Jacinda is not like Muldoon
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- Date published:
9:49 am, May 13th, 2020 - 97 comments
Categories: health, health and safety, jacinda ardern, law, law and "order", national, same old national, Simon Bridges, uncategorized -
Tags: covid-19, Covid19
National has decided to play politics with Covid 19 and is opposing the Government’s attempt to pass legislation to secure level 2 arrangements. From Charlie Dreaver at Radio New Zealand:
The Covid-19 Public Health Response Bill, which grants extraordinary powers to both the government and police to combat Covid-19, has been debated under urgency this evening.
The National Party opposed the Bill, raising concern about the speed at which it was being pushed through, and the lack of trust being afforded to New Zealanders.
However, the government said the Bill was necessary to ensure the rules could be enforced without relying on a National State of Emergency.
One point of contention had been the rules under level 2 that allowed a maximum of only 10 people at a tangi or church service at any given time.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she, like other world leaders, struggled with the decision, but had to play it safe.
”I have always said through all this that the thing I’ve found, as a human, the hardest in all this is funerals and tangihanga,” Ardern said.
“I’ve known people who have lost very close family members and I can’t imagine trying to grieve through a global pandemic for a loved one without being able to be together with others.”
She said funerals and tangi were places where you wanted to comfort people – it was natural instinct, that was why people come together.
“The idea that we force people to not be able to comfort one another, to support one another, is equally a very hard thing to comprehend.”
Ardern gave clarification that people could pay their respects in groups, as long as there were no more than 10 people present at the same time.
National Party leader Simon Bridges said the public had been writing to him raising the point that people could still go to a restaurant or movies with 100 people at the venue.
“Yet at one of the most tragic defining points of life, at a funeral, direct family members cannot attend them under those rules. That’s not just unkind, it’s inhumane, and I think we can do better than that,” he said.
Bridges said the restrictions on places of worship was also a concern for the party.
“You just look at it and say it’s not right, that for what is – in a sense – much less important and even trivial; the movies, a bar, a restaurant, sport is of course important to so many New Zealanders, but for a portion for New Zealanders for whom worship is the most important thing, they are unable to do that,” he said.
Does the bill give the police extraordinary powers? You bet. But these are extraordinary times. Rights are not sacrosanct and are subject to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
Social distancing is still vital and the need will continue until we reach level one. The power for police to regulate gatherings at private residences is a vital aspect of this. Most people will voluntarily abide by the requirement. Some will require more direct persuasion.
National has also expressed concern at the reduction in size of gatherings for funerals and tangis.
The brutal rationale behind the decision to limit attendance at funerals and tangi is that otherwise the risk of transmission is heightened. Social distancing is still to be adhered to and it would be effectively impossible to achieve at large tangi or funerals.
And what are we trying to prevent? This chilling description from the New York Times of what happened in Italy is a grim reminder of what could still happen here:
Giorgio Valoti, the mayor of nearby Cene, died last Friday. He was 70. His son, Alessandro, said that 90 people died the same day in Bergamo’s main hospital. The virus “is massacring this valley, every family is losing someone dear to them,” he said. “In Bergamo, so many bodies are piling up they don’t know what to do with them.”
“I am sorry that they are still there,” he said. “Still alone.”
Luca di Palma, 49, said his father, Vittorio, 79, died on Wednesday night, and that the funeral home he called told him that they had no space for the body. Instead, they delivered to his house a coffin, some candles, a cross and a mortuary refrigerator so that he could lay his father out in the living room. He said nobody came to pay respects, out of fear of contagion, though his father had died before he could be confirmed as a coronavirus case, and doctors had refused to perform a post-mortem swab test.
On Saturday, Mr. di Palma followed a hearse carrying his father’s body to a cemetery in Bergamo, where a caretaker let them in and locked the gates behind. A priest arrived to offer a brief prayer over the hearse, its trunk lifted. Mr. di Palma said his father wanted to be cremated, but the wait was long. “Painful,” he said.
In a country where many learn in school about the dreaded Monatti who, preceded by the ringing of a little bell, retrieved corpses on carts during the 17th-century Milan plague, the amassing of dead bodies seems out of another time.
In Fiobbio, a small village outside Bergamo, an ambulance came to collect Luca Carrara’s father, 86, on Saturday. On Sunday, another one came for his mother, 82. Mr. Carrara, 52, couldn’t visit them in hospital and stayed home in quarantine, where he has begun showing symptoms of the virus. On Tuesday, his parents died. Their bodies are held in the hospital morgue awaiting cremation.
The Government’s response is not dissimilar what happened straight after the Canterbury Earthquake and the passing of urgent legislation. Except at that time we were dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, not the potential of one.
The CERA legislation gave the state wide powers to enter private premises without warrant.
The provision in the Covid Bill is stronger but not much so. A “reasonably practicable” rider would probably have had a similar effect in practice.
The CERA legislation was sent to a select committee, for 24 hours. I suspect there is little appetite for the change to level 2 being delayed for select committee oversight for this to happen. And as I write this changes are being made to the bill, particularly as it applies to marae.
Simon Bridges’ earlier commitment to putting politics aside and working constructively is well and truly over. Remember when he said this?
