Open mike 17/06/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 17th, 2013 - 189 comments
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Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

189 comments on “Open mike 17/06/2013 ”

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  1. Morrissey 1
    17 June 2013 at 6:20 am

    LIARS OF OUR TIME
    No. 21: Tim Groser

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    “I think the relationship is genuinely in outstanding form.”

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    Trade Minister Tim Groser, on New Zealand-China relationships, as our meat rots on Chinese wharves, Chinese fears grow about DCD residues in our dairy products, and a double-invoicing scandal has seriously affected our kiwifruit exports. (TV1, Q+A, Sunday 16 June 2013)
    http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/tim-groser-interview-5465968

    See also….
    No. 20 John Key: “But if the question is do we use the United States or one of our other partners to circumvent New Zealand law then the answer is categorically no.”
    No. 19 Matthew Hooton: “It is ridiculous to say that unions deliver higher wages! They DON’T!”
    No. 18 Ant Strachan: “The All Blacks won the RWC 2011 because of outstanding defence!”
    No. 17 Stephen Franks: “Peter has been such a level-headed, safe pair of hands.”
    No. 16 Phil Kafcaloudes: “Tony Abbott…hasn’t made any mistakes over the past eighteen months.”
    No. 15 Donald Rumsfeld: “I did not lie… Colin Powell did not lie.”
    No. 14 Colin Powell: “a post-9/11 nexus between Iraq and terrorist organizations…connections are now emerging…”
    No.13 Barack Obama: “Simply put, these strikes have saved lives.”
    http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-27052013/#comment-638881
    No. 12 U.K. Ministry of Defence: “Protecting the Afghan civilian population is one of ISAF and the UK’s top priorities.”
    No. 11 Brendan O’Connor: “Australia’s approach to refugees is compassionate and generous.”
    No. 10 Boris Johnson: “Londoners have… the best police in the world to look after us and keep us safe.”
    No. 9 NewstalkZB PR dept: “News you NEED! Fast, fair, accurate!”
    No. 8 Simon Bridges: “I don’t mean to duck the question….”
    No. 7 Nigel Morrison: “Quite frankly, they’ve been VERY tough.”
    
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-15052013/#comment-633295
    
No. 6 NZ Herald PR dept: “Congratulations—you’re reading New Zealand’s best newspaper.”

    
No. 5 Rawdon Christie: “…a FORMIDABLE replacement, it seems, is Claudette Hauiti.”
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-13052013/#comment-632594

    No. 4 Willie and J.T.: “The X-Factor. Nah, nah, there’s some GREAT talent there!”

    No. 3 John Key: “Yeah we hold MPs to a higher standard.”
    
No. 2 Colin Craig: “Oh, I have a GREAT sense of humour.”
    
No. 1 Barack Obama: “Margaret Thatcher was one of the great champions of freedom and liberty.”

  2. Descendant Of Sssmith 2
    17 June 2013 at 7:14 am

    No sign of the privatisation juggernaut stopping in the UK.

    Probation next.

    http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=cclXIdneMmU

    • Morrissey 3.1
      17 June 2013 at 9:30 am

      Mediaworks is in receivership

      It would be a good start if they closed down those useless radio stations, and made sure that Mitch Harris never got another job in broadcasting.

      • karol 3.2.1
        17 June 2013 at 10:00 am

        I have no idea of how these receivership-to-takeover deals work. But it all seems like a bit of a scam to me: corproate fails, big corporate picks up the pieces to their advantage.

        • mickysavage 3.2.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 10:12 am

          Selling the assets to a new entity often means that unsecured creditors of the old entity whistle. The Government’s very generous deferral of payments for licenses offered to Mediaworks is going to need a bit of a look into.

          • Veutoviper 3.2.1.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 10:19 am

            I seem to remember that they had repaid the loan last year.

            An updated article on the Stuff site appears to confirm that the loan was repaid in October 2012.

            http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8804077/MediaWorks-to-enter-receivership

            “Debts saddled on to MediaWorks as part of the Ironbridge purchase have weighed heavily on the business, and on several occasions debt covenants have been broken. In 2010 the company sought, and was granted, a $43m loan from the Government to pay for radio spectrum licence renewals. That loan was repaid in October 2012. “

          • grumpy 3.2.1.1.2
            17 June 2013 at 10:52 am

            You know how it works….Fox News goes to the Reciever, after having taken the shares off the owners for $1, pays off the creditors, gives the previous owners 20% holding with no voting rights and walks away with the whole shooting match for bugger all.
            Fair and balanced just in time for next year’s election!

      • Rogue Trooper 3.2.2
        17 June 2013 at 1:04 pm

        700M of debt, interest sucked it. Private equity firms / banks (offshore) to take the bulk of the Hits. Julie Christie, sigh, there go production values.

        RNZ: The NZ Special Effects industry: in contrast to the superior conditions overseas, only 3% locally are working a 40 hour week, majority working 50-80 and up to 100 hours. Hollywood driving down wages, putting companies out of business and many are leaving the occupation.
        Excellent Industry development from Peter and John Key, just climactic!

    • mickysavage 3.3
      17 June 2013 at 9:57 am

      Gee I hope the government made sure that all those sweetheart deals were secured. There is a $43 million dollar loan that may be under threat – http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=17018

    • Colonial Viper 3.4
      17 June 2013 at 9:57 am

      Sure sign of John Key’s economic recovery kicking in.

      • Rob 3.4.1
        17 June 2013 at 12:54 pm

        Its been in the poo for a long time and unfortuantly is a current trend of large private equity purchases going bad due to the very leveraged nature of the transaction. Just as a beside this explains why the key team from Korda Mentha and various senior M&A trading bank reps were all out to dinner last Sat , they must have got all their plans that they had been working on for many months signed off with permision to procede.

        • NickS 3.4.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 1:36 pm

          This.

          The equity firms are paying the price for trying to profit off too-good-to-be-true loans used to buy assets that weren’t destined for long-term increases in profitability.

    • NickS 3.5
      17 June 2013 at 12:56 pm

      Muwahahahahaha…

      Sadly though this doesn’t mean the end of More FM or The Rock (aka “not more pop-rock crap”).

      • Descendant Of Sssmith 3.5.1
        17 June 2013 at 1:03 pm

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8804077/MediaWorks-to-dispute-tax-payment

        The way the stuff article reads it looks like they are likely to lose their case of rorting the tax payer of $400 million and are restructuring to carry over all the debt apart from what is likely to be owed to the tax payer.

        The debt naturally will belong to the old company.

        • NickS 3.5.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 1:22 pm

          Unless IRD grows a spine and does the legal equivalent of a colony drop on them to recover the owed taxes.

        • Veutoviper 3.5.1.2
          17 June 2013 at 1:23 pm

          According to RNZ National news, the tax amount in dispute is $22 million – not $400m.

          http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/137826/tv3's-owners-in-receivership

          As I commented in 3.2.1.1.1 above, the Stuff article also states towards the bottom, that Mediaworks repaid the $43m loan to the government last October.

          • mickysavage 3.5.1.2.1
            17 June 2013 at 4:30 pm

            Right you are Veuto. I bet Joyce is happy it was repaid. The detail on this will be interesting though and the proposal to pay all creditors is somewhat unusual. The treatment of tax will be one of those issues as noted by DoS.

            • Descendant Of Sssmith 3.5.1.2.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 6:45 pm

              It seems that this is a construct to not pay the tax they will likely be found to owe.

              They are making it quite clear other debt will be carried over.

              So having already evaded the tax once they now seek to evade it again.

              The smirk on the receivers face as he talked about not carrying that debt over was nauseating.

              I can see no good reason why they shouldn’t have to reduce costs, restructure, etc in order to repay their debt.

