Johny on ice
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- Date published:
9:30 am, January 14th, 2013 - 55 comments
Categories: Minister for Overseas Holidays, tourism -
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After four weeks holiday in Hawaii, John Key will briefly land in New Zealand this week before popping off on a junket to Antarctica. Now, you won’t hear a lot about this in the media – because half the press gallery is going with him and they’re just excited to go to Antarctica – but there’s all kinds of buzz coming out of the public service about how and why Key set up this trip.
For now, take a look at the itinerary, and you’ll see it’s pretty, um, light: ‘promote’ a PPP, host a dinner, unveil a pou whenua, return some whisky … not traditionally the kind of stuff that we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars sending the PM and a retinue of reporters to the frozen continent for.
It seems like a strange set of cobbled together activities for the PM to be doing at a time when he really ought to be doing some actual bloody work on the economy.
It’s interesting that Bronagh’s coming along. I’m sure she and John will enjoy seeing the sights.
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- 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 ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...3 weeks 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. ...3 weeks 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. ...3 weeks 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. ...3 weeks 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. ...3 weeks 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. ...3 weeks 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. ...3 weeks 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. ...3 weeks ago
- Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...11 hours ago - $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...16 hours ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...16 hours ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...2 days ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...2 days ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...2 days ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...2 days ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...2 days ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...3 days ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...3 days ago
- Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs lessAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...3 days ago
- Report provides insights into marine recoveryNew research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...3 days ago
- NZ to send political delegation to the PacificDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...3 days ago
- Low gas production threatens energy securityThere has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...3 days ago
- Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...3 days ago
- Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...3 days ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...3 days ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...4 days ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...4 days ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...4 days ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...4 days ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...4 days ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...4 days ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...4 days ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...4 days ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...4 days ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...6 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...7 days ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...1 week ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...1 week ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...1 week ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...1 week ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...1 week ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...1 week ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 week ago
- TVNZ Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver awarded ONZM for investigative journalism
Pacific Media Watch Television New Zealand Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to investigative journalism and Pacific communities in a ceremony at Government House, reports 1News. She has been the Pacific correspondent for 1News since 2002, breaking many ...41 mins ago - Budget to pledge billions more in funds and fresh effort to tackle intractable housing crisisSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Tuesday’s budget will respond to the deepening public agitation over Australia’s housing shortages by pouring new money into crisis accommodation for women and children, social housing and infrastructure. A specially-convened national cabinet late Friday ticked ...56 mins ago
- Pacific journalists are world’s ‘eyes and ears’ on climate crisis, says EU envoyBy Kaneta Naimatu in Suva Journalists in the Pacific region play an important role as the “eyes and ears on the ground” when it comes to reporting the climate crisis, says the European Union’s Pacific Ambassador Barbara Plinkert. Speaking at The University of the South Pacific (USP) on World Press ...4 hours ago
- Why the Defence Force has been calling for a Budget boost
Failing accommodation, tarmac problems and a deteriorating naval base were all laid bare before a $571 million spend-up was unveiled today. ...4 hours ago - Back in Black: Aldora’s year gets even better
