Kieran McAnulty making the case for agriculture reform.
Sorry about the cut and paste, couldn’t figure out how to link to Facebook.
”Anyone who knows me well knows that I am passionate about the Primary Sector. They know both sides of my family have farmed for generations, and that both my parents continue to work in the sector. They also know that I entered politics in part to work towards sustainable rural communities.
I won’t be joining tomorrow’s protests. The sentiment behind them does not represent the whole sector and undermines the hard work of so many farmers who are keen to get ahead of the curve.
Now is not the time to tread water. Maintaining the status quo or, God forbid, going backwards will not deliver for rural communities.
We are a trading nation. Our prosperity depends on consumers choosing to buy our products. We have leveraged the 100% pure, clean and green image that we have cultivated over decades in order to extract the best price possible for our products.
But we mustn’t assume that demand will continue as is. We have never targeted the cheapest markets – we have always sold to the most discerning customers in the world. They want quality, so they choose our products.
However, markets change. And so too does consumer demand. The markets we are targeting want to know that if they are buying products from the bottom of the globe they can do so with a clear conscience. Consumers want to know their purchases are environmentally sustainable, that they are climate friendly, with high animal welfare standards and that the workers in the industry get a good wage with good conditions.
We have led the world in this. Our farmers are the most efficient producers in the world. But, we aren’t as ahead of the pack as we used to be.
We know there is a lot of change coming. And we know it is tough. We know there is concern about the pace of change. The Government hears that and has shown a willingness to amend things in order to make it work. We will continue to do so.
We don’t agree with those who say it isn’t the Government’s job to lead on this.
If we stop moving forward to address the impacts of climate change, allow further degradation of our fresh water and don’t do more to address animal welfare standards, there is no way we will meet this Government’s goal of working with the sector to achieve a $40b increase in export value.
Because that’s what is at stake. We either get ahead of the curve and reap the benefits, or we slowly fall behind.
We used to debate the ‘why’ – in 2003 the Government proposed a levy to invest in research on reducing methane emissions. That was protested and was scrapped. Now many – including those protesting tomorrow – are calling for such a fund.
The ETS was introduced as a compromise following protests against a carbon tax. Now many are saying the ETS is flawed and a carbon tax would be better.
I’m proud that as a country we have moved on from that. We no longer debate the ‘why’ and have moved on to discussing the ‘how’.
I acknowledge the constructive work of industry bodies like Dairy NZ and Beef and Lamb, and the efforts made by companies like Fonterra. They understand what needs to be done. Yet the group behind tomorrow’s protests have criticised them for it. So many of the farmers I engage with every week are on board with what needs to be done and are getting on with it. My bet is many of them will be disappointed by tomorrow’s protests.
I am disappointed too. Not necessarily because of the issues they are protesting – I discuss those with people every day. I am disappointed because of what I fear it will do. There is truth to the concept of an urban- rural divide. Some in urban areas don’t give enough credence to those farmers that have been doing their bit over many years. And farmers resent them for it. This is not where we need to be as a nation.
So much work goes into trying to bring often urban-based environmental groups and farmers together, encouraging them to learn about each other’s perspectives. It is in meeting and learning where we develop respect for those we don’t really know. And we were making progress.
It is my fear that tomorrow’s protests will undo this good work. It’ll make farmers look stubborn and resistant to change, which on the whole they are not. It’ll make them look like climate change deniers, which most of them aren’t. There will no doubt be someone that does or says something that will hurt the image of the farmers I know, and potentially, it’ll hurt how those overseas view us.
The markets we are trying to enter have much stricter environmental and climate standards than us. They will look at our protests and wonder why we are opposing proposals that aren’t as harsh as those they have in their own countries. These are the very same people in the very same markets we want to sell more of our products to.
So I won’t be joining the protests tomorrow, but I will continue to back the majority of farmers who want the best price for their products, the best for the environment and the best for our country.”
In total agreement with Kieran McAnulty. Especially when he makes the point how our markets are getting more picky about from whom they buy. As an agricultural trading nation, farmers should be wanting to give markets offshore reasons to buy from us, not reasons not to.
On a personal level, I used to be able to catch trout in the Ruamahanga River. Probably not so much now.
The ute tax is avoidable now, you just don’t buy a new ute for a couple of years when there will be alternatives, unfortunately they probably won’t be Toyota.
Think it’ll be a very different picture in a couple of years
Given at least one of the organisers of today's protests was a candidate for the crank Advance NZ party I look forward to seeing Judith being filmed on her tractor with someone waving an anti-vax banner behind her.
With the Groundswell ad inviting; "Bring your tractor, ute, and the dogs", the hopes of the Dunedin supporters for a calm event may be in vain:
{Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie said} "If somebody is angry about what’s happening and they’re thinking about coming on a tractor, we’d ask them not to do that…
Federated Farmers national president Andrew Hoggard said there was a real risk of the agricultural sector being made out to look like "a bunch of fringe nutters".
A big concern was offensive signage being brought to the protests, which would do more harm than good.
Though with the weather today, no one is going to be looking at the signs much except as improvised umbrellas. If you howl in a gale, does it make a sound?
The weather in Dunedin has cleared up a lot since dawn, so the rain is probably most of the way to Chch (& west coast!) by now. At least it's not another cabin feverish school holiday.
Links from mobile not working today, so I will probably ease off commenting until I am back at my laptop. ODT had coverage of event- featuring a one month ultimatum for the government to knuckle under (no specific consequences threatened for not doing so though). Also some minor assault of a counterprotester – but the Octagon has HD cameras everywhere, so it will be interesting to see how that pans out.
dickhead did it in front of an odt camera. Snuck up from a blind spot and snatched it. And another brave man held a profarming sign in front of her face when she was talking to the camera. Looked pleased with himself for being so innovative, too.
"Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will chair the "informal leaders' retreat" over video-conference late Friday night – the first time the Asia Pacific bloc has held such talks ahead of its regular November event. United States President Joe Biden, China President Xi Jinping, and Russia President Vladimir Putin have all confirmed their participation."
Xi & Putin must have gleaned some basis of common interest in the preliminary plan of the teleconference agenda. I applaud the PM's initiative and hope her scheme includes a proactive design – the pandemic thus far seems to have induced mostly reactive responses by nations.
"In a statement issued on Monday, Ardern said she would invite the leaders to discuss "immediate measures to achieve more coordinated regional action to assist recovery". She later told reporters not to expect any significant breakthroughs or announcements out of the discussion."
Yeah, best to minimise expectations. I presume her officials have proposed possible regional co-ordinations and perhaps advance negotiation has prompted similar suggestions from other administrations. Seems history will be made tonight if sufficient common ground is established.
"Otago University professor of international relations Robert Patman said it was a "bold initiative" for New Zealand to convene such a meeting and spoke to Ardern's clout on the world stage."
Any player is only as good as their latest performance – in the minds of the audience & other players – so hers tonight will depend on the quality of the thinking and planning involved. Good to see her advancing Aotearoa's leadership capacity anyway.
""She's in quite a strong position to point out to great powers like China and the United States… they need to co-operate more, because the alternative model of rivalry and name-calling has not worked." Patman said he expected Ardern would urge the economies to take a collaborative approach in the face of the global pandemic, in particular regarding vaccines."
He's right to remind us that collaborative endeavour ought to accompany competition between nations. Those in younger generations with a global outlook will be encouraged by a renewal of the balance between the two.
I might do a post on the weekend about this. There are two jaw dropping passages in the article:
“There is a brief psychological assessment of Trump, who is described as an “impulsive, mentally unstable and unbalanced individual who suffers from an inferiority complex”.
There is also apparent confirmation that the Kremlin possesses kompromat, or potentially compromising material, on the future president, collected – the document says – from Trump’s earlier “non-official visits to Russian Federation territory”.
The paper refers to “certain events” that happened during Trump’s trips to Moscow. Security council members are invited to find details in appendix five, at paragraph five, the document states. It is unclear what the appendix contains.
“It is acutely necessary to use all possible force to facilitate his [Trump’s] election to the post of US president,” the paper says.”
And Trump’s response:
“This is disgusting. It’s fake news, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA was fake news. It’s just the Radical Left crazies doing whatever they can to demean everybody on the right.
“It’s fiction, and nobody was tougher on Russia than me, including on the pipeline, and sanctions. At the same time we got along with Russia. Russia respected us, China respected us, Iran respected us, North Korea respected us.
“And the world was a much safer place than it is now with mentally unstable leadership.”
Since Luke Harding's hilarious fiction featuring Manafort and his visit to Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy there's not much reason to believe anything Harding writes is not incredible.
Absolutely on point there Brigid. How anyone can take seriously anything that Luke Harding writes is beyond belief. With regard to the Manafort visit to Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy words to the effect that we are to believe the most surveilled building in the most surveilled city with cctv on all surrounding buildings and no one noticed Manafort entering??!
In the US the far right have linked their cause, to the cause of the oil companies, with the belief, (encouraged by big oil), that climate change is a conspiracy spread by Leftists to destroy the American way of life.
Just like the unprovoked attacks on blacks and Asians by white supremacists. There have been many documented unprovoked attacks on Americans who choose to drive electric cars.
Apart from many acts of vandalism of parked electric cars, and screamed abuse and obscene gestures, one way Right Wing conspiracy theorists have attacked electric car owners is the practice known as ICEing. ie organised blocking of electric charging stations by large SUVs and other Internal Combustion, ICE vehicles preventing electric car owners recharging their batteries.
Another tactic used by these extremists, is altering your exhaust to pour smoke to blind electric car drivers or anyone else they take offence at. Like 'ICEing' this practice is also common enough to have a name, and is known as 'Rolling Coal'.
If this wasn't a serious manifestation of a malfunctioning society and mind-set, I'd suggest that EV owners placate the attention-drawing neediness of such ICE owners by installing speakers under their vehicles rear where exhaust pipes would otherwise be, and play the vibrant sounds of Harleys at full-throated acceleration, the song of a 12 cylinder straight pipe racing boat engine or a tourist space rocket at take-off. That should convince these ICErs that EV owners are real men.
The power supplies for them alone currently (giggle) cost about as much as my wee suzuki UZ50.
But that sort of thing, yeah. Just a matter of time, I'm hoping.
Mind you, the last suzuki I had ran for something like 7 years without me bothering to put in any oil, so the current one could well see me into retirement now I'm bothering with basic maintenance lol
McFlock – these guys in the valley used to be good at various kinds of tinkering. Their website seems geared to installing ebike kits nowadays, but they may still do custom work too. It may even be possible to turn your suzuki into an electric moped and still ride on a car licence? Though, you might be more limited as to power options than a newbuild:
For vehicles first registered prior to 1 May 2011
A moped includes a motor vehicle with three wheels, a power output not exceeding 2kW and a maximum speed of 50km/h.
They look very interesting; over $2K can be street legal compliant, a scooter that looks like a grunty little Harley, good range and top speed for town use.
The cyclists on our walkways are enjoined to let the pedestrians know they are coming up behind, certainly. I guess a cyclist on a road trusts all cars to give it sufficient berth when passing and likewise the driver trusts the cyclist will check behind when moving its line across the road width. I've never yet heard a cycle bell as a walker though- shouted warnings, yes, but not a bell.
How many cyclists have a bell and rear vision mirrors nowadays?
I hope the tenant appeals this decision. $700 for this level of harassment from a landlord is less than what’s awarded when the bond’s not lodged with Tenancy Services. Ridiculous.
