Nats try to muscle the Waitangi Tribunal

Written By: - Date published: 7:29 am, August 3rd, 2012 - 67 comments
Categories: privatisation, public services - Tags:

A stockmarket float can’t happen at just any time. It needs to be close to the annual report or late enough in the new year to allow new numbers to be made after the Christmas break. So 2 windows a year. 5 to the election. Treasury says the stockmarket can only handle 1 asset sale a window, preferably 1 a year. The Nats know they will lose the next election. So they can’t afford to lose this sales window if they’re to do all the sales by the election.

That’s why they’re trying to muscle the Waitangi Tribunal into giving its full report on the water rights issue by August 24th, allowing the government the time it needs to put the sales process into action for a float in late October, early November. They’re essentially threatening to push on regardless if they don’t get the finding by then.

A few reasons this attempt at bullying is a bad idea.

The judiciary reacts really badly to attempts by politicians to curtail their actions. The Tribunal has said it will report in September, and it will be September. If it’s earlier, the Tribunal will be subjugating itself to the political imperatives of the government of the day, and lose all its mana.

Even if it did report early, any sign that its determinations had been rushed by the government’s deadline would be fuel for the Maori Council’s high court injunction. As would any move by the Nats to push ahead with sales before getting the Tribunal’s report.

And nothing in bullying the Tribunal addresses the actual problem for National, which is the coming injunctions. They will easily suspend the sales through the end of this year and possibly well into the next. If National was smart, they would be cutting a deal with the Maori Council and the iwi that are likely injunct. But, they don’t want to be seen doing deals with Maori. They could have quietly done it months ago, but it’s too late for that now.

National’s determination to sell all our assets before they lose the election has set them an incredibly tight timetable. Hence their attempt to subvert the Waitangi Tribunal. Fortunately, for New Zealand, it won’t work.

67 comments on “Nats try to muscle the Waitangi Tribunal ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. tracey 1
    3 August 2012 at 7:38 am

    I cant see them wanting the float moved closer to christmas…. Most “mums and dads” are trying to find money for christmas festivities…

  2. mickysavage 2
    3 August 2012 at 7:51 am

    Pita and Tariana, do you think this is mana enhancing behavior by the Key – Banks Government?

    • Jim Nald 2.1
      3 August 2012 at 8:27 am

      “National’s determination to sell all our assets before they lose the election has set them an incredibly tight timetable. ….. Fortunately, for New Zealand, it won’t work.”

      Yes, quite frankly, the case to sell doesn’t stack up and the government is looking more desperate with each passing day.

      • vto 2.1.1
        3 August 2012 at 8:31 am

        There was a brilliant point made in the Press this morning.

        A reader asked what Gerry Brownlee would do to pay for the Chch rebuild if all the Christchurch City Council assets had been sold back in the 80s and 90s, when Councils were pressured to sell them, and so had no assets to sell now…

        Maybe Gosman would like to answer that one …………

        please indulge us gosman

      • Georgecom 2.1.2
        3 August 2012 at 10:48 pm

        My words to myself exactly, starting to smack of a bit of desperation. Want to get the sales done in the next 2 years because they can see the chance of bring turfed from office.

    • Wyndham 2.2
      3 August 2012 at 8:37 am

      Just where does the Maori Party stand on this issue? Does anyone know?
      They were “going to their iwi for discussion” but so far there does not seem to be any conclusion drawn from these ‘discussions’.

      • Shane Gallagher 2.2.1
        3 August 2012 at 10:02 am

        Those ministerial limos are VERY comfortable…

        • grumpy 2.2.1.1
          3 August 2012 at 12:20 pm

          I hear Darien Fenton is so envious, she hires one at the airport rather than just catch an ordinary taxi…….

          • Colonial Viper 2.2.1.1.1
            3 August 2012 at 10:57 pm

            I always figured you could buy your way into one of those Ministerial Beeamers

    • Dr Terry 2.3
      3 August 2012 at 11:25 am

      tracey, by the time they have met again with their master, I dare say they will emerge pacified once more. Would Key really care a damn about mana (or anything else to do with getting his own way? He continues to count on Pakeha good will).

