One video exposes Key, GCSB’s & Banks’ Dotcom lies

Written By: - Date published: 7:35 am, October 4th, 2012 - 115 comments
Categories: john banks, john key, Spying - Tags: ,

Watch this video of John Key being interviewed by the media on January 24th – four days after the Dotcom raid. First point: Key is clearly well-briefed on Dotcom. Second: he knows that Dotcom is a resident, so why didn’t he raise that a month later with GCSB? Third: How did Key know that Dotcom was a resident and GCSB didn’t? Fourth: Banks has told media he had dined at the mansion with Dotcom – months before denying remembering that meeting.

The fallout from this video will be massive.

Key is going to have to explain how he was so clearly well-briefed on Dotcom and the raid on January 24th, yet no-one had briefed him on the GCSB’s involvement.

He’s going to have to explain how, having already been aware of Dotcom’s residency by January 24th, he didn’t raise that as a problem with the GCSB when they told him they had been involved in the raid on February 29th – was he not paying attention, was he not aware of the law, did he already know, did he not care?

GCSB is going to have to explain how they could be unaware that Dotcom was a permanent resident until September (yeah, right) when Key knew immediately after the raid.

Banks. Well, Banks is screwed. There he is in January, telling media that he had eaten at Dotcom’s. Months later, he denied remembering that event. This is incontrovertible proof that Banks lied when his donations from Dotcom started to become exposed. He lied while he was a minister to the media and to New Zealand.

We knew this – but Key refused to know it. We had Dotcom’s lawyer’s statement – but Key said ‘that’s just one person’s statement’. Now, we have Key, on video, engaging in and acknowledging the fact that Banks remembered his dealings with Dotcom. Key can no longer pretend ignorance of the fact that Banks has lied to us all.

Pack your bags, Banksie. If it weren’t for the storm swirling around Key himself, Banks might still have survived this with Key’s resolute protection. Now, Key needs someone to throw under the bus.

115 comments on “One video exposes Key, GCSB’s & Banks’ Dotcom lies ”

  1. Nick K 2

    Banks never received a donation from Dotcom. You can’t even get that right.
    [Banks didn’t get a donation from Dotcom? lolz. come on, what’s your semantic game on that one? Eddie]

    • toad 2.1

      Maybe on Planet Key.

    • framu 2.2

      really? do go on – im all ears

      hold on…….

      ………ok ive got my popcorn

    • Kotahi Tāne Huna 2.3

      Yah c’mon Nick K, I’m avid to hear this one too. Please don’t tell me it’s because the cheque was made out to “Team Banksie”! Please tell me you’ve come up with something more imaginative.

    • Nick K 2.4

      Megaupload Limited is not Kim Dotcom.

      • Kotahi Tāne Huna 2.4.1

        That’s…underwhelming. Please try harder.

      • Te Reo Putake 2.4.2

        Sunsilk have some excellent products for repairing split hairs, Nick. And you might want to consider whose signature is on the cheque before you comment again!

        • Nick K 2.4.2.1

          Banks never saw any cheque so how would he know whose signature it was?

          • Lanthanide 2.4.2.1.1

            So if you don’t see something that you received, it means you didn’t receive it? That’s the logical conclusion we can draw from your latest statement, as you woefully try to backpeddle to show your initial statement at #2 is ‘correct’.

            Face it – Banks campaign deposited cheques with Kim’s signature on them. Bank’s campaign received cheques from Kim.

            • Nick K 2.4.2.1.1.1

              Kim Dotcom is not a director of Megaupload Limited so couldn’t have signed the cheque.

              • Te Reo Putake

                🙄
                 
                Weakest. Excuse. Ever.

              • Pascal's bookie

                Yawn.

                Why do you reckon ol ‘nothing to fear nothing to hide’ told the police not to release his sworn statement?

                The only answer I can think of is that it contradicts his non sworn public statements, but I’m open to other theories. Got any?

