Key and Herald embarrassed as Liu statement changes
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- Date published:
12:19 pm, June 25th, 2014 - 113 comments
Categories: election 2014, john key, Media, national, newspapers, same old national -
Tags: Donghua Liu
After a sustained week of media attacks on the Labour Party it now transpires that the NZ Herald and John Key claims about Donghua Liu’s donations to the party are, shall we say, inaccurate.
This has just been published on the Herald website:
Controversial businessman Donghua Liu has issued a new statement to the Herald confirming “close to” $100,000 in total payments to Labour and its MPs – including anonymous donations – but clarifying that the money was not for one bottle of wine.
Liu, to whom Labour gave permanent residency against official advice, says his earlier signed statement on the wine auction was “capable of two meanings” and after repeated inquiries from the Herald he says he wants to clarify what he spent the $100,000 on.
The signed statement obtained by the Herald on Sunday said that at a 2007 Labour Party fundraiser, he “successfully bid on bottles of wine including one bottle signed by the then Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon Helen Clark, with a contribution of close to $100,000”.
…
The previous sentence in the signed statement said dinner and a boat trip on the Yangtze River in 2007 with a group including Rick Barker, the Minister for Internal Affairs at the time, which Liu estimated to cost between $50,000 to $60,000.
Today, Liu said: “I did say I made a contribution of close to $100,000 and that is my closing comment in my statement…that is how much I believe I have donated in total to Labour and some of their MPs during their last term in Government.”
He said the figure was the total payments to Labour and its politicians which included the wine auctions, a $2000 donation to the Hawkes Bay Rowing Club, the Yangtze River trip and anonymous donations to MPs.
I must say that I have never heard of the Hawkes Bay Rowing Club branch of the Labour Party nor of the Yangtze Concrete Factory Branch of the Labour Party. The payments to these entities account for about $60,000 which is most of the money. The boat trip was clearly not a political donation to the Labour Party. The degree of change in Mr Liu’s story is significant as is his lack of understanding of what the Labour Party actually is.
And the question must be who prepared Liu’s original statement and did they know it was, shall we say, inaccurate? And why did the Herald accept the first statement at face value and did it seek any verification of the claims before bursting into print?
I trust that a few commentators including John Armstrong and Bryce Edwards will now reflect on their comments. As Danyl McLaughlan has said this is a fucking joke.
Finally I must say how impressed I was by the recent Standarnista crowd sourcing effort to work out the details of the photographs and the possible location of the auction.
lprent: Rob Salmond has some commentary on this complete screwup by The NZ Herald journalists and editors in “Completely unravelling” and “New Zealand Herald tries to cover its butt; gets shit on its hands“. Be warned. He starts to swear (although less than I did when reading the self-justifying waffle from the Herald story).
113 comments on “Key and Herald embarrassed as Liu statement changes ”
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- Methane target review is dangerous duplicationThe Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government must commit to school building project for disabled studentsThe Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...6 hours ago - Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...8 hours ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...9 hours ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...10 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...10 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...10 hours ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...12 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...24 hours ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...1 day ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...1 day ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...1 day ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...1 day ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...1 day ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...2 days ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...2 days ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...2 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...3 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...3 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...4 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...4 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...5 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...1 week ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...1 week ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Communities Against The Fast-track Heartened By ‘Overwhelming’ Public Response; Disgusted By ‘...
