Ernst and Young should investigate Cameron Brewer

Written By: - Date published: 7:46 am, December 20th, 2013 - 240 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, len brown - Tags: ,

Cameron Brewer has been touted as a potential National MP for Epsom and also possibly the next Mayoral candidate for the right in Auckland.  He has also spearheaded the attacks on Len, particularly over Len’s failure to disclose the complimentary hotel nights and upgrades that he received.

Brewer also criticised Len over his trip to Hong Kong at the beginning of the year.  Specifically Brewer noted that the trip ought to have been declared and noted the requirement that “[the] Mayor and councillors must make an annual return of interests, including: “Contributions to travel costs made by third parties to a member and the value of the contribution’”.

But it appears that Brewer has his own difficulty to deal with.  He apparently forgot to declare a freebie trip given to him by Mediaworks.

From the Herald:

Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer, who has been baying for Mayor Len Brown’s blood for not declaring gifts, has admitted not declaring a four-day junket to the Gold Coast.

Mr Brewer yesterday admitted taking free air tickets and accommodation paid for by MediaWorks, which runs TV3.

The right-wing councillor said he made a declaration of interests in 2011, but not in 2012, which would cover the period he went to Queensland.

The 2012 declaration of interests shows that Mr Brown and just nine of the 20 councillors filed returns.

Mr Brewer and Dick Quax, who yesterday said “unless the council code of conduct has any kind of meaning there has to be serious consequences”, were among the 11 councillors not to file a return.

And on the subject of gift returns on morning report today Dick Quax admitted not filing returns for 2011 or 2012.

What is that word starting with H?

240 comments on “Ernst and Young should investigate Cameron Brewer ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Philj 1
    20 December 2013 at 7:49 am

    Ha ha hypocracy.

    • Tom Gould 1.1
      20 December 2013 at 8:22 am

      A monumental hypocrite, up there on his high horse. And turns out Theodorus Jacobus Leonardus “Dick” Quax is no different having failed to file his 2012 return. What freebies has he enjoyed?

      • ghostwhowalksnz 1.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 9:42 am

        So you are saying he Quax likes a duck, but stays on his well feathered nest when it comes to a coverup ?

        • David H 1.1.1.1
          20 December 2013 at 10:34 am

          I saw Quax on Brekkie TV this morning, trying to look all righteous and failing. And as for Christine Fletcher, well she was a case of ‘We can’t fire Len, so we need to look at changing the rules’ Typical right wing logic.

      • Linz 1.1.2
        20 December 2013 at 1:13 pm

        In Quaxs’ words, “this is deja vu all over again.”

  2. Philj 2
    20 December 2013 at 7:58 am

    Is there any honest politicians in New Zealand? Seriously. Are there any decent folks that would consider entering the dirty snake pit of NZ politics?

    • BevanJS 2.1
      21 December 2013 at 8:56 am

      Yes, it seems the desire to be a politician often comes with some less than helpful personality traits. Too much entitlement and not enough service.

  3. Colonial Viper 3
    20 December 2013 at 8:00 am

    Time to come clean, Cameron. What else are you hiding? Was this just a one off mistake, or a pattern we can expect to see from you in public office?

  4. bad12 4
    20 December 2013 at 8:13 am

    The English language fails to supply adjectives which would serve to describe the behavior of Auckland Councilors such as Brewer,

    Pathetic Hypocrites comes close, attempting to cane the Mayor for not declaring ‘gifts’ while conveniently forgetting to declare their own noses having been firmly lodged in the ‘gift’ trough makes them and their political futures a laughing stock,

    These people have no shame, playing their pathetic little political games at the expense of the Auckland rate-payers who were ripped off yesterday by the Hypocrites as they debated Len Brown all day while they were supposed to be debating the Auckland City budget…

    • amirite 4.1
      20 December 2013 at 8:25 am

      It’s time to reach for the Urban Dictionary then:

      1. hypocracy
      What Democracy turns into when all of the politicians in your country are liars.

      When no party/President that wins the election manages to keep its/his own ideology, and instead, keeps changing it every time it/he feels like it, that’s no democracy. That’s hypocracy.

      2. hypocracy
      A democracy governed by hypocrites.
      The British government advocates moral standards to which it does not conform. Britain’s political system is therefore a hypocracy.

      3. hypocracy
      a political environment characterised by reduced and limited scope of state control of personal behaviour

      From hypo- “below normal” and -cracy “a type of government”. Coined from a misspelling of hypocrisy (claiming moral standards to which one does not conform). See also hypercracy

      4. Hypocracy
      a Democracy where most voters are dumber than a flatworm.
      .

      5. hypocracy
      Demanding that others live up to standards that you will not live up to.

      Railing against a law or situation that has brought you many personal benefits.

    • Paul 4.3
      20 December 2013 at 11:52 am

      And they refuse to pay their workers the living wage.
      Hypocrites and sociopaths.

  5. you_fool 5
    20 December 2013 at 8:14 am

    The stupid thing about all this is that if everyone just declared their freebies no one would care, no one would probably notice…

  6. Tracey 6
    20 December 2013 at 8:25 am

    Nothing to see here. You are all just deflecting for len brown. Their non declarations are different.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 6.1
      20 December 2013 at 8:32 am

      Yes its different all right

      Just as its different when Whale Oil cheats on his wife:

      Just as its different when then Mayor John Banks lies about his anonymous election donors.

      Just as when its different when Cameron Brewer goes on a secret trip to the GC

      • Rob 6.1.1
        23 December 2013 at 1:41 pm

        Whale Oil is not an elected official, lets so who is behind the 270K+ doantions in Len Browns election trust account and now we know that that Brewers trip wasn’t so secret.

        Try again.

        • gobsmacked 6.1.1.1
          23 December 2013 at 2:04 pm

          So Rob, do you think that all these secret trust accounts should be opened up?

          Including National’s?

  7. Tracey 7
    20 December 2013 at 8:28 am

    This whole thing, imo, now ownns up the private lives of our public figures as so called fair game. Brewer admitted nothing he merely confirmed what others discovered. If it hadnt been published a few days ago he would never have declared it. By not declaring he and quax must be saying its the sex not the non declarations that upset them so. By that logic they must be happy for all public figures lives to be scrutinised. Is rubbish bag rummaging time for nz?