              Surely given the stated intention to repay debt other than the potential IRD debt this can mainly be seen as a tax rort.

              Notice the Company who did the some of the SCF receivership, the Solid Energy report, the Sky City report for the government, the Crafar farms deal i.e. the receivers and Sky City pop up again with the past executive to go on the new board.

              . It ‘s such a small group of people ripping us off they keep tripping over themselves. Just waiting for Shipley to turn up.

            • Retired Engineer 3.5.1.2.1.2
              17 June 2013 at 10:24 pm

              MS,

              Always, always the PAYE tax payer gets screwed. And in this country, with so many loopholes and no tax on property dealings. And no taxes on the sale of businesses. The PAYE worker gets screwed.

              Not that John Key or Davis Shearer gives a rats arse. They will still get invites to warm boxes.

              As sure as night follows day, as sure as water runs own hill, the structure of this transfer of assets from bad company to BS company will reduces the amount of tax NZ gets.

              Fools and Crooks.

      • Rob 3.5.2
        17 June 2013 at 2:33 pm

        No I dont think so Nick, there has been a large degree of planning behind this to ensure that it continues as a going concern. Evidently they want to retain all staff as well as the business at an operating level does well but unfortunatly is so highly levearged that its overall earnings are poor. The key idea is the banks want to get rid of the PE owners and get a better functioing board on.

      • felix 3.5.3
        17 June 2013 at 2:40 pm

        “Sadly though this doesn’t mean the end of More FM or The Rock”

        Sadly no, if anything goes it’ll be KiwiFM.

        • Tigger 3.5.3.1
          17 June 2013 at 3:32 pm

          http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10891114

          What, the taxpayer will be out of pocket so Mediaworks can go on? I say we take it out in NZOA funding.

        • NickS 3.5.3.2
          17 June 2013 at 4:15 pm

          🙁

          It’s pretty much the only mainstream radio station mediaworks owns that isn’t irritating as hell.

          • Descendant Of Sssmith 3.5.3.2.1
            17 June 2013 at 7:54 pm

            Tune in radio is a good friend

            Punk stations, alt rock, flower power, sport, childrens, elvis, radio stations from all over the world…….

            Failing that a MP3 DVD with 2000 songs set to random play or streaming from your PC.

            Radio without ads!
            Streaming radio killed the advertising star!

            • NickS 3.5.3.2.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 11:08 pm

              More youtube did it (and a HDD with 20+gigs of music) 😛

              Racking up the stuff they no longer play on Hauraki is probably why my net usage is so high lawl.

      • David H 3.5.4
        17 June 2013 at 4:45 pm

        Or the abysmal radio Live with Plonker and co.

  4. Sanctuary 4
    17 June 2013 at 9:09 am

    Another day, another ridiculous post by Martyn Bradbury on the dailyblog, which he is turning into another vanity project for his personal fantasies. Already, I have noticed the frequency of posts from his more credible bloggers is dropping.

    Someone ought to take him aside and tell him making shit up and pretending it is based on some sort of inside information is not smart politics, it is just pathetic and slightly cringe worthy, but I suspect Mr. Bradbury is man whose ears are painted on.

    • karol 4.1
      17 June 2013 at 9:40 am

      Which post of Bomber’s are you referring to: the one on the by-election? The one on Dunne-Vance?

      I don’t always agree with Bomber, but I most often do, and I like his rhetorical flair. And he has been doing a great service to the left in providing platforms, online & on TV, for a range of significant left wingers.

      • Tim 4.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 1:24 pm

        I’m picking its the Dunne-Vance thing. HOWEVER there are a couple of things to do with ‘the leak’ that may have been overlooked. e.g. The motivation for the leak – the threat that it was going to be sanitised/further sanitised.

        • aerobubble 4.1.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 3:23 pm

          Dunne three strikes. No asset sales said Dunne in election mode, membership fiasco meanig Dunne jumped before he was pushed, and now disclosing all his emails in a Nationals security investigation.

        • karol 4.1.1.2
          17 June 2013 at 5:18 pm

          The Dunne-Vance post is not really off the wall. There’s always been the possibility of someone else having done the leak. Bomber seems to have taken the substance of the post from comments coming into TDB’s tip line.

          • Tim 4.1.1.2.1
            17 June 2013 at 5:48 pm

            Indeed. I’m suggesting that report actually got ‘leaked’ pretty bloody early on in the proceedings – if you know what I mean, and I suspect you do. (Before/during all that numbering schema, and all that other spook crap was applied).

            The trap people have fallen into is that they’ve assumed that any response to its findings (interim or otherwise) being ‘leaked, were going to be immediate.

            Oh, and NOR am I suggesting that the person closest to its production was necessarily responsible. There are of course friends/family/others who do things thinking they’re acting in a person’s best interests.

            Anyway …. it doesn’t really matter that much now, except in the sense that the various machinations going on now are only of use to those wanting political scoring points, and those that are claiming knowlwdge of what went on are all as bad as each other in any event.

            Thankfully, it saw the light of day BEFORE it could be sanitised and manipulated further – which (I think) was reason for its ‘leak’

          • Populuxe1 4.1.1.2.2
            17 June 2013 at 6:50 pm

            Andrea Vance is friendly with Jordan Williams, to the point of helping him make some contacts in London. Jordan Williams is, of course, Simon Lusk’s minion. I’m surprised no one has picked up on this.

      • Penny Bright 4.1.2
        17 June 2013 at 4:03 pm

        So – why has Martyn Bradbury BANNED me from commenting on his Daily Blog?

        As an ‘investigative activist’ / Public Watchdog – I’ve done research that no one else has done on a number of topics, and helped to initiate ACTION to help fix the discovered problem.

        He has NEVER interviewed me on his show.

        So – sorry but I don’t share your view:

        “And he has been doing a great service to the left in providing platforms, online & on TV, for a range of significant left wingers.”

        Kind regards

        Penny Bright
        ‘Anti-corruption /anti-privatisation’ campaigner

        2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

        • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.1.2.1
          17 June 2013 at 5:06 pm

          Come to think of it, he has never interviewed me on his show, either.

          Connect the dots.

          • Rogue Trooper 4.1.2.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 5:13 pm

            prefer Jose Barbosa, now there is a jolly chap.

            • Tim 4.1.2.1.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 8:52 pm

              erk!
              How the hell did that happen RT? What’s his skills?
              (I would genuinely like to know btw). I mean I’ve seen the various attempts on TVNZ7, but I wasn’t actually that convinced. I’m aware of course of the regime UNDER which he had to operate but…Please – convince me!

        • Arfamo 4.1.2.2
          17 June 2013 at 5:35 pm

          So – why has Martyn Bradbury BANNED me from commenting on his Daily Blog?

          Might be just that he doesn’t have enough space. Have you asked him?

    • Olwyn 4.2
      17 June 2013 at 9:51 am

      I take it Sanctuary, that you are talking about this post in which he is talking up Mana’s chances in Ikaroa-Rawhiti http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/17/ikaroa-rawhiti-update-labour-are-worried/ I do not know enough about what is happening on the ground there to make a judgement.

    • weka 4.3
      17 June 2013 at 10:40 am

      Another day, another ridiculous post by Martyn Bradbury on the dailyblog, which he is turning into another vanity project for his personal fantasies. Already, I have noticed the frequency of posts from his more credible bloggers is dropping.

      Someone ought to take him aside and tell him making shit up and pretending it is based on some sort of inside information is not smart politics, it is just pathetic and slightly cringe worthy, but I suspect Mr. Bradbury is man whose ears are painted on.

      I also don’t know which post you are referring to. Why not be clear instead of maligning the man without showing what you are actually upset about?