With submissions closing today, Macassey-Pickard says groups around the country have been supporting a huge range of people to make their submissions. ...1 hour ago - Renters Rights To Drastically Reduce Under Landlord GovernmentThe Government’s announced changes around tenancy rules set renters’ rights back by nearly a decade. ...2 hours ago
- NZPI Submission on Fast Track Approvals BillOur response to the new legislation is informed by targeted conversations with practitioners working in the system and through an implementation lens. ...2 hours ago
- Fast Track Invite List Includes Most Destructive Industries In New ZealandThe new ‘Fast-track Approvals Bill’ would give just three Ministers the power to approve or deny development projects. They would avoid the usual checks and balances that are in place to protect rivers, land, the ocean, and communities. ...2 hours ago
- Eugene Doyle: Helen Clark on why AUKUS isn’t in New Zealand’s national interest
COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Helen Clark, how I miss you. The former New Zealand Prime Minister — the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory — gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held ...2 hours ago - Government releases list of organisations shoulder-tapped for fast-track consents
The government's released the list of organisations provided with information on how to apply - just hours before public submissions on the bill close. ...3 hours ago - The Week in Politics: Job cuts surge and Waitangi Tribunal troubleAnalysis - It's been a grim week for public servants, while trouble is also brewing between the government and Waitangi Tribunal. ...4 hours ago
- It never rains but it pours: intense rain and flash floods have increased inland in eastern Australi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Before climate change really got going, eastern Australia’s flash floods tended to concentrate on our coastal regions, east of the Great Dividing Range. But that’s changing. Now ...4 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaThe PM has defended how he's talked up NZ trade on his trip to Southeast Asia, after criticism from his own delegation. ...5 hours ago
- ‘It could be the death of the museum’: why research cuts at a South Australian institution have ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Finkel, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Sia Duff / South Australian Museum In February, the South Australian Museum “re-imagined” itself. In the face of rising costs and inadequate government funds, CEO David Gaimster, who took the reins last June, declared ...5 hours ago
- Government signs off $41m clean energy deal with Asian Development BankThe government has committed $41 million to clean energy transition at the Asian Development Bank's Energy Transition Mechanism. ...5 hours ago
- Are 2 mid-career AFL retirements a sign Australian athletes are taking brain health more seriously?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, School of Allied Heath, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, La Trobe University This week, Collingwood AFL player Nathan Murphy announced his retirement, brought on by his concussion history and ongoing issues. The 24-year-old’s seemingly sudden retirement, ...7 hours ago
- Luxon: Waitangi Tribunal comments from coalition parties 'ill considered'Comments from ACT and NZ First ministers about the Tribunal were "ill considered" and "that message will be underscored" to them, the PM says. ...7 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation Facing Staff Cuts From Govt Funding SqueezeThe Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources for those facing the loss of their job, so it’s wrong in the very week the Government adds another 1000 jobs to its tally of cuts, that this is happening. ...8 hours ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...8 hours ago
- How the coolest little capital is shrinkingIt's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...8 hours ago
- Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...8 hours ago
- Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...8 hours ago - Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...8 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford Graham
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...8 hours ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The 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 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...8 hours ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...8 hours ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job CutsWith New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...8 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...9 hours ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...9 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...9 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...9 hours ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...10 hours ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...10 hours ago
- Auckland dog attacks: Callouts for attacks on other animals going upRoaming dogs are responsible for more than a thousand attacks on animals each year, and the number is growing. ...10 hours ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānauThe Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...10 hours ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...11 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...12 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...12 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...13 hours ago
- ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...13 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...13 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...13 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...13 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...14 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...14 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...14 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...14 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...14 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...14 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, 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. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...15 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...17 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...17 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...17 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...17 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...17 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],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, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...17 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...17 hours ago
- Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...17 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...17 hours ago
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Yep. It’s a fucking joke. The NZ Herald, John Key, et al, should withdraw and apologise.
A series of small anonymous donations, that it seems, Labour Party MPs and others had no idea they came from Liu, are totally legal and do not suggest anything like cash for favours.
Our donations regulations/laws do need improving – like removing the influence of big money on politics, and making things way more transparent.
And this has diverted from the real evidence of Liu’s donations to and favours from national.
“this has diverted from the real evidence of Liu’s donations to and favours from national.”
Or to try and legitimise the cabinet club’s cash for access.
In order to salvage the credibility of the Herald it is necessary for Tim Murphy to resign. Will they hold themselves accountable? Will they be held to the same standard they hold other to?
Ive met Mr Liu, we were doing some work for a development project of his.
Normally we dealt with his staff, as of course he doesnt speak English, and he was out of the country a lot. The meeting only came about because when it was time to get paid for the work, he wouldnt release the funds until he had been introduced to us.
A canny move I thought , when you have to rely totally on intermedaries, some of which were associates rather than employees, you a least want to see the faces that go with the invoices.
I cant imagine he would give a check for a very large amount ( our invoice was for a lot less than amounts talked about for labour) without seeing the principals behind it, a cabinet minister or higher.