    • deemac 7.1
      20 December 2013 at 10:26 am

      London seems to cope with Boris Johnson’s numerous affairs. How is it anyone’s business but his wife’s?

    • Morrissey 7.2
      20 December 2013 at 12:27 pm

      Brewer admitted nothing he merely confirmed what others discovered.

      That must be the stupidest sentence published on the entire internet this year.

      • Tracey 7.2.1
        20 December 2013 at 1:36 pm

        why?

        admit = reveal, make known, disclose, divulge, make public, avow, declare, profess, own up to, make a clean breast of, bring into the open, bring to light, give away, blurt out.

        confirm = To support or establish the certainty or validity of; verify

        Which do you think Brewer did?

  8. Tracey 8
    20 December 2013 at 8:33 am

    For all the criticism some have of the greens perhaps its their integrity that galls the right. Jeanette fitzsimmons integrity and ability to focus on the ball not the player set a standard in that party. I recall many debates where off the ball stuff was going on and she would stand up and speak to the issue. Its possible but more convenient for many to tell themselves honesty and integrity is too hard to expect in politics. I call bullshit on that. It always comes back to character.

    • Tinfoilhat 8.1
      20 December 2013 at 11:29 am

      Very true Tracey it’s so sad that we don’t have many (any) politicians like Jeanette or Rob Donald about these days.

      • Tracey 8.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 11:33 am

        and yet so many say they want more, but they choose illusury self financial interest over integrity. many have been doing it since the 80’s and are still waiting for the trickle down…

        do the same thing expecting a different outcome = insane

  9. Rosie 9
    20 December 2013 at 8:35 am

    Cameron Brewer. I’m sure he used to work in a suit shop in Newmarket in the early 90’s when I was living in Akld and working also in Newmarket. He used to strut about the place with an inflated sense of his own self importance if I recall correctly. So nothing has changed perhaps.

    Yes, the hypocrisy is stunning. Those right wing councillors are getting really frothy and absurdly moralistic. (Quax, a winner yet again with his display of moral outrage, give the man a medal)

    .

    • ghostwhowalksnz 9.1
      20 December 2013 at 9:39 am

      Brewer worked in Banks mayoral office as ‘highly paid spin doctor’ – this was during Banks first mayoral term.

      So the idea of the mayor having his own advisors/ spin doctors isnt new. Even then he was a partisan slogger, as he was reprimanded for being a loud mouth at a election meeting while on the council payroll.

      So once he was out of a job when Banks was defeated the first time, he landed in Rodney Hides electorate office.
      After that came the stint as the Secretary of the Newmarket Business Association , a council funded organisation pushing Newmarkets barrow. So his contacts as a suit salesman came in handy.

      He wasnt posh enough first time around for the CR team so stood on his own for a spot on the Super City Council, and won handily.

      • Rosie 9.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 10:44 am

        I do remember the Banks link and definitely the role at the Newmarket business Association.

        Apparently he was a former journalist:

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Brewer

        I was sure it was him that used to manage some high end suit store, or men’s clothing store or something. It’s possible he did that while he was studying journalism. The name and face definitely go a long way back. Anyway, not important.

        Whats important is that he gets held to account – equally, otherwise it’s case of the pot calling the kettle black.

    • Cemetery Jones 9.2
      20 December 2013 at 9:43 am

      Sounds about right. Back in his days working for Banksie, Brewer was a customer at a shop I worked in. His contempt for those in lower stations of life was palpable. Say what you want about those old money customers, they knew your name and liked you to know theirs, asked how your studies were going and so on (fair few Nat bigwigs and media/pr industry tories among them). Not for him, though – pure white spite at all times. I remembered thinking he’s the kind of asshole who can only go far in life.

      • Rosie 9.2.1
        20 December 2013 at 10:51 am

        Interesting observation you made at the time CJ re going far in life.

        Lol, yes, I know those Remmers and Epsom customers. The only time I had anyone look down their nose at me for being a shop girl was when I was working in Naymaaarkay. Not all the wealthy show their contempt though. Some can be pleasant and well mannered and have a degree of humility about themselves. This makes a difference in the way they relate to others of a different status to them.

      • William 9.2.2
        20 December 2013 at 11:44 am

        There’s a story in this morning’s DomPost about the graduation of the latest wing of recruits from the Police College which has a lovely quote from one of the graduates.

        “I was talking to my old man back when I was living in Palmy, and he said he’d rather live a life of value than a life of success – and that thought stuck with me ever since.”

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/9537600/Olympian-joins-police-force

    • Tracey 9.3
      20 December 2013 at 11:35 am

      Saks?

  10. vto 10
    20 December 2013 at 8:37 am

    How on earth can these cheating sleaze bags accept gifts from corporates like SkyCity and make decisions about SkyCity at the same time?

    They fucking can’t.

    They are corrupt.

    • Anne 10.1
      20 December 2013 at 9:00 am

      They fucking can’t.

      Yes they can.

      They take the freebies/perks/gifts/upgrades and park the memory of them in a little box inside their brain. Then they make decisions/announcements and park them in another little memory box inside their brain. Two separate boxes and one bears no relation to the other. It’s a kind of memory denial that seems to afflict politicians in particular. When someone comes along and accuses them of taking bribes/gifts etc. they genuinely believe it isn’t true.

      We’ve seen a perfect example with John Banks. Still doesn’t believe he did anything wrong over the Kim Dotcom affair.

      • vto 10.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 9:48 am

        Well, yes, they can in that context i.e. it is possible to do.

        What should have been stated is “they fucking shouldn’t”

        It is corruption

    • grumpy 10.2
      20 December 2013 at 10:07 am

      Not relevant. Unfortunately the Auckland City Council have now set the bar very low. No matter what you do, it seems you only get a wet bus ticket – unless you are an employee, of course.
      What’s the point in investigating anything when there is precedent like that?

  11. karol 11
    20 December 2013 at 8:56 am

    Cameron Brwer says:

    Mr Brewer apologised but said it was not in the same league as Mr Brown’s $39,000 undeclared hotel use and there was certainly no intent to try and obstruct the process.

    Oh, so a little corruption is OK. But this:

    Mr Brewer yesterday admitted taking free air tickets and accommodation paid for by MediaWorks, which runs TV3.

    Mr Brewer selling himself to the MSM?

