Will Obama stand up for the planet and people, or bow down to the demands of big business and the right?
As the effects of unadressed climate change start to devastate the planet, will Obama be remembered for taking a stand, or for betraying humanity?
In an echo of New Zealand Green Party policy on climate change, Obama’s policy of not making climate change “a singular priority” may become his undoing.
Obama, standing before hundreds of thousands of people on the National Mall on Monday, had vowed to ‘‘respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.’’
But in the White House briefing room a day later, Obama spokesman Jay Carney said he couldn’t speculate about future actions. He said that while climate change was a priority for the president, ‘‘it is not a singular priority’’……
For environmental groups, Obama’s next best chance to make good on his inaugural address is a looming decision on the Keystone XL pipeline running from Canada to the Gulf Coast……
‘‘If we are going to get serious about climate change, opening the spigot to a pipeline that will export up to 830,000 barrels of the dirtiest oil on the planet to foreign markets stands as a bad idea,’’ said Anthony Swift of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Just as Green Party advocacy for the disadvantaged and less well off will be forgotten if they refuse to stand up for the climate.Obama will earn the undying enmity of the environmental movement and lose informed liberal support, if he approves the XL pipeline, . Obama may try and recover this support by rightly standing up for equal rights in marriage, but this may not be enough to save his reputation, or the reputation of the Democratic Party ultimately costing them and us dearly.
McFlock, even with your blindsighted ignorance, I would give you credit for understanding that the POTUS, is a figurehead, who speaks/implements what the *influential/powerful*, direct him to!
In the matter of the XL pipeline that statement is actually factually wrong. Because the XL pipeline crosses State boundaries it requires the Presidential approval to proceed. You read it right. The president actually has to act, to allow this pipeline to proceed. In this case the POTUS most definitely calls the shots.
And that is not all. The POTUS does have powers to act against climate change if he chooses.
Policy experts from the environmental organization Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Tuesday unveiled what they are a calling a “groundbreaking proposal” designed to combat the threat of climate change by sharply reducing carbon pollution from America’s fleet of aging power plants.
The proposal, contained in a report titled Closing the Power Plant Carbon Pollution Loophole: Smart Ways the Clean Air Act Can Clean Up America’s Biggest Climate Polluters, promises to thwart the unwillingness (or inability) of Congress to rein in carbon pollution by advocating that the Obama Administration—by implementing regulatory authority already granted to the EPA—go after the country’s largest source of climate-changing pollution: emissions from hundreds of US coal and gas-fired plants.
“The President put climate change on the national agenda, and NRDC’s plan shows how the United States can make big reductions in carbon pollution that drive climate change, with a flexible approach that promotes clean energy investments and delivers big benefits for Americans’ health,” said Peter Lehner, NRDC’s Executive Director. “This year’s ravaging heat waves, drought, wildfires and Superstorm Sandy underscore why the nation must tackle head-on the biggest source of dangerous carbon pollution now.”
By calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use its authority under the Clean Air Act to set standards for these existing plants—America’s largest source of carbon emissions that fuel climate change—NRDC says the move would “cut millions of tons of carbon pollution, save thousands of lives and create thousands of clean energy jobs.”
Frances Beinecke, president of NRDC, says the proposal is good news precisely because the authority for implementing it already exists. “The
Obama Administration already used the Clean Air Act to set carbon standards for cars and propose them for new power plants,” she said. “Now the same law can be used to address carbon pollution from existing plants.”
“The impact is huge,” said Dan Lashof, NRDC’s Director of Climate and Clean Air programs, and a principal author of the plan. “Our proposal would eliminate hundreds of millions of tons of carbon pollution, save thousands of lives and stimulate a surge in clean energy and energy efficiency investments, all at a lower cost than many would expect.”
David Roberts, policy writer at Grist.org, put emphasis on the fact that Obama could pick up this policy recommendation without any input from Congress, which has repeatedly stalled any and all climate-related legislation in recent years. “This chance to spur decarbonization in the power sector is Obama’s greatest second-term opportunity on climate change,” he said.
“The genius of NRDC’s proposal,” Roberts continues, “is that it solves the most difficult dilemma facing the agency when it comes to stationary-source regulations.”…….
……..Roberts concludes by asking if President Obama will seize the “extraordinary opportunity” of a simple and flexible plan that “is already in [his regulatory] toolbox; does not require any action by Congress; reduces U.S. emissions by 10 percent by 2020; and has the net effect of stimulating the economy through lower power bills and better health.”
Roberts contends: “Whether he does will determine whether he goes down in history as a climate champion or someone who, despite lofty rhetoric, fiddled at the margins while Rome burned.”
The Labour Party needs to get out of its current malaise, the pregnant silence between the Leadership team and the members is deafening.
National had a free run in the press this week with fluffy confectionary. We will be p*ssed if that is reflected in the next polls. The Trotter, Eddie, Cactus Kate, Mike Williams and the 2pts drop in polls stories were the only thing from the Left, all negative. And that was the opening week in the political year!
The bad policies of the government are not only a PR issue. Another 1,000 went to Australia this week. 250,000 kids went to bed hungry.
What game-changing strategy does Annette King, Grant Robertson,Trivor Mallerd and David Shearer have to win New Zealand’s support for a Labour Victory? Another rehearsed speech can only be a minor component in the necessary game changing strategy. The National Party cannot be allowed another term.
When will Gower ask Shane Jones if he will only hire DVDs of Shearer’s speeches next time he stays at a motel?
I cannot respect anyone who can attack Cunliffe while promoting Jones and that back pussy guy from the Waitaks.
PS I don’t get email notifications any more. How paranoid and accusatory should I be? 😛
Clean shaven – unlike the bearded version following his failed leadership bid last year – and wearing a beige cap, Cunliffe told media he supported Shearer.
“I’ve already stated a number of times he has my full support.
“I am not challenging David Shearer.”
And his support was not contingent on a decent spot in the party’s frontbench reshuffle due early next month.
“It’s a matter for the leader,” Cunliffe said.
Typical MSM. There was absolutely no fucking “leadership bid last year” at COnference. Nevertheless, I still believe that its crucial that the wider Labour membership be permitted to vote and confirm Shearer in Feb, for the sake of party unity and energy going into 2014.
I watched the TV3 news tonight and the quotes from Cunliffe were mighty different from Gower’s interpretation of them – or even on Stuff – same thing. Maybe just me, but I didn’t read what he said as an unequivocal rejection of him standing as leader. He seemed to be really careful in his words. The vote on 4 Feb is purely about whether the caucus (and hopefully the party) still have confidence in his leadership. It only has something to do with Cunliffe or Robertson or anyone else that chooses to chuck their hat in the ring if the he doesn’t get the support of caucus….or am I missing something? Oh, and just for the record….I’m not from the looney left either. I’m pure mainstream left (if there is such a thing)!
