Open mike 24/08/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 24th, 2022 - 90 comments
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90 comments on “Open mike 24/08/2022 ”

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  1. PsyclingLeft.Always 1
    24 August 2022 at 7:27 am

    Aug 23, 2022 2:11 PM

    RNZ Live

    The leader of the anti-government protest, Brian Tamaki, says many South Islanders could not attend because ferries have been cancelled.

    The Interislander says urgent mechanical repairs were needed on one of the ship's ventilation systems.

    Tamaki has baselessly accused the Transport Minister Michael Wood of making that decision.

    A spokesperson for Michael Wood said the minister denied any allegations that he interfered with the ferries.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/473355/no-arrests-as-protest-winds-up-peacefully-outside-parliament

    Brian Tamaki has announced a new umbrella political party called "Freedoms NZ".

    In an address at today's anti-Government protest at Parliament in Wellington, Tamaki said three parties had joined the new party – The New Nation Party, Vision NZ and the Outdoors and Freedom Party. One of the parties was based in London and two had signed a memorandum of understanding.

    Sue Grey, a self-employed lawyer from Nelson and co-leader of the NZ Outdoors and Freedom Party, moved to Tauranga for the byelection where she came fourth with 1030 votes.

    It started out as the NZ Outdoors Party, but changed its name in April this year to the NZ Outdoors and Freedom Party after becoming active during the nationwide lockdown.

    Supporters of the party have claimed the September 11 attacks were a false flag operation, promoted flat earth theories and denounced "mind control" and 5G technology.

    https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/brian-tamaki-announces-new-umbrella-political-party

    Bishop Tamaki, the nuts…. Nut . Would be totally laughable..if it weren't for the faith his nutty followers have . Maybe sad? (albeit in a worrying way : (

    • Jenny how to get there 1.2
      24 August 2022 at 9:42 am

      To isolate the Far Right, It is my opinion to silence the voices of the far right, who make a play of the failings of the Left to take on the wealthy and privileged to protect the wealthy and privileged, our Labour government need to start acting more like the Michael Savage socialist administration than like the David Lange neo-liberal administration.

      One of the best summations of the motives and tactics of the far right that I have ever read was posted on facebook yesterday by Henry G Laws of Antifa Aotearoa

      …..The fascist strategy is to deceive people into thinking that the neoliberal policies that trouble them are leftist policies. They are not. The far right then pretend to be rebels against capitalism, while in fact standing for an even more extreme and brutal form of capitalism. The roots of modern fascism lie with the tyrannies of colonialism, with the horrors of racist, white supremacism, with the brutalities of patriarchy, and with capitalist exploitation….

      • Jenny how to get there 1.2.1
        24 August 2022 at 11:03 am

        '

        Kids in Cars

        TVNZ breakfast: @1:18:10 minutes

        Matty: How concerned are you about the amount of kids living in cars right now?

        Luxon: Well I am really concerned about that. Essentially just saying kind words, and saying you care isn't actually cutting it and isn't getting results. And the government, now needs to take action…..

        https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/breakfast/live

        Why doesn't the PM call Luxon's bluff and end homelessness? Why won't the government take action by freeing up the 40,000 empty homes locked up by property investors and speculators just in Auckland alone.

        What Auckland’s ‘ghost homes’ could do for the housing crisis

        There are about 40,000 'ghost houses' in Auckland. Cat MacLennan asks if a tax on these empty homes could help house homeless people and low-income workers.

        Tall white rose bushes line both sides of the path leading to the front door of the immaculate-looking villa. There are curtains at the windows and no signs of neglect or decay.

        Yet this expensive, inner-city home is one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s “ghost houses” – properties left empty long-term at a time when the country has a housing crisis. No one has lived there for years and a neighbour is paid to maintain the garden, while the owners wait for capital gains to accumulate to the point at which they plan to sell.

        According to the 2018 Census, there are approximately 40,000 empty private homes in Auckland. That is 7.3 percent of the total, up from 6.6 percent in the previous Census in 2013. And Auckland is not the only place in Aotearoa with vacant homes at a time when accommodation is expensive and in short supply. There are ghost homes in other cities, in towns and in rural areas……

        Cat MacLennan is a barrister, journalist, and media commentator

        https://www.newsroom.co.nz/cat-maclennan-on-ghost-housing

        Let's isolate the Right.