"A 1972 MIT study predicted that rapid economic growth would lead to societal collapse in the mid 21st century. A new paper shows we’re unfortunately right on schedule."
“BAU2 and CT scenarios show a halt in growth within a decade or so from now,” the study concludes. “Both scenarios thus indicate that continuing business as usual, that is, pursuing continuous growth, is not possible. Even when paired with unprecedented technological development and adoption, business as usual as modelled by LtG would inevitably lead to declines in industrial capital, agricultural output, and welfare levels within this century.”
Study author Gaya Herrington told Motherboard that in the MIT World3 models, collapse “does not mean that humanity will cease to exist,” but rather that “economic and industrial growth will stop, and then decline, which will hurt food production and standards of living… In terms of timing, the BAU2 scenario shows a steep decline to set in around 2040.”
“The necessary changes will not be easy and pose transition challenges but a sustainable and inclusive future is still possible,” said Herrington.
The best available data suggests that what we decide over the next 10 years will determine the long-term fate of human civilization."
We in the south are in for a seriously damaging rain event. Let’s run a book on how many hours on from the protest it will take for the first “ agriculture spokesman “ to go on tv and demand more money from the government for reinstatement.
My pick is in the single figures, about 6. Hypocrits Without Shame.
A farmer (also called an agriculturer[?]) is a person engaged in agriculture, raising living organisms for food or raw materials. The term usually applies to people who do some combination of raising field crops, orchards, vineyards, poultry, or other livestock.
It amounts to a polluters charter to do as they please to our waterways and head in the sand climate change denialism.
This inchoate protest in the face of overwhelming public rejection of their demands has to be seen in the context of the collapse of the National party as a viable political opposition. These people clearly feel they no longer have a mechanism to hijack public policy in their favour.
Damien O’Connor’s warning about not being too cocky like tourism had beed was very apt
Tourism’s cockiness destroyed any social license or goodwill the industry had with the New Zealand public. Being on the receiving end of the public’s wrath in our gallery over the last year hasn’t been pleasant.
Farmers risk a similar loss of social license that’s probably only going to polarise the situation even more
A point missed by most is that farm utes etc are tax depreciated by 20% per annum, therefore after 5 years owners have not paid any tax on earnings equal to the cost of the vehicle. This is not available to anybody else owning a vehicle including most of the people who work for them.
Every one of the utes in that protest is running on subsidised fuel to the tune of whatever tax rate the owner is on, which for most is fuck all because of all the accumulated depreciation on every bit of gear they own.
They are hypocrites because they amount to the most wealthy group of state beneficaries in the country.
Not up on this stuff, but isn't the tax going to hit the pseudo tradesmen who have the bright shiny double-cabs for mum to drop them and the kids off at work and school then claim rebates?
The farm like any other business that is registered for gst is only collecting this tax for the govt and the pays out to them. The end unregistered (you and me) pay the gst to the ird. and gst costs or charges are not the companies, and there are mechanisms within the tax system to account for private benefits gst portion, so the gst rebate has no benefit to the farm.
And for those comments below an example of where there is personal use, if the Ute is used to transport the family to and return the airport for a holiday, or the Ute is used to tow the boat to the crib for a holiday.😉
but if as you have stated only that portion of income generating activity is applied to the asset then the same applies to the end user argument with regard to the GST applied to said asset….which as I noted upthread is all moot because both the income generating activity v private benefit and subsequent tax implications are widely ignored.
"This is not available to anybody else owning a vehicle" – you are wrong same as not taking into account personal use , but don't let that get in the way for your argument, hate to read an argument based on straw !!!!
What do you think happens to those vehicles used for any business . e.g trucks, buses, tractors etc
Do you also not understand about costs incurred to earn a profit being deducted, and when the vehicle is sold then any depreciation recovered is taxed.
Also the personal use is not deductible "Examples include gasoline, oil, fuel, water, rent, electricity, telephone, automobile upkeep, repairs, insurance, interest and taxes. Farmers must allocate these expenses between their business and personal parts. Generally, the personal part of these expenses is not deductible"
ps you claim to be a farmer I am reminded of William Joyce when I read that
and then theres the real world….where personal use is seldom separated out, or it is 'legitimised' and the fact that the enforcement is seldom applied.
Will these things really matter 30 years from now? [thanks to pat for that link]
Hold on to hope, best of luck, and don't take your eye off the ball
The best available data suggests that what we decide over the next 10 years will determine the long-term fate of human civilization. Although the odds are on a knife-edge, Herrington pointed to a “rapid rise” in environmental, social and good governance priorities as a basis for optimism, signalling the change in thinking taking place in both governments and businesses. She told me that perhaps the most important implication of her research is that it’s not too late to create a truly sustainable civilization that works for all.
One vehicle and associated running costs is fully deductible, any further vehicle that is used at anytime for farm or job related tasks is deductible on a percentage basis.
Farm workers driving to work don’t get any deductibles, it can be 50kms here and back for some so I pay extra to cover fuel costs for those who work for us.
If you don’t think the deductibility regime isn’t rorted Herod you are dreaming and talking out your arse.
Just had a look at the photos from the protests and I’m pretty sure most of those tractors are brand new and have come straight off a dealers yard, the giveaway is the wheels, it doesn’t take many hours on a farm until they look secondhand.
Yes, I’m inside looking at an iPad, but after 8 hours in the pissing rain I’m at least allowed a cup of tea, tax deductible of course!
The government/ird have viewed commuting to and from work as private travel – as it occurs outside work hours. And the same applies to all workers not just those working on farms. And in the city the further out you live the cheaper property is but the more expensive it is to travel in terms on time and running costs, and ask our great leaders why public transport priorities are for the inner sections of the city and on the margins PT is marginal to non-existent at best.
And I am not that naive to believe that this is being rorted.
Adrian is a farmer. I've been on his property. I've known the man for over twenty years- an independent, forceful thinker and a bloody hard worker. His very decent rosé is far less red than his politics.
