Muppets.

Written By: - Date published: 11:50 am, December 16th, 2013 - 100 comments
Categories: election 2014, petition, political education, referendum - Tags: , ,

Did Mike Williams just suggest (about 19 minutes in) that the Greens and Labour Parties utilise the email addresses they gathered from the petition against asset sales in their election campaigns?! I sincerely hope he wasn’t channeling an idea that has any traction within the Labour Party machine.

Just to be absolutely clear on this. I did a lot of political activism in the past. And sometimes that involved gathering people’s email addresses or whatever on petitions and so on. Any thought of using those contact details to canvas on other matters, or even associated matters, was rightly so off the cards as to be unthinkable. If there is a desire to use collected contact details, then the simple inclusion of a tick box for permission to contact should be included on any form. Otherwise…no. Don’t do it. It’s that simple.

I believe Michael Tritt of Greenpeace is learning why as he tries to defend his organisation’s use of petition details to fund raise. Now sure, Mike Williams isn’t quite in the loop these days, but I hope the relevant people within Labour and the Greens are paying attention and disavow themselves of any such notion.

100 comments on “Muppets. ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tracey 1
    16 December 2013 at 11:58 am

    What about the privacy act which says you can only use people’s data for the purpose you stated to them. i don’t recall ticking any boxes stating anyone could use my details for anything other than the petition?

    Limits on use of personal information (principle ten)

    An agency that holds personal information that was obtained in connection with one purpose shall not use the information for any other purpose unless that agency believes, on reasonable grounds, –

    (a) that the source of the information is a publicly available publication; or

    (b) that the use of the information for that other purpose is authorised by the individual concerned; or

    (c) that non-compliance is necessary –

    (i) to avoid prejudice to the maintenance of the law by any public sector agency, including the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution, and punishment of offences; or

    (ii) for the enforcement of a law imposing a pecuniary penalty; or

    (iii) for the protection of the public revenue; or

    (iv) for the conduct of proceedings before any court or tribunal (being proceedings that have been commenced or are reasonably in contemplation); or

    (d) that the use of the information for that other purpose is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat (as defined in section 2(1)) to –

    (i) p

  2. Idiot/Savant 2
    16 December 2013 at 12:04 pm

    When I was petitioning for the referendum, I discouraged people from providing email addresses because I did not trust Labour (and specifically Labour) to obey the Privacy Act and use them solely for the purpose for which they were collected. I am not glad to have those suspicions confirmed.

    • Anne 2.1
      16 December 2013 at 1:32 pm

      I told signers of the petition that if they would like to be contacted by interested parties, then provide your email address. If not, then don’t provide it. Some were happy about that… others not so they left it out. All of them were grateful to have the choice, and no-one complained.

      As an LP member, that was meant to be the basis of the email address being provided.

      • Bill 2.1.1
        16 December 2013 at 1:49 pm

        And you’ve highlighted an obvious glitch right there. That you were explicit is one thing. But how many signature gatherers you reckon elevated the gathering of contact info above the simple collection of signatures resulting in them saying to people something along the lines of “We need your email address here.”?

        All petitions or forms that have a space for details and that may follow up on those details has to have an obvious ‘tick box’ or some such that clearly indicates permissions given.

        This isn’t in response to your comment Anne, but it astounds me how I – an amateur activist – understands this and has understood it from the get go (years back) and yet to so-called professionals it’s all seemingly so much ‘whoosh’ over the head stuff.

        • Idiot/Savant 2.1.1.1
          16 December 2013 at 1:58 pm

          Respect for privacy may be a generational thing. Mike Williams predates the Privacy Act – and it shows.

          • Murray Olsen 2.1.1.1.1
            17 December 2013 at 1:28 am

            I predate the Privacy Act. I think that pestering people using email addresses they’ve put on a petition would be stupid and counterproductive. I agree with Bill.