“What game-changing strategy does Annette King, Grant Robertson,Trivor Mallerd and David Shearer have to win New Zealand’s support for a Labour Victory?”
And stifle any dissent whilst sitting silent then take the reins (whenever that is) with no idea whatsoever of how to repair the damage or get our kid’s futures back.
What makes you think that Mallard, King, Robertson care about game changing strategy or winning the next election? Those oldies are just pissed they don’t get parliamentary super like Goff so they need to hang on in there to keep the fortnightly payroll coming. I hear Mallard is fairly down on net worth after a split or two. And the Wn mayoralty doesn’t pay as well as King currently gets.
As for Robertson, he’d have to own the failure of the 2011 election strategy where he was key before he could learn how to do better. But this team of three is not about learning and embracing but power plays at any cost.
What makes you think that Mallard, King, Robertson care about game changing strategy or winning the next election? Those oldies are just pissed they don’t get parliamentary super like Goff so they need to hang on in there to keep the fortnightly payroll coming. I hear Mallard is fairly down on net worth after a split or two. And the Wn mayoralty doesn’t pay as well as King currently gets.
As for Robertson, he’d have to own the failure of the 2011 election strategy where he had a key role before he could learn how to do better.
But this team of three is not about learning and embracing, but power plays at any cost.
A humble request for LPrent: if you have a moment, can you lose Feedburner please? I use the RSS feed as the simplest way to keep up with comments, and its particularly useful for continuity in the more popular posts.
Feedburner is always 20-40 minutes out of date, meaning constantly having to reload the main page, check the comments box, then click on each comment individually to see what’s being said. The previous RSS feed constantly updated itself, so keeping up with conversations was a breeze.
Doesn’t that render your inbox completely unmanageable TRP?
T’would be great if we could get answers to our own comments but not the whole thread.
It’s hard to keep track of my own sometime comments and questions, and any responses beyond the immediate.
No, js, I was meaning the ‘comments RSS’ button, top right hand side of the page, just above the rolling list of recent comments. When it works well, it gives you all the recent comments in chronological order, so in a minute or so, you can catch up with all recent postings, rather than have to click on each seperate comment. It’s really great if you are in an ongoing discussion, because it saves a lot of time.
If you click on it now, you will see what I mean (though it will be 20 minutes out of date, and this comment won’t come up). It’s really great tool, but only if its up to the minute.
Bill English pontificating upon the growing inability for ‘the market’ to address the growing issue of housing un-affordability,
”It takes the market 8 years before it has provided a house for a new immigrant” unquote, Bill English, Minister of Finance speaking to RadioNZ National,
Having said that Bill went on to point the finger at the Auckland City Council claiming that they are stifling new building activity by not bringing new areas of land into the home building equation,
Auckland City Council in reply point out that there are currently 13,000 sections available to build upon within the City, FAILURE of the argument put forward by the Finance Minister equates to further FAILURE of market driven policy in housing,
Again Bill puts His foot firmly in His mouth by claiming that the Auckland City Council should commit political suicide and dictate that developers build affordable (hence smaller) houses simply pointing out a further FAILURE of the market philosophy where any developer, as pointed out by someone else on the Standard a few days ago, would be stupid in terms of ‘markets’ to not build the biggest most expensive house on any particular piece of ground as to do otherwise would be to forgo a large tranche of profit,
Having stupidly claimed that His National Government has no mandate to legislate to ensure the building of low cost houses in the cities of greatest need Bill forgets that without that same MANDATE and on behalf of a small sliver of the electorate Bill’s National government has trashed whole democratically elected councils,
Having admitted that the housing market has FAILED Bill then retreats into the realms of MARKET IDIOCY, to have admitted such a market failure and then flatly refused to intervene with a measure to correct this FAILURE of the market Bill, the Minister of Finance no longer appears to be addressing the people of New Zealand from a position of market ideology but has retreated to the perceived safe haven of MARKET IDIOCY….
Kia Ora Te Pa O Ratana, Green Party Leader Metiria Turia has been invited to address the annual Hui at Ratana Pa, (one of very few woman to be given such Mana)…
It appears that the “Maori Party” is going to be a “dead” or “dying” party soon.
Founded by Tariana Turia upon leaving Labour, due to issues with their foreshore and seabed legislation, Sharples and others joined her to establish a party to seek redress from what Labour introduced into law, and a kind of “movement” was started.
The downfall of the Maori Party started by going into a support agreement with a National led government, and to agree to a range of policies, also to amend the law affecting foreshore and seabed matters. But Maori Party members – repeatedly told by their elected MPs, that the agreement with Key and his National led government is good, necessary and will bring more benefits than being in opposition, have increasingly felt hood-winked.
Harawira brought on the challenges that arose through working with National and its other support parties. An internal rift developed, and Harawira left, to form Mana.
Mana is supposed to be a new, inclusive “Left Party”, but most know, it is primarily led and organised by and through Harawira and his closest supporters. Yet he always wishes to emphasize, that Mana stands for the rights of Mana PLUS others, e.g. Pakeha, negatively affected by bad right wing policies.
Maori Party support has dropped and they will struggle to get voted back into Parliament, since Tariana has announced her retreat. Sharples is just too much of an old power loving hanger-on now, as one must seriously question his ability to influence the decisions of the government he supports, and is member of as a Minister. Flavell made a challenge, but Maori Party leaders are too scared now to see it through.
Harawira makes comments on National Radio this morning, basically admitting, that Mana is the other Maori Party. He talked about working together, some form of alliance, or something in that direction. He also presented his interest as a “leader” for Maori interests.
There was suddenly not much talk about inclusiveness and Mana being not just an “alternative Maori Party”.
It appears to be an “inclusive” party so far, through some images and presentation, but when looking closer, it becomes clearer to me, that Mana is primarily a party established by Harawira as “independent” MP for Tai Tokerau, who appears to have seen a need to try and boost membership and support by allowing in Minto, Bradford and a few others, to establish a wider set of leading members. Yet in polls it still struggles to get above the 1 per cent rate.
So I feel, Harawira now has to come CLEAN, on what is ultimate mission is, where he stands, whether he really wants to be primarily a Maori leader, or to keep working on a more inclusive leftist party.
My suspicions are, he wants to be the former, as that is what he feels more passionate about.