Is it just me or can anyone else see the irony of this. On the day farmers have a Howly bag protest over water and climate change issues, climate change delivers yet another red warning event on the West Coast. This within weeks of a similar event in South Canterbury. Both are prominent dairy farming areas. Farmers are evacuating ahead of flooding and I expect they will hold their hand out for government assistance, just like the last lot. Howl of protest accompanied by howling rain. It’s almost justice!
I thought there was no more money available (same was said by the government regarding the teachers) until there was more, $408m more. Glad to see the government starting to listen and show some appreciation towards this well deserving sector. Pity we had to go thru this process with the government staring down the nurses. These nurses deserve everything they get and IMO still more is required.
When people highlight that the NZ govt doesn't have a financial constraint this is what is meant. When the govt says there are no funds for that its nothing about budgets or accounts its just their way of saying no we don't want to fund that.
Perhaps now the govt will be able to fully fund Starship with the extra $15m ($7m has been pledged of this) that was short to allow the extra need beds to be added. Especially with the outbreak of this RVS. The only way to achieve any $$ from the govt is to embarrass them into action. Pity that they could not see an obvious need.
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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”. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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? ...
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 → ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
Open access notablesIce 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 ...
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 ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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). ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance, whose members were victims of a China-backed cyber attack, is discussing forming a standing committee to deal with foreign influence. ...
The PSA is concerned that the voluntary redundancies being offered to staff by Stats NZ will impact on the agency’s ability to deliver on its core functions. ...
Results ranged from surprisingly yum to soul-destroying. I love cooking. The kitchen is a hearth of culinary creation, of sensory delights, of gastronomic poetry. I also can’t afford anything nice. Why does a pack of instant noodles and some milk cost ten bucks? I love you, Aotearoa, but I miss ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Police in Solomon Islands are on high alert ahead of the election of the prime minister today. The two candidates for the top job are former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele at the head of the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation, which is ...
He’s fine but it feels like I’m losing a friend and it’s making me bitter. How do I say ‘enough is enough’? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzHey Hera,I’ve recently moved in with a girlfriend, her partner Steve, and his friend. We all live in a lovely little house. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Chartres, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney shutterstockAhmet Misirligul/Shutterstock You go to the gym, eat healthy and walk as much as possible. You wash your hands and get vaccinated. You control your health. This is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Hendriks, Research Fellow and Lecturer, Curtin University Children and young people may be seeing news headlines about men murdering women or footage of people rallying to call for action. Perhaps they or their friends have even gone to the protests. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Balanzategui, Senior Lecturer in Media, RMIT University ABC “Bluey mania” shows no sign of abating. Bluey’s season finale, The Sign, was the most viewed ABC program of all time on iView. A “hidden” follow-up episode, aptly named The Surprise, created ...
Labour market figures came in softer than the Reserve Bank had forecast, but they won’t be enough to move the needle on interest rates, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Unemployment ...
The campaign will engage the community and encourage submissions on the bill to the New Zealand government by the closing submission deadline of Friday 31st of May 2024 4pm. ...
The paper raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand's political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency plays in that. ...
The Urban Habitat Collective was an attempt to built an innovative new form of apartment building in Wellington. Here’s why it failed, and why the idea could still work, writes co-founder Bronwen Newton. When we started the Urban Habitat Collective in November 2018, we thought we were starting a revolution, ...
Two decades ago this week, a controversial law that attempted to define ownership of the foreshore and seabed prompted a formidable display of outrage and kōtahitanga as 15,000 marched to parliament. Jamie Tahana looks back.‘Hīkoi, hīkoi,” they chanted by the thousands as the biggest Māori march in a generation ...
A Labour Party Member’s Bill aims to plug a culpability gap between manslaughter and health and safety breaches The post New push for corporate killing laws appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Terence O’Brien had the rare and no doubt undesired distinction of rising to one of the most exalted positions in New Zealand diplomacy, then being unceremoniously recalled to Wellington without explanation just when his career was at its zenith. What is perhaps more surprising is that he appears to have ...
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Why has New Zealand slipped from third to 12th on Quality of Death Indexes over the past decade or so? Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive Wayne Naylor has a list of reasons. “We don’t have a current national strategy – the Government hasn’t renewed our 2001 strategy, so we don’t ...
While women’s sport is exploding in Aotearoa and around the world, you still don’t hear a lot of talk about athletes and their periods, RED-S, breastfeeding and visible panty-lines. SASS (Suze and Sez Sports)Talk isn’t afraid to have that kōrero.LockerRoom founder Suzanne McFadden and Olympian broadcaster Sarah ...
On an unusually hot night in January 2019, a little boy’s lifeless body was found face up in a small town’s sewage oxidation pond. To the police, it was an open and shut case: three-year-old Lachlan Jones had run away from his home in the Southland town of Gore, climbed ...
Rongotai MP Julie Anne Genter has apologised in Parliament after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers in the House. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders met on Wednesday as the national cabinet to discuss a crisis gripping Australia – the horrific number of women murdered this year. The killings have shocked ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...
Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University Violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it is a whole of society problem to solve; and men in particular have to take responsibility. Those were the ...
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Kieran McAnulty making the case for agriculture reform.
Sorry about the cut and paste, couldn’t figure out how to link to Facebook.
”Anyone who knows me well knows that I am passionate about the Primary Sector. They know both sides of my family have farmed for generations, and that both my parents continue to work in the sector. They also know that I entered politics in part to work towards sustainable rural communities.
I won’t be joining tomorrow’s protests. The sentiment behind them does not represent the whole sector and undermines the hard work of so many farmers who are keen to get ahead of the curve.
Now is not the time to tread water. Maintaining the status quo or, God forbid, going backwards will not deliver for rural communities.
