Johnm – Dem Bendell has it right. There are some aspects he doesn't explore, but all up, he's completely on the button. I especially like his discussion around mental health, the support that needs to be established, including the links to connect anyone coming into the space he's occupying. I can see why you post first and foremost and I can see why so few comment on it.
Not funny is it that the little people get pinged for minor errors while the "Big People" get away with hundreds of thousands scot free. Still I'd rather not be one of the "Big People."
ANZ were part of the $2.2 Billion dollar bank robbery …. a much under-reported event involving the big Aussie owned banks stiffing New Zealand for billions.
ANZ had to fork out over $400 million that they owed … but like the other banks no staff were punished or arrested ,,,,, for their attempted fraud / creative accounting / false pretenses
Not only was the GPF feature of the transactions unlawful and therefore correctly disallowed, all four transactions tested in the case "were tax avoidance arrangements entered into for the purpose of avoiding tax"
And of course ANZ were part of the enablers for hundreds of millions of stolen money to flow into the crooks bank accounts in Malaysias 1MDB Billion dollar frauds ……. no whistles blown
But it is clear that global regulators have failed to nab rogue banks, who have failed to nab rogue bankers for far too long and it is time to make the system start working for the public instead of protecting these dangerous illegal operators.
Exposes by Sarawak Report and others have shown that Goldman Sachs, RBS Coutts, BSI Bank, Edmund de Rothschild Bank Privee, JP Morgan Suisse, Falcon Bank and of course the ANZ majority owned AmBank all have serious questions to answer with respect to the loss of funds from 1MDB.
After all, bank robbers go to jail, so why do robber bankers never feel the cuffs?
Some MPs will have voted to take the Bill to the next stage because they believe it is worth the process continuing; not because they will ultimately vote for it at the final reading.
Others voted No for this particular Bill even though they would support a better-crafted one on the same matter.
"Others voted No for this particular Bill even though they would support a better-crafted one on the same matter".
Frankly that sort of claim by a member sounds like b*s to me. They just don't want to have to make a commitment to anything. They are trying to pretend that they are open minded about it when they are simply opposed.
If they really think that they should vote yes here, try and make the bill better during the second reading debate and then, if they still think it isn't adequate vote "no" when it comes to the third reading.
Do you have any names for the ones you mean, and I only mean those who are actually on record with the comment about the bill?.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has met with her Labour caucus this morning to discuss today's Cabinet reshuffle – and beleaguered Housing Minister Phil Twyford was nowhere to be seen.
A spokesman for Twyford said he was at a speaking engagement at the Planning Institute in Auckland but he would be back later before the reshuffle.
The Prime Minister's office confirmed Ardern would be making the announcement at 3:15 this afternoon.
Twyford was not the only minister absent from the meeting.
Neither was Grant Robertson, Damien O'Conner, Kelvin Davis, Carmel Sepuloni and other Labour MPs.
and beleaguered Housing Minister Phil Twyford was nowhere to be seen.
IF Phil Twyford only got half a tin shed built, it would be, if i'm not mistaken, streets ahead of the previous govt. period approach which included among other things, a treasury loan to English & Smith for their own private company to buy up state houses.
Last election: National's going to win, National won, it's a betrayal, it's not fair, National didn't win (i/e National lost), the new Govt. can't do anything right…
But of course I am unbiased. I speak only truth unto power. You're not going to try and tell me that Twyford is anything other than the most incompetent Labour Cabinet Minister we have are you? Do you really think Prime Minister's like English, Key, Clark, Shipley or Bolger would have put up with him?
Smile. I am sure that you yourself would unearth far more incompetent Labour Cabinet Ministers if it suited you to do so. (Do I remember comments about Clare Curran?)
By the way, 'Prime Ministers' in your reply should NOT have had an apostrophe. Up your grammar.
What about the ultimately incompetent National Cabinet man who pretended to find an $11 million hole in the Labour budget? Still going on that one?
Given that "most incompetent Labour minister" Phil Twyford has performed way better in this role than long-time Nat cabinet/shadow cabinet member Nick Smith managed, what does that say about the relative strengths of Labour and National's front benches?
Curran is not, of course, a Cabinet Minister. She realised, unlike current incumbents Twyford, Clark, Shaw, Genter, Jones and Lees-Galloway that the job was vastly in excess of their capabilities. That is not, of course an exhaustive list.
A pity that a number of the others don't come to such a clear view of their failings and would quit too.
Joyce was correct about the hole. Why do you think that the current lot of clowns are so desperate for new taxes? As he said, they had promised to spend everything and clearly had no idea of the extras they would have to pay for. Thus we have an excellent idea of buying up all the automatic weapons but are now totally unwilling to pay for them. Bloody idiots. All they will accomplish with their penny pinching attitude is to ensure that the rifles will end up being owned by the gangs.
" I speak only truth unto power." That is a very powerful statement, which is demeaned by being used in a context where one is involved in a debate with one's equals, not as it should be in a situation where a person of unequal power takes a risk in speaking the truth and being critical of the more powerful status quo, such as governments.
I know very well what it means. I also understand what a vile group a lot of our politicians are members of and how they see nothing wrong with destroying other people's lives. They can, of course do it under the cover of Parliamentary Privilege.
Look at that miserable specimen Mallard accusing a Parliamentary employee of "rape" when no such thing occurred. Not a hint of an apology from that disgraceful specimen of the political classes.
But he did. Much to late but they did start. Why do you think that houses were being built that a desperate Twyford claimed as being part of his "KiwiBuild" b*s?
Housing is a huge task. No matter what you call it, it is a huge task. I hope Phil Twyford stays on to finish the project. Given that he has been hammered by MPs and the Media in spite of the huge strides made, that is further proof for him to continue.
I suspect there will be some minor changes to his responsibilities – maybe a couple of small chunks passed on to associate ministers. Part of the problem is Twyford's current responsibilities are just too onerous. He has two of the most complex portfolios currently in existence.
Re the list of Ministers, MPs absent from this morning's Caucus meeting, most of the ones you mention were also absent from last night's Second Reading of Seymour's End of Life Bill but voted by Proxy.*
This is not a full list but the following voted by proxy meaning they were not in the Parliamentary Precinct : Ardern, Davis, Twyford, Clark, D O'Connor, Sepuloni, Curran, Eagle, Mahuta, Peters, Logie, Genter, Chahraman, Macroft plus various Nats.
Robertson did not vote by proxy, so presumably around if not in the House itself.
*I am in the middle of putting together a list by party of those who voted for and against the Bill proceeding to Committee stages etc. A draft of the full list by name only is already up on the Parliament website but not by Party, being (supposedly**) a Conscience vote. Will probably post it here in the next few days when I have some time, for anyone interested.
** All Green and all NZF members voted Aye. The breakdown of Nats and Labour members Ayes/Noes is quite interesting, but cannot be taken necessarily as who will vote Aye in the end. From all accounts, many Ayes were to allow the Bill to proceed to the more detailed Committee stages, with continued support on the part of quite a few MPs dependent on considerable change to the actual wording and provisions of the Bill being agreed in the Committee stages.
I always skip the music videos and the ones like above, which have no comment, opinion or debate points included with them. It's just wankery, drop and go rubbish. I don't think it adds anything.
As for the chairnat, I think Solkta and Mars did us all a favour the other night. Even if only temporary, a rest is as good as a holiday.
I didn't skip the music video of Laurie Anderson the other day. Those who thought it "wankery, drop and go rubbish not adding anything" missed a treat in my opinion.
We cannot click on every link or clip to find the proverbial needle in a haystack or expect to find some ‘nugget’ @ 12’38’’ into the clip or somewhere embedded deep in a document. It still won’t tell me why the commenter posted it in the first place. I think it is lazy and inconsiderate and takes up space but I can live with it – I simply scroll past and don’t click as there’s too much clickbait around as it is. However, others do find it very annoying. Therefore, a brief comment is all that’s needed to satisfy most here.
