Something Smells, Honest John

Written By: - Date published: 9:10 am, November 18th, 2015 - 53 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, accountability, journalism, making shit up, uncategorized, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

Honest John‘s been at it again

Hat/tip Sabine

“A report prepared for Justice Minister Amy Adams earlier this year noted there was no reliable system of monitoring deported offenders or obtaining reliable information on their risk before they returned.

If police were informed an offender was being deported they would meet them upon arrival at the airport and request a DNA sample and fingerprints, but that was voluntary.

This week Adams said officials had worked at “some pace” in recent months to get better systems in place to protect the public.

“I recognise [the system] at the moment this is not nearly robust enough for those people deported back to New Zealand and I want to change that.”

Last month, Adams announced the creation of a new register that would list people who had been, or were about to be, sent back to New Zealand after being convicted of a crime.

Article referred to above is here.

“Earlier this year” (which is prior to August 2015 – the date of the article) Adams received a report about not being able to identify the people and crimes they committed prior to their coming to NZ

Staff  had been working at “some pace” in the months prior to August 2015 to get systems in place.

However according to Ms Adams she only found out from the Aussies the hours AFTER Key’s nasty tirade (in November 2015) the makeup of the people coming from Chrismas Island, even though Kelvin Davis had been highlighting them for weeks

“What we haven’t known until now one or two hours is exactly what the specific make-up was on Christmas Island.

“What the Prime Minister and I have referred to, to date, has been the category of offenders we are talking about in the wider context – contains some very, very serious offenders.”

Remember the Register she talked about above? The Register that would identify those who are to be deported before they come here? Up and running by 15 July 2015

A register of deported offenders is now up and running for use by New Zealand government agencies. It lists people who have been, or are about to be, sent back to New Zealand after being convicted of a crime, serving a prison term or having their visa cancelled on character grounds.

“The register will provide New Zealand authorities with greater oversight of who exactly is arriving here and when,” says Ms Adams.

The new register builds on current efforts to manage deported offenders, which see Police provide their districts with information received from other countries. This ensures that local police have all the relevant information available about individuals who may settle in their district.

 

So, that rather begs the question Ms Adams, what were you doing between receiving the report in early 2015, working at some pace before August 2015, but not able to get the info from the Aussies on the types of criminals headed this way until AFTER Mr Key went on a nasty tirade about rapists, murderers and child molesterers (sic)?

You were setting up a Register to udentify people and their crimes prior to being deported to NZ. But you didn’t tell Honest John? He didn’t read/hear about it in the media?

Oh did I mention John Key’s meeting with Abbott back in February 2015? How remiss of me

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Prime Minister John Key agreed at a meeting today agencies from both countries would develop a memorandum of understanding to share more information about trans-Tasman deportations so checks and risk management procedures could be put in place.

“It is in both countries best interest to manage deportations in such a way that minimises the risk posed to both countries and ensures appropriate steps are taken to flag any high-risk individuals,” Key said.

I smell BS

53 comments on “Something Smells, Honest John ”

  1. Lanthanide 1

    This is all a bit strange.

    Do you actually have evidence that the people on Christmas Island were included on this register that was set up in July, and that therefore Adams/Key lied about their knowledge?

    So far all you’ve said is that there is a register set up to record people. And there are some people who are expected to be returned to NZ at some indeterminate point in the future.

    Yes, they *should* be on the register, but clearly that relies on co-operation from other governments. Australia has been notoriously uncooperative when dealing with the Christmas Island detainees (this morning Amy Adams said a plane is due to arrive tomorrow, but they don’t know where it will land, or exactly how many people will be on it).

    Really I see this as highlighting the government’s case: that Australia simply aren’t telling them anything, but they’ve done everything they can do in setting up appropriate processes to handle the situation, if only the Australian government would stand by their word and do what their PM promised.

    • tracey 1.1

      Have you got any evidence that Australia hasn’t told them about the people on Christmas Island?

      Did I say that I had definitive proof of anything Lanth or did I say I smell Bullshit?

      What I am saying is that in February Key trumpetted a memorandum to get info to NZ of who and what former crime was coming to protect NZers, then a register was made and went live detailing information before folks come, then Kelvin Davis goes to town on problems at Christmas Island, then Key says rapists and molesterers (sic) are coming and he wants to protect us from them (despite having put that in place in July and sign posted it in February).