  3. vto 3
    3 August 2012 at 8:17 am

    The Banks-Key government are trying to flex their muscle (does John Key have muscles?) down Christchurch too. Foisting the most lavish stadiums and convention centres and facilities they could wet dream up and then harranguing (sp?) ratepayers to up their rates and sell their assets to pay for their wet dreams…

    For fucks sake, Key is like a drug dealer – just try some of this, you’ll love it. Can’t pay for it? Don’t worry fulla, that will sort itself out. Come one, come on, buy it, spend it, borrow it. We’ll lend it to you ee he ehe he (evil laugh).

    But you know, I loves situations where bully boys come along. They are in fact the easiest of all pressures to resist. You simply stand up, look them square in the eye and tell them to fuck off. Call their bluff 100%. Challenge them to carry out their implied threat. It is extremely rare that the threat is carried out. Then you close the deal by quietly showing them a back door where they can scurry away without losing all face / mana.

    I would have thought that the Waitangi Tribunal would have no problem in choosing this path.

  4. tracey 4
    3 August 2012 at 8:24 am

    But but but he loves ritchie mccaw, how cld he not want to pay for a big grand “house” for him? When the assets turn out to not be a panacea for the economy what is the next step, no one demands answers on this yet it is more crucial than the sales themselves

  5. travellerev 5
    3 August 2012 at 8:34 am

    Added to that the Euro is in eminent danger of collapsing in September and that would mean the end of the banking system as we know it with the banking elite exposed for the bankrupt (Both financially and morally) criminals that they are. Not a good time to buy real world assets with fake money.

    • lanthanide 5.1
      3 August 2012 at 9:27 am

      Ahh, the “financial collapses always happen in the 3rd quarter” meme again – just like AFewKnowTheTruth warned us about last year.

      • vto 5.1.1
        3 August 2012 at 9:34 am

        Yes lanth, but that’s because they do always happen in the 3rd quarter.

        But yep people should just ignore all these warnings because the world is never going to have another great meltdown, and certainly the interlinking that globalisation has brought will have no additional effect, and the great bureaucrats and money-printers in the northern hemisphere have it all under control.

        do you really believe that lanthanide?

        • Lanthanide 5.1.1.1
          3 August 2012 at 9:57 am

          Make up a bunch of stuff and ask if I believe it? No, I don’t believe what you said there.

          Just that we’ve been hearing about how the economy was going to crash every 3rd quarter since 2007, and it hasn’t happened yet. I’m not saying it won’t ever happen, or that it won’t happen this year, just that that ZeroHedge site doesn’t have a lot of credibility when it comes to predicting these things.

          • vto 5.1.1.1.1
            3 August 2012 at 10:05 am

            Well ok, but it aint that hard to see and predict this stuff. Plenty of people have done it before.

            Bear in mind it is easier in fact to dismiss as loony anything which doesn’t fit into various preconceived ideas. There is stacks and stacks of evidence for these predictions.

            Gonna bet the family stash on it happening Lanthanide? We have.

            • Kotahi Tāne Huna 5.1.1.1.1.1
              3 August 2012 at 10:19 am

              “It’s not hard to predict this stuff”.

              Yes, that’s right, any witless cretin can do a Ken Ring and predict it so often they’re bound to be right once or twice. And there’s no shortage of breathless dupes getting all excited about it. So there’s a match made in heaven – idiots, meet idiocy.

              • vto …
                3 August 2012 at 10:49 am

                Thanks kotahi for confirmation of my sentence 2 above.

                I aint talking about people who predict the end of the world each and every year, or people who predict earthquakes each and every year. Though I note that Ken Ring and the links travellerev generally provides do neither of the things you claim.

                This was always going to be a double-dip. I even said as much to mine bank manager back in 05. Too much debt leading to debt system failure (happenned), followed by politicians desperate to shore up the system and their power ride in to the rescue (happenned), followed by obvious inability and lack of capacity on governments parts to solve the debt system problem (happenning now), followed by the second and biggest dip / crash (about to happen).

                Without drifting off into loonies and conspiracy theories (I know humans never engage in conspiracies) and end of the world waste of time stuff ….., what do you think of that outline in the para above, given what has happenned already since 06 and the state of play today in the financial system? How do you see it playing out? And Lanthanide, how do you see the world financial system playing out over the short term?