The funny thing about History repeating itself, it was the Oily Orcas father John Slater, who was accuse of ‘trousering donations’ to the National party when he was party president.
His successor Michelle Boag found that the amounts claimed by donors ( that was the time John Key was buying his way into office) didnt match the money in party accounts.
There was a big ruckus and Slater had to cough up the money he claimed as ‘expenses’
The desperation from the Herald is palpable. Their record so far:
Scandal of the century, clearly. How can Labour possibly criticise a corrupt Minister for interfering in a police investigation after these heinous crimes?
Time for a front-page apology by the Herald?
Time for Mr Liu to “open the kimono” and show perhaps relevant transfers of funds with dates, or does he carry a bag with tens of thousands in readies with him and not seek receipts?
He might well be only somewhat aware of what he has got himself into but the NZ Herald and the slippery Prime Minister should have been fully aware.
I’m thinking Liu never expected his statement to be leaked from National to the Herald. He probably wanted to fly under the radar as much as anyone in this story. I wouldn’t be surprised if he thought the statement he supplied was to internally help Williamson, not to be used in an attack against Labour.
It seems like he has been sorely used by the Nats as well.
As if that will ever happen…
🙁
Vicky
dont hold your breath.
This is what you get when you hire a boat for Chongqing Yangtze River cruise
http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/thumbs360x240/5494/SITours/4-day-yangtze-river-cruise-from-chongqing-to-yichang-including-the-in-yangtze-river-110533.jpg
or this floating pagoda
http://blog.yangtze-river-cruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cruise-chongqing.jpg
One looks about the size of the Interislander !!
This is a shocker for The Herald.
Not sure how a company trip down the Yangtze with special guest star Rick Barker counts as a Labour party donation.
Farcical.
P.S – ‘Up the Yangtze’ is a good documentary
Well the Herald certainly seems to be “up the Yangtze” this time and in full view of its readership too.
It is telling that the Herald hasn’t enabled comments on the story. I guess you don’t need to be psychic to predict the reaction if they did…
From the Sunday Star-Times, Oct 19, 2008, pA4
John Key on dealings with Yang “Bill” Liu (not Donghau Liu)
(Pansy) Wong confirmed she had written a letter of support for Liu this year, who was concerned about a delay in the processing of his citizenship bid.
Key said he had no concerns about Wong’s actions.
“She acted as is quite normal as a member of parliament.
“There’s always a degree of trust there that you rely on the person’s word.”
Key misspeaks worse/better than Dubya used to, a form of arms length ‘manglish’. His voters I suppose join the dots and feel they ‘get’ what he is saying. However his generalisations are extremely frustrating for those that operate on research, facts and law.
Have you noticed that these days Mr Key is not using his mangled English nor his aw/shucks/loopy grin nearly as much as he used to. My guess is that that persona will not be used this Election and his steely unscrupulous self will be used. He didn’t get to control the mavericks in his party by being Mr Awshucks nice guy. Never smile at a crocodile.
Sadly, the damage to Labour’s image has been done yet again, and does anyone seriously think that Herald will ever apologise? They may or may not print a tiny correction somewhere down the page no.15 and no one will notice. General public probably don’t usually read past the big headlines screaming “Liu donated $100,000 to Labour” and their perception has been formed accordingly.
I see the Herald’s new picture does not have any metadata. I think they must be reading The Standard!
I have emailed lprent about image tracking. Maybe it went to the spam folder.
….”And TVNZ News, And TV3 News”
Needs to be added to the title IMO
TV 3 News are IMO the worst…
Vicky
Yes I agree…well, I have been of that opinion to date, however with the little number that TVNZ played over this one – I am questioning that opinion.
I have to ask myself what is worse: A news programme you know is strongly biased, or one that you view as reasonably balanced and yet are capable of airing an item of unadulterated National Party spin like they did over this one?
The trouble with TVNZ doing this is that more people are likely to believe it because they aired it because in general they don’t seem to go that ‘rabid’ on it.
Mind you, I guess a lot of people are watching either program trusting what they are being told is reasonably related to reality – therefore on balance I guess TV3 still wins the most spin-infested-fact-free-news-program of the year award.
