Open mike 10/08/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 10th, 2022 - 129 comments
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129 comments on “Open mike 10/08/2022 ”

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  1. Adrian 1
    10 August 2022 at 6:52 am

    The Thug is obviously out, but why do we have to pay for the new election, surely Uffindell, who must be able to afford it, or the National party should pay for it.

    • Ed1 1.1
      10 August 2022 at 7:47 am

      Uffindell had used some strange words about whether there was anything else he should have disclosed – something like "there is nothing else the public needs to know" – we now know of another incident. A future question may be if they choose another of the ''three clones'' that were photographed in National Party uniform before the selection – is does this candidate believe in the ""Me First"" ethos of the party that has seen so many fall by the wayside. At least ''equal opportunity'' made a pretence of caring for others.

  2. Jimmy 2
    10 August 2022 at 7:34 am

    The Uffindell enquiry:

  3. Adrian Thornton 3
    10 August 2022 at 7:40 am

    UK unions leading the way….when (New) Labour and The Guardians man Keir Starmer show their real colours….

    • Tiger Mountain 3.1
      10 August 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Oh that the “we’re just another Wellington lobby group”, “we welcome the Labour Caucus announcement today…” NZ Council of Trade Unions could run such a campaign.

      NZ workers, paid and unpaid–(e.g. partners, carers, community volunteers), precariat, full time, interns, students, and others desperately need a fighting class left central organising focus. The dissolving of the Federation of Labour for the formation of the CTU in 1987 remains a significant class error of the late 20th century imo.

      The CTU has always hid behind tripartism (workers/Govt/bosses holding hands)–spare us–the employers want nothing less than the destruction of organised labour! And being “affiliate driven”–so they do not call for or organise direct action because many affiliates are not calling for action–and lets face it why would some right wing state sector leaders call for action? Some executives are timid bunches, but with leadership workers will act as First, Unite and Etū Unions in particular have shown for years. The Teachers put up staunch campaigns on Charter Schools and National Standards too.

      Mick Lynch is leading from the front in the UK, and so should any NZ Union Secretary/President worthy of the title “leader” along with site delegates and members.
      Corporations, the one pecent, and their 9 percent of enablers, are running rampant profit harvests around the world and the only group that even slow them, let alone stop them is the ninety percent rest of us–the international working class.

      • Adrian Thornton 3.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 12:45 pm

        @Tiger Mountain…Roger that +1

      • Ad 3.1.2
        10 August 2022 at 1:56 pm

        +100

        Great to see our Health and Fire Emergency unions doing their job here

        • Tiger Mountain 3.1.2.1
          10 August 2022 at 2:27 pm

          Yes, and I should add the Maritime/Transport unions and a group of the transport businesses battling for 30 years to restore NZ operated coastal shipping, and yes the Firefighters. I admit to being a little churlish about health care workers as they seem bent on avoiding unity at all costs by siloing. Midwives and non registered nurses and carers can get the cold shoulder from NZNO.

          But nonetheless I have stood on picket lines in the last several years with local nurses and even junior doctors when they took action. It was perhaps more the NZNO tops that seemed reluctant to take on the Govt. when National was in office.

  4. Adrian 4
    10 August 2022 at 8:17 am

    On Morning Report this morning Corin Dann ran through the Thugs and Rogues gallery of discarded Nat MPs to a very uncomfortable Luxon, pretty much all of whom were recruited or elevated during the Key years. Ironic really seeing as how Luxon himself is the John Key anointed one.

  5. Jimmy 5
    10 August 2022 at 8:44 am

    I will not be standing for National as when I was 13 years old at school, I put a drawing pin on the bloke's chair that sat in front of me. It was very funny at the time, but that bloke has probably been traumatised for the last few decades.

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 5.1
      10 August 2022 at 9:00 am

      Once again, with wilful blindness, you've missed the point again!

      This is not really about what a teenager did 22 years ago, serious as that was, but about the Natz selection/vetting processes NOW!

      Those processes have failed once again – another in a long line of dodgy selections!

    • Incognito 5.2
      10 August 2022 at 10:22 am

      You are not bad good enough for the National Party, but you’re good enough for us here on TS cheeky

    • weka 5.3
      10 August 2022 at 10:25 am

      Weird comment. Are you comparing your jest with being beaten in the middle of the night by a gang of older teenage boys with wooden weapons?

      • Mac1 5.3.1
        10 August 2022 at 11:26 am

        It's the same device, it seems to me, that Uffindell used- minimisation

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimisation_(psychology)

        There is in particular a statement in this Wikipedia article that is applies to Jimmy's comment.

        "School bullying is one form of victimisation or physical abuse which has sometimes been unofficially encouraged, ritualised or even minimised as a sort of prank by teachers or peers. The main difference between pranks and bullying is establishment of power inequity between the bully and the victim that lasts beyond the duration of the act."

        • gsays 5.3.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 9:38 pm

          Yep, along with the minimisation, his 'apology' was focussed on himself. How bad he has felt, how long he has felt that way… A total lack of self awareness.

          His hinting at other events was a giveaway too.

          Luxon's comment about the selection process depending on the candidate's honesty goes to the crux of the issue.

    • AB 5.4
      10 August 2022 at 11:09 am

      I will not be standing for National

      You could Jimmy. Be a bit more ambitious and get ahead. I respect you for front footing taking ownership and moving on from the drawing pin. I think you are a bloke who will deliver (and not only from the grammatical tyranny of transitive verbs). You have a big brain, it would be super-exciting to see you operate at scale. Contribute to solutions, be the solution through powering up your super-fast learning curve towards a focused vision. Best regards, Chris

      • woodart 5.4.1
        10 August 2022 at 2:58 pm

        "I will not be standing for national". the nats bar is obviously fairly low, so it will be a case of either slithering under, or crawling over it. no standing (or standards) required.

    • Jimmy 5.5
      10 August 2022 at 11:42 am

      In my defence, if I remember rightly, the bloke had during PE, thrown mud in my face for no reason, so I guess I was exacting a bit of justified revenge in my mind.

  6. Peter 6
    10 August 2022 at 8:56 am

    The ruckus in the US about the search of Trump's home has reached the sort of absurd levels you'd expect.