      You point to Ms Adams word and apparently, Mr Key’s complete inpotence in relation to other leaders.

      • You_Fool 1.1.1

        The other possibility is that the register has everyone on it, their crimes and expected date of deportation, but not where they are being held which would mean Key and Adams didn’t lie exactly, as they were (probably) talking about knowing the Christmas Island detainees only.

        Doesn’t stop the tirade being a bit over the top, nor does it show the government in a good light as either their assurances and registers were basically meaningless, either through incompetence and because the Aussies don’t respect them and as such ignore them

      • Trey 1.1.2

        If it looks and smells like bullshit there is probably no point tasting it and this government gets shittier everyday

    • Sabine 1.2

      Not sure if you read the article. A quick cut and paste job should to facilitate:

      Quote from the Article, and I like especially the last line, NZ has deported 14 people the other way. Not sure what that says, but I am sure you will tell us that National is acting in good faith and does not know and does not know how to ask Australia about such things, cause Rubgy?
      ————————————————————————————————————————

      “Up to a 1000 criminals – including killers, sex offenders, drug dealers and outlaw bikies – will be dumped on New Zealand’s doorstep in the next five years.

      The Government is scrambling to keep New Zealanders safe after recent law changes in Australia opened the way for the deportation of Kiwis who have committed crimes across the ditch.

      Many of the criminals have tenuous links to New Zealand after living in Australia for years.

      Convicted killer Michael Heron was deported from Australia late last year and is living in Christchurch.
      Taken From Facebook
      Convicted killer Michael Heron was deported from Australia late last year and is living in Christchurch.

      Among those expected to be deported are dozens of gang members, sparking concerns new outlaw motorcycle clubs could be established here alongside international rivals including the Bandidos and the Rebels.

      The Government says it is working quickly to improve trans-Tasman information sharing. New legislation is being drafted that will allow for supervision of criminals who are sent home.

      Under changes to the Australian Migration Act in December, Australian officials have the power to cancel the visas of suspected or convicted criminals, particularly those sentenced to more 12 months’ jail or more, or found guilty of sex offences.

      According to police, 119 people have been deported to New Zealand from Australia so far this year – more than four times the number sent home for the same period 12 months earlier.

      In the four years to June 30, New Zealand sent 14 people in the other direction.”
      ————————————————————————————————————————
      Heck the place was to be closed according to this.

      http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-13/christmas-island-detention-centre-to-close/6465266

      Mentioning of Kiwis being locked up of shore in Christmas Island
      news about ‘bikies’ held on Christams Island

      http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-28/problem-immigration-detainees-sent-to-christmas-island/6503812

      Lawyers in Sidney not happy about stuff
      http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-14/lawyers-criticise-mandatory-deportation-foreign-citizens-jail/6697854

      https://rnztalk.nz/t/detaining-kiwis-in-australia-displays-contempt/1697 – September 2015

      so really I can’t see how the Australian Government would not inform the NZ Government about what it was doing.
      I can see the current government not giving a shit, as clearly it does not give a shit about so many Kiwis.
      But there is no way they did not know. They did know and they got found out, and that is why they are lashing out on those that dare to raise their craven attitude towards their fellow country man. And like it or not, unless we go back to the dark ages and declare any citizens convicted of a crime after they have served their sentence an outlaw, they are our fellow country men. And some will re-offend, and others will not.
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlaw

    • Daniel Cale 1.4

      The reason this article has been published is to take the heat out of Annette King’s stuff up in Parliament yesterday.

      • Tracey 1.4.1

        What????

        • Daniel Cale 1.4.1.1

          No, the MSM won’t cover it, it’s a hit on Labour. King and her research people misinterpreted information they received under an OIA, and caused her to make claims in Parliament that were false. She’s in line for a charge of misleading Parliament, hence this hit article about something someone might have said about something that might have happened.

          [lprent: Read the about – the authors write their own individual opinions under their own handle. Which is why you frequently find them disagreeing with each other and why we get stick from politicians of all persuasions getting wound up about what we write.

