RSA oppose flag change

Written By: - Date published: 12:55 pm, April 13th, 2015 - 63 comments
Categories: Anzac Day, history - Tags: ,

Key’s proposal to change the flag is an expensive and unnecessary circus, and this should be the end of it:

Flag change opposed by RSA

The Royal New Zealand RSA says it will fervently oppose changing the New Zealand flag when it appears before a parliamentary committee considering the issue.
…
The RSA would prefer the centenary of Anzac Day be commemorated this month without the distraction of the flag issue.
“For many who’ve served, our current flag is symbolic of the sacred oath they made to protect the peace and security of New Zealand.

“Our men and women made terrible personal sacrifices and we honour their courage and commitment every time our current flag is flown.”

Let’s spend that $26 Million on something else then shall we. Or is a supposedly conservative government going to oppose the open and “fervent” wishes of the RSA?

63 comments on “RSA oppose flag change ”

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  1. esoteric pineapples 1
    13 April 2015 at 1:00 pm

    I’m with the RSA on this one – but it would be great to have a new national anthem although when it is sung in Maori it doesn’t sound so bad

  2. shorts 2
    13 April 2015 at 1:05 pm

    The RSA’s argument is the weakest one put forward I reckon – the flag isn’t what or why people went to war, it is but the banner they fought and died under

    The timing of this part of the process isn’t ideal from their perspective… that is all

    Personally I’m up for a new flag but have no faith in Key’s govt and his “experts” to come up with anything other than a waste of money

    • Lanthanide 2.1
      13 April 2015 at 1:25 pm

      +1, although it seems highly likely it’ll be Kyle Lockwood’s flag we’ll be voting on: http://www.silverfernflag.org/proposal.html

      • shorts 2.1.1
        13 April 2015 at 1:37 pm

        If I was a sports team manager I’d happily adopt that design for our banner… for a country I’m not so sure, hence my concerns at the people in this process as I want serious debate not some “at the end of the day” economic/sports think

      • Naturesong 2.1.2
        13 April 2015 at 1:44 pm

        I don’t mind those actually.

        And may vote for something like that once we become a republic.
        But, until we shed the monarchy as our head of state, the Union Jack should remain as a reminder.

        Changing the symbol of the country to represent greater independence, while at the same time binding our future to the follies of the US and UK just doesn’t sit right with me.

        • Maui 2.1.2.1
          13 April 2015 at 2:00 pm

          There is something commercial and false about that flag that doesn’t seem right to me. Personally I like this flag by Mike Davison much more and it is has more of a cultural element: http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1391130603/689/9671689_600x400.jpg

          • infused 2.1.2.1.1
            13 April 2015 at 2:05 pm

            That is horrid.

          • Naturesong 2.1.2.1.2
            13 April 2015 at 2:06 pm

            I like that flag.

            But as art, not the symbol of NZ. Irrespective of its artistic merit, it has a corruption of the Union Jack.
            I suspect there’d be a significant number of people in the UK who would object, and pretty strenuously too.

            • Maui 2.1.2.1.2.1
              13 April 2015 at 2:36 pm

              Sorry didn’t know the Union Jack was sacrosanct or that NZ still went off fighting wars for Britain. Considering there’s nothing Maori about the current flag, I think we would do well to partnership with Maori on the new flag and show in graphical form that the country was formed by two predominant cultures.

              • Naturesong …
                13 April 2015 at 3:21 pm

                The Union Jack is sacrosanct to an overwhelming majority of UK citizens – I have no study to link to, only my experiences living in the UK for several years – I’d bet money I’m right though.

                And we have joined the UK in all major theatres of war since we were able to muster a force.

              • Pasupial …
                13 April 2015 at 5:53 pm

                Maui, you; “didn’t know the Union Jack was sacrosanct or that NZ still went off fighting wars for Britain”. Consider the armed forces oath of allegiance:

                “I, [name], solemnly promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lady the Queen, Her heirs and successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Naval Forces/the New Zealand Army/the Royal New Zealand Air Force [Delete the Services that are not appropriate], and that I will loyally observe and obey all orders of Her Majesty, Her heirs and successors, and of the officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged. So help me God.”

