See Issac Davison’s article from teh Herald this morning. The Herald has gone from just regurgitating press releases to cut and pasting from Wikipedia (the last 9 paragraphs are lifted directly without attribution)
Yup, the Herald is a dreadful rag and clearly biased in favour of the National Party’s re-election. Their continued publicity of the ACT Party and its policies suggests the Herald’s owners only hope for a more right wing set of policies.
The left wing wing should therefore be wary of this Williamson story, especially as the Herald broke it.
First up it distracts from the Collins story.
Secondly, it frees up a safe Auckland seat, which can be used by the ACT Party, to promote Jamie Whyte’s Libertarian viewpoints and get extra seats into power. The Herald is already pushing for Williamson to resign as a MP. This will provide a back up to Epsom just in case the folk of Remuera get sick of being taken for fools again.
Thirdly, it allows the media to play the line of Key being decisive, which clears him from the mess of the Collins fiasco.
The opposition must not let this story get ahead of the Collins Oravida affair as the latter drags down the PM and shows even more the corrupt nature of this government.
On Stuff, Vernon Small spinning for the corporate media and trying some damage control for his masters. Just wait to to see the tr*lls on this site copying one or more of these slavish lines.
Look at this just as one miserable example of the content of his woeful article.
“His pre-sacking resignation was handled cleanly and swiftly by Prime Minister John Key and it was hard not to hark back for comparison to the dog’s breakfast Labour made of Shane Jones’ recent departure.”
Vernon Small..another disgraceful excuse for journalism.
Maurice Williamson fallout will colour perceptions
A gloomy, grey cloud has replaced the big gay rainbow that Maurice Williamson rode to stardom during the marriage equality debate.
But the questions and potential fallout don’t end there.
That opens the door to the perception of a different standard for the big investor over the average Joan Public; that “economic importance” could be a factor in the way the police go about their business.
National’s critics are already drawing parallels with Judith Collins’ links to exporter Oravida – also headed by rich donors – and “that” dinner in China.
It all feeds in to the Opposition parties’ narrative that the Government helps its “rich mates”.
Small doesn’t mention the apparent ignorance of Williamson about the line he clearly crossed, that doesn’t look good for Williamson.
But Small does address the bigger issue, the growing ‘perception’ that National’s relationships with Chinese business people are crossing a line. Unless more damaging details emerge Williamson’s fall will probably fade quickly but the spotlight on National’s ‘rich mate’ relationships will keep the pressure on them, and so it should.
The interesting issue heading into the election will be can John Key and his backroom boys force Williamson out of contesting his electorate seat for National? He has flatly refused to go on RNZ this morning.
This will cause the dilemma of Key-National bleeding votes. But what Key is up against is if Williamson can hold enough support within his electorate committee, and give the middle finger to the PM, and still get away with it. He must fancy his chances of going it alone, probably figuring he can replace Dunne as a cabernet minister, if National squeak back in.
Make no mistake Williamson has a history as a renegade MP, and with the comfort of knowing he is a very popular electorate MP, with a very healthy 13,000 majority at the last election, he can afford to give the solo option a real good crack.
It all feeds in to the Opposition parties’ narrative that the Government helps its “rich mates”.
I noticed this line on the News.
This sentence turns what is occurring in NZ with our government into a ‘narrative’ suggesting ‘perceptions’ viewing blatant corruption are ‘simply an election strategy’.
What about the possibility that Opposition parties’ ‘line’ is not a ‘narrative’, that they are stating things as they are?
If you thought that was limp – try this exercise in … ( I was going for a colourful metaphor, but it’s not worth wasting my dignity on …)
The handling of Maurice Williamson’s cloddish attempts to intervene in a police investigation was textbook.
Key axed his statistics minister with ruthless efficiency.
As he admitted this morning, he had little choice. Williamson had crossed the line where careers can be saved.
After Judith Collins’ questionable dalliances with Chinese company Oravida, National could not afford another whiff of cronyism.
….
Until Williamson announced he would seek re-election in September.
By voicing that intention, it instantly became clear that neither he or his boss really believe he has done wrong.
Like stalwart Nick Smith, who also resigned for trying to throw his weight around, Williamson will serve his penance until this unpleasant episode has faded from public memory.
Cynical of course, but you’ve got to hand it to National – Williamson’s exit was nowhere near as messy as Shane Jones’ resignation last week.
Of course Ms Vance has pointedly failed to traverse the tricky little question of exactly how long “Mr Well Done PM” has known about Williamson’s errors of judgement.
The do work quite meticulously to shield Key, I wonder if it is a sycophantic toady thing where journalists like Vance actually believe what they write, or whether it is a more cynical manipulation of public opinion, maybe a little of A a little of B.
They don’t believe it.
They write it to further their own careers as the only way up in organisations like Fairfax is to write unquestioning paeons to the dear leader.
I disagree – I think these guys DO believe what they write. I also think they think they are far more talented and smart than they actually are. The press gallery is so out of touch (the likes of Armstrong have been there far, far to long) and they have been so comprehensively bullied by Ede and Key that they have all developed a journalistic case of Stockholm syndrome. Their intoxication at their proximity to power combined with their arrogance and ego could never allow them to admit they are Ede’s pets – They are opinion shapers! They are the press gallery! They are players! – so instead they accept a warped interpretation of their warped reality of their relationship with the ninth floor, and regurgitate opinion that whenever it is exposed to critical examination in the real world (i.e. the Labour leadership contest) is shown as reflecting the received wisdom of about 50 people.
Me thinks Ms Vance got a bit of a talking to after she accidentally did some real journalism re Mr Hair Do and the “Affair of the Prematurely Leaked Report” last year – and she’s still in ‘make-up sex’ mode.
Other comments with high positive votes.
Looks lime a lot of people are getting sick of media bias.
Time for Labour, the Greens and Mana to go on the offensive about media bias. People can see it.
PeteryBab
“Wow….just wow. I think I just threw up a little bit.
What can I say but that it appears the cronyism goes further than just government ministers and millionaires….”
Bronagh
“Extraordinary! A story about National Party corruption and you praise Key and criticise Cunliffe. Your bias is astounding.
I think Williamson resigned rather than Key sacking him…………Also the most important question is when did Key first find out about this? And why did it take the outing of Williamson by the Herald for anything to happen.”
Robby
“Williamson will serve his penance until this unpleasant episode has faded from public memory. ”
You know what, Andrea, it only disappears because you and your mates ignore it.
As for the Jones departure – that was only messy because you and your mates went nuts over it. Compare that to this episode “well done Mr Key”. I am REALLY tired of you and your Tory media mates.”
And the only reason why Jones’ resignation was messy was because a) the MSM beat it up and b) Jones himself being a dick. Obviously, the MSM are trying to bury the fact that a National minister got caught being corrupt.
Paul, I think that you might be making some leaps of faith about Vernon Small. He writes within limits set by his editors no doubt, his allegiances are probably a long way from your description. I recall him in Christchurch many years ago as a very devoted Labour Party person. What he is now, who knows, maybe it is a case of shooting the messenger because the story doesn’t suit the reader.
Paul/
Small’s comments are typical of Crosby -Textor managment .
This dangerous .influencial group manage a number of Right -Wing parties .They win elections by what ever means they can and this includes manipulating the news media . Money and influence something the Left does not have,
Exactly it’s part of the same narrative that is actually going to gain traction because blood is in the water now, trying to separate the two now is laughable – it’s too late. Will also play into all the backroom deals that National likes so much such as Skycity and Warners.
Excellent news.
Labour and rest of opposition must maintain the link.
It stops any narrative of Key being decisive, shows up overall corruption and keeps Collins and her motley crew under pressure.
Her supporters don’t seem to have arrived on this site yet. Maybe receiving orders on their new spin line. Must be getting harder that one.
plagiarism’s a serious issue – have they changed the online version? It doesn’t seem to be a direct copy any more (although at least one paragraph was circulating on the interwebz in 2010).
Thinking about it, that article actually shows that we could get better governance by using Loomio and everyone talking than we can using representatives. Hierarchy really is a waste of time.
also hierarchy too often get in the way of progress/change..
..often largely for reasons of preservation/enhancement of their personal status quo
From what I could make out of political history that’s actually the reason we have representative democracy. To prevent the changes that the rich don’t like.
“From what I could make out of political history that’s actually the reason we have representative democracy. To prevent the changes that the rich don’t like.”
I think reason would be because organising millions of people to vote on every bill presented to parliament would be akin to herding cats.
OK, that doesn’t change the fact that getting millions of people to vote for every bill would be a disastrous exercise.
And your quote doesn’t really seem all that relevant but if you want to play argument by quote:
“The effect of [a representative democracy is] to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of the nation….”
– James Madison
OK, that doesn’t change the fact that getting millions of people to vote for every bill would be a disastrous exercise.
I understand that as well.
“The effect of [a representative democracy is] to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of the nation….”
– James Madison
Which backs up exactly what I originally said. You don’t get the choice of the people but the choice of the representatives who’ve been bought by the rich.