Sounds like Liu,has got his chop sticks crossed when attending party fundraising Auctions.$100,000,sounds like the winning bid for a National Party auction, for one of the PMs labled private bin.
What is getting to be of concern is Cunliffe,having to back track on statements.Yesterday again, back tracking on the Maui dolphin!s issue.Those responsible for his daily updates on present media issues, and statements by the opposition, should be one the ball researching our past involvement and our decisions if any, so Cunliffe,is on task and up to date.
I guess this shows how loose NZ Herald is when reporting on the NZ Labour Party, its shocking that any reporter would publish on such dodgy evidence in a n(N)ational news paper.
Cancel your subscription yo the NZ Herald.
http://subscriptions.nzherald.co.nz
Subscribe to the Labour Party
https://www.labourparty.org.nz/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=8
cancelled mine ten years ago. I take their freebees and am sure to tell them by phone when they ring exactly why i wont pay for their rag
Cancelled mine after the disgraceful DEMOCRACY UNDER ATTACK campaign. If I want to read the print version, I go to cafes I know have copies available for customers to read.
a few quiet from the right today… Grumpy etc… I doubt they feel embarrassment cos they would have to accept they jumped where slater led them… Without thinking….
” I take their freebees”
I would not even do that Tracey.
As I have said on many occasion, have no need for the herald as we use good quality shit house paper that comes in rolls
The Herald lost me in 2007 when they printed the appalling
‘Keep fatties and smokers out . . . ‘
headline as a response to the death of Samoan mother Folole Muliaga, who died after her power was cut off and she could not use her breathing machine.
The Herald and Key are not embarrassed as Liu statement changes.
The Herald will be going “Oh yeah, big deal move on,” and Key will be smiling smugly knowing he’s got away with another one.
You say that like you think it’s a good thing. Sad
i thought it was sarcasm
You’re probably right Tracey. I don’t pick up nuances very well. Apologies Repartee.
Repateet !! Stupid Tablet. Does what it wants.
Accepted.
This week in the news was the story about some new programmes and strategies to deal with bullying in schools.
It’s bizarre how news media can get all excited and try to pretend they have some social conscience about bullying when in reality they perpetrate, continue or allow it to happen.
Not the bullying in schools, what has become the institutionalised political bullying by John Key. The bullying is being perpetrated on us all not just opposition political figures. We all suffer it. So often at night Key is on tv with sneering put downs of the other lot. Some interviewer saying “I didn’t ask you that, please just …”? No, never. The interminable relentless soundbites. Key may have been humping Obama’s leg, but many in the media like the Herald, Mike Hosking and John Armstrong are in turn humping Key’s.
The Herald and their part in this latest Liu business would make good material for journalism courses. If there are journalism courses any more. When it comes to the Herald it would seem that accuracy and ethics are merely words in the dictionary.
Repateet
You’re absolutely right there. Key and the Herald are not embarrassed.
The Herald can’t be embarrassed because it had no self respect to start off with.
http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10198526/David-Cunliffe-wants-apology-from-Donghua-Liu
It amazes me how we have ended up with the media having such power
They are judge , jury and executioner
The MSM are rats cornered by high legacy cost structures and nimble low cost media entrants.
This example of very low quality is what happens when journàlists have to effectively re-apply for their jobs every six months.
It will get worse. And Key&Co know how to exploit it.
As if that composite ain’t wicked enough, most of them aren’t really the sharpest knives in the draw, frankly.
Unfortunately Key will not be embarrassed at all.
This was a deliberate hit and run exercise. Throw some shit then smile and walk away.
Even today this false allegation against the great Labour Party is stealing headlines on a day when all the talk should be about Labour’s alternative budget (notwithstanding it being quite underwhelming).
Key has managed to run the news cycle for a week, and even though his claims have now proven to be false in all respects, he has achieved his goal.
Classic Crosby Textor. Key is not this smart, but they are. They own him 100% and at this rate, their masters will own all of what is left in NZ. 🙁
Key is smart.
We have to get smarter.
So we have Cunliffe and Chris Carter writing letters on behalf of Donghua Liu; Rick Barker going to the trouble of visiting his cement factory in China; Damian O’Connor giving him residency against advice – and Labour get nothing from it.
