Polity: Key lies to Parliament: The proof
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- Date published:
1:24 pm, May 8th, 2014 - 127 comments
Categories: john key, Judith Collins, Parliament -
Tags: Oravida, polity
The original of this post by Rob Salmond at Polity is here.
Yesterday, John Key lied to Parliament. He made a very specific claim about a set of official documents, and those same documents show clearly that the claim was false.
First, here’s Key’s statement in Parliament, in response to a question from Labour’s Grant Robertson:
The [MFAT] paperwork shows right through this that not only did the Minister have a very busy programme, which the member wants to gloss over, all on judicial and justice issues, but, secondly, all the way through it talks about a private dinner.
I added the underlining to the critical phrases, in which Key assures Parliament that there was complete consistency throughout the planning process for Collins’ visit, and that the now infamous dinner with Oravida and the mystery Chinese border official was always intended to be private.
Well, let’s go to the tape, provided by those very same documents, as I summarized yesterday:
8 October
Collins specifically requests that MFAT invite Stone Shi and Julia Xu to whatever official event [redacted] attends1.
This document shows Collins attempting to engineer an official meeting between herself, Oravida, and [redacted Chinese Border Official].
15 October
MFAT officials learn2:It appears Stone Shi has organised directly for the Minister to meet with a [redacted] (do they mean [redacted]) on Sunday evening. She would like you [NZ Ambassador to China] and Connie to attend.
Collins’ office directly requests briefing for the dinner, and also asks for Ambassadorial attendance3.
This document shows Collins not only arranging an official dinner for herself, Oravida, and [redacted Chinese Border Official], but requesting the New Zealand Ambassador to China attend, giving it even more official clout.
16 October
Collins’ office demands MFAT explain “why the Sunday dinner with [redacted] has not been included in the visit programme.”4
This document is utterly damning. It shows Collins wanted the dinner to have official status so badly that she question’s MFAT’s decision to leave it off the official programme.
These documents clearly contradict Key’s statement to Parliament not once, not twice, but three times. He was referring specifically to these documents in his statement. He lied.
If Key is anywhere near Wellington today, he simply has to come to the House to correct his answer. Deeply embarrassing that may be, but he cannot allow such blatant untruths to stand uncorrected.
They say its never the crime that gets you, it’s the cover up. How wretched must Judith Collins feel now that she has reduced the Prime Minister to lying in Parliament on her behalf, all in order to conceal an obvious and ugly truth.
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- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...12 hours ago - Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...14 hours ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...14 hours ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...15 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...15 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...16 hours ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...18 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...1 day ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...1 day ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...2 days ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...2 days ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...2 days ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...2 days ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...2 days ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...2 days ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...3 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...3 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...3 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...3 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...4 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...4 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...4 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...5 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...5 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...5 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...1 week ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...1 week ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Rousing farewell for Kiwi doctors flying out to Gaza aid flotilla
Kia Ora Gaza A passionate haka reverberated through Auckland International Airport as a medical team of three New Zealand doctors received an emotional farewell from a big crowd of supporters before flying to Turkey to join the international Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. The doctors, who left Auckland yesterday, hope to ...6 hours ago - Communities Against The Fast-track Heartened By ‘Overwhelming’ Public Response; Disgusted By ‘...