Hence again, my conclusion is that not just is Labour in a situation where it is struggling to find a “new way” as a “left” or at least “left of centre” party, Mana is also about to fall to pieces, given Harawira’s newly revived true aspirations.
Consequently, as the Greens are also not committed to be identified as “left” as such, or in principle, there is a TOTAL NEED and an ideal time now, to create and establish a NEW LEFT PARTY in NZ, that is truly left of centre and inclusive, not restircted to individual MPs or member’s interests and selected agendas.
Maori Party will soon be “dead”, I would expect, at least no more than a party in a similar situation as ACT is in now.
P.S.: I tried posting this under a thread on the state of the Maori Party today, but for some reason the comments appear to not register after I press the “submit comment” button.
Do i see the perfect storm forming for this abysmal failure of a Slippery lead Government,John(the already once convicted)Banks gets another couple of convictions to add to his rap sheet and is forced to resign from the Parliament,
And then,
The Supreme Court rules against the Government over Maori rights to water prompting Slippery the Prime Minister to introduce legislation to over-ride the Courts decision giving the Maori Party no option but to resign from it’s coalition,
I like Rod Oram’s reasoned comments on the state of our commerce.
I bought a book of reprints of his columns.
This is something that rings a bell.
…Australia is a very small economy in world terms. Having exhausted the domestic opportunities for scale and efficiency, businesses are turning to NZ. Their ownership of our banks was only a precursor to the wave of bids we’re seeing for our companies. We’re rapidly becoming an AUSTRALASIAN (my caps) economy….
We think our economies are outward-looking and internationally competitive, but they are not. NZ’s exports are only 30% of our GDP, we’re running prodigious trade and current account deficits, and we have built up high levels of private debt.
Australia IS ALMOST AS WEAK (mine). Its exports are a weedy 18% of GDP, its trade deficit is 2% of GDP, its current account deficit 5.5% of GDP, and its households the most indebted in the OECD, although NZs are right behind them….
AN AUSTRALASIAN ECONOMY LOOKS NO MORE ENCOURAGING IN TERMS OF SCALE OR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS.
SO DO WE THROW OUR LOT IN WITH THE AUSTRALIANS OR TRY TO CHART A DIFFERENT COURSE????
Sunday Star-Times, 16 April 2006 in Reinventing Paradise
Will the figures have improved in the years to 2012?
And does Labour have any commitment to change our nation’s commercial health and encourage jobs with reasonable hours work and wages? Putting up numbers of homes will only be an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, and that is only if they are designed to be real homes with fences and yards for children to play safely etc.
“And does Labour have any commitment to change our nation’s commercial health and encourage jobs with reasonable hours work and wages? Putting up numbers of homes will only be an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, and that is only if they are designed to be real homes with fences and yards for children to play safely etc.”
From RadioNZ National news at 1.00, David Cunliffe has reportedly said that He will not challenge David Shearer for the Labour Party leadership in February,
Unless there is another challenger it looks like Labour Party members are stuck with Dave Shearer, suck it up people and let’s hammer Labour on policy direction rather than play ‘swap the leader’….
PS, i hope that Parliamentary Labour have been smart enough to see fit to give David Cunliffe a front bench position in any upcoming reshuffle where He is tasked with regularly taking Finance Minister Bill English to task on His many FAILURES…
Hur hur, the members voted for exactly this potential outcome, KV. This is the system they wanted, this is the system David Cunliffe wanted. IT HAS HAPPENED! Just not in the way DC (and you) thought.
Why do you keep making the claim It has happened. Just not in the way DC (and supporters) thought etc.
I’ve said it before and I say it again. Most (repeat most) delegates who voted for the constitutional changes did so without actually having specific individuals in mind – at least not in the forefront of their minds anyway. How do I know? Because I was there, and I spoke with a number of delegates whose views on the proposed changes were surprisingly similar. From what was said to me, the outcome clearly had as much to do with years of frustration by members etc. who (rightly) felt they were undervalued by many in the caucus.What happened following the leadership challenge in 2011 was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back.
I keep repeating it because it’s true, Anne. And like you, I was there, too. I’m pretty sure I saw DC’s hand point to the ceiling in favour of 60% during the vote, so he personally supported the change, as far as I can tell. The DC supporters thought this option was going to see their man get up in February. My feeling is that those that thought that way hadn’t thought it through. Not only does the trigger stay in caucus, which means that without an in-caucus challenge it’s a moot point, but it also ankle taps a potential leader who has support in the wider party, but minority support in caucus.
Or, to put it another way, the members and affiliates wanted more democracy, but they promoted and voted for a system that gave caucus a veto over that democracy.
It’s not Shearer’s fault that he won’t take it to the party. It would be madness for him to do so. He’s already won, the majority of members seem happy with the outcome*, and we now move on to winning the election. It’s over Anne. The next conference can look at it again, I suppose, but the opportunity to install someone other than Shearer has passed.
*There haven’t been mass resignations, for example, so political junkies like you and I and others here atTS discussing the issue does not apparently reflect the real feeling in the party. My summary of that feeling is that members remain unsure of Shearer, but are willing to give him a go. Lukewarm support, but support none the less.
I agree with most of what you say Anon except I don’t believe the majority of delegates who voted for the 40/60 regime did so with the sole expectation of having a vote for Cunliffe in February. It was an act of admonishment on the part of most of them… continue to ignore us ordinary members at your peril! The most oft heard phrase I picked up on were the words “we want our party back” or “it’s just as much our party as it is theirs”.
I agree with you that Cunliffe would have been a fool to challenge Shearer next month. Anyway he is far too intelligent to have even considered it.
It’s the caucus members who have to mend some fences with the membership, and that is probably one of Shearer’s biggest challenges. If he doesn’t face up to it (or not succeed for whatever reason) all the policy in the world won’t help much because he (they) could be without a solid base of ‘on the ground’ workers.
the members and affiliates wanted more democracy, but they promoted and voted for a system that gave caucus a veto over that democracy
Um are you sure TRP?
Previously only caucus had a say in who the leader was. Now if the leader does not get more than 60% support in caucus on various occasions then the members get a say.
So democracy is increased.
Stop trying to diss people by saying it was a Cunliffe Shearer thing. It was a membership caucus thing. And the members won.
I am devostated by this. I thought David Cunlife was going to make Labour more socialist again.
But I thort also that David Cunlife did say to that reporter lots of time last year that he was NOT trying to take over from David Shearer. I guess Cunlife was telling the truth.