"wankery, drop and go rubbish' refers to videos without comment, which has been addressed.
As for music vids, I don't watch them, mainly because I happen to think most people post shit, but even the good songs I won't play because I'm on the standard and not youinstafacegrambooktube.
And o superman – Had it on 12" import back in 1981. Fortunately it wasn't any longer than the 8.21 7"
you used to put links to your own music – should do it again imo
any music video I put up is worth watching imo thus The Little River Band today are exceptional and a window into a time that literally is a lifetime ago.
I did, usually with a story attached as to why and what the track was about, but nah, people can look at my website and decide to click the soundcloud player or not.
I don't mind the music vids really, though I do just skip 'em.
I'm more likely to play a music vid than a 40 minute video that someone reckons will explain why I should be outraged/aghast/terrified of deepstate/chemtrails/corporations.
lol and links from all sources with the obligatory commentary "this is an insightful and wise journalist speaking truth to power" (meaning I agree with them) or "a shameless propagandist tells lies for cash" (I disagree with them).
Viewing the first 5minutes of a vid will inform about the subject.But maybe a small posting as to subject and content would be good.
[I agree that a video without any excerpt or reason to click on it could be viewed [pardon the pun] as SPAM unless it is obvious and self-evident. From now on, please provide a brief reason as to why you think people should watch it and/or why it is relevant to the topic of a thread, if any. Please be aware what might be obvious or self-evident to you might not be so to another person. This kind of behaviour has led to long-term bans of infamous recidivists – Incognito]
Shouldn't have to watch a video to find out what's up for discussion and why, and while a subject and content should be also be a given, video posts should at least have a for or against argument so it's clear where the poster is coming from.
Perhaps a note to explain subject matter but see no need to predetermine more than that….there is no requirement for discussion nor applying a personal take of the content.
The opportunity is there for discussion/debate should anyone so wish
Yeah, nah. I’m thinking of random bans for random reasons but especially when it is about how poorly moderated this site is and who or what should (or should not) be banned.
From the Greymouth Star, great to see West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor slamming Westland Milk Products over the proposed sale to Chinese-owned Yili, but also says shareholders needed to share the blame because they had failed to scrutinise management and directors in recent years.
On RNZ yesterday Mr O'Connor said he could not intervene as Agriculture Minister, but as the electorate MP and with a family shareholding in Westland Milk, he outlined his many concerns over the sale..
When the West Coast-owned co-operative decided in 2001 to go it alone, rejecting an offer to merge with Fonterra, it had $100million in the bank.
''Something has gone wrong seriously and they now have huge debt,'' Mr O'Connor said.
Farmers had been treated as ''mushrooms'' and had now been presented with just one option, when he believed there had been up to 12 offers from New Zealand and overseas.
Mr O'Connor said he did not think farmers had enough information to make an informed decision.
Confidential information packs were delivered to shareholders some weeks ago, for a vote due on July 4.
Co-operatives could fail if the shareholders did not take an active interest in what their directors and management were doing.
''I think they sit back and take for granted the decisions that are made. They're not always scrutinised in the way they would be if it was a publicly-listed company. I don't believe it's the structure [at fault], it's the individuals involved.''
The Westland Co-operative Dairy Company (trading as Westland Milk Products) had been built up by previous generations, but farmers now risked losing ownership and control.
The 10-year supply guarantee offered by Yili came with a number of qualifications that farmers should be aware of, he said. Once they had sold, farmers would not get the profits from the value added. The only way to get more money would be to do more, and produce more milk.
Selling parts of the company may have been an option for farmers but that was not put to them.
''That's why I think the process has been seriously flawed.''
To me the stupidity of these West Coast farmers to long-term gut their own communities is beyond belief.
The world has really turned upside down, white is black, up is down..it turns out that now the most stringent and vocal push back in the US MSM to US foreign interventions is not coming from US liberal media but from Tucker Carlson on Fox of all places, he did the same push back over Venezuela ..
Here he is calling John Bolton a political tape worm, and calling out the neocons hard…
Careful, Adrian, you're in for a bollocking from our friend Andre and likeminded people lurking on this blog. The fact that Carlson is one of the few people in the U.S. media with the courage to speak forthrightly on this issue doesn't matter a jot; he works for Fox, which automatically renders what he says worthless.
Right wingers do this to sow insecurity – to get people confused, get their enemies fighting each other – they are not sincere. They are not truth tellers. They are just working to their own agenda – the techniques are in Hollowmen, we see it all the time with hooton pretending to attack the right – I hope you think about that a bit adrian.
Firstly Hooten gave the best and most sincere eulogy for Helen Kelly, so even though he is on the wrong side, I will always give him credit for that.
Secondly, stop with the condescending please.."I hope you think about that a bit adrian" I am under no illusions as to the primary motivations of the right..or the shit establishment liberal class in the US for that matter.
Thirdly, give me a link in US liberal media where the main host is so consistently anti interventionist in such a forth right way as Tucker Carlson (who I am well aware is shit on most other important subjects).
"you are being played by them imo" that's good coming from the guy who gets played by pretty much every Guardian head line..since forever…I hope you think about that a bit matry.
Sorry to disabuse you of an obviously long nurtured belief, Mr Mars, but the moon landing actually did happen. The Americans landed on it almost exactly fifty years ago, and, no, it wasn't a hoax by those evil, calculating, dastardly masterminds of the world, the Russians—despite what Luke Harding might have told you in the Grauniad.
Hooten gave the best and most sincere eulogy for Helen Kelly, so even though he is on the wrong side, I will always give him credit for that.
Take care, mon ami, not to give credit where it is unwarranted. Hooton is a notorious dissembler. I suspect his eulogy for Ms. Kelly was about as "sincere" as his eulogy for Nelson Mandela, who the jackass compared to those monsters Thatcher and Reagan. Hooton's disgusting performance after Madiba's death, and his manipulation of the luvvies on Russell Brown's site, was admirably satirized by my confrère and former student Morrissey Breen….
Oh, I think the Professor understands Italian, Mr. Cognito. He worked for a time in an elite girls' finishing school in Switzerland. He was required to resign in a hurry; the circumstances are still somewhat murky many years after the affair.
Please don’t be a smart alec. Feel free to pass on the hint to you know whom since you seem to be at liberty to speak on his behalf. I’m sure the two of you have regular chitchats.
@Professor Longhair, I take your point as far as far as Hooton goes, but the thing about Hooton that I like is at least you know exactly what he believes and he doesn't try to hide his ideology or pretend he advocating for some thing else, and it was exactly those same qualities that he said he admired about Kelly, he also said Labour lost it's most potent potential leader when she died…on both accounts I couldn't agree with him more (one of the very few time I could say that).
I have read that Morrissey blog post before..so don't worry, I well know who Hooton, and it isn't nice.
…. they are not sincere. They are not truth tellers.
Contrary to your blanket assertion, this particular right winger—Tucker Carlson— is, in fact, telling the truth about this matter.
They are just working to their own agenda – the techniques are in Hollowmen….
How does Tucker Carlson speaking truthfully about U.S. aggression against Iran and Venezuela have the slightest connection to the National Party's campaign of character assassination being run out of the Prime Minister's office? Is it those all powerful, all knowing, all controlling Russian masterminds again? I think we should be told.
we see it all the time with hooton pretending to attack the right
I've witnessed the jackass Hooton in action many times, and he is no more or less than exactly that: a jackass. He is no Tucker Carlson.
Note that the Report quotes the complaints made by Paula Bennett were found to be inaccurate and unfounded. She tried so hard to make a case but it was built on sand. So what a waste.