    Trump and Republican supporters have dived into totally batshit crazy waters.

    The search, the intrusion, apparently is the most serious in American history, a sign that democracy is under terrible threat.

    Yes, there it is, for the Trumpers this is worse than the Jan 6 attack.

    A legitimate legal process, verified and sanctioned by authorised agents is worse than a mob attacking the Capitol to stop the implemention of constitutional procedures?

    Ah, but one of those was supported and encouraged by the (then) President of the United States, while the latter one seemingly was without the interference of the current President.

  7. Chris 7
    10 August 2022 at 9:29 am

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/129512320/longawaited-acc-overhaul-plan-to-be-presented-to-mps

    This government has been told a million times that the current ACC system is broken because only half of the recommendations of the Woodhouse Report were followed. Its response, when Lees-Galloway was the minister, was that there's 'no problem'.

    It's great Warren Forster's written this report, but don't hold your breath if you're expecting change.

    • Rosemary McDonald 7.1
      10 August 2022 at 10:31 am

      ….but don't hold your breath if you're expecting change.

      Peter and I gave up long ago. We always have a little chuckle when the latest advocate gets the attention of the media….speaking with informed and determined tones about how its time to reform the system.

      Forster’s report states: “We can become world leaders again in the field of care and support for all of our people, or we perpetuate the fragmented, incomplete and broken system that history has shown does not work.”

      An earlier article in this series, by journalist Olivia Shivas, has a pretty good go at comparing supports for those under the Ministry of Health with those with the same condition but supported by ACC.

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/128196662/big-gap-in-support-funding-between-disabled-people-on-ministry-of-health-and-acc

      This is an excellent piece of work and explores in depth the difference in supports between two women living with the same condition…cerebral palsy. One is under ACC…the other MOH. It holds no surprises for me, but others who are not familiar with the issues should take the opportunity to become better informed.

      “There are also inequities between the level of support provided via ACC to people who become disabled as a result of injury, and the level of support provided through other parts of the system to other disabled people.”

      Rehabilitation is provided to ACC claimants on an “entitlement basis”, whereas Ministry of Health-funded services for disabled people are “rationed”.

      “And it shouldn't be the case that, you know, one group of people receive a greater level of support than another just because of the cause of the impairment.

      Emphasized by the Disability Rights Commissioner …

      “It’s inequitable and unfair that two people in what sounds like a very similar situation … are receiving very different levels of care, despite both needing a similar level of care. It’s not acceptable.”

      (My partner Peter sustained a high spinal injury in 1970. C4/5. He is under MOH. Life for him, and myself as his full time (unpaid because of our fucking filth unvaccinated status) carer would be very, very different if MOH actually accepted that hands on advanced personal care is for him a must-have not an extravagance. )

      A direct comparison between a C4/5 tetraplegic on ACC and Peter in terms of overall supports showed an approximate 6 fold difference in $$$ spent.

      • Chris 7.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 1:37 pm

        ACC is a law unto themselves. Not only do they spend millions defending stupid decisions to decline cover and entitlements, but they have this miraculous ability to assure government, despite compelling evidence to the contrary, that things are sweet and dandy, and that anyone who doesn't agree are rabble-rousing extremists.

        • Christopher Randal 7.1.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 2:36 pm

          "but they have this miraculous ability to assure government, despite compelling evidence to the contrary, that things are sweet and dandy, and that anyone who doesn't agree are rabble-rousing extremists."

          Perhaps that's where Little learnt it from

    • adam 7.2
      10 August 2022 at 1:48 pm

      Read this to see how sick ACC really is. Begs the question why our media have virtually had nothing to say about this report – nor have any heads rolled.

      https://www.acc.co.nz/assets/corporate-documents/independent-review-access-to-and-use-of-client-information.pdf\

  8. Jenny how to get there 8
    10 August 2022 at 10:19 am

    Here's a thought.

    Extend the electric vehicle rebate to E-bikes

    Forget Tesla, e-bikes should be at the heart of the electric vehicle revolution

    …..Long gone are those days when cycling businesses, used to focusing on the enthusiast market, sniffed at e-bikes as ‘cheating’. E-bikes cost more than regular bikes, attract better margins and have attracted a new sort of customer. They are driving much of the growth and investment which the cycling industry has enjoyed in the past five years….

    Framing e-bikes as enhanced bicycles is a mistake

    …..In the context of transport and climate change policy, they should instead be treated as central to the electrification of transport. E-bikes are already delivering the electric revolution, so they should be seen on a par with other electric vehicles (EVs)

    …..researchers and others have identified, even with best case assumptions, electric cars and vans will struggle to replace the current fossil fuel fleet in time to meet the country’s decarbonisation targets.

    E-bikes are the ideal vehicle for most trips taken
    E-bikes are low cost in EV terms. Their technology is mature, reliable and efficient. They require no additional charging or fuelling infrastructure. They are the ideal vehicle for most UK trips, as 70 per cent were under five miles in 2020. Our research also shows that up to one in three van deliveries could be replaced by electric cargo bikes.

    https://greenallianceblog.org.uk/2022/08/04/forget-tesla-e-bikes-should-be-at-the-heart-of-the-electric-vehicle-revolution/?

    • Jenny how to get there 8.1
      10 August 2022 at 11:32 am

      One of my friends who lives in the country says that narrow, windy, loose metal, rural roads are not suitable for e-bikes.

      I mentioned to her that there are off-road mountain e-bikes.
      She pointed out to me that mountain e-bikes are extremely expensive.
      To make off road e-bikes more affordable to farmers and country folk is another reason why, in my opinion the government should extend the rebate for electric vehicle purchases to e-bikes.

      There are even e-bikes for children. The morning school run rush would be lot less congested if children could ride e-bikes to school rather than their parents having to drop them off in their car. You only have to experience the big difference between rush hour congestion during the school term and school holidays to realise this.

      Why can't parents, commuters and rural folk use the electric vehicle rebate for e-bikes?

      I seems like a no brainer to me. Costing a lost less than the rebate for electric cars, making electric vehicles available to a greater number of people, many who couldn't afford an electric car even with the rebate.