        • Anne 2.1.1.2
          16 December 2013 at 3:15 pm

          Agree with you Bill.
          That’s why I phrased my response the way I did. Instinct tells one to be clear about what will happen if you provide your email address. Even so, my local Labour organisers ensured we gave petition signers the choice, but how many other gatherers were given no instructions at all. I imagine plenty…

          • Anon 2.1.1.2.1
            16 December 2013 at 8:52 pm

            The labour party was quite happy to give out copies of the petition for members of the public to collect signatures and send in, no way for the collecter to even know the intended purpose of the email field. As stated by others, the purpose of the email field needs to be explained at least on the form itself.

        • Matthew Whitehead 2.1.1.3
          16 December 2013 at 5:53 pm

          Yep. And if they only intend to use your email address for other purposes, they need to state those purposes outright when collecting your information, preferably in writing as well as out loud.

  3. BM 3
    16 December 2013 at 12:10 pm

    According to a post on whale oil this is going to be a major component of the greens election strategy.
    Can’t say I really agree with the methods.

    http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2013/12/green-party-data-scammers-look-guidelines/

    • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 3.1
      16 December 2013 at 12:20 pm

      I believe the Greens had a campaign asking if you want to sign up and be involved – that is completely different.

      • Bill 3.1.1
        16 December 2013 at 12:35 pm

        That would be fine. It’s a simple and no-brainer option to offer people. I just can’t remember what the story was when I signed. Anyway….

    • bad12 3.2
      16 December 2013 at 2:11 pm

      According to Blubber Boy’s ‘wail oil’, you scrape the bottom of the barrell inviting derision BM…

    • Naturesong 3.3
      16 December 2013 at 3:04 pm

      Not going to give Cam any clicks.

      The greens are pretty strict on informed consent for emailing people. You won’t get unsolicited mail.
      There was a campaign earlier in the year to generate an email list by the greens, they were pretty explicit at the time that it would be used to provide updates and raise funds.
      Been trying to find it but cant remember the name, I remember at the time thinking it was pretty naff (the name of the campaign).

      If you could provide evidence of the greens misuse of email lists I’d appreciate it.

      I know other members, like myself, will not tolerate that sort of behaviour by the party.

      In the mean time, and until you provide evidence, I’m going to call bullshit.

      • you_fool 3.3.1
        16 December 2013 at 3:28 pm

        I was bad and did give him a click… the post seems to be taking plenty out of context and gives no real evidence that the greens are using peoples contact details inappropriately. i was trying to find the post in question on the standard but couldn’t find it, until I realised that it was made on 25th Sept..

        Also I am pretty sure my IQ level has dropped by a few points just by reading the linked article and the comments

      • BM 3.3.2
        16 December 2013 at 3:32 pm

        There was this comment

        http://thestandard.org.nz/labour-up-6-8-herald-digipoll/#comment-701162

        How that ties in with the emails, I’m not sure but the timing is certainly interesting.

        • McFlock 3.3.2.1
          16 December 2013 at 3:36 pm

          🙄

        • you_fool 3.3.2.2
          16 December 2013 at 3:38 pm

          Appears to me to be nothing about emails from petitions, but a social media campaign, which is easy to do without peoples emails from other sources. Nothing seems to connect the two dots other than a desire to do so, or am i missing something major?

        • Naturesong 3.3.2.3
          16 December 2013 at 3:42 pm

          So, “A” party plotting a very hip social media strategy to get non voters out in numbers for the 2014 election.

          Hip social media strategy does sound to me like the Greens.
          Also sounds above board. I can’t see any issues there.

          But you can imagine how much of a black eye it would be for them if they were using peoples emails inappropriately, right before election time.
          I wonder if Cam will try and manufacture something?

          • BM 3.3.2.3.1
            16 December 2013 at 3:48 pm

            He certainly could do, especially with his “tip line”.

          • Murray Olsen 3.3.2.3.2
            17 December 2013 at 1:31 am

            “Hip” could be Pete George planning something on behalf of United Dunnies. Or maybe even Colon Craig. I can’t see anyone else using a term like that, unless it were NAct. In that case, Blubber Boy would find it inspired.