How many electorates around New Zealand have National Party Billboards strategically positioned?
West Auckland has had Hekia Parata and currently Paula Bennett smiling at us since the beginning of the year and the Northland electorate has Mike Sabin’s. They are disguised as announcements of public meetings. The important words are in reflective material that shine clearly in headlights – The MPs name and the party.
Sorry, don’t have that expertise, but Waikumete, Lincoln Road, Te Atatu interchange, Swanson, for Bennett and variously along State Highway 1 for Sabin. (Would be interesting to know what the Penguin would make of it.)
…thanks Freedom. The general question is “how are the Nats getting away with this?” considering the outcry by the Penguin and others when the review of the Electoral Reform Act came up. I understood that there are restrictions to electioneering in election years. I am wondering how many other Nat. politicians appear to be doing it. I have identified three.
I understood that there are restrictions to electioneering in election years.
Not any more. National put it back to the original 6 weeks before the election. You’ll also note that those advertisements are for actual public meetings of the MPs which can be considered part of their job which is why they have the parliamentary seal on them. We get to pay for Nationals advertising.
Thanks DTB. You have to ask why they use reflective paint for the billboards though. The details of the meetings a lost in the dark. And, furthermore, why in hell aren’t the other political parties doing it?
BG. We all enjoy a degree of anonymity on this site. I understand uploading a picture can carry of a lot of extra information with it. (… this is a distraction from the original question).
There’s long been billboards with Bennett’s face on it in the Waitakere electorate – eg along the Great North Road leading to Henderson. Maybe just standard practice for her. Likes to mar the experience of travelling around west Auckland
There is usually one on Universal Drive also. There has been a few different versions over the last year or two. I have stopped looking though, doesn’t do any good for my mood.
It’s still Mayday where I am – In the early summer sun, there are parades, protests, speeches in the civic square and picnics in the park and at the Social Democrats HQ.
Amazing how the corporate media spins this story as a positive tale.
The foreign takeover of a NZ company is a good news story.
I guess the media believes this because they themselves are owned by foreign interests.
30 years of neoliberalism has brought us to this…celebrating our serfdom.
From wiki.
“Fairfax Media Limited is one of Australia’s largest diversified media companies. The group’s operations include newspapers, magazines, radio and digital media operating in Australia and New Zealand. Fairfax Media was founded by the Fairfax family as John Fairfax and Sons, later to become John Fairfax Holdings. The Fairfax family lost control of the company in December 1990. It was renamed from John Fairfax Holdings to Fairfax Media in 2007.”
Your comments should be directed at the owners of the business, and not have a belief that all NZ private business have to stay in NZ ownership. You could start your own business, make it successful and when Microsoft comes knocking turn them down.
Before Williamson fades from the headlines, what about asking Tolley a few pointed questions.
Such as – why did senior officers scurry around at Williamson’s behest, and not simply give him the brush-off? An ongoing criminal investigation…easy as….’sorry Minister, that’s just not on’.
According to Winston Peters on Morning Report just now, Anne Tolley knew about the Williamson police interference on the 4th April – so when did John (Dunno)Key actually know about it?
brilliant piece by a kiwi comedienne i have never seen before on tv1 breakfast show. did a wicked imitation of judith collins talking about mw resignation. i dont know how grant robertson kept a straight face. i know i didnt. comedy gold.
Maybe it’s about time to cast a closer spotlight on other National Party donors.
What is their price for supporting the National and ACT Party?
Looks like a group of individuals prepared to feather their nests at the expense of the independence of New Zealand and our economic sovereignty.
Collins ….. Oravida
Banks…..Sky City
Williamson …Donghua Liu
Paul I don’t believe these are isolated incidents, nor that the wider party is not involved.
Simon Lusk alleges that National MPs “trade on” their time in Parliament “to build a lucrative business career”, and he should know: he’s trained enough of them for the role.
It seems that for some, they can’t wait to leave Parliament to get on with it. Although someone should tell John Key that he is unlikely to earn as much as a model – even for Oravida – as he can designing exciting new financial instruments to hoover up money.
But what they do as individuals pales by comparison to the behaviour of the wider party, which more or less sells audiences and indulgences and by the looks of it, justice too.
The Prime Minister’s diary includes a meeting with SkyCity’s Chief Executive on 14 May 2009, which was one of a series of meetings that day with Auckland business leaders. SkyCity confirmed that this meeting took place. Neither participant can recall the discussion, and think that it was probably just an opportunity for them to meet rather than for any particular purpose…
Yet SkyCity knew, from its earlier meetings with other Ministers, that the Government did not want to fund the construction of a convention centre at all and would look at alternative ways of making a centre viable, including regulatory reform to provide a potential provider with an enhanced revenue stream.
Although the Prime Minister met with other business leaders and potential providers in the months before the EOI process, we have seen no evidence that this kind of discussion took place with any other potential submitter.
I thought ministers, especially the PM, were followed around by note takers to take down their every utterance so that such meetings were properly recorded.
xox
good to see Suzie and Guyon holding Labour to account for the Bill Luis episode, on Natz Radio this morning. Oh, it was supposed to be about Maurice.
Yes Espiner is particularly biased. Pity Russell Norman was on very early. His analysis was excellent and very penetrating re wealth and increasing political interference by the National Party This was rapidly shut down by Espiner.
Sod’em, Bomber has done a great service with the Daily Blog which far outweighs the machinations of the various stoner factions. The ‘Public Address’ type luvvies sneer at him too, and sure Bomber often uses a double headed viking axe where other writers might use a stiletto, but that is why some of us like his style.
At one point, I started writing him little messages asking how his day was when he started censoring my comments that were even agreeing with the author of the post (but disagreed with him).
i think the censoring-regime @ the daily blog has lessened somewhat…
..i have posted some reasonably harsh/critical pieces/comments there..
..and i see others getting thru that wouldn’t have previously..
..i don’t know if this has been a deliberate move..
..or has happened by a process of osmosis..
..but it is a definite improvement..and now they are there..i am puzzled they still don’t allow instant-comment-posting..as this would drive up their comment-traffic..
..i do see value in their comment-grading by readers system tho’..
..i find it adds nuance to any evaluations of moods around issues..
..and also provides more engagement/involvement by the reader..(and there is a degree of satisfaction to be had from up-ticking something you like..and down-ticking something you don’t..
..and this is particularly satisfying when the likes of neo-lib fanboy stuart nash post some drivel..get hammered in comments-thread..
..and then be silly enough to try to defend his spin/whatever in that comments thread..and then to get down-ticked right out the door..heh..!
..and each one of those down-tickers can feel a part of that clear message back at/to nash..he’d have to have the awareness of a rock not to take it as a major put-down/reality-check..
..there is empowerment/democracy to be had for the reader from that..i reckon..
..and that is a good thing to have going on..)
(and a rating system would seem to be particularly suited to things of humour..like reader-captioning-posts..?)
I’ve tried to like Bomber, and used to, but I’m no longer even sure his heart’s in the right place.
Dude attacks allies all the time, for self serving reasons; doesn’t disclose connections he has which directly relate to things he writes about; desperatly wants to be a left wing whaleoil.
Lolz, Espiner on RadioNZ National nailing the Conservatives Colon Craig to a cross of Craig’s own making, having Mr loony tunes admit that He happily breaks the law when beating ‘His’ children,
Here’s a self confessed criminal offender happily boasting about His crimes to anyone listening, where’s a cop when you need one,(perhaps a flood of complaints to the plods might see them take some action against this self confessed law breaker)…
?thats what we need, journalists taking to task people not yet in parliament while giving many there, representing us, a free ride and making up the excuses for them.
xox
Yes, Guyon set CC up. And Colin walked straight into it, AND didn’t even blink. Says a lot about CC’s chin. I have noticed that Guy on likes to set traps for the politicians. Sneaky and unprofessional. Low and counterproductive.
and his voice gives him away when he is prowling and about to pounce
his speech flattens in its emotive tone and noticeably speeds up in sentence delivery
All that just says we need more intelligent politicians, while not defending anything any of the press does or doesn’t do,(some of Espiner’s stuff i like and some i loath), it is up to those who except His invitation to be interviewed to deal with how Espiner frames such interviews….
There have been many high quality posts on TDB by writers other than Bomber. Never been ‘censored’ by BB myself, and I have disagreed with him, and really if people go to the effort of keeping a blog running like Lprent does at The Standard they get to make the rules.
“The freedom of the press belongs to them that owns the presses” as the pre digital old truism went. Easy enough to start your own blogs.
The analysis was lacking in many places, putting the debt problem at the feet of just the boomers ignores the fact that a large segment of the population use credit as a means to compensate for low wages. Consumption fuelled by debt isn’t solely a ‘rich boomer buying boats’ problem, that everyday, often vital consumption like groceries and bills are being covered by debt is far more of a problem.
It also fails to understand the structure of our inflation problems while doing a Pete George by claiming that the whole 9% is coming out of employee wages and that this would happen immediately which is completely disingenuous when we know it will be a gradual introduction.