Oh i would say that Cunliffe having said He will not challenge for the leadership in February definitely falls within the ‘here’ realm of reality,
We will all have to wait a couple of weeks befor we know the out-come of the Labour Caucus vote to see if the Party wide contesting of the leadership will take place,
My view is that other than Cunliffe, Grant Robinson is the only other member of Labour’s Caucus that has the Mana, the presence and the ability to project a serious Prime Ministerial demeanor via the much despised 5 second television sound-bite in that Caucus,
I hold the view of course that it should be the Labour annual Conference that holds the ‘trigger’ on the question of both who the leader will be and who will be the Cabinet under that leadership, that would make a truly democratic Labour Party and a truly democratically elected Labour Government who would adhere to Labour Party policy at the risk of losing their positions should they not,
Having said that, IF there is to be no leadership vote,(disappointing i know), it is far more positive for us lot commenting on the Standard to then accept what may or may not turn out to be a very poor set of cards dealt to us and to then debate policy(and you never know what gains might be made),
i have been banging away here ad nauseam on the issue of housing for months now and in a short space of time both Labour and the Green Party have produced housing policy which (in different ways than i would have expected) has answered most aspects of any concerns i hold over the provision of affordable housing for ALL New Zealander’s…
I hold the view of course that it should be the Labour annual Conference that holds the ‘trigger’
This is the UK Labour system which TRP pooh-poohs. A low 20% caucus threshold which if triggered, gives the membership a decision as to whether or not they want a full blown leadership competition.
The annual Labour Conference vote for leader needs to be deferred until August, (just after a Roy Morgan poll). Cunliffe then needs to challenge and in the mean time Shearer needs to RETURN Cunliffe to cabinet.
Hopefully commonsense will prevail as I cannot make sense of Labour’s current strategy re Shearer being the leader and Labour’s stuck in the mud poll ratings. As well the Labour caucus need to lose their arrogance re the Labour membership having a say re leader and direction/policy.
Labour MP David Cunliffe has given an assurance he will not challenge David Shearer for the leadership when it comes to a vote on 4 February….
But Mr Cunliffe, who was demoted after the conference for failing to rule out a challenge, said on Thursday Mr Shearer’s position is safe.
He said he wants to be a constructive member of the Labour team and help the party win next year’s election.
Wondering how long it takes for people to realise they’ve been played – The Cunliffe challenge beat up, was an act, to cement DS as leader and it looks like DC was in on it!
The media and politics working together, keeping the suspense alive, keeping people from seeing what is actually in front of their faces!
Cunliffe has been around too long to be the saviour, he is part of the system, who came through the “training” of Boston Interational!
These bastards sending nearly 4,000 people to an early grave need to be held responsible for manslaughter.
40 % success rate on review and it has cost 60 million.
When a person is not fit for work, to send them to work means that they have to work harder than a person fit for work. I do not think that a work contract states slave labour or forced labour.
Hey I still want to see a vote for members and affiliates. I want to see all other aspirants campaign: Robertson, Little etc. I want to hear all their ideas for how we work better, new potential policies etc. Then I want a vote. Either to confirm Shearer as the best or choose another. What I don’t want is no vote, and then the wait until Mallard/King decide Shearer is to be replaced by Robertson. Now is the time to bring all that into the open, deal with those plans honestly, and then we can all unite.
How amiguous is this Statement from Education Minister ….
“I think that I had a very successful range of visits to each of the 36 schools… We will talk to them about what we think our intentions going forward are.”
(My Bold)
Great communicator isn’t she, not sure what her intentions are, but she’s happy to talk about them M8’s!
Slippery the Prime Minister in His speech to the annual hui at Ratana Pa has given a sniveling display to those gathered there befitting of a 4 year old who having had the ice-cream snatched from His hand throws a horrendous tantrum,
National having first been upstaged by Labour over affordable housing and today being administered the coup de grace from a stunning release of Green Party housing policy totally trouncing Nationals dysmal record of ‘hands off’ and market driven housing policy FAILURE had Slippery haranguing Ratana over the standard of housing at the Pa itself,
Hah, Whakapahone to you Slippery, hope they have shown you the door with a fitting send-off,(spit)…
In a fitting welcome to Ratana, leaders of the Ratana Movement have openly welcomed the formation of a Labour/Green coalition in 2014,(no wonder Slippery the Prime Minister is throwing tantrums befitting a 4 year old)
May i humbly add to Ratana’s ‘take’ by adding that 2014 cannot but come soon enough…
So climate denialist crackpot Boscawen is going to be the president of ACT. He will be sworn in to the position next month at the home of the rich crackpot, Alan Gibbs. You know, the one who financed ACT into existence, and who spent millions on a useless amphibious car. What happened to that car?
Cast your mind back to the mid 1990s. MMP had arrived, and the Nats were looking for a coalition party. Along came Alan Gibbs and together with his sidekicks (Craig Heatley, Michael Fay, David Richwhite and Trevor Farmer to name the better known) he set up the ACT party. The sole purpose of the venture was to supply National with a support partner.
It all started with a hiss and a roar and several million dollars to back it up. All went well for a couple of parliamentary terms and then slowly it turned to dust. Alan Gibbs had shot off to greener pastures and his new pet project, the amphibious car. The dollar bags dried up.
Fast forward to 2013. The Maori Party is imploding. United Future is a barely visible joke. ACT is all but gone-burger. The Nats are once again looking for a coalition party. Into the valley of political chicanery rides Alan Gibbs. ACT rises from the ashes (perhaps with a new name) and with the help of a further coterie of wealthy sidekicks hey presto… National has a new support party in time for the 2014 election!
Plausible? Well he and his mates did it once, so they could do it again.
Yes Karol. It looks to me like ACT is about to be resurrected. If I’m right then Gibbs and co. will be throwing huge sums of money at it again – buying high profile people to front the party just as they did in the mid-1990s. Why would Simmons be interested in standing for a political party that is all but dead?
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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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket 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 ...
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 ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
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 ...
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 ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
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Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
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‘
Crunch time for the Obama administration
Will Obama stand up for the planet and people, or bow down to the demands of big business and the right?
As the effects of unadressed climate change start to devastate the planet, will Obama be remembered for taking a stand, or for betraying humanity?
In an echo of New Zealand Green Party policy on climate change, Obama’s policy of not making climate change “a singular priority” may become his undoing.
Just as Green Party advocacy for the disadvantaged and less well off will be forgotten if they refuse to stand up for the climate.Obama will earn the undying enmity of the environmental movement and lose informed liberal support, if he approves the XL pipeline, . Obama may try and recover this support by rightly standing up for equal rights in marriage, but this may not be enough to save his reputation, or the reputation of the Democratic Party ultimately costing them and us dearly.
