National wants to open up our borders, unless you are Indian, Pakistani or Korean

Written By: - Date published: 8:08 am, July 3rd, 2020 - 55 comments
Categories: health, health and safety, national, Politics, racism, racism, same old national, uncategorized - Tags: ,

Holy dog whistling racism. I can’t believe this happened.

In the past month we have had Todd Muller dying in a ditch about a MAGA hat, a white National Party front bench selected and then this.

Clutha Southland MP Hamish Walker has blown really hard on the racist dog whistle and complained that kiwis returning from India, Pakistan and Korea were ready to invade Queenstown, and no doubt bring Covid with them.

From Amelia Wade at the Herald:

A National MP has been slammed for penning a “racist” statement singling out quarantining Kiwis returning from India, Pakistan and Korea.

The Government this afternoon said it was investigating whether hotels in Queenstown and Dunedin were feasible as managed isolation and quarantine facilities.

In response, MP for Clutha-Southland Hamish Walker issued a press release saying it was “absolutely disgraceful” communities hadn’t been consulted.

“These people are possibly heading for Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown from India, Pakistan and Korea.

“I’ve already had many calls, texts and emails from residents who do not want people in quarantine in Queenstown.”

He claimed up to 11,000 people could be destined for quarantine in the south.

This brings back memories of what Todd McClay said a few weeks ago about Rotorua but has an overt topping of racism.  McClay had the foresight to only imply race, not broadcast it.  He said this:

“It’s outrageous the Government has bused newly arrived international passengers into Rotorua under the cover of darkness to quarantine them in the CBD,” says Rotorua MP Todd McClay.

“As many as 239 newly-arrived people are quarantining in two hotels in Rotorua, and the Government didn’t even bother to tell locals that they were moving these people from Auckland to Rotorua.

“Rotorua citizens woke on Sunday morning to learn that these passengers arrived in up to four buses between 10pm and midnight last night and have been given zero assurance about health and safety. There are reports that hotel workers were not even informed that quarantine passengers were arriving.”

McCLay says it is not good enough.

“Rotorua people made huge sacrifices, along with the rest of New Zealand, during lockdown. Some have lost jobs, businesses and livelihoods in the process.

“The Government couldn’t even be bothered to show them the courtesy of informing them before turning their hotels into quarantine facilities.”

The MP is demanding the the Government answer the following questions:

Has every person arriving in Rotorua been tested for Covid-19? Has anyone displayed symptoms and signs of Covid-19? Where have the passengers come from? Will they be confined to these hotels or are they able to exercise as has been reported in Auckland?  What precautions have been taken to ensure hotel workers and their families safety? Why wasn’t the Rotorua community informed before busing people here for quarantine? How many other hotels will be used and how many people will be quarantined in Rotorua?

“The public have lost confidence in the shambolic quarantine system. Rotorua needs answers now,” says McClay.

When you reread McClay’s comments they were pretty racist, just not overtly so.  I mean “newly arrived international passengers”, “cover of darkness”, “[w]here have the passengers come from”?

The vast majority of people in quarantine are returning kiwis.  They may be returning from India or Pakistan or Korea.  But most of them are returning from Australia, England and the US.

To somehow suggest that people of a certain ethnic background are a threat in a pandemic is a new low for National, one that I have not seen them transgress for some time.

And it just jarrs.  On Tuesday Todd Muller was asking about how the country could open up its border with Australia.  He is a fan of resuming travel norms as soon as possible.

But people from Australia are good, but India, Pakistan and are Korea bad?  Notice Hamish referred to “Korea”, not “South Korea”.

Walker’s statement has been taken down from National’s website.  And this morning on Radio New Zealand Michael Woodhouse was all Colonel Klink on it and said that he had not taken the 15 seconds necessary to read the statement or be briefed on it.  Ignorance is clearly bliss and also a political diversion tactic.

Don Brash’s Iwi Kiwi thinking is still alive and well in National.  This could be a really ugly election.