    • Rogue Trooper 4.4
      17 June 2013 at 10:48 am

      Yes, it would be interesting to see a current comparison of site stats for TS and TDB.
      (certainly learn more from reading TS, maybe there is a vanity publishing aspect to TDB)
      An odd thing; on TDB I made a reply comment commending a contributors comment and from four votes resulted a net 0 for my encouragement of them. Not that what other people think should matter too much, but hey, it was only a comment of support for their efforts.

      • Rosie 4.4.1
        17 June 2013 at 11:28 am

        Hey Roguey. Well its a thumbs up from me to you. I have noticed the voting on the Daily Blog is a little inconsistent but like you say, how much does it really matter?
        I suspect however that the RWNJ’s do a daily troll through and down vote everyone who has anything positive or intelligent to say.

        • Rogue Trooper 4.4.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 2:50 pm

          that gave me a smile Rosie, although, there are many sharp posters and commentors at TDB,
          QoT, John Minto, Keith Locke, Lynn, Matt Robson, Mike Treen, Jane Kelsey (now, I wonder about those initials), The Jackal, Wayne Butson. Great comments from AFKTT, Countryboy, Adam White, Ovicula, Draco et al;
          Chris Trotter writes some comprehensive essays, yet, personally, I am never certain if his conviction matches his creativity, but then, what would I know, I’m only a gardener with a penchant for Loud Rock Music and a craving, right now, for some hot chips. 😀

          • Tim 4.4.1.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 3:12 pm

            Make sure they’re trans-fat free RT. Where was that bus maintenance stuff I saw somewhere on here on another thread? Not WCT by any chance?

            • Rogue Trooper 4.4.1.1.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 4:35 pm

              Redbus

              • Tim …
                17 June 2013 at 9:07 pm

                Ah – OK. Besides me thinks you’re a bit younger than I anyway.
                (I once drove buses in Wgtn – albeit managing to get a licence before it was truely legit). THought you might have been a WCT “shiftman”.
                Apparently not.
                At least you didn’t have to suffer the indignity of having a job title of
                “standby gripman” (old cable car stuff)

          • Rosie 4.4.1.1.2
            17 June 2013 at 4:42 pm

            Mmmm. Hot chips. Now you’re talking. Especially if you’ve grown the tatties yourself….And music, we can never get enough of the stuff. I recently read an interesting article in MOJO about the “Red Wedge”, a group of left British musicians (inc Paul Weller, Billy Bragg, The Communards etc who raged against Thatcherism in the 80’s. Where is that spirit now?

            I digress and ramble. Re Chris Trotter. I have mixed feelings. I always learn something from his historical references including material to be found in chapters in No Left Turn, as well as online but I wonder how much of this glorious past is romanticised by him.

            Ultimately though, and said with a sigh, I’m tired of words and arguments and going nowhere. Until we, as a people, people meaning fed up and disadvantaged NZer’s unify and react meaningfully to the multitude of issues mowing us down nothing will change. Dreary I know but most likely true.
            We can put our hope in various opposition parties but it’s not enough.
            Enjoy your gardening. That is a useful, self sufficient and rewarding activity:-)

            • weka 4.4.1.1.2.1
              17 June 2013 at 6:48 pm

              When all else fails, garden!

              “I’m tired of words and arguments and going nowhere.”

              Me too.

              • LynWiper …
                17 June 2013 at 8:35 pm

                ditto

              • Tim …
                17 June 2013 at 9:12 pm

                When all else fails, garden!

                ABOSULTELY! Save the fucking seeds as well.

                It’s a therapeutic pass-time as well that more often than not produces results.

    • Te Reo Putake 4.5
      17 June 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Assuming that Sactuary is talking about the by-election post, I’m in total agreement. The article is opinion masquerading as fact. No cites, no links to actual polling to back up the ‘fingertips’ fantasy, no quotes from anyone in any of the parties. It wouldn’t make the grade as a TS post because of the lack of substance, but I suppose it’s his site and he can put up whatever waffle he wants.

      It’ll be interesting when the counting is done. From the tone of the post, I’m guessing that whatever the size of the eventual winning Labour vote, Bomber will claim he was ‘right all along, Labour have no mandate, the Greens can now win electorate seats’ etc.

      Edit: just as an aside, there are many, many more comments about the post in this thread on TS than in the actual TDB site. That’s Bomber’s real problem, right there.

      • Rogue Trooper 4.5.1
        17 June 2013 at 1:07 pm

        Thats cos’ The Standard Rocks and Rules.

      • marty mars 4.5.2
        17 June 2013 at 1:26 pm

        I’ve had my issues with Bomber but that article is opinion and not pretending to be anything else. The problem is you don’t like the opinion or the conclusions but really does that matter?

        As for the voting, yes the day will tell the story and I live in hope that labour’s terror campaign fails and that Mana and the Greens come through – I’ll be loving that alright!!! Kia kaha Mana and Greens – resist the terror campaign Ikaroa-Rāwhiti voters and vote for the future not the past.

        • Te Reo Putake 4.5.2.1
          17 June 2013 at 1:37 pm

          “…that article is opinion and not pretending to be anything else”.

          Not so, Marty. Bomber doesn’t qualify these statements as opinion, but presents them as facts:

          “Their candidate has been very difficult on the electoral trail and lacks any of the charisma necessary to enthuse turn out.”

          “Other factions view her win using her Brothers vote as shonky and have taken their toys home pulling any real support beyond lip service.”

          “Their internal polling is gloomy and Labour have sent their entire caucus into the electorate this week in a last minute attempt to pull the election around.”

          “Labour insiders believe Te Hamua has the momentum.”

          Ok, they’re not actually facts, and I’m guessing Bomber has lazily tried to make speculation and wishful thinking look like something of substance, but it’s a dishonest way to write. A few ‘I thinks’ and ‘I’m tolds’ would make it clearer that this is just opinion based on hope, rather than commentary based on facts.

          • weka 4.5.2.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 2:00 pm

            I took it as given seeing as how his main source of information seems to be the ‘tip line’ at TDB. All his posts today seem sloppily written. I don’t know if the information is wishful thinking, or if it has some substance. What makes you think you know?

            • Te Reo Putake 4.5.2.1.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 3:23 pm

              The reason I’m sure it’s wishful thinking, weka, is that he has no cites of any kind. No quotes from any of the parties involved, no detail of the internal polling etc. He’s pulled it out of his nether regions and dressed it up to sound legit, IMHO.

              @marty: I agree its a continuation of his personal style, but that style is often grating, fanciful and bombastic. I don’t think the kiwi left needs a version of the right’s Alex Jones or, more to the point, a local version of Cameron ‘tipline’ Slater.

              • marty mars …
                17 June 2013 at 3:51 pm

                That’s harsh TRP and not accurate imo. What the left need is to accept the differences we all have that make us who we are and concentrate on those opposite who constantly try to divide us. And we also need labour and its supporters to stop trying to terrorise their political opponents and instead to concentrate their wrath on the righties in and out of their party ffs.

                • Te Reo Putake …
                  17 June 2013 at 4:05 pm

                  Yes, well put marty. And believe me, there is a lot of wrath at the righties inside the party right about now. The Skycity debacle has really clarified things for a lot of members and I expect the moderation committee is going to be asked by the rank and file to deliver a list free of deadwood for the next election. However, it’s going to be a lot harder to rid ourselves of electorate based liabilities and non performers like Faa foi, Mallard and, well, it’s a long list so I won’t go on.

                  • marty mars …
                    17 June 2013 at 4:16 pm

                    I wish you all the best with that endeavor.