It’s also not a stand alone policy in looking to correct structural problems with our economy.
Yep Disraeli, Susan St John gets to the heart of the matter, it is the workers in the bottom of the economy, those who earn $40,000 a year or lower who will be punished by this Labour policy,
While readers are over at the Daily Blog having a read of the linked to article check out Chris Trotter’s article on the same subject for a contrasting view,
To me, Chris only sees this as a positive, i assume, choosing to simply ignore the glaringly obvious negative effects on the lives of the working poor,
Any criticism seems to be glossed over with a bit of spin, ” would you rather give your money to the foreign owned trading banks or save it for your retirement”,
That is a totally false argument, you only have to look at which demographics actually are the most indebted in our economy to understand this,
The ”poor”, working or otherwise, in the main do not carry large debt loadings nor live their lives off of credit cards, the ”poor”, working or otherwise are restricted in their access to such debt by dint of their low earnings,(simply borrowing a couple of hundred bucks once will usually destroy the economy of poor families for months),
It isn’t the domain of the ”poor” working or otherwise to be mortgaged, signed up to hire purchase agreements of expensive goods, living off of credit cards, operating business or farming debt,
In fact, most of ”the poor”, working or otherwise, have no such debts that interest rates effect in any way, so it is not ”the poor” that will benefit from ‘being used’ as tools to keep interest rates low for those above them in the monetary pecking order…
As well as have their pension payments tested against both assets and income Karol, at this point there doesn’t seem to be such proposals in the air for the pension here in New Zealand,
Once compulsion has been with us for a year or three tho i will expect ”novel” imperatives to be brought forward claiming ”there is no alternative” to such measures lest super become unaffordable etc etc etc…
“The NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden should testify to the New Zealand intelligence committee on the influence the US spy agency has over its local partner, says Green Party co-leader Russel Norman.”
Now wouldn’t that be interesting and informative. Can you imagine Mr Key agreeing to that? Me neither. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11247904
Seamus Milne has written some excellent pieces on the Ukraine.
This is the story we aren’t hearing about the conflict. It is worrying to say the least.
As I’ve written here and on the Daily Blog, I do not like Labour’s new Kiwisaver policy. However, I feel that there’s a very real and good policy just lurking under the surface.
I’d like to see the variable saving rate implemented but keep Kiwisaver voluntary. Therefore, over half the country who are already in Kiwisaver, experience the change. However, if you don’t feel secure enough in your financial situation, you don’t have to join Kiwisaver.
For people with mortgages, it’s a big win. It also encourages people to join Kiwisaver since they can increase their savings rather than paying higher interest rates. And for people without mortgages struggling, it’s a win because you don’t have to join.
If Parker was to come out on that policy then that single handily undermines National’s fake concern about the poor, the Left’s genuine concern about the poor and makes the policy so much stronger.
Would such an approach work? I don’t think that undermines Labour’s goal of using Kiwisaver as a monetary tool. It still helps to keep inflation down by lowering income on the section of society that has disposable income ready to spend. I don’t think the poor who are struggling each month or lower-middle income families who are just getting by are contributing to inflation much.
Things are getting strange when we agree with each other Disraeli, it is those with the most debt in the economy that are most adversely effected by rising interest rates and my opinion is that it is they that should suffer the negative effects of attempts to keep those interest rates low,
You have to though fully believe that David Parker has announced this policy with all honesty, politically it is a far better look to say that everyone(except the self employed strangely excluded), will have to pay into a kiwi-saver account which will then be used to help control interest rates than have it linked to raising the age of pension entitlement,
Paul the Plumber, Bob the Builder, and, Fred the Farmer must all love the idea that the Parliaments cleaners will be paying outta their thin pockets to pay to keep interests rates low…
I see colin craig leering all over the telly last night about how he is going to contest Morris Williamsons seat but no mention of his suit against Russel Norman. Wassamatter colin? Did god tell you you weren’t going to win?
Williamson gone for being stupid (and getting caught) is a good thing but yeah as for looking for a silver lining National don’t have to worry about fitting in McCully, Bennet and Craig into 2 electorates
so hopefully John Key can convince Williamson to not stand at the next election
A number of others will have been given the message it’s time to move on, or face being shunted out on the party list. Those that have a ‘sticking around’ card to play will, that’s politic’s. Their are some in the similar position as Williamson, popular and or in safe seats. This is the pity, they remain because it’s hard to win over enough internal support to challenge them successfully with the votes to remove them.
This thought-provoking article by Dr Vadana Shiva indicates why it is absolutely imperative that NZ does not sign the TPPA.
“At a time when the world needs to recognise that life forms, including seeds, are not an invention and the US should correct its laws to be more in alignment with the Rights of the Earth and with human rights, the US government is threatening India with trade retaliation to force us to change our patent laws yet again and introduce the unethical, unscientific and anti-human laws of patent monopolies on seed and medicine.” https://www.commondreams.org/view/2014/04/30-9
When Vadana speaks the whole world should listen: she is one of the greatest minds on the planet today. Her advocacy for the environment, the poor and women has marked her as a great champion for the oppressed and a great opponent of what is unjust. What she says here is spot on.
Justice Minister Judith Collins’ office initially asked for a foreign affairs briefing before a controversial dinner in China with Oravida representatives and an unnamed border official.
…
An October 15 email from her office noted:
“On Sunday, October 20, the minister will be having a dinner that will include (redacted name). He has agreed to meet with the minister arranged by Mr Stone Shi, Oravida. The minister would like ambassador Carl Worker and his wife to attend this dinner. A briefing from Mfat will be required.”
“On Sunday, October 20, the minister will be having a dinner that will include (redacted name).
The ambassador was invited to an official meeting so it was not private after all. Maybe the ambassador could see the risks and so backed out. Collins V Williamson?
First the ‘cup of tea on the way to the airport’. Next, the supposedly ‘private’ dinner.
Of course the real purpose of the trip was to deliver the preachy-teachy lesson to the Chinese on ‘Corruption’. As Minister of Justice, of course…maybe the NZ taxpayer could study this little gem and see how it’s done?
OIA reply from Minister of Justice Judith Collins dated 2 May 2014:
re: name of the mysterious Chinese border official and agency for whom he worked, at the Beijing ‘private dinner’ stacked with key Oravida personnel.
Judith Collins reply:
“The dinner was a private dinner and not in my capacity as Minister of Justice.
Therefore I am declining your request under section 2(1) of the Act as it does not meet the definition of Official Information.”
I’m still waiting for a reply to THIS further OIA request:
22 April 2014
Minister for Justice
Judith Collins
‘Open Letter’ /OIA request to NZ Minister for Justice Judith Collins – what was the involvement of the NZ Ambassador to China (Carl Worker) in your ‘private’ Oravida dinner?
Dear Minister,
Please provide the following information which confirms;
1) Who invited Carl Worker, the NZ Ambassador to China, to this Oravida ‘private’ dinner?
2) Why the NZ Ambassador to China, Carl Worker, declined to attend this Oravida ‘private’ dinner.
3) Who paid for the ‘dinner’ that you ate?
4) Why was your ‘senior advisor’ Margaret Malcolm present at this Oravida ‘private’ dinner, and in what capacity?
5) In what capacity did you, Minister of Justice Judith Collins speak “.. to the ambassador about the dinner the following day and told him “nothing had occurred that was untoward and it was just a very private friendly dinner that was short”.
ie: As a private citizen, or as the Minister for Justice?
6) Did you, Judith Collins speak to Carl Worker in his capacity as NZ Ambassador to China, regarding this Oravida ‘private’ dinner?
7) Is it your normal ‘custom and practice’ to take notes at ‘private’ dinner meetings with ‘friends’?
8) How do you draw a ‘line in the sand’ between your rights to privacy as a citizen, and the public’s right to transparency in your public role as Minister for Justice?
“Justice Minister Judith Collins has recovered her memory after telling Parliament she could not recall whether she had briefed New Zealand’s ambassador to Beijing about her Oravida dinner.
…..
In Parliament’s last session before a two-week recess, she again refused to identify the official she dined with, said she did not know of Oravida’s difficulties in the Chinese market before the dinner, and said she could not remember whether she had briefed ambassador to Beijing Carl Worker about the dinner.
She told the Weekend Herald she didn’t believe she had spoken about the dinner to Mr Worker beyond an initial discussion beforehand when he said he would not attend.
But on Thursday evening, she said she had checked her notes and believed she had spoken to the ambassador about the dinner the following day and told him “nothing had occurred that was untoward and it was just a very private friendly dinner that was short”.
She said Mr Worker had asked her on the day of the dinner to just let him know if there was anything that he needed to know about.
…….”
Yours sincerely,
Penny Bright
………………….
…………………
‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’
Attendee: 2009 Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
Attendee: 2010 Transparency International Anti-Corruption Conference
Attendee: 2013 Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate, polling 4th with 11,723 votes campaigning against corrupt corporate control of the Auckland region
She suggests that my illness and the amount of stress on me has distorted my perception of reality. I am utterly gobsmacked. A while ago I wrote about hysteria, and how it is a label given to women to belittle their experience, strip them of their rights, and silence them. This is exactly what is happening here. Yes, Paula, I am stressed. No, I am not incapable. My illness does not effect my brain, and my perception is entirely coherent.