Conclusion 97. I have assessed Mr Makhlouf’s actions and statements in relation to the three aspects of the Incident against standards of good faith, reasonableness and political neutrality. I have found that: a. Mr Makhlouf acted in good faith. I consider that Mr Makhlouf’s view was sincerely held and honest and therefore meets the good faith test. b. Mr Makhlouf acted in a politically neutral manner. In fact, I consider that he went out of his way to ensure that he was not implicating the National Party in his media statements and interviews. c. Mr Makhlouf’s actions and statements were reasonable in all respects other than in relation to his use of the phrase “deliberately and systematically hacked” in his Tuesday evening media statement, his use of the bolt analogy in his media interviews on Wednesday morning, and in the focus on the conduct of the searchers in his media statement on Thursday morning.
The same largely applies to the right, not that I am a "tory". One doesn't encourage their party to up their game by remaining silent. Or worse, by down playing and defending their crap.
Labour fear bad PR, thus if the left want more out of Labour, we are going to have to make some noise. For example, if teachers didn't get out on the streets (creating bad PR for the Government) it would have been the same old there is no more money line.
Teachers improved their wellbeing by getting together, getting out there and making a noise.
Every so often I feel the need for self-flagellation because I'm not a Kethluk and this is the most convenient venue for my confession. Is this normal behaviour?
Currently I'm listening to today's episode of "The Panel". One of the rent-a-voices is particularly nauseating, and another I almost need a neo-liberal translator. I'll persevere in the hope I go to Heaven.
Your advice would be much appreciated because I fear I may be going deaf.
Actually, I take it all back. I’m thinking masturbation is far easier and less painful
One of the guests was Michael Moynahan, who has made a career out of being pleasantly inane. I presume he was the one you found to be nauseating. But, as nauseating as he may have been today, he would have had to be extremely nauseating to match his contribution back in October 2016, when Jim Mora was the host….
Thanx for that Mr B. As the pain was kicking in, all I started hearing was "Ahurrr hurr hurrrr rewwwbarb rewbarb rewbarb hurr hurr" interspesed with a Wallace lisp, a fair few I I I's, my my my's and me me me's then a lot of neo-liberal speak in a female voice – (the "so's", the "ultimately's", the "in this space" and "going forward's").
I 'spose it's what happens when our last bastion of public service broadcasting is headed by someone going through their mid-life crisis with a commercial background and desperate to remain down with the kuds.
At least we have and "old school" Jesse and a Mora to keep it all together.
I know you're in Orkers somehwere, but since I've decided wankery and Portnoy worship is better than flagellation, do you know if there's somewhere in Wellington I might avail myself of a circle jerk? OR should I just mow the lawns or watch paint dry during weekday afternoons?
Ka pai North Land healthcare is getting 50 million extra injection of money into the region it is needed.
Te Whanau Apanui is getting $30 million as part of their treaty settlement awesome now they can set a great maunga for their mokopuna kia kaha.
Gambling is a major problem for Maori Pacific and Asian I say that the one arm bandits should be banned too our history books.
The First Nation from Canada is showing appreciation for how strong Maori Culture is in Aotearoa. Kia kaha to The First Nation of Canada Eco Maori Knowns that they have life is harder for them.
Nagti Porou te reo is a te reo that needs to be protected and taught to all our tamariki in Te Taiwhiti.
Peter congratulations on yours win for your kai mahi that you infuse Maori kai in your cooking.
Kia kaha to the youth climate change champion Stars the oldest generation will listen to their mokopuna.
Meet generation Greta: young climate activists around the world
They’re too young to vote, but schoolchildren across the globe are taking matters into their own hands
In May, for the second time this year, more than 1.5 million young people in more than 125 countries walked out of schools, colleges and universities in the biggest day of global climate action ever. Young people have protested en masse before – millions marched against the Iraq war in 2003 – but this child-led uprising is happening with unprecedented momentum on a global scale Ka kite ano.
Pirpi its Awesome that the intrest in Matariki is growing that is good for tangata whenua O Aotearoa cultural and Mana.
South Auckland health food is a great way to Show people what food i good for you. They served a lot of Organically grown food to.
International skills competition looks cool
We should be grateful for the tangata who started the Kuakaupapa and Kohanga school's they came along just in time to keep tangata whenua O Aotearoa cultural and Haka Pumping thanks to all who were involved in this Phenomenon.
Couples are taxed on individual income, which makes for an large variation on how households are taxed on the same income, disadvantaging women, usually, who have to stay at home for disabled children or other relatives. One of the few things they could access was the non qualifying spouse share in super, if their older partner retired.
And. They are using this to fund an effective increase for those who already get overseas pensions/super.
Paddy we don't need rightneck idiot's in Aotearoa those people should be investigated by the SIS and I would not put it past simon to be part of their stupid ways.
Yes Winston some people are so gullible they believe the false news propaganda and con people to believe there bullshit.
Canterbury people playing in the AWA you have respect water driving in Rivers at night is stupid.
Cool single use plastic bags is being banned this is just the start we will eventually ban most plastics we use.
It's about time that someone started planning to push asteroid out of Papatuanuku path a huge Asteroid would devastate all life.
Eugene it cool that single use plastic bags have been banned its about time.
Its cool that people are giving away food and clothing to the needed people in North land tangata whenua need help all common people need help. The Matariki supreme awards went to Whale Watching in Kai kora
Smear your mear campaign won to cool.
Paina Papa congratulations on yours win heaps of tamariki and mokopuna would have improved their te reo because of your show.
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 ...
Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
Chris Trotter writes – Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
The tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and applied…Gary Judd KC writes – I have made a complaint to Parliament’s Regulation ...
The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...
TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...
A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...
Hi,I know it’s been awhile since there’s been any Webworm merch — and today that all changes!Over the last four months, I’ve been working with New Zealand artist Jess Johnson to create a series of t-shirts, caps and stickers that are infused with Webworm DNA — and as of right ...
The OECD’s chief economist yesterday laid it on the line for the new Government: bring the deficit under control or face higher Reserve Bank interest rates for longer. And to bring the deficit under control, she meant not borrowing for tax cuts. But there was more. Without policy changes—introducing a ...
After a hiatus of over four months Selwyn Manning and I finally got it together to re-start the “A View from Afar” podcast series. We shall see how we go but aim to do 2 episodes per month if possible. … Continue reading → ...
In 2008, the UK Parliament passed the Climate Change Act 2008. The law established a system of targets, budgets, and plans, with inbuilt accountability mechanisms; the aim was to break the cycle of empty promises and replace it with actual progress towards emissions reduction. The law was passed with near-universal ...
Buzz from the Beehive Local Water Done Well – let’s be blunt – is a silly name, but the first big initiative to put it into practice has gone done well. This success is reflected in the headline on an RNZ report:District mayors welcome Auckland’s new water deal with ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate ConnectionsA farmworker cleans the solar panels of a solar water pump in the village of Jagadhri, Haryana Country, India. (Photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan/ IWMI) Decisions made in India over the next few years will play a key role in global ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – The Children’s Minister, Karen Chhour, intends to repeal Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 because it creates conflict between claimed Crown Treaty obligations and the child’s best interests. In her words, “Oranga Tamariki’s governing principles and its act should be colour ...
Geoffrey Miller writes – The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. ...
Brian Easton writes – This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be (I will report on them ...
TL;DR:Winston Peters is reported to have won a budget increase for MFAT. David Seymour wanted his Ministry of Regulation to be three times bigger than the Productivity Commission. Simeon Brown is appointing a Crown Monitor to Watercare to protect the Claytons Crown Guarantee he had to give ratings agencies ...
The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. Carr had made highly ...
I could be a florist'Round the corner from Rye LaneI'll be giving daisies to craziesBut, baby, I'll wrap you up real safe Oh, I can give you flowers At the end of every dayFor the center of your table, a rainbowIn case you have people 'round to stay Depending on ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 12 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give a pre-budget speech on Thursday.Parliament sits from Question Time at 2pm on ...