    • gobsmacked 11.1
      20 December 2013 at 9:12 am

      Perhaps one of the many contributors we’ve seen commenting here over the past few days could now tell us the exact amount that has to be declared, under their ironclad “it’s only ever about Len Brown, nobody else” rule.

      I’ve asked them consistently, and never had a response – is it resignations for many, or for none?

      You guys know who you are, you’ve been all over the Standard this past week, now tell us where you stand. On principle, or not?

    • Tigger 11.2
      20 December 2013 at 9:35 am

      Yep, what did he give in return ? Access? Information?

    • Tracey 11.3
      20 December 2013 at 10:56 am

      not “admitted” but confirmed. I am sick of the media having proof of something hidden by someone and having the grace to put it to them before publishing and then describing it as “admitted”. Brewer, Brown etc have admitted nothing. They have confirmed the facts not admitted them.

    • Colonial Viper 11.4
      20 December 2013 at 11:48 am

      MediaWorks is a very nice NAT friendly corporate.

  12. lprent 12
    20 December 2013 at 9:01 am

    Cameron Brewer (and others) should now be fully and closely audited to find out what exactly they haven’t been declaring.

    Since he and Dick Quax feel it is important (for Len Brown to do so), they should also *pay* for the audit.

    After all this is a fiscal and transparency issue.

    Or are Brewer and Quax merely perverts more interested in wet dicks?

    • BevanJS 12.1
      21 December 2013 at 9:19 am

      Pay Cameron Slater to be the Council’s internal auditor – he’ll approach the investigation with a high amount of focus.

      • lprent 12.1.1
        23 December 2013 at 9:06 am

        Problem is that he’d also ignore accounting principles and the actual legal position to make a piss-poor story. He’d ignore anything dodgy done by a “mate”.

        Not to mention his view on transparency is strictly one way. For some strange reason his own sources of funding are quite murky. Probably because those funding him don’t want to have it known what campaigns and vendettas that pay for.

        But mostly it would be a bad idea because he is a bit of a stupid dipshit who is more interested in destructive behaviour than anything useful. Ask his family and friends

  13. appleboy 13
    20 December 2013 at 9:06 am

    Surely a bunch of wailing banshees should now be planning to trail Brewer the hypocrit. Where’s BM and all those right whingers now…what will they have to say..

  14. ianmac 14
    20 December 2013 at 9:08 am

    Would Brewer and Quax have signed up for the Hypocratic Oath of Allegience? They certainly appear to have done so. 😈

  15. Huginn 15
    20 December 2013 at 9:08 am

    motes eyes beams . . . glass houses
    How did these muppets not see ths coming?????!!!!!!

    • gobsmacked 15.1
      20 December 2013 at 9:21 am

      Because they relied on Media Works not breaking a story about them (that’s TV3, Radio Live etc), and they were right. They relied on Radio NZ being wimps, and TVNZ being uninterested in news at all. They relied on predictable Brown-obsessives like Newstalk ZB turning a blind eye.

      All correct.

      But they also relied on the Herald backing its editorial stance to the extent of ignoring all journalism. Thankfully, they were wrong. The Herald is a rag, but it still – occasionally – prints the news. Crumbs of comfort, but that’s what we’re reduced to in the media these days.

  16. Grumpy 16
    20 December 2013 at 9:13 am

    E&Y were needed because Len denied any undeclared gifts. I think the AG should do a thorough investigation of all the elected officials, that way we would find out all those, like Len, who are still hiding something.
    I would sign a petition for that.

    • gobsmacked 16.1
      20 December 2013 at 9:23 am

      Grumpy

      Would you agree that any MP who voted for the Sky City deal, and accepted gifts from Sky City, should –

      – declare?
      – resign?

      • grumpy 16.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 9:56 am

        Should declare. From memory, that includes Shearer and Goff – and a few more hypocritical Labour MPs.

      • RedLogix 16.1.2
        20 December 2013 at 10:47 am

        I think the problem has arisen because there is a difference between a specific gift and a routine commercial ‘freebie, upgrade or discount’ because the media has been deliberately glossed over for the purposes of smearing Len Brown.

        Having said that all this bs demonstrates that it pays to err on the side of caution and declare everything.

        Now does that mean declaring that tenth free latte you got on your cafe loyalty card.
        Where does this stop?

    • Tracey 16.2
      20 December 2013 at 10:57 am

      it should be done regularly as sadly too many elected officials see accountability for our money as nothing important.

      Only winner out of all this is E and Y and their horrendous billing system

  17. karol 17
    20 December 2013 at 9:14 am

    I see the NZ Herald has printed a little factual, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it article on Brewer – seeming to present themselves as “balanced”. meanwhile they do another editorial bashing Len Brown.

    Brewer isn’t the only hypocrite.

  18. Puckish Rogue 18
    20 December 2013 at 9:25 am

    I’m so pleased our politicians are as bad as each other…no wait it sucks balls that our politicians are so untrustworthy

  19. yeshe 19
    20 December 2013 at 9:32 am

    Brown’s ‘gifts’ were hotel room upgrades, on rooms he or his family paid for, according to E&Y.

    Brewer’s seems worse to me .. it really was free travel and free hotel, a real no-cost junket — seems qualitatively worse to me for his non declaration. And the ‘book’ costs of Brewer’s two business or first class fares plus 5 star accomms for four days in GC ? Would be coming close to half of Brown’s total amount in one hit.

    And what else is not yet declared by him ?

    HYPOCRITE. And shame on the Herald for running it in as tiny a way as possible.

    • Bearded Git 19.1
      20 December 2013 at 10:12 am

      Agreed. There is considerable debate as to how Len’s upgrades should be valued if indeed thay have any monetary value at all. Who counts it as income in their own mind when they are upgraded from cattle-class to business?

      E and Y should have made this plain in their report-rather odd that they didn’t……

  20. captain hook 20
    20 December 2013 at 9:37 am

    Yes its obvious he uses far too much soap.

  21. RedLogix 21
    20 December 2013 at 9:44 am

    The distinction I have drawn all along here is the difference between ‘freebies and upgrades’ that are part of a businesses normal pricing and marketing strategy – and specific gifts that appear to be one-offs given to an individual well outside of normal business routine.

    Len Brown’s defence is simply that the Sky City and other hotel discounts were just that – volume or loyalty based discounts based on the fact that he was a valuable customer. That sort of thing is normal, routine and absolutely ubiquitous commercial practice everywhere.