I can’t bring myself to read that. Bennett is the worst of the worst. Completely and utterly heartless, ideologically driven to the point of being pathological, and an outright bully.
Heart-breaking yet also encouraging to see that Sarah Wilson will not be bullied. Thanks for the link.
From what I’ve seen of the evidence concerning the mental functioning of a neo-liberal like Paula Bennet, it is her and her ilk who are struggling with reality. That Paula Bennett’s first choice of action in dealing with Ms Wilson is to respond with ad homs rather than address the very valid points raised provides further evidence of the Minister of Social Development’s impaired cognitive functioning. Displaying such a vile strategy in her modelling of public dialogue also indicates a level of defensiveness bordering on the endemic psychological denial and utter lack of empathy one usually finds in the narcissistic-type personality disordered sociopath. Of course, within the John Key-led National Ltd™ Goverment such a condition would be considered an attitbute during the implentation phase of draconian legislation. Just as well for Natonal Ltd™ that John Key is super capable of emanating the full-beam charm of a true psychopath so as to detract from the sociopathic actions of his minion ministers.
I was wondering today if the NACTs have become so enthused with the idea of China being The Next Big Thing that everybody who has asperashunal ideas has gone out and got themselves a pet Chinese person or Chinese project. Williamson just didn’t massage his magic lantern the right way.
With the possibility of three ministers resigning within days of each other, I’m guessing John Key will try to convince us his government, and him personally, have any credibility left at all… In the style of a drunken cabaret singer getting over a bad hangover, mumbling the about the show having to go on.
John Key said that he called Williamson into his office and questioned him about his take on calling the police. Then accepted his resignation. OK? Shows what a good leader he is. Right?
John Key refused to call John Banks in to explain.
John Key refused to call in Peter Dunne to explain.
And I don’t think he did so to Judith Collins and left it to his secretary.
Anyone see the hypocrisy here?
. . . CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC are the most widely watched cable news networks in the U.S. Their coverage of climate change is an influential source of information for the public and policy makers alike.
To gauge how accurately these networks inform their audiences about climate change, UCS analyzed the networks’ climate science coverage in 2013 and found that each network treated climate science very differently.
Fox News was the least accurate; 72 percent of its 2013 climate science-related segments contained misleading statements. CNN was in the middle, with about a third of segments featuring misleading statements. MSNBC was the most accurate, with only eight percent of segments containing misleading statements . . .
. . . from what I can see, the New Zealand media is not quite so bad. The problem here, as I see it, is that there’s just so little news about it at all. One recent example is the visit to New Zealand by Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel J. Locklear. It was a kinda weird it was the most dastardly tory rag in the country reporting Locklear’s statement that climate change is the biggest security threat to the Pacific region. Needless to say, the comment was buried in the body of the article so as not to detract from embarassingly clumsy fawning of the obseqious scribe. Oddly enough, the NBR it was the only place I saw it reported other than at the ever reliable Scoop. Anyone else see it anywhere?
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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: ...
“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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
“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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 - ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next.Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again?First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
Labour in opposition will be shocked to learn which party had six years in power but squandered any chance to make real change. Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech was a predictably entertaining trip down memory lane. The acid-tongued incoming Otago University chancellor administered a sick burn to the coalition government. He ...
After more than two sleepless days, running through savage terrain, Greig Hamilton didn’t know if he was going to finish one of the most gruelling psychological assaults in sport. He was metres away from the finish line, a yellow gate made famous in a Netflix documentary; a race he’d dreamed ...
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The following interview with former Green Party MP Sue Kedgley came about because she features in the new memoir Hine Toa by activist Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku; the two knew each other at the University of Auckland in the early 70s, when they were both took on leadership roles in the ...
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is seen some as its ‘silicon shield’ against invasion – but how will overseas expansion affect that protection? The post The state of Taiwan’s silicon shield appeared first on Newsroom. ...
There’s relief for building owners bending under the weight of earthquake strengthening rules – and costs – that came into force seven years ago. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced a scheduled 2027 review of the earthquake-prone building regulations will now start this year. Owners will also get ...
Opinion: It has been announced that nine percent of roles at Oranga Tamariki will be disestablished, presumably to help fund the tax cuts promised by the coalition Government. I am reminded of the graphics used to illustrate pandemic events, where five thousand people are standing in a field and then ...
COMMENTARY:By Murray Horton New Zealand needs to get tough with Israel. It’s not as if we haven’t done so before. When NZ authorities busted a Mossad operation in Auckland 20 years ago, the government didn’t say: “Oh well, Israel has the right to defend itself.” No, it arrested, prosecuted, ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Three weeks from now, some of us will be presented with a mountain of budget papers, and just about all of us will get to hear about them on radio, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Lowry, Ice Sheet & Climate Modeller, GNS Science Hugh Chittock/Antarctica New Zealand, CC BY-SA As the climate warms and Antarctica’s glaciers and ice sheets melt, the resulting rise in sea level has the potential to displace hundreds of millions of ...
The government's plan to reintroduce a three strikes regime is being strongly opposed by lawyers, who argue there is no evidence it reduces crime or helps people rehabilitate. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Jerker B. Svantesson, Professor specialising in Internet law, Bond University Do Australian courts have the right to decide what foreign citizens, located overseas, view online on a foreign-owned platform? Anyone inclined to answer “yes” to this question should perhaps also ask ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giovanni E Ferreira, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney Last week in a post on X, owner of the platform Elon Musk recommended people look into disc replacement if they’re experiencing severe neck or back pain. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey caught the headlines yesterday, courtesy of a blistering speech condemning the latest GST carve-up. New South Wales, he claimed, would be A$11.9 billion worse off over the ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
By Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at Kokoda Station, Northern province, at the start of his state visit to Papua New Guinea. Both Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape will meet with the locals and the Northern Provincial government before they begin their ...
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By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Security forces reinforcements were sent from France ahead of two rival marches in the capital Nouméa today, at the same time and only two streets away one from the other. One march, called by Union Calédonienne party (a component of the ...
A poll last August found that just 16% of New Zealanders oppose bringing back the ‘Three Strikes’ law. The nationwide poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was commissioned by Family First NZ and carried out by Curia Market Research. ...
The solo show from Ana Scotney is both sprawling and intimate, and a must-see, writes Mad Chapman. In the opening moments of Scattergun: After the Death of Rūaumoko, writer and performer Ana Scotney lays out the groundwork, literally. Silently moving around the square stage, Scotney is not so much dancing ...
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COMMENTARY:By Malcolm Evans Last week’s leaked New York Times staff directive, as to what words can and cannot be used to describe the carnage Israel is raining on Palestinians, is proof positive, since those reports are published verbatim here in New Zealand, that our understanding of the conflict is ...
In the case of New Zealand, the results confirm that there is no popular support for the vicious austerity program being imposed by the National Party-led government, which is backed in all fundamental respects by the opposition Labour Party. ...
The ‘Vampire’ singer has never visited our part of the world, but that might all be about to change. We assess the evidence.Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour is pulling in massive crowds as it whips around the US and Europe, even helping to catapult regular supporting act Chappell Roan ...
Testing of drinking water in rural Canterbury over the weekend by Greenpeace revealed that several public town supplies were reaching levels of nitrate above 5 mg/L - the threshold which a growing body of scientific evidence has linked to increased ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rohan Fisher, Information Technology for Development Researcher, Charles Darwin University It may come as a surprise to hear 2023 was Australia’s biggest bushfire season in more than a decade. Fires burned across an area eight times as big as the 2019–20 Black ...
Responding to the Government’s announcement of changes to resource management laws, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said: “These changes are a step in the right direction in terms of removing ideological and unworkable ...
More than two years after the Human Rights Council called for the establishment of a national human rights commission, such a body has yet to be formed. ...
Comment:An emergency management system with wide variations in performance, significant capability gaps, funding shortfalls and above all a setup that is not meeting the needs of New Zealanders at times of crisis. The Government’s inquiry into the response to Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events in the North ...
Welcome to the whirring wonders of one brain trying to align its actions with its beliefs within a system it thinks is evil. My brain has been spiralling in a woke conundrum ever since I found out a bookshop I’ve never been to was shutting down. Good Books, a bookshop ...
We repeat our call for criminal justice policy to be based on evidence, something the three strikes regime neglects to recognise – with no evidence that it either reduces crime or assists with rehabilitation. ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor in Honiara With only four more seats in the 50-member Parliament yet to be officially declared, there is no outright winner in the Solomon Islands elections. As of Monday, the two largest blocs in the winner’s circle, independents and the incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh ...
Two/fiftyseven is a multi-purpose space hidden in the heart of Wellington that is paving a way for sustainable building and responsible landlording in Aotearoa and beyond.By 2060 the world is predicted to double its entire building stock, which equates to building an entire New York City every 34 days, ...
