Open mike 21/09/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 21st, 2023 - 79 comments
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79 comments on “Open mike 21/09/2023 ”

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  1. Tony Veitch 1
    21 September 2023 at 6:19 am

    Score card for the Leaders Debate:

    Natz win! Outstanding performance by Natz leader Christopher Luxon!

    In the category of answers ‘Mostly Untrue’ and ‘False’ – Luxon 6, Hipkins 0.

    Such a one-sided contest!

    https://twitter.com/Kiwi_Rascal/status/1704488484939964922

    • Janice 1.1
      21 September 2023 at 10:37 am

      Luxon reminds me more and more of a beauty queen contestant. I am just waiting for him to offer to bring about world peace, cure cancer and end poverty and hunger. No idea how he is going to do any of his 'pledges' but winning is his goal.

  2. ianmac 2
    21 September 2023 at 9:07 am

    Well done Mr Luxon. Now he is on a roll he can practise lots more lies and half truths. He gets away with it and what better incentive than getting way with it so far.

  3. James Simpson 3
    21 September 2023 at 9:20 am

    I think it is now getting to the panic stage….

    I can't see any circuit breaker or reason why the polls would turn. What event or circumstance could possibly bring people over to the left?

    This fear is enhanced when you look at the combined Nact vote over the past 5 elections. With exception of 2020, they basically have an entrenched 46% base. How do we get those people to move now?

    2008 48.58%

    2011 48.38%

    2014 47.73%

    2017 44.95%

    2020 33.17%

    2023 48.1% (curia poll of polls)

    • Ad 3.1
      21 September 2023 at 9:35 am

      We can't wait for National to 'run out of steam' as a government.

      A post-October election Labour leadership should just go back to the work that Robertson and Parker prepared for Budget 2023. Being credible on tax is the only way to defeat National.

      An adventurous Labour leadership would talk to the Greens about a common tax policy that helps workers and beneficiaries. It has been so easy for National to use the Greens as the boogeyman on tax and that will continue until Labour and Greens settle their tax platform together.

      • newsense 3.1.1
        21 September 2023 at 10:55 am

        Should do it now, as was done with Ardern taking over. Why wait?

      • UncookedSelachimorpha 3.1.2
        21 September 2023 at 1:00 pm

        A post-October election Labour leadership should just go back to the work that Robertson and Parker prepared for Budget 2023. Being credible on tax is the only way to defeat National.

        Labour lost all credibility on tax when they ruled out taxing wealth – after their own report clearly showed how unjust the current tax system is (and previously, their own tax working group recommended capital taxes). And Labour took a huge risk and went out on a limb against public opinion, to protect the super wealthy. Ardern did the same with her blanket rejection of capital taxes, so it must be a really important core value for Labour to defend inequality and unjust tax.

        Polls consistently show strong support for increasing tax on wealth (e.g. 63% support for wealth tax to fund dental care), but Labour knows better.

    • Bearded Git 3.2
      21 September 2023 at 10:22 am

      NACT could get 45% and lose.

      Lab 30 Gr 14 TPM 4 NZF 4.9 means a Left government.

      The Greens are on a roll, TPM and Labour may well pick up some of the 12 % undecided.

      • Ad 3.2.1
        21 September 2023 at 10:41 am

        Let it go.

        It's better for the cortizone levels right now just to let this one go.

        • Bearded Git 3.2.1.1
          21 September 2023 at 11:30 am

          You gave up on Labour long ago Ad.

          • Ad 3.2.1.1.1
            21 September 2023 at 12:04 pm

            Not even in Waitaki have I stopped donating, delivering pamphlets, and putting up hoardings. You should have joined us for lunch at Urban Grind on Sunday.

            Perfectly possible to know we will lose and also be resolute.

            Otherwise I wouldn't have fought campaigns in which we got caned in 2008, 2011, 2014, and in the 2021 Auckland mayoral contest.