We are where we are and we’re all in this together. And today, on the big questions in this House and in New Zealand, we agree. There’s no National or Labour or Green or ACT or New Zealand First; just New Zealanders. We should be going to level 4 lockdown this evening, and we are putting in all the economic resources and investments required to defeat this common enemy.
In regard to level 4, none of us can, of course, see the future. It’s possible—though, I entirely agree with the Prime Minister, not at all likely—that we come through this somewhat quickly. Some will say, “Well, shutdown—it was an over-reaction.” I’d prefer that that was the case, because it means people didn’t die needlessly. But if the models and the charts and the workings that I’ve seen, that Jacinda Ardern’s seen, and that this House is seeing are right, or even, actually, half or a quarter right, and if we follow the international examples to date, broadly speaking, level 4 and shutting down is clearly right.
We are now at a stage where again we had a day where there are no new infections. While overseas the disease rages unabated New Zealand still has the possibility of eradicating the virus locally.
And National’s current position jars with Bridges’ earlier campaign suggesting that the Government does not have the legal authority to impose the lockdown. A long, long time ago Simon Bridges said this:
National Party leader Simon Bridges said he would support expanding police powers – even if it took a law change to do so.
“It’s increasingly clear that neither the guidelines or the law allows police to enforce the lockdown,” he said.
National’s biggest rhetorical reach is to suggest that Jacinda Ardern is like Rob Muldoon but with slogans. It is good to acknowledge that Muldoon was a power hungry megalomaniac. Who never had to face a pandemic that had the potential to completely undermine the country’s health system.
National is doing what National does. But now is not a time to play political games.
Update: As pointed out by Graeme Edgler on twitter the warrant less search powers are nothing new. Section 71A of the Health Act already provides for some pretty extensive powers.
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- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...2 days ago
- Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle downThe Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...2 days ago
- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...2 days ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...3 days ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...3 days ago
- Gaza: Aotearoa Must Support Independent Investigation into Mass GravesTe Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...6 days ago
- Release: Working together on consistent support for veterans this Anzac DayOur two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Penny drops – but what about Seymour and Peters?Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...1 week ago
- Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summonsTonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...1 week ago
- Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery fundingIt appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...1 week ago
- Further environmental mismanagement on the cardsThe Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...1 week ago
- Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...1 week ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...1 week ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...1 week ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...1 week ago
- Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freezeCuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast-track submissions period must be extendedThe Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Progress on climate will be undone by GovtNew Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect themNews that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunchesMore essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- Oranga Tamariki cuts commit tamariki to state abuseTe Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals billThe Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...2 weeks ago
- Government throws coal on the climate crisis fireThe Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project insteadCancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori to visit Queensland to strengthen ties with Māori in AustraliaTe Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...3 weeks ago
- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...3 weeks ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...59 mins ago - Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...6 hours ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...17 hours ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...18 hours ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...20 hours ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...1 day ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...1 day ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...1 day ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...2 days ago
- Government to boost public EV charging networkEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...2 days ago
- Residential Property Managers Bill to not progressThe coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...2 days ago
- Independent review into disability support servicesThe Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...2 days ago
- Justice Minister updates UN on law & order planJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...2 days ago
- Ending emergency housing motels in RotoruaThe Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...2 days ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and DubaiTrade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...3 days ago
- Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...3 days ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...3 days ago
- Supporting whānau out of emergency housingWhānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...3 days ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...3 days ago
- Speech – Eid al-FitrAssalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...3 days ago
- Government saves access to medicinesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...3 days ago
- Pharmac Chair appointedHon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...4 days ago
- Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderHundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...5 days ago
- New sports complex opens in KaikoheRegional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...5 days ago
- Diplomacy needed more than everForeign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...5 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery BelgiumAmbassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...6 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk BairDistinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...7 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, TürkiyeMai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...7 days ago
- PM announces changes to portfoliosPaul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...1 week ago
- New catch limits for unique fishery areasRecreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...1 week ago
- Minister welcomes hydrogen milestoneEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...1 week ago
- Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment BillThe coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...1 week ago
- Overseas decommissioning models consideredOverseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...1 week ago
- Release of North Island Severe Weather Event InquiryEmergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...1 week ago
- Justice Minister to attend Human Rights CouncilJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...1 week ago
- Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facilityAssociate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...1 week ago
- Government to introduce revised Three Strikes lawThe Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...1 week ago
- New diplomatic appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...1 week ago
- Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and SomaliaNew Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...1 week ago
- Zero tolerance – Solomon Islands police on high alert ahead of PM election
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Police in Solomon Islands are on high alert ahead of the election of the prime minister today. The two candidates for the top job are former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele at the head of the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation, which is ...55 mins ago - Fast-track Submitters Must Not Be Silenced Through Poor Select Committee Process
“We’re concerned that if the Select Committee process is poorly run members of the public will be silenced on this deeply troubling Bill.” ...1 hour ago - Number of businesses seeking help to downsize doubles as unemployment grows
