Norman’s mistake was to expect it to be a secret. He is now a certified fool.

    We have always known that Winston has no scruples about who he will meet and do deals with. No news there.

    And we have known for a long time that Key knows how to operate the leavers of power, access the state agencies, access overseas bodies and schmooze with any media person who will give him favourable column inches.

    Russell Norman has brought all of this on himself.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1
      14 February 2014 at 5:05 pm

      Yep, we’ve known that for a while. It hasn’t made the headlines before now though. Slater has been in the news of late too.

      Key is now overtly associated with a man who mocks dead children for money. Looks like an opportunity to me, and not to bag Russel Norman, either.

    • karol 7.2
      14 February 2014 at 5:32 pm

      NaPSS, The real latest news is Key’s admission. Stay on topic or comments will be deleted or moved

      ….. or worse.

      This is a clear attempt at diversion.

      • Not a PS Staffer 7.2.1
        15 February 2014 at 12:42 pm

        Karol, I find your response rude and excessive. I’m very disappointed that a moderator on The Standard feels free to act in this manner.

        Your story is about how Key can find out about who has visited DotCom.
        My point is that the information on the visit could have easily come from a simple source like the Taxi driver who got $350+ for a return trip from Auckland Airport to Coatesville.
        My point is that Russell Norman was trying to hide meeting DotCom: it was an act of political stupidity to meet him at all; compounded by going to see him at the most talked about mansion in NZ, possibly on his own.

        John Key and National have to be removed at the next election. Stupid and incompetent acts by Russell Norman will get in the way. When David Shearer was screwing up, in his job of leader of the opposition, he was held to account on these pages without moderators threatening to block off comments.

        What is wrong with holding Russell Norman to account on these pages?

        • Colonial Viper 7.2.1.1
          15 February 2014 at 12:51 pm

          Karol, I find your response rude and excessive. I’m very disappointed that a moderator on The Standard feels free to act in this manner.

          karol’s comments were sensibly worded and you have no cause for offence just because you were called out, you sensitive wee sausage.

    • the pigman 7.3
      14 February 2014 at 6:32 pm

      “The real news is…”

      Yeah, nah. Try again.

  8. JustLikeTigerWoods 8
    14 February 2014 at 5:08 pm

    Jealous?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 8.1
      14 February 2014 at 5:24 pm

      The leader of the opposition contributes to this blog, but this is the first time John Key has confessed his association with Cameron Slater.

      I don’t think jealous is the right way to describe sharks that smell blood.

    • fender 8.2
      14 February 2014 at 5:29 pm

      Oh yeah, like who wouldn’t want to front the National party sewer-site, you’d have to be a feral to turn down that gig /sarc

    • chris73 8.3
      14 February 2014 at 5:31 pm

      Yes they are 🙂

      • stever 8.3.1
        14 February 2014 at 5:37 pm

        Yeah, I agree. Who wouldn’t want someone of John Key’s stature and integrity associated with them?

        • chris73 8.3.1.1
          14 February 2014 at 5:41 pm

          Well Obama doesn’t seem to mind, the Queen thinks hes all right and he gets an invite to the G20 meeting but apart from that

          • Hayden 8.3.1.1.1
            14 February 2014 at 6:29 pm

            Dear Mr President

            Next time you’re playing golf with John Key, perhaps you could ask him about his relationship with Cameron Slater, convicted criminal, mocker of dead babies and accident victims, and all round scumbag* (kind of like Matt Drudge crossed with Perez Hilton, without the scruples of either, to give you a local reference). Also, let him win a few holes, that bright, pinkly-flushed face and silly grin delight us so.

            I’ll finish it later.

            * honestly-held opinion, somewhat understated

          • Tim 8.3.1.1.2
            15 February 2014 at 12:14 am

            “Who wouldn’t want someone of John Key’s stature and integrity associated with them?”
            me for one!
            If we get another term of that kind of stature and integrity – I’m off! No doubt I’ll be able to watch another attempt by Mr Charisma on Letterman delivering a Top 10. I think I should be able to cope without being resident in a ‘rock star’ economy

      • fender 8.3.2
        14 February 2014 at 5:41 pm

        No we are 😀 at these dots being officially joined, who wouldn’t want everyone to know they were friends with one of the most hideous creatures in NZ.