        • Bill 3.3.2.4
          16 December 2013 at 3:48 pm

          The comment refers to an a-political group. That rules out the Greens and Labour and the Asset petition right there…unless, of course, they passed the fcking info on to a third party.

          • Naturesong 3.3.2.4.1
            16 December 2013 at 4:01 pm

            Ahh, cheers. I mis read

          • you_fool 3.3.2.4.2
            16 December 2013 at 4:20 pm

            Whilst this may be your point, the “A” I think is in regard to an A grade, i.e. excellent.

            Or is could be “A” as in “x” or unidentified, it is not very clear

    • Anne 3.4
      16 December 2013 at 3:27 pm

      Pffff. What does Blubber Boy know about the Greens’ strategy. No, I haven’t opened the link. I have standards.

    • Macro 3.5
      16 December 2013 at 7:09 pm

      Another Bowel Motion…..

  4. blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 4
    16 December 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Yep good post it would be a bad move.

    I personally have learned to expect that I will be on an email list after signing a petition for activist sites, [I didn’t like that at first yet it is easy to get off those lists and have decided not to because I like knowing what is going on in certain areas] however it is a different thing completely for a political party to do this. That would be a very bad idea.

  5. weka 5
    16 December 2013 at 12:16 pm

    I have a feeling that the GP considers the information to be theirs to use. Certainly for petitions in general they want to use the contact details if provided.

    “We want to stay in touch with supporters about the campaign and other Green Party activities. That’s why we ask for email, address and phone. Contact info is optional, email is best.”

    https://www.greens.org.nz/petitions/volunteerinstructions

    • Bill 5.1
      16 December 2013 at 12:32 pm

      Hmm. Your link refers to Parliamentary petitions (eg, asset sales) rather than general petitions. I searched for a link to download the petition form to see if there was a ‘buy in’ option. Couldn’t find any such link though. (Would I be correct in thinking the petition came in some official format that would preclude the inclusion of a ‘buy in’?)

      Anyway, would be planking my head on the table repeatedly about now because of the potential for Stupid, but I kinda don’t like pain.

      • Idiot/Savant 5.1.1
        16 December 2013 at 12:46 pm

        The petition form’s only nod to the Privacy Act was a note saying “To keep up to date with the campaign please provide your email and phone number”. Which suggests strongly that use of the information collected should be limited to the actual referendum campaign, not the wider political campaigning of the petitioner or political parties doing the collection.

    • toad 5.2
      16 December 2013 at 12:57 pm

      What’s more, all emails a person receives from the Greens in response to signing a petition have the following options:

      Unsubscribe from this email list

      Change subscriptions and update your details – subscribe to email newsletters and more

      Unsubscribe from all emails

      So at any time a person who opts to go onto the Green database through signing a petition can unsubscribe from receiving all emails, or particular types of emails from the Greens (or can add particular additional types of emails they want to receive if they wish).

      • framu 5.2.1
        16 December 2013 at 1:09 pm

        “So at any time a person who opts to go onto the Green database through signing a petition”

        but unless that situation was stated up front all they did was sign a petition – thats the problem

        Im a solid green voter but i detest ANYTHING turning up in my email that i didnt ask for. Even from those i support

        like others have said – all it needs is an opt in check box – “do you want to receive further communications from the green party”.

        It shouldnt be an opt out later situation

        • Naturesong 5.2.1.1
          16 December 2013 at 3:17 pm

          It’s one of my pet peeves.
          After looking for a house it took me months to get off all the real estate email spam lists

      • Bill 5.2.2
        16 December 2013 at 1:12 pm

        Toad. If I sign a petition, it means that I’m signing a petition. And that’s it. The signing is not a license for the holder of the petition to contact me on either that or other matters unless they have explicitly sought and received my permission to do so.

        As I said in the post, I’ve collected signatures and details on a number of occasions. Usually the petition was simply to give people the feeling they were doing something in support of whatever the cause was…ie, it wasn’t really of any consequence or help. Anyway, I can say with absolute confidence that most people who sign a petition want the signing to be the beginning and end of their involvement. (This from the %age of ‘buy in’ when a ‘buy in’ option was put on forms and pointed out to people)

        But sure, feel entitled to pester people as you seem to indicate is your ‘right’ having gained contact details. It’ll blow up in your face.