An advocate says businesses are hurting and are reluctantly having to lay off workers. ...1 hour ago - Help Me Hera: My friend’s boyfriend Steve is always, always, always around
He’s fine but it feels like I’m losing a friend and it’s making me bitter. How do I say ‘enough is enough’? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Hey Hera, I’ve recently moved in with a girlfriend, her partner Steve, and his friend. We all live in a lovely little house. ...2 hours ago - What junior doctors’ unpaid overtime tells us about the toxic side of medicineSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Hooker, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator, Health and Medical Humanities, University of Sydney PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock What’s been described as the largest underpayment class action in Australian legal history has just been settled. Who was allegedly underpaid? Thousands of junior ...3 hours ago
- We think we control our health – but corporations selling forever chemicals, fossil fuels and ult...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Chartres, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney shutterstock Ahmet Misirligul/Shutterstock You go to the gym, eat healthy and walk as much as possible. You wash your hands and get vaccinated. You control your health. This is ...3 hours ago
- Here’s how you can talk to your kids about gendered violence, and 7 ways to model good behaviourSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Hendriks, Research Fellow and Lecturer, Curtin University Children and young people may be seeing news headlines about men murdering women or footage of people rallying to call for action. Perhaps they or their friends have even gone to the protests. ...3 hours ago
- Why are adults without kids hooked on Bluey? And should we still be calling it a ‘kids’ show’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Balanzategui, Senior Lecturer in Media, RMIT University ABC “Bluey mania” shows no sign of abating. Bluey’s season finale, The Sign, was the most viewed ABC program of all time on iView. A “hidden” follow-up episode, aptly named The Surprise, created ...3 hours ago
- Winston Peters still trying to find out what Aukus Pillar 2 is aboutThe Foreign Minister says he is continuing work started by the previous Labour government. ...3 hours ago
- Unemployment up, business confidence downLabour market figures came in softer than the Reserve Bank had forecast, but they won’t be enough to move the needle on interest rates, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Unemployment ...4 hours ago
- Luxon’s leadership test: what would it take to win back unimpressed NZ voters?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suze Wilson, Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Massey University Christopher Luxon’s sacking of two struggling cabinet ministers last week was praised by pundits as a sign of decisive – even “brutal” and “ruthless” – leadership. But this week’s 1News-Verian poll suggests the ...4 hours ago
- Government to tweak Building Act to make building a home easierBuilding and Construction Minister Chris Penk says it takes nearly 600 days to build a house in NZ - and that is simply too long. ...4 hours ago
- Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill Steering Committee Launches Community Engagement CampaignThe campaign will engage the community and encourage submissions on the bill to the New Zealand government by the closing submission deadline of Friday 31st of May 2024 4pm. ...6 hours ago
- Shaky Foundations: Why Our Democracy Needs Trust | Limit Urgency To Rebuild Trust: New ResearchThe paper raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand's political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency plays in that. ...6 hours ago
- My co-housing project failed, but I still think it’s a great ideaThe Urban Habitat Collective was an attempt to built an innovative new form of apartment building in Wellington. Here’s why it failed, and why the idea could still work, writes co-founder Bronwen Newton. When we started the Urban Habitat Collective in November 2018, we thought we were starting a revolution, ...6 hours ago
- A new generation of activism: Marking 20 years since the foreshore and seabed hīkoiTwo decades ago this week, a controversial law that attempted to define ownership of the foreshore and seabed prompted a formidable display of outrage and kōtahitanga as 15,000 marched to parliament. Jamie Tahana looks back. ‘Hīkoi, hīkoi,” they chanted by the thousands as the biggest Māori march in a generation ...6 hours ago
- Concerns of spending spree if disability funding changes were consulted on
Whaikaha had no intention of giving anyone – even other agencies – advance warning of its plan to limit what disabled people and their carers could buy The post Concerns of spending spree if disability funding changes were consulted on appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 2 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 2 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Thursday 2 MayThe post Daily crossword, Thursday 2 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Palestinian activist ‘perplexed’ by minister’s special visa argumentAs Palestinians escape the war zone in Gaza, activists say emergency visas, like those issued to Ukrainians, are needed The post Palestinian activist ‘perplexed’ by minister’s special visa argument appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- When dying well is out of reachWhy has New Zealand slipped from third to 12th on Quality of Death Indexes over the past decade or so? Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive Wayne Naylor has a list of reasons. “We don’t have a current national strategy – the Government hasn’t renewed our 2001 strategy, so we don’t ...6 hours ago
- New SASS Talk podcast sparks convo in sportWhile women’s sport is exploding in Aotearoa and around the world, you still don’t hear a lot of talk about athletes and their periods, RED-S, breastfeeding and visible panty-lines. SASS (Suze and Sez Sports) Talk isn’t afraid to have that kōrero. LockerRoom founder Suzanne McFadden and Olympian broadcaster Sarah ...6 hours ago
- Season two of The Boy in the WaterOn an unusually hot night in January 2019, a little boy’s lifeless body was found face up in a small town’s sewage oxidation pond. To the police, it was an open and shut case: three-year-old Lachlan Jones had run away from his home in the Southland town of Gore, climbed ...6 hours ago
- New push for corporate killing lawsA Labour Party Member’s Bill aims to plug a culpability gap between manslaughter and health and safety breaches The post New push for corporate killing laws appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Book of the Week: The naked civil servantTerence O’Brien had the rare and no doubt undesired distinction of rising to one of the most exalted positions in New Zealand diplomacy, then being unceremoniously recalled to Wellington without explanation just when his career was at its zenith. What is perhaps more surprising is that he appears to have ...6 hours ago
- Concerning proliferation of working groups, jobs for matesGovernments are increasingly opting for working groups – led by their mates – over the core public service The post Concerning proliferation of working groups, jobs for mates appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Green MP Julie Anne Genter apologises for 'intimidating' actions in ParliamentRongotai MP Julie Anne Genter has apologised in Parliament after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers in the House. ...13 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Anne Summers says we need much more information on male perpetrators...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders met on Wednesday as the national cabinet to discuss a crisis gripping Australia – the horrific number of women murdered this year. The killings have shocked ...13 hours ago
- Live cattle exports help farmers diversify income – Associate Agriculture MinisterThe government is hoping live animal exports will resume next year, but with a strict gold standard in place. ...15 hours ago
- Who were the real courtesans at the heart of Netflix’s Heeramandi?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...15 hours ago
- Police Minister Mark Mitchell heads to Australia to discuss crime trends, youth offendersMark Mitchell will be chewing the fat with police chiefs as officers in this country talk openly about the appeal of crossing the Tasman. ...16 hours ago
- Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission Pays Tribute To Sir Robert Martin MNZMSir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...17 hours ago
- Passing Of Sir Robert Martin KNZMPeople First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is deeply saddened by the passing of Life Member Sir Robert Martin KNZM. ...17 hours ago
- James Shaw's valedictory – and his new roleShaw has bowed out of Parliament, and has already revealed details of what he is doing next. ...17 hours ago
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Playing populist politics at the risk of our lives is cynicism at its very worst. Words fail me!