Update: Hamish Walker has been interviewed on Radio New Zealand and has stood by his comments. He has said he was talking about risk and was not being racist. He said it is about the countries the kiwis are coming from and not their race. It was about the live cases in New Zealand and what countries they are coming from. He also said the Minister does not know where they are coming from.

In particular he said:

Our current live cases in New Zealand are coming nearly all from Asia.

A quick perusal of the Health Ministry’s website and using the fingers on both of my hands and the toes on one of my feet confirms the numbers. The infected cases have come from:

  • India – 15
  • Australia – 8
  • United States – 3

55 comments on “National wants to open up our borders, unless you are Indian, Pakistani or Korean ”

  1. I Feel Love 1

    As a South Islander I want to distance myself from this arsehole, I saw this last night and got really angry at this dick, we welcomed the Syrian refugees here in Dunedin so f* ck this Nat MP.

    I’ll add, they’re kinda equating these new arrivals to pedos, “consult the community”, where would National put these new arrivals, Manus Island???

  2. Incognito 2

    I think what riles Walker and possibly National is that he might have less enthusiasm for lobbying for compassionate exemptions and early release from quarantine like Bishop did for Thelma & Louise from the UK. I mean, what’s in it for him or National? It is pure unadulterated self-interest, as usual.

  3. mac1 3

    Woodhouse "said that he had not taken the 15 seconds necessary to read the statement'".

    The same defence that Stuart Smith MP pled when he tweeted approval of a National Party staffer's obnoxious tweet about Ardern. He hadn't read all of five lines, either.

    They're going to have to learn to read, to check up and not take their colleagues on blind trust, then aren't they?

    Not that they do with their factions, leaks and broken loyalties.

    • observer 3.1

      And the same defence Todd Muller used when asked about National's misleading attack ads on Lab/Greens – the "leader" said he hadn't seen them.

      He needs to front this today. I'll give him credit for his response to Nick Smith's "Nazi" outburst, Muller didn't dodge, he quickly condemned it. He can't dodge this one either.

      If nothing else, he must defend his own MPs, of Korean or Indian ethnicity.

    • Chris T 3.2

      It is like Lees Galloway and Sroubek's application all over again.

      • mac1 3.2.1

        It's like………. enlightenment is sought. Tell me how the racist tweetings of a Southern Man, for which he has been at least admonished, are 'like' whatever happened with Lees Galloway and Sroubek, the criminal drug importer.

        Please.

        • Gabby 3.2.1.1

          Agreed, nobody seems to have pulled the wool over Hamie's eyes, it's all his own doing.

  4. You_fool 4

    Sergeant Schultz not Colonel Klink for the I know nothing routine….

    Also, 15/26 is sort of kinda nearly all…. if you take nearly all to be more than half… like nearly all of National MPs are idiots

    • mac1 4.1

      Like all good leaders, though, Colonel Klink and leader Muller alike have to recognise and deal with poor performance in their underlings.

      Shulz never got a performance review. It's time many National MPs got performance reviews from their leader, their electorate selection panels and their voters.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.2

      Yep, Schultz

  5. Ad 5

    Xenophobia in this time runs rampant on the left as well as the right.

    If National is smart they will frame the entire election about re-opening New Zealand.

    Helen Clark, Sir Peter Gluckman, and Rob Fyfe are about to lead this as a civic debate.

    From last polling there's at least 9% of voters in play for either National or Labour.

    We can leave the fear-vote to NZFirst.

    • observer 5.1

      This is racism, not xenophobia. They are New Zealanders who aren’t white.

      The debate about re-opening is entirely different, because it is about who else can enter the country (students, workers, tourists etc).

      • Ad 5.1.1

        Nothing wrong with naming and flagging countries. NZ Immigration do it all the time. Those with the highest rates per capita and uncontrolled outbreaks – the likes of Belgium, the Netherlands, and the US – should all have black plague flags flying on them.