        • Te Reo Putake 5.2.2.1
          16 December 2013 at 1:18 pm

          “The signing is not a license for the holder of the petition to contact me on either that or other matters unless they have explicitly sought and received my permission to do so.”

          And seeking that permission is exactly what the petition form does. If you provide the contact info, expect a call or an email.

          • Bill 5.2.2.1.1
            16 December 2013 at 1:23 pm

            Simply referring you to Idiot/Savant’s comment (5.1.1) above. Says all that needs to be said on the asset petition.

            That I was referring to ‘informal’ petitions should have been obvious and no, simple signing of such petitions confers no permissions.

            • Te Reo Putake 5.2.2.1.1.1
              16 December 2013 at 1:27 pm

              Referring to I/S’s narrow understanding of what the word campaign means doesn’t help. The anti asset sales campaign continues unabated and the use of the contact details for the purpose for which they were provided is not only sensible, it’s vital.

      • Anne 5.2.3
        16 December 2013 at 1:39 pm

        Similar policy to Labour toad.

        ALL recipients of Labour info. can simply click on “unsubscribe” if they don’t want to receive anything.

        That’s a whole lot different to National. Last I heard you only had to buy a Nat. Party- run raffle ticked at a Fair or some such place and bingo… you were a paid up member of the National Party.

        • felix 5.2.3.1
          16 December 2013 at 6:14 pm

          “Last I heard you only had to buy a Nat. Party- run raffle ticked at a Fair or some such place and bingo… you were a paid up member of the National Party.”

          That’s terrible. And not far from what some here are suggesting would be ok for Labour and Greens to do.

          • Blue 5.2.3.1.1
            21 December 2013 at 10:29 am

            I agree it would be “terrible” were it true. It’s a lie unless Anne can provide evidence that buying a raffle ticket makes you a member of the party.

            • Anne 5.2.3.1.1.1
              21 December 2013 at 5:06 pm

              @ Blue

              It was a National Party member who told me. Admit it was years ago and may well no longer be occurring but it was the norm once. I can’t produce the evidence so that means I’m lying? What you’re saying is: anyone who knows anything – either by way of information passed on to them or having witnessed something – is lying if they can’t of themselves produce the evidence.

              X rings police. “I’ve just seen a submarine surface in the Gulf. It’s gone back down now but it was on the surface for about five to ten minutes.”

              Officer: “where’s the evidence?”

              X : “I didn’t have a camera on me so don’t have any evidence.”

              Officer: “oh well in that case you’re lying.”

              That actually happened in 1985 around the time of the Rainbow Warrior bombing. It happened in the middle of the night so camera bit didn’t apply. Witness wasn’t believed. Turned out it was almost certainly a French submarine and linked to the bombing.

      • JustLikeTigerWoods 5.2.4
        16 December 2013 at 8:24 pm

        Send an email to me, Toad, and I’ll be lodging a complaint with the Privacy Commission.

        Do you feel lucky?

  6. Rogue Trooper 6
    16 December 2013 at 12:25 pm

    Poor Form.

  7. Idiot/Savant 7
    16 December 2013 at 12:34 pm

    I encourage everyone who believes their information has been misused in this way to lodge a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner.

    Also remember to tell the world you’ve done so. Bad publicity is an effective weapon against politicians; make sure you use it.

    • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 7.1
      16 December 2013 at 1:06 pm

      … before you do that – if it is regarding a political party consider what approach will give National the ammo required in order to fool New Zealanders into voting them in again…perhaps a quick email to your local representative first and gauge whether their response is apologetic, acknowledging the problem and resolving to correct the fault and learn from their mistakes?

      • Idiot/Savant 7.1.1
        16 December 2013 at 2:01 pm

        Fuck ’em. If Labour didn’t want bad PR hobbling its chances, they should have thought about that before pulling this scam. And if you don’t want Labour’s chances hobbled by such self-inflicted wounds, you should talk to them about it.

        https://www.labourparty.org.nz/contact

        • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 7.1.1.1
          16 December 2013 at 2:13 pm

          Yes…I did think such things prior to responding to your comment (!).