            • Bearded Git 3.2.1.1.1.1
              21 September 2023 at 4:26 pm

              But you DON'T know we will lose….the Greens (who I vote for) may come to the rescue.

              • weka …
                21 September 2023 at 6:55 pm

                completely agree. It's baffling that people want to give up. Even if the left does lose we still need as many MPs in parliament as possible. But it ain't over until it's over. Maybe NZF fucks up and drops below 5%. Maybe there's a big flood that wakes people up. Maybe it's really tight and Nact voters don't turn out because they think it's a done deal and LW party members door knocking and leaflet dropping tip the left over the edge to a win.

        • Incognito 3.2.1.2
          21 September 2023 at 9:09 pm

          His cortizone levels will be the same as yours.

      • bwaghorn 3.2.2
        21 September 2023 at 11:53 am

        What would happ6if te parti Maori got 7 seats and labour got 30%, the greens 12%

        • weka 3.2.2.1
          21 September 2023 at 7:01 pm

          TPM get lots of seats but the right probably still win because of the weird overhang thing.

          We would have 123 MPs under this scenario, and Nact would have 63 of them (assuming NZF were under 5%)

          https://elections.nz/stats-and-research/mmp-seat-allocation-calculator/#!|percentage|ACT%20New%20Zealand,10,1|Animal%20Justice%20Party%20Aotearoa%20New%20Zealand,,|Aotearoa%20Legalise%20Cannabis%20Party,,|DemocracyNZ,,|Democratic%20Alliance,,|Freedoms%20New%20Zealand,,|Leighton%20Baker%20Party,,|New%20Conservatives,,|New%20Nation%20Party,,|New%20Zealand%20First%20Party,4.9,|New%20Zealand%20Labour%20Party,30,|New%20Zealand%20Loyal,,|NewZeal,,|NZ%20Outdoors%20&%20Freedom%20Party,,|Te%20P%C4%81ti%20M%C4%81ori,3,7|The%20Greens%60%20The%20Green%20Party%20of%20Aotearoa/New%20Zealand,12,1|The%20New%20Zealand%20National%20Party,40,|The%20Opportunities%20Party%20(TOP),,|Vision%20New%20Zealand,,|Women's%20Rights%20Party,,|Other%20party%201,,

            • Belladonna 3.2.2.1.1.1
              21 September 2023 at 7:27 pm

              I'm not clear whether Bwaghorn is proposing that TPM win all of the Maori seats, but only their current 2% or so of the party vote (which would create the overhang you've outlined).

              IMO, this scenario is virtually impossible. Take Waikato-Hauraki, for example: unless Mahuta effectively tells the electorate, 'I'm retiring, don't vote for me, vote for the TPM candidate' – she's going to win that seat.

              Or whether Bwaghorn is proposing that TPM get over 5% of the party vote (which is not impossible, they've polled higher this year), which would result in 7 seats.

              This is more realistic – but would almost certainly come at the expense of the GP and/or Labour vote (or at least it has in polling this year). The only caveat to this, is if TPM voters are being missed by the current polling measurements (not impossible, this demographic is often undercounted) AND those potential TPM voters actually get out and vote (a much more problematic issue – they often don't)

              Either scenario requires an effective shift of at least 5% from the 'right' to the 'left' – regardless of which left party that vote ends up in. That's the bit that we're not seeing in the current polls.

          • bwaghorn 3.2.2.1.2
            21 September 2023 at 7:40 pm

            Not worth a cup of tea then

  4. mikesh 4
    21 September 2023 at 9:36 am

    On TV1 News last night there was an item in which Zelensky accused Russia of using food as a weapon. Perhaps Russia and the West need to come to an agreement: the West refrains from supplying weapons and other military hardware to Ukraine, and Russia, in return, ensures that food supplies get through.

    • Barfly 4.1
      21 September 2023 at 9:52 am

      No F***ing way.

      Your suggestion is to reward 'Putin the Tiny' for his murderous, criminal actions.