      • Jenny how to get there 8.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 11:52 am

        What if the govt. did get behind this trend, with a rebate.

        "What will the world look like in five, ten, twenty years…"

        “more and more rebates”

        • Jenny how to get there 8.1.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 12:49 pm

          Something for Lynne Prentice, who has complained in the past about the problem he has about lifting his eBike.
          It seems that this is a issue for others as well.

          The following youtube video covers this weighty topic. (and offers some solutions).

          • Stuart Munro 8.1.1.1.1
            12 August 2022 at 7:44 pm

            One of the nice things about ebikes is that they suit the kind of light manufacturing NZ can do rather well.

            The kind of subsidies that support canceled vandalism of pre-Lotr Tolkien lore could provide a lot of transport – and a bit of industry too – improved resilience is only a funding decision away.

            • Jenny how to get there 8.1.1.1.1.1
              16 August 2022 at 2:51 am

              ‘

              “One of the nice things about ebikes is that they suit the kind of light manufacturing NZ can do rather well….”Stuart Munro

              We could build ebikes here, I 'spose. Afterall New Zealand did build the Trekker.

              But our agricultural exporters would never allow the sort of import controls that made the Trekker possible, in case we attracted import controls on our agricultural exports.

              Morrison Industries

              In 1963 Morrison Industries began producing bikes almost completely from New Zealand-made parts. The new Glenbrook steel mill provided the raw material, and the government helped the local bike manufacturer by reducing bicycle import quotas by 90%. In the 1970s, 90% of all bikes sold in New Zealand were locally made.

              Healing Industries started manufacturing bicycles in 1967 and had early successes with the Loline,…

              End of local manufacturing

              ….after the lifting of import restrictions in the late 1980s, allowed in cheaper bikes from Asia, both companies were bought by Masport Group which ceased manufacturing bicycles.

              Bicycle manufacturing – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand

              What Te Ara Encyclopeidia don't tell you, is why the Masport Group which ceased manufacturing bicycles.
              Despite the Lange/Douglas neoliberal economic reforms, and the dropping of almost all import controls., Morrison made bicycles were still a popular brand and were competing well with imported models,

              I was working at the Masport factory in Mt Wellington when Masport bought out Morrison. It was explained to staff that the purpose of the buyout was to close down Morrison to get rid of a competitor in the crowded motor mower market.

              It was common knowledge that the Morrison bicycle production was still viable, and no threat to Masport which mostly made motor mowers and other things like cast steel covers and grills, (street ware) in their Mt. Wellington foundry, and not bicycles. The view amongst staff was that the Masport management's decision to close down the bicycle production line as well as motor mower production was unnecessary and was an unpopular decision.

              I can remember when a huge machine press taken from the Morrison assembly plant was brought by ship to Auckland and trucked to the Mt Wellington Masport factory. This machine was so huge that it was a major operation to get it from the Port to Mt Wellington requiring the closing of roads and the raising and disconnection of power lines along the route.

              There were rumblings amongst the staff that the management should have brought the bicycle manufacturing machinery to Auckland as well.

              Could New Zealand restart bicycle and in particular eBike manufacture?

              With all the important models now on the market, It would be a risky decision and require major investment, from someone. (probably the government). If eBikes were being made in this country to supply the local market the cost per unit would be high compared to imported models. Cost per unit could be brought down by it becoming an export product, but I doubt NZ made bikes and eBikes could compete with all the sleek models already available in New Zealand, let alone the international market. Not without government subsidies anyway.

              Rather than subsidise eBike manufacture, the simplest and easiest way to promote the uptake of eBikes would be to extend the electric vehicle rebate to eBikes.

              • Stuart Munro …
                16 August 2022 at 10:50 am

                Bicycles remain within the technological capacity of even third world countries – and, given the way larger manufacturers tend to outsource specific componentry these days, differences in labour costs cannot credibly be an insuperable barrier to local production.

                Moreover, the all up cost of established brands is high enough to suggest a considerable excess margin exists. I can buy a reliable small Japanese car for less than a new ebike.

                I had a Morrison Monarch back in the day – they were popular, robust, and not exorbitant.

    • bwaghorn 8.2
      10 August 2022 at 12:01 pm

      While I'd love you to subsidize an e bike for me , I can gaurentee you it won't lower my emmisions , as I'd like to do more cycling on tracks in the weekend but can't be bothered on a non e bike , infact I reckon it might even increase my emmisions due to driving to a safe cycle track , as only a fucking fool would ride on most highways or rural roads to get there.

      • Jenny how to get there 8.2.1
        10 August 2022 at 1:22 pm

        bwaghorn

        10 August 2022 at 12:01 pm

        While I'd love you to subsidize an e bike for me , I can gaurentee you it won't lower my emmisions , as I'd like to do more cycling on tracks in the weekend but can't be bothered on a non e bike…..

        Well that is at least one vote for the electric vehicle rebate for eBikes

        Whatever your reasons, Waghorn, Thank you. You’re a champ.

  10. LibertyBelle 10
    10 August 2022 at 12:00 pm

    .https://thestandard.org.nz/uffindells_new_allegation/#comment-1904683

    "when people vote for National they vote for ACT policies, not a centre-right package at all,"

    No more so than when people Labour they vote for Green Party policies not a centre left package at all.

    "their relationship has been a politically incestuous parasitically cannibalistic one and Seymour et al know it. "

    Of course. That's the nature of political parties occupying overlapping space. The Greens and Labour are no different.

    • bwaghorn 10.1
      10 August 2022 at 12:26 pm

      The glaring difference is that the act party would have long vanished if not for the national parties dodgy seat gifting deal , it's the biggest flaw in mmp and only a right-wing party could do this shit and still look the country in the eye.

        • bwaghorn 10.1.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 12:45 pm

          Hadn't been aware of that ,not impressed, but it hardly kept labour from disappearing from sight, and it would actually be more alike if act decided not to stand in tauranga in the upcoming by-election to make sure the nats next socal climber got tye seat.

        • lprent 10.1.1.2
          10 August 2022 at 2:52 pm

          I don't think that there is any equivalence between the two cases.

          I'd say that was a clear cut decision by the Greens to improve their chances of being on the government benches. Just to make that clear you should read the statement by Shaw.