        If the Prime Minister called Luxon's bluff. The Right would be exposed as hypocrites. As the leader of New Zealand's biggest right wing political party, Christopher Luxon would be among the first ranks of right wingers to scream bloody blue murder about the property rights of wealthy privileged owners of multiple houses

        Why won't the PM call Luxon's bluff?

        Is the PM in agreement with Luxon about protecting capital gains profits of fortunate property speculators, than protecting the health and welfare of unfortunate homeless children?

        Our Labour government need to start acting more like the Michael Savage socialist administration than like the David Lange neo-liberal administration.

        Fine the owners of empty houses till they either sell them, rent them, or live in them.

  2. Ad 2
    24 August 2022 at 7:50 am

    Somehow Christ Trotter makes Labour kicking Dr Sharma out to be about suppression of all ideological difference between National and Labour:

    Bowalley Road: Politics Barren Of Principle.

    "…allowing factions to form within parties, or, worse still, encouraging genuine ideological differences to develop between parties, would only result in such factions being replicated in the general population. And a general population engaged in genuine debate between factions and/or parties capable of making a real difference to the direction of economic and social policy would place the whole, over-arching ideological infrastructure of neoliberalism in the gravest peril."

    Hmm.

    – Re-nationalisation of all NZ health. Not National.

    – Largest-ever NZ expenditure on infrastructure. Not National

    – Nationalisation of all trades and non-university training. Not National

    – Full re-regulation of drinking water and water price. Not National.

    – Comprehensive climate mitigation plan. Not National.

    – Largest increases in welfare and subsidies in several decades.Not National.

    – Deep partnership with Maori over water, stripping it from local government. Not National.

    – Over $20b in wage subsidies enabling year on year 3% headline unemployment. Not National.

    – Buyback of Kiwibank into direct Crown control. Not National.

    – Supported NZSuperFund to get to $58 billion. Not National.

    – New public holiday respecting Maori tikanga. Not National.

    – Massively brought prison numbers down and dumped the 3 Strikes law. Not National.

    Irrespective of actual policy delivery, there's plenty of ideological difference between Labour and National.

    • solkta 2.1
      24 August 2022 at 8:17 am

      – Comprehensive climate mitigation plan. Not Labour.

    • Sanctuary 2.2
      24 August 2022 at 8:21 am

      How to write a Chris Trotter op-ed:

      <straw man, preferably involving much demonstration of your ability to be to popular history what James Burke was to popular science>

      <tut tut at the general decline of modern NZ>

      <tenuously link the above to>

      <fret about the rise of Maori/condemn something he doesn't like as culture war on the shy Tory majority and express a wish that Annie Crummer was still Queen of the charts>

      <Mention life was better in Dunedin in 1981>

      <Darkly suggest that the reactionary Pakeha Lumpenproletariat is simmering, ready to explode at the touch paper of said Maori/culture war rise at their expense>

      <blame the Greens/Labour/Auckland liberals/deep state>

      <end on a lamentation of despair>

    • Jimmy 2.3
      24 August 2022 at 9:02 am

      It's amusing watching you all turn and attack one of your own if he dares to criticize the current government.. Trotter is hardly a hard right winger.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Trotter

      • joe90 2.3.1
        24 August 2022 at 9:12 am

        Chester Borrows.

        /

      • Ad 2.3.2
        24 August 2022 at 9:21 am

        It's called discourse you moron.

        Precisely what Trotter seeks.

      • observer 2.3.3
        24 August 2022 at 9:29 am

        I love how Jimmy provides a Wikipedia link! Thanks, we could never have remembered a guy who's been doing political commentary non-stop since Seddon was PM.

      • Bearded Git 2.3.4
        24 August 2022 at 9:46 am

        Unlike Luxon who is, Jimmy.

        Very interesting and scary that Luxon is willing to govern with the help of Tamaki's new Freedoms Party. (see Observer below)

      • Sanctuary 2.3.5
        24 August 2022 at 9:51 am

        Well, have you read the comments sections on the TDB lately? it is pretty clear what sort of audience that site attracts these days. Mostly toxic people attracted onto the last train to Loserville. Bradbury and Trotter certainly imagine themselves as left wing – they constantly appropriate the rhetoric of the left and instantly and repetitively parade their credentials to anyone unfortunate enough to sit next to them on the bus – but ideologically they long ago set sail with the populist right. They spend their whole time obsessed with culture wars whilst clothing their repetitive, self righteous, and pompous dirges in the language of class. I find it particularly irksome and very wearisome that Bradbury's in particular is a one trick pony whose main shtick is to associate anyone who has achieved anything with a Trumpian monolithic "elite" and rail against them. They deserve all the mocking they get.

