Substance vs style

Written By: - Date published: 7:32 am, August 24th, 2011 - 75 comments
Categories: brand key, election 2011, labour, national, polls - Tags: , , ,

Has there ever been an election in this country that illustrated such a strong disconnect between substance and style?

Voters are clearly still enamored with their image of John Key. He’s a well managed media product. He does popular “feel good” stuff like hang out with royals, photo ops with Obama, and clowning around on Letterman. He avoids the hard issues and dodges anything resembling real media scrutiny (so no Morning Report, no fronting to interviews on asset sales and the like). He’s all about style – brand Key – and we the public are buying it (so far), no doubt about that. Key scores very highly as preferred PM and (I suspect to a huge extent) National piggybacks on his personal popularity to a commanding lead in the polls.

If that was all there was to it then the election would be almost a foregone conclusion. But it isn’t quite that simple, because there is still the matter of substance. And on matters of substance, policy, voters prefer what Labour has to offer. Here’s an account from 3 weeks back:

Voters prefer Labour policy but not party: Poll

Voters prefer Labour’s remedy for the economy over National’s, according to the latest Herald-DigiPoll survey – but they still don’t like the doctor. …

The polling began a week after Labour announced its new tax policy, including a capital gains tax and a new top tax rate of 39 cents on income above $150,000. When asked which policy should be used to pay off Government debt, 43 per cent chose the capital gains tax and 34 per cent nominated state asset sales. …

Opinion on the capital gains tax was evenly split in the poll – 38 per cent were in favour and an equal amount against.

The poll also revealed the extent of opposition to National’s state asset sales plan – 41 per cent of the party’s own supporters said they were against it, the same number as those in favour. Overall, 57 per cent of all respondents were against National’s state asset sales – including 35 per cent strongly against.

The message on asset sales vs capital gains tax was repeated in another morsel from the weekend’s 3 News / Reid poll released last night:

Kiwis prefer capital gains tax over asset sales – poll

Labour may be struggling in the polls, but its proposal to introduce a capital gains tax is proving to be a winner. A 3 News Reid Research poll has found it is considerably more popular than National’s plan for asset sales. Voters were asked which they prefer; partial asset sales or Labour’s capital gains tax.

• 53 percent of respondents said they preferred capital gains tax
• 31 percent said they preferred asset sales
• 16 percent said neither, or didn’t know

… even Mr Key’s own voters seem unconvinced by the push to sell minority stakes in state assets.

• Just 51.5 percent of National voters like the idea.
• 32 percent – one in three National voters – said they preferred Phil Goff’s policy
• 16 percent said neither, or didn’t know.

“New Zealanders know what happened last time an asset was sold; Contact Energy ended up in foreign ownership,” says Mr Goff.

There’s no doubt that asset sales is huge, but I don’t think that any single issue will swing the election for Labour (for example the first piece quoted above includes “However, four out of five voters said the tax package would make no difference to the way they voted”). But many issues combined? Better tax policy, better social policy, better environmental policy, and no asset sales? It all adds up.

So when push comes to shove in November, will Kiwis vote for the style that they like, or the substance that they want?

75 comments on “Substance vs style ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Craig Glen Eden 1
    24 August 2011 at 7:47 am

    “So when push comes to shove in November, will Kiwis vote for the style that they like, or the substance that they want?”

    Labour has got the policy now its all about the delivery. I hear that the likes of Anne tolley is going to be promoted if National get back in ————–Yup the stakes are high indeed.

    • marsman 1.1
      24 August 2011 at 7:57 am

      Tolley promoted? To what? Finance? Couldn’t do worse than Blinkered Bill English.

      • McFlock 1.1.1
        24 August 2011 at 1:44 pm

        I think that the contest might be closer than one might imagine just looking at English.

  2. marsman 2
    24 August 2011 at 8:02 am

    Obviously Key needs to be hammered at every opportunity, forced to confront the irresponsible actions of his inept Administration. If he doesn’t turn up for interviews he should be confronted by hordes of protesters at every photo-op he goes to.

    • Eddie 2.1
      24 August 2011 at 8:34 am

      he was in Kapiti yesterday.

    • mickysavage 2.2
      24 August 2011 at 8:37 am

      All of them are into photo op mode.  Exhibit A, on Q&A on Sunday neither Ryall nor Blinglish showing up to debate things with David Cunliffe.  Mind you considering the respective abilities of the three the decision was probably the correct one.

      • AAMC 2.2.1
        24 August 2011 at 10:00 am

        It’s up to the left to get it into the greater public consciousness that it is unacceptable in a democracy for a government not to front in the media.

        I don’t know how, but it needs to move from the blogosphere into the mainstream somehow.