Jenny, I think you’re forgetting who runs the place, and calls the shots, hence your message is aimed at the wrong entity!
Note: It’s not the POTUS who calls the shots!
illuminati?
Or if you actually type their name, will they appear behind you?
McFlock, even with your blindsighted ignorance, I would give you credit for understanding that the POTUS, is a figurehead, who speaks/implements what the *influential/powerful*, direct him to!
Have I over-estimated you?
Even with your unprovoked first-use of angry punctuation, I gathered “influential/powerful”.
Do they issue orders via intermediaries? Is Bill Gates in the club?
Don’t be obtuse: everyone knows the Illuminatii use mind-control.
In the matter of the XL pipeline that statement is actually factually wrong. Because the XL pipeline crosses State boundaries it requires the Presidential approval to proceed. You read it right. The president actually has to act, to allow this pipeline to proceed. In this case the POTUS most definitely calls the shots.
And that is not all. The POTUS does have powers to act against climate change if he chooses.
No More Excuses
The Labour Party needs to get out of its current malaise, the pregnant silence between the Leadership team and the members is deafening.
National had a free run in the press this week with fluffy confectionary. We will be p*ssed if that is reflected in the next polls. The Trotter, Eddie, Cactus Kate, Mike Williams and the 2pts drop in polls stories were the only thing from the Left, all negative. And that was the opening week in the political year!
The bad policies of the government are not only a PR issue. Another 1,000 went to Australia this week. 250,000 kids went to bed hungry.
What game-changing strategy does Annette King, Grant Robertson,Trivor Mallerd and David Shearer have to win New Zealand’s support for a Labour Victory? Another rehearsed speech can only be a minor component in the necessary game changing strategy. The National Party cannot be allowed another term.
Hopefully all will be revealed in David Shearer’s game-changing speech on Sunday.
There have been two rumours doing the beltway track in recent times.
1. Shearer was going to put the leadership question to the members and affiliates.
2. Shane Jones was to be reinstated to the front bench.
Who started them? The same source as last year, and the year before? Mischief making again?
NB. No rumours concerning David Cunliffe – yet.
Now all we need is that moronic reporter (Gower) from TV3 making shit up again!
Coming soon on a TV screen near you!
When will Gower ask Shane Jones if he will only hire DVDs of Shearer’s speeches next time he stays at a motel?
I cannot respect anyone who can attack Cunliffe while promoting Jones and that back pussy guy from the Waitaks.
PS I don’t get email notifications any more. How paranoid and accusatory should I be? 😛
Cunliffe not challenging Shearer
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8218444/Cunliffe-not-challenging-Shearer
Typical MSM. There was absolutely no fucking “leadership bid last year” at COnference. Nevertheless, I still believe that its crucial that the wider Labour membership be permitted to vote and confirm Shearer in Feb, for the sake of party unity and energy going into 2014.
I’m still hoping he’ll break away and start a new left party.
Easy 5% and his seat, easy.
Cometh the time, etc
I watched the TV3 news tonight and the quotes from Cunliffe were mighty different from Gower’s interpretation of them – or even on Stuff – same thing. Maybe just me, but I didn’t read what he said as an unequivocal rejection of him standing as leader. He seemed to be really careful in his words. The vote on 4 Feb is purely about whether the caucus (and hopefully the party) still have confidence in his leadership. It only has something to do with Cunliffe or Robertson or anyone else that chooses to chuck their hat in the ring if the he doesn’t get the support of caucus….or am I missing something? Oh, and just for the record….I’m not from the looney left either. I’m pure mainstream left (if there is such a thing)!
“What game-changing strategy does Annette King, Grant Robertson,Trivor Mallerd and David Shearer have to win New Zealand’s support for a Labour Victory?”
From where I am standing, none.
Sit still and quiet and wait for National to politely hand over the reins.
And stifle any dissent whilst sitting silent then take the reins (whenever that is) with no idea whatsoever of how to repair the damage or get our kid’s futures back.
What makes you think that Mallard, King, Robertson care about game changing strategy or winning the next election? Those oldies are just pissed they don’t get parliamentary super like Goff so they need to hang on in there to keep the fortnightly payroll coming. I hear Mallard is fairly down on net worth after a split or two. And the Wn mayoralty doesn’t pay as well as King currently gets.
As for Robertson, he’d have to own the failure of the 2011 election strategy where he was key before he could learn how to do better. But this team of three is not about learning and embracing but power plays at any cost.
What makes you think that Mallard, King, Robertson care about game changing strategy or winning the next election? Those oldies are just pissed they don’t get parliamentary super like Goff so they need to hang on in there to keep the fortnightly payroll coming. I hear Mallard is fairly down on net worth after a split or two. And the Wn mayoralty doesn’t pay as well as King currently gets.
As for Robertson, he’d have to own the failure of the 2011 election strategy where he had a key role before he could learn how to do better.
But this team of three is not about learning and embracing, but power plays at any cost.
Benghazi
You can say that again!
A humble request for LPrent: if you have a moment, can you lose Feedburner please? I use the RSS feed as the simplest way to keep up with comments, and its particularly useful for continuity in the more popular posts.
Feedburner is always 20-40 minutes out of date, meaning constantly having to reload the main page, check the comments box, then click on each comment individually to see what’s being said. The previous RSS feed constantly updated itself, so keeping up with conversations was a breeze.
Cheers, TRP.
Doesn’t that render your inbox completely unmanageable TRP?
T’would be great if we could get answers to our own comments but not the whole thread.
It’s hard to keep track of my own sometime comments and questions, and any responses beyond the immediate.
No, js, I was meaning the ‘comments RSS’ button, top right hand side of the page, just above the rolling list of recent comments. When it works well, it gives you all the recent comments in chronological order, so in a minute or so, you can catch up with all recent postings, rather than have to click on each seperate comment. It’s really great if you are in an ongoing discussion, because it saves a lot of time.
If you click on it now, you will see what I mean (though it will be 20 minutes out of date, and this comment won’t come up). It’s really great tool, but only if its up to the minute.
Ahh….Ta TRP. A timesaver.
Does anyone know how many films Warner Bros has been involved in, in New Zealand, since the Hobbitt finished shooting about 3 years ago?
Ummm none, and only 2 look like Wingnut are going to be involved in them, one in 2013, and 2014
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Warner_Bros._films#2010s
This is a pretty good list.