Aldora Itunu is back in the Black Ferns squad after a three-year absence. The last of her 24 internationals was an underwhelming loss to France (7-29) in Castres to conclude the disastrous 2021 Northern Tour. The powerhouse prop won a Rugby World Cup in 2017 and thought she was done. ...5 hours ago - ‘Who’s actually governing this city?’The fight to control major transport policy and projects in Auckland has burst into the open again, with councillors rejecting Mayor Wayne Brown’s latest attempt to steer things more under his influence. Councillors from the left and right broke ranks on the mayor’s bid to control Auckland Transport more directly ...5 hours ago
- The return of .. Raw PoliticsExhausted by the general election campaign, horrified by the twilight zone of coalition negotiations, distracted by the silly season and waiting for the honeymoon to begin, Raw Politics has been in hibernation since October. From today, we’re back. Our weekly political video show and podcast returns for ...5 hours ago
- New Caledonia marks Armistice Day with new NZ war memorialBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Authorities in the small town of Boulouparis have commemorated Armistice Day on May 8 with a new memorial honouring New Zealand soldiers who were stationed in New Caledonia during World War II. The ceremony took place in the township on the ...5 hours ago
- High Court dismisses key challenge to indefinite immigration detention. What does it mean?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Dehm, Senior lecturer, international migration and refugee law, University of Technology Sydney The High Court unanimously ruled today that the Australian government can keep asylum seekers in immigration detention indefinitely in cases where they do not “voluntarily” cooperate with their own ...8 hours ago
- A brief history of found footage video art – and where Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall fits inSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Munro, Lecturer, Creative Industries and Digital Media, University of South Australia Twenty-four hours after the release of Macklemore’s pro-Palestine protest song Hind’s Hall on social media on May 7, the video had already notched up over 24 million views. In ...8 hours ago
- Transmission Gully could need new bulider – Infrastructure Commission reviewFailing to anticipate the complexity of the consenting system is being cited as the the current builder's shortcomings, an Infrastructure Commission review says. ...8 hours ago
- Proposed repeal of Oranga Tamariki Act section 7AA breaches Treaty of Waitangi – TribunalThe government is planning to repeal Treaty obligations from the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...8 hours ago
- Committee Silences Majority Of Submitters On Fast-track Bill
350 Aotearoa is calling the Environment Select Committee’s decision to allow oral submissions from just 40% of individual, unique submitters who asked to speak to the committee ‘a disgraceful blight to democracy’. ...8 hours ago - Sky-high vanity: constructing the world’s tallest buildings creates high emissionsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Helal, Assistant Dean (Sustainability), The University of Melbourne Dubai skyline AleksandarPasaric/Pexels Since ancient times, people have built structures that reach for the skies – from the steep spires of medieval towers to the grand domes of ancient cathedrals and mosques. Today ...9 hours ago
- How can we measure the size of Australia’s illegal cannabis market – and the billions in taxes t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Williams, Professor of Economics, The University of Melbourne Canna Obscura/Shutterstock At the end of this month, a senate inquiry by the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee is due to hand down its report on a bill to legalise cannabis. ...9 hours ago
- Wearable devices can now harvest our brain data. Australia needs urgent privacy reformsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Musole, PhD Law Student, University of New England Girts Ragelis/Shutterstock Recent trends show Australians are increasingly buying wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. These electronics track our body movements or vital signs to provide data throughout the day, with ...10 hours ago
- Labour Up, Greens Down But Centre-Right Remains AheadThis is the first time since February that voters have had a net positive view of the country direction. ...11 hours ago
- RNZAF Hercules, NZDF Personnel Arrive In Papua New Guinea To Help Distribute Relief SuppliesPapua New Guinea experienced a significant earthquake on 24 March in East Sepik and there has also been recent flooding there and in surrounding provinces. ...11 hours ago
- Sleep wrinkles are real. Here’s how they leave their markSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yousuf Mohammed, Dermatology researcher, The University of Queensland Maridav/Shutterstock You wake up, stagger to the bathroom and gaze into the mirror. No, you’re not imagining it. You’ve developed face wrinkles overnight. They’re sleep wrinkles. Sleep wrinkles are temporary. But as your ...11 hours ago
- Week in Politics: Triumph and disaster, but no austerityAnalysis - A big announcement about Auckland's water woes was overshadowed by a chaotic press conference about prisons, Peter Wilson writes. ...11 hours ago
- Community Groups Furious That Government Silencing Hundreds In Fast-Track HearingsThe Environment Select Committee has just announced that 60 percent of individuals who asked to speak at the hearings will not be heard. This equates to almost 700 people who made individual submissions and more than 1000 more who made a form submission. ...12 hours ago