        • DB Brown 2.3.5.1
          24 August 2022 at 10:33 am

          Hear hear.

          Their output is drivel. Transparent to me. Unfortunately people still send me their opinions as if they have any weight at all.

        • Visubversa 2.3.5.2
          24 August 2022 at 1:21 pm

          I think the only time I comment is when they have posted the same boring crap for 3 days in a row.

        • mickysavage 2.3.5.3
          24 August 2022 at 8:14 pm

          Yep I can't understand the guests they invite onto their social media shows …

    • DS 2.4
      24 August 2022 at 6:05 pm

      "Nationalisation" refers to bringing privately-owned assets into public ownership. The DHBs and polytechnics weren't private, so what Labour was doing there was Centralisation, not Nationalisation. It is quite an important distinction (the last genuine Nationalisation being Kiwirail at the end of the Clark Government. This lot wouldn't know Nationalisation if the ghost of Clement Attlee wafted into the Beehive and started whacking them with a stick).

    • alwyn 2.5
      24 August 2022 at 8:28 pm

      Do you really want to promote the first item as something to be applauded?

      When you say "Re-nationalisation of all NZ health. Not National." do you mean that that is a good thing? If so are you seriously proposing that having the waiting lists for surgery in the BOP double in a year is a good thing and that the Government is to be applauded?

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/bay-of-plenty-surgery-waiting-list-doubles-in-a-year-at-tauranga-and-whakatane-hospitals/KIVCH32WLVCHN34S2SD6NUXYTQ/

      What would you regard as being a "bad thing"?

  3. observer 3
    24 August 2022 at 8:09 am

    On Morning Report, Luxon is asked repeatedly if he will rule out any kind of National deal with the Brian Tamaki blackshirts.

    He doesn't.

    This from a man who in his maiden speech defended his faith by citing William Wilberforce, Kate Sheppard and Martin Luther King. He's not being asked to take a courageous stand and change history, he's being asked to do the most obvious, simple, decent thing, at no political cost – and it's too much for him.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.1
      24 August 2022 at 8:15 am

      This from a man who in his maiden speech defended his faith by citing William Wilberforce, Kate Sheppard and Martin Luther King.

      Well…certainly an Interesting mix ! It was probably a Google Recommend… or maybe a Readers Digest recommend for ex CEO's entering Politics..who want to "appear" to be honourable.

      Oh, and like the Brian Tamaki blackshirts. Apt !

    • Incognito 3.2
      24 August 2022 at 8:29 am

      Luxon/National wants votes, whatever it costs, and donations, whatever it takes.

      • observer 3.2.1
        24 August 2022 at 8:40 am

        Sure, but this doesn't gain him any votes. I doubt the big donors want to hear that waffle either.

        It makes no political sense whatsoever. Key and Bridges made a calculation on Peters, and it was at least debatable whether it was the right one. NZF were in the mix. Whereas Tamaki has zero chance, and if Luxon doesn't grasp that then his political judgement is woeful.

        • Incognito 3.2.1.1
          24 August 2022 at 8:48 am

          Big donors to National, you mean? Why would they care? They support National.

          National wants votes from Tamaki disciples and affiliates, that’s not vote-sharing let alone making a political deal to form a government.

          • observer 3.2.1.1.1
            24 August 2022 at 8:53 am

            0.16%.

            He does headlines because he can't get votes. 1000 is a lot of marchers, it's nothing in the ballot box.

    • Bearded Git 3.3
      24 August 2022 at 8:43 am

      Tamaki has been clever here. I have been saying to friends for months that if someone sets up a party with "freedom" in the title it will pull votes in.

      The Tamaki “Freedoms Party” could well get close to 5%.

      I predict Luxon will never rule out working with them-which may mean they get even more votes.

      • observer 3.3.1
        24 August 2022 at 8:49 am

        No offence, but you're dreaming.

        Last night, only hours after Tamaki made his announcement, Sue Grey was attacking him on social media. A "freedoms/populist/right wing" party could indeed get up towards 5%, but a Tamaki party is a dead brand. They are two totally different things.