With submissions closing today, Macassey-Pickard says groups around the country have been supporting a huge range of people to make their submissions. ...7 hours ago - Renters Rights To Drastically Reduce Under Landlord GovernmentThe Government’s announced changes around tenancy rules set renters’ rights back by nearly a decade. ...7 hours ago
- NZPI Submission on Fast Track Approvals BillOur response to the new legislation is informed by targeted conversations with practitioners working in the system and through an implementation lens. ...7 hours ago
- Fast Track Invite List Includes Most Destructive Industries In New ZealandThe new ‘Fast-track Approvals Bill’ would give just three Ministers the power to approve or deny development projects. They would avoid the usual checks and balances that are in place to protect rivers, land, the ocean, and communities. ...8 hours ago
- Eugene Doyle: Helen Clark on why AUKUS isn’t in New Zealand’s national interestCOMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Helen Clark, how I miss you. The former New Zealand Prime Minister — the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory — gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held ...8 hours ago
- Government releases list of organisations shoulder-tapped for fast-track consents
The government's released the list of organisations provided with information on how to apply - just hours before public submissions on the bill close. ...9 hours ago - The Week in Politics: Job cuts surge and Waitangi Tribunal troubleAnalysis - It's been a grim week for public servants, while trouble is also brewing between the government and Waitangi Tribunal. ...10 hours ago
- It never rains but it pours: intense rain and flash floods have increased inland in eastern Australi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Before climate change really got going, eastern Australia’s flash floods tended to concentrate on our coastal regions, east of the Great Dividing Range. But that’s changing. Now ...10 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaThe PM has defended how he's talked up NZ trade on his trip to Southeast Asia, after criticism from his own delegation. ...10 hours ago
- ‘It could be the death of the museum’: why research cuts at a South Australian institution have ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Finkel, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Sia Duff / South Australian Museum In February, the South Australian Museum “re-imagined” itself. In the face of rising costs and inadequate government funds, CEO David Gaimster, who took the reins last June, declared ...11 hours ago
- Government signs off $41m clean energy deal with Asian Development BankThe government has committed $41 million to clean energy transition at the Asian Development Bank's Energy Transition Mechanism. ...11 hours ago
- Are 2 mid-career AFL retirements a sign Australian athletes are taking brain health more seriously?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, School of Allied Heath, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, La Trobe University This week, Collingwood AFL player Nathan Murphy announced his retirement, brought on by his concussion history and ongoing issues. The 24-year-old’s seemingly sudden retirement, ...13 hours ago
- Luxon: Waitangi Tribunal comments from coalition parties 'ill considered'Comments from ACT and NZ First ministers about the Tribunal were "ill considered" and "that message will be underscored" to them, the PM says. ...13 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation Facing Staff Cuts From Govt Funding SqueezeThe Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources for those facing the loss of their job, so it’s wrong in the very week the Government adds another 1000 jobs to its tally of cuts, that this is happening. ...13 hours ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...14 hours ago
- How the coolest little capital is shrinkingIt's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...14 hours ago
- Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...14 hours ago
- Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...14 hours ago - Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...14 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford Graham
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...14 hours ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...14 hours ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...14 hours ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job CutsWith New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...14 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...15 hours ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...15 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...15 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...15 hours ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...15 hours ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...15 hours ago
- Auckland dog attacks: Callouts for attacks on other animals going upRoaming dogs are responsible for more than a thousand attacks on animals each year, and the number is growing. ...16 hours ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānauThe Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...16 hours ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...17 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...17 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...18 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...19 hours ago
- ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...19 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...19 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...19 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...19 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...19 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...19 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...19 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...19 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...19 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...19 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...21 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...23 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...23 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...23 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...23 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...23 hours ago
- Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...23 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...23 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...23 hours ago
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Much as I would often disagree with his opinions, I’ve gotta say, Rob is streets ahead of John Pagani at doing this job.
Good work, Rob.
what do you mean by “this job”?
John Key relies on people not noticing or following up on his words. With John Armstrong and Whaleoil around to applaud his antics, Mr Key may be misjudging the appetite for holding him to his words. Smug arrogance won’t keep you alive Johnny Boy.
I expect that Grant will haunt Key with his own words next week.
And yes Rob. Great work!
Interesting to note that the mystery dinner guest’s name has been withheld under section 6(a): to avoid prejudicing the international relations of the New Zealand Government.
is this because the chinese govt does ordoesnt know who it is? because the chinese might make an example of him for shaming them?
for my part i believe the chinese govt must know who he is. a foreign govt minister in town would surely be under scrutiny in a nation like china?
i spoke with someone involved in fisher and paykel when bought by haier. the chinese expect bribes to keep the process moving. the chinese employee is reluctant to make a decision alone, happy enough to do so with another person, but not alone.this person told me the first mandarin they were taught at management level was for “fucking peasants”.
a bottle of whiskey here, a family trip there, but covered up, and kept seperate from the top level company executives who know its happening but not by their hand.
Everyone knows who he is, it’s Ted Redac, the well known Chinese border official. Everyone knows that in China your surname goes first – so it’s Redac Ted. Geez you lefties are slow……
took you two days to think that up grumpy?? you going to do a slylands and call your colleagues over for a giggle?
How could a private dinner prejudice the international relations of the New Zealand Government?
He asked, innocently…
all the other chinese border official who wish they were friends with collins might withdraw their labour? prison means nothing after the disappointment of being rejected by judith for friendship.
Well you won’t get Key in parliament today he is currently in Whangarei at the National Party Cabinet club Luncheon at the Prawn Bar & Grill. There is a small group of activists, one with a loud hailer giving the ‘pay for favours’ guests what for over their donation scamming.