          "Not standing in Ohariu increases the chances that we will be in a position to change the government in September – it's as simple as that."

          I also suspect that the reason for accepting it by both parties was to try to get Done with Dunne. He'd been a electoral irritant for both parties for a very long time.

          Plus the whole thing was quite clear cut, transparent, and didn't involve juvenile nudge-nudge-wink-wink tactics of the type that National has been doing to make sure that Act had a lifeline in Epsom.

          Try finding a clear-cut statement like Shaws' about National's tactics in Epsom. Instead we get cups of tea with National and Act leaders fiddling under the table. In the traditional right-wing hypocrisy fashion.

          It is like their tough on crime – which curiously seems t that they like to ignore all white collar crime and violence by private school thugs.

          • LibertyBelle 10.1.1.2.1
            10 August 2022 at 3:46 pm

            "I'd say that was a clear cut decision by the Greens to improve their chances of being on the government benches."

            Yep. which is well within the rules, but it's still (to quote bwaghorn's comment) a "dodgy seat gifting deal." Which just goes to show that it isn't "only a right-wing party could do this shit and still look the country in the eye."

            • lprent 10.1.1.2.1.1
              10 August 2022 at 6:08 pm

              So we're looking at the shifty saving of Act going on since ummm 2005. When all of a sudden the unspoken deal between National and Act made the flock of the Epsom National voters sheep got sold on the whisper marketing of saving a minority party by the nascent leader of Act (who was running National at the time)..

              And so on for the 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020 elections.

              Act has had so little actual support that they have only been able to get les than a thousand party votes over those elections from that electorate. But because of the whisper deal have massively won the electorate vote off National in a Act life support deal.

              National voters sheep in the electorate appear to be incapable of making up their own minds. They rely on inertia, a simple lack of thought, and a sheep-like stupidity mean they sty in a gormless flock doing the same thing for most of thh last two decades.

              Now you're comparing it with a Labour-Green 'deal' where the actual facts are

              1. In 2017, and 2020 the Green candidate actually stood for the election.
              2. In both of those elections they won in both elections comparable electorate and even party votes close to those of the 2014 election.

              Now I realise that National supporters are often a little slow when it comes to facts rather than idiotic myths (and Actoids are usually just outright as cracked as your Belle is).

              However you'd might be able to argue that there was a 'deal' if the facts supported you – rather than some idiotic myth that you seem to lean on without checking actual results.

              National and Act voters tend to be freedom talking (but not doing) sheep who flock because it is simpler than seeking the liberty and freedom of making up their own minds based on facts. They love stupidity and the myths that go with them

              Labour and Green voters will almost invariably make up their own mind. This is pretty much a constant in the last century of political behaviour in NZ.

              You're a pretty good example of the dumb-arse faction who are so concerned with freedom – that they consistently act like a farm animal.

              So really…

              Which just goes to show that it is “only a right-wing party could do this shit and still look the country in the eye.”

              Labour and Green voters simply aren’t that gullible. You need to be a right-wing voter to be that gullible for so long.

              • LibertyBelle …
                10 August 2022 at 6:47 pm

                "In 2017, and 2020 the Green candidate actually stood for the election."

                "Stood" yes. "Campaigned" no. They dropped both in party and electorate votes. The decision to stand a candidate was pretty much a late change of mind by the Greens because, so they claim, they had wanted to unseat Peter Dunne. Yep, the facts support me.

                • LibertyBelle …
                  10 August 2022 at 6:58 pm

                  Oh and looky here:

                  "The Labour-Greens marriage is looking rocky, with the Green Party announcing it's going to stand a candidate in Ōhāriu, after incumbent United Future leader Peter Dunne decided to retire from politics. It's a far cry from in February, when the Greens decided not to stand a candidate to give Labour's Greg O'Connor a better shot at beating Mr Dunne."

                  'Dirty deal' crumbling? Greens to stand candidate in Ōhāriu | Newshub

                • lprent …
                  10 August 2022 at 7:08 pm

                  They dropped both in party and electorate votes.

                  Compared to what? Can’t you read ?

                  In 2017 the Green candidate electorate vote went to 2522 from 2,764 in 2014. That was a drop of about 250 votes.
                  The Labour candidate vote rose to 16,033 from 12,859 in 2014. That was an increase of over 3000 votes.
                  Somehow I don’t think that the loss to the Greens was significant to Labour.

                  In 2020 the Green candidate electorate vote went to 2,221 – so down ~500 vote from 2014.
                  Meanwhile the Labour candidate increased to 22,937, So up by nearly 7000 votes since 2014.

                  The party votes aren’t relevant. But they went down in 2017 by about 1600, and in 2020 they were a few hundred above their 2014 level.

                  Ah – tell the truth. You just didn’t look. You had a brief fingering of your lower brain to coming up with the line of numeric bullshit… You really don’t have to be stupid to be a right wing nut job. But it certainly makes you fit into the flock.

                  • LibertyBelle …
                    10 August 2022 at 7:15 pm

                    Compared to your own link, which shows that in 2017 the Green electorate vote and party vote both dropped. Don't you read your own links?

                    And here’s the key:
                    ‘The Greens had initially decided not to stand a candidate to boost O’Connor’s chances of unseating Dunne. ”
                    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96080647/all-bets-off-in-ohariu-as-green-party-stand-11thhour-candidate-in-political-hotseat

                    That’s a deal, so stop pretending it isn’t.

                    • Incognito …
                      10 August 2022 at 8:50 pm

                      <slow clap>

                      You manage to divert a whole sub-thread to allegations about Labour and the Greens. Well done.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      10 August 2022 at 9:06 pm

                      "You manage to divert a whole sub-thread to allegations about Labour and the Green"

                      This thread (?) began with your comment, which I responded to. It's not diversion to agree with you and then point out your comments apply across the political spectrum.

                    • Incognito []
                      10 August 2022 at 9:29 pm

                      A false equivalence is misleading and diverting and you know it. All you have offered is a they-did-it-too and Whataboutery. Others have already wasted much oxygen on pointing out that you’re wrong and where you’re wrong on quite a few counts. I was prescient enough to direct this to OM, I can say in hindsight – must be my gut instinct.