”it is appropriate for the Government to take a bridging investment role to ensure the right projects can get underway”
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
David Carter mimicking Jim Anderton, his hero obviously, in picking winners
Bill English pontificating upon the growing inability for ‘the market’ to address the growing issue of housing un-affordability,
”It takes the market 8 years before it has provided a house for a new immigrant” unquote, Bill English, Minister of Finance speaking to RadioNZ National,
Having said that Bill went on to point the finger at the Auckland City Council claiming that they are stifling new building activity by not bringing new areas of land into the home building equation,
Auckland City Council in reply point out that there are currently 13,000 sections available to build upon within the City, FAILURE of the argument put forward by the Finance Minister equates to further FAILURE of market driven policy in housing,
Again Bill puts His foot firmly in His mouth by claiming that the Auckland City Council should commit political suicide and dictate that developers build affordable (hence smaller) houses simply pointing out a further FAILURE of the market philosophy where any developer, as pointed out by someone else on the Standard a few days ago, would be stupid in terms of ‘markets’ to not build the biggest most expensive house on any particular piece of ground as to do otherwise would be to forgo a large tranche of profit,
Having stupidly claimed that His National Government has no mandate to legislate to ensure the building of low cost houses in the cities of greatest need Bill forgets that without that same MANDATE and on behalf of a small sliver of the electorate Bill’s National government has trashed whole democratically elected councils,
Having admitted that the housing market has FAILED Bill then retreats into the realms of MARKET IDIOCY, to have admitted such a market failure and then flatly refused to intervene with a measure to correct this FAILURE of the market Bill, the Minister of Finance no longer appears to be addressing the people of New Zealand from a position of market ideology but has retreated to the perceived safe haven of MARKET IDIOCY….
Kia Ora Te Pa O Ratana, Green Party Leader Metiria Turia has been invited to address the annual Hui at Ratana Pa, (one of very few woman to be given such Mana)…
Kapai!!!!
It appears that the “Maori Party” is going to be a “dead” or “dying” party soon.
Founded by Tariana Turia upon leaving Labour, due to issues with their foreshore and seabed legislation, Sharples and others joined her to establish a party to seek redress from what Labour introduced into law, and a kind of “movement” was started.
The downfall of the Maori Party started by going into a support agreement with a National led government, and to agree to a range of policies, also to amend the law affecting foreshore and seabed matters. But Maori Party members – repeatedly told by their elected MPs, that the agreement with Key and his National led government is good, necessary and will bring more benefits than being in opposition, have increasingly felt hood-winked.
Harawira brought on the challenges that arose through working with National and its other support parties. An internal rift developed, and Harawira left, to form Mana.
Mana is supposed to be a new, inclusive “Left Party”, but most know, it is primarily led and organised by and through Harawira and his closest supporters. Yet he always wishes to emphasize, that Mana stands for the rights of Mana PLUS others, e.g. Pakeha, negatively affected by bad right wing policies.
Maori Party support has dropped and they will struggle to get voted back into Parliament, since Tariana has announced her retreat. Sharples is just too much of an old power loving hanger-on now, as one must seriously question his ability to influence the decisions of the government he supports, and is member of as a Minister. Flavell made a challenge, but Maori Party leaders are too scared now to see it through.
Harawira makes comments on National Radio this morning, basically admitting, that Mana is the other Maori Party. He talked about working together, some form of alliance, or something in that direction. He also presented his interest as a “leader” for Maori interests.
There was suddenly not much talk about inclusiveness and Mana being not just an “alternative Maori Party”.
Looking up their website tells you enough, how it is run and what the priority political emphasis and support base is:
http://mana.net.nz/
http://mana.net.nz/2013/01/is-mana-maori-a-possibility/
http://mana.net.nz/kaupapa-vision/
It appears to be an “inclusive” party so far, through some images and presentation, but when looking closer, it becomes clearer to me, that Mana is primarily a party established by Harawira as “independent” MP for Tai Tokerau, who appears to have seen a need to try and boost membership and support by allowing in Minto, Bradford and a few others, to establish a wider set of leading members. Yet in polls it still struggles to get above the 1 per cent rate.
See also this newspaper article from the Northern Advocate:
http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/news/harawira-id-lead-maori-mana-party/1724449/
See also this news and blog site:
http://yournz.org/tag/mana-party/
So I feel, Harawira now has to come CLEAN, on what is ultimate mission is, where he stands, whether he really wants to be primarily a Maori leader, or to keep working on a more inclusive leftist party.
My suspicions are, he wants to be the former, as that is what he feels more passionate about.
Hence again, my conclusion is that not just is Labour in a situation where it is struggling to find a “new way” as a “left” or at least “left of centre” party, Mana is also about to fall to pieces, given Harawira’s newly revived true aspirations.
Consequently, as the Greens are also not committed to be identified as “left” as such, or in principle, there is a TOTAL NEED and an ideal time now, to create and establish a NEW LEFT PARTY in NZ, that is truly left of centre and inclusive, not restircted to individual MPs or member’s interests and selected agendas.
Maori Party will soon be “dead”, I would expect, at least no more than a party in a similar situation as ACT is in now.
P.S.: I tried posting this under a thread on the state of the Maori Party today, but for some reason the comments appear to not register after I press the “submit comment” button.
I tried to post a comment on the state of the Maori Party, but for some reason, it does not appear to be accepted at all by the system!
Has there been a “block” placed on any comments for whatever reason?
Even when trying to put the post under “Open Mike”, it just does not appear.
This is disappointing, indeed, and raises some questions.
There was a glitch about 10 to 15mins. ago. I was told TS was ‘off air’.
Hi folks!
Seen this?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8212901/Further-charges-possible-for-John-Banks
How long will shonky John Key be able to defend the indefensible dodgy John Banks?
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption campaigner’
http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com
Do i see the perfect storm forming for this abysmal failure of a Slippery lead Government,John(the already once convicted)Banks gets another couple of convictions to add to his rap sheet and is forced to resign from the Parliament,
And then,
The Supreme Court rules against the Government over Maori rights to water prompting Slippery the Prime Minister to introduce legislation to over-ride the Courts decision giving the Maori Party no option but to resign from it’s coalition,
The fun it seems has only just begun…
heh.
Always nice to see someone making life difficult for a tory
I like Rod Oram’s reasoned comments on the state of our commerce.
I bought a book of reprints of his columns.
This is something that rings a bell.
…Australia is a very small economy in world terms. Having exhausted the domestic opportunities for scale and efficiency, businesses are turning to NZ. Their ownership of our banks was only a precursor to the wave of bids we’re seeing for our companies. We’re rapidly becoming an AUSTRALASIAN (my caps) economy….