We are a trading nation. Our prosperity depends on consumers choosing to buy our products. We have leveraged the 100% pure, clean and green image that we have cultivated over decades in order to extract the best price possible for our products.
But we mustn’t assume that demand will continue as is. We have never targeted the cheapest markets – we have always sold to the most discerning customers in the world. They want quality, so they choose our products.
However, markets change. And so too does consumer demand. The markets we are targeting want to know that if they are buying products from the bottom of the globe they can do so with a clear conscience. Consumers want to know their purchases are environmentally sustainable, that they are climate friendly, with high animal welfare standards and that the workers in the industry get a good wage with good conditions.
We have led the world in this. Our farmers are the most efficient producers in the world. But, we aren’t as ahead of the pack as we used to be.
We know there is a lot of change coming. And we know it is tough. We know there is concern about the pace of change. The Government hears that and has shown a willingness to amend things in order to make it work. We will continue to do so.
We don’t agree with those who say it isn’t the Government’s job to lead on this.
If we stop moving forward to address the impacts of climate change, allow further degradation of our fresh water and don’t do more to address animal welfare standards, there is no way we will meet this Government’s goal of working with the sector to achieve a $40b increase in export value.
Because that’s what is at stake. We either get ahead of the curve and reap the benefits, or we slowly fall behind.
We used to debate the ‘why’ – in 2003 the Government proposed a levy to invest in research on reducing methane emissions. That was protested and was scrapped. Now many – including those protesting tomorrow – are calling for such a fund.
The ETS was introduced as a compromise following protests against a carbon tax. Now many are saying the ETS is flawed and a carbon tax would be better.
I’m proud that as a country we have moved on from that. We no longer debate the ‘why’ and have moved on to discussing the ‘how’.
I acknowledge the constructive work of industry bodies like Dairy NZ and Beef and Lamb, and the efforts made by companies like Fonterra. They understand what needs to be done. Yet the group behind tomorrow’s protests have criticised them for it. So many of the farmers I engage with every week are on board with what needs to be done and are getting on with it. My bet is many of them will be disappointed by tomorrow’s protests.
I am disappointed too. Not necessarily because of the issues they are protesting – I discuss those with people every day. I am disappointed because of what I fear it will do. There is truth to the concept of an urban- rural divide. Some in urban areas don’t give enough credence to those farmers that have been doing their bit over many years. And farmers resent them for it. This is not where we need to be as a nation.
So much work goes into trying to bring often urban-based environmental groups and farmers together, encouraging them to learn about each other’s perspectives. It is in meeting and learning where we develop respect for those we don’t really know. And we were making progress.
It is my fear that tomorrow’s protests will undo this good work. It’ll make farmers look stubborn and resistant to change, which on the whole they are not. It’ll make them look like climate change deniers, which most of them aren’t. There will no doubt be someone that does or says something that will hurt the image of the farmers I know, and potentially, it’ll hurt how those overseas view us.
The markets we are trying to enter have much stricter environmental and climate standards than us. They will look at our protests and wonder why we are opposing proposals that aren’t as harsh as those they have in their own countries. These are the very same people in the very same markets we want to sell more of our products to.
So I won’t be joining the protests tomorrow, but I will continue to back the majority of farmers who want the best price for their products, the best for the environment and the best for our country.”
So do you have an actual opinion, or are you just good for a rip and dump?
Thanks for the affirmation.
In total agreement with Kieran McAnulty. Especially when he makes the point how our markets are getting more picky about from whom they buy. As an agricultural trading nation, farmers should be wanting to give markets offshore reasons to buy from us, not reasons not to.
On a personal level, I used to be able to catch trout in the Ruamahanga River. Probably not so much now.
Yeah, saw that on fb last night, good forward thinking leadership that’s shared by a lot of farmers
But the pull of the rugby club locker room ‘wadrrrya’ is still strong.
Their slogan
No farmers
No growers
No food
should really be
No change
No markets
No farmers
Which is what McAnulty is saying simplified to a slogan
Yip bunch grizzling wind bags, that can't handle change, imho
Apart from the ute tax ,I still think for a public good tax to be fair it has to be avoidable, and the ute tax is not for farmers.
The ute tax is avoidable now, you just don’t buy a new ute for a couple of years when there will be alternatives, unfortunately they probably won’t be Toyota.
Think it’ll be a very different picture in a couple of years
A placard on a bridge down here says "I live in New Zealand not Aotearoa, stop ramming Māori (sic) down our throats" & an anti communism one.
Good to see some sense being spoken….thanks for posting McAnulty's piece.
Given at least one of the organisers of today's protests was a candidate for the crank Advance NZ party I look forward to seeing Judith being filmed on her tractor with someone waving an anti-vax banner behind her.
With the Groundswell ad inviting; "Bring your tractor, ute, and the dogs", the hopes of the Dunedin supporters for a calm event may be in vain:
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/hopes-howl-protest-will-strike-right-note
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/125759839/what-are-aotearoas-farmers-actually-protesting-about-this-friday
Though with the weather today, no one is going to be looking at the signs much except as improvised umbrellas. If you howl in a gale, does it make a sound?
. If you howl in a gale, does it make a sound? great question.
It does but like pissing in the wind it's not fun and might back fire.
The weather in Dunedin has cleared up a lot since dawn, so the rain is probably most of the way to Chch (& west coast!) by now. At least it's not another cabin feverish school holiday.
Links from mobile not working today, so I will probably ease off commenting until I am back at my laptop. ODT had coverage of event- featuring a one month ultimatum for the government to knuckle under (no specific consequences threatened for not doing so though). Also some minor assault of a counterprotester – but the Octagon has HD cameras everywhere, so it will be interesting to see how that pans out.
dickhead did it in front of an odt camera. Snuck up from a blind spot and snatched it. And another brave man held a profarming sign in front of her face when she was talking to the camera. Looked pleased with himself for being so innovative, too.