          I concluded another National government would be utterly devastating and worse than having to unsubscribe to a misguided electioneering approach by Labour.

          However we shouldn’t have to choose between a respect for our privacy and a government lacking interest in pursuing policies in New Zealanders’ best interests

          And so I hope Labour members are keeping an eye on the blogs and getting their shit together – get their priorities clear – and I hope left wing people do too – because National do the divide and rule a whole lot better than they do ‘governing in New Zealanders’ best interests’. We must not let them take power next year.

          • Matthew Whitehead 7.1.1.1.1
            16 December 2013 at 6:15 pm

            We don’t have to choose between those things.

            The Labour Party has to choose between giving the National Party ammo, and respecting our privacy. We have to choose between taking such treatment quietly, or not at all, and I don’t think our choice is really a choice, to be honest. If Labour’s already crossed the lines of acceptable behaviour, they need to be held accountable regardless of how it effects the election- because if they can hold our complaints hostage based on the election result, then we’ll never have an opportunity to complain, ever.

            • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 7.1.1.1.1.1
              16 December 2013 at 7:56 pm

              Well we ain’t getting our privacy rights respected by this lot…& I’ve a feeling Labour would be prepared to rectify at least some of the damage done by this govt…so you can argue over junk mail details but I’d say you had lost perspective.

        • Vagabundo 7.1.1.2
          16 December 2013 at 4:13 pm

          You’re acting like they’re actually listening to what Williams has said.

          • Bill 7.1.1.2.1
            16 December 2013 at 4:19 pm

            I wrote the post, fearful that what Williams was saying was what Labour were already thinking. Hence the “I sincerely hope he wasn’t channeling an idea that has any traction within the Labour Party…”

            • Matthew Hooton 7.1.1.2.1.1
              16 December 2013 at 6:18 pm

              Of course gathering email, postal and physical addresses was the point of the petition for the CIR. What possible other purpose could it have had? Have you never talked to a serious political organiser like Mike, or Bunny, or Matt, and worked out how they think?

    • Tracey 7.2
      16 December 2013 at 3:28 pm

      this is the form I downloaded and got signatures for

      https://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/KOA-CIR-Petition-Form.pdf

      note: the form says if you want to be kept up-to-date with the campaign to provide more details. An ordinary reading might suggest that once the CIR ended, so did the purpose for the details.

      • Bill 7.2.1
        16 December 2013 at 3:38 pm

        This is somewhat beside the point of whether the contact details should be used.

        But the bloc for the voluntary info is not separated from the bloc for necessary info….they are joined and continuous. And there is only one clearly labelled optional box – date of birth. If each ‘phone number/email’ box had a similar (optional) label as the date of birth box instead of a wholly detached ‘up in the right hand corner’ black explanatory box that flies in the face of the reasonable assumption that all the info boxes belong to the same discrete whole that asks for all necessary info to be supplied (Date of Birth being the only info clearly labelled as optional…)

        Anyway. Not the clearest of layouts/designs is my point. (Possibly deliberately so?)

        • Naturesong 7.2.1.1
          16 December 2013 at 3:50 pm

          Seems reasonably clear to me.

          Only the fields that are required actually have headings at the top of the column;
          Signature and DoB, Full Name and Residential Address.

          The big highlighted “Stay Connected” in the top right hand corner is also a bit of a givaway.

          If email addresses from this KOA campaign ended up being used for fundraising for next years election by any political party, I would consider that an abuse.
          Reading the form, I would expect that any emails collected would be used by the Keep Our Assets group for the purposes of that specific campaign.
          Also remember, that this was not initiated by the Greens, but by Grey Power who signaled their intention to push for a CIR before the 2011 election.

          • Bill 7.2.1.1.1
            16 December 2013 at 3:54 pm

            A detached black box above and to the right is a trick of highlighting!? Whatever. I mean, people give this sort of form a quick scan – not a read. And they make fast and easy assumptions based on their initial scan.