- Review: Swan Lake is a reminder of how much work it takes to look effortless
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is performing Swan Lake around the country. What kind of dream does the ballet sell? Before going to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet perform Swan Lake, I had about as much familiarity with the plot of this ballet as could be expected from having ...12 hours ago - The Friday Poem: ‘High Tide at Local Maxima’ by Eamonn TeeA new poem by Auckland poet Eamonn Tee. High Tide at Local Maxima It is only going to get worse. The streams will be narrow and fickle. The week will bend and buckle like a pot-bellied waist. You will make it to the weekend with one ...12 hours ago
- The plastic-heavy drinks industry is in for a shake-upThe New Zealand entrepreneur behind beauty business Ethique is gearing up to launch a new eco-venture. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Our thirst for a tasty bevvy is insatiable, but it comes with a hefty plastic price for the planet: 580 billion ...12 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 10The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 James by Percival Everett (Mantle, $38) A retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from ...12 hours ago
- Puna calls for Pacific ‘journalistic vigilance’ in face of climate crisisBy Kamna Kumar in Suva Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna stressed the importance of media freedom and its link to the climate and environmental crisis at the 2024 World Press Freedom Day event organised by the University of the South Pacific’s journalism programme. Under the theme “A Planet for ...13 hours ago
- Downsizing Of ERO Inconsistent With Govt Priority Of Lifting Student AchievementThe PSA is concerned that Government spending cuts have forced ERO to downsize at a time when student achievement is a significant challenge. ...13 hours ago
- Education Review Office set to cut 13 jobs, union saysThe Education Review Office is set to cut 13 jobs, the Public Service Association says. ...13 hours ago
- Judith Collins announces $571 million Defence spend-upAn extra half a billion dollars is going to Defence in this year's Budget for pay and equipment upgrades, the Defence Minister has announced. ...14 hours ago
- This new TVNZ anthology is Motherhood as you’ve never seen it beforeTara Ward previews a new local TV series offering alternative visions of motherhood. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. A woman is clambering up the side of her two-story house, clinging desperately to a drainpipe. Nearby, her child is perched on the ...14 hours ago
- LGNZ Supportive Of Cross-party Approach To Climate AdaptationLocal Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is supportive of the cross-party approach to climate adaptation announced by the Minister of Climate Change today. ...14 hours ago
- SBC And CLC Welcome Bipartisan Climate Adaptation InquiryThe Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) welcome today’s announcement from Government around a bipartisan inquiry into an enduring climate adaptation framework for New Zealand. ...14 hours ago
- Another Victory For Free Speech: DIA Abandons Proposals For Online CensorshipThe Free Speech Union welcomes the decision by the Department of Internal Affairs, and Minister Brooke Van Velden, to abandon proposals to further regulate online speech. ...15 hours ago
- Confused or playing for time? 3 possible reasons NZ is taking so long to make a call on AUKUSSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand governments have been actively exploring the option of joining pillar two of AUKUS for over a year now. But according to foreign minister Winston Peters, the government ...15 hours ago
- Archives NZ says it has enough space – for nowIts new building in Wellington will not be nearly big enough for all its records, and it has also run out of money to build its new storage facility in Levin. ...15 hours ago
- Consensus WelcomedBusinessNZ is congratulating the Minister of Climate Change for his work in achieving cross-party consensus for a way forward on climate adaptation. ...15 hours ago
- How many lives is that tax cut worth?Recent research reveals the repeal of smokefree measures is not only bad for our health, but also the economy. The Government has repealed various smokefree measures to ensure it keeps collecting $1.2 billion a year in tobacco taxes, in order to pay for tax cuts already being delivered to ...16 hours ago
- How the Phoenix went from wooden spoon favourites to title contendersThe club’s surprisingly good season is built on the desire to prove a random A-League YouTuber wrong… and a few other factors. “There’s no way that Wellington Phoenix play finals this year. I can’t see it happening at all.” Those are the words of Lachlan Raeside, an Australian football content ...16 hours ago
- Ministry cuts will harm Pacific health, wellbeing – unionThe PSA is warning cuts at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples will have severe consequences for the health and wellbeing of Pasifika families. ...16 hours ago
- Power shortages: What's being done to keep the lights on?Officials are looking at better ways of choosing who gets the power during shortages amid relentlessly growing demands. ...16 hours ago
- No more bad accents, stereotypes or cringe: why the rise of multilingual TV is good news for everyon...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By César Albarrán-Torres, Senior Lecturer, Department of Media and Communication, Swinburne University of Technology Apple TV+ As one of billions of bilingual individuals in the world, it disappoints me when a film or TV show with characters of a non-English-speaking background is ...17 hours ago