              • Dv

                So THAT is his defence against againt extradition.

              • Fortran

                Nick K

                Dotcom does not have to be a director to sign a cheque, as long as he has signing rights.

              • lprent

                Kim Dotcom is not a director of Megaupload Limited so couldn’t have signed the cheque.

                Bullshit…

                1. Being a director of a companies is not requirement to sign cheques for the company. It is whoever has cheque signing authority at the bank.

                2. It was not Megaupload that the cheque was drawn on. It was some other company in the group that (from memory) was a private firm that looks like it was for holding dotcoms share earnings.

                Please don’t waste everyone’s time with being a simple and stupid parrot and repeating crap you haven’t checked. This bit of diversion waffle has all of the signatures of being from the mouthpiece puppets of National or Act… Just enough selectively picked fact and a whole lot of implicit not quite lying.

                Edit: I see that Fortran and Lanth have picked up the same points… Oh well.

                • Nick K

                  So you think a human being and a company are the same thing?

                  • McFlock

                    part of the degeneracy of the kleptocracy is the belief that ordering or authorising your company to do something is fundamentally different from doing it oneself.
                           
                    Sort of a reverse-Nuremberg: “I was only issuing orders”. 

                  • Spoken like a lawyer Nick.

                    Did you know that 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name? 

                    • Nick K

                      You’ve been around long enough in politics to know that a donation from a company is absolutely not the same thing as a donation from an individual, and is also different to a donation from a trust. Companies have their own separate legal personality. I realise you are all playing politics with this and it’s politically expedient to say Dotcom gave Banks a $50k donation, but in terms of electoral law and common law, he didn’t. Plain and simple. You’ve written enough letters Greg to get the legal wording right. And you know Dotcom is not Megstuff Limited, despite the shareholding. In fact, if someone other than Dotcom had signing authority that makes it less clear. I realise the general public don’t care; and they don’t get the nuances. But you do. And so do I. And it annoys me when the chatter is that Dotcom gave Banks $50k when he did nothing of the thing. Fact.

                    • Pascal's bookie

                      It’s a meaningless nuance Nick.

                      What person decided that Banks would get the money? The same person that Banks asked, and later thanked, for the money.

                      Christ.

                      It was DotCom who was locked up in jail, and who Banks said he couldn’t help because of the donation.

                      It was Dotcom that Banks said he would like to help if elected, and that some money would help with that.

                      Some nuances might be cleared up if Banks would release his sworn statement; but he won’t, for fairly obvious reasons.

                  • David H

                    Next he’ll be saying that the Standard is a living breathing entity just because humans are using it.

                    On a brighter note nice to see Media Works have paid back the 32mil+ that they owed 2 years early. Now they can really get their teeth into Key and co.

                    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10838337

                    • Nick K

                      @ Pascal’s bookie – sure. But I’m a pedant when it comes to things like this. One reason why I’d be a crap politican.

          • mike e 2.4.2.1.2

            Just dig a bigger hole in the sand Nick to bury your swollen head ostrich syndrome!

        • Kotahi Tāne Huna 2.4.2.2

          Banks/Team Banksie
          Kim.com/Megaupload

          A fine example of tetrapyloctomy.

      • Lightly 2.4.3

        lolz.

        It’s like you know how a comedian lays out the joke and that builds the the punchline, which is the big moment in the story? What you just did was the opposite of that.

      • mike e 2.4.4

        just like the National party is not Conmankey

    • Well, Nick, that little ‘grenade’ went off with a splutter…

    • Key seems to be making a regular thing of forgetting stuff…

    • Georgecom 2.7

      Go easy on Nick folks, he is making his statement tongue in cheek. The irony and sarcasm are dripping from his comment.

      Nick, one suggestion however, next time you make a tonhue in cheek comments use ‘ ‘ around the part you are emphasising for ironic value. Makes it easier to follow along, your sense of humour might be a little dry for some to grasp.