                    • Anne …
                      17 June 2013 at 6:02 pm

                      Yes, I’m beginning to think the SC debacle may prove to be a blessing in disguise. Might help to put the wheat back into the mix.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    17 June 2013 at 9:35 pm

                    For the electorate MPs: time to start working with their LECs and branches, finding support for good quality potential candidates willing to stand up for a hard Selection fight against the sitting MP.

              • Pasupial …
                17 June 2013 at 6:14 pm

                @ TRP

                You can’t imagine the shock I feel at seeing a man universally known as “Bomber” being described as “bombastic”.

                Perhaps you should learn to fact check, not just Bomber; but everyone! Though his particular tendency to let a turn of phrase obscure, rather than reveal; the truth, can admittedly get a bit wearying.

                Still, I do find his broadcasts on “Citizen A” (and once upon a time “Bomber’s Blog”) always brilliant: Sometimes a pure diamond brilliance, but often; merely the flash of rhinestones as a master magician controls your attention. If it’s entertaining and provoking, then he has succeeded in his trick. Just don’t ever try repeating anything he has produced without checking for yourself that you are sure how it was done!

          • marty mars 4.5.2.1.2
            17 June 2013 at 2:23 pm

            I’m not sure if it is dishonest considering he generally always writes like that but I can see why labour supporters would be pissed off with it. Personally as a Mana member I find he is a double edged sword but I take what he writes as an extension of how he speaks and just accept it for what it is, a particular style if you like.

            It would be interesting to get another post from jenny to hear what she has found out there whilst campaigning for labour (hopefully not another sarcastic one though) and of course everything will sort itself out on the (voting) day.

        • David H 4.5.2.2
          17 June 2013 at 5:16 pm

          And if the Greens win, then that may just be the kick up the arse that the morons in charge of Labour need to make some much needed changes, to personnel.

      • weka 4.5.3
        17 June 2013 at 1:57 pm

        “Assuming that Sactuary is talking about the by-election post, I’m in total agreement. The article is opinion masquerading as fact. No cites, no links to actual polling to back up the ‘fingertips’ fantasy, no quotes from anyone in any of the parties. It wouldn’t make the grade as a TS post because of the lack of substance, but I suppose it’s his site and he can put up whatever waffle he wants.”

        I found the quality of the three posts by Bradbury today pretty poor. But I don’t see the by-election one as too different than some of the posts on ts, where people like Eddie post from inside knowledge and don’t give any citations or backup. We are left to make our decisions about the validity of the information.

        With Bomber, at one end of the spectrum is Sanctuary (who thinks he is full of shit), and at the other are… well I don’t know if anyone believes that Bomber’s information is pure gold. But most of us I suspect sit in the middle somewhere, don’t really care that much about the ego/style issues, and just add Bomber’s views to the mix in making up our minds about what is going on.

    • millsy 4.6
      17 June 2013 at 11:23 pm

      Bradbury can get a bit tedious at times, and TDB is starting to be more about him posting than anyone else.

      His idea about RNZ2 is interesting though, and deserves looking into.

  5. Morrissey 5
    17 June 2013 at 9:27 am

    …another ridiculous post… vanity project… personal fantasies… frequency of posts from his more credible bloggers is dropping… making shit up and pretending it is based on some sort of inside information… pathetic… cringe-worthy… ears are painted on

    You’ve used a lot of adjectives and told us precisely nothing. Why all this animosity against Bradbury? Could you be specific?

    Right now, this looks like nothing more than a personal grudge against one of this country’s more principled and eloquent critics of the Key regime.

    Are you Matthew Hooton?

    • geoff 5.1
      17 June 2013 at 9:31 am

      Very unlikely to be Hooton as Bradbury often has him on Citizen A

      • Morrissey 5.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 9:37 am

        I was just trying to annoy our friend “Sanctuary”. I knew he couldn’t be Hooton, or any other National Party drone, because a quick perusal of his other recent posts show that Sanctuary is an intelligent, thoughtful and humane person.

        I just can’t believe, though, how he has attacked Bomber. It has to be something personal.

        • geoff 5.1.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 10:06 am

          Yeah there is a few Bomber haters on the standard. Most of the criticism I’ve seen is based on his style more than his content though.

        • felix 5.1.1.2
          17 June 2013 at 11:18 am

          “I just can’t believe, though, how he has attacked Bomber. It has to be something personal.”

          Doesn’t have to be personal at all. A great many people are far from enamoured with Bomber’s methods.

          Try reading the criticism at face value and forget for a moment that no-one is supposed to disagree with you.

          • weka 5.1.1.2.1
            17 June 2013 at 11:28 am

            Well what is the criticism exactly?

            That Bomber has a vanity project? (am sure there are no egos at ts or any other blog)

            That Bomber supports Mana?

            That he has painted ears?

            That he is making shit up and pretending that he has inside information? About what?

            The first three are irrelevant beyond personal opinion. The last one might be interesting if we knew what it was actually referring to.

            • felix 5.1.1.2.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 11:33 am

              Sorry, I didn’t realise I was supposed to be rating Sanctuary’s criticism on the basis of how interesting and/or relevant it was to you.

              • weka …
                17 June 2013 at 11:40 am

                You said “try reading the criticism at face value”. So I did. I can’t see the basis for the criticism (not saying there isn’t one, just that it’s not obvious).

                • felix …
                  17 June 2013 at 11:42 am

                  Not my problem.

                  • weka …
                    17 June 2013 at 12:50 pm

                    Right. Never mind then.

                    • felix …
                      17 June 2013 at 1:05 pm

                      To be clear, what I mean is that my comment wasn’t actually about Bomber’s post. It was about Morrissey’s reaction to it and the assumptions contained within.

                    • weka …
                      17 June 2013 at 2:10 pm

                      Fair enough. I suppose I responded because it’s hard to read a criticism at face value (rather than judge it as a personal grudge), when it’s unclear what the actual criticism is. I agree with you in principal though.

                      (for what it’s worth Sanctuary’s comment came across to me as a mix of potentially legit criticism and just plain dislike of the man).

            • marty mars 5.1.1.2.1.2
              17 June 2013 at 11:57 am

              I read it that he is, in sanc’s opinion, annoying sanc and embarrassing the more important ‘left’ bloggers that sanc likes by continuing to blog in his well known ‘excitable bullshitting’ way which sanc seems to think should have changed when he set up TDB. Oh and sanc doesn’t like the ‘wild and grandiose’ postings on Mana because that isn’t ‘uniting’ or ‘achieving’ the mission statement of TDB as stated. But I’ve just written that to help clarity based on the incomplete information in sanc’s posting to date.

            • Saccharomyces 5.1.1.2.1.3
              17 June 2013 at 2:00 pm

              “That Bomber gets paid by Mana?”

              FIFY

              • weka …
                17 June 2013 at 2:16 pm

                Who is that a reply to?

                • Te Reo Putake …
                  17 June 2013 at 3:41 pm

                  Slater’s been running a campaign saying that Bomber is getting paid by Mana and therefore he’s as bad as Lusk/Farrar/Hooten et al. As if Mana had the kind of money business has to throw around, eh?

                  • Winston Smith …
                    17 June 2013 at 4:04 pm

                    Well Hooten paid Bomber so is it that much of a stretch?

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      17 June 2013 at 4:30 pm

                      Yep, it is a stretch. Bomber is open and honest about who he works for, whereas Hooten lives in the shadows with the Hollow Men. Slater, of course, is happy to post anything, anytime, from anyone, as long as a cheque comes attached.

                      There is a world of difference between a cash strapped minor party paying a pittance for some occasional political advice and an orchestrated rorting of the political process.

          • Morrissey 5.1.1.2.2
            17 June 2013 at 9:02 pm

            Try reading the criticism at face value and forget for a moment that no-one is supposed to disagree with you.