        But we are well overdue to to start naming and praising the countries where it is pretty much under control, and prepare to re-engage with them properly.

    • AB 5.2

      "Helen Clark, Sir Peter Gluckman, and Rob Fyfe are about to lead…"

      What if we don't want to be led by them – is there some mechanism whereby we can remove their (self-appointed) 'leadership' in this matter?

      And Muller will of course endlessly and misleadingly reference them all the way up to the election, so they've thrown him a lifesaver.

      • Ad 5.2.1

        From next week debate will be joined proper.

        This week has just been the opening salvo.

        The same pressures we felt internally to get out of Level 4 will be felt to get out of travel+trade lockdown – except they will be amplified on a global scale.

        • Sacha 5.2.1.1

          Except this ‘pressure’ is on behalf of only a narrow range of interests in tourism and export education.

          Let's see that balanced against the risks to all of us. And ambitious policy on replacing those parts of our economy with more sustainable ones.

        • Poission 5.2.1.2

          The paper is a spiel on open problems,

          While we pin our hopes on a vaccine, it could be much further away than the hype suggests. Can we afford to wait out another year, two years, or even more in almost total physical isolation? And at what cost? This is not just affecting tourism and export education, but also the many ways in which New Zealand projects and leverages its place in the world.

          Economic cost over peoples health and wellbeing?

          Overseas countries envying NZ?

          Are we really economically distressed,or resetting to a more sustainable society?

          https://informedfutures.org/wp-content/uploads/Re-engaging-NZ-with-the-world.pdf

          • Sacha 5.2.1.2.1

            Thanks for posting that. Seems founded on a belief that the way the world does business has not changed:

            The internet and video conferencing can take us only so far. We will need face-to-face contact if we are to maintain and grow the flow of goods and services into New Zealand.

            This country needs its global connectivity. We have gained significant advantage through our stringent lockdown and early elimination of the virus allowing the domestic economy to reactivate.

            But we will rapidly progress to a position of relative disadvantage if our trading competitors are able to engage with our customers and suppliers in ways that are not possible for us.

    • Enough is Enough 5.3

      I have a feeling they want to frame the election around opening the borders. Muller need to provide some answers though rather than just posing the question time after time.

      The rest of the world is beginning to reopen borders on a strategy of managing the disease rater than eliminating it.

      Can we stay isolated from the rest of the world for the medium term?

      • Ad 5.3.1

        Right question.

        • Muttonbird 5.3.1.1

          Wrong question. The right question is, "can the rest of the world match our commitment?"

          Answer is already in. “No.”

          • Enough is Enough 5.3.1.1.1

            That's not really a question that needs answering because the rest of the world has no intention of matching our commitment.

            So what do we do?

      • Muttonbird 5.3.2

        All in the Northern hemisphere, right?

        The reality is, Covid 19 has killed the people it's going to kill in those countries because those countries let it, either deliberately or by extremely poor management.

        Managing the disease after it has done its work is a rather simpler job than saving actual lives.

      • Ed1 5.3.3

        "I have a feeling they want to frame the election around opening the borders." That is of course nicely framed to be ambiguous – expect a lot of that as the election draws nearer. To some, 'opening the borders' means letting other than New Zealanders back, to others it means doing away with isolation / quarantine and testing. There is a gap between those of course, but he other important issue is just how many people coming in can we cope with, especially if we want to keep the current isolation / testing etc regime for a while yet. So lets then suppose that Helen Clarke and others are not saying to stop isolation / quarantine / testing. On that basis, how many do we expect? Is it OK if the airlines bring in 500 in one day? All to Auckland? Or should there be limits? How many more want to come anyway? We are talking about potentially charging New Zealanders that go from NZ and then want to come back – are charges being proposed for international students ? Is there any point if they are only going to get Zoom meetings anyway? Are we prepared to give priority to non-New Zealanders who pay all costs themselves?