      That aside, nice joke. Good one.

  2. Kotahi Tāne Huna 3

    Gott im Himmel! Er ist abgeschlossen.

  3. Kotahi Tāne Huna 4

    So, the whole time Banks was faking amnesia, the Herald had this video? Slack!

  4. deuto 5

    Thanks for putting this video up as a post, Eddie. And also thanks to Zorr for providing it at 25.1 on the Convenient Amnesia post last night.

    IMO Key’s knowledgeable comments in the video ( particularly about 2 minutes in) prove that he had been well briefed on KDC and his residency status.

    And this was just one month before the GCSB presentation on 29 February – the latter date being the same day as two High Court hearings were held on the KDC case with an appeal against the Feb 22 bail release being dismissed and $300,000 being released to KDC.

    29 Feb Herald article – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/video.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=10781209&gallery_id=123534

    And Key couldn’t remember? Yeah right.

  5. uke 6

    “Banks. Well, Banks is screwed. There he is in January, telling media that he had eaten at Dotcom’s.”

    But Banks does not appear on the video, only a reporter quoting what he apparently said. (?)

    • deuto 6.1

      Suggest you watch the video – its Key being interviewed, not Banks, nor a reporter saying that.

      It would also help if you used the reply button to keep comments together. Thanks.

      • uke 6.1.1

        I did watch the video and of course saw it was Key. The salient section is:
         
        Reporter: John Banks has said today he actually went to dinner at the Dotcom mansion, as it were, and had… er… socialised with him there. Have you or any of your other ministers…?
         
        Key: Not to the… well, I certainly haven’t… not to the best of my knowledge… [etc.]
         
         
        Now, I’m not saying the reporter didn’t have good reason to ask this question, but to my mind having a recording of the original Banks comment would better fit the Standard article description of this being the “incontrovertible truth” of Banks lying. Otherwise Banks might still be able to deny it by saying the reporter misunderstood, etc. etc.
         
        Also, that was my query, I was not replying to any other comment as it seemed that nobody had made that point yet. Perhaps you or somebody else had. Sorry if I missed it.

        • mike 6.1.1.1

          While I quite enjoy Key’s expression at 0:35 as the reporter is asking the question, (like ‘damn it Banks…’), I also don’t see how this video is a gotcha for Banks unless the reporter can produce evidence that Banks really said that. Otherwise Banks can just deny he said that or say she got it wrong. I don’t see Key here confirming anything on that matter.

          So who is the reporter? Anyone?

          Although, I’m a bit confused. Here is a Herald article (by Claire Trevett, same reporter?) from January where Banks is quoted about having dinner at the Dotcom mansion.

          He was later invited out to dinner at the dotcom mansion, although he could not remember the date or the occasion.

          “I enjoyed the occasion. Yes I went and I stayed for a short while, as I do.

          “I don’t know what we had for dinner, but it was a very pleasant occasion because I’m a car enthusiast and he had a nice collection of cars. I enjoyed looking at those in the garages. I got to speak to him for about five minutes.”

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10780709

          I know Banks has claimed (tellingly and ridiculously) that he can’t remember whether or not he flew his helicopter to the Dotcom mansion, but has he really also claimed amnesia about the dinner since this article?

          On other points as mentioned in the OP this video is embarrassing for Key though.

          • mike 6.1.1.1.1

            Oops I wanted to put the section “He was later…about five minutes” in blockquotes.

    • Te Reo Putake 6.2

      Key seems to confirm it, then he goes on to say that no other ministers had met with Dotcom as far as he knew. ie at the time of the interview, Key knew that Banks had a relationship of sorts with Dotcom.

      • Lanthanide 6.2.1

        “Key knew that Banks had a relationship of sorts with Dotcom.”

        If Uke’s transcription at 6.1.1 is correct then I don’t agree with this inference.