            ???? When have I given the impression that no-one is supposed to disagree with me?

        • Tim 5.1.1.3
          17 June 2013 at 3:29 pm

          “…. posts show that Sanctuary is an intelligent, thoughtful and humane person.”
          Aye to that
          +1 and all that kinda kaka.

          ….and @ Morissey – I hope you didn’t put yourself through all that ‘nicest man on Earth’ Mora puff shit not long after 1pm. ” A-her a-her a-her a-her (forced laugh) Rotary sensitive crap.

          Is RNZ’s retention of the guy an attempt to display they’re fair and balanced?
          If that’s the reason, I’ll put up with it because I’ve no doubt the junta has the knives out looking for an excuse.

  6. Morrissey 6
    17 June 2013 at 10:06 am

    “We’re always concerned about attacks on innocent civilians….”
    U.S. State Dept. PR woman assures reporters

    If you want to see a gruesome example of just how the scofflaw Israeli state is allowed to literally get away with murder every day, then click on the following….
    http://normanfinkelstein.com/2013/worth-listening-until-the-end/

    Watch as reporters try to get an honest answer out of this PR flack. The highlight—or lowlight—comes when she asserts, with a completely straight face, that the U.S. government is “always concerned about attacks on innocent civilians.”

    That brazen lie is uttered at the 4:00 mark in the video….

    QUESTION: Do you have a comment on the increased attack by settlers against Palestinian farmers and villagers?
    MS. PSAKI: I don’t – I’m not sure which report you’re referring to.
    QUESTION: I mean, they are constant. They happen almost every day within – they double every month. Talk about doubling. I mean, it doubles every month. Are you concerned, or do you raise this issue with the Israelis? Do you demand that they bring these attackers to justice?
    MS. PSAKI: I don’t – I’m not sure what report you’re referring to. We’re always concerned about attacks on innocent civilians, but beyond that I’m not sure I have much more to add.
    QUESTION: Okay. Do you expect both sides to hold the aggressors from their side accountable to justice? Do you call on both sides that they do that, including the Israelis?
    MS. PSAKI: I think we’ve probably done what we can here on this topic, Said.

    http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2013/06/210603.htm#ISRAEL

  7. Sanctuary 7
    17 June 2013 at 10:07 am

    It just annoys me that he take me and others for fools. He has no need to make things up to appear more important or more knowledgable than he is. He has a profile. But no one will ever take him seriously until he gets his ego and wishful thinking masquerading as fact under a bit more control. The other issue is that by making wild and grandiose claims in a clearly partisan way for Mana you are hardly achieving the mission statement of the site, which was presumably written by Bradbury, and says “…The Daily Blog Unites Top Left-Wing Political Commentators and Progressive Opinion Shapers…” Unite? Hardly. Unless of course for Martyn the “left” starts and ends with the Mana party, in which case he ought to have been more honest with his contributors instead of allowing his excitable bullshitting to embarass the more important of them by their association with his blog.

    • marty mars 7.1
      17 June 2013 at 10:35 am

      So your issue is with the Mana Movement then?

    • weka 7.2
      17 June 2013 at 10:52 am

      “Unless of course for Martyn the “left” starts and ends with the Mana party, in which case he ought to have been more honest with his contributors instead of allowing his excitable bullshitting to embarass the more important of them by their association with his blog.”

      He has Marama Davidson blogging on TDB too (thinking about the by-election). I think you are confusing Bradbury’s role as founder and owner of TDB with his personal views as a blogger. Sure he supports Mana, that’s hardly a secret, so why shouldn’t he blog from that position? Unless he is actively refusing to publish material from people who support other parties I can’t see what the problem is.

    • Tim 7.3
      17 June 2013 at 4:00 pm

      Unfortunately Sanct, his ego is probably the (his) biggest problem – I find it fukn intolerable at times too. (I mean for me – I could get the hate on David Slack – or a number of others that have a certain appeal in many ways – but who do so from priviledged positions – tarnished silver spoons – whatever).
      When you think about it though – it’s no worse, and probably a shitload better than most of his adversaries, and it shouldn’t be used as an impediment to his getting a load of noble messages across.

      Look at it this way – by and large, they’re all up themselves (I mean the ‘media-obsessed folk’) – some so far up themselves any attempt at a 3 point turn would see them heading for their liver, or kidneys.
      TDB needs support, AS DOES TS.
      Pick your battles.

  8. Poission 8
    17 June 2013 at 10:36 am

    The G8 starts this week,the great game continues
    http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Great_Game_cartoon_from_1878.jpg

    and Putin back-foots Cameron and his relationships with eaters of the dead.

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/syria-sketch-dead-eyed-putin-asks-do-you-want-to-supportpeople-who-eat-the-guts-of-their-enemies-8661050.html

    The Hague/ Kerry Putz with Obama has been derailed.

  9. Te Reo Putake 9
    17 June 2013 at 10:44 am

    The Manufacturing Enquiry report is out, main recommendations are:

    1) a fairer and less volatile exchange rate through reforms to monetary policy;
    2) refocusing capital investment into the productive economy, rather than housing speculation;
    3) lowering structural costs in the economy, such as electricity prices.

    http://manufacturinginquiry.org.nz/report/

    • Rogue Trooper 9.1
      17 June 2013 at 11:15 am

      ah, now, I’d like to have a quick chat over a cuppa about the Sunday article, realtor and economic commentary of the housing market. Madness, it appears, absolute madness.

      The locals interviewed were spending all their spare time driving all over Ak to view properties and spectate at auctions to secure “the perfect house”- deep sigh. Emotional buying.
      The Fear of Missing Out (on Easy Money) over-riding even investment returns for some speculators.
      The return of ‘Investment Seminars’, $8000 a show, where you are introduced to establishing your property portfolio with no up-front cash deposit required.

      Peter Barfoot- 40% of Auction sales ARE going to Asian bidders.
      -20 of Barfoot’s highest grossing sales-people are Asian, who work more conscientiously and longer hours than their non-asian colleagues.

      Didn’t get his surname but ‘David’ claims a further 30% growth in prices is possible; the immigration influence is just coming on stream now!

      Shamubeel Eaqub- an objective Economist.
      -people are not thinking through their commitments.
      -need to allow for a 3% hike in interest rates
      -yet some are committed to 70-80% of their incomes; 100K income permits 700K mortgage.
      -Shamubeel does not own a home and receives greater returns from renting and a managed investment portfolio.Will buy a home in the future, but for domestic motivations.
      He says it is inevitable we will see a crisis , similar to the sub-prime, and that a 30% devaluation in your investment will be painful.

    • Draco T Bastard 9.2
      17 June 2013 at 12:25 pm

      And Labour’s say on it:

      “We need a thriving and high-tech manufacturing sector that makes and sells products the world wants.

      It seems that Labour still hasn’t woken up to reality even though they mention it in the same press release:

      “Countries around the world are making sure their exporters and manufacturers have an advantage.

      When every country can manufacture the same stuff and do it cheaper than by importing (which is inevitable) then there are no exports.

  10. Draco T Bastard 10
    17 June 2013 at 11:03 am

    The way money is created is at the root of the environmental and economic crisis

    Firstly, it drives unsustainable growth and consumption. Corporations must produce and sell more to pay interest and repay loans. Easy credit encourages more and more unsustainable consumption.

    Secondly, this way of creating money increases the cost of everything and fuels the nation’s escalating debt.

    and Russel Norman’s excellent article on the same happening here in NZ:

    The first point to note is that all of this huge increase in the money supply, what Key would call ‘money printing’, happened without the government engaging in any kind of government led increase in the money supply. It was private led increase in money supply.

    Anybody saying that the government shouldn’t just print money obviously either a) has NFI how money is created in the first place or b) knows exactly how it’s created and wants to keep it going that way.