- It’s time to ditch Berhampore Golf CourseThe under-utilised course is a waste of space, and with a little political will, it could be turned into something better. For the duration of her stay in Wellington, my long-suffering cousin listened to me rant about golf courses. They’re bad for the environment: water intensive and pesticide heavy. They ...17 hours ago
- Women in rich countries are having fewer kids, or none at all. What’s going on?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Ruppanner, Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of The Future of Work Lab, Podcast at MissPerceived, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows US fertility rates dropped 2% in ...18 hours ago
- We looked at over 166,000 psychiatric records. Over half showed people were admitted against their w...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Corderoy, Medical doctor and PhD candidate studying involuntary psychiatric treatment, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney shop_py/Shutterstock Picture two people, both suffering from a serious mental illness requiring hospital admission. One was born in Australia, the other in Asia. Hopefully, ...18 hours ago
- Feral horses in Australia’s high country are damaging peatlands, decreasing carbon storesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Treby, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, RMIT University P.j.Hickox, Shutterstock Peatlands store more carbon per square metre than any other ecosystem on Earth. These waterlogged, mossy bogs beat even dense rainforests for their ability to act as carbon reservoirs. Under the ...18 hours ago
- Andrew Tate’s extreme views about women are infiltrating Australian schools. We need a zero-tolera...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Wescott, Lecturer in Education, Monash University RDNE Stock Project/ Pexels , CC BY Earlier this week, two students were expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in creating a spreadsheet that ranked girls using sexist and violent categories ...18 hours ago
- Yes, spending on health is growing, but new research shows we’re getting more for itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Goss, Adjunct Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra Government spending on health has been growing so rapidly that a decade ago the then health minister Peter Dutton called it “unmanageable” and “unsustainable”. Health spending grew in real terms by ...18 hours ago
- Govt must regulate to smooth EVs and data centres' demand on power grids – VectorNew Zealand's largest electricity distributor is warning the country to hurry up with controls around charging electric vehicles or face unnecessary bills running into the billions. ...18 hours ago
- Could you be about to lose your power?New Zealanders have been asked to conserve energy this morning to combat a possible electricity shortfall, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A call to conserve power New Zealand is facing a possible electricity shortfall, with people up ...19 hours ago
- What actually are the Ockhams?Writer Rebecca K Reilly breaks down the national book awards. What are the Ockhams? The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are our annual national awards for books published for adults, and have existed in this form since 2016. There are four categories: Fiction, Poetry, General Non-fiction and Illustrated Non-fiction. There ...21 hours ago
- Selling Wellington Airport would be colossally carelessWellington City Council should keep its 34% ownership share in Wellington International Airport, argue Unions Wellington spokespeople Finn Cordwell and Ashok Jacob. Insanity, as the saying goes, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Wellington City Council (WCC) is yet again proposing to dispose ...21 hours ago
- Two senior publishers axed at Penguin Random House amid major restructureNew Zealand’s largest book publisher has undergone drastic changes this week, leaving its future role in local publishing uncertain. Two of the most recognisable local publishers in New Zealand are among those restructured out of Penguin Random House, it was announced this week. Head of publishing Claire Murdoch will leave ...21 hours ago
- Three waters repeal hitting Far North hard as Auckland signs dealForced to lift rates by 33 percent to fund water infrastructure, a fifth of the Far North’s ratepayers have missed their first payment The post Three waters repeal hitting Far North hard as Auckland signs deal appeared first on Newsroom. ...21 hours ago
- All trained up and nowhere to writeIn 2021 the Public Interest Journalism Fund launched the Te Rito Journalism project, a $2.4 million initiative to boost diversity in New Zealand’s newsrooms. The initiative was in response to the decades-long shortage of Māori and Pacific journalists in the media industry. It was billed as New Zealand’s ...21 hours ago
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The itinerary includes a lot of
sucking up tohobnobbing with US entities, also.Flying in a US aircraft, visiting the US Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, including the prime minister will host a US dinner at Scott Base, and the PPP is for an enterprise supported by donations from a US “philanthropist”.
Johnny and the missus just want to see the polar ice cap before it’s all gone… Something to boast about at dinner parties in 2050.
In Antartica in 2050 will still be there plenty of ice – copious wads of it in fact.