      • uke 6.2.2

        As you say, “seems to confirm it”. Key’s little nods and “yep” (sorry didn’t transcribe that) could indicate prior knowledge of the Dotcom/Banks socialising.
         
        But it could also be interpreted as conversational filler, just confirming that he is listening to the reporter and understood what she has said. Who knows?

        • Te Reo Putake 6.2.2.1

          Well, while I agree that he might have nodded his head as acknowlegement of the question, he literally answers ‘yeah/yep’. Usually, when he disagrees with the premise of a question, Key (and Bennett, noticeably) replies with the word ‘so’. ie ‘So, what I think is important …’ ‘so, what parents want to know …’ That sort of thing.
           

    • Kotahi Tāne Huna 6.3

      A reporter quoting that as fact in a question to the PM? It’s not like they prepare background material beforehand or anything…

      Or perhaps she just made it up on the spot. Which seems more likely?

      Actually with our MSM you’d have to say 50/50 but… 😈

  6. Kotahi Tāne Huna 7

    Look closely at the video after Key says he’d never heard of Kim.com until briefed by the Solicitor General. The little in-breath hiss: his “tell” is showing. From about 0:40 onwards…

    D’oh!

  7. Red Rosa 8

    Gotcha.

    The only credible explanation is that Key has been taking orders from the US all along the line on this whole Dotcom affair. That was why he looked so rattled last week, it wasn’t following his script.

    Fit Fergusson (ex-US ambassador) into the picture, check out the critical dates for the TPP negotiations, recall the Hobbit union crushing, Panetta visit…

    The NBR has some interesting comments on its article this morning, mostly from hardened cynics who know a con job when they see one.

    Police minister Ann Tolley in deeper water than she ever envisaged…will take all the skills of this Kristy McDonald dame to whitewash this one…

    Gets better and better.

    But seriously, are we run from Wellington or Washington?

    • Enough is Enough 8.1

      GOTCHA all right.

      The National Party, even with all their inherent and institutional corruption, cannot ignore this video.

      Half of the sitting MP’s face being sacked at the next election by the electorate if they do not remove Key immediatley.

      They are all self serving individuals. They know what has to be done to keep their cushy lifestyles.

      Key will be rolled. Probably while he is out of the country in the next couple of days.

      • Draco T Bastard 8.1.1

        Key will be rolled. Probably while he is out of the country in the next couple of days.

        Don’t count on it – Key is still the only reason why they have such good poll ratings. He’s the only one of the lot of them that even comes close to looking like he has any competence. Unfortunately for him, it seems that he only has competence in lying.

        • mickysavage 8.1.1.1

          Agreed.

          If Key goes who are they going to choose as leader?

          Joyce?  His mother would have problems voting for him.

          Collins?  Way too scary.

          Bennett? Has hell frozen over yet.

          Who else? 

          • Anne 8.1.1.1.1

            Hekia Parata of course. Aren’t they grooming her for the role?

          • David H 8.1.1.1.2

            Tolley? Yeah right a walking TUI ad.

            Parata Thinks she can smile away anything.

            Brownlee?? He’s just alienated CHCH

            Bridges Guy ???

            And lets be honest here how many of them are looking at Key and shaking their heads, and saying FFS. Shut UP!! because they are down the bottom of the list and they will also pay for Keys folly, not just Key.

            They have a long tail so could be vulnerable for a cross the floor play by a back bencher who gets the blame for another Key fuck up and say well I’m gone, so i’ll take the idiot with me.

        • Josh 8.1.1.2

          Key can’t handle the pressure. It’s starting to take a toll on him, mentally and physically. That’s why he is out of the country so often. It’s only going to get worse from here. I can’t see him leading National into the next election.

          That isn’t to say he will get rolled. But he might decide to pack it in while he’s still reasonably popular. I reckon he’s just waiting for Mighty River Power to be floated.