    If we wish to become an equitable and sustainable society then we must take back the creation of money from the banks. No economic reform is possible until we do.

    • Rogue Trooper 10.1
      17 June 2013 at 11:40 am

      That is a balance discussion by Russel.

    • red rattler 10.2
      17 June 2013 at 12:39 pm

      Inflation is designed by the ruling class to delay repayment of debt, while devaluing it, and at the same time shift the debt burden onto future generations of workers to pay.
      Interestingly enough it will be a race between starvation of oxygen and food to give our children and grandchildren debt relief.
      Rrrrrrruuuuuuussssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllll even in his inflated existence should be calling for the destruction of capitalism and salvation of human life.

    • Draco T Bastard 10.3
      17 June 2013 at 11:21 pm

      And this is another good article on money creation by governments:

      This insistence that the availability of money limits public action stands reality on its head. Money is the way that resources are mobilised. Libraries are closed for lack of money when all the resources, buildings, books, staff and the demand are there and all that is needed is the money.

      That people must be kept unemployed and services cut because they are unaffordable for lack of money makes no sense. Only by mobilising resources fully can anything be afforded.

      Taking the money creation off of the private banks and putting it back with government would allow for better use of our resources.

  11. Dv 11
    17 June 2013 at 11:34 am

    Hooten has just said on 9 to noon that he would not be surprised if an alternative dunne leakage appears this week

    That the leak was from those in the nats that leaked to to hager is the the hollow men!!!

  12. Draco T Bastard 12
    17 June 2013 at 11:44 am

    Gutted

    The Commerce Committee has reported back on Te Ururoa Flavell’s Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill. But while they’ve recommended that it be passed with amendments, the bill has basically been gutted, turned from a tool to reduce gambling harm to one to increase it.

    Yeah, about what I’d expect from this government. I/S sums it nicely:

    These amendments were imposed by the National majority on the committee. The conclusion? That party is the bought-and-paid-for servant of the gambling industry.

    Corruption: Alive and well in NZ and living in the Beehive.

    • Chris 12.1
      17 June 2013 at 1:21 pm

      The issue is still who is the alternative, from the same I/S post:

      Meanwhile, the Labour Party did not issue a minority report on the bill, and instead “reserve[d] its position”. Clayton Cosgrove was on the committee. Clayton Cosgrove was also in SkyCity’s corporate box last week. You can draw your own conclusions from that.

      Until the Greens can convince more of NZ they should be in power we seem stuck.

  13. Rogue Trooper 13
    17 June 2013 at 12:43 pm

    Rivers in Otago have reached record levels
    http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/261289/heavy-rain-brings-flooding

    Auckland Public Transport- “Third World”, “increasingly erratic”and “deteriorating”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10890937
    “lack of serviceable vehicles” -NZ BUS.
    coincidentally, chatting with a Mechanical Foreman recently, he stated, that they just cannot get diligent experienced staff. 😉

    Business lobbyists passes to parliament double under Carter
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10890993
    soooo panicky.

    On Femme Fatale journalists
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10890912

  14. Rosie 14
    17 June 2013 at 1:28 pm

    Hi Mods. I’m been in moderation for two hours. All OK?

  15. felix 15
    17 June 2013 at 2:32 pm

    Well played, Philosoraptor.
    http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3usegz/

  16. Rosetinted 16
    17 June 2013 at 2:46 pm

    Here are some figures on housing prices that you could break your teeth on. (Warning do not grit or grind teeth, or bite down hard on tongue.)
    from http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Pacific/New-Zealand/Price-History

    During the housing boom from 2001 to 2007, house prices rose 123% (87% in real terms), including 24% in 2003, 12.5% in 2004, 14.5% in 2005, 9.6% in 2006, and 7.7% in 2007.

    House prices started to fall in early 2008, as the global crisis spread to New Zealand. During 2008, house prices fell 8.95% (-11.93% in real terms). Then in 2009, house prices rebounded by 5.42% (3.4% in real terms). However in 2010, house prices fell again by 1.65% (-5.45% in real terms). In 2011, house prices recovered slightly, rising by 2.8% (0.93% in real terms).

    But all people with low deposits can just b…ger off because they haven’t got a hope in hell anyway and just muck up the economics of it all. After all these figures represent the only really active financial opportunities open to investors in NZ today.

  17. NickS 17
    17 June 2013 at 2:56 pm

    Bob McCroskie’s Penis is back at it again, teaming up with that complete hack of doctor Miriam Grossman, who can’t science to save their life:
    http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/sexual-advice-teens-seriously-flawed-expert-5466779

    See the ever awesome Queen of Thorns for some background:
    http://ideologicallyimpure.wordpress.com/tag/miriam-grossman-is-gross/

    • Tigger 17.1
      17 June 2013 at 3:35 pm

      They’ve lost gay marriage. Contraception and abortion is now their key rallying topics. In other words, expect more misogyny from this lot. A lot more.

      • NickS 17.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 3:45 pm

        C&A have been their targets though for a couple of decades, as the local crowd have been drawing their rhetoric from the USA following the political ascendency of the religious right in the 1980’s and the failures of the the local Dutch inspired religious right to have any real political impact.

        • Rogue Trooper 17.1.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 4:52 pm

          that is interesting NickS; personal experience of the failures of the local Dutch religious right (that explains some sightings) , still stuck into the literal creeds etc. Reform or perish.Although, some lovely genetic endowments among the meid.

    • QoT 17.2
      17 June 2013 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks for the link, Nick!

  18. aerobubble 18
    17 June 2013 at 3:26 pm

    Key to devalued Auckland home values, by building on reserves; while ignoring why reserves exist because much of the land was hard to build on in the first place, hard to get at – steep – and so costly both to build but also for owners over the lifetime of the homes.

  19. Penny Bright 19
    17 June 2013 at 4:07 pm

    Seen this?

    FYI
    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Press Release: Sue Henry Housing Lobby Spokesperson:

    “Eviction notices for elderly State tenants are effectively death sentences.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10890782

    “In response to this NZ Herald on Sunday article dated 16 June 2013, entitled “The $340-a-week houses with million-dollar views” – these State houses were constructed for 2000 pounds each, are freehold and have been paid for by State tenants many times over,” says Housing Lobby Spokesperson Sue Henry.

    “The ironic contradiction here is that the day before this story went to print it was ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’. ”

    http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/we-all-have-role-play-preventing-elder-abuse

    Elder abuse and neglect needs to stop and it is up to all of us to work together to prevent it, says Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew.

    Saturday 15 June 2013 marks the eighth World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

    “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is about acknowledging older people as integral to strong families, and affirming that there is no place for elder abuse,” says Mrs Goodhew.

    “The prevention of elder abuse and neglect is one of my key priorities and something I personally feel very strongly about.”

    Elder abuse can take many forms, and includes behaviours or lack of action which causes physical, psychological, sexual or financial harm or distress to an older person.

    “Older people are entitled to make their own decisions, feel safe and live free of fear. They have the right to dignity and care in a supportive environment,” Mrs Goodhew says. ………..

    _______________________________________________________________

    “Elder abuse is also a criminal offence in this country,” continued Sue Henry.

    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2011/0079/latest/DLM3650013.html

    “It’s disgusting how this National/ACT Government has sanctioned greedy property developers to abuse the vulnerable, elderly folk who have worked hard, law-abiding lives, paid for and built for a significant amount of amenities in the Glen Innes area which the property developers are now endeavouring to ransack,”

    “These elderly State tenants are not being given eviction notices – they’re being effectively given death sentences.”