                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_Allegiance_%28New_Zealand%29#Armed_forces_Oath

                The army website calls that a; “solemn oath of allegiance to the Crown and New Zealand Government”, but I can’t see a word about the NZ government in there. The army’s allegiance is to; the Queen, as relayed through the instructions of their Commander in Chief, the Governor General (presently ex-head of the GCSB).

                It is telling that the head of the NZ defense forces only has a 3-star rank, allowing us to coordinate seamlessly with HM’s other minions of empire.

                • Maui …
                  13 April 2015 at 6:52 pm

                  Judging by that we’re still closely wedded to the Mother country, which is a bit frightening. I would say we’re a bit frightened to make a change to these historical things. I would much rather we pledged an oath to the Maori King over the Queen (even though I’m not Maori) .

                • dukeofurl …
                  14 April 2015 at 10:36 am

                  Its a bit of ceremonial fluff.

                  Its like a lot of the stuff around the British crown, only dates back to the edwardian era and was made up to compete in the ‘arms race of ceremonial’ which surrounded Europes royal families.

                  Any fool can see His/Her majesty hasnt been giving any orders to the military since someone wacked Richard III in the back of the head.

        • Lanthanide 2.1.2.2
          13 April 2015 at 2:01 pm

          Canada is part of the commonwealth and has the Queen as head of state, yet don’t have the jack on their flag.

          • Naturesong 2.1.2.2.1
            13 April 2015 at 2:07 pm

            That’s true. Doesn’t mean we should though.

            • Lanthanide 2.1.2.2.1.1
              13 April 2015 at 2:11 pm

              Canada’s flag is amongst the most recognised in the world.

              Our flag is often confused with Australia’s.

              • Naturesong …
                13 April 2015 at 3:27 pm

                Yes, Canada’s flag is awesome. I don’t think that’s in dispute.

                I also don’t think that the ignorance of some non-NZers is reason enough to change our flag.

                • McFlock …
                  13 April 2015 at 3:53 pm

                  Our flag is like australia’s but with more detail and refinement.
                  Quite appropriate, really 🙂

                • Tracey …
                  13 April 2015 at 4:03 pm

                  How does the unionjack reflect new zealand?

                  We stopped singing God save the queen and the world didn’t end?

                  • Naturesong …
                    15 April 2015 at 4:47 pm

                    Our head of state is the Queen.

                    I’d love the Union Jack off our flag. And once we fire the Queen we should get it done.

                    • tracey …
                      15 April 2015 at 4:51 pm

                      I know who our head of state is. A figurehead position which didn’t stop us removing her anthem. Canada hasn’t fired the Queen. It isn’t a pre requisite. Even RSA still gets to play games with the Commonwealth.

        • Draco T Bastard 2.1.2.3
          13 April 2015 at 2:40 pm

          But, until we shed the monarchy as our head of state, the Union Jack should remain as a reminder.

          Yep and maybe that’s why Key wants to change the flag – in the hopes that we’ll forget that we’re not an independent nation.

        • Wynston 2.1.2.4
          13 April 2015 at 3:20 pm

          “But, until we shed the monarchy as our head of state, the Union Jack should remain as a reminder.”

          +1

      • swordfish 2.1.3
        13 April 2015 at 2:01 pm

        Lockwood’s design lacks balance, simplicity and a central motif. It’s like two different flags stitched together. Represents a half-way house where we want a new flag but can’t quite bring ourselves to entirely get rid of the old one.

        As I said on Bowalley Road a while back, “Put your hand over the southern cross and Lockwood’s design looks half decent (though perhaps just slightly over the top). Take your hand away and it’s little more than a dog’s dinner.”

      • infused 2.1.4
        13 April 2015 at 2:06 pm

        Haven’t actually seen those before. 1st one isn’t bad.

    • Tracey 2.2
      13 April 2015 at 3:59 pm

      Agree. I am also up for a new flag but not for $26m and not as a political weapon.

  3. Lanthanide 3
    13 April 2015 at 1:25 pm

    “and this should be the end of it”

    Sorry, I don’t see why it should be the RSA that get to decide if we change our flag or not.

    That’s why we’re having a referendum, remember?