The price of the foreign affairs “reset” is now becoming apparent, with Defence set to get a funding boost in the Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed that it will be one of the few votes, apart from Health and Education and possibly Police, which will get an increase ...
A listing of 26 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 28, 2024 thru Sat, May 4, 2024. Story of the week "It’s straight out of Big Tobacco’s playbook. In fact, research by John Cook and his colleagues ...
Yesterday I received come lovely feedback following my Star Wars themed newsletter. A few people mentioned they’d enjoyed reading the personal part at the beginning.I often begin newsletters with some memories, or general thoughts, before commencing the main topic. This hopefully sets the mood and provides some context in which ...
April 30 was going to be the day we’d be calling Mum from London to wish her a happy birthday. Then it became the day we would be going to St. Paul's at Evensong to remember her. The aim of the cathedral builders was to find a way to make their ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Can’t remember the last book by a Kiwi author you read? Think the NZ government should spend less on the arts in favor of helping the homeless? If so, as far as Newsroom is concerned, you probably deserve to be called a cultural ignoramus ...
Eric Crampton writes – Grudges are bad. Better to move on. But it can be fun to keep a couple of really trivial ones, so you’re not tempted to have other ones. For example, because of the rootkit fiasco of 2005, no Sony products in our household. ...
A new report warns an estimated third of the adult population have unmet need for health care.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāHere’s the six key things I learned about Aotaroa’s political economy this week around housing, climate and poverty:Politics - Three opinion polls confirmed support for PM Christopher Luxon ...
Today is May the fourth. Which was just a regular day when my mother took me to see the newly released Star Wars at the Odeon in Rotorua. The queue was right around the corner. Some years later this day became known as Star Wars Day, the date being a ...
Buzz from the Beehive Much more media attention is being paid to something Winston Peters said about former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr than to a speech he delivered to the New Zealand China Council. One word is missing from the speech: AUKUS. But AUKUS loomed large in his considerations ...
Is the economy in another long stagnation? If so, why?This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be ...
The annual list of who's been bribing our politicians is out, and journalists will no doubt be poring over it to find the juiciest and dirtiest bribes. The government's fast-track invite list is likely to be a particular focus, and we already know of one company on the list which ...
In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Southern Israel I wrote about the possible 2nd, 3rd and even 4th order effects of the conflict. These included new fronts being opened in the West Bank (with Hamas), Golan … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – It is one of the oldest truisms that there is never a good time for MPs to get a pay rise. This week’s announcement of pay raises of around 2.8% backdated to last October could hardly have come at a worse time, with the ...
David Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House – but it’s not the first time ...
The Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand: The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...
Winston Peters’ comments about former Australian foreign minister look set to be an ongoing headache for both him and Luxon. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guests on Gaza and ...
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...
Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when – during an interview on RNZ’s Morning Report today – he criticised ...
The Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? “It's not ...
As pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events:The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: TVNZ says it is dealing with about 50 formal complaints over its coverage of the latest 1News-Verian political poll, with some viewers – as well as the Prime Minister and a former senior Labour MP – critical of the tone of the 6pm report. ...
Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
Alwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...
Our trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...
This article was prepared for publication yesterday. More ministerial announcements have been posted on the government’s official website since it was written. We will report on these later today …. Buzz from the BeehiveThere we were, thinking the environment is in trouble, when along came Jones. Shane Jones. ...
New Zealand now has the fourth most depressed construction sector in the world behind China, Qatar and Hong Kong. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 8:46am on Thursday, May 2:The Lead: ...
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
Winston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...
Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”.As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
By Robin Martin, RNZ News reporter A New Zealand local authority, Whanganui District Council, has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemnation of all acts of violence and terror against civilians on both sides of the conflict and the immediate return of hostages. It comes as ...
Asia Pacific Report The Aotearoa chapter of the Women’s International league for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) has appealed to the New Zealand government to call out Israel over the “cruel and barbaric use of force” in Gaza and demand a permanent ceasefire. The league’s open letter was sent to Prime ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will invest $566 million over a decade on data, maps and other tools to promote exploration and development in Australia’s resources industry. The project will fund “the first comprehensive map of what’s ...
Asia Pacific Report Following an open letter by Auckland University academics speaking out in support of their students’ right to protest against the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza, a group of academics at Otago University have today also called on New Zealand academic institutions to “repair colonial violence” and end ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda J. Graham, Professor and Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Ryan Tauss/ Unsplash, CC BY Two male students have been expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in a list ranking female students. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The Reserve Bank is now assuming Australians will see no interest rate cuts this year – and quite possibly none before the next federal election, due next May. That’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University The Victorian budget offered more of the same on Tuesday, with the only change being how the budget papers were packaged. The usual shrink wrap was gone, hinting at savings in the pages ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition is demanding extensive amendments to the government’s legislation targeting non-citizens who refuse to co-operate with their removal. In a dissenting report to the senate inquiry into the legislation, the Coalition says it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanita Yadav, Senior Research Fellow, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Brett Boardman/Belvoir The complex and grappling issue of violence against women takes centre stage in the soul-stirring solo dance drama Nayika: A Dancing Girl. During a dinner conversation ...
Disruption to patient care from a nationwide junior doctors strike is bordering on unsafe, a senior doctor claims, despite what health officials say. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ground Picture/Shutterstock The anti-cancer drug abemaciclib (also known as Vernezio) has this month been added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat certain ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic McAfee, Postdoctoral researcher, marine ecology, University of Adelaide Robbie Porter, OzFish Unlimited Around Australia, hundreds of people are coming together to help a once-prized, but decimated and largely forgotten marine ecosystem. They’re busy restoring Australia’s native oyster and mussel reefs. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Austin Human/Unsplash How does Earth stop meteors from hitting Earth and hurting people? –Asher, 6 years 11 months, New South Wales Alright, let’s embark on a meteor ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rory Mulcahy, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of the Sunshine Coast Professional sports organisations regularly promote and develop initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion. While sport has the power to change attitudes by sparking conversations about political issues and social ...
Comment: The weekly Monday post-Cabinet press conference is a useful forum for observing Christopher Luxon and how he is developing into the job of Prime Minister. He attempts to convey the impression of a man of action, speaking fast, delivering memorised National Party strategies in a connect-the-slogans kind of way, ...
Double votes, missing ballot boxes, tired tech and stressed staff: how tick-tallying went astray at last year’s election. Cast your mind back to November 2023, that bleary-eyed post-election period duringwhichwewaited, andwaited, for a coalition deal to be hammered out. A distraction from the hotel-hopping of our ...
International audiences are starting to discover what New Zealand already knew about After the Party.When After the Party aired in New Zealand last year, the response was fast and furious. In his preview for Rec Room, Duncan Greive said it was a “gritty, wrenching and highly confronting” series. By ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor of the Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Acting Director the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University Iran’s leadership has been a direct beneficiary of the months-long war in Gaza. With every missile that Israel fires ...
Claire Mabey reviews the haunting and sexy debut novel from Sinéad Gleeson, who is about to touch down in Aotearoa for a string of live events.When Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson was in Aotearoa in 2018 with her spectacular collection of essays, Constellations, she told me she was working on ...
PNG Post-Courier Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba has described the Post-Courier’s front page story yesterday regarding a meeting between Bougainville and national government leaders as “sensationalised” and without substance. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (AGB) had warned it might use “other avenues to gain its independence” should the PNG government “continue ...
Where some saw the worst press conference given by the government to date, Anna Rawhiti-Connell recognised girl maths game.Nicola Willis, recently exasperated by comparisons to Ruth Richardson, said she was “a bit sick of being compared with every female finance minister that’s ever been out there.”Some think that’s ...