      Shame on you

      • Sanctuary 4.1.1
        21 September 2023 at 10:43 am

        mikesh is one of those depressingly common types who spend their whole time railing against western imperialism while bending over backwards to justify Russian imperialism and genocide, and hating on the military industrial complexx as evil under all circumstances, while hailing the glorious and unstoppable military might of Russia.

        • mikesh 4.1.1.1
          21 September 2023 at 11:31 am

          [mikesh is one of those depressingly common types who spend their whole time railing against western imperialism]

          I don't rail against Western (NATO) imperialism (though a good case might be made for doing so). However, Zelensky is a hypocrite.

          • UncookedSelachimorpha 4.1.1.1.1
            21 September 2023 at 1:07 pm

            Speaking of hyprocrisy, I have noticed your repeated calls for Iran and North Korea to cease their supply of arms to russia.

            • mikesh 4.1.1.1.1.1
              23 September 2023 at 4:03 pm

              I don't think I have ever spoken of Iran or North Korea.

              Russia, as I understand it, broke off the agreement to allow Ukrainian wheat passage because NATO was smuggling weapons into Ukraine under cover of that agreement. So it seems hypocritical of Zelensky to accuse Russia of “weaponising food”.

              • UncookedSelachimorpha …
                23 September 2023 at 5:30 pm

                "I don't think I have ever spoken of Iran or North Korea."

                Precisely my point. They are delivering weapons to this conflict also – albeit the side of the aggressor.

                But the pro-Putin "anti-war" types never seem to comment, they only complain about the weapons supplied to Ukraine – the country that was needlessly invaded and is being ruthlessly brutalised by russia. They are deafeningly silent about weapons being supplied to the attacker.

      • mikesh 4.1.2
        21 September 2023 at 11:36 am

        "Putin the Tiny" is a pragmatist, who knows what has to be done to ensure Russia's long term security/.

        • joe90 4.1.2.1
          21 September 2023 at 11:50 am

          "Putin the Tiny" is a pragmatist, who knows what has to be done to ensure Russia's long term security/.

          Dismantling and removing memorials associated with Soviet oppression and raising a statue in tribute to Dzerzhinsky is pragmatic?

          /

        • SPC 4.1.2.2
          21 September 2023 at 11:50 am

          He'll go down in Russian history as a fool.

          Germany had agreed to be an economic partner of Russia, Nordstrom, and maintained 1% defence spending 2014-2021 (when NATO required an increase to 2% by 2024) – they did not want to work with Trump and his GOP (untrustworthy). It was the beginning of the end of NATO.

          Then Putin in Feb 2022 … the German response was swift. And Sweden and Finland joined NATO.

          Now Russia has two alternatives, be a subordinate of the alternate hegemony of China (pretending it's a partnership), or post Putin join NATO. Both suck. He's cost them their independence.

          • mikesh 4.1.2.2.1
            23 September 2023 at 3:59 pm

            and who has made it clear to everyone that joining NATO is an excellent idea.

            But when Russia applied to join, and I understand they have made several attempts, they have been turned down. Says it all really.

            Now Russia has two alternatives, be a subordinate of the alternate hegemony of China (pretending it's a partnership), or post Putin join NATO. Both suck. He's cost them their independence.

            Russia will never be allowed to join NATO, even post Putin, unless they adopt American style neoliberalism, which would allow America to exploit them economically, for her own advantage. That's what Putin is fighting to prevent, in this war. The first moves in this war occurred when a US inspired (fascist?) coup took place in Ukraine, and involved the unconstitutional dumping of the pro Russian president.

            The Ukrainians, for all their heroism, and I admit their defence has been heroic, have acted like a bunch of cretins, foolishly teaming up with the evil empire simply to preserve their sovereignty, which Russia was not actually threatening prior to the events of 2014.

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 4.1.2.3
          21 September 2023 at 1:04 pm

          "Putin the Tiny" is a pragmatist, who knows what has to be done to ensure Russia's long term security/.