    But frankly I’d be interested to see quite how a four day trip to the GC from MediaWorks quite falls into that category.

  22. grumpy 22
    20 December 2013 at 9:58 am

    Come on, lets all push for a full AG investigation. So we cover everyone, lets start at the top and work down. I think that’s what everyone wants.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 22.1
      20 December 2013 at 10:02 am

      Start with Whitechapel and Aldgate.

      • grumpy 22.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 10:39 am

        Too obscure for me…..

        • s y d 22.1.1.1
          20 December 2013 at 10:51 am

          theres none so blind as cannot see

        • yeshe 22.1.1.2
          20 December 2013 at 1:46 pm

          grumpy — they are the names Shonkey chose for his blind trusts that hold all his shareholdings etc while he is pm … ( though I think from his suggestion, OAK would agree that Shonkey probably has more seeing-eye dogs working for him than most blind trusts would allow !!)

        • the pigman 22.1.1.3
          20 December 2013 at 11:05 pm

          Too obscure? C’mon grumpy it’s you that keeps referencing 14 Tawa Drive (whatever that is).

          They are the names of blind trusts that own, inter alia, the winery that Key doesn’t know that he owns, which produces the wine which he coincidentally provides to business associates as gifts.

          They are also adjacent stops on London’s District Line (well technically Whitechapel and Aldgate East, but Aldgate ain’t too far away).

    • RedLogix 22.2
      20 December 2013 at 10:06 am

      No – I’ve always argued that unless there were potential issues of criminality, proven compromise or gross hypocrisy – then private should remain private.

      Mainly because when we start doing witch-hunts the results are always selective and asymmetric; eg Len Brown gets to be the crime of the century while Brewer is a forgettable few paras.

      The hypothetical alternative is to dismantle entirely the notion of privacy completely. For everyone. Get rid of the selectivity and asymmetry. No-one really minds being naked in a room full of naked people.

      • grumpy 22.2.1
        20 December 2013 at 10:12 am

        “No-one really minds being naked in a room full of naked people.”

        Really? is there something we need to know 🙂

        • RedLogix 22.2.1.1
          20 December 2013 at 10:17 am

          You should try it sometime….

          • grumpy 22.2.1.1.1
            20 December 2013 at 10:35 am

            Man, I went to varsity late ’60s early 70’s – what do you think?
            Mind you, I was a leftie then……………….

          • grumpy 22.2.1.1.2
            20 December 2013 at 10:40 am

            Man, I was at varsity late ’60s early 70’s – what do you think?
            Mind you, I was a leftie then!

            • mac1 22.2.1.1.2.1
              20 December 2013 at 10:56 am

              Trendy leftie,eh, grumpy? I was a student in those times, but I was left right out when it came to the swinging sixties.

              • grumpy …
                20 December 2013 at 11:04 am

                Back in those days, it was the lefties who had all the fun. How times have changed.

                • mac1 …
                  20 December 2013 at 11:11 am

                  I dunno. The Young Nats club at Uni had a yearly party that was almost obligatory to gate crash, being so well endowed with nubile champagne and tasty flutes. 🙂

                  If I remember correctly……… it was so long ago……

                  • grumpy …
                    20 December 2013 at 11:13 am

                    True, guilty of that myself. As a member of PYM at the time, I normally mixed in different strata. Who could forget the Anarchist Army etc?

          • David H 22.2.1.1.3
            20 December 2013 at 10:50 am

            It’s the great leveler.

  23. Seti 23
    20 December 2013 at 10:07 am

    The difference is Brewer hasn’t saddled ratepayers with the enormous cost of thoroughly disinfecting the Ngati Whatua room.

    • gobsmacked 23.1
      20 December 2013 at 10:11 am

      And … we’re back to sex again.

      Your goalposts move quicker than in a gale at old Athletic Park.

      • grumpy 23.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 10:13 am

        What’s wrong with sex? You lefties atre a puritanical bunch – except Redlogix, of course.

        • RedLogix 23.1.1.1
          20 December 2013 at 10:21 am

          Yeah – that kind of dirty minded, school-boy sniggering from Seti is just plain tragic.

          • grumpy 23.1.1.1.1
            20 December 2013 at 11:12 am

            Hey, you’re the one skiting about rooms full of naked people…..
            We are, we are, we are, we are the…………
            Ring any bells?

          • Seti 23.1.1.1.2
            20 December 2013 at 11:51 am

            It wasn’t so much sniggering, more like sneering metaphorically at the Detroit-like path the clown is taking us down.

        • The Pink Postman 23.1.1.2
          20 December 2013 at 3:07 pm

          Grumpy.
          Nothing wrong in being faithful to the person you love. I’m a lefty and puritanical meaning my wife trusts me and has done for nearly 60 years , Nothing wrong in that Grumpy , and I also bet I’m a lot more broadminded than you are.

    • Tracey 23.2
      20 December 2013 at 11:00 am

      sex matters but corruption doesnt, you sound like a true blue british tory

  24. Tigger 24
    20 December 2013 at 10:10 am

    Clearly there is an issue with reporting and declaring of expenses in this council. Brown failed to declare, Brewer etc failed to report. Wider issue is accountability and time to fix that.

    • grumpy 24.1
      20 December 2013 at 10:15 am

      Agree. Unfortunately the precedent has been set. If the Council cannot deal with obvious corruption and it seems widespread, then it’s either an AG investigation or appoint commissioners.

      • Tracey 24.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 11:02 am

        over priced over charging commissioners who favour the appointer. Yup, that sounds like the way to stop supposed corruption.

        politicians who think that money and gifts they get are of no importance need to be gone for lack of intellectual capacity, includng Brown, Quax, Brewer et al.

        • grumpy 24.1.1.1
          20 December 2013 at 11:03 am

          So it’s the AG for you then?

          • Tracey 24.1.1.1.1
            20 December 2013 at 11:06 am

            culprits resign for a start, brown, quax etc… rather spend my money on a new postal ballot than fucking Ag and E and Y and the plethora of bloody over priced consultants.

            • grumpy 24.1.1.1.1.1
              20 December 2013 at 11:09 am

              …but ACC have set the standard now. Deny, don’t resign but if your pushed just give a half hearted apology and you’re OK.