Simon Bridges is like Muldoon a loud mouthed Bully
But unlike Bridges Muldoon was highly intelligent and did care about ordinary New Zealanders
Yes. That was my thought as well. Muldoon, for all his faults, was intensely nationalistic. He wanted what he thought was the best for this country, and I'm pretty sure he'd be ashamed of this current pack of lightweights who call themselves National.
Bridges wants to trust NZers? Does this mean the nats want to treat beneficiaries with a bit more respect?
Dunno about churchiness, but people hug each other at funreals. There was a case in the Andes about 20 years back when a village was decimated by cholera. Only had a couple of cases, but everyone went to the funerals and it all went downhill from there. Couldn't find it on google though.
The rituals around death in parts of Africa have been responsible for the rapid spread of Ebola in places.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/01/150130-ebola-virus-outbreak-epidemic-sierra-leone-funerals/
NZ is currently one of a small handful of nations widely admired for our response and management of this crisis, but for purely political reasons, this foolish little man would trash it all if he thought it might gain him power.
A smart party in this circumstance would be seen to assiduously support the govt of the day, positioning their leaders to take some of the credit for sharing in difficult decisions. But Bridges is too dumb to realise the ground has shifted under him, and the political games he's used to playing now look cheap and sleazy.
Oh and an excellent OP Greg. People who argue that the economy is more important than lives, are cold-blooded amoral creeps who are telling anyone over the age of 60 to fuck off and die. I wonder what their own parents might think of this.
They kill them off to get the inheritance.
My angle is saving lives is saving the economy.
+100 people over profit as economies can be rebuilt, refocused and repurposed.
That's the next stage, what nz does around energy, food and other basic needs.
Bridges trumpian parody shows how captive national has become to ‘win at any cost’.
Absolutely correct there @ I Feel Love (4.1.1) … dead people are in no position to stimulate the economy by spending money! People first. Keep Kiwis well and healthy.
'People who argue that the economy is more important than lives, are cold-blooded amoral creeps who are telling anyone over the age of 60 to fuck off and die. I wonder what their own parents might think of this.'
So most of Treasury, PHARMAC etc etc
It is Bridges and the National Party playing the Muldoon fear game – remember the dancing cossacks – they will be reappearing soon. An appalling tactic in these times.
I'm sure Natz's Dancing Cossacks can be found in the party's dark and odious archives, be dusted off and used by Simon et al at the upcoming election campaign!
National's inability to elevate the public good above private interest is landing it in trouble. Under normal circumstances this just makes them irritating right-wingers, during a pandemic it makes them a danger to public health.
Not mentioned is Nationals CERA legislation ( not to save lives) had provisions to restrict review by the courts
Appeal
(1)There is no right of appeal against a decision of the Minister or the chief executive acting, or purporting to act, under this Act, except as provided in sections 69, 70, 79, and 80.
(2)A proceeding must not be brought, and a court must not hear any proceeding, that is in breach of this section.
And yes , often the effect of some decisions was to 'take away property rights'
A great effort Micky. Simon has picked the wrong time to claim loss of freedom. He did a poor job of explaining his position on Morning Report this morning. It did cross my mind that Simon's rhetoric is very similar to Trumps. Both will appeal to rednecks.
Group gatherings are the most difficult to manage. There needs to be a clear line drawn when it comes to potential exposure with the virus and the enforcement of what the law is with gatherings.
Funerals are always a sad event and it is natural that physical contact is used to express grief and to give support.
Preventing a cluster from forming is the goal.
I do not see the need for movie theatres to reopen as there is an alternative. When it comes to contact with sport this is risky as well and I would delay this.