Statistics also suggest Key’ll be well decomposed by 2050 just like many of us.
They can always go to East Antarctica ice sheet. I’d expect that to have a significant increase in volume as more moist air breaks in and deposits as snow (eventually causing it to melt as well).
However the NZ claim is in West Antarctica, where it looks likely that we’ll lose a big chunk of the ice mass over the next 40 years. I still think that they’ll have quite a lot of ice there, and some of it should be close to wherever they have to move the Ross base to.
So Johnny and the Cook are scooting down to Scott to get a handle on how much lands gonna be available for his progeny to pilfer once the ice is gone, nice.
Oh and it’s good how he takes his mates with him, would hate for any of them to think their tax dollars are being splurged – now they get suck up to him while he’s sucking up to the yanks.
Maybe they will fit in some drilling negotiations as well.
I take it you were all similarly outraged when Helen Clark went to Antarctica in 2007 to smooze with Americans and conduct some ceremonies? http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0701/S00055.htm
Just another slow news day.
Yeah the 50th anniversary. Usually a date to be celebrated. Can’t see what’s special about the 56th though. Note she took an ailing Sir Edmond Hillary with her on his last chance to visit Antarctica.
I doubt she visited the Antarctica based CIA out-post – assuming it’s still there.
Scott Base 50th anniv and Ed Hillary going….. yeah, just the same kinda junket. And, of course, back in 2007 the financials were such shock horror catastrophe that the country couldn’t afford it. Pin your badge a bit higher bro.
…back in 2007 the financials were such shock horror catastrophe that the country couldn’t afford it.
Oh yeah? We were in a healthy surplus galeandra. Even Bill English acknowledged it at the time although he hates being reminded of it. Get that faulty memory sorted…
Anne you must be unaware of the undercurrent of the financial position on NZ at that time.
From Jan 2006 to Dec 2007 we had 5 months of a trading surplus ranging from 8 to 69m (note for the link you will have to change the date ranges to view)!!!
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/new-zealand/balance-of-trade
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/balance_of_payments/BalanceOfPayments_HOTPMar08qtr/Commentary.aspx
The govt accounts are only a subset of the national accounts and over the labour years our net govt overseas debt remained the constant no increase and nothing being paid off over the glory years !!
http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/statistics/extfin/e3/download.html
Unless Anne you have some other data that supports you comment and contradicts mine I would appreciate 😉 !!!
The treasury stats support Anne. Check out Figure 11 – Net debt http://www.treasury.govt.nz/government/financialstatements/yearend/jun12/012.htm
Perhaps if there was a more holistic view of the economy was appreciated, then many would not go on referring to how great the labour years were. Sure anyone can cherry pick isolated data to justify their spin. The country was and still is borrowing to pay for our daily lifestyle, and look at the consequences that have resulted e.g. housing issues, the decline of wages as a % of GDP I.e. how we share our wealth
http://worldeconomy-wingate.blogspot.co.nz/2010/12/new-zealand-in-162b-net-debt.html?m=1
http://thestandard.org.nz/time-to-take-back-whats-ours/
Yeah but she didn’t take half an army of guys in dark sunnys, and darker suits!
The TV3 article linked from teh post says:
“Thirteen mainly New Zealand-based reporters and television crew are also being taken along.”
Does that mean that the government is paying the costs for the journalists?
Thirteen sounds a much larger group than I would have expected – are there diplomatic protection officers as well?
Yeah well, some of those penguins are a bit suspect you know. It’s the way they stand there watching. Who knows what they might do if given a chance. A bit of protection detail wouldn’t go amiss. Anyway they make him look real important…
What is the obsession with returning whiskey to the pole?
I’d be happy for the media scrum to be left behind but what a waste of what is possibly a very nicely aged drop
Yet another example of this governments priorities being all wrong
They took it to get it analysed and remade
It’s the ultimate Scotch on the Rocks..
I think you will find that the whisky had to be returned given refer Quote and link to Cant Museum we must follow international agreements we have signed don’t you think? …
“Many people have asked why we aren’t drinking the whisky. Or why we aren’t keeping it in New Zealand.