The March results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2023 (HYEFU 2023), published on 20 December 2023 and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...
Jamie Arbuckle, the district councillor who became an MP but decided to keep getting paid for both roles, will instead donate one salary to charity. ...
Adding gender to the Human Rights Act would simply make the implicit explicit. So why is it so controversial? Paul Thistoll explain. At present, Aotearoa’s 1993 Human Rights Act (HRA) includes sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief (meaning a lack of religious belief), colour, race, ethnicity or national origin, ...
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, an 18-year-old who’s studying and working in hospo shares their approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here.Gender: Transmasc Age: 18 Ethnicity: Pākehā/Māori Role: Student, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Resources Minister Shane Jones has reportedly asked officials for advice on whether oil and gas companies could be offered “bonds” as compensation if drilling rights offered by ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Gleeson, Associate Professor of Law, Macquarie University Shutterstock The Albanese government is weighing up the costs of delivering an election promise to protect religious people from discrimination in Commonwealth law. Such protections were relatively uncontroversial when included in state anti-discrimination ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yen Ying Lim, Associate Professor, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio Dementia is often described as “the long goodbye”. Although the person is still alive, dementia slowly and irreversibly chips away at their memories and the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judy Bush, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock I met with a friend for a walk beside Merri Creek, in inner Melbourne. She had lived in the area for a few years, and as we walked ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Throsby, Distinguished Professor of Economics, Macquarie University Arts companies and individual artists in Australia are supported by government arts agencies, philanthropists, industry bodies, private donors and patrons. However, it is frequently overlooked that a major source of support for the arts ...
Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa, a new incorporated society dedicated to ending harmful drug policies, officially launched today, seeks a new fit-for-purpose drug law for Aotearoa New Zealand, rooted in science, experience and evidence. ...
The Corrections Minister admits he "muddied the water" after he and the Prime Minister repeatedly provided incorrect information about a $1.9 billion prison spend-up. ...
It took a post-post-cabinet statement to confirm that 810 new beds will be built at Waikeria, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
Lili Tokaduadua was only 15 when she left her family in Fiji to pursue her netball dream in New Zealand. She’d been playing the sport for 10 years and was offered a netball scholarship at Auckland’s Howick College. Now, in her first year out of high school, the 19-year-old defender ...
The beloved local grocers lost a legal challenge to stop a new cycleway outside their store. Joel MacManus reports. In the annals of New Zealand legal history, there are a few brave people who have dared to stand up to the powers that be, no matter how bleak the odds ...
How what we produce and what we eat connects us to the world beyond our shores, visualised. Walking around a supermarket or vege shop, it might be obvious that everything on the shelves came from somewhere. But you might ...
Professor Jemma Geoghegan, of the University of Otago, Otakou Whakaihu Waka, co-leads a Te Niwha project aimed at understanding how and where avian influenza could affect Aotearoa New Zealand, as the highly infectious H5N1 virus spreads globally. The virus has now spread to all continents except Oceania and was recently ...
Thirty years on from Rwanda’s genocide, is guilt over the atrocities is blinding the world to the true nature of its current leadership? The post The repressive underside of Rwanda’s regime appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Opinion: Last week, important recommendations for our criminal justice system were made by the international community. Every five years, each member of the United Nations has its human rights practices reviewed. This rolling event – the Universal Periodic Review – is the culmination of a government reporting on its human ...
Highly pathogenic avian influenza – H5N1, or bird flu – has been flying around the world since the late 1990s. New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands are so far free of it, but now it’s been discovered in mainland Antarctica and scientists say it’s only a matter of time ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,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, Tuesday 7 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
The following interview with auto electrician and former caver Stu Berendt, 68, of Charleston on the West Coast, came about because he was part of the caving team that found the rare and amazing fossil remains of the giant Haast eagle, the subject of one of the year’s best books, ...
A $1.8b funding boost for Pharmac still won’t enable it to buy more drugs, raising questions about the Government’s approach to the agency The post Can Pharmac do more with the same pot of money? appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Stokan, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County If you live in one of the most economically deprived neighborhoods in your city, you might think the government is directing a smaller share of public funds to your community. ...
Wansolwara The news media’s crucial role in climate change and environment journalism was the focus of The University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Programme 2024 World Press Freedom Day celebrations. The European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna were the chief ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Adams, Professor of Corporate Law & Academic Director of UNE Sydney campus, University of New England Last August, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched legal proceedings against Qantas. The consumer watchdog accused the airline of selling thousands of tickets ...
This episode of A View From Afar was recorded LIVE on May 6, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, May 5, 2024 at 8:30pm (USEST). In an analytical essay titled ‘A moment of friction’ political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan wrote how we are living within a decisive moment ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Taylor, Assistant Professor, Bond University Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures At the crux of the critical response to Luca Guadagnino’s new movie Challengers is one word: “sexy”. The film charts a love triangle between three up-and-coming tennis players: Tashi (Zendaya), ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Stewart, Professor of Public Policy, ADFA Canberra, UNSW Sydney For years, First Nations people have been telling governments they want to be listened to. In particular, they want more ownership of the programs and services that are supposed to help them. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Why do trees have bark? Julien, age 6, Melbourne. This is a great question, Julien. We are so familiar with bark on trees, that most of us ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Nasser, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important ligament in the knee. It runs from the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and helps stabilise ...
Johnm – Dem Bendell has it right. There are some aspects he doesn't explore, but all up, he's completely on the button. I especially like his discussion around mental health, the support that needs to be established, including the links to connect anyone coming into the space he's occupying. I can see why you post first and foremost and I can see why so few comment on it.
another Hisco 'duck'..
Alerted 5 years ago.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/113803254/did-fear-of-reprisal-stop-anz-acting-on-whistleblower-tip
Not funny is it that the little people get pinged for minor errors while the "Big People" get away with hundreds of thousands scot free. Still I'd rather not be one of the "Big People."
ANZ were part of the $2.2 Billion dollar bank robbery …. a much under-reported event involving the big Aussie owned banks stiffing New Zealand for billions.
ANZ had to fork out over $400 million that they owed … but like the other banks no staff were punished or arrested ,,,,, for their attempted fraud / creative accounting / false pretenses
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10602014
And of course ANZ were part of the enablers for hundreds of millions of stolen money to flow into the crooks bank accounts in Malaysias 1MDB Billion dollar frauds ……. no whistles blown
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2016/09/was-it-some-bankers-their-banks-or-the-regulators-who-let-malaysia-down/
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2016/02/malaysia-should-sue-goldman-sachs-and-all-complicit-banks/
And the board was summoned to Orr's office on Friday. Bet it wasn't for drinks.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12244094
How did your MP Vote on the End of Life Bill? We could applaud or condemn your MP according to your belief.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12244261
Amazed but pleased that Stuart Smith voted Yes. Running an eye down the No list many are not surprising given their images.
Some MPs will have voted to take the Bill to the next stage because they believe it is worth the process continuing; not because they will ultimately vote for it at the final reading.
Others voted No for this particular Bill even though they would support a better-crafted one on the same matter.
"Others voted No for this particular Bill even though they would support a better-crafted one on the same matter".
Frankly that sort of claim by a member sounds like b*s to me. They just don't want to have to make a commitment to anything. They are trying to pretend that they are open minded about it when they are simply opposed.
If they really think that they should vote yes here, try and make the bill better during the second reading debate and then, if they still think it isn't adequate vote "no" when it comes to the third reading.
Do you have any names for the ones you mean, and I only mean those who are actually on record with the comment about the bill?.
How is this for an exercise in total futility:
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has met with her Labour caucus this morning to discuss today's Cabinet reshuffle – and beleaguered Housing Minister Phil Twyford was nowhere to be seen.