                    • lprent …
                      11 August 2022 at 11:27 am

                      It looks like you seem to think that

                      ~250 votes makes a difference in a ~3000 vote increase. In electoral terms for an electorate that has about 50,000 people eligible to vote, and where over 40,000 did vote – that is a movement of about 0.625 percent.

                      I realise that it was close to the 696 (1.78%) total of party vote that David Seymour pulled in for Act in the 2017 election in Epsom. But outside the delusions of Act supporters, neither are electorally significant.

                      Where as that the excessive 16,505 electoral vote David Seymour in Epsom is clearly a result of a National deal. There appears to have been no significiant effect of any such ‘deal’ in Ohuria in 2017.

                      I guess you failed arithmetic in both primary and secondary school.

                      That there was a 'deal' where the basis in your link was that Green candidate wouldn't stand, was not fulfilled when they did stand. No does there appear to have been any significant actual action by the Greens to try to dimish their vote in favour of Labour. You can’t point to the any instance of that relying instead on the faulty supposition in a couple of speculative news reports.

                      Clearly you don't understand what a 'deal' is. Probably you only education in the concept was reading Trump on the subject. All he ever seems to do with deals is to lose the money of other people in daft ventures.

                      Essentially you're delusional about politics, numbers, and the meaning of the laws of contract.

                  • LibertyBelle …
                    11 August 2022 at 11:57 am

                    "Clearly you don't understand what a 'deal' is."

                    Perhaps it's you who doesn't.

                    Dunne: Labour-Greens hypocrisy behind their Ohariu deal | Scoop News

                    Editorial: Labour and the Greens run a risk with their deal in Ohariu | Stuff.co.nz

                    Sunday Star Times on deals in high places (horizonpoll.co.nz)

                    “There appears to have been no significiant effect of any such ‘deal’ in Ohuria in 2017.”
                    So? Not every deal works out, does it?

                    EDIT: here’s an interesting one.
                    https://thestandard.org.nz/greens-stand-aside-in-ohariu/
                    I had to laugh when one comment spoke about this as ‘working strategically’. All that’s missing is the cup of tea.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      11 August 2022 at 12:04 pm

                      The bell is tolling for this one. Half a day left, is my prediction.

                    • lprent …
                      11 August 2022 at 12:30 pm

                      You really are an stupid idiot. Who apparently doesn't read the links you provide.

                      Two of your articles were from 2011 and appear to be irrelevant to the 2017 election where you are lying about a deal that you are asserting could have affected the election.

                      The other was from Feburary 2017.

                      The Greens had terminated any nascent 'deal' by August 2017 with this comment.

                      "Our original decision to not stand a candidate in Ohariu was because we wanted to unseat Peter Dunne. That gave us the best chance at our level – the electorate level – of changing the Government," Woodley said.

                      By August Peter Dunne had decided to not stand and retire.

                      Woodley acknowledged his presence on the Ohariu ballot would likely eat into O'Connor's share of the vote.

                      Just because I realise that you can't read and probably have an inability to keep track of people (you seem to be more interested in mythical masturbation instead).

                      Woodley was the Green candidate and O'Conner was the Labour candidate.

                      So what was the deal going into the election?

                      The greens were going to collect whatever vote they could in Ohuria? This sounds like normal party politics to me….

                      Unlike the rort that Act and National runs on the voters in Epsom.

                      BTW are you a really stupid parrot repeating the words of a troll? Two links to articles from 2011 for an incident in 2017. I associate that kind of stupidity to people who can’t think and just copy the stupid shit someone else throws around. Hardly the actions of a intelligent human.

                  • LibertyBelle …
                    11 August 2022 at 3:05 pm

                    "Two of your articles were from 2011 and appear to be irrelevant to the 2017 election where you are lying about a deal that you are asserting could have affected the election."

                    No, never asserted that. The 2011 links simply go to show this tidy little arrangement goes back beyond 2017. You can deny it all you like.

                    • lprent …
                      12 August 2022 at 8:34 am

                      Can you show that there was actually a arrangement in 2011?

                      This is what your links show isn't an arrangement between the Green party and Labour. What they show is :-

                      "Green Party candidate Gareth Hughes says he will campaign for the party vote and encourage his supporters to vote for Labour's Charles Chauvel, who labelled Dunne a National yes-man."

                      ie a single green candidate saying what he was going to do in his campaigning. In all electorate campaigns, all candidates run their personal electorate campaigns which are limited by resources and objectives. Party organisations spend a quixotic amount of time trying to get electorate candidates to actually even to consider targeting party objectives. The reasons for this is pretty obvious. Locals are usually interested in local issues.

                      I won't even bother pointing out the numbers for this the results in 2011 over 2008 except to say that Gareth Hughes did a significant increase in Green party vote. If there was a transfer of electorate votes to the Labour candidate then it was insignificant in the election compared to the actual movement of National electorate votes to Peter Dunne. Presumably because the National candidate campaigned for electorate votes to go to Peter Dunne based on the actual numbers.

                      That article also has an opinion by a rather notorious columnist of the day, John Hartevelt, trying to equate two completely different kinds of campaign strategies.

                      Just to be clear, I've never rated JH as being more than a posturing hack fool who spent his time apologising for National and mindlessly bad mouthing anyone on the left (except for David Shearer for some weird reason). Basically someone who obviously felt more at home on Kiwiblog than actually analysing politics because he appeared to be a populist conservative in his personal opinions.

                      Your other link is a self-serving statement by Dunne badmouthing his opposition. Probably because, in my opinion, he is naturally orientated that way for both political and personal reasons. I've always considered him to be hypocrite with the moral backbone of a weasel.

                      Mind you, reading your answers – you obviously have more moral fibre than Peter Dunne. But this faint praise…

                      It is only because he has more actual intelligence and acuity in reading ability that you do. I suspect that you're simply too ill-equipped to understand the very simple subtleties of politics, deals, and paying attention to what you are reading to be able to develop a good conspiracy theory.

                      Hell you can't even parrot a John Hartevelt / Kiwiblog line credibly.