Thanks to the activists for getting out there and doing that 🙂
Your welcome 🙂
I’ve heard about some of you lot in Whangarei 😀
You are well informed
The strong arm of Unions represent workers who work behind the scene at these events. Put it this way I wouldn’t want to eat anything put infront of me at such events lol.
More proof Unions are scum ……. well at least the one you represent.
Funny what you consider proof.
If you believe the practice of adding extra protein to coffee is confined to union members you are very much mistaken. It’s a disgusting practice, but then so is the politics of the minimum wage, so who you gonna trust?
Drink a clear tea and add your own milk is my advice.
Yes it is a disgusting practice and in this instance if the commenter is to be believed sanctioned by the respective union…….. yuk I think most of the union’s members and the coworkers of anyone involved in this type of thing would be rightly disgusted.
how dare the downtrodden find a way to vent their hardship. fucking peasants.
Do they serve River Crab?
if jones is there, there will be crabs.
Yeah quite reasonable trying to poison people….. FFS what planet do you come from ?
Poison? I doubt very much whether minimum wage workers have poison for saliva.
Edit: now I see the problem, you think union worker and your brain sees a Komodo Dragon.
Don’t you know that tories are severely allergic to poor people?
Yeah because no viruses or other lurgies are spread by saliva …… oh wait on ?
So not poison then. Coming to work on a sick day just to spit in Not Petey’s coffee. Doesn’t ring true for me.
So hocking in someones drinks/food is OKish if you’re not sick ?
Just for future reference you don’t need to come in on a sick day to spread several very nasty viruses about but yeah keep digging yourself a hole you vile piece of filth.
Once more for the English comprehension challenged: No, adding bodily fluids to a meal is not ok .
I expect Not Petey’s unhinged reaction to my mentioning it has something to do with the engorged amygdala that afflicts a Tory. They dwell on morbidity and nausea, apparently.
Glad I’m not a Tory.
not Petey can’t distinguish between toxicology and medical microbiology. Sad.
not planet key…
since when is saliva poison?
you affront and some mythical story you tell yourself is laughable.
taxpayers funding a minister to help her husbands company is ok, but the suggestion someone might spit in a meal…. OUTRAGE?
Get over yourself Tracey.
The Collins beatup is a political and MSM turn for a couple of weeks and will be gone before the end of the month.
So fecking what she had a meal with the company who husband is a director of which exports NZ products into China whooped de do?
IMO Maurice Williamson’s indiscretion was far more serious but both will be minor hiccoughs in NZs political landscape in a couple of months let alone in a couple of years.
😆
Comical Petey. They’re going to bring down the government.
Comical OAB you live in a fucking fantasy land the only person who might bring down the government is Winston Peters.
“So fecking what she had a meal with the company who husband is a director of which exports NZ products into China whooped de do?”
its called a conflict of interest cretin – are you OK with a politician from ANY party using tax dollars to benefit their family and party donors?
jesus wept
🙄
Earth to Not Petey, and why would Winnie be in a position to bring down the government?
Because Judith and Maurice ruined their chances of getting close enough to 50%.
Baby steps, come on, you can do it…
We need better wingnuts.
froth not petey froth… like a rabid dog
plea se enlighten us withyour definition of
poverty of responsibility… poverty of truth j collins 2002
” highest ethical standards” cabinet manual
i dropped in for a cup of tea ” on the way to the airport”
j collins 2014
the documents show it was always a private dinner j key 2014
proven lies in oia documents released under oia in may 2014
you are so outraged at unions but consider collins benefitting her husband financially AND LYING is a display of highest ethical standards.
keep posting rabid wee acolyte, you look more foolish with each keystroke.
“its called a conflict of interest cretin – are you OK with a politician from ANY party using tax dollars to benefit their family and party donors?”
OK so if it had been let’s say Tim Grosser meeting with Orivida you wouldn’t be screeching ?
It’s no different to Annette sorting out the DHBs etc when she was Minister storm in a teacup stuff and soon forgotten by the masses and the MSM when they’ve got a new cause celebrate to create some angst over.
Sigh OAB …….. the Nats despite their most ambitious fantasies are and were never going to get over the line without another party (I don’t count the singe seat parties as parties) and the only one that could be would be Winston first.
to ask about tim groser just exposes your complete misunderstanding of the entire collins issue
A cause celebre with lots more episodes to elapse before it grinds to its boring and sorry conclusion, or better still, a full-blown and massively destructive leadership challenge.