A spokesman for Twyford said he was at a speaking engagement at the Planning Institute in Auckland but he would be back later before the reshuffle.
The Prime Minister's office confirmed Ardern would be making the announcement at 3:15 this afternoon.
Twyford was not the only minister absent from the meeting.
Neither was Grant Robertson, Damien O'Conner, Kelvin Davis, Carmel Sepuloni and other Labour MPs.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12244332
and beleaguered Housing Minister Phil Twyford was nowhere to be seen.
IF Phil Twyford only got half a tin shed built, it would be, if i'm not mistaken, streets ahead of the previous govt. period approach which included among other things, a treasury loan to English & Smith for their own private company to buy up state houses.
Last election: National's going to win, National won, it's a betrayal, it's not fair, National didn't win (i/e National lost), the new Govt. can't do anything right…
Well you got part of your comment correct.
Think of all the energy you could have saved if you had simply reported the simple fact – "the new Govt. can't do anything right".
Alwyn! I thought you pretended to be unbiased!
"pretended to be unbiased"
But of course I am unbiased. I speak only truth unto power. You're not going to try and tell me that Twyford is anything other than the most incompetent Labour Cabinet Minister we have are you? Do you really think Prime Minister's like English, Key, Clark, Shipley or Bolger would have put up with him?
Smile. I am sure that you yourself would unearth far more incompetent Labour Cabinet Ministers if it suited you to do so. (Do I remember comments about Clare Curran?)
By the way, 'Prime Ministers' in your reply should NOT have had an apostrophe. Up your grammar.
What about the ultimately incompetent National Cabinet man who pretended to find an $11 million hole in the Labour budget? Still going on that one?
Nice one
Given that "most incompetent Labour minister" Phil Twyford has performed way better in this role than long-time Nat cabinet/shadow cabinet member Nick Smith managed, what does that say about the relative strengths of Labour and National's front benches?
Curran is not, of course, a Cabinet Minister. She realised, unlike current incumbents Twyford, Clark, Shaw, Genter, Jones and Lees-Galloway that the job was vastly in excess of their capabilities. That is not, of course an exhaustive list.
A pity that a number of the others don't come to such a clear view of their failings and would quit too.
Joyce was correct about the hole. Why do you think that the current lot of clowns are so desperate for new taxes? As he said, they had promised to spend everything and clearly had no idea of the extras they would have to pay for. Thus we have an excellent idea of buying up all the automatic weapons but are now totally unwilling to pay for them. Bloody idiots. All they will accomplish with their penny pinching attitude is to ensure that the rifles will end up being owned by the gangs.
" I speak only truth unto power." That is a very powerful statement, which is demeaned by being used in a context where one is involved in a debate with one's equals, not as it should be in a situation where a person of unequal power takes a risk in speaking the truth and being critical of the more powerful status quo, such as governments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaking_truth_to_power
I do hope you speak truth to power, Advocating for the disadvantaged is a fine and courageous thing.
Yeah, I don't think alwyn knows what the phrase means, despite his education at the top university in the world.
I know very well what it means. I also understand what a vile group a lot of our politicians are members of and how they see nothing wrong with destroying other people's lives. They can, of course do it under the cover of Parliamentary Privilege.
Look at that miserable specimen Mallard accusing a Parliamentary employee of "rape" when no such thing occurred. Not a hint of an apology from that disgraceful specimen of the political classes.
It's a bit of a redundant question in Key's case, since attempting to fix the housing crisis is something he never would have assigned to a minister.
But he did. Much to late but they did start. Why do you think that houses were being built that a desperate Twyford claimed as being part of his "KiwiBuild" b*s?
Housing is a huge task. No matter what you call it, it is a huge task. I hope Phil Twyford stays on to finish the project. Given that he has been hammered by MPs and the Media in spite of the huge strides made, that is further proof for him to continue.
We'll know in about 30 minutes. 🙂
I suspect there will be some minor changes to his responsibilities – maybe a couple of small chunks passed on to associate ministers. Part of the problem is Twyford's current responsibilities are just too onerous. He has two of the most complex portfolios currently in existence.
Just a stir-up by the Herald, Anne.
Re the list of Ministers, MPs absent from this morning's Caucus meeting, most of the ones you mention were also absent from last night's Second Reading of Seymour's End of Life Bill but voted by Proxy.*
This is not a full list but the following voted by proxy meaning they were not in the Parliamentary Precinct : Ardern, Davis, Twyford, Clark, D O'Connor, Sepuloni, Curran, Eagle, Mahuta, Peters, Logie, Genter, Chahraman, Macroft plus various Nats.
Robertson did not vote by proxy, so presumably around if not in the House itself.
*I am in the middle of putting together a list by party of those who voted for and against the Bill proceeding to Committee stages etc. A draft of the full list by name only is already up on the Parliament website but not by Party, being (supposedly**) a Conscience vote. Will probably post it here in the next few days when I have some time, for anyone interested.
** All Green and all NZF members voted Aye. The breakdown of Nats and Labour members Ayes/Noes is quite interesting, but cannot be taken necessarily as who will vote Aye in the end. From all accounts, many Ayes were to allow the Bill to proceed to the more detailed Committee stages, with continued support on the part of quite a few MPs dependent on considerable change to the actual wording and provisions of the Bill being agreed in the Committee stages.
Any chance someone can rule if posting videos with no contributor comment given is out of order?
Perhaps you could just scroll past?
Perhaps on a discussion board we can be told by the poster what it is we're meant to be discussing.
True, that is annoying.
It must be individual habit because I don't watch video clips – I have zero curiosity about them and so find them easy to ignore.
Not so when let's say, The Chairman, puts up a link and asked for "thoughts".
Now that triggers me. 😆
I always skip the music videos and the ones like above, which have no comment, opinion or debate points included with them. It's just wankery, drop and go rubbish. I don't think it adds anything.
As for the chairnat, I think Solkta and Mars did us all a favour the other night. Even if only temporary, a rest is as good as a holiday.
I didn't skip the music video of Laurie Anderson the other day. Those who thought it "wankery, drop and go rubbish not adding anything" missed a treat in my opinion.
Each to their own.
We cannot click on every link or clip to find the proverbial needle in a haystack or expect to find some ‘nugget’ @ 12’38’’ into the clip or somewhere embedded deep in a document. It still won’t tell me why the commenter posted it in the first place. I think it is lazy and inconsiderate and takes up space but I can live with it – I simply scroll past and don’t click as there’s too much clickbait around as it is. However, others do find it very annoying. Therefore, a brief comment is all that’s needed to satisfy most here.
"wankery, drop and go rubbish' refers to videos without comment, which has been addressed.
As for music vids, I don't watch them, mainly because I happen to think most people post shit, but even the good songs I won't play because I'm on the standard and not youinstafacegrambooktube.
And o superman – Had it on 12" import back in 1981. Fortunately it wasn't any longer than the 8.21 7"
Laurie Anderson's "O Superman" is a sharp commentary.
you used to put links to your own music – should do it again imo
any music video I put up is worth watching imo thus The Little River Band today are exceptional and a window into a time that literally is a lifetime ago.
I did, usually with a story attached as to why and what the track was about, but nah, people can look at my website and decide to click the soundcloud player or not.
I don't mind the music vids really, though I do just skip 'em.
I'm more likely to play a music vid than a 40 minute video that someone reckons will explain why I should be outraged/aghast/terrified of deepstate/chemtrails/corporations.
Or an RT link held up as impartial journalism, that never once airs dissenting views on Putin or Russia.
lol and links from all sources with the obligatory commentary "this is an insightful and wise journalist speaking truth to power" (meaning I agree with them) or "a shameless propagandist tells lies for cash" (I disagree with them).
Heh. All the classics.
Viewing the first 5minutes of a vid will inform about the subject.But maybe a small posting as to subject and content would be good.