    • weka 3.1
      13 April 2015 at 2:52 pm

      We’re having a referendum because John Key needs some positive distraction in his third term. No other reason.

      • Lanthanide 3.1.1
        13 April 2015 at 4:29 pm

        No, we’re having a referendum because for any individual or group to unilaterally change the flag (or not change it) is simply against the way that NZ goes about these sorts of things.

        The fact that we’re having a discussion about changing the flag is because John Key needs some positive distraction in his third term.

  4. de Withiel 4
    13 April 2015 at 2:01 pm

    On Planet Key, it’s all about corporate branding. Key’s ‘vision’, if that’s what you can call it, has nothing to do with sovereignty or who we are or what we aspire to be; but it does have an awful lot to do with the corporate sector. I’ve written a post on the the concept of flags in New Zealand/Aotearoa, looking at it from a design historical perspective: http://nzdesignhistory.blogspot.co.nz/2014/12/designs-on-flags.html.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1
      13 April 2015 at 2:58 pm

      if that’s what you can call it, has nothing to do with sovereignty or who we are or what we aspire to be

      Key’s presently making sure that the only people who have a say in any of that are US corporations.

  5. swordfish 5
    13 April 2015 at 2:07 pm

    Poll breakdowns suggest younger New Zealanders, interestingly enough, express the greatest opposition to a flag change. It’s certainly not just the RSA generation.

    • miravox 5.1
      13 April 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Paradoxically that’s probably because Key has played up patriotism – producing a greater recognition and sense of pride in the current flag. I reckon today’s younger generation are less likely to mix up the NZ and Australian flags than Key’s generation were at the same age.

      As for the reason for change being mistaken identification…
      http://www.quora.com/What-countries-have-very-similar-looking-flags

    • Chooky 5.2
      13 April 2015 at 9:45 pm

      +100 swordfish…lets go with what young New Zealanders want!….and it isn’t wanker Key’s flag!…especially at $23 million

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_flag_debate

      (Interestingly enough the research paper showing young NZers want to keep the flag and oppose changing it seems to have disappeared (footnote 52 :www.researchnz.com. Research New Zealand. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2015.)

      …the money should be going for the homeless into into keeping, upgrading and building more State housing.

      Key was a welfare State house boy….he and his mother lived in a house provided by generations of New Zealand taxpayers…. he should have more loyalty to the poor …he should get his New Zealand values and priorities sorted

      Leave the flag as is!…as the RSA wants

  6. Murray Rawshark 6
    13 April 2015 at 2:27 pm

    I cannot get excited about flags. If I flew one, it would be the Tino Rangatiratanga flag. Otherwise, I just don’t care for symbols of manufactured nationalism.

    • Tracey 6.1
      13 April 2015 at 4:05 pm

      I’m with you Murray. A flag is a piece of cloth. “Flags” have been used as symbols of nationalism and nationalism is a very destructive force.

      http://blog.prints.co.nz/2012/03/hundertwassers-alternative-nz-flag.html

      “Proposal for a second flag for New Zealand, which represents an unmistakeable identity that combines New Zealand’s age old heritage of nature and the heritage of Maori history with the growing future of a new nation.

      The flag symbolizes old and new, history and progress at the same time. This flag symbolizes peace, but not weakness, but the strength of creation moving forward in a courageous engagement.

      At a moment in human history with increasing environmental concern New Zealand gives an example to the world because this flag represents peace with nature, human development in harmony with nature. It is the sign of understanding with this everlasting powerful ally. This flag is a symbol of a new age, a big step towards mankind’s responsible evolution.

      The fern’s green spiral on white or silver ground starts at the black flagstaff lead taking up the whole width of the flag first decreasing gradually, dividing the flag into diagonal halves, then curling up in to a spiral at the other end of the flag.

      The spiral unfurling in a rectangular flag is the image of union of nature and technology, of round and square.

      It seems as if the flag contains another flag advancing, streaming, unrolling and opening up in a strange and mysterious wind, a flag which is transformed into another dimension.

      It is an image of how matter concentrates and turns into life. Quantity is transformed into energy. It is a symbol of the never ending cycle, a symbol for ever renewing life.

      The green is carefully composed of the special earthy deep, lush and fertile greens of the New Zealand bush and farmlands, not occurring anywhere else. This green is the wealth of New Zealand.