                So many people seem to ignore this

                (apologies for the threadjackage)

                • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                  3 August 2012 at 10:52 am

                  ROFLMAO – did you just argue that Ken Ring has some credibility? Were you expecting to be taken seriously? You poor thing, please accept my deepest sympathy.

                  • vto …
                    3 August 2012 at 10:56 am

                    you’re a waste of time.

                    But maybe you’re right… not only do humans never engage in conspiratorial behaviour but gravity has no effect on the planet.

                    duh

                  • vto …
                    3 August 2012 at 10:58 am

                    and tell me oh great wise one – what happenned on march 20 last year, when Nick Smith famously had a picnic on the port hills. Do you know? Do you have any substance to your hot air disappearing into the ether? Or do you just spout empty derogatory nothingness as in each of the above?

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 11:16 am

                      On the contrary, you are the one demanding to be acknowledged as the “wise one” – desperately seeking a tiny shred of agreement with your ravings. Lanthanide said it all at 9:57.

                      Christopher Hitchens knew the best response to this crap. I like the part when the truther whines that “he’s insulting me!” It sounds like he’s about to start blubbing, wouldn’t you agree?

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 12:17 pm

                      great contribution.

                      “1. Yes, that’s right, any witless cretin can do a Ken Ring and predict it so often they’re bound to be right once or twice. And there’s no shortage of breathless dupes getting all excited about it. So there’s a match made in heaven – idiots, meet idiocy.

                      2. ROFLMAO – did you just argue that Ken Ring has some credibility? Were you expecting to be taken seriously? You poor thing, please accept my deepest sympathy.

                      3. On the contrary, you are the one demanding to be acknowledged as the “wise one” – desperately seeking a tiny shred of agreement with your ravings. Lanthanide said it all at 9:57. Christopher Hitchens knew the best response to this crap. I like the part when the truther whines that “he’s insulting me!” It sounds like he’s about to start blubbing, wouldn’t you agree?”

                      zero

                      you have said nothing.

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 12:23 pm

                      To recap – the “predictions” you find so compelling are no more credible than those made by Ken Ring. The echo chamber does the rest.

                      I’m sorry if you don’t like these observations, but there they are.

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 12:31 pm

                      “To recap – the “predictions” you find so compelling are no more credible than those made by Ken Ring.”

                      Again kotahi, you simply make a bald zero statement. (and you have no idea of how compelling I find them – that is just your silly assumptions)

                      Got any evidence for your statement above? I have outlined events in support of my statements. You haven’t. Again.

                      Bald and empty. Zero. Waste of time.

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 12:34 pm

                      Christopher Hitchens was right – the only way to win this stupid game is not to play.

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 12:37 pm

                      again.

                      that’s quite unbelievable.

                      stupid troll.

        • Te Reo Putake 5.1.1.2
          3 August 2012 at 11:05 am

          ” Yes lanth, but that’s because they do always happen in the 3rd quarter.”
           
          I’d love to see some evidence for that. From memory, the Great Depression’s two crashes weren’t in the 3rd quarter; stockmarket in October, banks the following Feb/March.

          • Lanthanide 5.1.1.2.1
            3 August 2012 at 11:16 am

            When challenged on it last time, AFKTT came up with a bunch of examples. I believe wikipedia is about 50/50 split on 3rd quarter vs the rest of the year, when it should be 25/75 otherwise.

            There is something in it – because it’s the end of the northern hemisphere summer, but in general I think it’s well overplayed.

            • Te Reo Putake 5.1.1.2.1.1
              3 August 2012 at 12:22 pm

              Cheers, Lanth. I suppose the gloom of a northern hemisphere winter might drive some bankers and stockbrokers to despair, but I’d put it down to a statistical anomoly, unless someone can come up with a rational reason, such as it being triggered by earnings reporting season or some similar trigger.

              • vto …
                3 August 2012 at 12:34 pm

                try human nature and the swing of the seasons and the cycles etc, the most rational and predictable of the lot, surprisingly.

                a bit of internet searchery will locate it.

                • travellerev …
                  3 August 2012 at 2:10 pm

                  Oh dear,

                  I didn’t have a lot of time this morning so I didn’t link to some interesting stuff you might want to read up on.
                  I was not suggesting it would happen in September because Financial crisis always happen in the third quarter although there is a tendency for them to do happen in the autumn.
                  I meant it would likely happen in September because Spain only has about 30 days of money left in their coffers and needs $300 billion just to make ends meet before they have to borrow more as the interest rate on their debt eats up most of what they borrow.