I’m backing Judith. Judith is strong.
Nah not at all Tracey, all the indignant outrage over Collins is because she has the audacity to be friends with the owner of the company who exports NZ products to China and that her husband is one of the board members and she visited the offices while over in China oh noes oh noes the world is coming to an end …..
…… more sighing to OAB….. why would Judith get the leadership of the Nats when Key is preferred PM by several country miles ?
There, there not Petey, you’re getting all worked up. Relax, sit down and put your feet up, I’ve made you a nice milky cup of chai 😉
Didn’t anyone in the Power Elite watch Fight Club? I mean seriously, here’s the brief recap for the 0.1%:
People like Not Petey simply don’t understand the ultimate consequences of where the Power Elite is driving our civilisation at top speed. It’s not going to be pretty, for anyone, and we need to change course now.
finally …
ty CV,
“…why would Judith get the leadership of the Nats when Key is preferred PM by several country miles?”
Because Key is weak and doesn’t back his ministers, hiding behind Cabinet Manual “guidelines”. Judith is strong and looks after her friends.
Can you say this in mandarin?
Would you accept guavanese ?
If your bad faith spin on that commenter’s remark is to believed I’m pretty sure pigs will fly next.
“Sanctioned”. Yeah, really, no, you made it up.
I’ve known Unions sanction all types of vile shit, this would be no different, thankfully most of the cloth cap filth imported from the UK have either died, are in their dotage or are in irrelevant positions so there are less incidents these days.
No, the problem is English comprehension: you are confusing the alleged behaviour of what by your own somewhat fanciful description is a small group of individuals and pretending that represents official sanction. Like blaming The National Party for the behaviour of Judith Collins.
Has Judith been caking in the curry at Belamys ?
No, she’s been shitting in a much bigger nest.
you an d skinny could have been cut from the same cloth…
You are out of touch chap regarding good old English Unionist here in NZ.
I just read on my union feed that a South Island port stoush has just concluded with a fine win for the workers who manned up and took industrial action. Correct me if I’m wrong, I think the Union organiser is a former East Ender. A superb pedigree to be fronting any scrap with the bosses. A salute to you my comrade JK! To think the port boss buckled before even getting to mediation 🙂
Oh goodness me you wingnuts are touchy these days. Ok my little joke was in poor ‘taste’ however I must say your reaction was like someone dropped a weta down the front of your pants i.e squeamish and over excitable.
I hear the catering staff at Oravida HQ are even worse than unionists. They are communists!! I hope Judith didn’t swallow.
So what’s the game plan with the added protein Skinny and Bloke, Saliva, seamen or sh*t , all have a pretty good protein percentage, whats the standard practice for you guys?
Perhaps the unions employed this scrubber ?
http://i0.wp.com/www.whaleoil.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Granny.jpg
Yep , I must admit I did have a mental image of some aged, angry under achiever squating on the table and taking a dump in the curry, you know , just trying to make a point….
that says more about you rob, than skinnys real or imagined story above.
You should sit in on some more Labour caucus meetings – apparently some of the MPs are dynamite when they’re on the turps.
okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
Stop the press! Person gets drunk, runs mouth a bit!
another whale whore.
i hope you have never complained at a restaurant. apparently chefs can be quite upset. even the rich ones from the telly.
in the meantime the prime minister has lied in parliament, collins has lied…
” highest ethical standards”
the proof is in black and white, for those who choose to read.
Oh, am I being accused of condoning the disgusting practice now, Rob? “You guys” really are having a problem with English comprehension today.
The particular individual I am thinking of claimed to add saliva to the coffees they made for a particular politician. Still, the first rule of fight club is not to talk about fight club so who knows how widespread the practice is? After all, no-one likes a Tory.
“After all, no-one likes a Tory.”
What about other tories ?
And if that’s the case, on current polling what on earth would they be putting in Cunliffes coffee down at the tea shop ?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b29_1367100542
it turns out some of the govt supporters cant read.
but mention bodily fluids and they go all downton abbey.
lying to cover ones misuse of office and taxpayer money to assist ones husband and friends is simply how one behaves for ones chums. fucking peasants.
there is poverty in this country but its not monetary… its a poverty of responsibility… a poverty of truth j collins 2002
i dropped by for a cup of tea on the way to the airport… it was a dinner with friends… it was a private dinner. j collins 2014
collins lied documents under oia 2014
key lied hansard may 2014
now, take your union hating bullshit and put it with your head, up your arses.
wah wah wah lives so unfair way way way everything will be greta when Labour and the greens save us wwah wwwhah … get a job Tracey you dozy hag.