              • Tracey …
                20 December 2013 at 11:27 am

                really? Brewer and Quax havent resigned despite being so adamant yesterday that not declaring gifts was abhorrent. Brown doesn’t appear to give a shit, which is at least consistent. But those two, what has stopped them resigning this morning? They’re all a disgrace, every one of them

              • amirite …
                20 December 2013 at 7:19 pm

                Thanks to Rodney Hide’s grand plan which was meant to install Banksie as a mayor till the day he croaks.

    • Tracey 24.2
      20 December 2013 at 11:03 am

      yup. sadly the only way to fix is to pay expensive bastards to audit regularly and that’s borne by the ratepayer. Easier is to vote for people with integrity, if you can work out who they are. John key has been regularly lying his way through the PM’ship, monkey see, monkey do

  25. Adrian 25
    20 December 2013 at 11:39 am

    And Fletcher has to go to, a lifetime of living on the proceeds of price gouging and corrupt monopolistic practices.
    Back to sex and the fascination with my post yesterday about the Cab minister and the boy friend all I can say is, with apologies to The Washington Post.
    ” Follow the tie “.

  26. grumpy 26
    20 December 2013 at 11:56 am

    Looks like more to come out about Len than I even dreamed of. Looks like the plan was larger than thought, taking down Len was secondary to destroying the reputation of Left wing journalists who were sucked in to defend him and the left councillors who fell for the same.
    “I can’t believe that Len Brown would just flat out lie like that. He knows what was omitted from the EY report. He knows that there isn’t just Bevan Chuang, he knows the state he left the hotel rooms in, he knows how the books were made and how the upgrades were obtained, he knows what went on behind curtains in the swanky harbour side hotel restaurant….he knows there is much, much more to come out.”

    Popcorn………………….

    • Tracey 26.1
      20 December 2013 at 12:03 pm

      you quoted but didnt name the person speaking or where from. Please do so.

      • grumpy 26.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 12:12 pm

        who do you think????

        • BLiP 26.1.1.1
          20 December 2013 at 12:18 pm

          ‘

          Jason Ede working on behalf of John Key and National Ltd™ working out its frustrated rage at not being about to loot the Auckland Council asset base after Rodney Hide carefully laid down means to do so but were foiled by pesky voters exercising that dreadful democracy?

        • Tracey 26.1.1.2
          20 December 2013 at 12:35 pm

          it isnt hard to guess where you got it from given you simply refuse to apply your current crusading principle evenly across the entire political spectrum

          • grumpy 26.1.1.2.1
            20 December 2013 at 1:03 pm

            What do you mean? I am very consistent, anyone found guilty (not just political opinion) should suffer the consequences. Unfortunately with the ACC, those consequences are not great.

            • Tracey 26.1.1.2.1.1
              20 December 2013 at 3:54 pm

              can you point to your posts raging for brewe, quax et al resignations?

              • Grumpy …
                20 December 2013 at 4:46 pm

                What can be more consistent that wanting a full AG investigation from the top down?

                • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                  20 December 2013 at 6:48 pm

                  …but pleading ignorance of John Key’s corrupt arrangements? Well, you look disingenuous to me. And partisan. And grasping at straws. Or perhaps just like a dupe.

  27. fender 27
    20 December 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Ha ha ha ,

    Think before you stink Cameron Brewer, if that’s possible. Is it just coincidence you have more than a passing resemblance to John Banks?

  28. bad12 28
    20 December 2013 at 12:28 pm

    Perhaps now that Cameron Brewer has been ‘outed’ as a hypocrite no better than those He tosses accusations at, Dick might also care to ‘Quack’ on the matter seeing as it would seem that He also ‘failed’ to declare any ‘gifts’

    In reality besides Dick Quacking, perhaps the Auckland Council would like to convene a Kangaroo Court containing the same ferocity as that which the Hypocrites used to chastise the Mayor,

    On reflection tho, lest the multitude of calls for various resignations leave said Council without a quorum they all might like to consider a Truth and Revelations meeting where ALL those who failed to declare anything in the nature of a gift can confess receive absolution,(preferably after a severe flogging), and then get on with the business of helping the Mayor run the fucking City…

  29. xtasy 29
    20 December 2013 at 1:42 pm

    Yes, investigate Brewer, Quak Quak Quax and the lot!

    The ROT sits deep in Auckland Council, it seems, and now at least we can call it one all! And this case with Cameron Brewer shows so nicely, how these persons in politics, are all tied up with various commercial and corporate media!

    This is why democracy in NZ has become a farce. As discussed under other topics, it seems it is rather the media that runs campaigns and ultimately determines who becomes government, mayor or whatever.

    This should get more people worried. Listen to Paul Henry on Radio Live, who is doing the “Drive Show” for Duncan Garner at present, and the bias of also mostly right leaning journalists, moderators and talk back hosts becomes totally apparent. Listen to Sean Plunket, and he makes no damned secret, where his political preferences lie. Listen to Hosking on 1ZB, who will soon host 7 Sharp, and you can hear and see what his views are.

    Even Marcus Lush comes across more biased by the month and year. Susan Wood, whether at times on 1ZB in the mornings, and at other times doing Q+A for TVNZ, is equally biased towards the National led government. These are just some, who at least on radio bluntly show their personal views.

    That is not “balanced reporting”. So Cameron Brewer gets perks from Mediaworks, which is a company that also got treated favourably by Steven Joyce and this government. It was also largely the mainstream media that paved the way for John Key to succeed and become PM in 2008, running a real charm offensive for the man and his party!

    And we know that investigative journalism is dead. Read the stuff on the Herald Online, and see what “columnists” they have left, even one Bob Jones and a Rodney Hide! Little information is offered, much biased reporting based on press releases and comments primarily by government ministers, and only occasionally by opposition spokespersons or leaders.

    With such things going, there is no prospect for the public at large being informed voters. They are influenced voters, and too many are swayed to vote as the media suggests they should.

    Without informed voters there is NO true democracy in NZ, it is a farce. Having pollies dance with the commercial, corporate mainstream media, and the hardly different remnants of TVNZ, while alternative media has been nothing but wiped out, that proves we are all manipulated like hell.

    I went to the funeral protest for TVNZ 7, soon I will go to the funeral of democracy in NZ!

    • Tracey 29.1
      20 December 2013 at 1:52 pm

      nice to see you back xtasy

      • xtasy 29.1.1
        22 December 2013 at 12:21 am

        Tracey – only called in for a visit or “check out”, best wishes to you and all Standardistas for a sound and happy Christmas and good New Year (ELECTION YEAR!!!).