        • DB Brown 3.3.1.1
          24 August 2022 at 9:08 am

          Yep apparently Brian's been big-noting himself without consulting with the rest of them. He's announced prematurely and there's a bit of a mess:

          https://twitter.com/ijakk2/status/1562020311314284545

          • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.3.1.1.1
            24 August 2022 at 9:17 am

            Two other parties were in talks, he said, before challenging others, including the New Conservatives and Winston Peters’ NZ First to get on board. He went on to encourage “Dr Sharma Drama”, now an independent MP, to “give me a call”.

            Tamaki’s lengthy address to the crowd included verbal attacks on politicians, a denouncement of the charges against him and a lament to the demise of various values such as freedom, being able to leave your door unlocked and Waikato Draught.

            https://thespinoff.co.nz/live-updates/23-08-2022/tamaki-announces-new-freedoms-party-calls-for-gaurav-sharma-to-join

            Well this is all looking great : ) And seriously how could any reasonable Person… not lament the demise of the "various values" I mean cmon…it wuz Waikato Draught !.

            • Mac1 3.3.1.1.1.1
              24 August 2022 at 9:36 am

              Waikato draught? That's the craft beer drinkers vote gone. Tamaki is in the hands of the corporate beer barons!

              Or does he have a sense of humour? You can't see the twinkle in his eyes behind the dark glasses……..

              • PsyclingLeft.Always …
                24 August 2022 at 9:57 am

                lol. But I do think Bish Bri is pretty much a nonlol person. And behind the dark glasses….to actually look into his eyes..might be disquieting. Or not : )

          • observer 3.3.1.1.2
            24 August 2022 at 9:19 am

            (to DBB)

            Exactly. Nobody knows who the other parties' leaders are, whereas 99% of NZ knows Pope Brian.

            His ego means he gets all the media coverage, and that kills their chances.

          • Ad 3.3.1.1.3
            24 August 2022 at 9:26 am

            Splitter! Capitalist-roader! Trotskyite!

            But for the language and symbols we might want to watch out for, see:

            Microsoft Word – Facebook Report 2 27Mar MWJER.docx (radicalrightanalysis.com)

        • Bearded Git 3.3.1.2
          24 August 2022 at 9:52 am

          Observer-yes given other posts today I think I am probably wrong here re Tamaki.

          Though the point still holds that a non-Tamaki party/umbrella group of parties with "freedom" in the name could well poll 5% and it appears that Luxon is willing to govern with the help of these weirdos.

    • Barfly 3.4
      24 August 2022 at 9:30 am

      The 'eftpostle' appears to be suffering from from premature exaltation – he should see a doctor about that.cheeky

    • Nic the NZer 3.5
      24 August 2022 at 12:32 pm

      Just waiting for Tamaki to jump the gun and announce National will be joining his party umbrella now. He can just wait a week or two (so as not to annoy everybody) and then say how Chris likes the freedom he stands for (from the podium on Parliament steps) and then its a done deal (with nothing formal involved of course). And voila, Tamaki now leading National.

  5. Adrian 5
    24 August 2022 at 9:14 am

    Those disparate all-fit-in-an-old-back-country-dunny tragics will all end up knifing each other well before any vote is held. The major problem is that the parties all contain more individuals who think that it is they who should be leading the the whole deluded mess

    Freedom to Tithe to Brian is hardy a vote catcher,

  6. ianmac 6
    24 August 2022 at 9:36 am

    Not sure of the accuracy but it seems that Trump cannot find an attorney to state his case re the FBI raid on his house, so he is prosecuting it himself. If so, that would be weird.

  7. Anker 7
    24 August 2022 at 10:13 am

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/300669330/absolutely-devastating-australian-woman-sues-psychiatrist-over-gender-transition

    Sydney woman is suing her psychiatrist for allowing her to fully transition. She has lot her breast s and her womb.

    we have been saying this stuff for months/years. Only to be shut down, cancelled, called transphobes, bigots.

  8. Poission 8
    24 August 2022 at 10:51 am

    The Great fraud of Europe exposed as butterflies and rainbows are cancelled

    https://twitter.com/JavierBlas/status/1562019059570556929?cxt=HHwWgoC-oeGDtK0rAAAA

    https://twitter.com/OilSheppard/status/1562174397506535424?cxt=HHwWgICyic_V-q0rAAAA

    As the Belgian PM said yesterday The next “5 to 10 winters will be difficult” for Europe,as business model (based on cheap Russian gas) falls apart and interest rates start to explore 1970's levels.

    • Robert Guyton 9.1
      24 August 2022 at 11:43 am

      Thanks, Anne – a good read.