          As for who replaces him, I would have thought English. He’s got the experience, the profile, and is palatable enough to the public. Sure, he took them to their worst defeat in 2002, but he’d be a safe pair of hands in government.

    • Laura 8.2

      We are being run from Washington, if you think this cover-up is bad, just wait until the truth comes out about the TPPA, how Key knows that there are strong links to the powerful corporate lobby group ALEC, and that Key knows exactly what he is doing as he sells us out to corporate interests….

  8. Te Reo Putake 9

    My favourite bit is a wide eyed Key saying what an unusual name Dotcom is. Yet when briefed by the GCSB a month later, he appears to have forgetten the name all together. And the fact that Dotcom was a resident. And the fact that the GCSB isn’t supposed to spy on residents.

    • Kotahi Tāne Huna 9.1

      Good points all. The lies are unravelling. Up until this point I thought there was a possibility that Key was simply incompetent, but he’s up to his neck in this.

      PS: and still incompetent – as you rightly point out he’s on camera admitting that which he denies knowledge of a month later.

    • tc 9.2

      A resident in his own electorate richer than he is with some pretty prominent behaviour like his fast cars scaring the locals horses, which they’d already been complaining about and that inflatable tank on the lawn.

      Could be one lie too many for johnny sparkles and this was one he didn’t really need to tell, not like tranzrail or blind trusts where he was desperate to deflect those stinkers or not knowing what your view on the 81 tour etc.

      I see Dunny boy out there playing his part on RNZ this morning, in between taxing carparks, yeah Petey Boy those hollowmen fleas do get itchy don’t they.

  9. ak 10

    Media studies 101:

    Two leaders of right-wing parties caught red-handed in repeated, blatant, bare-faced lies.

    Left-wing leader seeks to curb unfair election propaganda domination by wealthy.

    Unprecedented red “DEMOCRACY UNDER ATTACK” front page and graphic comparison to archaic communist bogeymen.

    Minor header: “Dotcom brief was not memorable” – PM”

    Compare and contrast.

  10. deuto 11

    Good interview with David Shearer on RNZ National this morning on the call for a wider enquiry –
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2534498/key's-story-on-gcsb-'unravelling'-says-shearer.asx

    Towards the end, they discuss the similarities to the enquiry undertaken in 1975 (?) into the various secuity agencies, their roles and accountability and oversight. Shearer and Robertson (at about 4.45 min) discuss who could do the enquiry – eg the Ombudsman, Beverley Wakem. Shearer raises Sir Anand Satyanand, former G-G and judge as a possibility. A good choice IMO.

    • Jim Nald 11.1

      Or the Rt Hon Sir Ted Thomas, retired Court of Appeal judge and former acting judge of the Supreme Court:

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Thomas

      • deuto 11.1.1

        He would be an excellent choice, also. The one reservation I would have with Sir Anand , as the immediate last G-G, is that possibly the current G-G would need to be brought into the enquiry due to the timing of his being involved with the GCSB in 2011. Not that I think Sir Anand would be influenced; but for perception/separation reasons, this could be seen as too close etc. Sir Ted does not appear to present any such issues, imo.

  11. outofbed 12

    I think its a masterstoke from Key..
    Nobody is talking about asset sales anymore 🙂

    • tc 12.1

      Yup and he’ll be meeting with his bosses in hollywood to rehearse his next few scenes and get his lines right.

    • Craig Glen Eden 12.2

      Its a stroke all right nothing master about it but perhaps John Key has been having TIAs (little) strokes for months him and Mr Banks, oh heck what was in the tea?

  12. ianmac 13

    Wonder how members of the National Caucus are viewing all this?

    • Red Rosa 13.1

      Good question, ianmac.

      One recalls Ian Templeton’s book on the Muldoon years – ‘All Honourable Men’. To a large extent, politics aside, the old 70s Nats had some sense of right and wrong, though sadly misled by Rob.