Seems like a raw deal. Or perhaps they generously do this for all immigrants.
We all smelled a big stinky rat and the MSM and anybody who played along with this story have been outed as Natz sympathisers or surrender monkeys at the very least.
Think ot the fury in the Natz propaganda floor in the beehive.
The beast won’t die easy, be prepared for more nasty tricks.
Take back our country.
I have emailed Jared Savage saying that I was disappointed with his column. In particular was printing as fact that Mr Barker was given a $60,000 cruise. Mr Barker while on private holiday, was in fact invited to join a staff do. It may have cost 60thousand but it was not for Mr Barker.
Jared could argue that he was just reporting what Mr Liu said. Poor reporting to just accept what cannot be true.
And they leave the Labour Party to disprove it all. Bloody awful!
An odd anomaly – Jared’s original story on wine-gate when the Barker Pic was revealed:
“Businessman’s partner snapped receiving bottle of wine from minister after win in fundraising auction”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11276071
Today’s story immediately under the picture:
“Rick Barker receiving a bottle of wine from Donghua Liu’s (top right) partner Juan Zhang.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11281460
Is Jared preparing to spin this differently again? Or is he unravelling and getting even sloppier?
Good catch. And no mention of a fundraiser in the second caption.
Missed your very observant comment NZ Femme. Just noticed the caption tonight of Mr Barker receiving a very large bottle of wine. Could that have been a gift? Very puzzling.
The chap who threw mud at the Royal Family got charged with an offence didn’t he?
What can you charge media muck spreaders with? Purveyors of plain slander, childish naivety, sloppy and lazy reporting, lack of commitment to doing a good job, celebrity gossips, irresponsibility, free market journalism (cheap and not-very-cheerful with no depth, like the shoes I buy, and they have no soul either). What about the old-fashioned yellow press!
Google – yellow press
Yellow journalism, or the yellow press, is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers. Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.
Yellow journalism – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_journalism
About.com –
http://history1800s.about.com/od/1800sglossary/g/Yellow-Journalism.htm
Yellow Journalism was a term used to describe a particular style of reckless and provocative newspaper that became prominent in the 1890s. A famous circulation war between two New York City newspapers prompted each paper to print increasingly sensationalistic headlines. And ultimately the newspapers may have influenced the United States government to enter the Spanish-American War.
Good on you ianmac.
But bad news: Jared Savage doesn’t give a fuck. He will run the “perimeter guard” defense if or when his reporting comes under scrutiny.
Much better that you, and indeed all Standardistas, express your disappointment here: http://www.presscouncil.org.nz/complain.php
Took a while to find and complain to the Herald particularly over the $50-60,000 river dinner; This being an invitation to Mr Barker while he was on holiday to join a staff do, was central to the major part of the amended claim by Mr Liu, and the write up was unfair, unreasonable and largely untrue.
I also filled in the form for the Press Council but can’t send this until I get a response from The Herald.
I hope others take the time to do so.
On it! See that Zet has a post up about this. Someone has to hold these pricks to account.
Yes, ”this is a fucking joke”, i commented in Open Mike the other day that as this little sordid saga of Lies unfolded the Herald would start printing retractions/stories which alluded to the ”meaning” of things in the original statement from Liu being ”lost” in translation,
And here we have it, the Utter Bullshit of Liu’s first statement, IF it were a real statement in the first place, is now being exposed,
The Herald nor Slippery the Prime Minister will be embarrassed by such backsliding, they ALL knew the contents of the original (supposed) statement from Liu right from the get go, they all, including the Prime minister, for want of a better word, knew that the contents of this (supposed) statement were SHIT,
The Damage, as the Herald and the Prime Minister, must have known, has been done to Labour and that was the sole intention of the Herald in printing such abhorrent bullshit as a ”factual political scandal” along with the Prime Minister’s equally abhorrent allusion to ”knowing” of six figure donations from Liu to Labour that obviously have not occurred,
The story will continue to unwind, look for the 50,000 dollar boat trip to have cost Liu all up 5 grand at the most, the book a cheapskates 50 bucks and the bottle of wine a miserable hundy,(and i aint talking grand there)…
Te Reo Putake wrote about the reverse ferret the other day Bad. Near fit?