        The question is what is each of those speaking through news media really referring to? Are there some people we really do not want travelling anyway (eg non-New Zealanders over age 80 say who may just clog up our health facilities if they catch something on the plane . . .

        It may make business happy to say "we must open the borders"- but what does that mean?

    • peterh 5.4

      I have just finished the civic debate, my result How long is a piece of string

      [Fixed error in user name]

    • swordfish 5.5

      From last polling there's at least 9% of voters in play for either National or Labour.

      I have my doubts … https://thestandard.org.nz/one-news-cb-poll-june/#comment-1722997 … reinforced by the latest Curia with Labour up on 55.

      Suspect the swing away from Labour since May has been much milder … 3 or 4 rather than 9. Let's see what the next round of polling tells us.

  6. Robert Guyton 6

    National Party candidate for Invercargill, Penny Simmonds declared some weeks ago that Queenstown must be used to quarantine foreign students on route to her Southern Institute of Technology; students from such countries as Walker named on his "black list". I don't recall his objections materialising then.

    • Ad 6.1

      Given that the government is already planning for quarantine hotels in Dunedin and Queenstown, looks like National was right.

      • Graeme 6.1.1

        Everyone, that's Walker, Boult and mates were reported as being in favour of Simmonds' proposal. When Government announced they were looking at using Queenstown facilities for quarantine of returning New Zealanders the same people were like 'well, hang on a minute'

        Reality, the risk from trying to quarantine young people in a party / adventure town is going to be like herding cats. Returnee quarantine of mostly mature people, maybe a bit more controlled. And they won't be putting high risk people down here, too far to adequate health care.

        Penny Simmonds was just trying to advance the remuneration package of her day job, which would be directly tied to the income SIT derived from overseas students.

  7. Sacha 7

    China's OK though, right Hamish?

  8. Monty 8

    Hey Mickey

    Whilst it was a poor to single out those countries you could have balanced your article by stating this is not only National but also NZF and who can forget Twyford and his Chinese sounding names comments when trying to score a political hit on the then Government but ended up offending some of the Chinese community in New Zealand.

    • observer 8.1

      Nice try with the "what about" but there is one important difference. The "names" issue was met with widespread criticism from people on the left. I recall it well, because I was one of them.

      Still waiting for any condemnation of Walker on the Right. Feel free to let us know when they speak up.

      • Tc 8.1.1

        You won't, you will see a lot of this from national.

        Plausible deniability, manufacturing consent all with the politically odious hooton pulling the strings.

        Get used to it, a crash or crash through strategy with truth and humanity an inconvenience.

      • Monty 8.1.2

        I agree it was poor to single out those 3 countries very stupid for a politician to do that.

        Couple articles for you countering your criticism comment also had a quick scan and didn't see you comments from you condemning it. So here is one with "what about" Orewa speech and the bulk backed Twyford in the comments. Plus another attacking Phil Quinn for resigning in protest of the use of Chinese sounding names.

        https://thestandard.org.nz/twyford-responds/

        https://thestandard.org.nz/phil-quin-resigns-from-labour/

        • observer 8.1.2.1

          You didn't see comments from "observer" on the Standard, as I wasn't here. I do have another life.

          The archives of July 2015 have many critical comments. But in any event, that is only a tiny fraction of public opinion. Much more on social media, blogs etc

          e.g An hour of reading here, just one example

  9. Melacon 9

    So, New Zealand citizens are returning, and some may come south. Why does it matter where they are when they decide to return? Please explain. They are New Zealanders.

    The Guardian newspaper regularly publishes Coronavirus world map: which countries have the most Covid-19 cases and deaths? A glance at that could explain why New Zealanders may want to leave USA.

    But it doesn’t matter where they come from: they are New Zealanders. Actually, your emphasis on country of departure may tell us more about your judgement. It may also demean us, your constituents, if there is an implication we would hold prejudicial views of certain countries. I must get on the roll. Disappointing.

    • Sacha 9.1

      Please do vote.