    • Mac1 9.2
      24 August 2022 at 12:09 pm

      "In his sermon to protesters in Wellington on Tuesday he suggested the government was responsible for cancelling ferry trips from Picton to prevent people attending the rally. This is obviously untrue."

      Shades (heh!) of Winston Peters claiming the grounding of the ferry in QC Sound.

      "Never lie!" I was told in a political briefing. "You will be found out!"

  10. arkie 10
    24 August 2022 at 11:40 am

    Rightly bashing National for their benefit sanction proposal, the Labour government could well look at the fairness of their own policy:

    The Labour Government has cut the benefits of around 4000 sick, injured or disabled jobseekers in the last five years because they weren't preparing to return to work fast enough.

    …

    Sepuloni said the Government only sanctions people if medical advice shows they are fit to return to work.

    https://www.renews.co.nz/nz-government-sanctions-sick-jobseekers-for-failing-to-prepare-for-work/

  11. logie97 11
    24 August 2022 at 12:34 pm

    Making Kiwibank stronger and meaningful.

    At the moment schools receive their government funding and put it into Aussie banks.

    What say schools were required to put all of there operational accounts through Kiwibank. (They can leave their fundraiser/PTA profits in the Aussie banks).

    And then why stop at schools. Mmmm hospitals, police, councils – progressively move them all across.

    Just saying.

    • Nic the NZer 11.1
      24 August 2022 at 1:12 pm

      My google search for 'nz school bank account choices' indicated schools have discretion of who to bank with.

      Unless Kiwibank is offering a particularly low fee package is it really helping schools to limit their choice? If it is a low fee package, well the profit rate on a customer who doesn't use credit facilities will be low anyway.

      • logie97 11.1.1
        24 August 2022 at 3:06 pm

        I understand schools raise loans all the time for projects.

        And why give any profits to an Aussie bank when Kiwibank would benefit

        anyway.

        • Nic the NZer 11.1.1.1
          24 August 2022 at 5:27 pm

          1) This may not be net profitable for Kiwibank. Banks sometimes offer such deposit accounts as loss leaders anyway. Are Kiwibank going to be required to undercut something which is already a loss leader?

          2) I don't think we need to be operating public schools in ways which are obtaining economic policy benefits. What are the public education benefits of this policy?

    • Jimmy 11.2
      24 August 2022 at 4:32 pm

      I think the government (and IRD) should shift their banking to Kiwi bank. Why do they use Westpac?

      • Nic the NZer 11.2.1
        24 August 2022 at 5:37 pm

        There is a govt contract with Westpac. This could be changed after that gets re-tendered.

        Under the contract the govt (and IRD) accounts are kept strictly separate to Westpac account (at the RBNZ). Westpac operates the infrastructure around that so providing the banking services (credit and debit cards, bank accounts) needed to facilitate the public service being able to make payments. Since the public service tends to operate in surplus this activity is not very profitable for Westpac and probably most of the profit is due to direct payments agreed under the govt banking contract.

        The contract was originally awarded to Westpac because they had a strong ability to provide this payment infrastructure to the scale required by the public service. Kiwibank may be up to scratch there now, it didn't even exist when the first such contract was tendered.

  12. Ad 12
    24 August 2022 at 2:33 pm

    According to Kiwibank today, the New Zealand housing shortage will disappear inside 12 months, and there will be a 13% average house price fall.

    Kiwibank says NZ housing shortage to 'disappear' over next 12 months | interest.co.nz

    If this really happens in time for the election, what Labour can reasonably claim is their success will be closely scrutinised. And will be something of a policy miracle.

  13. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 13
    24 August 2022 at 3:34 pm

    IMHO Seymour is a prick!

    Just watched the welcome for the new Speaker-elect. He (Seymour) couldn't resist a dig at the outgoing speaker – quite inappropriately so!

    I note also that the new speaker closed down Sharma when he strayed way off topic – cries of bullying in the wings??

  14. DB Brown 14
    24 August 2022 at 5:15 pm

    Here's an amazing and amusing bit of footage as MAGA munter Laura Loomer (who lost today, yay) tries to yell over the house but is drowned out by Republican politician (and auctioneer) Bill Long.

    You'd think it's dubbed till you see him doing it.

    https://twitter.com/DonLew87/status/1562232522238529536

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    Holding On To The Present: The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • At a time of media turmoil, Melissa had nothing to proclaim as Minister – and now she has been dem...
    Buzz from the Beehive   Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 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
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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