                  Germany is now 300% in hock having paid Greece a bundle and is not keen on paying more. In Italy almost every major city is going bankrupt and Italy needs even more than Spain in order to keep tugging along. All these debt mount up and with Greece once again needing a bail out the pressure is on.

                  If Greece goes and return to the Drachma (Something Geithner predicts and hopes for will be around the 20th of August) there is no incentive for Spain to pay back their debts and neither is it for Italy.
                  Every bank exposed to the CDS they sold all these big hedge funds, Pension funds and to each other will have to pay up to the tune of anywhere between $ 500 Trillion to $ 1.5 Quadrillion which they don’t have because they are leveraged between 30 to 80 times. I mean we’re talking around about 20X the global GDP here.

                  In other words they are insolvent.

                  China, Russia, Brasil and Iran are making deals to exclude the US $ from their trades and that means the US $ loses status fast as the global reserve currency. (Sorry you’ll have to google as I don’t want to overstep my quota of links as that means I get put in purgatory)

                  The Syrian situation is not going as planned and if they can’t destroy the Syrian army (With Russia and China drawing a line in the Syrian sand and Russia bringing nukes to Cuba invading it like they did Libya is not really an option) they can’t get to Iran.

                  That means game over.

                  So what I’m trying to say here is that it’s a perfect storm and the US and NATO are in the middle of it and judging by the sequence of events September seems a likely time frame for some serious turmoil.

                  • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                    3 August 2012 at 2:15 pm

                    In other news, I saw a wolf! Yes, I know I saw one yesterday and the day before that and the day before that and the day before that but this one’s real. Honest.

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 2:28 pm

                      you are consistent in your ability to say nothing aren’t you

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 2:32 pm

                      Implying that Cassandra is crying wolf, again, is not nothing: you just don’t like the message.

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 2:35 pm

                      see if you can answer with logic and reason, some of the points people make. If they are as loony as you keep making out then it should be a doddle.

                      Can you take on a doddle?

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 2:46 pm

                      Yes. To recap: if you predict disaster all the time eventually you’ll be right, just like Ken Ring’s earthquake predictions. That’s logical, but there’s a reason people will dismiss your ravings out-of-hand, since the source has proved itself wrong and delusional on so many occasions.

                      Further, you will always be able to find a chorous of like-minded Chicken Littles, and together you will echo one-anothers’ meanderings until you’re all thoroughly convinced, just like right-wing policy development.

                      Once in a while you’ll probably quote something credible, but it will be lost amongst all the other garbage, and when people respond with ridicule and contempt, you’ll get all blubby like the truther in the Hitchens video.

                      I think that about covers it.

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 2:55 pm

                      Not that obssession of yours you silly egg…

                      The actual points raised. Like ev’s points about debt limits and Spain and Greece and the fact that it hasn’t been domsday for ever and ever like you suggest, but only a few short years. Like my points about the double dip logic. The actual point of the posts – that doddle. Take that on. Answer her points with logic and reason.

                      Who cares about your cassandra points… bloody hell. Everybody knows that palava. And Ken Ring doesn’t say there will be earthquakes every week of every year like you suggest. Ev doesn’t say the world has always been on the edge of the brink edge for years and years and years.

                      So take aim at that doddle again because you missed the first time, which is hardly surprising.

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 3:14 pm

                      I will watch it with interest: will the indebted nations grow spines and issue arrest warrants for fraudulent banking practices? Will they continue the lemming-like austerity kool-aid? Will they simply default?

                      And please educate yourself about Mr. Ring and his parasitic behaviour.

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 3:20 pm

                      I don’t mean just watch. I mean this is a bloggy thing where people make points and others answer them, not just pull faces at them.

                      Both above and below our squabble here, travellerev has laid out a whole bunch of points backed up some evidence. That is the doddle to answer – each of those points and claimed facts.

                      Come on, it is a doddle, give it a crack. After all, it is all just loony stuff so it should be easy to debunk.

                      Remember though kotahi, you are on your third strike now.

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 3:24 pm

                      You really aren’t paying attention are you? I had a bit of a look through Travellerev’s comment at 2:10, for example, where I found this little gem:

                      “The Syrian situation is not going as planned…”

                      Can you see why that remark might lead me to suspect that Travellerev is full of shit?