      Maybe the same is true of the current Nats. We’ll see. Here they are confronted by a series of the worst debacles for many years. Their very own Key, Parata, Wilkinson and Tolley have stuffed up dramatically in just the last few days.

      But worse, the Dotcom saga should leave them pondering some basic issues of NZ sovereignty, and an evasive PM more than usually economical with the truth.

      Will we see one of these ‘honourable men’ (or women) stand up to back the PM immediately, and in public?

      Somehow I doubt it. But their reactions will be interesting to watch.

      Resignation(s) a real possibility.

  13. deuto 15

    An exceptionally weak article by John Armstrong in today’s Herald on the subject which ends with these pearls:

    Key is likely to feel obliged to apologise to Parliament for the inaccuracy of some of his statements to the House. But the worst looks to be over for National.

    Armstrong is obviously back on Planet Key.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10838274

  14. xtasy 16

    Re the ‘Day of Action’ against the WELFARE ATTACKS by National, ACT, United Future – headed by Minister Paula Bennett – see a few more links with info for events in Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin:

    http://www.facebook.com/events/406160476105876/
    http://www.facebook.com/events/359769487433655/
    https://www.facebook.com/events/284916358279500/

    I hope that students may also join in, given the fact there is a holiday break and time available.

    Stop Bennett and dogdy John to hammer the poor, weak, sick and disabled, while their government cannot even offer fair chances and employment to those who are fit and willing to work!

    It is time to take a firm and solid stand.

    In Henderson, Auckland, participants will gather at Catherine Place, outside the Westfield Mall, I understand at 12 noon.

    A march to the local WINZ office, protest there, and also a march to Paula Bennett’s electorate office are planned. Let’s hope for good weather, but rain or shine, be there, if you can.

    ***Sorry, wrong thread, is it possible to move this to open mike?***Messed up, sorry***

  15. deuto 17

    And another “keep it in the family” gaff that will stir the pot?

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/7768251/Ex-GCSB-head-to-helm-Rena-review

    The man who presided over illegal spying at the GCSB will head the independent review of Maritime New Zealand’s response to the Rena grounding.

    Simon Murdoch was director of the Government Security Communications Bureau for six months last year, when internet millionaire Kim Dotcom was placed under illegal surveillance. He was the acting director from July 1 to December 19 last year. ….

  16. Red Rosa 18

    ‘Keep it in the family’ seems to be flavour of the month.

    This (eventually) re Kristy McDonald, the GCSB ‘investigator’…’fixer’ seems more likely

    http://laudafinem.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/the-reaa-liesdelusion-politicians-and-willful-blindness/

    And the NBR has more

    http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/lawyer-adds-gcsbdotcom-inquiry-large-portfolio-govt-jobs-rh-p-129996

  17. freedom 19

    da dada da
    da da da
    da dada da
    da da
    Kontrol to Agent Key: Your mission should you choose to corrupt it
    http://postimage.org/image/j8fks7vsz/

  18. Quentin Findlay 20

    This would suggest that Key has mislead the House which is a serious offence. In the UK and in Europe the pressure would already be on him to resign over this issue.

    • tc 20.1

      That requires an effective opposition, speaker, some due process and an MSM who can smell the blood and don’t let up.

  19. the sprout 21

    that NZH link doesn’t seem to be working anymore.
    here’s another…

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

    btw, why was grant robertson commenting on this on last night’s news and not shearer?
    the PM misleading the House seems like a kinda big issue to me, maybe one the leader of the opposition should be all over.

    • Yep. Um. What can I say?

      • Anne 21.1.1

        To be fair, Shearer was interviewed at length on the Dotcom affair on both breakfast programmes in the past couple of days. The one I saw online (think it was TV3) he did a very good job – clear, concise and no stammer. I hope this means his speech training with Ian Fraser is starting to pay dividends.