      The Maori spiral and the sprouting fern symbol combined, the koru, already represent New Zealand in many fields like for instance the Air New Zealand sign.

      This flag is unique and cannot be mistaken for any other flag, as is the case with the present flags of New Zealand and Australia, and the flags of many other nations. A recent example of how a symbol was accepted to represent a country with an identity quest similar to that of New Zealand is the maple leaf in the flag of Canada. In Australia too, efforts are undertaken to find a new flag. Let New Zealand be first.

      May New Zealand be part of the nations with a beautiful and meaningful and unique flag.

      It is an intelligent flag full of joy, it is indigenous, it contains a message, it has a purpose, it is different. It holds the mystery of this remote land. It is a flag to love because it is special, a flag to identify with.

      Like a fern sprouting, like a wave of nature, like a flag unfolding.

      It is a proud symbol of this nation, representing Maori history, representing the green land and the long white cloud, a true messenger of New Zealand to the world, independent, strong, invincible, full of life and energy, unmistakably New Zealand, a flag of future and age old identity.

      This second flag for New Zealand is in no way designed to detract from the Union Jack, the Southern Cross, the British monarchy, the Commonwealth, the British heritage and New Zealand traditions. The fern flag will fly happily together with the official Blue Ensign. It signals that New Zealand has come of age and qualifies as an equal among the nations of this Earth. The koru ensign symbolizes the love of New Zealanders for their country.
      Bay of Islands, the 18th of March 1983.”

    • Pasupial 6.2
      13 April 2015 at 5:56 pm

      All this talk of flags brings this skit to mind (from; Eddie Izzard’s Dress to Kill, show):

  7. Robert owen 7
    13 April 2015 at 2:43 pm

    Fern? What is special about a fern symbol of the Bush . we would clear it and have a dairty farm on as quick as a flash
    We should have a flag with a. deficating cow on it . much more representative

  8. Wynston 8
    13 April 2015 at 3:16 pm

    I would have have real difficulty with a flag that includes the “silver fern”.
    1. It depicts the underside of a frond from a tree fern that doesn’t even naturally occur throughout the whole country (the ponga [silver fern] occurs throughout most of North Island, but extends only as far south as the Catlins in the east and about Karamea on the west coast of South Island).
    2. Its strong resemblance to a white feather (apt as that may be given the current political rush to sell off our country to overseas entertainers their ilk, and foreign-owned farming and mining companies).

    Lke the RSA, Labour, NZ First et al, I also have a real problem with the proposed referenda. Surely the first should determine whether the majority of people want a new flag. If they do, then we should move to deciding on one.

    • Rob 8.1
      13 April 2015 at 10:57 pm

      I agree
      Shouldn’t we first as a country decide if we want a new flag then go though a process to choose one if we as a nation make that choice?
      Why do we let some “foreigner” who is here as a puppet get to make the call on this??

    • dukeofurl 8.2
      14 April 2015 at 10:29 am

      The silver fern has been an ’emblem’ representing NZ for a very long time. Long before the stylised kiwi in fact.

      I would say its our oldest recognised symbol

      If we we were starting from scratch I would adopt the penguin as our national bird

  9. vto 9
    13 April 2015 at 3:20 pm

    The flag should not be influenced by war deeds and misdeeds. War and its misery is not to have such an upfront place in society. War and its misery is to be remembered for sure but that is the end of it.

    The RSA has it completely and utterly backwards.

  10. les 10
    13 April 2015 at 3:47 pm

    the Silver Fern flag looks like the remains of a fish dinner.

  11. millsy 11
    13 April 2015 at 6:12 pm

    If the flag has to change then the United Tribes flag is the only alternative.

    From 1835 to 1840 this country was technically an independent nation and that was the flag.

    • dukeofurl 11.1
      14 April 2015 at 10:23 am

      having a flag doesnt make you an independent nation. In fact the very statement of United tribes is a misnomer.
      Then there is the idea of flag was a foreign concept to maori then , and since. Which is why a shipping company flag was just a bit of bunting then and now.

      • millsy 11.1.1
        14 April 2015 at 8:21 pm

        For all intents and purposes the United Tribes of New Zealand was technically a national government, and was intended to meet each year to make laws for New Zealand.