        Things can only get better, I suppose.

  30. ghostwhowalksnz 30
    20 December 2013 at 1:44 pm

    Guess who was crowing on his own website about Browns undeclared trip

    “Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer wants a council review into Len Brown’s affair with Bevan Chuang widened to investigate a trip the mayor made to Hong Kong.

    Mr Brown has not officially declared the trip in January this year, sparking criticism from Mr Brewer and in right-wing circles.

    http://www.cameronbrewer.co.nz

    “What the rules say
    Mayor and councillors must make an annual return of interests, including: “Contributions to travel costs made by third parties to a member and the value of the contribution’

    Which of course he broke.

    Brewer helpfully wants voters to contact him and lists his details on his website
    GET IN TOUCH

    PO Box 9733, Newmarket,
    Auckland 1149

    Tel: 021 828 016

  31. Penny Bright 31
    20 December 2013 at 4:19 pm

    The solution is not complicated.

    1)What is needed is it to be MANDATORY and a statutory requirement under the Local Government Act that all local government elected representatives, staff responsible for property and procurement, and appointed Directors on CCOs, plus staff and declare their interests in a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests.’

    2) The ‘Code of Conduct’ for local government elected representatives needs teeth.
    At present, it is not an offence under the Local Government Act 2002 to breach the ‘Code of Conduct’.

    There are examples internationally of ‘Registers of Interests’ and ‘Codes of Conduct’ that could be used as a basis for discussion and legislative change.

    The risk of bribery and corruption at local government level is well-known, and widely reported by anti-corruption agencies just’ across the ditch’, such as the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission, (CMC), and the West Australian Corruption and Crime Commission.

    Here in New Zealand, in my considered opinion, practices which are condemned elsewhere as corrupt, are commonplace, and seen by many as just ‘normal’.

    How can ‘conflicts of interest’ be checked for, if interests are not declared?

    Can you rely on the integrity of elected representatives to ‘do the right thing’ when it comes to declaring ‘conflicts of interest’, here in New Zealand – particularly Auckland?

    Apparently not.

    High time for some meaningful legislative change?

    I think so.

    Penny Bright

  32. ianmac 32
    20 December 2013 at 4:42 pm

    News just now that the Deputy Mayor says that Cameron Brewer will not face prosecution for his nondeclation. (Perhaps they fear that they all will be in trouble? If one is in trouble then at least 11 others will face scrutiny.)

    • Grumpy 32.1
      20 December 2013 at 4:51 pm

      We’ll, she can’t say much else after yesterday. It is one thing not to declare a gift but to not declare a gift from a lobbyist for favorable treatment and then to give that favorable treatment is far worse. If you are not going to punish the latter, then you can’t do much about the former.
      That is the situation ACC finds itself in- dysfunctional!
      Time for commissioners and/or the AG.

    • Sacha 32.2
      20 December 2013 at 4:52 pm

      will not face *censure*

    • Anne 32.3
      20 December 2013 at 8:35 pm

      Penny Hulse speaks with Mary Wilson on Checkpoint on the Brewer affair. Excellent stuff. Puts Dick Quax in his place. Commonsense and maturity abound. Something you cannot say of the right wing shillers and shriekers…

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2580739

      Btw. She doesn’t entirely rule out an inquiry into Declarations of Interest. That’s a decision to be made in the New Year after everyone has had a holiday.

      • karol 32.3.1
        21 December 2013 at 8:55 am

        Exactly. And she points out that Brewers failed declaration is of a kind that is worse that Brown’s hotel gifts and upgrades.

  33. appleboy 33
    20 December 2013 at 6:37 pm

    Hmmm. Let me see. Len Brown didn’t declare free upgrades on rooms he paid for personally.

    Cameron Brewer took free flights to the Gold Coast from Media Works and didn’t declare..oh and he’s aiming to be a National Party MP.

    Hmmm. what say ye people. yes I think so. A lying greedy hypocrite. Perfect for National then.

    .

    • Grumpy 33.1
      20 December 2013 at 7:23 pm

      You forgot that Len took free rooms to shag his girlfriend from a company lobbying the council over an issue the mayor changed sides to support. If Brewer did the same, he should go too but I can’t see where Mediaworks benefitted. Perhaps John Campbell could help?

      • RedLogix 33.1.1
        20 December 2013 at 7:27 pm

        grumpy being an evidence free zone as usual.

        And still being a pervert.

      • Sacha 33.1.2
        20 December 2013 at 8:27 pm

        There is no evidence that Brown shagged anyone at SkyCity in a free room. Read the report. The conflict of interest is bad without any panty-sniffing. Brewer’s seems a straightforward commercial arrangement that no one might have paid further attention to if he weren’t crusading quite so hard.

        • Grumpy 33.1.2.1
          20 December 2013 at 9:06 pm

          Oh, you mean it’s only payback?

        • Grumpy 33.1.2.2
          20 December 2013 at 9:31 pm

          Which version of the report are you referring to?

          • felix 33.1.2.2.1
            21 December 2013 at 6:55 am

            Presumably the one everybody except Farrar and Lusk got, the one that cleared Brown of receiving undeclared gifts.

            • Frank Macskasy 33.1.2.2.1.1
              21 December 2013 at 10:02 am

              The Ernst Young Report: http://www.nbr.co.nz/sites/default/files/images/Independent_Review_Report_FINAL_131213_1.pdf

              It’s not very long, and worth a read. From it,. I realised that a recent Campbell Live story on this issue was badly flawed. The journo who put together the story either hadn’t read it properly or just ignored it.

              Check out the Summary of Factual Findings. It has more “We did not identify any improper blah blah” than any actual evidence of wrong-doing.

              I suspect 99.99% of Aucklanders have not read this document. If they had, they would be telling Quax, Brewer, Fletcher, et al, to stop buggarising around and get back to work.

              • Grumpy …
                21 December 2013 at 10:17 am

                See Fran’s article today about the report being heavily sanitized. Thankfully there are at
                East a couple of copies of the original out there.
                Why did he need day rooms? That buggers up the narrative a bit, don’t ya think?

            • Grumpy 33.1.2.2.1.2
              21 December 2013 at 10:06 am

              Seen the first draft, have you?