        Look forward to hearing slimebag bark at the judge when he gets sentenced, Key may duet with him.

        • chris73 8.3.2.1
          14 February 2014 at 6:41 pm

          “No we are 😀 at these dots being officially joined, who wouldn’t want everyone to know they were friends with one of the most hideous creatures in NZ.”

          I admit that I’m surprised that Norman would want to be seen getting hot and heavy with someone convicted of computer fraud, data espionage, insider trading and embezzlement. But I guess the pursuit of power does things to people.

          • fender 8.3.2.1.1
            14 February 2014 at 8:02 pm

            “…hot and heavy…”

            Now there’s a revelation. At least Banks had the decency to refrain when he realised Kim was married!

            You obviously saw everything though, good work mate. Beats going on an “ammo watching” field-trip eh..

    • Hayden 8.4
      14 February 2014 at 6:18 pm

      Look at a photo of Cameron Slater. Listen to a recording of Cameron Slater speaking. Try to imagine someone being jealous of that.

  9. Pascal's bookie 9
    14 February 2014 at 5:15 pm

    “expect it to be a secret”

    Did he?

  10. McFlock 10
    14 February 2014 at 6:06 pm

    So the PM talks regularly with a pervert who stalks opposition MPs.

    I can see why he didn’t want his association with a sewersnipe panty-sniffer to be publicised.

    • Hayden 10.1
      14 February 2014 at 6:23 pm

      Can you imagine the awkwardness of Bevan Chuang, sitting in a darkened hotel room with Cameron Slater, describing in graphic detail her sexual liaisons with Len Brown? You can almost hear him panting, smell the body odour as his temperature rises with each new revelation…

      I think I’ve put myself off my tea (sirloin of murdered cow, if anyone’s interested).

      • chris73 10.1.1
        14 February 2014 at 6:42 pm

        Can you imagine the awkwardness of Bevan Chuang with Len Brown? You can almost hear him panting, smell the body odour as his temperature rises with each new revelation…

        I think I’ve put myself off my tea (sirloin of murdered cow, if anyone’s interested).

        – Fixed it for you 🙂

        • Hayden 10.1.1.1
          14 February 2014 at 7:29 pm

          No you didn’t, you just changed Cameron Slater to Len Brown and now it makes no sense. This is why you get that pitying look so often at family gatherings.

          Besides, how many times did Bevan go back? I imagine her relationship with the Slater is less convivial.

  11. Tigger 11
    14 February 2014 at 6:21 pm

    Slater on their relationship:
    “He described his relationship with Key as “professional … where I ask questions and he gives me answers”.”

    I don’t recall any interviews with Key on Whale Oil so what are these questions about?

    And didn’t Key say he got info from Slater, ie he asked the question?

    • xtasy 11.1
      14 February 2014 at 6:44 pm

      There are many “professional” crooks, no doubt about that!

    • karol 11.2
      14 February 2014 at 6:53 pm

      Key is in the video at the Stuff link – saying he talks to whale oil, “to see what he’s got on his site and on his kind” – ie must include Key asking questions.

      Key didn’t exactly say he got the Dotcom-Peters info from Slater, but he wouldn’t deny it.

    • mickysavage 11.3
      14 February 2014 at 8:05 pm

      Professional, so Key pays slater for his crap?

  12. mickysavage 12
    14 February 2014 at 8:03 pm

    Well talking about jumping the shark …

  13. Zorr 13
    14 February 2014 at 8:42 pm

    At which point, every time the Prime Minister now opens his mouth to accuse an opposition MP, the response should be “Did you get that information from Whale Oil?”

  14. tricledrown 14
    14 February 2014 at 10:09 pm

    Yeah C73 how many times has Slater been convicted.

  15. tricledrown 15
    14 February 2014 at 10:09 pm

    Yeah C73 how many times has Slater been convicted.