        Of course, it never really panned out that way.

      • Charles 11.1.2
        15 April 2015 at 9:35 am

        Hey, dukeofurl, Is part of the game here saying things that are clearly historically inaccurate, feigning ignorance for effect… and maybe even things that are racist? Oh right yeah, it’s the internet. Almost had me there, you pesky little cyberpixie.

  12. RedBaronCV 12
    13 April 2015 at 8:40 pm

    I just want to tick a box saying – “stop wasting our money on your ego trip JK”

  13. Tom Barker 13
    13 April 2015 at 8:52 pm

    I wouldn’t vote National with a shotgun at my back, but I totally support changing our dumb, craven, embarrassing flag. A fine move by Mr Key, and he deserves the support and respect of every left winger for initiating it.

  14. John Shears 14
    14 April 2015 at 8:56 am

    I agree with the RSA and wish them well in their submission.
    For the rest of you , forget the change of the New Zealand Ensign/Flag it is a John Key
    diversion and is a complete waste of money.
    Our energy should be directed at getting rid of John Key and his Government.

  15. Charles 15
    14 April 2015 at 9:24 am

    $26 million spent on re-instating the Unites tribes Federation Flag would be money well spent.
    An act even more ground-breaking (in the nation-building sense) than legalising gay marriage.
    It would detract nothing whatsoever from the deaths of those who fought in previous wars, in fact, it would elevate and amplify their sacrifice.

    The only problem I see in selling the idea would be that, as I understand it, the meaning the flag has contradicts the current attitude of “let me take anything I want from anyone I can” that is prevalent in mainstream culture. The United Tribes Flag says: Leave people alone to mind their own business, and let them trade freely. You’d think that’d be the most positive description of “the free market” by free market proponents possible, but in reality we all know what free market really means. In addition to that, Maori have their own meanings for the flag and older inter-tribal issues that might hamper an easy switch. We all have to make a compromise.

    To go some way to solving that, I’d suggest NZ have two flags: the one mentioned above, and the Maori Sovereignty flag. Even if two flags cost $52 million, it wouldn’t be money wasted. You could spend that much building a developmental America’s Cup boat, that never raced. It’s not at all unusual to have two flags for a country. Switzerland has considerably more and no one complains it’s too complicated.

    From the options, the United Tribes flag comes closest to what everyone wants for the present, and it already exists. Maori would get a validation not seen since 1835, Whities would get a validation of their current state, minus their potentially nasty extremes, and no one has to go about sporting the white feather of cowardice on a black anarchist’s flag.

    • Wynston 15.1
      14 April 2015 at 2:17 pm

      Interestingly the “United Tribes” flag was actually one used by the Church Missionary Society. It was then chosen to be New Zealand’s flag by the chiefs of the far north of North Island who gathered at Waitangi on 20 March 1834. http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/zoomify/33966/united-tribes-flag-original-flag

      The ones seen these days almost without fail depart from the original in that the black borders of the the smaller St George’s cross in the upper quarter have been replaced with white.
      A still further variant excluding the white borders was adopted as the house flag of the Shaw, Savill and Albion shipping company. Given that we are selling so much of the country to overseas interests though it might well be appropriate that the latter form be adopted by us!

  16. Ian 16
    14 April 2015 at 8:46 pm

    Leave the flag alone.I fully support the RSA.

  17. Shane 17
    8 May 2015 at 7:35 pm

    How opposed were the RSA to changing the National Anthem from God Save the Queen/King to God defend New Zealand in 1976 I wonder? To throw their argument back at them’ – Oh but NZers fought and died under that ‘God Save the Queen/King’ Anthem’ – we shouldn’t change it! How opposed were they in the 1970’s? We don’t need the Union Jack on our flag – why should be be reminded and call ‘sacrosanct’ a flag for a nation that was the cause of so many young NZ and Australian lives at Gallipoli being lost because of the British ineptitude at leadership? The soldiers at Gallipoli and throughout the First and Second World wars fought for independence – for NZ to be recognised as an independent nation – a country in our own rights – not to remain a puppet of the pathetic British leadership that sent so may young men to their deaths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
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