  20. yeshe 22

    Help me out here someone .. repeatedly I have read that GCSB became involved to establish the whereabouts of Kim Dotcom — how can this be when most of NZ knew he was living in the mansion at Coatesville. Seriously, how can we expected to believe any of this ?

    Thx Eddie, a superb ‘outing’ of the liars.

    • karol 22.1

      As I recall, it had to do with wanting to know specifically where Dotcom was at the time of the raid.  I guess it would have been a bit embarrassing, if they had gone in all commando fashion, and Dotcom wasn’t home – maybe down at the supermarket  or summat.
       
      Well, it was embarrassing anyway.  They could’ve just gone and knocked on the door from what I hear.

    • David H 22.2

      Well obviously like Key, they also cannot read.

  21. BLiP 23

    .

    Ten internets to Zorr.

    I’m sure John Key can worm his way out of acknowledging the earlier information about John Bank’s lies, to be fair it can, kinda, sorta, be interpreted that he was simply going along with rather than agreeing to the reporter’s statement about the dinner date at the mansion. But he’s snared by the balls on knowing Mr Dotcom was a New Zealand resident. Gotchya, indeed. But its bigger than just Dotcom. From now on, and after three – count ’em – three “corrections” in the House, anything and everything John Key says is suspect and will be checked. It has got to be playing on his mind and I have little doubt that from now on his press conferences will more and more look like this:

    http://youtu.be/xkqpzHS0MI8

  22. Logie97 25

    When is the report on the immigration issue with Shane Jones due.
    Watch the media go for that when it comes out.

  23. Dr Terry 26

    All we seem to be assured of is whitewashes absolutely everywhere, and this is why Key can carry on smirking in reasonable comfort. Can all these dread instances simply go on and on being blown over in short time? Even deeply unconscious National supporters (of whom there are plenty) are surely going to wake up one of these days!

  24. Treetop 27

    I have found the best timeline/chronology re Dotcom Vs NZ Goverment. I would like to see this updated under possibly Sunday Reading or it’s own slot when required.

    http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/the-internaut/kim-dotcom-megaupload-new-zealand-timeline/

    Hopefully link works

    Yesterdays revelation is not yet added.

    On having a quick look at the timeline I find since Justice Winkelman’s rulings that it has been going belly up for the government. I really hope that Justice Winkelman lets everyone know that it is her court room. Davidson is doing a good job in infiltrating those who have something to hide as he asks the right questions and gets an obscured answer.

  25. Pete 28

    I put Key’s and Dotcom’s names into Google Trends. Quite a few peaks and troughs are shared between them. It seems their destinies are intertwined.

  26. Adele 29

    This passage from the original Grand Jury of Virginia, USA indictment date stamped 5th January 2012:

    “KIM DOTCOM, who has also been known as KIM SCHMITZ and KIM TIM
    JIM VESTOR, is a resident of both Hong Kong and New Zealand, and a dual citizen of Finland and Germany. DOTCOM is the founder of MEGAUPLOAD LIMITED (“MUL”) and Megamedia Limited (“MMG”). Until on or about August 14, 2011, DOTCOM was the Chief Executive Officer for MUL, and he is currently MUL’s Chief Innovation Officer…”
    (page 13).

    It appears that the whole world knows about the residency status of Dotcom with the exception of our Prime Minister, our Government, our Police and our Spy Agencies. Forget Echelon…use Google.

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    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
    3 hours ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 hours ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 hours ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 hours ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 hours ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    10 hours ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    12 hours ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    12 hours ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    12 hours ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    13 hours ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    13 hours ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    14 hours ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    16 hours ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    17 hours ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    19 hours ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    1 day ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    1 day ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    1 day ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    1 day ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    1 day ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    1 day ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    1 day ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    1 day ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    1 day ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    1 day ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    3 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    3 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    4 days ago
  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    4 days ago
  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    4 days ago
  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
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    10 hours ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
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    13 hours ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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    2 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 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
    2 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    4 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
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    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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