She was having none of it. Good for her.
Naturally the police were out in force taking pics and ticketing tractors without warrants for road travel.
I was thinking about that.
Don't forget checking that all the cockies had their odometers on, tracking their fuel use for RUC. lol as if.
The deluge currently hitting the West coast is coming in from the north, and has been since yesterday.
Unless my geographic and meteorology knowledge has taken a hit, I doubt any weather you had in Dunedin this morning has headed up our way.
Stay safe on the roads today everyone and keep away from those wild-eyed farmers hooning in their Utes.
Re one of the organisers being a candidate – Advance NZ is deregistering as a political party as of today. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/07/jami-lee-ross-political-party-advance-new-zealand-deregistering.html
It is not often I have been in the majority
Small majority believe there is still time to avert climate disaster – survey
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/05/small-majority-believe-there-is-still-time-to-avert-climate-disaster-survey?
"Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will chair the "informal leaders' retreat" over video-conference late Friday night – the first time the Asia Pacific bloc has held such talks ahead of its regular November event. United States President Joe Biden, China President Xi Jinping, and Russia President Vladimir Putin have all confirmed their participation."
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/447012/hopes-something-significant-will-come-from-apec-meeting-chaired-by-ardern
Xi & Putin must have gleaned some basis of common interest in the preliminary plan of the teleconference agenda. I applaud the PM's initiative and hope her scheme includes a proactive design – the pandemic thus far seems to have induced mostly reactive responses by nations.
"In a statement issued on Monday, Ardern said she would invite the leaders to discuss "immediate measures to achieve more coordinated regional action to assist recovery". She later told reporters not to expect any significant breakthroughs or announcements out of the discussion."
Yeah, best to minimise expectations. I presume her officials have proposed possible regional co-ordinations and perhaps advance negotiation has prompted similar suggestions from other administrations. Seems history will be made tonight if sufficient common ground is established.
"Otago University professor of international relations Robert Patman said it was a "bold initiative" for New Zealand to convene such a meeting and spoke to Ardern's clout on the world stage."
Any player is only as good as their latest performance – in the minds of the audience & other players – so hers tonight will depend on the quality of the thinking and planning involved. Good to see her advancing Aotearoa's leadership capacity anyway.
""She's in quite a strong position to point out to great powers like China and the United States… they need to co-operate more, because the alternative model of rivalry and name-calling has not worked." Patman said he expected Ardern would urge the economies to take a collaborative approach in the face of the global pandemic, in particular regarding vaccines."
He's right to remind us that collaborative endeavour ought to accompany competition between nations. Those in younger generations with a global outlook will be encouraged by a renewal of the balance between the two.
Bold move Prime Minister Ardern.
Imagine marching in aspiration for New Zealand to become like Somalia or India.
Credible validation. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/15/kremlin-papers-appear-to-show-putins-plot-to-put-trump-in-white-house
I might do a post on the weekend about this. There are two jaw dropping passages in the article:
“There is a brief psychological assessment of Trump, who is described as an “impulsive, mentally unstable and unbalanced individual who suffers from an inferiority complex”.
There is also apparent confirmation that the Kremlin possesses kompromat, or potentially compromising material, on the future president, collected – the document says – from Trump’s earlier “non-official visits to Russian Federation territory”.
The paper refers to “certain events” that happened during Trump’s trips to Moscow. Security council members are invited to find details in appendix five, at paragraph five, the document states. It is unclear what the appendix contains.
“It is acutely necessary to use all possible force to facilitate his [Trump’s] election to the post of US president,” the paper says.”
And Trump’s response:
“This is disgusting. It’s fake news, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA was fake news. It’s just the Radical Left crazies doing whatever they can to demean everybody on the right.
“It’s fiction, and nobody was tougher on Russia than me, including on the pipeline, and sanctions. At the same time we got along with Russia. Russia respected us, China respected us, Iran respected us, North Korea respected us.
“And the world was a much safer place than it is now with mentally unstable leadership.”
Had to laugh.
You missed the '/sarc' attribute
Since Luke Harding's hilarious fiction featuring Manafort and his visit to Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy there's not much reason to believe anything Harding writes is not incredible.
FYI
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2018/12/06/assa-d06.html
Absolutely on point there Brigid. How anyone can take seriously anything that Luke Harding writes is beyond belief. With regard to the Manafort visit to Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy words to the effect that we are to believe the most surveilled building in the most surveilled city with cctv on all surrounding buildings and no one noticed Manafort entering??!
https://www.salon.com/2018/12/07/the-manafort-assange-meeting-that-wasnt-a-case-study-in-journalistic-malpractice/
We've all heard about casual racism
How about casual fascism?
In the US the far right have linked their cause, to the cause of the oil companies, with the belief, (encouraged by big oil), that climate change is a conspiracy spread by Leftists to destroy the American way of life.
Just like the unprovoked attacks on blacks and Asians by white supremacists. There have been many documented unprovoked attacks on Americans who choose to drive electric cars.
Apart from many acts of vandalism of parked electric cars, and screamed abuse and obscene gestures, one way Right Wing conspiracy theorists have attacked electric car owners is the practice known as ICEing. ie organised blocking of electric charging stations by large SUVs and other Internal Combustion, ICE vehicles preventing electric car owners recharging their batteries.
Anti-Tesla pickup truck drivers take over a Supercharger station again
https://electrek.co/2019/01/01/tesla-pickup-truck-drivers-supercharger-protest/?
Apart from low level intimidation like ICEing there have been numerous unprovoked shooting attacks on electric cars.
Another tactic used by these extremists, is altering your exhaust to pour smoke to blind electric car drivers or anyone else they take offence at. Like 'ICEing' this practice is also common enough to have a name, and is known as 'Rolling Coal'.