Covid-19 is a horrible bastard in so many ways and this bastard cannot be taken for granted.
ditching the "movie" bit, we've been running through the options for eventually reopening a theatre I'm involved with.
It's actually much safer than contact sports. Seating arrangements lend themselves to spacing (e.g. alternate rows), online ticketing means contactless entry, and everything can be disinfected between shows. And to be frank, packed houses aren't all that common anyway lol
The logistics of opening a movie theatre will need to be carefully managed. From tracing to closing.
I agree that the risk is not as high as contact sport.
For me it is about the decisions I make for myself to stay well and to not transmit the virus were I to get it. Having and taking personal responsibility.
Yes, it's certainly not open slather. But online ticketing is awesome for contact tracing, and there a few other things that equally transfer to pandemic controls.
Like the existing practise of chocking doors open so people can enter and leave – it means people can come from street to auditorium without ever touching a doorknob.
But all this is basically for when things actually come up – I doubt we'll have any houses for a month or two at the earliest.
And Air conditioning ? I dont think its a big risk but thats until it is. Some say UV light in the main ducts is possible as the right UV frequencies are used now to kill viruses.
don't have it.
Besides, we're trying to figure out and work to NZ L2 specs rather than putting disco lights or sunlamps in ducting. What are the MoH guidelines?
Drive through movies providing you have a car. Probably someone would complain about the noise. Sound systems and screens have come a long way. A pizza business close by might do ok.
I like the small run theatres as they tend to have the most ethnic and pre 1965 movies which I like.
hmmm – if we weren't heading into winter, theatre in the park might have been an opion
Theatre in the park has some strange by-play. In Perth I saw "Romeo and Juliet" in a park at dusk. When some chararcter referred to the moon, well, there it was, high above us. But the strangest part for a New Zealander was to be in the middle of a drama in Italy and have the dialogue backed by a kookaburra!
I did hear of a King Lear where a thunderstorm broke with directorial timing 🙂
McFlock, I attended a concert in our small drama theatre quite close to the fire station. The performer was a Geordie named Vin Garbutt who was just finishing the last notes of a tin whistle tune when the siren for the fire brigade started up. The look on his face when he realised what was happening.
Being Vin Garbutt though he was not short of a quip. He was a folk singer who was the funniest artist, with rare and clever impromptu wit, I have ever seen with a repertoire of songs which were the exact opposite- with political and social themes, like Hymn to El Salvador or Turning Steel. His humour leavened the message with contrast and another kind of humanity.
The notion that large gatherings is how this virus spreads is beyond them.
Seventy-two individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 in Wisconsin recently attended a “large-gathering” before their diagnosis, according to a report.
According to The Progressive, the state's Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed that they had gathered tracing data on a number of people who had contracted the virus.
“We were able to pull some limited data—out of 1,986 cases with onset/diagnosis on or after 4/26, there were seventy-two cases who reported attending a large gathering," DHS spokesperson Jennifer Miller was quoted as saying in an email to The Progressive.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/coronavirus-wisconsin-protests-test-positive-department-of-health-services-a9509486.html
They will not let let facts get in the way of a good meme/rant/spin.
A Danish expert reckoned there are no actual second waves yet, the new bursts are reinfection from first wave……some triggered by relaxed restrictions.
Thank F national luddites are in opposition !
A transport worker in the UK was spat on by a person infected with covid 19, she got infected and later passed away. you would think half the UK would have liked to go to her funeral only 10 could go— Just happened
I am not sure what you are advocating.
The vast majority of New Zealanders supported the lockdown and continue to support these almost unprecedented restrictions on the way we live our lives,
However it is fundamentally important in a democratic society that the restrictions and government's decisions are prodded, interrogated and challenged like never before. You might call that political games but I don't.
Even if the opposition supports what the government is doing, I would expect them to challenge and question every piece of legislation, as they are doing. This is how we get good law that is supported by the country.
It was mere months ago that Nat fans were slobbering all over Mr Bridges support for “Task Force Raptor” and armed Police units in working class suburbs-and now they claim concern about civil liberty!
Not a squeak from Nashnull loyalists either when Mr Key presided over the biggest extension in a generation, of surveillance powers, and budget, for SIS, GCSB, and Police Special units.
Opportunism in all its filthy glory-when cross party cooperation would be more appropriate.
Oh no. Jacinda's pushing legislation through under urgency. In the face of a global pandemic. National never did that whole urgency thing. Ever. Not even one time.
Some people believe they're special. That the rules don't apply to them. That they have some God-given exemption. It doesn't matter a jot that these rules are designed to prevent their premature and wholly unnecessary demise at the hands of a virus for which there is currently no vaccine. They don't care. Those people, as sad as it is, must be compelled to comply for the sake of the majority who do understand the imminent danger and are quite willing to abide by the rules. Does this herald the beginnings of a police state or creeping totalitarianism? I don't believe so… but then I'm not Simon Bridges. (For which I shall be eternally grateful.)
Well put Wensleydale.
The record shows National’s penchant for Parliamentary urgency comes to the fore particularly when it involves worker and Union rights i.e. clawing them back!
And we do need to remember that at least one of our clusters came about because air crew were given an exemption from self isolating – which the disease didn't recognize.
The amount of stuff that partisan centre left voters are willing to justify if their own side are doing it is really quite depressing.