😆
Another hostile fuckwit with his head firmly lodged up his arse.
Tracey’s profession is obvious to anyone who’s been paying attention.
do you actually have something to say or are you going to stick with proving you have trouble putting your pants on the right way?
“Tracey’s profession is obvious to anyone who’s been paying attention.”
Dung eater ?
Still pretending to be a doctor, higherstandard?
For an illustration of all that is ugly and ignorant about the tory, see not Petey’s comments above…..
And no doubt all your anger and perceived injustice in regards to this matter will stay with you to your grave. By the way who said I was union hating.
Tracey you have demonstrated that hate is all with you, dont let drive it drive you into the ground before your time.
While you bag others for hate I’m waiting to hear your explanation for your dishonest and hostile smear against yours truly; a simpleton’s mistake can easily lead to conflict, and you make lots
thats the market for ya
proof its a cc function?
Who are you Tracey the proof police?
Watch tonights news point and spray John Key’s cheesy face will be all over it.
jst asking. you made a definitive statement and i wondered what you based it on.
of course you could have written how you knew it was a cc function when you posted. i wont apologise for trying to tell the facts from the made up stuff.
do you think he will make the news for the fiber roll out or the cabinet club?
‘
John Key is on a roll. This Oravida coverup is taking on the now familar patina of mendacity we have seen in relation to John Key covering up such things as the Sky City deal, or the employment of Ian Fletcher, and and and . . .
. . . thanks John, I’m lovin’ it.
interesting questions from winston peters to woodhouse and subsequently tabled letters.
How much are you lovin it BLiP, you also spraying the protein around as well?
god, you are a worried little acolyte today.
Big deal, Robertson said something that was proven to be incorrect (was that a lie?) by Pete George and Mallard made up claims as well (was that a lie?) also it proves nothing except its collins office not collins herself
Back to the drawing board lefties
go read the documents and then read her maiden speech. she, unlike you, champions personal responsibility.
how much, if anything, do you think ms collins husband receives per annum from the five oravida companies upon which he serves as a director?
ive commented many times on my view of mr mallard and his tactics. i have yet to see you comment on whether you think collins conduct, bennetts lie the other day, and the strong possibility mr key lied to the house yesterday, meets the ” highest ethical standards” demanded/required by the cabinet manual?
Can you not see the corner Key is painting himself into Puckish Rogue? Have a look at Hansard. And Polity.
One little bit at a time. A weak Prime Minister. And Judith is strong.
he has started relying on pete george for his assertions… enough said?
Labour has nothing,all they’ve said is a mere rehash (or straight out lies) of what they’ve said before in the vain hope that Collins and/or Key will breakdown and quit
still not read the documents and hansard aye pucky…
“there is a poverty of responsibility… a poverty of truth…” j collins 2002
“highest ethical standards” cabinet manual
collins done nothing wrong
puckly roget 2014
meh if this is the best ammunition that labour have got along with the less than electrifying policy statements to date I’d expect the polls to improve for the Nats and Greens and get progressively more dire for Labour.
What sort of ammunition do you need for the death of a thousand cuts?
Ask Trevor and the rest of the ABCs, I’m sure they’ve got a substantive database.
Anyone but Collins? Get real, they’re dead meat, and she already knows their names.
havent you received todays memo?
the knife throwing and teeth gnashing is in the national caucus. key is a brave man to leave wellington.
tell us again petey how collins has done nothing wrong. tell us again that national giving jones a tax payer funded junket job makes labour look bad
your emperor is wanding around in singlet and undies, soon hewill be naked, but for now his ralph lauren gruds stand between him and total exposure.
if only collins would sign something to benefit a charity. now THAT would be worthy of weeks of outrage.
sadly she is unlikely to do anything that wont benefit herself, indirectly or directly.
and yet you are particularly rabid today… so much frothing at the mouth for someone so unworried about the lay of the land for national.
Judith will never quit, but Key has betrayed her twice now and he has to pay.
Were it a private dinner with good friends the elephant in the room is the border official. Had relevant business not have been discussed and I was a border official I would have been bored and probably have been too busy to have attended. Too much coincidence for the border official to attend a dinner without a definite purpose. Collins had a tight itinerary/schedule as well.