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In the 16 years since it was bought by the government for $690 million, KiwiRail has had several overhauls and turnaround plans worth billions of dollars. Its ambitions as a successful, profitable operator of tourism, freight and ferries have often been derailed by disasters from earthquakes to cyclones, mine explosions ...
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Opinion: We’ve kicked the tyres on the perception NZ’s economy is in a parlous state compared to Australia. We take a quick tour of relative trends in GDP, housing markets, labour markets, trade, the fiscal situation, and the outlooks for inflation and interest rates. We find the cyclical positions of ...
See Issac Davison’s article from teh Herald this morning. The Herald has gone from just regurgitating press releases to cut and pasting from Wikipedia (the last 9 paragraphs are lifted directly without attribution)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11247889
Yup, the Herald is a dreadful rag and clearly biased in favour of the National Party’s re-election. Their continued publicity of the ACT Party and its policies suggests the Herald’s owners only hope for a more right wing set of policies.
The left wing wing should therefore be wary of this Williamson story, especially as the Herald broke it.
First up it distracts from the Collins story.
Secondly, it frees up a safe Auckland seat, which can be used by the ACT Party, to promote Jamie Whyte’s Libertarian viewpoints and get extra seats into power. The Herald is already pushing for Williamson to resign as a MP. This will provide a back up to Epsom just in case the folk of Remuera get sick of being taken for fools again.
Thirdly, it allows the media to play the line of Key being decisive, which clears him from the mess of the Collins fiasco.
The opposition must not let this story get ahead of the Collins Oravida affair as the latter drags down the PM and shows even more the corrupt nature of this government.
On Stuff, Vernon Small spinning for the corporate media and trying some damage control for his masters. Just wait to to see the tr*lls on this site copying one or more of these slavish lines.
Look at this just as one miserable example of the content of his woeful article.
“His pre-sacking resignation was handled cleanly and swiftly by Prime Minister John Key and it was hard not to hark back for comparison to the dog’s breakfast Labour made of Shane Jones’ recent departure.”
Vernon Small..another disgraceful excuse for journalism.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9999687/Maurice-Williamson-fallout-will-colour-perceptions
Small doesn’t mention the apparent ignorance of Williamson about the line he clearly crossed, that doesn’t look good for Williamson.
But Small does address the bigger issue, the growing ‘perception’ that National’s relationships with Chinese business people are crossing a line. Unless more damaging details emerge Williamson’s fall will probably fade quickly but the spotlight on National’s ‘rich mate’ relationships will keep the pressure on them, and so it should.
You copy and paste so well. fact checker.
you mean photocopy Paul.
PG clearly has a photocopier in the office… ha ha ha (tip to P Ure) http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-01052014/#comment-807530
will keep me in giggles all day long methinks ….
The interesting issue heading into the election will be can John Key and his backroom boys force Williamson out of contesting his electorate seat for National? He has flatly refused to go on RNZ this morning.
This will cause the dilemma of Key-National bleeding votes. But what Key is up against is if Williamson can hold enough support within his electorate committee, and give the middle finger to the PM, and still get away with it. He must fancy his chances of going it alone, probably figuring he can replace Dunne as a cabernet minister, if National squeak back in.
Make no mistake Williamson has a history as a renegade MP, and with the comfort of knowing he is a very popular electorate MP, with a very healthy 13,000 majority at the last election, he can afford to give the solo option a real good crack.
It all feeds in to the Opposition parties’ narrative that the Government helps its “rich mates”.
I noticed this line on the News.
This sentence turns what is occurring in NZ with our government into a ‘narrative’ suggesting ‘perceptions’ viewing blatant corruption are ‘simply an election strategy’.
What about the possibility that Opposition parties’ ‘line’ is not a ‘narrative’, that they are stating things as they are?
he is such a hack..
..and.. shane who..?
..is that shane-whose-phone-never-rings..?
..and what if the big pay-off/deal from his national party mates doesn’t come thru..?
..they don’t need him now/any more..so why should they..?
..he is of no more use to them now..
..now that his ‘mole’-role has been broken/surfaced..
..i am coming to the conclusion he has been so well and truly ‘played’ by mccully/the tories..
..that jones..
..and that no phones calls will be the least of his upcoming angsts..
..’regrets’..he’ll have a few..
If you thought that was limp – try this exercise in … ( I was going for a colourful metaphor, but it’s not worth wasting my dignity on …)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/9998284/Williamson-resignation-Nicely-done-Mr-PM
Of course Ms Vance has pointedly failed to traverse the tricky little question of exactly how long “Mr Well Done PM” has known about Williamson’s errors of judgement.
The do work quite meticulously to shield Key, I wonder if it is a sycophantic toady thing where journalists like Vance actually believe what they write, or whether it is a more cynical manipulation of public opinion, maybe a little of A a little of B.
They don’t believe it.
They write it to further their own careers as the only way up in organisations like Fairfax is to write unquestioning paeons to the dear leader.
I disagree – I think these guys DO believe what they write. I also think they think they are far more talented and smart than they actually are. The press gallery is so out of touch (the likes of Armstrong have been there far, far to long) and they have been so comprehensively bullied by Ede and Key that they have all developed a journalistic case of Stockholm syndrome. Their intoxication at their proximity to power combined with their arrogance and ego could never allow them to admit they are Ede’s pets – They are opinion shapers! They are the press gallery! They are players! – so instead they accept a warped interpretation of their warped reality of their relationship with the ninth floor, and regurgitate opinion that whenever it is exposed to critical examination in the real world (i.e. the Labour leadership contest) is shown as reflecting the received wisdom of about 50 people.
lol! Well said Sanctuary +1
“Try this exercise in….”
sycophancy
propaganda
It’s not even subtle, the bias.
Me thinks Ms Vance got a bit of a talking to after she accidentally did some real journalism re Mr Hair Do and the “Affair of the Prematurely Leaked Report” last year – and she’s still in ‘make-up sex’ mode.
wajoh’s comment summed it up perfectly:
Other comments with high positive votes.
Looks lime a lot of people are getting sick of media bias.
Time for Labour, the Greens and Mana to go on the offensive about media bias. People can see it.
PeteryBab
“Wow….just wow. I think I just threw up a little bit.
What can I say but that it appears the cronyism goes further than just government ministers and millionaires….”
Bronagh
“Extraordinary! A story about National Party corruption and you praise Key and criticise Cunliffe. Your bias is astounding.
I think Williamson resigned rather than Key sacking him…………Also the most important question is when did Key first find out about this? And why did it take the outing of Williamson by the Herald for anything to happen.”
Robby
“Williamson will serve his penance until this unpleasant episode has faded from public memory. ”
You know what, Andrea, it only disappears because you and your mates ignore it.
As for the Jones departure – that was only messy because you and your mates went nuts over it. Compare that to this episode “well done Mr Key”. I am REALLY tired of you and your Tory media mates.”
And the only reason why Jones’ resignation was messy was because a) the MSM beat it up and b) Jones himself being a dick. Obviously, the MSM are trying to bury the fact that a National minister got caught being corrupt.
Paul, I think that you might be making some leaps of faith about Vernon Small. He writes within limits set by his editors no doubt, his allegiances are probably a long way from your description. I recall him in Christchurch many years ago as a very devoted Labour Party person. What he is now, who knows, maybe it is a case of shooting the messenger because the story doesn’t suit the reader.
Paul/
Small’s comments are typical of Crosby -Textor managment .
This dangerous .influencial group manage a number of Right -Wing parties .They win elections by what ever means they can and this includes manipulating the news media . Money and influence something the Left does not have,
@ Paul. But as usual the comments say it all. This is a corrupt government.
They may have wished for that but I just heard Cunliffe tie the two together on the radio news.
Exactly it’s part of the same narrative that is actually going to gain traction because blood is in the water now, trying to separate the two now is laughable – it’s too late. Will also play into all the backroom deals that National likes so much such as Skycity and Warners.
Excellent news.
Labour and rest of opposition must maintain the link.
It stops any narrative of Key being decisive, shows up overall corruption and keeps Collins and her motley crew under pressure.
Her supporters don’t seem to have arrived on this site yet. Maybe receiving orders on their new spin line. Must be getting harder that one.
plagiarism’s a serious issue – have they changed the online version? It doesn’t seem to be a direct copy any more (although at least one paragraph was circulating on the interwebz in 2010).
Did you get screengrabs or a hard copy?
“..Meetings: even more of a soul-sucking waste of time than you thought..
..One company spent 300,000 hours a year on a single weekly meeting.
Shall we go round the room – and see how each of you feels about that?..”
(cont..)
http://www.theguardian.com/news/oliver-burkeman-s-blog/2014/may/01/meetings-soul-sucking-waste-time-you-thought
So, can someone please tell me why management get paid so much when they waste so much time?
Thinking about it, that article actually shows that we could get better governance by using Loomio and everyone talking than we can using representatives. Hierarchy really is a waste of time.
“..Hierarchy really is a waste of time..”
aye..that often is the case..
..also hierarchy too often get in the way of progress/change..