                    • lprent …
                      12 August 2022 at 9:12 am

                      I was kind of wondering why I had such a strong dislike of John Hartevelt's writing

                      So I had a back look search in posts. Yeah – he wrote columns on National's fuckups. But somehow always managed to apologise for some of their worst behaviour in the era of Dirty Politics.

                      Had to restart the sphinx search engine first. So I'll have a look why why it keeps failing on restarts. sigh

              • Tony Veitch (not etc.) …
                11 August 2022 at 5:40 am

                You're wasting your time, Lprent. The 'belle' is tolling a long way down the rabbit hole with this one, and 'Liberty' is following the imaginary sound.

      • Belladonna 10.1.2
        10 August 2022 at 4:27 pm

        The stand-out example for me, on the Left has always been Anderton in Sydenham/Wigram. He claimed to be independent (New Labour, Alliance, Progressive) but effectively acted as a Labour MP, from 1989 onwards, while scoring parliamentary funding as a party leader.

        Labour never stood an effective candidate against him (one with any chance of winning), and really only campaigned for the party vote (see the electorate results, where Anderton won the electoral vote, but Labour won the party vote).

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigram_(New_Zealand_electorate)#2005_election

        When he retired, Megan Woods took over as the seat 'returned' to Labour.

        Just as much a rort as the Epsom 'cup of tea' scenario.

        • pat 10.1.2.1
          10 August 2022 at 4:38 pm

          Anderton was never going to lose his seat no matter who ran against him….he was an incredibly popular electorate MP.

          • swordfish 10.1.2.1.1
            10 August 2022 at 7:54 pm

            .

            Also the most widely-liked Party leader in the early-mid 90s (among NZ voters as a whole) according to the New Zealand Election Study (ie stood out from other leaders for being liked by voters across the political / ideological spectrum).

        • LibertyBelle 10.1.2.2
          10 August 2022 at 5:01 pm

          Thanks, I'd forgotten about Anderton.

        • bwaghorn 10.1.2.3
          10 August 2022 at 6:09 pm

          Did they actually signal through a stage managed charade that labour voters should vote for Anderton??

          • In Vino 10.1.2.3.1
            10 August 2022 at 6:27 pm

            No, Anderton won because he was truly popular with his voters.

            No valid comparison at all.

          • lprent 10.1.2.3.2
            10 August 2022 at 6:48 pm

            Did they actually signal through a stage managed charade that labour voters should vote for Anderton??

            No. If you look at the electorate results for Sydenham and then Wigram electorates. Anderton came in with a pretty good performance as a Labour MP. Dropped back a bit when he changed to New Labour in 1993. Then proceeded to push back to near previous levels in 1993.

            Did a massive vote in the first MMP election in 1996 in Wigram with a good but much smaller party vote. His electorate vote remained high as the party vote slowly declined to small amounts.

            In 2011, after he retired, the Labour candidate Megan Woods won well at a slightly lower vote of about ~14k. However that combined Lab/Prog electorate vote was ~20k. Most of the 6k difference went to the National candidate. Which indicates that voters were voting for Anderton as a MP.

            Megan Woods didn’t get close to previous electorate Anderton levels until 2017.

            Whereas when you look at Epsom record, you get the distinct impression that the National voters there would vote for Actual idiot. Their flock has performed the same way for Hide (except for 2008), Banks,and Seymour (except for 2020) with virtually identical results – regardless of what they do.

            What they seem to react to is having a female PM of the Labour persuasion. Misogyny central really.

          • LibertyBelle 10.1.2.3.3
            10 August 2022 at 7:05 pm

            That depends how you define a "stage managed charade". They stood candidates with absolutely no chance of winning and effectively handed the electorate to Anderton. There is a lot of huffing and puffing trying to make it sound different, but it isn't,

            • pat 10.1.2.3.3.1
              10 August 2022 at 7:07 pm

              You obviously know not of what you speak…Labour tried for years to unseat Anderton….to no avail.

              • LibertyBelle …
                10 August 2022 at 7:25 pm

                Within months of the 2008 election, Anderton did a deal with Labour "allowing his activists to stand as Labour candidates and a promise to campaign "party vote Labour" in 2011." Sure there was ill feeling for a time after Anderton quit Labour, but as time went on they might as well have been joined at the hip.

                • pat …
                  10 August 2022 at 7:31 pm

                  you do realise that Anderton quit the Labour party in 1989?….22 years before your campaign agreement…I think even they realised by then they couldnt beat him

                  • LibertyBelle …
                    10 August 2022 at 7:41 pm

                    You're missing the point. Labour weren't trying to unseat him.

                    • pat …
                      10 August 2022 at 7:46 pm

                      You never had a point….Anderton was invincible as an electorate MP….the invincible dont need others permission.

              • Belladonna …
                11 August 2022 at 12:22 pm

                Really? They stood candidates with zero profile and chance of winning.

                Just what leads you to the conclusion that "Labour tried for years to unseat Anderton"

                Labour were effectively only campaigning for the party vote – until Anderton retired.

                Really, he was never a leader of a party. He was an independent, who managed to pull a few colleagues in on his coat-tails – entirely due to his national profile.

                You could, indeed, make the same argument about ACT. Although they certainly seem to be carving a niche out for themselves in differentiation from National ATM.

                • pat …
                  11 August 2022 at 12:55 pm

                  It was my electorate (both Sydenham and Wigram) for many years and I well recall the campaigning that went on, including the Labour Party's attempts to discredit Anderton after he left the party (or as he said, they left him).

                  Before Labour even had the opportunity to campaign for the 'party' vote in 1996 there were 2 FPP elections where Anderton held his seat (as Leader of New Labour)…he was never an 'Independent'.

                  It may pay to do some research

                  • Belladonna …
                    11 August 2022 at 6:17 pm

                    Given that Anderton was the only ever member of New Labour to be elected, it's pretty hard to distinguish him from an Independent.

                    According to all of the above comments (including your own) people weren't voting for a 'party', they were voting for Anderton personally.

                    Your own comment "Anderton was invincible as an electorate MP"

                    The benefit, of course, of being a 'party leader', was substantially greater Parliamentary funding.