              • bad12 …
                21 December 2013 at 10:47 am

                Got a copy of all this that you make much innuendo over have you grumpy, if not you should shut it lest you either become to sound like a shrill wanker or a legal eagle comes a calling to silence such slander…

                • Grumpy …
                  21 December 2013 at 11:02 am

                  Really? Are you saying there were no changes? Heh!

                  • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                    23 December 2013 at 8:21 am

                    You mean, after Brown had had his say?

                    Because it’s just totally wrong for any investigation to hear from its subject, eh.

                    That’s how it works in court, too: we hear the case from the prosecution and then the jury retires. That’s right, isn’t it?

                    On Planet Wingnut.

  34. Tracey 34
    21 December 2013 at 10:12 am

    The right struggle with facts. If they penetrate it explodes their heads. Which is why they try so hard to resist any.

  35. Grumpy 35
    21 December 2013 at 10:13 am

    Oh dear, this was so obvious.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11176088
    The AG could also do Brewer at the same time. Note the reference to the heavily trimmed report and the number of “day rooms”. Now, I wonder what they were for.
    Tawa Drive hasn’t even come up yet.

    • karol 35.1
      21 December 2013 at 10:30 am

      FOS is all innuendo and speculation – and of course politically motivated. And then there’s today’s NZ Herald editorial

      Kind of down play’s Brewer’s failings, and is not at the level of a front page smear. However, it does end thus:

      Mr Brewer’s criticism of Mr Brown means he will face repercussions. He finds himself in similar territory to that of former Act Party leader Rodney Hide, the self-proclaimed perk-buster who was found to be going out of his way to obtain perks. It might be tempting to think Mr Brewer’s discomfort will finally convince others to take such declarations more seriously. But history suggests that would be wishful thinking.

      • Grumpy 35.1.1
        21 December 2013 at 10:34 am

        We agree, but Len is still front and centre and will be until he goes, despite these little sideshows.

        • bad12 35.1.1.1
          21 December 2013 at 10:50 am

          So are we to be mis-treated to your whining innuendo with no provision of facts for the next 3 years grumpy???

          Len Brown aint going anyplace until the next election, you should get used to that fact…

  36. captain hook 36
    21 December 2013 at 11:09 am

    It seems as if Len Browns opponents are just a bunch of prurient purves who want to get their phizogs on the teevee to improve their own chances at the next election.
    Nothing has been served by this witch hunt except to feed the egos of a whole gang of little people grasping at the main chance.

  37. tricledrown 37
    21 December 2013 at 11:23 am

    Media Works joyces old employer (still owns shares I bet)
    T
    Media Works the new bretheren
    Eclusively providing free propaganda for National.
    Another of National dirty slush funders helping undetmine democracy.
    Complaints to the BSA need to be made.
    Their Djs on all stations are continually driving Nactionals agenda.
    When Key was in South Africa media jerks(jocks) were dog whistling Gone before Key.
    Cootdinated by joyce no doubt.
    Fermenting race hatred.
    Mandela reached across the divide National are deliberatly creating a divide.

    • Ian 37.1
      21 December 2013 at 5:35 pm

      Yeah. Listened to Wallace Chapman for 2 minutes the other day.Definitely right of Attila the Hun!

  38. Pete 38
    22 December 2013 at 8:11 pm

    Actually, it appears Brewer did declare his tip funded by MediaWorks and his RWC attendance. He merely forgot that he had done so. In the meantime he donated $1,000 to charity (City Mission, if I recall correctly).
    It is silly to compare this to Brown. Firstly, Brewer did not fail to declare gifts, and when he thought that he did, he came out and apologised straight away.
    This really should not be a left v right issue. It is about ethics, integrity, honesty and an ability to lead the people of Auckland in all areas. Unfortunately Len Brown can’t do the anymore as he fails on the above qualities. In any event there is an overwhelming view in Auckland that he should go.

    • Sacha 38.1
      22 December 2013 at 8:26 pm

      “it appears Brewer did declare his tip funded by MediaWorks and his RWC attendance”

      Got a link to back up that claim?

    • gobsmacked 38.2
      22 December 2013 at 8:28 pm

      How do we know what Brewer – or anybody else – failed to declare?

      We didn’t know about Brown before. We only know now because there was a full inquiry. If there’s a fishing expedition, chances are it will catch fish.

      I’d like to know who accepted freebies from Sky City AND voted for the convention centre deal. We could start by asking the MPs. Preferably under oath.

      It is about ethics, integrity, honesty and an ability to lead the people of Auckland in all areas.

      In a democracy, those are tested at the ballot box. Crimes are tested in a court of law.

      Mix up the two, and it’s called a “coup”.

    • felix 38.3
      22 December 2013 at 8:30 pm

      “This really should not be a left v right issue.”

      Yeah. David Farrar, Simon Lusk, Jason Ede, Dick Quax, John Banks, and Camerons Brewer and Slater are all totally genuinely concerned about who the mayor fucks.

      🙄

    • Murray Olsen 38.4
      22 December 2013 at 8:48 pm

      One question for you, Pete. Cameron Brewer originally mentioned a trip to the Gold Coast. The trip he is supposed to have declared was to Port Douglas. This is a bit like getting Dunedin and Kaitaia mixed up. Why the discrepancy? Usually these guys only start forgetting where they were thirty years or so down the track. Is Brewer’s memory worse than Key’s? (OK, two questions. Choose which one to answer, if you like. If you can remember.)

    • Anne 38.5
      22 December 2013 at 9:04 pm

      And what about his former opponent and now cabinet minister, John Banks Pete? Is he about ethics, integrity, honesty and an ability to lead? What about John Key? Is he about honesty, integrity, ethics etc?

      I am flabbergasted over the hysteria whipped up over Slater’s sleaze. It smacks of blatant hypocrisy. It’s well known many ‘married’ male pollies have availed themselves of nubile female company when the opportunity has arisen. The same goes for some media personalities too. Power is an aphrodisiac.

      Did you hear about Banks’ bit on the side? The police uncovered the affair during an investigation into something else. Kept quiet about it. And how do you know there’s an overwhelming view in Auckland Brown should go? A bunch of online unscientific polls? Those polls are easy to manipulate and frequently are… The fact is, most people don’t give a damm as long as he delivers on his promises.