..often largely for reasons of preservation/enhancement of their personal status quo..
From what I could make out of political history that’s actually the reason we have representative democracy. To prevent the changes that the rich don’t like.
“From what I could make out of political history that’s actually the reason we have representative democracy. To prevent the changes that the rich don’t like.”
I think reason would be because organising millions of people to vote on every bill presented to parliament would be akin to herding cats.
Nope:
And there were other, similar, quotes from around the same time.
OK, that doesn’t change the fact that getting millions of people to vote for every bill would be a disastrous exercise.
And your quote doesn’t really seem all that relevant but if you want to play argument by quote:
“The effect of [a representative democracy is] to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of the nation….”
– James Madison
I understand that as well.
Which backs up exactly what I originally said. You don’t get the choice of the people but the choice of the representatives who’ve been bought by the rich.
Election advertising.
How many electorates around New Zealand have National Party Billboards strategically positioned?
West Auckland has had Hekia Parata and currently Paula Bennett smiling at us since the beginning of the year and the Northland electorate has Mike Sabin’s. They are disguised as announcements of public meetings. The important words are in reflective material that shine clearly in headlights – The MPs name and the party.
How do these fit with the advertising laws?
Can you photograph and/or provide links?
Sorry, don’t have that expertise, but Waikumete, Lincoln Road, Te Atatu interchange, Swanson, for Bennett and variously along State Highway 1 for Sabin. (Would be interesting to know what the Penguin would make of it.)
“Sorry, don’t have that expertise,”
there’s an easy fix for that ….
grab the nearest kid, they’ll do it blindfolded 🙂
(no offence intended)
Don’t count on that.
Kiwi kids are obviously smarter than UK kids 🙂
…thanks Freedom. The general question is “how are the Nats getting away with this?” considering the outcry by the Penguin and others when the review of the Electoral Reform Act came up. I understood that there are restrictions to electioneering in election years. I am wondering how many other Nat. politicians appear to be doing it. I have identified three.
Not any more. National put it back to the original 6 weeks before the election. You’ll also note that those advertisements are for actual public meetings of the MPs which can be considered part of their job which is why they have the parliamentary seal on them. We get to pay for Nationals advertising.
Thanks DTB. You have to ask why they use reflective paint for the billboards though. The details of the meetings a lost in the dark. And, furthermore, why in hell aren’t the other political parties doing it?
They don’t have the same sort of parliamentary budget that the government has.
ha ha ha freedom. Very good. I always feel so small when my son sorts out my computer.
But then perhaps it gives him and his generation high self-esteem which is no bad thing.
BG. We all enjoy a degree of anonymity on this site. I understand uploading a picture can carry of a lot of extra information with it. (… this is a distraction from the original question).
Yeah I first saw the Sabin State Highway 1 billboards as early as July last year.
paula bennetts are when you come off the north western at te atatu. its advertising a community meeting that happened months ago.
There’s long been billboards with Bennett’s face on it in the Waitakere electorate – eg along the Great North Road leading to Henderson. Maybe just standard practice for her. Likes to mar the experience of travelling around west Auckland
i thought theyd used the wrong picture on that one karol. i genuinely idnt think it was bennett.
There is usually one on Universal Drive also. There has been a few different versions over the last year or two. I have stopped looking though, doesn’t do any good for my mood.
shes updated it. now it refers to the meeting in lare april.
Just as an aside …
Auckland Transport is going to limit roadside billboards. The Herald picks up the story and then proceeds to support it with a photo taken north of Whangarei …
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11248295
It’s still Mayday where I am – In the early summer sun, there are parades, protests, speeches in the civic square and picnics in the park and at the Social Democrats HQ.
In honour of the 51 workers who lost their lives on the job in NZ, the many injured or who lost their jobs last year a Worker’s Song
And another tech firm lost
Amazing how the corporate media spins this story as a positive tale.
The foreign takeover of a NZ company is a good news story.
I guess the media believes this because they themselves are owned by foreign interests.
30 years of neoliberalism has brought us to this…celebrating our serfdom.
From wiki.
“Fairfax Media Limited is one of Australia’s largest diversified media companies. The group’s operations include newspapers, magazines, radio and digital media operating in Australia and New Zealand. Fairfax Media was founded by the Fairfax family as John Fairfax and Sons, later to become John Fairfax Holdings. The Fairfax family lost control of the company in December 1990. It was renamed from John Fairfax Holdings to Fairfax Media in 2007.”
Yeah, it’s along the lines of ZOMG, this little tech start-up was sooooo good Microsoft bought it up 111!!!11
Rather than the truth that some more NZers just became serfs to foreign overlords.
Your comments should be directed at the owners of the business, and not have a belief that all NZ private business have to stay in NZ ownership. You could start your own business, make it successful and when Microsoft comes knocking turn them down.
No, foreign ownership should be banned as it turns NZers into serfs and prevents us from making our society better.
I think you miss the point of the issue. Completely.
Completely.
Before Williamson fades from the headlines, what about asking Tolley a few pointed questions.
Such as – why did senior officers scurry around at Williamson’s behest, and not simply give him the brush-off? An ongoing criminal investigation…easy as….’sorry Minister, that’s just not on’.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11247894
Maybe ‘attempting to pervert the course of justice’ is stretching it somewhat, but Tolley could enlighten us as to why it isn’t.
According to Winston Peters on Morning Report just now, Anne Tolley knew about the Williamson police interference on the 4th April – so when did John (Dunno)Key actually know about it?
brilliant piece by a kiwi comedienne i have never seen before on tv1 breakfast show. did a wicked imitation of judith collins talking about mw resignation. i dont know how grant robertson kept a straight face. i know i didnt. comedy gold.
aye..!..that was a very funny impersonation..
..and was it a drag queen that was doing it..?
..there certainly was that vibe,.
..the helmet-hair was a bit overdone..tho’…eh..?
..a bit more ‘judith’..than even ‘judith’ usually is..eh..?
..but all in all..
..not a bad performance/impersonation..
..(and has anyone told judith that a (recently combat trained) bennett is creeping up behind her..?
..knife/garotte in hand…
..bennett senses the old tusker is mortally wounded..
..and is waiting..eyes-gleaming..
..waiting for the right moment to strike..
..the ambition runs deeper in that one than most realise..)
it was when she started talking about being former minister of police and knowing exactly where the lines were…
Is it online anywhere? If so link please.
http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news
Maybe it’s about time to cast a closer spotlight on other National Party donors.
What is their price for supporting the National and ACT Party?
Looks like a group of individuals prepared to feather their nests at the expense of the independence of New Zealand and our economic sovereignty.
Collins ….. Oravida
Banks…..Sky City
Williamson …Donghua Liu
The list might be a lot longer.
i bet oriveda isnt one of the many companies that failed to meet the new standards for china.
dont forget oil and gas to mr jones…
You are spinning so much you may fall over, Tracey.
And don’t forget Len Brown and Sky City – if we’re being consistent on CORRUPT ‘conflicts of interest’?
Penny Bright
How much did SkyCity donate to the Len Brown election campaign?
Paul I don’t believe these are isolated incidents, nor that the wider party is not involved.
Simon Lusk alleges that National MPs “trade on” their time in Parliament “to build a lucrative business career”, and he should know: he’s trained enough of them for the role.
It seems that for some, they can’t wait to leave Parliament to get on with it. Although someone should tell John Key that he is unlikely to earn as much as a model – even for Oravida – as he can designing exciting new financial instruments to hoover up money.
But what they do as individuals pales by comparison to the behaviour of the wider party, which more or less sells audiences and indulgences and by the looks of it, justice too.
Like the Hobbit Law and the Sky City Law?
Lots of meeting at which no notes were taken…
From the AG’s report into the Sky City deal:
Very interesting.
I thought ministers, especially the PM, were followed around by note takers to take down their every utterance so that such meetings were properly recorded.
Nah, the PM’s a decisive cut-through deal maker mate. Here, eat these prawns while I get a few pics.
xox
good to see Suzie and Guyon holding Labour to account for the Bill Luis episode, on Natz Radio this morning. Oh, it was supposed to be about Maurice.
Yes Espiner is particularly biased. Pity Russell Norman was on very early. His analysis was excellent and very penetrating re wealth and increasing political interference by the National Party This was rapidly shut down by Espiner.
So is someone out to smear Bomber Bradbury – and by extension the Mana and Internet parties?
Sounds like some people are just unhappy that the daily blog isn’t a soapbox for ALCP.
Sod’em, Bomber has done a great service with the Daily Blog which far outweighs the machinations of the various stoner factions. The ‘Public Address’ type luvvies sneer at him too, and sure Bomber often uses a double headed viking axe where other writers might use a stiletto, but that is why some of us like his style.
and if Bomber reduced the inexplicable comment censorsing, it would be even better.
At one point, I started writing him little messages asking how his day was when he started censoring my comments that were even agreeing with the author of the post (but disagreed with him).
i think the censoring-regime @ the daily blog has lessened somewhat…
..i have posted some reasonably harsh/critical pieces/comments there..