    • Incognito 9.2

      Could you please stick to one e-mail address when commenting here? I can see at least three different ones and it is creating more unnecessary work for Moderators. Thanks in advance.

  10. Peter 10

    The interview is brilliant. Walker shows himself to be complete tosser. His garbage bit about Megan Woods not knowing where the lives cases come from? The genius, looking after his constituents has done the heavy research to chase the information down? Like me? In the daily newspaper? Or on the Covid-site?

    https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-current-situation/covid-19-current-cases/covid-19-current-cases-details

    "These people are possibly heading for Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown from India, Pakistan and Korea," he said.

    Interviewer: "There are high rates from the likes of the United States, United Kingdom, why single out those three particular countries?"

    Walker: "I'm not singling out those three countries at all."

    What the hell is in the water down there that sees them have the calibre of MPs they turn up with?

    • Gabby 10.1

      I guess he's claiming people are coming only from the countries he named, otherwise he is singling them out. Korea's record is pretty good though, so he's being a lying little shitweasel if he justifies himself by claiming they're hotspots.

  11. Chris T 11

    Originally the govt first closed borders with China.

    I am assuming this means they are racist as well.

  12. observer 12

    This is quite funny (probably not work safe!) –

    Muller does a weak "do not condone" response to his MP's racism and so

    the Right Wing ranters are furious with him.

  13. Dennis Frank 13

    Naughty boy, got told off:

    "Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker has been reprimanded by his leader for sending out what has been dubbed a ‘racist’ press release." https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122029198/national-leader-todd-muller-reprimands-hamish-walker-over-racist-press-statement

    National Party leader Todd Muller said he had spoken to Walker and expressed his “disappointment” and “concern”. “I certainly don't condone what it says,” Muller said.

  14. georgecom 14

    cheap shot and dishonesty from this MP, if he was being serious he would have mentioned the US, Aussie, the UK and Europe. All have covid outbreaks, all are places Kiwis are who will return home from. I haven't even seen I reported imported covid case from Korea.

  15. Hardev Singh 15

    it is stupid MP

    New Zealand is peacefull country. This type of MP making it racist ciuntry..

  16. Stuart Munro 16

    The media, as usual, is also rubberstamping calls for border opening. This story, superficially human interest, shows how dependent NZ employers are on foreign 'experts'.

    I'm sure the guy concerned is a perfectly good rigger. So are the thousands of former deepsea fishermen trained in NZ over the last three or four decades, for whom splicing wire rope was an everyday chore.

    But their expertise can never be recognised of course – some foreigner will have the job and a work permit without the employers even looking for NZ staff. In the midst of a serious quarantine, this lazy habit really ought to be brought to a close. NZ needs the jobs. And, no, we don't need many of the foreign workers some employers are used to using at the drop of a hat.

  17. georgecom 17

    I assume Walker also means the Phillipines in his comments. India, Pakistan, Korea AND the Phillipines. That country has had over 40,000 cases of covid19. I am sure the farmers in his electorate will be happy when he tells them their Philipino farm workers and managers are not welcome in the South

    • duperez 17.1

      Slave labour is welcome anywhere. Undoubtedly the great supporters of the MP will not see anything wrong with his press release and his attitude. They will not recognise a sinister tone.

      The nuances of what you say will be beyond them.

      Some commenters in the ODT put the boot into the Dunedin mayor for him showing concern about Hamish Walker's attitude.

      The reality is that for his efforts Walker's majority will probably increase.

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  • Poll results and Waitangi Tribunal report go unmentioned on the Beehive website – where racing tru...
    Buzz  from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example.  This shows National down ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Listening To The Traffic.
    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    2 days ago
  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    2 days ago
  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    2 days ago
  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    2 days ago
  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic plan, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago
  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    3 days ago
  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    3 days ago
  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    4 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    4 days ago
  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    5 days ago
  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago
  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago
  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    5 days ago
  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago
  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    7 days ago
  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
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