[I agree that a video without any excerpt or reason to click on it could be viewed [pardon the pun] as SPAM unless it is obvious and self-evident. From now on, please provide a brief reason as to why you think people should watch it and/or why it is relevant to the topic of a thread, if any. Please be aware what might be obvious or self-evident to you might not be so to another person. This kind of behaviour has led to long-term bans of infamous recidivists – Incognito]
Shouldn't have to watch a video to find out what's up for discussion and why, and while a subject and content should be also be a given, video posts should at least have a for or against argument so it's clear where the poster is coming from.
Perhaps a note to explain subject matter but see no need to predetermine more than that….there is no requirement for discussion nor applying a personal take of the content.
The opportunity is there for discussion/debate should anyone so wish
Links that direct to large amounts of text or someone else's words will be banned next I spose….
Yeah, nah. I’m thinking of random bans for random reasons but especially when it is about how poorly moderated this site is and who or what should (or should not) be banned.
See my Moderation note @ 10:34 AM.
Some videos seem to go for hours without making an explicit point….
Mueller will be appearing in public judiciary and intelligence committee hearings.
Dotard loses his shit.
https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1143867664047190017
wow he lost it
From the Greymouth Star, great to see West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor slamming Westland Milk Products over the proposed sale to Chinese-owned Yili, but also says shareholders needed to share the blame because they had failed to scrutinise management and directors in recent years.
On RNZ yesterday Mr O'Connor said he could not intervene as Agriculture Minister, but as the electorate MP and with a family shareholding in Westland Milk, he outlined his many concerns over the sale..
When the West Coast-owned co-operative decided in 2001 to go it alone, rejecting an offer to merge with Fonterra, it had $100million in the bank.
''Something has gone wrong seriously and they now have huge debt,'' Mr O'Connor said.
Farmers had been treated as ''mushrooms'' and had now been presented with just one option, when he believed there had been up to 12 offers from New Zealand and overseas.
Mr O'Connor said he did not think farmers had enough information to make an informed decision.
Confidential information packs were delivered to shareholders some weeks ago, for a vote due on July 4.
Co-operatives could fail if the shareholders did not take an active interest in what their directors and management were doing.
''I think they sit back and take for granted the decisions that are made. They're not always scrutinised in the way they would be if it was a publicly-listed company. I don't believe it's the structure [at fault], it's the individuals involved.''
The Westland Co-operative Dairy Company (trading as Westland Milk Products) had been built up by previous generations, but farmers now risked losing ownership and control.
The 10-year supply guarantee offered by Yili came with a number of qualifications that farmers should be aware of, he said. Once they had sold, farmers would not get the profits from the value added. The only way to get more money would be to do more, and produce more milk.
Selling parts of the company may have been an option for farmers but that was not put to them.
''That's why I think the process has been seriously flawed.''
To me the stupidity of these West Coast farmers to long-term gut their own communities is beyond belief.
Can you please supply us a link when you quote like that.
The Grey Star is paywalled 🙁
http://www.greystar.co.nz/news/lead/oconnor-says-westland-farmers-need-to-share-blame/
Interestingly enough judith has been spent A LOT of time down the coast over the last year according to maureen pughs twitter
There's fresh water down there and Judith owns land.
The world has really turned upside down, white is black, up is down..it turns out that now the most stringent and vocal push back in the US MSM to US foreign interventions is not coming from US liberal media but from Tucker Carlson on Fox of all places, he did the same push back over Venezuela ..
Here he is calling John Bolton a political tape worm, and calling out the neocons hard…
Careful, Adrian, you're in for a bollocking from our friend Andre and likeminded people lurking on this blog. The fact that Carlson is one of the few people in the U.S. media with the courage to speak forthrightly on this issue doesn't matter a jot; he works for Fox, which automatically renders what he says worthless.
Right wingers do this to sow insecurity – to get people confused, get their enemies fighting each other – they are not sincere. They are not truth tellers. They are just working to their own agenda – the techniques are in Hollowmen, we see it all the time with hooton pretending to attack the right – I hope you think about that a bit adrian.
Firstly Hooten gave the best and most sincere eulogy for Helen Kelly, so even though he is on the wrong side, I will always give him credit for that.
Secondly, stop with the condescending please.."I hope you think about that a bit adrian" I am under no illusions as to the primary motivations of the right..or the shit establishment liberal class in the US for that matter.
Thirdly, give me a link in US liberal media where the main host is so consistently anti interventionist in such a forth right way as Tucker Carlson (who I am well aware is shit on most other important subjects).
you are being played by them imo – but whatever I don't really care
"you are being played by them imo" that's good coming from the guy who gets played by pretty much every Guardian head line..since forever…I hope you think about that a bit matry.
lol thanks
have a laugh
Sorry to disabuse you of an obviously long nurtured belief, Mr Mars, but the moon landing actually did happen. The Americans landed on it almost exactly fifty years ago, and, no, it wasn't a hoax by those evil, calculating, dastardly masterminds of the world, the Russians—despite what Luke Harding might have told you in the Grauniad.
Hooten gave the best and most sincere eulogy for Helen Kelly, so even though he is on the wrong side, I will always give him credit for that.
Take care, mon ami, not to give credit where it is unwarranted. Hooton is a notorious dissembler. I suspect his eulogy for Ms. Kelly was about as "sincere" as his eulogy for Nelson Mandela, who the jackass compared to those monsters Thatcher and Reagan. Hooton's disgusting performance after Madiba's death, and his manipulation of the luvvies on Russell Brown's site, was admirably satirized by my confrère and former student Morrissey Breen….
https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2018/12/mr-browns-boys-part-2-of-3-dec-31-2013.html
my confrère
Is that French for "the hand operating a sock puppet?"
Basta così!
Shameless, and recycling the same garbage every six months or so.
Oh yes, my dear: you had a bit part in that little farce, didn't you….
You obviously don’t speak Italian. Enough of the silly buggers.
Apologies – I left the comment without seeing your request below to leave it to the moderators.
Oh, I think the Professor understands Italian, Mr. Cognito. He worked for a time in an elite girls' finishing school in Switzerland. He was required to resign in a hurry; the circumstances are still somewhat murky many years after the affair.
Please don’t be a smart alec. Feel free to pass on the hint to you know whom since you seem to be at liberty to speak on his behalf. I’m sure the two of you have regular chitchats.
@Professor Longhair, I take your point as far as far as Hooton goes, but the thing about Hooton that I like is at least you know exactly what he believes and he doesn't try to hide his ideology or pretend he advocating for some thing else, and it was exactly those same qualities that he said he admired about Kelly, he also said Labour lost it's most potent potential leader when she died…on both accounts I couldn't agree with him more (one of the very few time I could say that).
I have read that Morrissey blog post before..so don't worry, I well know who Hooton, and it isn't nice.
…. they are not sincere. They are not truth tellers.
Contrary to your blanket assertion, this particular right winger—Tucker Carlson— is, in fact, telling the truth about this matter.
They are just working to their own agenda – the techniques are in Hollowmen….
How does Tucker Carlson speaking truthfully about U.S. aggression against Iran and Venezuela have the slightest connection to the National Party's campaign of character assassination being run out of the Prime Minister's office? Is it those all powerful, all knowing, all controlling Russian masterminds again? I think we should be told.
we see it all the time with hooton pretending to attack the right
I've witnessed the jackass Hooton in action many times, and he is no more or less than exactly that: a jackass. He is no Tucker Carlson.
sure morrie he's a real great guy – ffs what next – quoting maggie the hackther or something – use your fucken brain
sure morrie
???? The name's James, actually.
he's a real great guy – ffs what next – quoting maggie the hackther or something – use your fucken brain
Never said I liked him. Just said he was telling the truth.
morrie james – stirred obviously
Nobody is trying to get around bans or moderator warnings so please leave this to the moderators.