..and i see others getting thru that wouldn’t have previously..
..i don’t know if this has been a deliberate move..
..or has happened by a process of osmosis..
..but it is a definite improvement..and now they are there..i am puzzled they still don’t allow instant-comment-posting..as this would drive up their comment-traffic..
..i do see value in their comment-grading by readers system tho’..
..i find it adds nuance to any evaluations of moods around issues..
..and also provides more engagement/involvement by the reader..(and there is a degree of satisfaction to be had from up-ticking something you like..and down-ticking something you don’t..
..and this is particularly satisfying when the likes of neo-lib fanboy stuart nash post some drivel..get hammered in comments-thread..
..and then be silly enough to try to defend his spin/whatever in that comments thread..and then to get down-ticked right out the door..heh..!
..and each one of those down-tickers can feel a part of that clear message back at/to nash..he’d have to have the awareness of a rock not to take it as a major put-down/reality-check..
..there is empowerment/democracy to be had for the reader from that..i reckon..
..and that is a good thing to have going on..)
(and a rating system would seem to be particularly suited to things of humour..like reader-captioning-posts..?)
Nah.
I’ve tried to like Bomber, and used to, but I’m no longer even sure his heart’s in the right place.
Dude attacks allies all the time, for self serving reasons; doesn’t disclose connections he has which directly relate to things he writes about; desperatly wants to be a left wing whaleoil.
Lolz, Espiner on RadioNZ National nailing the Conservatives Colon Craig to a cross of Craig’s own making, having Mr loony tunes admit that He happily breaks the law when beating ‘His’ children,
Here’s a self confessed criminal offender happily boasting about His crimes to anyone listening, where’s a cop when you need one,(perhaps a flood of complaints to the plods might see them take some action against this self confessed law breaker)…
?thats what we need, journalists taking to task people not yet in parliament while giving many there, representing us, a free ride and making up the excuses for them.
? you would rather Colon Craig be in the Parliament then???…
does it have to be one or the other… didnt realise that.
xox
Yes, Guyon set CC up. And Colin walked straight into it, AND didn’t even blink. Says a lot about CC’s chin. I have noticed that Guy on likes to set traps for the politicians. Sneaky and unprofessional. Low and counterproductive.
Yep Guyon is a sneaky little shit thats for sure. Running obstacle courses rather than interviews.
A self promoter.
and his voice gives him away when he is prowling and about to pounce
his speech flattens in its emotive tone and noticeably speeds up in sentence delivery
in poker it is called a tell
he needs to work on that
All that just says we need more intelligent politicians, while not defending anything any of the press does or doesn’t do,(some of Espiner’s stuff i like and some i loath), it is up to those who except His invitation to be interviewed to deal with how Espiner frames such interviews….
i rather enjoyed his interview with Colin Craig
While Bomber’s reassuring himself that he’s important, there was a genuinely great post on Labour’s new Kiwisaver policy on The Daily Blog:
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/05/02/let-them-eat-cake/
Really good analysis of why the policy is simply not good for a lot of people.
Going to have to think about it but, yeah, that is an excellent take down of Labour’s policy.
There have been many high quality posts on TDB by writers other than Bomber. Never been ‘censored’ by BB myself, and I have disagreed with him, and really if people go to the effort of keeping a blog running like Lprent does at The Standard they get to make the rules.
“The freedom of the press belongs to them that owns the presses” as the pre digital old truism went. Easy enough to start your own blogs.
The analysis was lacking in many places, putting the debt problem at the feet of just the boomers ignores the fact that a large segment of the population use credit as a means to compensate for low wages. Consumption fuelled by debt isn’t solely a ‘rich boomer buying boats’ problem, that everyday, often vital consumption like groceries and bills are being covered by debt is far more of a problem.
It also fails to understand the structure of our inflation problems while doing a Pete George by claiming that the whole 9% is coming out of employee wages and that this would happen immediately which is completely disingenuous when we know it will be a gradual introduction.
It’s also not a stand alone policy in looking to correct structural problems with our economy.
Yep Disraeli, Susan St John gets to the heart of the matter, it is the workers in the bottom of the economy, those who earn $40,000 a year or lower who will be punished by this Labour policy,
While readers are over at the Daily Blog having a read of the linked to article check out Chris Trotter’s article on the same subject for a contrasting view,
To me, Chris only sees this as a positive, i assume, choosing to simply ignore the glaringly obvious negative effects on the lives of the working poor,
Any criticism seems to be glossed over with a bit of spin, ” would you rather give your money to the foreign owned trading banks or save it for your retirement”,
That is a totally false argument, you only have to look at which demographics actually are the most indebted in our economy to understand this,
The ”poor”, working or otherwise, in the main do not carry large debt loadings nor live their lives off of credit cards, the ”poor”, working or otherwise are restricted in their access to such debt by dint of their low earnings,(simply borrowing a couple of hundred bucks once will usually destroy the economy of poor families for months),
It isn’t the domain of the ”poor” working or otherwise to be mortgaged, signed up to hire purchase agreements of expensive goods, living off of credit cards, operating business or farming debt,
In fact, most of ”the poor”, working or otherwise, have no such debts that interest rates effect in any way, so it is not ”the poor” that will benefit from ‘being used’ as tools to keep interest rates low for those above them in the monetary pecking order…
Meanwhile, in Aussie, those born after 1965 will have to work til they are 70 before they are able to get a pension.
As well as have their pension payments tested against both assets and income Karol, at this point there doesn’t seem to be such proposals in the air for the pension here in New Zealand,
Once compulsion has been with us for a year or three tho i will expect ”novel” imperatives to be brought forward claiming ”there is no alternative” to such measures lest super become unaffordable etc etc etc…
Here is another point of view
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/10000740/Bank-warning-for-Labour-KiwiSaver-plans
there is a general rule of thumb there..naki..
..if the banksters don’t like it..
..we should smile..
..(and i bet they’ll be screaming doom/gloom! when the financial transaction tax is introduced..too..)
Glad to know you’re on the banksters side, srylands.
“The NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden should testify to the New Zealand intelligence committee on the influence the US spy agency has over its local partner, says Green Party co-leader Russel Norman.”
Now wouldn’t that be interesting and informative. Can you imagine Mr Key agreeing to that? Me neither.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11247904
Yes. Saw that – Iwas torn between doing a post on that, and the one I ended up doing (just published) on NAct and the corrosive impact of big money.
German Government Blocks Ed Snowden From Testifying Before Parliament So As Not To Upset The US
.
.
.
I don’t even think a /facepalm works on that.
Seamus Milne has written some excellent pieces on the Ukraine.
This is the story we aren’t hearing about the conflict. It is worrying to say the least.
“It’s not Russia that’s pushed Ukraine to the brink of war
The attempt to lever Kiev into the western camp by ousting an elected leader made conflict certain. It could be a threat to us all.”
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/30/russia-ukraine-war-kiev-conflict
The US is a threat to us all. Has been for some time.
+1
As I’ve written here and on the Daily Blog, I do not like Labour’s new Kiwisaver policy. However, I feel that there’s a very real and good policy just lurking under the surface.
I’d like to see the variable saving rate implemented but keep Kiwisaver voluntary. Therefore, over half the country who are already in Kiwisaver, experience the change. However, if you don’t feel secure enough in your financial situation, you don’t have to join Kiwisaver.
For people with mortgages, it’s a big win. It also encourages people to join Kiwisaver since they can increase their savings rather than paying higher interest rates. And for people without mortgages struggling, it’s a win because you don’t have to join.
If Parker was to come out on that policy then that single handily undermines National’s fake concern about the poor, the Left’s genuine concern about the poor and makes the policy so much stronger.
Would such an approach work? I don’t think that undermines Labour’s goal of using Kiwisaver as a monetary tool. It still helps to keep inflation down by lowering income on the section of society that has disposable income ready to spend. I don’t think the poor who are struggling each month or lower-middle income families who are just getting by are contributing to inflation much.
Which is funny because I’d like to see it made compulsory but let the individual decide how much to pay in
Things are getting strange when we agree with each other Disraeli, it is those with the most debt in the economy that are most adversely effected by rising interest rates and my opinion is that it is they that should suffer the negative effects of attempts to keep those interest rates low,
You have to though fully believe that David Parker has announced this policy with all honesty, politically it is a far better look to say that everyone(except the self employed strangely excluded), will have to pay into a kiwi-saver account which will then be used to help control interest rates than have it linked to raising the age of pension entitlement,
Paul the Plumber, Bob the Builder, and, Fred the Farmer must all love the idea that the Parliaments cleaners will be paying outta their thin pockets to pay to keep interests rates low…
I see colin craig leering all over the telly last night about how he is going to contest Morris Williamsons seat but no mention of his suit against Russel Norman. Wassamatter colin? Did god tell you you weren’t going to win?
Williamson gone for being stupid (and getting caught) is a good thing but yeah as for looking for a silver lining National don’t have to worry about fitting in McCully, Bennet and Craig into 2 electorates
so hopefully John Key can convince Williamson to not stand at the next election
Rajen Prasad will not seek reelection for Labour.