If this wasn't a serious manifestation of a malfunctioning society and mind-set, I'd suggest that EV owners placate the attention-drawing neediness of such ICE owners by installing speakers under their vehicles rear where exhaust pipes would otherwise be, and play the vibrant sounds of Harleys at full-throated acceleration, the song of a 12 cylinder straight pipe racing boat engine or a tourist space rocket at take-off. That should convince these ICErs that EV owners are real men.
fun fact. the current ford mustang I.C.E. is so quiet that it has a noise generator to give it the V8 rumble.
My Leaf is known to my friends as the Black Ninja. It too has a noise generator; at low speeds only, for pedestrian safety. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle_warning_sounds
I'm waiting for an affordable electric motor scooter 50cc-equivalent to come out, $2-3k mark.
Silent but deadly 😉
Ubco ,kiwi built,
The power supplies for them alone currently (giggle) cost about as much as my wee suzuki UZ50.
But that sort of thing, yeah. Just a matter of time, I'm hoping.
Mind you, the last suzuki I had ran for something like 7 years without me bothering to put in any oil, so the current one could well see me into retirement now I'm bothering with basic maintenance lol
McFlock – these guys in the valley used to be good at various kinds of tinkering. Their website seems geared to installing ebike kits nowadays, but they may still do custom work too. It may even be possible to turn your suzuki into an electric moped and still ride on a car licence? Though, you might be more limited as to power options than a newbuild:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/motorcycles-and-mopeds/information-for-moped-riders/
https://dunedinelectricbikes.nz/conversions/
cheers
https://kiwihoverboard.co.nz/product/gaea3-eec-fat-tyre-e-scooter-road-legal/?
They look very interesting; over $2K can be street legal compliant, a scooter that looks like a grunty little Harley, good range and top speed for town use.
Definitely in the ballpark – 20 degree hill climb might be an issue (especially with my fat butt), but definitely getting there. Very interesting.
As a cyclist the quiet cars are terrifying, seemingly come out of nowhere. Maybe, they too, need a little bell to ring?
The cyclists on our walkways are enjoined to let the pedestrians know they are coming up behind, certainly. I guess a cyclist on a road trusts all cars to give it sufficient berth when passing and likewise the driver trusts the cyclist will check behind when moving its line across the road width. I've never yet heard a cycle bell as a walker though- shouted warnings, yes, but not a bell.
How many cyclists have a bell and rear vision mirrors nowadays?
I hope the tenant appeals this decision. $700 for this level of harassment from a landlord is less than what’s awarded when the bond’s not lodged with Tenancy Services. Ridiculous.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/renting/125751215/auckland-landlord-harassed-tenant-to-the-point-he-needed-antianxiety-medication
Yes some people should not be landlords. Without hearing all the facts from both sides, it does seem like the landlord got off too lightly.
Here's the decision here. The TT got the intentional nature of the unlawful entry wrong, too – an error often made by adjudicators.
https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/6827729-Tribunal_Order_Redacted.pdf
Some are wondering if the farmers’ “howl” will harm their image:
The poster boy on the right is named, Robbie "Gooserooter" Shefford, according to his Facebook page.
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-business/howl-protest-thousands-farmers-prepare-march-through-47-towns-and-cities.
ASB have company…didnt take long.
https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/111298/new-zealands-largest-home-loan-lender-follows-asb-its-own-rate-hike-so
"A 1972 MIT study predicted that rapid economic growth would lead to societal collapse in the mid 21st century. A new paper shows we’re unfortunately right on schedule."
https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3xw3x/new-research-vindicates-1972-mit-prediction-that-society-will-collapse-soon
“BAU2 and CT scenarios show a halt in growth within a decade or so from now,” the study concludes. “Both scenarios thus indicate that continuing business as usual, that is, pursuing continuous growth, is not possible. Even when paired with unprecedented technological development and adoption, business as usual as modelled by LtG would inevitably lead to declines in industrial capital, agricultural output, and welfare levels within this century.”
Study author Gaya Herrington told Motherboard that in the MIT World3 models, collapse “does not mean that humanity will cease to exist,” but rather that “economic and industrial growth will stop, and then decline, which will hurt food production and standards of living… In terms of timing, the BAU2 scenario shows a steep decline to set in around 2040.”
“The necessary changes will not be easy and pose transition challenges but a sustainable and inclusive future is still possible,” said Herrington.
The best available data suggests that what we decide over the next 10 years will determine the long-term fate of human civilization."
We in the south are in for a seriously damaging rain event. Let’s run a book on how many hours on from the protest it will take for the first “ agriculture spokesman “ to go on tv and demand more money from the government for reinstatement.
My pick is in the single figures, about 6. Hypocrits Without Shame.
Disclosure, I’m a farmer.
I thought you had a vineyard
Divide and conquer eh?
The seven demands of the farmers protest is an exceptionalist wonder –
https://groundswellnz.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GROUNDSWELL-position-statement.pdf
It amounts to a polluters charter to do as they please to our waterways and head in the sand climate change denialism.
This inchoate protest in the face of overwhelming public rejection of their demands has to be seen in the context of the collapse of the National party as a viable political opposition. These people clearly feel they no longer have a mechanism to hijack public policy in their favour.
good point about the collapse of National.
The list is incredibly self-serving. It also looks like 'trust us, because we're very important'. Hubris.
Damien O’Connor’s warning about not being too cocky like tourism had beed was very apt
Tourism’s cockiness destroyed any social license or goodwill the industry had with the New Zealand public. Being on the receiving end of the public’s wrath in our gallery over the last year hasn’t been pleasant.
Farmers risk a similar loss of social license that’s probably only going to polarise the situation even more
what have the public been saying to you at the gallery?
Yeah, I suspect the farmers are misjudging the public mood here. Might be messaging Labour more?
A point missed by most is that farm utes etc are tax depreciated by 20% per annum, therefore after 5 years owners have not paid any tax on earnings equal to the cost of the vehicle. This is not available to anybody else owning a vehicle including most of the people who work for them.