The PM will be laughing about this ruckus he has helped stir up it takes peoples minds off the real deal the upcoming election, snake in the grass type politics.
Gotta love how righties celebrate their lack of ethics, and disregard for democracy.
+1 Karol
Champagne all round at the Crosby Textor section of the Beehive. Grrrrrrrrrr.
He didn’t sound like he was laughing on the radio – slurring his words so quick was he to get them out. King key don’t want this to carry on – nothing to see here, move along – labour’s problem da dah da dah.
The damage was done on Sunday
You gotta love john key
If he was the leader of labour you guys would admire his polictal skill
Nah, but we love how right wingers abandon all pretence of ethics and reveal that personal responsibility means behaving like low-life trash, eh Graham.
I feel like puking in continuing the scrutiny but here it goes, out of necessity …
Has the media questioned the claim involving Barker about the $50,000-$60,000 boat trip and dinner?
What did the cost include or comprise, and how many nights and days was this trip along the world’s third-longest river?
A quick internet check shows one of the most expensive booking for 5 days/4 nights is only about (?US)$1,500:
http://www.yangtze-river-cruises.com/ships.html?gclid=CJ2-8cGflL8CFQkAvAodskQAwg
Last week, – Thursday or Friday – Rick Barker was interviewed on RNZ. I think it was Checkpoint but can’t be certain.
This is my ‘paraphrase’ of what I recall him saying:
He met up with Liu while in China and Liu invited him to dinner. When he arrived at the venue he discovered it was on a boat. He than talked about the realisation it was actually “some sort of staff function and he felt very out of place”. The impression I got was that it was an off the cuff invitation… “I’m having a dinner party tonight, would you like to come” type of thing. Barker mentioned nothing about a cruise, so my suspicion is the boat had docked overnight and Barker was invited along for dinner – while in port.
I might add his tone of voice came across as genuine and truthful. At the time he was clearly angry and confused at the claims that were being made – unlike Judith Collins who – when confronted with another Chinese dinner she attended – was measured and emotionless as though she was concentrating on a predetermined script.
Cheers. Barker has indicated there were about 200 people that included staff & partners. He was straight up in the clip at the url pasted at 31.1.1 below.
So, ball park figure, let’s say: Liu spent a total of NZD 60,000 on 200 people (his staff and their partners) for the cruise, and that would make it $300 per person for the cruise.
Still a fair bit of money by their standards there, I should say from my memory of what I spent when I visited a few cities in China a few years ago.
However, I still doubt it would even be that much per person for an evening cruise which sounded like what was arranged for Barker.
I believe Barker when he said it was not quite what he expected when he turned up. That event Liu arranged did sound like it blindsided Barker and was not a “cash for access” kind of National/Cabinet Club(s) deal.
I haven’t seen this much spinning since I was last at Les Mills, Comical Ali must have lost a massive amount of weight
lol I know, key be very dizzy now.
yes so much spinning that the MSM are quickly changing their tune and the PMs furiously back peddling and trying to extract himself from the lies and rumors he spread in league with whaleoil
were all used to you being a bit of a knob chris – but really?
Right whingers you mean OAB. Whether this has damaged Cunliffe time will tell. If explaining is losing then Key and the Herald are having to do quite a bit. Think of how much worse this would be if they weren’t a pack of liars and some of this had stuck. Will the gullible swinging voter be as trusting next time Key makes a slur, maybe not.
National Radio on Checkpoint did try and engage Key as he had been talking it all up last week. But Mr Key was evasive and dismissive. Funny that.
Politics in NZ has unfortunately become a sick joke our forebears came to NZ from the likes of Scotland & Ireland to make new lives for themselves and their families, to get away from the oppression forced upon them from British domination and control.
We have a similar situation occurring here in NZ with the takeover of the country by the merchant bankers and the 1-10% ers, the rest of us are just SH** and are being treated as such by the current Government and the MSM.
Our once proud country is being undermined by the MSM and is rotten to the core. ie the fish rots from the head.
Best bit of TV labour have had for a while on one news in the Parkin piece.
And JK doesn’t know the details, so I’m not too far away from having him say he forgets who told him about the $100,000 ‘donations’.
No link, but suspect it will be on the tvnz website.