            • Naturesong 7.2.1.1.1.1
              16 December 2013 at 3:56 pm

              I think you are being deliberately obtuse

              … people give this sort of form a quick scan – not a read

              Really? The John Banks excuse 😎

  8. Te Reo Putake 8
    16 December 2013 at 12:57 pm

    Hate to inject some reality into this discussion, but the petition form asks signers to provide their phone and email address if they want to “keep up to date with the campaign”. A phone call from Labour, the Greens or Grey Power during election year for that purpose would obviously be lawful.

    An obvious update would be either party announcing they intended to buy back the assets or some similar measure.

    So, no privacy breach as long as it’s relevant to the campaign.

    http://www.labour.org.nz/sites/default/files/KOA_CIR_PETITION_FORM_L_27_04_2012.pdf

    • Bill 8.1
      16 December 2013 at 1:17 pm

      The campaign was to gather signatures and submit them to parliament in order to halt asset sales. When the petitions were submitted, that campaign ended – or has there been another string to the anti-asset campaign bow that I’ve been unaware of and that is on-going? I think not. Meaning that any campaign to buy assets or whatever is, well…a different campaign.

      • Te Reo Putake 8.1.1
        16 December 2013 at 1:23 pm

        Nope, it’s all part of the same campaign, Bill. One of the ‘other strings’ you have forgotten is the just completed referendum. The next string is the election campaign. If you signed the petition and gave your details, you have consented to be contacted about asset sales. That’s the fact of the matter.

        • Bill 8.1.1.1
          16 December 2013 at 1:29 pm

          Your opinions are not facts TRP. Anyway, sadly expecting the Labour Party and ( if Toad’s comments are anything to go by) the Greens to blunder ahead and piss people off regardless.

          • Te Reo Putake 8.1.1.1.1
            16 December 2013 at 1:44 pm

            No offence, Bill, but I’m not putting up opinion, I’m pointing on the simple fact that people who gave their details agreed to be contacted. It only took me a moment to check the actual petition and I did that before I posted.

            However, I am prepared to put up one opinion, which is that hardly anyone who gets contacted by Labour or the Greens about the asset sales is going to be upset about the call or email. The majority are going to be chuffed that their voice counts and they will be keen to hear what the two parties are going to do about it.

            Anyhoo, at least you haven’t unwittingly signed up to Apple, because we all know how that works out.

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdR7hCjQNwA

            • Bill 8.1.1.1.1.1
              16 December 2013 at 1:58 pm

              And if they are contacted on election campaign matters? Oh, that’s right…that was the other string to the anti asset sale campaign bow according to yourself….the election campaign. So everything is A-OK. It’s all a part and parcel of the same thing.

              • Te Reo Putake …
                16 December 2013 at 2:11 pm

                Yep, you’re starting to get it! As long as they are contacted about the asset sales, then its not an issue at all. And given how big a deal asset sales is to most kiwis, just about every phone call and email from the left is going to mention it.

        • McFlock 8.1.1.2
          16 December 2013 at 1:51 pm

          I’m on the green email list somehow (drilling petition?). Not a big inconvenience, but it certainly doesn’t encourage me to vote for them.

          Regardless as to whether “the campaign” means the long term campaign against neoliberalism, or simply the campaign to get 350k signatures, putting me on a mail list when I didn’t expect it smacks of someone playing silly buggers. What, tricking me into receiving ongoing emails is supposed to end up with my vote? I’m prone to digging my heels in out of bloody-mindedness (not sure anybody’s noticed 🙂 )

          As it is, I walked past a greenpeace clipboard-holder in the street for that exact reason (email lists). Normally a 30% chance I’ll stop and look, now it’s zero. Be a shame if lab or the grns got a similar response from 5% of folks.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1.1.3
          16 December 2013 at 2:02 pm

          You may have consented to being contacted but all that means is it’s legal to contact you, not that it’s wise.