Every one of the utes in that protest is running on subsidised fuel to the tune of whatever tax rate the owner is on, which for most is fuck all because of all the accumulated depreciation on every bit of gear they own.
They are hypocrites because they amount to the most wealthy group of state beneficaries in the country.
Exactly…the tax is a complete red herring
Not up on this stuff, but isn't the tax going to hit the pseudo tradesmen who have the bright shiny double-cabs for mum to drop them and the kids off at work and school then claim rebates?
Only in initial outlay….it will all be written off (depreciated) against income, not to mention the GST rebate
The farm like any other business that is registered for gst is only collecting this tax for the govt and the pays out to them. The end unregistered (you and me) pay the gst to the ird. and gst costs or charges are not the companies, and there are mechanisms within the tax system to account for private benefits gst portion, so the gst rebate has no benefit to the farm.
And for those comments below an example of where there is personal use, if the Ute is used to transport the family to and return the airport for a holiday, or the Ute is used to tow the boat to the crib for a holiday.😉
but if as you have stated only that portion of income generating activity is applied to the asset then the same applies to the end user argument with regard to the GST applied to said asset….which as I noted upthread is all moot because both the income generating activity v private benefit and subsequent tax implications are widely ignored.
"This is not available to anybody else owning a vehicle" – you are wrong same as not taking into account personal use , but don't let that get in the way for your argument, hate to read an argument based on straw !!!!
What do you think happens to those vehicles used for any business . e.g trucks, buses, tractors etc
Do you also not understand about costs incurred to earn a profit being deducted, and when the vehicle is sold then any depreciation recovered is taxed.
Also the personal use is not deductible "Examples include gasoline, oil, fuel, water, rent, electricity, telephone, automobile upkeep, repairs, insurance, interest and taxes. Farmers must allocate these expenses between their business and personal parts. Generally, the personal part of these expenses is not deductible"
ps you claim to be a farmer I am reminded of William Joyce when I read that
and then theres the real world….where personal use is seldom separated out, or it is 'legitimised' and the fact that the enforcement is seldom applied.
Get real a farmer with a utility/truck can have 100% deductibility and so too a tradie with his or her sign written on it.
FYI, Adrian has been commenting here for 9 years AFAIK and is on record as being a farmer. You were saying?
You queried his “claim” and you still doubt him, it seems; I confirmed that AFAIK the “claim” was kosher, Herodotus. Don’t have a go at the messenger.
Not a real farmer eh?
Will these things really matter 30 years from now? [thanks to pat for that link]
Hold on to hope, best of luck, and don't take your eye off the ball
One vehicle and associated running costs is fully deductible, any further vehicle that is used at anytime for farm or job related tasks is deductible on a percentage basis.
Farm workers driving to work don’t get any deductibles, it can be 50kms here and back for some so I pay extra to cover fuel costs for those who work for us.
If you don’t think the deductibility regime isn’t rorted Herod you are dreaming and talking out your arse.
Just had a look at the photos from the protests and I’m pretty sure most of those tractors are brand new and have come straight off a dealers yard, the giveaway is the wheels, it doesn’t take many hours on a farm until they look secondhand.
Yes, I’m inside looking at an iPad, but after 8 hours in the pissing rain I’m at least allowed a cup of tea, tax deductible of course!
The government/ird have viewed commuting to and from work as private travel – as it occurs outside work hours. And the same applies to all workers not just those working on farms. And in the city the further out you live the cheaper property is but the more expensive it is to travel in terms on time and running costs, and ask our great leaders why public transport priorities are for the inner sections of the city and on the margins PT is marginal to non-existent at best.
And I am not that naive to believe that this is being rorted.
Adrian is a farmer. I've been on his property. I've known the man for over twenty years- an independent, forceful thinker and a bloody hard worker. His very decent rosé is far less red than his politics.
godsomeone tried to cancel god. Wasn't me.
Not me
🤠
Which god?
small g implies any of them.
Would be quite happy to see Mammon cancelled.
not a real god, but someone sure got the humans confused.
are any of them real?
Only the socially constructed ones are real. The absolute ones cannot be known by man.
so all of them
could be a bit problematic in a multi cultural society
No kidding! There is much confusion about Babylonian confusion.
Mammon getting in the way again
If you can't tell the difference between Gaia and humans feeling greed, I probably can't help you.
The one true God
I wish Gaia were the one true God.
Is it just me or can anyone else see the irony of this. On the day farmers have a Howly bag protest over water and climate change issues, climate change delivers yet another red warning event on the West Coast. This within weeks of a similar event in South Canterbury. Both are prominent dairy farming areas. Farmers are evacuating ahead of flooding and I expect they will hold their hand out for government assistance, just like the last lot. Howl of protest accompanied by howling rain. It’s almost justice!
I thought there was no more money available (same was said by the government regarding the teachers) until there was more, $408m more. Glad to see the government starting to listen and show some appreciation towards this well deserving sector. Pity we had to go thru this process with the government staring down the nurses. These nurses deserve everything they get and IMO still more is required.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nurses-lift-strike-notices-after-revised-pay-contract-offer-now-for-members-to-decide/ZYAUGWC23N56ZQUQFPYUTQF7D4/
When people highlight that the NZ govt doesn't have a financial constraint this is what is meant. When the govt says there are no funds for that its nothing about budgets or accounts its just their way of saying no we don't want to fund that.
Perhaps now the govt will be able to fully fund Starship with the extra $15m ($7m has been pledged of this) that was short to allow the extra need beds to be added. Especially with the outbreak of this RVS. The only way to achieve any $$ from the govt is to embarrass them into action. Pity that they could not see an obvious need.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300274447/starship-hospital-launches-15m-fundraising-campaign-amid-critical-icu-occupancy