    “Is this the thanks that Returned Servicemen, and widows of those deceased, particularly those allocated permanent State homes in the Glen Innes area, are getting? ”

    “The Housing Lobby are calling for, in the first instance, tenure protection to be reinstated forthwith .for these elderly State tenants.

    We also want their exemption from intimidating, stressful reviews,” she concluded.

    Sue Henry
    Spokesperson
    Housing Lobby

    • karol 19.1
      17 June 2013 at 5:21 pm

      Sue Henry, doing an excellent job re-Glen Innes and the wider issues of state housing.

      • Morrissey 19.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 5:37 pm

        She is not doing a good job with her press releases, however. She has the idea in her head that each sentence requires its own paragraph. That press release is full of interesting information, but there is no development or flow to it. Even people who are interested in Housing policy would not be tempted to read that handout, simply because it has not been put together with much care or attention to presentation.

        • karol 19.1.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 6:47 pm

          Well, she’s presumably writing for the MSM, which also tend to make each sentence a paragraph on its own, at least online. I’ve often wondered why they do that. Is it meant to be easier on the eye? Or is it,a s you say, a way of avoiding the development of a comprehensive theme or argument?

          • Populuxe1 19.1.1.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 7:42 pm

            It’s to make it easier to read. If you want arguments read the opinion section

            • Morrissey 19.1.1.1.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 8:11 pm

              It’s to make it easier to read.

              Exactly. Well said, my academic friend!

  20. Bill (Didn't go to the Box!) 20
    17 June 2013 at 5:44 pm

    http://inthehouse.co.nz/node/19362
    Government Motion on Notice No 1 – 13th June, 2013
    The Hon. David Cunliffe MP for New Lynn.

    This speech on the intrusions into our privacy by spy agencies is excellent.

    A stellar performance by Cunliffe.

    • Anne 20.1
      17 June 2013 at 8:14 pm

      Just brilliant. It depresses me. He should be at the front of the queue not the back. Also, he’s not afraid to show real emotion – anger in this case – when the subject matter is so important.

      • June 20.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 9:24 pm

        I agree. Why is one of the performers in the caucus stuck at the back. Enough already. Good to see someone actually shows some passion still. Something that is sorely lacking in the Labour Party at the moment. Too busy going to corporate boxes it seems.

  21. Morrissey 21
    17 June 2013 at 6:04 pm

    Mallard’s criticism of Deputy Police Commissioner well justified
    Police Minister’s riposte ignores evidence-planting findings of royal commission.
    by BRYAN GOULD, New Zealand Herald, Monday 17 June 2013

    Trevor Mallard may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Even his friends might concede that he occasionally betrays a lack of judgment. But, in his criticism of Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Bush when the senior policeman appeared recently before a select committee, he was entirely justified.

    [Deleted – don’t copy paste]
    Just over a year ago……

    Read more….
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz-police/news/article.cfm?o_id=131&objectid=10890924

  22. Pete 22
    17 June 2013 at 6:17 pm

    TV3 has reported that Truth is ceasing publication.

    • lprent 22.1
      17 June 2013 at 6:21 pm

      How *unexpected*. Looks like the Hortons gave up.

    • McFlock 22.2
      17 June 2013 at 6:27 pm

      A great blow for intelligent and thoughtful media analysis in New Zealand.

      🙂

    • karol 22.3
      17 June 2013 at 6:50 pm

      Actually, the article says it “may” be about to stop publishing, following the news that it will not be publishing a print edition on Thursday.

      Still too early to dance on its remnants.

    • King Kong 22.4
      17 June 2013 at 6:51 pm

      I worry for Cameron, if collapsing a piss ant security firm had him in the foetal position rocking in the dark and crying for 5 years then I hate to think what sinking a newspaper with a 125 year history will do.

      • McFlock 22.4.1
        17 June 2013 at 6:55 pm

        that’s going too far imo, KK.

        • King Kong 22.4.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 7:02 pm

          Probably but Slater has really annoyed me through the years where he has done his utmost to ruin people’s lives who weren’t even in the public eye, online nes aggregation start ups, commenters etc.

          • McFlock 22.4.1.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 7:07 pm

            yep, it’s good to see him fail 🙂

          • Pascal's bookie 22.4.1.1.2
            17 June 2013 at 7:09 pm

            Yeah, but it’s not just about him tho is it? There are staff, and their families, and, well, a masthead with over a 100 years of history. Dudes a dick no doubt, & jokes are fucking begging to be made at his expense, but it’s a sad thing.

            • Pascal's bookie 22.4.1.1.2.1
              17 June 2013 at 7:12 pm

              That said, his commenters are delusional.

              I am certain the NZ public would lap it up in spades…..especially once Mediaworks is dead & buried for good!

              Since you have ruled politics out then it is time to rule the media world eh Cameron – you’ve already dropped the expletives in the titles of your posts on here so swoop in & take advantage of the Tv3/4 established audience…show them that news can actually contain facts & no BS.

              Oh yes.

            • McFlock 22.4.1.1.2.2
              17 June 2013 at 7:22 pm

              fair enough, too.

              At least it’s less depressing than the layoffs in Blenheim, though.

      • Rogue Trooper 22.4.2
        17 June 2013 at 8:03 pm

        “No More Tears”, back to Purex.(just a little post-chinese, retire to the smoking-parlour humour. 🙂

    • karol 22.5
      17 June 2013 at 6:52 pm

      But it’s playing out like a self-destructive farce:

      [Truth co-owner] Malley said only “You want the truth from Truth? You’ll get the truth”, before ending the call.

  23. karol 23
    17 June 2013 at 7:27 pm

    A very significant post from Jane Kelsey today, on the rise social democratic government in Iceland since the GFC, the subsequent re-election of “the old guard”.:

    There are many unnerving commonalities for New Zealand in the background to the crisis, but that is a much longer story than can be written here. In particular, stories about how the intimate network of well placed businessmen and politicians reminded me of the 1980s, as well as recent back room deals, the way the executive is bypassing and binding the hands of future of Parliaments, and the scrutiny of parliamentary officials and judicial review is being removed. Iceland shows how easy it is for the conditions for crisis to be created through these networks and be shielded from public view until it is too late. –

    She raises an important point about the post-GFC Iceland social democratic government lacking a clear plan:

    The composition of the government was also crucial. The SDP and Left-Greens had no clear game plan, but their instincts and core values drove a progressive policy. Iceland’s neoliberalism never directly attacked the welfare state. There remains a very strong cultural commitment to Nordic style welfare policies and gender equality. It may be imperfect in the eyes of locals, but it remains much stronger than countries with a less robust commitment to anglo-style welfarism. –

    It also shows up some differences from the NZ culture.

    And considering where the Iceland social democrat government went wrong:

    So why did the left government get kicked out so resoundingly in the September elections? There seem to be three main reasons. First, they did not have a clear ongoing strategy to address the flow on impacts for households.

    Second reason: support of the European Community, even though it backed austerity measures.

    And, again, the need for a clear plan:

    The third factor is the lack of any clear analysis of the systemic causes of the crisis. Popular opposition was initially prompted by a sense of betrayal; since then, attacks have focused on individuals rather than financialisation and its consequences. The SCP contained a spectrum of positions and the Left-Greens were more comfortable in critique from outside the government. It remains to be seen which direction the new governing coalition of the Progressive and Independence parties will go, and whether the neoliberal vanguard can resume control.

  24. Colonial Viper 24
    17 June 2013 at 7:32 pm

    Iran sends 4000 troops to help Assad in Syria with Russia also supporting; US now fully allied with Sunni Muslims in 1400 year conflict against Shia Islam

    Well, what could possibly go wrong with a proxy war in the Middle East. Does someone really want to cause an upset of, ahem, biblical/Q’uranic proportions?