                    • vto …
                      3 August 2012 at 3:25 pm

                      ssttttrriiiiiiiikkeee …..

                      you’re out

                    • Kotahi Tāne Huna …
                      3 August 2012 at 3:41 pm

                      Oh, sorry I didn’t realise you were the umpire. Come to think of it, you aren’t, are you? You’re just some random who thinks Europe is about to end and drag the world down with it, or something, but as Te Reo Putake neatly illustrates below, it won’t, and as I’ve pointed out, when your source is Travellerev and your analytical method is by Ken Ring, why should anyone pay the slightest attention?

                      Sob.

                  • Te Reo Putake …
                    3 August 2012 at 2:22 pm

                    Cheers, Ev, that’s a pretty comprehensive summary. I can’t say that I disagree with your logic, though obviously things are bound to happen out of sequence.
                     
                    For me, the big question is what happens next. Even if there is a complete collapse of the banking system, Europe goes kaput etc. , I still think capitalism will re-emerge, because without a credible alternative, that system will fill the void. So what I think will happen is that the world economy will shrug its shoulders and move on. As it has done in every financial crisis for the last thousand years.
                     
                    So, while I think many of the things you point to will happen, I don’t think its ‘game over’ at all. But I would be interested in what you think the world post September will look like. How do you see it?

                    • travellerev …
                      3 August 2012 at 3:01 pm

                      You know, I don’t recall ever having said Next month is when the Shit could hit the fan. I have pointed out many times that the situation is unsustainable and will collapse at some moment in time.

                      So no I have not been crying wolf but rather there is a lot of wolf shit around and therefore there must be wolfs. Now I’m saying I smell wolf, hear wolf and there is seriously warm fresh wolf shit on the sole of my booth so the wolf must be very close.
                      In a post September world we could face bank holidays as banks can no longer service their debts and can’t keep up with bank runs as have been happening in Greece, China and Spain in the last couple of months.

                      With banks collapsing people might lose their savings, won’t be able to pay their bills the computer systems might shut down as happened in England recently and with Westpac in NZ.

                      Countries bonds might become worthless overnight as countries are no longer able to pay the interest or only cents on the dollar as happened with Russia defaulting.

                      The Cullen fund will be reduced to zero as it turns out that the crappy Derivatives they invested in really are worthless.
                      That’s $19 billion dollars and the future pensions for the baby boomers and their offspring gone. (Provided the manipulated zero LIBOR rates of the last 4 years haven’t done that damage already)

                      The $ 112 Billion in derivatives  this government has amassed on borrowed money will be gone leaving us with an odious debt only payable in our resources just like Greece, Spain and Italy are facing now.

                      And that is just the beginning. No money, no oil. No oil=no industry, no farming, no nothing.

                      We’re not talking a local collapse here which as you point out has been happening throughout history. We are talking a global collapse of an intertwined financial system.

                      In Greece farmers donate their produce to stop Athenians from starving. Prisoners are starving in their cells because the government can’t afford food any more and in Spain hositals can’t pay their staff and old age pensioners homes are closing. fire fighters and police are fired. In the US San Bernadino just filed for bankruptcy (as so many cities have down already and in Detroit whole areas have no more running water or streetlights and California is on the verge of collapse because the whole facebook pump and dump is coming down like a ton of bricks.
                      Here is a nice list of disasters befalling the US population which by the way is now almost 16 trillion in debt. That is 10x their GDP with a 100 million people out of work or 30% of their population while the the six Wall mart heirs own more than the bottom 40%.

                      China now has 65 million empty houses. They build those to keep the illusion of growth going but they too are experiencing bank runs and social unrest because the US and Europe aren’t buying any more.

                      I suggest you google these items. I did but don’t have the time to put them in as I am going to weed my veggie beds.
                      But googling may also help you to wean yourself off the denial teat. You need it.

                      Because there is not just one wolf. There is a whole pack gnarling at your door. If you can’t smell them, hear them or see them mate you deserve to be eaten by them but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      3 August 2012 at 3:24 pm

                      Yeah, cheers, Ev. No need for the snide comments, by the way, I was asking a genuine question about your economic views, not your other obsessions. And your first sentence (“You know, I don’t recall ever having said Next month is when the $h1t could hit the fan”) is somewhat contradicted by your comment at the start of this thread, which says exactly that! But never mind.
                       