And he called the bullshit on Assange being removed from the Ecuadorean embassy.
The world has become a very strange place.
The report on the National Party unauthorised access (hacking) of Treasury has been released. No one will be forced to resign.
It's just another example of Simon and National wasting everyone's time and taxpayers money.
We need a better opposition than these clowns.
Note that the Report quotes the complaints made by Paula Bennett were found to be inaccurate and unfounded. She tried so hard to make a case but it was built on sand. So what a waste.
What were the actual complaints made by Paula Bennett that were found to be inaccurate and unfounded?
What did the report state about Jacinda knowing? Or did it not cover that?
"What did the report state about Jacinda knowing? Or did it not cover that?"
Anyone else think that these are odd questions from 'someone' professing to be "more left than most" who comment here?
There is nothing odd holding one's on side to account.
If that was Key sitting on a lie would we not be holding him to account?
I'd suggest failing to hold one's side to account is partly to blame for Labour's failure to deliver.
We know you would suggest that. Because you're a tory.
The same largely applies to the right, not that I am a "tory". One doesn't encourage their party to up their game by remaining silent. Or worse, by down playing and defending their crap.
Labour fear bad PR, thus if the left want more out of Labour, we are going to have to make some noise. For example, if teachers didn't get out on the streets (creating bad PR for the Government) it would have been the same old there is no more money line.
Teachers improved their wellbeing by getting together, getting out there and making a noise.
Thanks for your concern, toryboy.
Paul Goldsmith's questions in Parliament are more pathetic than Amy Adams.
Phil Twyford avoids having to explain for the next few years why he hasn't resigned as Minister of Housing…
Giving up on election2020, are you?
Only a really, really incompetent government does not get a second term.
lol
The re-shuffle looks gutless by Ardern. Good luck to Megan Woods though…what a hospital pass.
Dear Morrisey and Professor Longhair,
Every so often I feel the need for self-flagellation because I'm not a Kethluk and this is the most convenient venue for my confession. Is this normal behaviour?
Currently I'm listening to today's episode of "The Panel". One of the rent-a-voices is particularly nauseating, and another I almost need a neo-liberal translator. I'll persevere in the hope I go to Heaven.
Your advice would be much appreciated because I fear I may be going deaf.
Actually, I take it all back. I’m thinking masturbation is far easier and less painful
(I'd prefer to go blind than deaf)
One of the guests was Michael Moynahan, who has made a career out of being pleasantly inane. I presume he was the one you found to be nauseating. But, as nauseating as he may have been today, he would have had to be extremely nauseating to match his contribution back in October 2016, when Jim Mora was the host….
https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2018/01/chatting-about-death-squads-oct-5-20q6.html
Thanx for that Mr B. As the pain was kicking in, all I started hearing was "Ahurrr hurr hurrrr rewwwbarb rewbarb rewbarb hurr hurr" interspesed with a Wallace lisp, a fair few I I I's, my my my's and me me me's then a lot of neo-liberal speak in a female voice – (the "so's", the "ultimately's", the "in this space" and "going forward's").
I 'spose it's what happens when our last bastion of public service broadcasting is headed by someone going through their mid-life crisis with a commercial background and desperate to remain down with the kuds.
At least we have and "old school" Jesse and a Mora to keep it all together.
I know you're in Orkers somehwere, but since I've decided wankery and Portnoy worship is better than flagellation, do you know if there's somewhere in Wellington I might avail myself of a circle jerk? OR should I just mow the lawns or watch paint dry during weekday afternoons?
I think Wallace Chapman is far superior to, and just a nicer human being than, Jim Mora. However, he has failed dreadfully on a few occasions.
https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2019/01/good-on-you-for-cutting-him-off-wallace.html
https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2019/01/daytime-tv-review-three-wise-men.html
Kia ora Newshub.
Its cool that the secondary school teacher have settled .
Another plane missing?
I think it's stupid that person who put synthetic drugs in Honey it could have caused major impact on people health.
The Heat wave in France and Europe hope not to many people are being badly effected by this Phenomenon that is caused by Human Caused Global warming.
The gangster get trained in Australia and deported to Aotearoa that is another underarm bowl from Australia to Aotearoa.
Ka kite ano.
Kia ora te ao Maori news.
Ka pai North Land healthcare is getting 50 million extra injection of money into the region it is needed.
Te Whanau Apanui is getting $30 million as part of their treaty settlement awesome now they can set a great maunga for their mokopuna kia kaha.
Gambling is a major problem for Maori Pacific and Asian I say that the one arm bandits should be banned too our history books.
The First Nation from Canada is showing appreciation for how strong Maori Culture is in Aotearoa. Kia kaha to The First Nation of Canada Eco Maori Knowns that they have life is harder for them.
Nagti Porou te reo is a te reo that needs to be protected and taught to all our tamariki in Te Taiwhiti.
Peter congratulations on yours win for your kai mahi that you infuse Maori kai in your cooking.
Ka kite ano
Kia kaha to the youth climate change champion Stars the oldest generation will listen to their mokopuna.
Meet generation Greta: young climate activists around the world
They’re too young to vote, but schoolchildren across the globe are taking matters into their own hands
In May, for the second time this year, more than 1.5 million young people in more than 125 countries walked out of schools, colleges and universities in the biggest day of global climate action ever. Young people have protested en masse before – millions marched against the Iraq war in 2003 – but this child-led uprising is happening with unprecedented momentum on a global scale Ka kite ano.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/28/generation-greta-young-climate-activists-around-world
Kia ora Newshub.
That Geyser in Rotorua is getting quite large let's hope it doesn't do to much damage to people property.
MSD Our new has been inproving its service to the public .
The kites that the tamariki were flying to celebrate Matariki are cool .
The America Democratic debate looks quite good.
Ka kite ano
Kia ora te ao Maori news.
Pirpi its Awesome that the intrest in Matariki is growing that is good for tangata whenua O Aotearoa cultural and Mana.
South Auckland health food is a great way to Show people what food i good for you. They served a lot of Organically grown food to.
International skills competition looks cool
We should be grateful for the tangata who started the Kuakaupapa and Kohanga school's they came along just in time to keep tangata whenua O Aotearoa cultural and Haka Pumping thanks to all who were involved in this Phenomenon.
Ka kite ano
Sneaky cut to super, for a retiree whose spouse is too old to get a job, but too young to retire.
https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/newsroom/factsheets/budget/factsheet-super-and-vp-modernisation-2019.pdf
Hardly an addition to "wellbeing".
Couples are taxed on individual income, which makes for an large variation on how households are taxed on the same income, disadvantaging women, usually, who have to stay at home for disabled children or other relatives. One of the few things they could access was the non qualifying spouse share in super, if their older partner retired.
And. They are using this to fund an effective increase for those who already get overseas pensions/super.
Again an inconsistent approach.
Kia ora Newshub.
Paddy we don't need rightneck idiot's in Aotearoa those people should be investigated by the SIS and I would not put it past simon to be part of their stupid ways.
Yes Winston some people are so gullible they believe the false news propaganda and con people to believe there bullshit.
Canterbury people playing in the AWA you have respect water driving in Rivers at night is stupid.
Cool single use plastic bags is being banned this is just the start we will eventually ban most plastics we use.
It's about time that someone started planning to push asteroid out of Papatuanuku path a huge Asteroid would devastate all life.
Ka kite ano.
Kia ora te ao Maori news.
Eugene it cool that single use plastic bags have been banned its about time.
Its cool that people are giving away food and clothing to the needed people in North land tangata whenua need help all common people need help. The Matariki supreme awards went to Whale Watching in Kai kora
Smear your mear campaign won to cool.
Paina Papa congratulations on yours win heaps of tamariki and mokopuna would have improved their te reo because of your show.
Ka kite ano