        • Tracey 8.1.1.4
          16 December 2013 at 3:30 pm

          I think you will find under the Privacy Act that any vagueness is NOT construed in favour of the collector of Data. The onus on them is to be crystal clear about the purpose.

    • Colonial Viper 8.2
      16 December 2013 at 2:47 pm

      A phone call from Labour, the Greens or Grey Power during election year for that purpose would obviously be lawful.

      Would be LAWFUL???

      How low a bar are we setting here???

  9. ghostwhowalksnz 9
    16 December 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Whats all the fuss.
    Oh yes your email address !!

    Who cares, its like a letter box, all sorts of stuff turns up

    Remember too, that ‘somehow’ the Government go hold of the fact a ‘David Shearer’ had applied for Mighty River information pack.

    Of course it was someone with a malicious sense of humour- yes Im thinking of you David Farrar.

    But this ‘private’ information was passed onto the government, ( so much for Chinese Walls)

    Wheres the outrage over National party dealing in confidential information for political purposes.?

    Thats right because it doesnt make a big play in Farragoblog or the Oily Orca it isnt a big deal, so move on.

  10. weka 10
    16 December 2013 at 2:45 pm

    I don’t have time to do this today, but anyone can phone the Privacy Commissioner’s office and ask for an opinion on this. Generally they do a call back.

    Ph: 0800 803 909

    Email: enquiries@privacy.org.nz

    http://www.privacy.org.nz/contact-us/

    Bill, I appreciate what you are saying in terms of what should be (both legally and in terms of good practice). But the privacy act is written in ways to both protect people’s information AND enable free transfer of information where that is appropriate. It happens alot. Ever signed a form for health reasons? Did you know you are not just sharing that information with your GP but every other person in the clinic the GP works in? Likewise much gets shared interagency as a matter of course without patients necessarily knowing ahead of time.

    (and don’t get me started on the shit that WINZ are now doing with this).

    I don’t know what the legalities are re the petition, but I suspect that TRP is right – contact details can be used for the Asset sales campaign. There may even be a case for wider use.

    There was an interesting bit on Kim Hill with the next incoming Privacy Commissioner for anyone that wants a general overview.

    • weka 10.1
      16 December 2013 at 3:20 pm

      So, where the act says this (assuming Tracey was quoting the Act above),


      An agency that holds personal information that was obtained in connection with one purpose shall not use the information for any other purpose unless that agency believes, on reasonable grounds, –

      (a) that the source of the information is a publicly available publication; or

      (b) that the use of the information for that other purpose is authorised by the individual concerned;

      The reason that health care agencies can share information routinely without getting express permission each time is because they believe, on reasonable grounds, that the patient has authorised this. Authorised doesn’t not mean given explicit consent. It’s assumed that the patient is ok with information being shared. For the most part this works well, but there are very obvious cases where it doesn’t (where patients wouldn’t want information shared without them knowing). At the moment the law/system errs on the side of health agencies unless a complaint is made.

      Likewise, it might be reasonable for the GP to use contact details on one of their petitions about banning whale oil for instance, for other purposes related to the GP. Myself, I don’t think this applies to the Asset sales petition because it was a petition run by many different groups, but I haven’t looked at the form yet.

  11. Morrissey 11
    16 December 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Mike Williams is nearly always the patsy for Matthew Hooton every Monday morning on National Radio. Surely they can get someone better than him. What happened to Laila Harre? Or Sue Bradford? Or Andrew Campbell?

    • Paul 11.1
      16 December 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Morrissey you know the answer to that.
      RNZ don’t invite the left anymore. Libertarians only please.

  12. Colonial Viper 12
    16 December 2013 at 2:54 pm

    Gee let’s think about this, it’s not about whether it’s ‘lawful’ or ‘allowable’, it’s what your customer expectations are and whether or not you are meeting those expectations or failing them.

    A lot of people who do not vote Labour or Green signed that petition and getting an email or anything in the post from either Labour or Greens is not always going to be at all welcome, particularly if their partner is not sympathetic and a million other real world reasons.