We think our economies are outward-looking and internationally competitive, but they are not. NZ’s exports are only 30% of our GDP, we’re running prodigious trade and current account deficits, and we have built up high levels of private debt.
Australia IS ALMOST AS WEAK (mine). Its exports are a weedy 18% of GDP, its trade deficit is 2% of GDP, its current account deficit 5.5% of GDP, and its households the most indebted in the OECD, although NZs are right behind them….
AN AUSTRALASIAN ECONOMY LOOKS NO MORE ENCOURAGING IN TERMS OF SCALE OR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS.
SO DO WE THROW OUR LOT IN WITH THE AUSTRALIANS OR TRY TO CHART A DIFFERENT COURSE????
Sunday Star-Times, 16 April 2006 in Reinventing Paradise
Will the figures have improved in the years to 2012?
And does Labour have any commitment to change our nation’s commercial health and encourage jobs with reasonable hours work and wages? Putting up numbers of homes will only be an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, and that is only if they are designed to be real homes with fences and yards for children to play safely etc.
“And does Labour have any commitment to change our nation’s commercial health and encourage jobs with reasonable hours work and wages? Putting up numbers of homes will only be an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, and that is only if they are designed to be real homes with fences and yards for children to play safely etc.”
NO
From RadioNZ National news at 1.00, David Cunliffe has reportedly said that He will not challenge David Shearer for the Labour Party leadership in February,
Unless there is another challenger it looks like Labour Party members are stuck with Dave Shearer, suck it up people and let’s hammer Labour on policy direction rather than play ‘swap the leader’….
PS, i hope that Parliamentary Labour have been smart enough to see fit to give David Cunliffe a front bench position in any upcoming reshuffle where He is tasked with regularly taking Finance Minister Bill English to task on His many FAILURES…
Whether Cunliffe says that is neither here nor there.
He cannot be expected to carry the burden of the party.
A non vote in February fixes NOTHING.
Te members vote for change in the Party’s approach and democracy.
THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED.
A non vote only emphasises the dis-connection of the leadership.
Hur hur, the members voted for exactly this potential outcome, KV. This is the system they wanted, this is the system David Cunliffe wanted. IT HAS HAPPENED! Just not in the way DC (and you) thought.
Can we talk about policy now?
Anon? What is the weather like up in the Manawatu today?
Identity speculation is a no no, KV.
TRP, are you changing your handle?
Hi, CV. No, it’s just an IP adress issue at the server I’ve mostly been on for the last couple of days. Got it sussed now.
Anon
Why do you keep making the claim It has happened. Just not in the way DC (and supporters) thought etc.
I’ve said it before and I say it again. Most (repeat most) delegates who voted for the constitutional changes did so without actually having specific individuals in mind – at least not in the forefront of their minds anyway. How do I know? Because I was there, and I spoke with a number of delegates whose views on the proposed changes were surprisingly similar. From what was said to me, the outcome clearly had as much to do with years of frustration by members etc. who (rightly) felt they were undervalued by many in the caucus.What happened following the leadership challenge in 2011 was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back.
I keep repeating it because it’s true, Anne. And like you, I was there, too. I’m pretty sure I saw DC’s hand point to the ceiling in favour of 60% during the vote, so he personally supported the change, as far as I can tell. The DC supporters thought this option was going to see their man get up in February. My feeling is that those that thought that way hadn’t thought it through. Not only does the trigger stay in caucus, which means that without an in-caucus challenge it’s a moot point, but it also ankle taps a potential leader who has support in the wider party, but minority support in caucus.
Or, to put it another way, the members and affiliates wanted more democracy, but they promoted and voted for a system that gave caucus a veto over that democracy.
It’s not Shearer’s fault that he won’t take it to the party. It would be madness for him to do so. He’s already won, the majority of members seem happy with the outcome*, and we now move on to winning the election. It’s over Anne. The next conference can look at it again, I suppose, but the opportunity to install someone other than Shearer has passed.
*There haven’t been mass resignations, for example, so political junkies like you and I and others here atTS discussing the issue does not apparently reflect the real feeling in the party. My summary of that feeling is that members remain unsure of Shearer, but are willing to give him a go. Lukewarm support, but support none the less.
I agree with most of what you say Anon except I don’t believe the majority of delegates who voted for the 40/60 regime did so with the sole expectation of having a vote for Cunliffe in February. It was an act of admonishment on the part of most of them… continue to ignore us ordinary members at your peril! The most oft heard phrase I picked up on were the words “we want our party back” or “it’s just as much our party as it is theirs”.
I agree with you that Cunliffe would have been a fool to challenge Shearer next month. Anyway he is far too intelligent to have even considered it.
It’s the caucus members who have to mend some fences with the membership, and that is probably one of Shearer’s biggest challenges. If he doesn’t face up to it (or not succeed for whatever reason) all the policy in the world won’t help much because he (they) could be without a solid base of ‘on the ground’ workers.
the members and affiliates wanted more democracy, but they promoted and voted for a system that gave caucus a veto over that democracy
Um are you sure TRP?
Previously only caucus had a say in who the leader was. Now if the leader does not get more than 60% support in caucus on various occasions then the members get a say.
So democracy is increased.
Stop trying to diss people by saying it was a Cunliffe Shearer thing. It was a membership caucus thing. And the members won.
Long live democracy in the Labour Party.
I am devostated by this. I thought David Cunlife was going to make Labour more socialist again.
But I thort also that David Cunlife did say to that reporter lots of time last year that he was NOT trying to take over from David Shearer. I guess Cunlife was telling the truth.
I am also devistated for David Cunlife!
Oh i would say that Cunliffe having said He will not challenge for the leadership in February definitely falls within the ‘here’ realm of reality,
We will all have to wait a couple of weeks befor we know the out-come of the Labour Caucus vote to see if the Party wide contesting of the leadership will take place,
My view is that other than Cunliffe, Grant Robinson is the only other member of Labour’s Caucus that has the Mana, the presence and the ability to project a serious Prime Ministerial demeanor via the much despised 5 second television sound-bite in that Caucus,
I hold the view of course that it should be the Labour annual Conference that holds the ‘trigger’ on the question of both who the leader will be and who will be the Cabinet under that leadership, that would make a truly democratic Labour Party and a truly democratically elected Labour Government who would adhere to Labour Party policy at the risk of losing their positions should they not,
Having said that, IF there is to be no leadership vote,(disappointing i know), it is far more positive for us lot commenting on the Standard to then accept what may or may not turn out to be a very poor set of cards dealt to us and to then debate policy(and you never know what gains might be made),
i have been banging away here ad nauseam on the issue of housing for months now and in a short space of time both Labour and the Green Party have produced housing policy which (in different ways than i would have expected) has answered most aspects of any concerns i hold over the provision of affordable housing for ALL New Zealander’s…
This is the UK Labour system which TRP pooh-poohs. A low 20% caucus threshold which if triggered, gives the membership a decision as to whether or not they want a full blown leadership competition.