          Actually, he is an evil imperialist who invades peaceful neighbours, undertakes mass murder, torture, rape and genocide, and who has made it clear to everyone that joining NATO is an excellent idea. At home, he suffocates his own population with relentless propaganda and oppression, starting from childhood.

          But I suppose all evil could be excused as being “pragmatic”, by those who support it.

          • mikesh 4.1.2.3.1
            23 September 2023 at 3:39 pm

            and who has made it clear to everyone that joining NATO is an excellent idea.

            But when Russia applied to join, and I understand they have made several attempts, they have been turned down. Says it all really.

            • UncookedSelachimorpha 4.1.2.3.1.1
              23 September 2023 at 5:33 pm

              Being declined membership into a voluntary defence alliance, is hardly cause to launch wars of aggression on many of your neighbours and to commit ubiquitous war crimes abroad and ruthlessly suppress your own population.

              You make it sound like everyone but russia, is responsible for russia's actions.

        • Tricledrownu 4.1.2.4
          21 September 2023 at 5:02 pm

          Mikesh torture rape deliberately targeting hospitals. What do you propose to stop Putins War crimes..

  5. Belladonna 5
    21 September 2023 at 9:54 am

    2020 was an anomalous result – and was effectively a vote of confidence in Ardern for her handling of Covid to that date.

    Everyone seems to accept that it was a result which is never likely to be repeated again.

    However, your chosen period reflects a decade of National government (hence the high percentages). Even in the 2017 election, there wasn't a huge appetite for a change of government (certainly not before Ardern took over as Labour leader)

    If you go back to the previous electorate period (5th Labour government) – you get National/ACT totals in the 30s.

    What would shift the current 48% centre right total?

    Some suggestions (mostly long term ones)

    • Age. This one is going to take several decades. But NZ will move through the Boomer demographic bulge. And back to a more even demographic spread. Given that, historically, people tend to vote more conservatively as they age – there is likely to be a more left-wing balance appearing.
    • That conservative trend through age. I've read evidence from the US that Gen X are remaining more liberal for longer, than previous demographics. Therefore more left-wing population (as above). I don't know how applicable this is to the NZ context.
    • Stop frightening the horses. Radical policies frighten centrists into conservative voting. Incrementalism is much more likely to be effective. And incrementalism requires parties to work with whichever party is in power to work towards achieving their agenda (since you're not going to get it all in one 3-year-term).
  6. Ad 6
    21 September 2023 at 10:40 am

    Shit is going down in Queenstown, and the mayor says it highlights the need for the 3 Waters reforms:

    "The person who receives a compliance order must comply with it and meet the costs of doing so. Failure to comply with the order is an offence, with a maximum fine of $300,000 for a corporate body.

    Queenstown's compliance order will give council engineers legal reinforcement to act quickly and decisively. But this goes to the guts of why the Three Waters reforms are important, Lewers admits.

    The council should have had a protozoa barrier in place at its Two Mile plant, one of the biggest in the district. Indeed, the council work plan lists that as a necessary upgrade to reach full Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules compliance – but it hadn’t found the funding.

    "We've got other intakes in a similar situation, and we're progressively upgrading them as we go," he says.

    Recently they've done Arrowtown, they're commissioning the Shotover bores now, they've reached an agreement with Cardrona, and there are still more to do. "I think Two Mile is probably the most difficult and the most expensive," he says. "So we were still working through the options of what to do."

    There are two types of barrier. There’s UV treatment, which is cheap and easy and the council will probably set in place now – but it’s not very effective.

    Far better is membrane filtration, which has a pore size of 0.1–0.5µm and removes particles, bacteria and protozoa from water. (It’s less effective for viruses – that’s why every water plant needs an array of three or four treatments.)

    But membrane filtration is expensive. Lewers says the council had estimates running into the tens of millions of dollars.

    Queenstown has "heightened cost pressures" because of the combination of high residential growth and an extremely high visitor load, he says.