Well theres a major blow for Labour (yes tongue is firmly in cheek)
A number of others will have been given the message it’s time to move on, or face being shunted out on the party list. Those that have a ‘sticking around’ card to play will, that’s politic’s. Their are some in the similar position as Williamson, popular and or in safe seats. This is the pity, they remain because it’s hard to win over enough internal support to challenge them successfully with the votes to remove them.
Chriss.
I expect the Herald headline ” Labour in disaray , Labour finished ! blahl blah.
Renewal is a good thing, maybe some others in Labour could be persuaded
This thought-provoking article by Dr Vadana Shiva indicates why it is absolutely imperative that NZ does not sign the TPPA.
“At a time when the world needs to recognise that life forms, including seeds, are not an invention and the US should correct its laws to be more in alignment with the Rights of the Earth and with human rights, the US government is threatening India with trade retaliation to force us to change our patent laws yet again and introduce the unethical, unscientific and anti-human laws of patent monopolies on seed and medicine.”
https://www.commondreams.org/view/2014/04/30-9
When Vadana speaks the whole world should listen: she is one of the greatest minds on the planet today. Her advocacy for the environment, the poor and women has marked her as a great champion for the oppressed and a great opponent of what is unjust. What she says here is spot on.
Interesting:
From Stuff
Friendly dinner indeed!
“On Sunday, October 20, the minister will be having a dinner that will include (redacted name).
The ambassador was invited to an official meeting so it was not private after all. Maybe the ambassador could see the risks and so backed out. Collins V Williamson?
or such short notice had another engagement which probably was seen as manna from heaven by collins to talk “more freely”.
so… another lie… caught out…
its second nature it seems.
Time to go, Judith. A tangle of denial and evasion, slowly unravelling.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10002149/Mfat-briefing-requested-before-Oravida-dinner
First the ‘cup of tea on the way to the airport’. Next, the supposedly ‘private’ dinner.
Of course the real purpose of the trip was to deliver the preachy-teachy lesson to the Chinese on ‘Corruption’. As Minister of Justice, of course…maybe the NZ taxpayer could study this little gem and see how it’s done?
Really, you couldn’t make this stuff up.
”My office naturally asks for briefings for everything but it was a private dinner so it wasn’t needed.”
Hoping its something doesn’t mean it is something
Regurgitating Collins’ bullshit doesn’t make it nothing, either.
this is kinda interesting..
“..Cold War self-censorship prevented mainstream economists from diagnosing adequately the fundamental flaw in capitalism –
Thomas Piketty said in an interview with The Huffington Post..”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/01/thomas-piketty-cold-war_n_5247373.html
FYI
OIA reply from Minister of Justice Judith Collins dated 2 May 2014:
re: name of the mysterious Chinese border official and agency for whom he worked, at the Beijing ‘private dinner’ stacked with key Oravida personnel.
Judith Collins reply:
“The dinner was a private dinner and not in my capacity as Minister of Justice.
Therefore I am declining your request under section 2(1) of the Act as it does not meet the definition of Official Information.”
I’m still waiting for a reply to THIS further OIA request:
22 April 2014
Minister for Justice
Judith Collins
‘Open Letter’ /OIA request to NZ Minister for Justice Judith Collins – what was the involvement of the NZ Ambassador to China (Carl Worker) in your ‘private’ Oravida dinner?
Dear Minister,
Please provide the following information which confirms;
1) Who invited Carl Worker, the NZ Ambassador to China, to this Oravida ‘private’ dinner?
2) Why the NZ Ambassador to China, Carl Worker, declined to attend this Oravida ‘private’ dinner.
3) Who paid for the ‘dinner’ that you ate?
4) Why was your ‘senior advisor’ Margaret Malcolm present at this Oravida ‘private’ dinner, and in what capacity?
5) In what capacity did you, Minister of Justice Judith Collins speak “.. to the ambassador about the dinner the following day and told him “nothing had occurred that was untoward and it was just a very private friendly dinner that was short”.
ie: As a private citizen, or as the Minister for Justice?
6) Did you, Judith Collins speak to Carl Worker in his capacity as NZ Ambassador to China, regarding this Oravida ‘private’ dinner?
7) Is it your normal ‘custom and practice’ to take notes at ‘private’ dinner meetings with ‘friends’?
8) How do you draw a ‘line in the sand’ between your rights to privacy as a citizen, and the public’s right to transparency in your public role as Minister for Justice?
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11240640
“Justice Minister Judith Collins has recovered her memory after telling Parliament she could not recall whether she had briefed New Zealand’s ambassador to Beijing about her Oravida dinner.
…..
In Parliament’s last session before a two-week recess, she again refused to identify the official she dined with, said she did not know of Oravida’s difficulties in the Chinese market before the dinner, and said she could not remember whether she had briefed ambassador to Beijing Carl Worker about the dinner.
She told the Weekend Herald she didn’t believe she had spoken about the dinner to Mr Worker beyond an initial discussion beforehand when he said he would not attend.
But on Thursday evening, she said she had checked her notes and believed she had spoken to the ambassador about the dinner the following day and told him “nothing had occurred that was untoward and it was just a very private friendly dinner that was short”.
She said Mr Worker had asked her on the day of the dinner to just let him know if there was anything that he needed to know about.
…….”
Yours sincerely,
Penny Bright
………………….
…………………
‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’
Attendee: 2009 Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
Attendee: 2010 Transparency International Anti-Corruption Conference
Attendee: 2013 Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate, polling 4th with 11,723 votes campaigning against corrupt corporate control of the Auckland region
http://www.pennybrightformayor.org.nz
The ongoing saga of WINZ and Bennett against everyone on a benefit:
interesting article, and blog actually
I can’t bring myself to read that. Bennett is the worst of the worst. Completely and utterly heartless, ideologically driven to the point of being pathological, and an outright bully.
‘
Heart-breaking yet also encouraging to see that Sarah Wilson will not be bullied. Thanks for the link.
From what I’ve seen of the evidence concerning the mental functioning of a neo-liberal like Paula Bennet, it is her and her ilk who are struggling with reality. That Paula Bennett’s first choice of action in dealing with Ms Wilson is to respond with ad homs rather than address the very valid points raised provides further evidence of the Minister of Social Development’s impaired cognitive functioning. Displaying such a vile strategy in her modelling of public dialogue also indicates a level of defensiveness bordering on the endemic psychological denial and utter lack of empathy one usually finds in the narcissistic-type personality disordered sociopath. Of course, within the John Key-led National Ltd™ Goverment such a condition would be considered an attitbute during the implentation phase of draconian legislation. Just as well for Natonal Ltd™ that John Key is super capable of emanating the full-beam charm of a true psychopath so as to detract from the sociopathic actions of his minion ministers.
I was wondering today if the NACTs have become so enthused with the idea of China being The Next Big Thing that everybody who has asperashunal ideas has gone out and got themselves a pet Chinese person or Chinese project. Williamson just didn’t massage his magic lantern the right way.
With the possibility of three ministers resigning within days of each other, I’m guessing John Key will try to convince us his government, and him personally, have any credibility left at all… In the style of a drunken cabaret singer getting over a bad hangover, mumbling the about the show having to go on.
Getting a whiff of early election in the air.
Not to worry, that’s just National renewing itself 😉
The force field rippled slightly and then we all saw it.
Teflon, when it goes, it goes, just like that. 🙂
We should be concerned.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/01/vladimir-putin-ukraine-troops-withdrawal-angela-merkel
…. and on BBC and al jazeera very very worrying ….. poor old ukranians.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27250026
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/05/ukraine-forces-begin-assault-slovyansk-20145235428643470.html
Trotter’s take on how our political elite are selling away our sovereignty.
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/05/02/a-world-of-strange-design-what-williamsons-phone-call-tells-us-about-new-zealands-political-class/
John Key said that he called Williamson into his office and questioned him about his take on calling the police. Then accepted his resignation. OK? Shows what a good leader he is. Right?
John Key refused to call John Banks in to explain.
John Key refused to call in Peter Dunne to explain.
And I don’t think he did so to Judith Collins and left it to his secretary.
Anyone see the hypocrisy here?
The Andrew Wakefield fraud.
http://briandeer.com/mmr/lancet-summary.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXtANMp3wok
‘
Interesting study carried out concerning news coverage of climate change in the United States . . .
. . . from what I can see, the New Zealand media is not quite so bad. The problem here, as I see it, is that there’s just so little news about it at all. One recent example is the visit to New Zealand by Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel J. Locklear. It was a kinda weird it was the most dastardly tory rag in the country reporting Locklear’s statement that climate change is the biggest security threat to the Pacific region. Needless to say, the comment was buried in the body of the article so as not to detract from embarassingly clumsy fawning of the obseqious scribe. Oddly enough, the NBR it was the only place I saw it reported other than at the ever reliable Scoop. Anyone else see it anywhere?
A quick one for Rogue if he’s browsing through.
I have something for you, give us a shout. 🙂