                      My inner anarchist is kinda looking forward to the imminent collapse, probably as a result of reading too many Jerry Cornelius books as a teenager. What I’m trying to work out is what difference it is going to make to the world. My house will still be there, my garden will still grow food. I’m guessing there will be a period of instability, but people will still go to work, the schools will still be open, the sun will continue to shine. For the starving millions in the third world, well, I’m picking there’ll be no difference at all. Life will still suck.
                       
                      My gut feeling is that if the western world economy collapses, it’ll quickly be replaced by western world economy 2012 (in receivership) Ltd and it’ll be back to the beginning again. But I may be wrong. Again, I’m keen to know how you think this will actually affect people on a day to day basis. I certainly don’t think riots are going to break out or we’ll revert to cannibilsm or anything apocalyptic, because the fundamentals of functioning society will remain, whatever happens to printed money or shares.

                    • Tiger Mountain …
                      3 August 2012 at 4:07 pm

                      TRP, you are talking systemic continuance but for how long. I see an uneven result inline with how human society has developed thus far in countries and regions. Certain rural and third world communities may keep on truck’n for a while as usual, but imagine in Auckland, the ATMs are out, ‘just in time’ supplied foodmarkets empty, toilets backing up,Watercare switched off like some land bound cruise liner with power failure.

                      What are middle class working for families pussy types or even rough tough types gonna do? We are all more vulnerable to a nasty societal breakdown than is comfortable to think about.

                    • travellerev …
                      3 August 2012 at 4:33 pm

                      TRP,

                      You are right. Today was the first time I actually set a time limit on when the SHTF.
                      Please explain why me saying that Syria isn’t going as planned makes me full of shit. Oh I forgot you don’t do any research yourself you just like bullshitting someone else’s.
                      Syria is not going as planned because until now the US and NATO have not been able to bully China and Russia into compliance like they did with Libya.
                      Russia is preparing troops for battle in Syria and has battle ships lined up to confront NATO and the US and a report today said they were transporting Nukes to Cuba. And they have not been able to convince the rest of the world that bombing the shit out of millennia old cities for a bunch of al Qaeda aligned Christian, and Shia killing extremists (The ones we were going to exterminate in Afghanistan if I’m not mistaken) is a good idea..

                      They are losing their window of opportunity because if they can’t attack Iran in October as Israel wants them too they will be to late to use their carefully branded maniacal Iranian leader who wants to return to teaching at the Tehran University as the law does not allow more than 3 periods for a President. The university were there are two female students for every male studying those typical female studies such as Physics and engineering.
                      Yesterday it was announced that the high speed cable to Australia and the US promised by our government was cancelled. A couple of years ago shell sold their ges stations  to the muppets of the Cullen fund I recall because the economy was “mature” that is oil company speak for on the verge of collapse.

                      Our young are either unemployed, in low paying jobs or burdened with huge study debts. Jobs have been all but exported to China and other low wage countries and able bodied men and women are leaving NZ by the tens of thousands for a better future in Australia.  

                      I think that we are better positioned than most but it’s not going to be a walk in the park either.

                      With regards to social unrest. In the US more and more kids are organising themselves in looting mobs, gangs (In Chicago 500 to 1 gangs versus police) and empty houses are robbed of copper and other useful things to a point were the police doesn’t even interfere any more.
                      You may think that a collapse is easy and even fun to survive but judging by the fact that the homeland security fascists in the US are arming themselves to the teeth against their well armed citizenry I sort of think that Mad Max is going to be tame compared what is awaiting the average Joe over there and if you think that kids or guys with no hope of a reasonable life are going to be taking it lying down you’ve got another thing coming.

                      And yep that goes for New Zealand too.

                  • travellerev …
                    3 August 2012 at 4:35 pm

                    Shit, Purgatory!!!!

                    • Pukeko …
                      3 August 2012 at 5:06 pm

                      Kei te mōhio i a tatou te āhua o te pōrangi, kua ngaro ngā whakaaro, kua kore e mōhio ki te pai ki te hē.

  6. ad 6
    3 August 2012 at 8:37 am

    Contemptible behaviour from Key and English.