          If you want to make conspiracy theories about authors motivations, then I suggest you find one of the paranoid conspiracy nutter sites. Whaleoil for instance. ]

          • tracey 1.4.1.1.1

            To be clear, you are saying I wrote this post to create a smokescreen for Annette King?

            • Daniel Cale 1.4.1.1.1.1

              Yes, at least in part.

              [r0b: Borderline – but be careful of attacking or making assertions about the authors on their own blog.]

              • tracey

                You are wrong. I wrote it cos Key has been, yet again, duplicitous on this detainee issue, and with quick searching through the last 12 months, I was able to link to a chronology that the Media seemingly could not.

      • Paul 1.4.2

        Desperate troll.

  2. mickysavage 2

    Agreed Tracey. I do not understand the last minute use of urgency especially since it appears that everything was in place months ago.

    Of course urgency fulfills a political imperative even if it does trash good government and generally accepted constitutional norms.

    • tracey 2.1

      My thoughts too Mickey. It does play into the narrative that the Government was blindsided but look how quickly we moved to protect you. Again the crazy thing is it only took me about 20 minutes of googling to pull the articles together… and some who wrote them haven’t made the connections.

      The main one being either we were already protected OR the Government had NO power over Australia to get the information required to protect us. It is an impotent or deceptive government, neither of which should be seen as good for NZ

      • ianmac 2.1.1

        Well sleuthed Tracey. Very smelly. Very strange.

        • tracey 2.1.1.1

          As I say impotent or deceptive. Neither a good trait for a government. But it seems our journos, including those who wrote some of the stories linked to above, can’t join dots.

  3. savenz 3

    Lists are meaningless unless your have people competent enough to read and interpret them. That is what dictators love, lists, information and mass surveillance but because they are control freaks they centralise the interpretation of the information which tends to null any perceived effectiveness.

    Of course in this case the misinformation sounds deliberate!

  4. tracey 4

    Amazing what happens when you Headline with Honest John.

    Over 100 views in the first quarter hour since posting…

  5. Lucy 5

    Has anyone noticed that this Australian legislation was passed after there was a shortage of refugees being sent to Christmas Island, so SERCO was missing out on money if they were paid by body. All of a sudden there are 600+ more people in SERCO run detention centres none of whom were being moved out quickly. All of whom were discounted by Australians and the countries of their birth as they are all criminals.

  6. dv 6

    Where are these deportees going to live?
    What are they going to use for money to support them selves?

    • infused 6.1

      Donno. But didn’t Labour want them back? Got their wish.

      • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1

        /facepalm

        Labour were and are fighting to let these Australians in all but name to stay in Australia.

        • You_Fool 6.1.1.1

          That doesn’t fit in with the narrative of Labour supporting rapists though, so I guess that couldn’t possibly be what Labour were wanting at all!

          • dv 6.1.1.1.1

            SO HOW are the deportees going to support themselves!!!

            • b waghorn 6.1.1.1.1.1

              I’m sure the nats will provide them with a nice bridge to sleep under in Auckland somewhere. , its probably quite cozy huddled up with the 1200 other people living there.

      • weizguy 6.1.2

        No. Labour didn’t want them back. Which you would know if you read any of their statements or any of the comments on this website clearing up that lie.

        Labour’s position is that these people should not be deported (that they should remain close to their families and support networks), but that if they are, they shouldn’t be subjected to inhumane detention.

        It’s really not that hard to understand.

      • Sabine 6.1.3

        Nope mate, Its John Key who wants them back.
        We want them to stay in Australia, which for most is the country in which they would love to stay, considering that they have families, houses, jobs and friends there.
        However, considering how gutless honest John is, he did achieve nothing when he met his soul mate the Prime Minister of OZ.

        And if you are confused about the turn of events, go read any of the links, watch a bit of Parliament TV – especially that guy called Kelvyn Davis. He has been asking honest John a few times about the happenings in Christmas Island. Not that honest John had an answer to anything, but he can’t be faulted, no one told him.

      • tracey 6.1.4

        Do keep up infused. Labour wanted them in Australia. Your pal Key vowed to protect us from them all back in February but just can’t pull it off… cos Australia either ignore him completely or he has lied. You choose

    • Naki man 6.2

      “Where are these deportees going to live?
      What are they going to use for money to support them selves?”