    But there are many other councils around the country with drinking water and wastewater plants that aren't up to consentable standards, nor up to the new water-quality bar. "This does highlight the challenges," Lewers says. "It also, I think, reinforces the need for water reform."

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/lack-of-water-treatment-highlights-urgency-of-three-waters-reforms-admits-queenstown-mayor

    There's around 150,000 overseas visitors in town at the moment, plus about 30,000 locals.

    This is far bigger in scale than Havelock North already.

    • newsense 6.1
      21 September 2023 at 10:58 am

      Lol- infrastructure in NZ:

      There are first world countries, third world countries and Simeon Brown run countries.

      Don’t drink the water, don’t breathe the air…

      It also shows how messed up that Labour couldn’t put together a palatable reform given the obvious need.

    • Dennis Frank 6.2
      21 September 2023 at 6:01 pm

      I've realised you're right. Took a while, but I've been thinking too many other thoughts. No sign yet of Stuff figuring it out, nor the Herald, nor TVNZ, nor Newshub. Slackers all!

      Analysis: Queenstown Lakes council has less than 24 hours to issue a plan to deal with its cryptosporidiosis outbreak – New Zealand’s worst waterborne illness crisis since the fatal Havelock North contamination.

      At 5.30pm last night, new Three Waters regulator Taumata Arowai slapped the council with the agency’s first compliance order. The stinging indictment was made public soon after 8pm.

      If the msm pull finger they might get there within 24 hours of reaction time. If any of the neolib parties show leadership on the issue, the excitement could infuse the campaign. Nah, no chance, given their turgid mental processes.

      https://www.newsroom.co.nz/lack-of-water-treatment-highlights-urgency-of-three-waters-reforms-admits-queenstown-mayor

  7. Peter 7
    21 September 2023 at 10:51 am

    So Queenstown is in the crap. In a world of ‘every man for himself’ and ‘socialism is bad’ I expect that the National MP, all of his supporters and the Act side of the government after October will be saying, ‘Tough titty, that’s your problem. Government isn’t a charity, let us know how you get on.’

    • Tony Veitch 7.1
      21 September 2023 at 11:14 am

      So you would expect.

      But another neoliberal creed of Natz and Act is – socialise the costs and privatise the profits.

      Don't hold your breath.

      • bwaghorn 7.1.1
        21 September 2023 at 12:02 pm

        Act will probably bargain basement sell water supplies to companies so they can make a profit from publicly owned and built infrastructure

    • Descendant Of Smith 7.2
      21 September 2023 at 12:04 pm

      The playground of the rich can't pay for their own sewerage upgrades lol.
      If they can afford those house prices they can afford a sewerage levy from the council until the problem is fixed.

      • The average current house value in Queenstown-Lakes District was up 1.9% in June 2023, compared to a year earlier. Growth was higher than in New Zealand (-11.1%).
      • The average current house value was $1,672,233 in Queenstown-Lakes District in June 2023. This compares with $907,579 in New Zealand.
  8. SPC 8
    21 September 2023 at 11:25 am

    Apparently we have a problem with people under 14 stealing stuff – no legal liability and they can refuse to answer police questions (at best they can make it a youth and family court matter).

    Maybe it's a time for creative solutions.

    1. ban people under 14, unaccompanied by an adult, from dairy's.
    2. nationwide use of the mosquito (15 metre radius), high pitch sound heard by young people, by dairy's.
    3. automatic infringement notice and record of each one on record and made available to youth court when before it (age 14-17).
    4. have an automatic sentence for shoplifting under 14, of confiscation of any mobile phone for one year, and or ban from ownership/use of one – infringement notice to telecoms companies.
    • Roy Cartland 8.1
      21 September 2023 at 3:27 pm

      Creative solutions maybe, but not the dreaded Mosquito. This pernicious device uses sound as a weapon against those young enough to hear it. It effectively makes being young a punishable crime in certain areas. It was so abused in the UK that it had to be banned.