The Antarctic Heritage Trust manages a programme of heritage conservation in Antarctica, which involves the heroic-era expedition bases of Scott, Shackleton, and Carsten Borchgrevink. Each of these sites is protected under the Antarctic Treaty System and New Zealand is one of the 46 nations which abides by the Treaty System. Areas of biological or historical significance are called Antarctic Specially Protected Areas, and are governed by a management plan. The ASPA management plan for Cape Royds states:”
http://whiskythaw.canterburymuseum.com
But do not worry there is an opportunity to taste an impression of what was found
http://www.whyteandmackay.com/blog.aspx?s=shackleton
A NZ/USA lovefest to celebrate the territorial (and natural resource) claims that come with the ongoing militarization of Antarctica. A little mutual admiration that would not have happened were it not for the military base the USA maintains in Christchurch that is key to its military occupation/operation in Antarctica.
Seeing those drab gray carriers of war materiel hulking at Christchurch Airport makes me sick every time I fly into Canterbury.
Send the warplanes home and close the Waihopai spy base now!
FFS this is almost as desperate as the Hawai’i holiday beat up.
(1) New Zealand is responsible for one of the largest Antarctic territories and part of the Realm of New Zealand – PMs are supposed to visit it from time to time.
(2) It’s especially important that the PM makes a diplomatic visit to the Americans because the US doesn’t actually recognise the claims of any countries to Antarctic territories.
(3) An official drop in (as opposed to a private holiday) highlights New Zealand’s commitment to Antarctic research and ecological preservation, and it’s a nice gesture to the boffins at Scott Base. It’s hardly his fault if it doesn’t coincide with a significant anniversary.
(4) For all fustercluck’s whinging, the US planes in Christchurch also come in very handy searching for lost ships and people lost at sea – something they very generously do for us.
(5) Whether you like it or not, the US is the world’s apex superpower and we are a tiny little country at the arse end of nowhere – a strategic relationship with the US is ultimately very important to us.
(6) Tripe like this which as a matter of conscience forces me to defend PM dipstick, really annoys me because there is so much else that he is actually doing WRONG.
Maybe it would be better to focus on the ascendent empire with which we actually have a free trade agreement, i.e., China, rather than focusing on the tottering, warmongering and collapsing empire that refuses such an agreement, i.e., the USA. Maintaining bases that are part of the USA encirclement strategy vis a vis China will do nothing to help and may well hinder our long term interests.
And describing comments as whinging, i.e., ad hominem attacks, reveals the paucity of your own arguments’ strength.
That would be totalitarian, human rights abusing, invade Tibet and “test” missiles over Taiwan China, would it?
You got that right, Populuxe. It’s definitely not the human rights abusing, invade Iraq and Afghanistan, kill with drones anywhere they feel like it, undertake cyber war in Iran China would it? Shit, my bad, that’s the US and A, which also wants to do away with our commercial sovereignty and destroy Pharmac. They’re pretty much the same as each other, but in terms of threatening world peace, I’d say the US and A wins hands down at the moment.
Don’t forget 11 years of Guantanamo Bay and forced renditions, along with newly approved unlimited eavesdropping and indefinite detention without charge of their own citizens. Militarisation of the police and use of 100% military capable drones in civilian law enforcement.
My point being that one hardly being more desirable in that regard than the other, our security interests are best represented by the devil we know.
Agree with you Populxe1
It is boy who cried wolf bullshit. This post shows how Key is criticised for anythingand everything he does. As I see it the problem with this negative whinging approach to opposition is the voice of opposition loses its effect and will not be heard when Key really does deserved to be slammed.
The Hawai’i rubbish and this story distract from the real things which Key is doing to damage this country.
If we cry “Key” everytime he opens his mouth, noone will be listening to us when he actually removes more rights from ordinary kiwis.
pop over to the jobs thread and see the list of things he can “legitimately” be criticised for. Would be interested in any defence you offer on his behalf.
bit dubious about your claim #4. the large grey american planes at christchurch that fustercluck was refering to are the C17 globemasters, heavy transport planes not outfitted for SAR. The (also grey) P3 Orions which belong to our own airforce tackle the task of patrolling the largest SAR regions for the size of our airforce (3 Orions), between peru to australia. The US takes no responsibility in patrolling outside its region in the north pacific.