    For the Russians, of course, the ‘Middle East’ is not in the ‘east’ at all, but to the south of Moscow; and statistics are all-important. The Chechen capital of Grozny is scarcely 500 miles from the Syrian frontier. Fifteen per cent of Russians are Muslim. Six of the Soviet Union’s communist republics had a Muslim majority, 90 per cent of whom were Sunni. And Sunnis around the world make up perhaps 85 per cent of all Muslims. For a Russia intent on repositioning itself across a land mass that includes most of the former Soviet Union, Sunni Islamists of the kind now fighting the Assad regime are its principal antagonists.

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-to-send-4000-troops-to-aid-president-assad-forces-in-syria-8660358.html

    • Rogue Trooper 24.1
      17 June 2013 at 8:05 pm

      across the line in the sand.

      • Colonial Viper 24.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 8:12 pm

        a red line in the sand apparently

        • Rogue Trooper 24.1.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 8:22 pm

          well, here we are brother, spectators, for now; as I commented on Jane’s article, likely to be when, not if. (Left. the -red- light on.)

          • Colonial Viper 24.1.1.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 10:40 pm

            well, you’re a spectator right up to the moment the gladiator hurls the javelin into Caesar’s corporate box. Then it gets personal very rapidly.

            • Rogue Trooper 24.1.1.1.1.1
              18 June 2013 at 12:23 am

              old-school justice, an eye for an eye. Even the MSM journos have been pointing out the long memories of China, and Russia, and then there are the Islamists of course. Must give one a sense of security and all that, being an American Idiot.

              • Colonial Viper …
                18 June 2013 at 12:42 am

                I wonder if the true spirit of that nation will awaken again, and in time. Sadly I think it is not likely.

                • Populuxe1 …
                  18 June 2013 at 12:44 am

                  Given that “the true spirit of that nation” was founded on the idea of limitless resources and unlimited expansion, I doubt it some how.

                • Arfamo …
                  18 June 2013 at 1:51 am

                  Given how long it has functioned as an exploitational empire I somewhat doubt it as well. I think it will be US uber alles for some time yet. Even any economic recovery there would be still predicated on predating on other countries and their resources, because it can.

    • UglyTruth 24.2
      17 June 2013 at 9:39 pm

      Democracy never counts the cost.

  25. muzza 25
    17 June 2013 at 8:49 pm

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

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

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

    These crazed, war industry sponsored operations, have been going on more than half a century, and yet co2 is taking the blame The blatant stench of distraction, reeks, and has always been a trap for the punters to despise their own existence, and agonize over.

    CFC’s ozonze hole (since the 70’s), nah, its the war machine paid, scientists looking for for new weapons, that’s heavily responsible for the damage to our planets atmospheric layers!

    People don’t want to blame the science, I have no problem pointing the middle finger , right at it!

    Science & war- symbiotic!

      • Rogue Trooper 25.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 10:11 pm

        What? No Purple Rain?

      • muzza 25.1.2
        17 June 2013 at 10:13 pm

        Joe, are you saying Argus, S-Prime and D1,2 did not happen, or that perhps all the nuclear detonations over the decades, land, sea, air, inluding the reactor meltdows, could not be a contributing factor to the messed up state of the weather, via the damage in the atmospheric layers etc?

        Your links are getting weak mate, too long on the net, or too tied to the science trip, to see it for what it really has become!

        Looks like you have a friend in Pop, who can;t divorce himself from anything which might taint his view of, *AMERICAN*.!

        Which of course the scientists involved, mostly, were not!

    • Populuxe1 25.2
      17 June 2013 at 9:58 pm

      Nope, it was the naive burning fossil fuels on an unprecedented and asymptotic scale – but you believe whatever you can deal with.

  26. karol 26
    17 June 2013 at 9:00 pm

    Whoa! Lianne Dalziel expected to quit parliament & run for Christchurch mayoralty.

      • mickysavage 26.1.1
        17 June 2013 at 9:48 pm

        Whoa Muzza. Dalziel would be a damned fine mayor and Christchurch have had a few over the years, for instance Buck and Moore. She would be just what Christchurch needs, someone who would stand up against the Government and promote real development of the area.

        The link in the Ellis reference is tenuous in the extreme.

        • muzza 26.1.1.1
          17 June 2013 at 10:02 pm

          MS – All I implied, was that LD is tainted.

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3515393

          Edit – The Ellis link, is direct, via her sister, and husband, nothing *tenuous in the extreme* about it.

          Some seriously wrng shit, happens in that part of the country, and the history on NZ politicians in and around the smell, is deep!

          Integrity, MIA, in NZ!

          • mickysavage 26.1.1.1.1
            17 June 2013 at 10:07 pm

            Oh look a 10 year old, repeat 10 year old, report where a public servant with a bit of humour and a sense of satire who made a comment that went *whoosh* over the head of the right is somehow conclusive evidence that Lianne, and the link is not established except she was a Minister at the time, is not fit for public office despite a life history of public service.

            Is that all you have Muzza. Don’t hold back, don’t imply, just slander to your heart’s content.

            • muzza 26.1.1.1.1.1
              17 June 2013 at 10:19 pm

              Its not slander Mickey – LD, might well be a good thing for ChCh, but then again, anyone who lined up against that pest , Parker, would be!

              These people are wrong-uns, they get given too much leeway, the standards are too low these days, and what concerns me, is the way that many are comfortable with it all, and happy to *give them a go*!

              Yeah, nah, its time to clear decks, very few exceptions of the current crop would remain, LD, would not be one of them!

              • mickysavage …
                17 June 2013 at 10:25 pm

                You mean Muzza that no public servant should ever show the slightest shred of humour ever again?

                I thought the “lying in unison” was a wonderfully crafted phrase. When I saw it I knew that the poor old public servant was taking the piss but a bunch of RWNJs without a humour chip jumped up and down about it.

                So I am failing to see the problem. Even if I take out my humour chip I still can’t see what this has to do with Dalziel.

                Please enlighten us.

                Or are you an adherent to the Cameron Slater if you smear enough excrement some of it is sure to stick school of political discourse?

          • weka 26.1.1.1.2
            17 June 2013 at 11:42 pm

            “Edit – The Ellis link, is direct, via her sister, and husband, nothing *tenuous in the extreme* about it.”

            So now being related to someone taints you? WTF?

            I read the first link you gave and as far as I can see Dalziel acted with integrity – she exempted herself from a process because of conflicts of interest. How exactly is she tainted?

    • chris73 26.2
      17 June 2013 at 9:46 pm

      Not a big surprise, Whaleoils been saying that for a long time

  27. Ed 27
    17 June 2013 at 11:01 pm

    A great interview on National Radio on Sunday morning about Christchurch. It confirmed for me that the current government has betrayed the trust of New Zealanders – not once but multiple times:
    1. EQC was supposed to look after us and pay for the effects of a major disaster – it has been white-anted by penny pinching and fights with insurance companies and owners, but the most obvious aspect was only offering 50% of land to many Christchurch owners not able to return to their homes. The level of funding of EQC is only part of the story – arbitrary levy limits and lower funding has happened under both National and Labour governments (except under Cullen some of that was reversed), but the underlying commitment promised by the scheme has not ever previously been as cynically compromised.
    2. The forcing through of projects for the monuments to politicians in a stadium and conference centre and other large buildings before homes for people.
    3. The lack of consultation by Brownlee over planning, and the arrogant over-riding of the local Council
    4. The unwillingness to engage with insurers to provide a system that does not require multiple expert reports for assessments and negotiations, and does not require even the level of service expected by insured residents – the profits before people attitude always won despite rhetoric that sounded nice, but in reality resulted in insurers recovering reserve levels at the expense of their ‘clients’.

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    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    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. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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