Well done EisE – not a political partisan bone in your body? Makes a change
"Like never before" because there's no precedent (really?), or "like never before" because it's sneaky Labour (and NZ1st, with support from the Greens), and you can't really trust Labour? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_emergency#New_Zealand
Never waste a crisis.
Indeed, a crisis can be used and abused. But it will take an analytical mind, educated in world history and able to separate propaganda from truth. Otherwise, NZ will enter into a realm that is akin to a police state. How is it possible, and indeed acceptable to have recognition software running "on trial"? How can it be ok for police to enter homes without a warrant because there is a party? How can it be just fine that human rights and common law is being overruled like that? And whilst we are at it, it seems perfectly OK to "dob" in your neighbour. Can we expect that his/her home will see the armed squad ramming in doors?
I am sure New Zealanders are capable of handling themselves without having to have to forgo human rights and basic laws taken away.
No question, a large majority of NZers are capable of handling/behaving themselves in, and capable of recognising appropriate responses to, a pandemic. For example, I was impressed by just how many NZers would have been OK with staying at Covid-19 alert levels four and three longer than our Government deemed necessary.
Some will believe a government of whatever flavour has over- or under-reacted to a given problem (pandemic, housing crisis, etc.), while others may feel the response has been about right. IMHO it's good that our current government is not planning to delay the next general election (and associated referenda), as this affords us all the opportunity to register an objection to any perceived unnecessary loss of “human rights and basic laws“.
Police can already enter homes without a warrant if they smell or claim to smell cannabis. Don't see you moaning about that. But which is the greater public health concern?
They can also enter if they have reasonable cause to believe you have illegal firearms or are destroying evidence. All these warrantless searches are abominations, as is this law.
The reason civil liberty defenders haven't kicked up more of a stink than voicing objections to these sorts affronts, is that we've had a lot to lose and feared losing it and that is to our shame, but no more, a lot of us have had enough and will be protesting at level 1 and organising political opposition.
" a lot of us have had enough and will be protesting at level 1"
At level 1? That's hilarious!
"Will we stage a protest, Dr King?"
"Sure, just as soon as it's allowed. Otherwise there might be water cannon and beatings and such. Our heroic protest must wait until Alabama agrees that we can."
Come on, if your principles mean anything, and there's "a lot" of you, then march today. What's the worst that could happen? You're arrested on TV? That would lead the news, and be gold for your cause.
Bastion Point, Springbok Tour … those were protests. Not the online rants of 2020.
great response – thanks observer
Where were you, when National was retrospectively legalising spooks breaking the law, and extending police powers?
Or when WINZ was spying on people's sex lives?
You talk as though that has happened. Got you for over acting.
Patricia
It was NOT over acting nor overreacting.
This is an excerpt of an article written by David Landau from the University in Florida. It covers far more eloquently what I like to say:
There are countless articles on abusive constitutionalism. Perhaps the law that is being proposed does not have the severity of some countries and hasn't gone through parliament yet but if it does the horse has bolted.
This does not mean that the current PM is not doing an excellent job and providing good leadership. But it does not imply that such fact allows for ever increasing circles of power.
We need to think about consequences and reasoning. This is the task of every good citizen.
[Added quotation marks to make clear what is quoted text and what are your words.
Here is the link to Abstract: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256056551_Abusive_Constitutionalism
Have you read the full article? If not, why not?
Please do these simple things yourself next time. Thanks in advance – Incognito]
Yes that's right, next thing will be a law to make level 2 permanent – then cancelled elections..
But seriously, what is this "constitutional change" that you talk of? There are already instances where police can enter residences without a warrant. You have chosen not to address this point. What are the constitutional changes in the countries you mention?
See my Moderation note @ 7:26 AM.
I am thankful we have a leader who can look at all the facts over ride her natural kindness to make the hard calls this situation requires.
Jacinda has a fine moral compass and compassion. That can not be said about Simon, who is on record as being disparaging about the usefulness of ethnicities and people who were working for his party.
This is a move to electioneering. Theme …"Jacinda is a tyrant in the making"
There must be others here who remember Muldoon supporters trying to ram down our throats that Muldoon was God, Muldoon had the answers, Muldoon was an economic genius and whizz. National people were wrong then, they're wrong now.
It is the party of the blighted future so ya gotta stay on brand.
the last thing I remeber about muldoon ,is that trevor decleene (lab m.p.) had to arrange a parliamentary service for muldoon because his own dear nat party had turned its back on him. so, for bridges to use muldoon in this way is sad, funny, and shameful all at the same time. simon, finally multitasking..
Dunno about anybody else but I made it perfectly clear to the family that if it was me electronic means would be sufficent pre-demise and don't bother about a post demise gathering. I mean would I want my last gesture in life/death to be infecting my own family/gene pool with a nasty often fatal disease?
I did also make it clear that when the infection receded that they should take some of the money and have a decent knees up in my memory (even by zoom if they had too).
But for Bridges who hasn't bothered to bring too many maori organisations before his committee he has suddenly discovered this? Hypocrite much?
BTW does this piece of legislation have a sunset clause after which it has to be renewed or dumped?
Yes – every three months, if it's not revoked by parliament sooner.