  7. marty mars 7
    3 August 2012 at 8:45 am

    Even if it did report early, any sign that its determinations had been rushed by the government’s deadline would be fuel for the Maori Council’s high court injunction. As would any move by the Nats to push ahead with sales before getting the Tribunal’s report.

    Very true. In the previous paragraph mention is made of the potential for the Waitangi Tribunal to “lose all its Mana” – that is not a reality, or even a potential reality.

    and i love how the msm always go to certain commentators – for instance this ex ACT party lawyer. Frankly he is dangerous – especially to those wanting equality.

    A leading public lawyer and former MP, Stephen Franks, says he is “heartened” by threats from the Crown to push ahead with asset sales this year.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/7404750/Ex-MP-backs-new-deadline-for-tribunal

    piss off back to ACT I say franks the last thing this debate needs is your imput IMO.

    • Kotahi Tāne Huna 7.1
      3 August 2012 at 9:06 am

      Disagree: the ravings of ACT loonies don’t enhance anyone’s credibility or mana. The National Party likes to present itself as “centre-right” – because they know their true doctrine renders them unelectable. The more their vandalism is associated with the fundamentalist minority fringe, the better.

      • marty mars 7.1.1
        3 August 2012 at 9:18 am

        Yes but he is not presented as “the fundamentalist minority fringe”, he is presented as a reasonable person, ooh and a lawyer. I do agree that the more the two parties are entwined the better.

  8. captain hook 8
    3 August 2012 at 11:22 am

    the nats want to muscle everybody.
    that is the way they are psychologically constituted.

  9. Penny Bright 9
    3 August 2012 at 11:51 am

    Seems that the campaign to help stop the privatisation of Mighty River Power by SWITCHING OFF / SWITCHING FROM MERCURY ENERGY (100% owned by Mighty River Power) is gaining traction?

    Are YOU a Mercury Energy customer?

    Are YOU opposed to the proposed privatisation of Mighty River Power?

    Then SWITCH OFF / SWITCH FROM Mercury Energy!

    Switch to whom?

    Publicly owned Meridian Energy ( Powershop Ph 0800 1000 60) http://www.powershop.co.nz )

    Publicly owned Genesis Energy ( Energy Online Ph 0800 086 400 http://www.energyonline.co.nz )

    THE CONTACT ENERGY PRECEDENT!

    In 2008, already privatised Contact Energy doubled directors fees and increased their prices 12%.

    In 6 months 40,000 customers left Contact Energy and their profits halved.

    If we can get thousands of Mercury Energy customers to SWITCH OFF / SWITCH FROM Mercury Energy – then the share value of Mighty River Power will drop thus make any proposed investment less attractive. (Remember Facebook?)

    IT’S PEOPLE POWER TIME!!!!

    Please help to spread the word!

    🙂

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’

    http://www.dodgyjohnhsagone.com

  10. AmaKiwi 10
    3 August 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Thank you to Penny Bright (posting 9 above.)

    Stop posting and DO SOMETHING.

    Switch power companies NOW. (I am a Genesis customer.)

    “SWITCH OFF / SWITCH FROM Mercury Energy!

    “Switch to whom?

    “Publicly owned Meridian Energy ( Powershop Ph 0800 1000 60) http://www.powershop.co.nz )

    “Publicly owned Genesis Energy ( Energy Online Ph 0800 086 400 http://www.energyonline.co.nz )

    “THE CONTACT ENERGY PRECEDENT!

    “In 2008, already privatised Contact Energy doubled directors fees and increased their prices 12%.

    “In 6 months 40,000 customers left Contact Energy and their profits halved.

    “If we can get thousands of Mercury Energy customers to SWITCH OFF / SWITCH FROM Mercury Energy – then the share value of Mighty River Power will drop thus make any proposed investment less attractive. (Remember Facebook?)”

    Thanks, Penny.

  11. captain hook 11
    3 August 2012 at 3:52 pm

    send out for some pillars and cecil b. demille
    the sun is not yellow it’s chicken.
    b dylan
    1966

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    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
    14 hours ago

  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    15 hours ago

  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    15 hours ago

  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    16 hours ago

  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    20 hours ago

  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    21 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    23 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 day ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    2 days ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, 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?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T19:34:21+00:00