      Acoustic deterrence was, until recently, used only to repel rats, mice and cockroaches. But … is now just as effective at discouraging human vermin. The Mosquito youth dispersal device … produces a loud, high-pitched whine that can be heard strongly only by children and teenagers, and not at all by people over 25. It allows councils to keep children out of public places, making them safe for law-abiding citizens. It enables shopkeepers to determine who should and should not be permitted to use the streets.

      How about creating spaces where young people (and everyone) can go and exist, without the expectation of having to spend money?

      https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/jun/28/manilow-mosquito-youthwave-teenagers

      https://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/jun/24/mosquito-youth-dispersal-alarms-face-ban

      • SPC 8.1.1
        21 September 2023 at 3:35 pm

        The dairy is not a public space, shopkeepers have the right to ban people from them.

        • Roy Cartland 8.1.1.1
          21 September 2023 at 9:48 pm

          Well of course, but the creep factor is what is worrying. How long till they're just put up outside? What's the effect on wildlife, public health?

          Anyway, there is no device that works on people under 14 only, but that's fine, ban everyone under 25?

          • SPC 8.1.1.1.1
            22 September 2023 at 5:58 am

            These devices are available to buy in New Zealand and unregulated, as far as I know.

            The manufacturer has made a device that is heard by youth (up to 25). The ability to hear the higher frequency goes down over the years.

            Rules around device licensing is required to regulate manufacture and then use. We could allow devices of a certain range (of frequency, a little higher and under 20 etc or of distance) for specific purposes and then they could be manufactured accordingly.

            Shops could ask local police for one if under 14's are stealing stuff – maybe allocated while this remains a problem. Siting could be based on the range to secure the premises (10 metres not necessarily a standard 15 etc) and maybe within the shop.

            • Belladonna 8.1.1.1.1.1
              22 September 2023 at 6:55 am

              So how do the under-14s (including toddlers) who are legitimately accompanied by a parent, enter the shop without discomfort (or even pain)?

              Surely it would be easier in your world to just shut down all venues which might be robbed.

              • SPC …
                22 September 2023 at 6:59 am

                My world? In our world these devices are legal now. And in our world under 14’s are going into dairy’s and taking stuff again and again and police say all that the shop owner can do is ban them from the shop – they come in anyway.

                As these are not ramraids there is no national publicity.

              • SPC …
                22 September 2023 at 7:19 am

                https://www.slsrtc.co.nz/anti-graffiti

                http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-harbour-news/8566227/New-steps-give-minor-offences-a-hammering

                Ideally devices would be activated once someone banned from the shop entered, or was loitering outside with others also banned.

                Things like DNA spray do not work with under 14’s as they cannot be prosecuted.

                If it is not curbed people will close their shops as they cannot generate a profit because of the theft.

                • Belladonna …
                  22 September 2023 at 8:53 am

                  In that scenario, I'd expect to see shop-owners sued by the parents of toddlers (for example) who have had their hearing assaulted through no fault of their own.

                  Surely it would be much more effective to actually deal with the juvenile criminals.

                  • SPC …
                    22 September 2023 at 10:08 am

                    You do realise that the under 14's do not do it while others are in the dairy?

                    Community policing is going to have to provide a methodology beyond saying ban them from the shop (they come back anyhow), or maybe identify via CCTV (but the only option is family court atm).

                    An alternative to that might be to offer the shop owners some sort of dye to spray on the hands and or clothes (that washes off).

                    • Belladonna …
                      22 September 2023 at 10:41 am

                      Really? I've seen plenty of shoplifters in my time – and mostly they want others in the shop, which distracts the shopkeeper and camouflages their actions.

                      Effective sanctions (I agree that 'ban them from the shop', with no societal enforcement is worse than useless) – is a better solution.

                    • SPC …
                      22 September 2023 at 11:07 am

                      Not shoplifters under 14 already banned from the shop …it’s a safety in numbers thing.

                      In a neighbourhood dairy someone might know them and thus the parents can be contacted.