David Parker was on RNZ earlier today and advised that the legislation would have to be reviewed every 3 months
ask simon about 29 families who havent been able to have a proper funeral, and his attempts to block those 29 families….
Here here woodart (19).
Jacinda Ardern repeated today Norman Kirk's famous quote;
My abiding memory of Norman Kirk. A great orator and a compassionate man.
Jacinda is like Norman Kirk.
My memory of Kirk was being a young teenager with a group of friends walking past him lying in state. Even at that age I knew he was a great politician.
Agree Anne.
The comparison is nonsense because Muldoon was a populist.
Now, it could reasonably be argued that Ardern has been wrong about the limit for tangis and funerals. But she's hardly doing it in order to be more popular, is she? Can't imagine the PM giving a tub-thumping campaign speech … "And we stopped the gatherings at funerals and weddings!" (waits for applause). I doubt her advisers sat down and said "I know what the public will want to hear! Pain and grief, it's a vote-winner!".
She might be wrong, but her reasons are obviously right.
Jacinda is not like Muldoon
I agree.
Muldoon t least had some,not many but some, conservative values while Jacinda Ardern is an out and out socialist with no work life outside of Politics. Muldoon at least was a partner in a successful Accountancy business.
"out and out socialist"
Tee hee. Also, Donald Trump has valuable business experience, which has been the foundation of his impressive leadership. Sure.
Ardern is an out and out socialist
lol
Are you the same deluded guy who was holding up that "pretty communist" placard a while back?
I believe pdm may be a troll from way back. They copped a lengthy ban in the previous Election Year in 2017. I have the ban-axe handy 😉
LOL.
Accountancy, along with Law, are the two professions most dependant on Government.
So not counting out-and-out motherhood with much value then pdm?
Here is an example of why we need to continue to exercise caution with social gatherings:
https://twitter.com/MaxKennerly/status/1260310739690151938
More.
Choir: The community choir in Washington State. Even though people were aware of the virus and took steps to minimize transfer; e.g. they avoided the usual handshakes and hugs hello, people also brought their own music to avoid sharing, and socially distanced themselves during practice. They even went to the lengths to tell choir members prior to practice that anyone experiencing symptoms should stay home. A single asymptomatic carrier infected most of the people in attendance. The choir sang for 2 1/2 hours, inside an enclosed rehearsal hall which was roughly the size of a volleyball court.
Singing, to a greater degree than talking, aerosolizes respiratory droplets extraordinarily well. Deep-breathing while singing facilitated those respiratory droplets getting deep into the lungs. Two and half hours of exposure ensured that people were exposed to enough virus over a long enough period of time for infection to take place. Over a period of 4 days, 45 of the 60 choir members developed symptoms, 2 died. The youngest infected was 31, but they averaged 67 years old. (corrected link)
Indoor sports: While this may be uniquely Canadian, a super spreading event occurred during a curling event in Canada. A curling event with 72 attendees became another hotspot for transmission. Curling brings contestants and teammates in close contact in a cool indoor environment, with heavy breathing for an extended period. This tournament resulted in 24 of the 72 people becoming infected. (ref)
https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them
https://www.erinbromage.com/post/about-the-author-professor-erin-bromage
Jacinda is not Muldoon. Bridges would like to be but does not have comparable experience. His sudden change from cross-party consensus may suggest leadership challenges from majorr players.
Covid-19 mortality in US and UK is higher than in NZ according to publicly available data – but its true extent may take time to emerge. The virus has been described as 'tricky'.
Google it, there's heaps out there.
The powers assigned under the CERA legislation were an abomination that Labour should never have agreed to. (Remember King Henry Brownlie VIII?)
This isn't even close to being in the same league.
As an aside. the worship angle is reminding me of an interview with a woman in the US leaving an evangelical church who insisted she was immune because "covered in the blood of Christ".
edit . And Muldoon was no advocate for liberalism – which is to his credit.
The last social democrat
Is that the same American woman I saw on TV last month saying "If speaking English was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for me."
Is that JC over there with his head in his hands muttering " Jesus Christ !
"If speaking English was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for me."
Ther's a song in that…
No.
Here you go.
If Jacinda Ardern was like Muldoon she would have commissioned some long term thinking on the new direction that the country is clearly headed. And certainly not just a few fresh papers out of Treasury.
In April 1976 Muldoon established a Taskforce on Economic and Social Planning which was chaired by Sir Frank Holmes. These guys consulted widely across New Zealand, and what they came up with was a document deliberately entitled "New Zealand At The Turning Point".
The very long list of individuals, organisations and companies consulted shows that there was a high level of commitment to the development of a national consensus.
Ardern and Roberston have both told us this is going to be a "jobs budget".
This better not be all the imagination they have in the tank.
"In April 1976 Muldoon established a Taskforce on Economic and Social Planning which was chaired by Sir Frank Holmes. These guys consulted widely across New Zealand, and what they came up with was a document deliberately entitled "New Zealand At The Turning Point".
I think Don Brash was on that panel. Where can I find a pdf copy of that report? Or do I have to actually go to one of this big buildings that are full of books?
People don't seem to realise how fascinating NZ history from 1970-1984 is/was.
If they have real imagination like Muldoon they'll find some big knife to plunge in like he did with the Super scheme?