How about leaving him there, I’m sure we will not miss him.
what in gods name did the penguins ever do to deserve such a fate? Although…the thought of one passing leopard seal taking one less penguin….
Just drifted of to dreamland at the thought of the airplane making a forced landing and being’ Lost’ Then Pat Gower eats John Key He …He ..
You may not. But others will. What an appalling statement to make about a loved husband and father. Same to bill below. You lot really are just plain nasty.
It’s nasty to joke about one guy getting killed while he dismantles the welfare state, health services for our kids and any remnants of sovereign independence? But motivated by total altruism when kids scream from glue ear, miss out on education because they can’t hear straight and have a much greater chance of ending up in a privatised prison system. Fuck you arseholes who call us nasty because we can see through your plastic hero. Go back to WhaleSpew and laugh at Jacinda Arden’s teeth or wank on about how autistic kids should be gut shot and left to die. Or how anyone with emotional or psychological problems is a weak panty waist except for your tough and macho Cam. I am not convinced by neanderthal protestations, save them for the KKK bar of your local pub.
I don’t agree with his carry on in those directions either. I just don’t like the hypocrisy, if you think those things are bad then you should think maggies statement is bad. Classic new “liberal” traits. The inability to sense your own hypocrisy is breathtaking. It smacks of intellectual dishonesty or just a lack of intelligence.
“liberals” dont have a monopoly on “The inability to sense your own hypocrisy is breathtaking. It smacks of intellectual dishonesty or just a lack of intelligence.” although Lil johnny howard, sheriff of the south pacific fits the bill nicely.
to many visits to whale oil!
TR
You are a great satirist. Someone cannot be criticised if that person is loved and is a loved parent. Many people criticising here are no doubt in that category. So apply your own strictures – stop attacking us and stop your own ‘nasty appalling statements’.
When have I advocated death, violence or the the abandonment on a desolate continent of someone who I am opposed to?
It’s not desolate. There’s lots of oil there, which can be securitized and sold.
Desolate as in a normal human being could not survive there. But hey, agree with the sentiment of abandoning someone there. just because john key is the captain of the opposing football team that you cheer for. I suppose that’s all right if you are “progressive”
Key can stay with the Yanks. They’ll support him for services rendered.
Call it “Southern Hawaii”.
Key’s a big boy I’m sure he can look after himself in a well equipped antarctic base. Plenty of other people do.
Maybe if he leaves his heart down there, it might save the ice?
And some said you have no sense of humour, Robert!!!
Once you understand that you are living in a circus, everything is a crack up.
Aw damn Maggie, you beat me to it…
Nice pic, Maggie !
When the ship is sinking – best way to keep the fools happy and entertained is to do just something like this.
The media “court jesters” have been invited along, there is talk of three bottles of whiskey to be “returned”, but who knows, in those cold climes, more whiskey may well be “downed” ON ICE, which there is an abundance of down there, in Antarctica.
TV pictures will be transmitted via satellite into our living rooms, the print and online media will report about the event, and Key can “pocket” a few more “media greasers” that will be happy to be allowed along.
The progaganda machine is working full-steam.
Next after that: A major policy announcement – on employment or education. Win, win, for Key, who is the greatest “entertainer” in the eyes of many from the press galery.
Bronagh and John Key are the Pacific’s Asma and Bashar Hafez al-Assad, or think they are?
In reality he isn’t even a skinny white Bainimarama 😉
Headline from Antartica (Spoofy)
‘Johny on the skids, he dipped his toes into the freezing cold water,his protection squad
was unimpressed’
Johny doesn’t know why he did such a foolhardy thing, but he assured his protection
squad his bright pink shirt would have saved him and to create attention he would just do
the gangnam dance, cos they worked before.
Get used to such diversioanary events with the MSM riding along
A couple of years ago my husband found an interesting ad for electricians to apply for work in the Antarctic. The company? Raytheon Polar services who were at the time building a “research” Center!
I believe that to be the Mc Murdo Station which of course has been in use for many years but with the ability to house a staggering 1258 residents (that we know off) I reckon it’s a hell of a lot more than that. I wonder if John Key has shares in Raytheon?