      • SPC 8.1.2
        21 September 2023 at 3:50 pm

        It was so abused in the UK that it had to be banned.

        Totally untrue.

        A recent debate in parliament indicating there was no UK ban.

        https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-06-16/debates/81F70BB5-C4E4-46A2-98F2-D53618641550/Anti-LoiteringDevicesSafety

        • Roy Cartland 8.1.2.1
          21 September 2023 at 9:44 pm

          Wow, I thought it had been banned. It's worse that I thought then.

          • SPC 8.1.2.1.1
            22 September 2023 at 5:47 am

            Private citizens have bought them and use them to control neighbouring sections – they have their section quiet because the neighbours children do not go outside to play because of the noise.

            Regulation is required alright.

  9. Drowsy M. Kram 9
    21 September 2023 at 12:00 pm

    Is NAct 'culture' progressive and effective? Kiwis don't need to vote NAct to find out.

    Leaders of world’s biggest polluting countries skipping UN climate summit
    [20 Sept 2023]

    “We are not seeing the leadership we need,” said Sir David King, the UK’s former chief scientific adviser. “This is the biggest challenge civilization has ever faced and yet we can’t get the response we need. I can’t tell you how I feel about them just not showing up. It’s difficult to be optimistic, we are in a terrible place.”
    …
    “It’s an embarrassing gap. National leaders are just pointing fingers at each other over the lack of progress. Given the events of this summer, where things have just spiraled out of control, you’d think that would concentrate minds.”
    …
    “Watering down climate commitments and disincentivizing the industries of tomorrow for cynical short term political reasons is not leadership, it is cowardice.”

  10. Kat 10
    21 September 2023 at 12:11 pm

    So we now have no recession (most likely never was one) with an increase in GDP, and now contaminated water in Queenstown.

    Labour = Good economic managers

    Three Waters = Very sensible policy for clean water

    National = No idea on economics

    Tax cuts for the wealthy = Trickle Up economics

    Labour and Left/supporters needs to be loud hailing this from the rooftops………

  11. georgecom 11
    21 September 2023 at 1:24 pm

    Holy heck, Mike Hoskins gave Luxon (by the standards of Newstalk National Party) a grilling this morning – will he work with Winston First. Luxon struggled to give a yes or no answer but essentially he said yes if he needs to – coalition of chaos.

    Btw you can listen online like I did when someone pointed it out to me, you don;t actually have to listen to the station live

  12. SPC 12
    21 September 2023 at 3:28 pm

    Asked about the inequitable impact raising the pension age would have on Māori, Seymour said raising the superannuation age was "a good reason to look after yourself".

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300974737/live-act-waters-down-tax-cuts-commits-to-raising-pension-age

    Another reason for looking after yourself, an underfunded health system, and thus a focus on being able to afford a good home and health insurance and a good private school for the children (or the entry price for a posh suburb school zone).

    Of Epsom, by Epsom and for Epsom. The gated community class order spokesperson.

  13. observer 13
    21 September 2023 at 3:40 pm

    A detailed guide to the facts and fiction from the leaders' debate:

    Behind the fact-check – details from the first leaders' debate (1news.co.nz)

    (apologies if already posted, but it's worth reading)

    Just one example:

    "Luxon’s claim that every single health outcome has gone backwards under Labour is untrue. Most of the main health outcomes have remained the same or improved – general mortality, cancer, infant mortality, maternal health."

    I check most NZ media each day and this is the first time I've seen this spelled out.

    But I've seen dozens of news reports and commentary since the debate telling us who they think "won". There have been far more of those than reports on what is true or false.

    The above link is from the TVNZ website, so they deserve credit for that. Any chance they could pass it on to their own political editor, so she could actually do her job for once?

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  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    5 hours ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    20 hours ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    23 hours ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    1 day ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    1 day ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    1 day ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
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    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
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    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
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    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
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    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
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    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
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    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
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    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
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    1 week ago

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