  16. Pascal's bookie 16
    14 February 2014 at 10:28 pm

    Yeah, well.

    See there’s a court case coming up. part of that court case will touch on whether there was any political influence in proceedings leading up to the trial, and the extent of it if there was.

    Certain Prime Ministers not a million miles from Thorndon might want to leave some dates free in the diary lest they are called to the stand. But even if they are not; ‘discovery’, there’s an interesting word, innit.

    https://twitter.com/KimDotcom/status/434250654022791168

  17. emergency mike 17
    15 February 2014 at 2:34 am

    “Interviewer: Did you call him or did he call you?

    Key: Ohhhh. I rang him. [sucks in breath]

    Key: I speak to lotsa bloggers.

    Interviewer: how any other bloggers do you speak to on a regular basis?

    Key: Heaps.

    Interviewer: Why heaps? Seriously? So, care to share any of the bloggers that you speak to?

    Key: I’m sure you speak to a lot of them as well.”

    lol. Just lol. He’s scrambling here.

    So any of u bloggers talk to John Key on a regular basis? Who knew that he was so actively engaged with teh blogs eh?

    Credibility: down.

    • karol 17.1
      15 February 2014 at 7:17 am

      Heh! And the interviewer woman who said “Seriously?” had disbelief/surprise in her voice. Like she was a bit gobsmacked.

      Transcript really should be:

      Interviewer: Why…?…. Heaps? …. Seriously?

      As surprised interviewer tried to formulate an appropriate question.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 17.2
      15 February 2014 at 7:22 am

      Can anyone spell “follow-up questions”? 😈

      “Poor little blighter! Let him go!”
      “Not till he says what he means by lots and none at all,” said Bert.

  18. bad12 18
    15 February 2014 at 9:11 am

    Just reeks of LIES doesn’t it, IF there was any truth in Slippery the Prime Minister ”talking to heaps of bloggers” as He asserts i am pretty certain at least one or two of these Bloggers would have not been able to resist the infamy of being named as a personal confidante of the PM,

    Yet amidst the furore complete and utter silence from across the blogesphere, Please oh Please ‘stand up please ”heaps of other Bloggers”, really it’s simply ghost riders in the sky which is where Slippery the PM obviously pulled that particular statement,

    Obviously Slippery and ‘wail-oils’ Blubber boy didn’t converse enough on this occasion to have got any ‘story’ straight enough to be able to deliver said ‘story’ with confidence to the media,

    Blubber boys, ”if the Prime Minister said that’s the case, then that’s the case”, is hardly vintage Blubber boy is it, IF Slippery was talking on a regular basis with this particular knuckle-scraping throwback to the days of the Neanderthal i am 100% certain that ‘it’ would have been preening,poncing, and, sneering in a fit of ”i am a superior being” instead of giving a barely positive reply to being questioned about any relationship between himself and the PM,

    This is the election campaign, National having NO new policy initiatives to front to the voters have decided upon DIRT as the main plank of discourse for the year,

    Labour/Green unveil policy that directly attacks child poverty with two very different but admirably dovetailing pieces of policy and National in what looked like an orchestrated attack on Metiria Turei via Ann Tolley reading off a scripted paper to attack Metiria’s life-style,

    Shane Jones, not exactly the most admired Labour MP unveils an attack in the Parliament upon what appears to be the criminal actions of at least one of the big two supermarket operators and Slippery again bereft of anything to counter the surge in publicity for Labour over the whole ‘cost of food issue’ winds up the attack on Russell Norman and Winston Peters,
    for daring to have meetings with DotCom,

    This i would suggest is going to be the sum of National’s election campaign right up to and including the official campaign period itself,

    That and the as yet undecided splurge of at least a Billion dollars of asset sales money National will attempt to buy a third term in office with…

  19. Visubversaviper 19
    15 February 2014 at 10:07 am

    Maybe Cam is doing his own spying. Wasn’t it him sneaking around Takapuna hoping to catch Andrew Williams watering the street trees? Be a bit hard to find a disguise though. Watch out for mobile telephone booths!

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-24T14:10:55+00:00