      I am sure Kelvin Davis will have a few stay at his house.
      Perhaps he will get them to babysit his friends children.

      • tracey 6.2.1

        except Kelvin wanted them to be able to stay in Australia, you chap and chapess want them in NZ. This is apparently quite a comple notion for you and infused to grasp.

        Amy Adams and John Key = rapists, murderers and child molesterers (sic) in NZ

        Kelvin Davis, peope who have served their time, and lived the bulk of thei rlives in Australia – in Australia

  7. Ad 7

    Good work Tracey.

    Kelvin Davis chipped at the dam, but it’s turning into an almighty flood.

    • tracey 7.1

      Thanks Ad

      It is making me smile how some RW folks have been so befuddled by all this that they now think Labour was fighting to bring the people to NZ. When in fact that is what Key and Adams have greenlighted since last year

  8. ankerawshark 8

    Ad @7 Yes and incredibly well done by Kelvin Davis. I think it was more than a chip.

    But brilliant follow up by Tracey. Ann Lucy

    I think for polling reasons John Key has bought some of the detainees to NZ. While his motives are deplorable self interest, it would be hard to argue that they are not 100x better off here than Xmas Island

  9. Daniel Cale 9

    “So, that rather begs the question Ms Adams, what were you doing between receiving the report in early 2015, working at some pace before August 2015, but not able to get the info from the Aussies on the types of criminals headed this way until AFTER Mr Key went on a nasty tirade about rapists, murderers and child molesterers (sic)?”

    If you bothered to do even a modicum of research you would have answered your own question. But here’s a question for you. This government is fixing this issue. What did Labou do about it for 9 years. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

    [Are you a National Party staffer? From the amount of smoke you are blowing I cannot think of any other explanation – MS]

    • ropata 9.1

      I think it’s a fair question and something is wrong with democracy when the Government cannot give a straight answer in Parliament, and resorts to insults and blame shifting. Isn’t National supposed to be the party of personal responsibility?

    • tracey 9.2

      Here’s a question for you, in the last year how many people have been deported from Australia to New Zealand, and what were there crimes?

      • Daniel Cale 9.2.1

        Wouldn’t have a clue, and it isn’t even relevant. You’re trying to make a case out of nothing based on assumptions and incomplete information.

        But here’s a question for you…how many prisoners have been deported from Australia under their new law before today?

        • Tracey 9.2.1.1

          You leader wants to protect us from rapists and murderers and child molesteres but he’sbeen waving them through for some time. You are the one who is uninformed.

  10. Murray Simmonds 10

    D. Cale:

    What an idiotic comment. The Aust Government passed the new legislation AFTER the Nats became the Gov’t – in the last year or two from memory. Not nine years ago as you suggest.

    But rave on, The truth doesn’t matter to a troll.

    • tracey 10.1

      It’s been a day of it

      infused thinks Labour fought to let the Christmas Island people come to NZ. In fact they fought for them to be allowed to stay in Australia

      cale thinks I am somehow connected tot he Labouor Party and made this post to create a smokescreen for Ms king

      up is down i their little national sound-bite filled worlds

      • Daniel Cale 10.1.1

        Labour are a joke on this Tracey. One minute they’re telling us the detainees are all angels, the next they’re spreading fear that the government has failed to protect us from these terrible people. It’s priceless.

        [No they are not. They are just insisting on basic human rights being observed. Stop distorting otherwise your commenting privileges will be discontinued – MS]

        • Tracey 10.1.1.1

          You are very confused. I guess peddling your leader’s deceptive lines on this is making your brain fuzzy. No one said they were angels. They said to all intents and purposes they are Australians. Many moulded there so thus their anti social behaviour was founded there

          Start posting links to support your statements or get off my thread.

        • The Pink Postman 10.1.1.2

          that is what it is all about humane rights .The Nat’s gave up on that years ago.

    • Daniel Cale 10.2

      You’re just plain wrong. This has been an issue for far longer than the most recent legislation. But good try at a diversion.

      • mickysavage 10.2.1

        OK back your comments up. Tell us how it is all Labour’s fault that the Aussie Tories changed the law last December.

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    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Minister’s Ramadan message
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