Were it an official meeting with a border official this breaches the cabinet manual as there is a conflict of interest.
The reason for being at the dinner is what Collins needs to face. Misleading parliament is a no no for a crown minister.
and the invite to the ambassador to join them.
Nah, there’s nothing suspicious about [redacted]’s presence per se: anyone can be friends.
What’s suspicious is that Oravida tried to set up an official meeting with [redacted] that turned into a “private” one when alarm bells started ringing at MFAT.
a friend who doesnt speak collins language. any suggestion an interpreter was there… not from what i have read.
the documents are a mixture of
moj
ministers office
minister
I agree, a dinner is either a private one or an official one, Collins made it an official, private one. I’d like to know what her definition of “private” is ?
It’s one where you can report back to the ambassador that nothing untoward was discussed and your staff confirm it. Despite the fact that neither them nor you speak Mandarin.
A private dinner would not require a person to report back anything to the ambassador.
Translation is not an issue for any language, as a lap top or a smart phone is all that is required to communicate.
Erm, it’s one where you all agree to call it “private” and everyone keeps a straight face?
Or, one where you hold it in a private room because [redacted] is conscious of the new president’s anti-corruption speech?
Or is it, one where you have to keep the details hidden from the New Zealand public because if they find out about it you’ll have to resign?
i thought that was a telling response by collins, that she reported to the ambassador ANYTHING about the private dinner with friends… makes no sense.
Do you know what the correspondence between Collins and the ambassador was prior to the dinner.
Perhaps the ambassador and his wife were invited due to the fact that a Chinese official was to be at the private dinner as well- as a safe guard. As they could not attend he may have asked to be informed about the happening’s at the dinner.
So she informed him.
“as a safe guard” – for whom?
And our Ambassador smelt the rat of the conflict of interest and wisely abstained by declining the invitation. Remember he is well informed by our diplomatic (commonly referred to as spy’s) group stationed over there.
or had another engagement?
williams gate, collins gate (on going ) now it looks like the storm is coming to woodhouse and donkey lies and lies and lies the stench and stink is growing. scandel!
The never ending story keeps on giving, I wonder which new piece of information labour or NZ First will introduce next week, and what will it be the week after. What requests to the OAG have the press got in at the moment to legitimise the information they already know. When will the most juicy bits come out? Three weeks before the election would be my guess. The NATS and the MSM where daring Labour to spill all there beans this week, they held their nerve and their ammunition for when it counts.
What is important is that the absolute belief and trust of the Key Administration is being eroded. Even those who do not follow the detail will begin to wonder. That would be good eh?
I think Key can squirm out of this.
The
dinnermeeting Collins and [redacted] attended was organised by Deyi (aka Stone) Shi after Collins’ official one fell through.Key is going to say they were two separate meetings (he’ll call them dinners), one of which never happened, and he was talking about the other one which was private because it was organised by Mr. Deyi.
Of course he was still lying and it will boost the official narrative: that he is dishonest and shady, but it’s all he’s got.
I still wonder if Key directed Collins to organise the dinner. It reeks of the way he does business.
Yay, Collins can stay!
😀
Had the border official not attended, there may have been no dinner to catch up with friends.
No one knows the level of english that the border official understands.
Nothing surprises me, Woodhouse and Liu had a minimum hour long meeting and Liu does not speak english. Also the minister went to Liu’s hotel.
Three strikes for the government this week. The $10,000,000 immigration entry has become a millstone.
Was Woodhouse’s visit before or after Liu roughed up his wife? Either way, I bet he’s regretting it now.
The visit occurred in 2012.
Wrong answer was given. Correct answer 14 months ago.
Thanks. Wasn’t suggesting Woodhouse knew about Liu’s domestic violence background prior to the odd meeting at the hotel. Never-the-less, it shows how cosy the very highest offices of our Government are with National party donors of sometimes questionable character.
Perhaps John Key, like all compulsive liars, has simply given up and is just running with his lies now. No longer cares.
Makes sense as pretty much everytime the subject of John Key’s honesty arises in various conversation the solid consensus is “dishonest. liar. bullshitter”
He doesn’t really have any other option I reckon. Foot to the floor til the gas runs out.
meanwhile pile on the cheese!
My reaction on reading the headline was ‘What? We need MORE proof?’
Sadly, we don’t. Still, good job pointing out this blatant example. Add it to the list…:-(