New Zealand at the Turning Point? You got it. That was such a turning point in our economic history. Pity he had the wrong map. Pity he went the wrong way. Pity he had the illiterates and other National wasters under their beds looking for reds.
Any plan right now would be great.
We need a good plan, not necessarily the best plan.
Well we now know that the National Party has been de-Muldoonised.
Here is more evidence that Ardern is not like Muldoon.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300011679/coronavirus-up-to-50-people-to-be-allowed-at-funerals-and-tangi
I doubt, once having made a decision, Muldoon would reconsider it.
Our resident tories may shriek about a victory for 'Wanna buy a' Bridges.
Let 'em, after all, they haven't sung that song before.
I see it as good leadership, taking feedback and reconsidering their position
It was a predictable problem, though. It should have been avoided.
I don't expect the PM to be on top of every detail, but you'd think her staff would be able to see where it would end up. If you're going to back down, do it in advance. Because they were always going to.
(that's not hindsight, I could see the problem on Monday when it was announced, and so could most people I'm sure).
They need to stick to their guns on the other issues now, like bars waiting a week. Public health is the rationale, and it should be defended.
They probably backed themselves to explain the differences between the different sorts of groups and assumed people would understand the higher risk of the funeral groups? But you’re probably right, the backdown could have been avoided.
To be honest, there are probably a lot of families out there who wouldve be glad of the 10 person limit.
Sometimes fewer people = fewer dramas and less tension.
Millsy, ha!
& my 2c, jeez, we're talking a few weeks here, a friend of mine died a month ago, he had a quiet, family only funeral, when the time is right I'm sure a bunch of us will get together and celebrate my mates life.
Desperation from Simon – a man with nothing to lose.
In which case, moving to Level 2 so early is probably not the greatest idea in the world. Nor is the official downplaying of the importance of face-mask wearing, esp for indoor public spaces.
Research NZ polling suggests the NZ public are more cautious & more prepared to make the necessary sacrifices than an apparently timid Govt caving in to pressure from the business community & political Right.
Rather than eradication, it looks like they've going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and (much like European Countries in far weaker positions) are prepared to tolerate an "acceptable" wave of new cases & new deaths … as they greatly ease the lockdown without adequate infrastructure for the degree of testing & tracing required.
Who knows Swordfish, not you, not I, not the govt, not the 5g anti vaxxers, not the whiney RWs, no one. Maybe NZ got it right, maybe we haven't, but look around, no country has, we're doing a fucking best here, trying to please everyone, no one, there's no framework, it's a dynamic ever changing situation.
I just read Hollywood big wigs are wanting to come here, I do hope they get quarantined and don't get special treatment, I'm just recalling the Nats going gaga over WB, that would disappoint me if Labour get sucked into that.
You're singing from the same nihilistic songsheet as Doris Day:
Que sera sera
What will be will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera sera
Whereas I'm a Roarer, a Rogerer, a Gorger and a Puker, I'm young, I'm firm buttocked and I believe in learning from other Countries' mistakes & then throwing caution to the wind by modifying our strategy & behaviour accordingly.
I'm reasonably confident the move to L2 is not a knee-jerk response, but has some logical, specific, and preceding rationale (rather than a retrospective & half-arsed justification for said knee-jerk response).
If that is the case but the rationale is incorrect, masks will not be much use anyway. We'll all still end up going back to L4 for another damned month.
I ain't no nihilist, I just figure those with expertise and medical nous area bit (in fact a lot) brighter than me, so I'm happy to let them make the biggly decisions regarding control of a pandemic. If they ever need to know how to record their own composition using a home computer or how to construct a comic, then I'm the expert there, but until that day comes, I'll just look after my and mine.
And if perfect certainty in health were possible and the only consideration for the government, that would be fine.
But let's say the perfect criteria was two solid weeks of dot balls in new cases, or even of zero active cases. I honestly don't think that would even be enforceable, let alone any other factors that might be relevant.
While the public may have told the pollsters they would stay at level3/4 for longer if necessary their actual behaviour in the last 2 weeks of level 3 suggested a different outcome. Time will tell if we’ve done the right thing.
This comparison of Ardern to Muldoon recalled an incident at a public meeting held at election time in 1972 when Muldoon attacked various political opponents in a pretty nasty way. One old questioner made his way to the front of the packed hall in order to ask his question and then made his way back so that he would not be left standing rudely at the front while Muldoon replied. Halfway down the aisle, a man sitting on the aisle stuck out his knee so that the old man shuffling back could sit down on it, which he did. Muldoon of course made a homophobic reference to this. That was the instinctive nature of the man, to denigrate his opposition. Comparison of Ardern to this man is odious.
At this meeting, one man kept on calling out, in response to the continued Muldoon personal attacks, "Give us your policy! Give us your policy!" Muldoon was obviously rattled by this and after the meeting made a comment to a reporter.
The headline read next day, "Blenheim worst yet: Muldoon". National did not win the Marlborough seat that election.
The power of one man to oppose poor or wrong behaviour and have much larger consequences. The man who was the interjector later lost his life saving his son from being buried in a freak land slide on the West Coast. A true hero. His example lives in memory.
Thank you for that. Saying Ardern is like Muldoon is like saying "I have no brain, I don't know what I'm talking about so I'll spout some shit."