Yes, both TV1 and 3 went some way to redress the balance tonight – not far enough, but at least giving Cunliffe (and Parker) a right of reply, and checking some facts & figures … at last.
Has anyone heard the Prime Liar’s latest bullshit utterance?
One more for BLiP to add to the list:
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/cunliffe-hints-legal-action-over-liu-donations-saga-6012121
p.s. someone should make a video clip of John Key’s lies, like the John Banks’ “I can’t recall” video put together by Kim Dot Com
Hi Kiwiri-
Here’s a good clip to start a series of clips of John Key’s lies. This one actually shows him in lying action in the real world (i.e. not misleading parliament) and to all the main journalists who apparently didn’t think it worth following up.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics-videos/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503464&gal_cid=1503464&gallery_id=131968
i would have to assume that TV3’s Tova O’Brien has the scripts for Her pieces on 3 News written for Her by a team of editorial staff in a fit of collective dishonesty,i doubt one so young has the maturity to make up such bullshit on Her own,
Tonight’s slimy Lies from that television channel, ”it has yet to be seen who is right” in relation to the supposed donations made to Labour by the self admitted corrupt Donghua Liu,
Well NO Tova, it’s called JUSTICE natural or otherwise and where right or wrong is alleged it is for those who have made the Accusation of wrongdoing to provide when called upon PROOF of such wrongdoing,
The Scum at the editorial desk of the TV3 Kangaroo Court are just that for their continual inferences, SCUM…
he said he has known abut it for months and now he has forgotten the details.
does he have dementia?
(yes he does).
and congratulations to the Standard for pressing this issue till the media were forced to take notice.
She and Brooke Sabin are Dumb and Dumber. She infuriates me.
Vicky
I never watch tv3 and especially after the chronic nepotism employing sabin.
these people have no shame.
You mean like Katie Bradford on TVNZ?
Oh, is Sabin someone’s relative? I didn’t know…
For nearly a year, my TV didn’t work and the only channel I could get was TV3! Thankfully that’s changed, so I must get out of the habit…
🙂
Vicky
Questions:
My guess:
Interesting that views of this post are really high but comments are low. The RWNJs are obviously not interested in defending the indefensible.
Not that I consider myself a nut job, but what’s there to defend?
The issue seems to be with Mr Liu and his lack of accurate recall.
Out of interest are there any donations Mr Liu made that Labour can account for?
“The issue seems to be with Mr Liu and his lack of accurate recall.”
Yeah , the Herald reporting those
liesinaccuracies without fact checking them is totally not an issue.And John Key spreading the lies in parliament, lies that he knew about long before the Herald did, is totally ok.
“The issue seems to be with Mr Liu”
I’d say the issue is with everyone who peddled the lie that Liu gave Labour -what was it, $150,000?
That includes you, buddy.
I’ll take that as a no then.
Donations from Mr Liu to Labour?
No BM, that was a bullshit story made up by Key and Slater. Mr Liu donated $2000 to a boat club.
Or something. Keep up.
felix
You are succinct. Labour sucks in this Liu case.. They need some terse verse. To be robust and not be so bloody defensive. They might even swear occasionally. If they sound less milk and water and more like Jones boy enjoying a beer, people who appreciate their Party having strength and even a bit of mongrel to defend themselves would sit up and take notice.
Won’t a few more heartfelt mea culpas and other assorted apologetic looks win the voters over /sarc
The thing about connecting with frontline working NZ is not “swearing” and “sexism” as so many in the, ahem, Thorndon Bubble, seem to think. Its simply about saying it how you see it, straight out and totally unvarnished. And when Cunliffe does that instead of having his pressors cowardly wordsmithed by his PR types (see No Right Turn) he fucking wins the internets AND the TV channels.
EDIT e.g. “As far as Liu’s claims of a $150K bottle of wine are concerned, that’s being thoroughly checked out by the Party but my first impression is that its a load of bullshit. And if it turns out to be true, I hope he got a $150K hangover out of it.”
BOOOOOM!
You’d connect a lot better if you drop the working class bullshit and talked to people as people instead of as a category.
Tradies, office workers, bennies. That was all of them, wasn’t it?