                    All of the party iterations for which Anderton was 'leader' were effectively one-man bands – where Anderton might get another member in on his coat-tails – but it was basically a vote for Anderton. (The Alliance seems to be the exception, but it was so internally fractured, it's difficult to see what or who voters were voting for)

                    The 'personal' nature of his vote is seen by the rapid demise of the Progressive Party, once Anderton retired. He didn't even attempt to anoint an internal successor, simply told his supporters to vote Labour (aka Megan Woods)

                    Not saying he's the only one.

                    Peters is another example of the personality cult style of 'political party' (although with, historically, much less gratitude and loyalty from those elevated on his coat tails).

                    And, there's a strong argument to be made that ACT (until recently) have been another (although, they've always had a strong policy platform – distinguishing them from National – you many not like it, but it's pretty unambiguous)

                    • alwyn …
                      11 August 2022 at 6:28 pm

                      "the rapid demise of the Progressive Party, once Anderton retired.".

                      At the 2008 election, when Jim did run, the Progressive Party got 0.91% of the party votes. It didn't die when Anderton finally retired in 2011. It was already dead. I doubt if it could have kept going anyway. A party has to demonstrate that they have something like 500 members I believe and I really doubt that they had anything like that when he finally dropped out of the fray.

        • Anne 10.1.2.4
          10 August 2022 at 6:42 pm

          Just as much a rort as the Epsom 'cup of tea' scenario.

          Wrong:

          1) Anderton fell out with Labour during the Roger-gnome years.

          2) He started a party "New Labour" and took those who opposed the free market reforms with him.

          3) The Greens chose to coalesce with Anderton’s party and they called themselves the Alliance Party. There was a falling out… the Greens left the coalition and the Alliance Party was renamed the Progressive Party.

          a) Roger Douglas fell out with Lange and Derek Quigley fell out with Muldoon. They decided to start a new party called "Association of Citizens and Tax payers" ACT for short.

          b) They drew their membership from both National and Labour but mostly National.

          c) They are still in existence in large part due to the "rich gang" who continue to finance them. Lots of money buys lost of ads and other campaign equipment and that ultimately attracts votes.

          MMP was introduced in 1996

          Under the new regime both major parties did deals which helped keep them on the Treasury Benches. Deal making is part of what MMP is all about.

          Anderton and at least one other Alliance MP were given ministerial posts following the 1999 election.

          National did a deal with the former Nat minister turned ACT leader, John Banks. They set up a tea party in a Remuera café as a signal encouraging their voters to give their electoral vote to Banks. They did so. Banks was given a ministerial post in 2011 (I think), and his successor Seymour was given an Under Secretary post in 2014.

          That is the broad outline of what happened.

          Labour did it out in the open for all to see. National tried to do it under-cover.

          And that, my friend is the fundamental difference between the two parties.

          • Drowsy M. Kram 10.1.2.4.1
            10 August 2022 at 6:55 pm

            Nat MPs and their backers/mates – can't trust 'em. Dirty to their DNA, imho.

            Dirty Politics: How attack politics is poisoning New Zealand’s political environment

            On 7 July 2020, Boag admitted leaking sensitive medical information about COVID-19 patients passed to her in confidence in her role of acting chief executive of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. She gave the information to National MP Hamish Walker, who then provided it to media outlets. As a result she was forced to resign from the role. The following day, Boag resigned from roles she had on National Member of Parliament Nikki Kaye's electorate and campaign team. On 9 July she offered to resign from the board of the Simplicity Kiwisaver scheme. On 10 July she resigned her membership of the National Party after it was revealed that she had also passed the leaked information to Health spokesperson Michael Woodhouse [current deputy (to Bishop) shadow leader of the House].
            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Boag

          • LibertyBelle 10.1.2.4.2
            10 August 2022 at 7:00 pm

            Are you seriously suggesting that a cup of tea in a public place is not 'out in the open'?

          • LibertyBelle 10.1.2.4.3
            10 August 2022 at 7:10 pm

            "And that, my friend is the fundamental difference between the two parties."

            Seriously? This government has a mastery in lack of transparency.

          • Sacha 10.1.2.4.4
            10 August 2022 at 8:00 pm

            Association of Consumers and Taxpayers

            (think neoliberal)

    • AB 10.2
      10 August 2022 at 1:09 pm

      Depends if you describe the political spectrum in purely relative terms (the parties' relationship to each other in the current moment) or in absolute terms (with reference to the historical positions of parties or the inherent nature of specific policy prescriptions).

      Both approaches have their value. Taking the latter approach, I am very comfortable with calling the Greens centre left, Labour centre to centre right (a bit neoliberal), National right and ACT waaay right. That's because of the rightward skew to the political spectrum that started in 1984 and which we have not yet unwound.

      • LibertyBelle 10.2.1
        10 August 2022 at 3:54 pm

        I would suggest that National are barely centre, let alone right of centre. As a right leaning voter, I would best describe them as 'insipid'. Labour are no better, although under Ardern they have shifter to the left, albeit only slightly. Both major parties appear to me to have consigned their roots, their historic principles, to the dustbin of history.

        "That's because of the rightward skew to the political spectrum that started in 1984 and which we have not yet unwound."

        That's true of economic policy, certainly. What started in the 1980's was a recognition that a shift to a more market oriented economy was the only way we could actually make it in a world in which we no longer had guaranteed access to traditional markets. In social policy, NZ has shifted considerably to the left.

    • Incognito 10.3
      10 August 2022 at 8:34 pm

      The Greens and Labour are no different.

      Disappointing that you again want to divert the convo pretending to be up for genuine debate here.

      In response, it’s false equivalence because the political power dynamics between the Greens and Labour are fundamentally different from ACT and National. Secondly, National is quite happy to adopt ACT’s policies while Labour tends to be very unenthusiastic if not resistant to the Green Party policies.

      I’m getting a little fed up with your diversions; you’re not a good faith commenter here, in my opinion.

      • LibertyBelle 10.3.1
        10 August 2022 at 9:01 pm

        Here's my full comment:

        ""their relationship has been a politically incestuous parasitically cannibalistic one and Seymour et al know it. "

        Of course. That's the nature of political parties occupying overlapping space. The Greens and Labour are no different."