The annual Labour Conference vote for leader needs to be deferred until August, (just after a Roy Morgan poll). Cunliffe then needs to challenge and in the mean time Shearer needs to RETURN Cunliffe to cabinet.
Hopefully commonsense will prevail as I cannot make sense of Labour’s current strategy re Shearer being the leader and Labour’s stuck in the mud poll ratings. As well the Labour caucus need to lose their arrogance re the Labour membership having a say re leader and direction/policy.
And it is in print here:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/126374/cunliffe-says-he-won't-challenge-shearer-for-leadership
Karol
“We the People” are pissed with how a group in the Caucus has hi-jacked the Party in 2008.
And in Nov/Dec 2011
And in Nov 2012.
No change.
The Party needs a fundamental change.
The Membership does not have confidence in the Leadership Team.
“We the People” still have the objective of change the Leadership Team to one which can be endorsed by the majority of the membership and unions.
Nothing has changed since yesterday.
Indeed, KV. And I hope it’s successful. The idea of Shearer as PM is a complete turn-off for me. But at least I have the Greens or Mana to vote for.
Wondering how long it takes for people to realise they’ve been played – The Cunliffe challenge beat up, was an act, to cement DS as leader and it looks like DC was in on it!
The media and politics working together, keeping the suspense alive, keeping people from seeing what is actually in front of their faces!
Cunliffe has been around too long to be the saviour, he is part of the system, who came through the “training” of Boston Interational!
🙄
A foretaste of the Nats welfare ‘reforms’. I fear that the disabled and those with chronic illnesses won’t know what’s hit them after July.
http://www.newstatesman.com//politics/2013/01/shadow-state-atos-and-work-capability-assessment
These bastards sending nearly 4,000 people to an early grave need to be held responsible for manslaughter.
40 % success rate on review and it has cost 60 million.
When a person is not fit for work, to send them to work means that they have to work harder than a person fit for work. I do not think that a work contract states slave labour or forced labour.
Hey I still want to see a vote for members and affiliates. I want to see all other aspirants campaign: Robertson, Little etc. I want to hear all their ideas for how we work better, new potential policies etc. Then I want a vote. Either to confirm Shearer as the best or choose another. What I don’t want is no vote, and then the wait until Mallard/King decide Shearer is to be replaced by Robertson. Now is the time to bring all that into the open, deal with those plans honestly, and then we can all unite.
How amiguous is this Statement from Education Minister ….
“I think that I had a very successful range of visits to each of the 36 schools… We will talk to them about what we think our intentions going forward are.”
(My Bold)
Great communicator isn’t she, not sure what her intentions are, but she’s happy to talk about them M8’s!
I’m pretty sure she writes her media statements with the help of <a href='http://www.buzzwords4u.co.uk/'<this website.
href=’http://www.buzzwords4u.co.uk/’>this
dang it. can’t edit…
I couldn’t get the link code to work in my comment @4.40pm above. Gave up. We can copy and paste your url, mike.
Thanks karol, though it wasn’t exactly a link of vital national security hehe.
“Going forward”!
Argh!
http://endaguinan.com/2009/05/13/when-we-started-going-forward-thats-when-we-started-going-backwards/
you’re a damn patient fella in an argument, RV, far more so than me. Good on ya.
Slippery the Prime Minister in His speech to the annual hui at Ratana Pa has given a sniveling display to those gathered there befitting of a 4 year old who having had the ice-cream snatched from His hand throws a horrendous tantrum,
National having first been upstaged by Labour over affordable housing and today being administered the coup de grace from a stunning release of Green Party housing policy totally trouncing Nationals dysmal record of ‘hands off’ and market driven housing policy FAILURE had Slippery haranguing Ratana over the standard of housing at the Pa itself,
Hah, Whakapahone to you Slippery, hope they have shown you the door with a fitting send-off,(spit)…
In a fitting welcome to Ratana, leaders of the Ratana Movement have openly welcomed the formation of a Labour/Green coalition in 2014,(no wonder Slippery the Prime Minister is throwing tantrums befitting a 4 year old)
May i humbly add to Ratana’s ‘take’ by adding that 2014 cannot but come soon enough…
Oh dearie me, look at this:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10861201
So climate denialist crackpot Boscawen is going to be the president of ACT. He will be sworn in to the position next month at the home of the rich crackpot, Alan Gibbs. You know, the one who financed ACT into existence, and who spent millions on a useless amphibious car. What happened to that car?
“What happened to that car?”
It sunk the same way Act has.
Ooops a daisy:
A sleazy new deal maybe taking shape?
Cast your mind back to the mid 1990s. MMP had arrived, and the Nats were looking for a coalition party. Along came Alan Gibbs and together with his sidekicks (Craig Heatley, Michael Fay, David Richwhite and Trevor Farmer to name the better known) he set up the ACT party. The sole purpose of the venture was to supply National with a support partner.
It all started with a hiss and a roar and several million dollars to back it up. All went well for a couple of parliamentary terms and then slowly it turned to dust. Alan Gibbs had shot off to greener pastures and his new pet project, the amphibious car. The dollar bags dried up.
Fast forward to 2013. The Maori Party is imploding. United Future is a barely visible joke. ACT is all but gone-burger. The Nats are once again looking for a coalition party. Into the valley of political chicanery rides Alan Gibbs. ACT rises from the ashes (perhaps with a new name) and with the help of a further coterie of wealthy sidekicks hey presto… National has a new support party in time for the 2014 election!
Plausible? Well he and his mates did it once, so they could do it again.
Well, it seems Chris Simmons has stepped down as party prez & Boscowen has taken over. Simmons wants to be an Act candidate next election.
Yes Karol. It looks to me like ACT is about to be resurrected. If I’m right then Gibbs and co. will be throwing huge sums of money at it again – buying high profile people to front the party just as they did in the mid-1990s. Why would Simmons be interested in standing for a political party that is all but dead?
http://news.yahoo.com/ap-impact-recession-tech-kill-middle-class-jobs-051306434–finance.html