Nah I reckon my sound bite would have hit the mark with a BOOOOM
I am glad that this has occurred, that Donghua Liu was forced to concede that his initial story, based on a statement from early May, was not true and correct. He has backed off earlier claims, qualified the whole donations, and has seen a need to try and get himself out of the mess.
What is left as a major question, and deserves an answer, is how and why John Key knew of this letter signed by Liu, over a month old, and from whom he knew about it, and why made comments, as if there was some truth to it all. John Key has knowledge about stuff, that smells suspicious, like a back-room strategists’ smear campaign agenda, but he now wants nothing to do with it all, and says it is a matter between the Labour Party and Mr Liu.
Also the Herald on Sunday journalists that published the rumours and false claims, without any evidence, have much egg on their faces. I am pleased that David Parker did make a mention on the poor journalism, that has been evident, in a media announcement with David Cunliffe, which was also shown on the TV One news tonight.
Yes, the media, at least some in it, have a lot to answer to in this also, and perhaps this new development will finally get some of the biased, “gung-ho” media hacks motivated to give all this, and their past behaviour, some good and serious consideration, and lets them reflect on how they do their job, and realise the duties they have as the 4th estate.
Next time that John Key and the Natz attempt a smear, Labour can say:
“please do not be too quick to jump to concLiusions” ….
or “I hope you, media, are not in colLiusion with smearers”
p.s. Rodel: want some more puns?
Key has accepted that Liu gave equally to each government, and said that made it hundreds of thousands Labour had to explain. So he still has to explain where Liu’s “hundreds of thousands” donations to National show in electoral returns.
Exactly, Ed. Liu is still claiming that his overall donations to Labour are of the order of $100K.
And Liu has not retracted his statement that he donated about equivalent amounts to LAbour and to National. Yet the only donation we know about to National/ declared by National is $22,000 in 2012. So where is the other $78,000 or thereabouts?
And remember that the electoral finance act amendments in late 2008 mean that the rules for declaring donations etc are much tighter than they were prior to National coming into office.
Loved David Cunliffe’s remark on TV tonight ,that John Keys’ allegations are ….”liudicrius”.
Bit of humour wins votes I’m sure.
Any other puns?
It never struck me that would be deliberate – of course it was!
I have a bottle of wine in my possession. Sav Blanc…and signed by Helen Clark. (This is true).
Any Tory can buy it and proceeds will go to David Cunliffe’s campaign.. reserve price $100,000.
An offers?
Will even provide an affadavit.
Would it be possible to leave out the affidavit and instead provide a statement, with a copy that I will drop off at NZ Herald, for an additional $50,000? This could be a Liucrative deal for you.
Kiwiri
No but I’ll take $60,000 in liue. (Sorry abou that)
Hmm .. the past week has just been absoliutely ridicliuous.
Brilliant Rodel ! Careful those Tory burglars re the wine. Hang on………it’s two affidavits going rate i’nit ?
I’ll take a dozen.
bottles or affidavits?
That could become a new saying for all sorts of situations. “That is liudicrous Mr Key!”
Must practice thanks. So could Guyon. “”No No. Your answer is luidicrous Mr Key.”
has liu been sentenced yet in his domestic violence cases ? thx …
Think sentencing is scheduled for August.
August 22 according to TVNZ. Sorry for long google link.
http://www.google.co.nz/url?url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/businessman-linked-appears-in-court-5996668&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=L1urU6CcIoapkAXc_YH4Bg&ved=0CBYQFjAA&sig2=WdwvsfqWaf-JMcGR1U50wA&usg=AFQjCNFoz5CxXXVOVKWSwtRa7GS0r1HYDA
‘
I’m not sure about the headline of this piece. I don’t think Key does embarrassment.
National have successful put it in a lot of peoples minds that Labour is the one that has been selling Cash for Access and hiding their donations with all these Donghua Liu stories when all the evidence has proved the claims wrong. National are like the sneaky guy at the back of a crowded lift who has farted. To avoid embarrassment and suspicion that they are the guilty party when any of the people in front have turn around to see who did it they have looked at the person next to them, sniffed and given a facial expression to give them the impression it was that other person. No mater how much that person now denies it as far as some of the people in the lift are concerned it was they who farted and not the real culprit next to them.