    • Te Reo Putake 12.1
      16 December 2013 at 3:17 pm

      Actually, CV, that’s the argument in a nutshell. Can the details be used? Yes. Should they? Opinions differ.

      • weka 12.1.1
        16 December 2013 at 3:22 pm

        Can they be used? Maybe, depends on what for. Should they be used? Opinions differ.

      • BM 12.1.2
        16 December 2013 at 3:23 pm

        But will it do more harm than good?

        No one likes being spammed, but I think what the real risk for the left is that people may feel they’ve being tricked and the asset sales petition was more about the harvesting of emails for electioneering rather than trying to stop the assets being sold.

        Here be dragons.

        • Tracey 12.1.2.1
          16 December 2013 at 3:31 pm

          agree @ impact of being tricked.

          the right’s trickery is too subtle for their supporters to work out they are be duped.

  13. Chris 13
    16 December 2013 at 3:31 pm

    I user a simple method to protect my email inbox. I have 2 email addresses, 1 I use for organisations I don’t mind hearing from and a an email dump address that I use for things such as petitions that want more info than you really want to give.

    Plenty to choose from, blahoo, google, mail.com etc.

  14. Vagabundo 14
    16 December 2013 at 3:58 pm

    Have I missed something, or is everyone freaking out over something that someone who hasn’t really been relevant to the party for a while suggested? Has this become actual official policy for either Labour or the Greens? Have they actually suggested they would do anything of the sort?

    • Naturesong 14.1
      16 December 2013 at 4:04 pm

      No, you have it right.

      Mike Williams said something dumb on radio.

      Bill’s post is essentially; “Dude, you’re really not helping!”

  15. weka 15
    16 December 2013 at 7:20 pm

    Another thought. Is the CIR petition a public document? In which case, anyone can use the email addresses.

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      16 December 2013 at 7:39 pm

      even if technically correct, you don’t really want to irritate potential voters and supporters.

      • weka 15.1.1
        16 December 2013 at 9:19 pm

        True. Most of my comments in this thread have been about the legalities. I have this nagging thought that this came up earlier on and taht the GP was intending to use contact details. Can’t remember what the deal was exactly, but it strikes me as yet another shift on the GP’s part where pragmatics trumps ethics.

        • Colonial Viper 15.1.1.1
          16 December 2013 at 9:28 pm

          I reckon you could get away with a one off email saying something like:

          We really appreciate your help getting the no asset sales petition across the line. You made a big difference. Next year is a General Election year. May we contact you during the election campaign with regards to other [Green/Labour] Party activities and policies? YES / NO (If we don’t get a response within 7 days we will send you a single reminder email, and leave it at that)

          The classic Labour Party approach when a person says YES to having their email address used is to then bombard them with 5 requests for donations over the next 3 months. PLEASE don’t do that.

  16. weka 16
    16 December 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Oh come on, this post has been up most of the day and no-one has linked to this?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbCI68eSNsA

  17. rhinocrates 17
    16 December 2013 at 10:01 pm

    Fucking Mike “I agree with Matthew” Williams. Jesus Aitch Fucking Christ in a Tutu, can’t they find anyone other than this tired old joke? How the Hell do those idiots at RNZ think that he represents “the left”?

    All the “serious commentators” like Williams and Brian Edwards and Karl Du Fresne (yes, I know, some are nominally “right” and others “liberal”, but they’re all fossils) are privileged tired old men who don’t understand technology, who have no idea what’s going on, who have no idea how people truly think and behave now and can only blither about how they should have behaved in the 70s – or they’re wannabe hipsters like Russell Brown.

    The Nats are outmanoeuvring them because it’s just too damned easy with these has-beens still pushing themselves into the spotlight.

  18. Rich 18
    23 December 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Greenpeace – that’s the chugging corporate that sponsors a bit of political campaigning, right?

    • Pascal's bookie 18.1
      23 December 2013 at 6:11 pm

      Well done Rich! You managed to read a post, and work out how to comment, and it only took you a week.

      Gold star for your chart young fella, and Santa might bring you a biscuit.

Links to post

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

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

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    5 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T13:15:05+00:00