  39. Blue 39
    22 December 2013 at 8:46 pm

    No I don’t think they’re interested in”who”. Rather more interested in “where” and the monumental arrogance of the mans inability to display any dignity and grace. Anyone bothered to ask how Ngati Whatua feel about Brown desecrating their room?

    • Murray Olsen 39.1
      22 December 2013 at 8:51 pm

      Ngati Whatua weren’t particularly bothered. They were asked. I don’t like you desecrating this blog.

      • Grumpy 39.1.1
        22 December 2013 at 8:59 pm

        Dunno about that, they have little tolerance for even sitting on a table……

        • Colonial Viper 39.1.1.1
          22 December 2013 at 10:40 pm

          The spokesperson guy seemed to view it as being mildly irrelevant and amusing. Though he quite liked the idea that more people have heard of Ngati Whatua now, thanks to Len Brown.

        • Murray Olsen 39.1.1.2
          23 December 2013 at 12:13 am

          That’d be a table that people eat off. The Ngati Whatua I know have little tolerance for people trying to abuse Maoritanga for their own political ends.

    • gobsmacked 39.2
      22 December 2013 at 8:53 pm

      I expect their answer would be “Since when did a bunch of National/ACT Maori-bashers give a damn about us?”

    • felix 39.3
      22 December 2013 at 10:57 pm

      “No I don’t think they’re interested in”who”. Rather more interested in “where” and the monumental arrogance of the mans inability to display any dignity and grace.”

      Yeah. David Farrar, Simon Lusk, Jason Ede, Dick Quax, John Banks, and Camerons Brewer and Slater are all totally genuinely concerned about the dignity and grace of elected office.

      You lot are a fucking joke. You wanted it to be damn near impossible to boot out the mayor because you thought you were installing John Banks in the role (oh fuck we forgot to factor in brown people and poor people!)

      Instead we got Brown, a man who got caught cheating on his wife.

      However if you lot had got your way against the wishes of Auckland, we would now have Banks as mayor in court facing charges related to lying about receiving money to fund his mayoral election campaign!!.

      Dignity and grace my fucking arse.

  40. Bobo 40
    23 December 2013 at 7:14 am

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11176844

    I think some sort of apology is in order Mickysavage. The rug has been pulled out from under you somewhat.

    • lprent 40.1
      23 December 2013 at 8:55 am

      Can’t see why. It took Cameron four days to find it himself, wasn’t correctly declared (an email!), and above all wasn’t visible in the public record.

      Not to mention that this statement by Brewer appears to be a complete lie..

      …and was actually part of the Ernst Young review…

      The E&Y terms of review were very specific and only covered the Mayor. They didn’t cover councillors, so they didn’t looked at their gifts. If Cameron Brewer thinks that they did, then I can’t see him putting his hand up to pay E&Y eh?

      Silly git really just couldn’t help himself. I guess hypocrisy is just too embedded in his blood.

      • Ron 40.1.1
        23 December 2013 at 1:56 pm

        Just my suspicious mind but I would love to see the copy of the email with its header intact.
        I am sure that no one on council would attempt a cover up for Brewer but would still like to see email.

  41. Pete 41
    23 December 2013 at 7:59 am

    The reference to Cameron Brewer is in this mornings Herald. It would appear that council staff did not inform the inquiry or the media (when asked) that Brewer had properly declared his trip.
    This left right dichotomy is a red herring to the really substantial issue about Browns suitability to lead. And before the John Banks thing is raised again – no, he wouldn’t be suitable either!

    • Anne 41.1
      23 December 2013 at 8:52 am

      Actually if you listened to Radio NZ’s political correspondent this morning you get a different picture. Essentially, Brewer rang someone and told them about the trip but only after having been advised to… and he still wriggled out of a formal declaration of interest. He also accepted another gift – something to do with Sky City I think – that wasn’t declared. In essence, the journalist was saying he’s dancing on the top of a pin.

      What also came out is that the two known freebies (Brewer’s and Brown’s) were roughly similar in dollar terms. He also pointed out that Brewer’s attempt to castigate Brown for accepting gifts etc. when he had done the same himself leaves Brewer open to the same criticism as applied to Brown.

      I think an investigation into the expenses of the right wing councillors is required, especially as it seems to be largely those councillors who failed to declare registers of interest.

      Yes Iprent, hypocrisy indeed!!

      • grumpy 41.1.1
        23 December 2013 at 10:19 am

        Seems that the majority of councillors, especially the left, failed to file returns. Screams out for the AG to take an interest.

  42. NOT Fisiani 42
    23 December 2013 at 8:22 am

    [deleted]

  43. gobsmacked 43
    23 December 2013 at 9:58 am

    Loving the circular logic from our visiting t/rollies:

    “It’s not about an obsessive, anti-democratic, blatantly biased tabloid campaign by the Herald! It’s about Brown being bad and Brewer good! Because it says so in the Herald! I have a link!”

    That’s Mandy Rice-Davies territory, darlings.

    Try linking to the independent Ernst and Young report into Brewer, Quax, Banks and co – when there is one. Or link to you demanding one.

  44. captain hook 44
    23 December 2013 at 11:07 am

    you should have heard him on the radio this morning saying that his crime wasn’t that bad when compared to Len Browns.
    Brewer is just a fink.

  45. IheartLEN 45
    23 December 2013 at 2:35 pm

    So Brewer did email the correct Council staff with details of his trip at the appropriate time, requesting further advice of whether he should declare anything further. Sounds like a declaration to me.

    • Sacha 45.1
      23 December 2013 at 2:39 pm

      If the “appropriate time” means the day before he knew a story in the Herald was to be published outing him, then yes. Let’s not mistake that for doing the right thing.

    • mickysavage 45.2
      23 December 2013 at 3:55 pm

      It should have been in the public return. When you attack someone for not doing something properly the least you can do is make sure you did it properly yourself.

      And Brewer has just gone on Facebook and said that he has reflected on things and will give a donation of $1k to a charity. Good on him. But it does not change the underlying facts of the matter.

      • gobsmacked 45.2.1
        23 December 2013 at 4:02 pm

        Will it be the same charity that gets John Key’s salary, but never sends a receipt? 🙂

Links to post

Recent Posts

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    8 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    10 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    11 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    12 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    14 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    15 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    16 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    19 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    20 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    21 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    23 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 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
    15 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    1 day ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • 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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T18:49:32+00:00