        That's not a diversion, it's an observation.

        In the latest Horizon Poll, 57% of Labour voters in 2020 intend voting Labour again. 10% intend switching to Labour, which leaves 33% of their 2020 voters who have switched to another party, the only logical conclusion being that most would switch to the Greens.

        Likewise, 70% of 2020 national voters say they will remain loyal, 9% would switch to Act.

        There's also historical electoral support for a link between the fall/rise of Labour's vote and the corresponding rise/fall of the Greens vote, specifically in 2008, 2011 and 2017 elections. Just as there is for National/Act.

        • Incognito 10.3.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 9:22 pm

          Nope, not an observation, but your opinion that barely has a foundation of fact. Again, you diverted away from party dynamics & policies to voter behaviour. I can tell the difference and I assume you can too, so I conclude your diversion is deliberate and deceitful.

          BTW, nice that you claim my words as part of “my full comment”!

          • LibertyBelle 10.3.1.1.1
            10 August 2022 at 9:35 pm

            "nice that you claim my words as part of “my full comment”!"

            It was context.

            "you diverted away from party dynamics & policies to voter behaviour. "

            How can the relationship between party's be parasitically cannibalistic without being a function of voter behaviour?

  11. pat 11
    10 August 2022 at 12:13 pm

    30 mins well spent

  12. newsense 12
    10 August 2022 at 12:55 pm

    Seems pretty similar in plan to what Uffindell did: beat up on young kids and privatise the profits from having done so. Luxon’s party is the party of nasty punching down and victim blaming. Sneaky to include this outrageous welfare privatization and to make moral panic of the lazy youth and feckless undeserving poor.

    From Gordon Campbell some context and simple logic.

  13. Descendant Of Smith 13
    10 August 2022 at 2:18 pm

    I was going to make the same point Gordon Campbell has made.

    So why have Jobseeker numbers increased among the young over the past few years? It appears to have escaped National’s attention that the pandemic has demolished a lot of jobs in sectors – hospitality, tourism – that have traditionally hired lots of 18-24 year olds, even if only on the minimum wage and/or in part-time jobs that offer no career prospects. Currently, the recovery in those sectors remains tentative at best.

    But would further pose the question that I wonder how the employers who seem to be mainly complaining loudly e.g. horticulture seasonal workers and cafes/restaurants for casual staff feel about Luxon dis-incentivising young people to work for them by giving them a $1,000 payment if they stay in work for 12 months.

    Seasonal work doesn't last anywhere near twelve months so why would you take it.

    Still I did warn that we would see the same response from capitalists towards labour as after the Black Plague. Someone should ask Luxon if the post plague response he is promoting will work better than it did after the plague. National Party – still living in 1351.

    RULERS RESIST WORKERS’ DEMANDS FOR HIGHER WAGES The plague had an important effect on the relationship between the lords who owned much of the land in Europe and the peasants who worked for the lords. As people died, it became harder and harder to fi nd people to plow fi elds, harvest crops, and produce other goods and services. Peasants began to demand higher wages. European rulers tried to keep wages from rising. An English law in 1349 tried to force workers to accept the same wages they received in 1346. A similar law, the Statute of Laborers,3 was issued in 1351. The statute said that every healthy unemployed person under 60 years old must work for anyone who wanted to hire him. Workers who violated the Statute of Laborers were fi ned and were put in stocks4 as punishment for disobeying the statute. In 1360, punishments became worse. Workers who demanded higher wages could be sent to prison and—if they escaped—branded with the letter “F” (possibly for Fugitive) on their foreheads.

    The Statute of Laborers (1351) … Because a great part of the people … has now died … some, seeing the straights of the masters and the scarcity of servants, are not willing to serve unless they receive excessive wages, and others … prefer to beg in idleness: We have seen fi t to ordain: that every man and woman of our kingdom of England … who is able bodied and below the age of sixty years, not living from trade nor carrying on a fi xed craft … shall be bound to serve him who has seen fi t so to seek after him; and he shall take only the wages … which … were accustomed to be paid in [1346] … and if any man or woman … will not do this … he shall be taken and sent to the next jail. …

    https://msh.councilforeconed.org/documents/978-1-56183-758-8-activity-lesson-15.pdf

  14. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 14
    10 August 2022 at 2:20 pm

    Just watched Luxon in QT in the house.

    Frankly, I find it obscene that a rich prick like him can go on and on about imposing sanctions on young people, as if punishment is all that's needed.

    If this is his Christian outlook, then his bible is not the bible I know!

    And, as usual, Jacinda made him sound like a complete political idiot!

    • Barfly 14.1
      10 August 2022 at 6:00 pm

      The Party of Punishment – To show their 'superiority' and to put the 'untermensch' in their place

  15. Anker 15
    10 August 2022 at 3:05 pm

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/unjustified-force-teacher-broke-earphone-when-he-pulled-it-out-of-students-ear/OYEQV6UKTDA5Y3EUWWIFIEJXWM/

    WTF? What message does this send to kids attending school?

    Maths teacher found guilty of serious mis conduct for pulling ear phones off students who were listening to music and tapping out the beat in class.

    This teacher is 72 years old and went to the District and High Court to clear his name and now owes money ? $45,000 trying to have thc charges over turned. What happened to this mis behaving teens?

    NZ is in a lot of trouble with its youth and this is a symptom of it.

  16. LibertyBelle 16
    10 August 2022 at 8:07 pm

    "Labour is trying to avoid the fallout from the so-called "H-bomb" it has dropped on John Key as it emerges taxpayer funds have been used in the attempt to find dirt on the National Party leader."

    [TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]

    • Incognito 16.1
      10 August 2022 at 8:20 pm

      Your Whataboutery skills and diversion tactics are impressive but they also show your intentions quite clearly. You won’t want to draw the attention of Mods because they failed comedian training for lack of humour.

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    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Sweet Moderation? What Christopher Luxon Could Learn From The Germans.
    Stuck In The Middle With You: As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • A clear warning
    The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Poll results and Waitangi Tribunal report go unmentioned on the Beehive website – where racing tru...
    Buzz  from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example.  This shows National down ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Listening To The Traffic.
    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
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