        As long as the medai are complicit as cheerleaders, it’s a hard one. Labour / Green should take every media opportunity and should consistently, without framing it as spur grapes, draw attention to he lack of Nation from the debate.

  3. Lindsay 3
    24 August 2011 at 8:11 am

    Key has obviously made the decision to only turn up to positive news situations. He is leaving the negative items to the other Ministers. Thst is the reason he failed to turn up in ChCh to hear the concerns of the families wanting representation on the Royal Commission into the failure of buildings in ChCh during the earthquake. But when it came to announce that they would fund for legal representation, it was J Key who annoiunced it.

  4. Carol 4
    24 August 2011 at 8:13 am

    From where I’m sitting, the style looks pretty Shonkey, too. Put somehow the media continues to put a positive spin on it.

    • thejackal 4.1
      24 August 2011 at 8:24 am

      Totally agree. Anybody who thinks Key’s style is good needs their head read.

      • Jim Nald 4.1.1
        24 August 2011 at 9:47 am

        Oh come on, New Zealand, let’s face up to the fact that in 2008, the country collectively voted in a government of bullshit, for bullshit, and by bullshit. We should stop continuing to bullshit ourselves about the worth of this lot in power.

  5. Tangled up in blue 5
    24 August 2011 at 8:25 am

    The reality is that as much as people prefer Labours policy over Nationals; people don’t have confidence in Goff to effectively administer this policy.

  6. Eddie 6
    24 August 2011 at 8:33 am

    “However, four out of five voters said the tax package would make no difference to the way they voted”

    Isn’t that actually a very high number? I mean, only 30% of people change their votes between elections, so if 20% will change their votes on this tax package, that’s two thirds of the swing vote.

    • mickysavage 6.1
      24 August 2011 at 8:53 am

      Yep support could be swinging both ways but given the overall support for the CGT/against asset sales I would bet that more would move to the left.
       

  7. Hilary 7
    24 August 2011 at 8:44 am

    Can’t believe how National (and their supporters including the Blue Greens) can seriously think that selling our state assets to fund the unnecessary and unwanted Kapiti expressway, in a time of declining road use, is a good idea. At least some brave locals protested yesterday and destroyed the planned photo op for today’s Dom Post.. The PM went to the new Waikanae station to see how popular electrified rail is, and still didn’t get it.

  8. mickysavage 8
    24 August 2011 at 8:51 am

    Good post R0b but I disagree with you on one point, if the one out of five voters who said the tax package would make a difference to the way they voted changed their vote left the election is all over.

    • Tangled up in blue 8.1
      24 August 2011 at 9:04 am

      Assuming that most of those ‘one out of five voters’ aren’t already part of the ‘one out of three voters’ who support Labour.

    • Lanthanide 8.2
      24 August 2011 at 9:22 am

      ” if the one out of five voters who said the tax package would make a difference to the way they voted changed their vote left the election is all over.”

      People can just as easily be against a tax policy as for it. Particularly when you’re talking about the scary monster of CGT that many mistakenly believe will hit the family home and that it’s retrospective.

  9. Blue 9
    24 August 2011 at 9:00 am

    You have way more faith in Kiwi voters than I do, Rob. Four out of five said they don’t really care what the policies are. Smile and wave will do just fine for them.

    I think it’s obvious from the opinion polls so far that Kiwis aren’t really that opposed to asset sales. They may not like them, but it isn’t a strong enough dislike to make them change their vote.

  10. RobM 10
    24 August 2011 at 9:08 am

    The Politics headlines on the Herald’s home page at 9am:

    “MP plans law to regulate sunbeds”

    “Key turns on the charm for Kapiti”

    “Government to crack down on money laundering”

    “Maori Party man throws spanner in rivals’ works”

    “Parents’ pay targeted in proposed law change”

    Substantial bit of cheerleading for the coalition of the swilling.

  11. tc 11
    24 August 2011 at 9:11 am

    We don’t have a great history in making savvy electoral decisions so can anyone seeing this one being any different….especially if sideshow simles n waves his way around NZild with the web ellis trophy if Henry’s men don’t choke again.

  12. Blue 12
    24 August 2011 at 10:21 am

    Stubstance and style are not mutually exclusive. I always thought David Lange had both (the last Labour Leader I voted for). Some would argue Goff has some substance and less style, whereas others agrue Key may have lots of style and less substance. Some combination of both would, I imagine, be unbeatable. Rather than Goff complaining that his message fails to resonate because Key has more style he could try exhibiting characteristics than middle New Zealand recognise and identify with. You could take the moral high ground and refuse on principle, of course, but the point that seems to be lost on Labour is that to change somehing you don’t like, you have to win, to win you have to be popular, to be popular, people have to like you and identify with you as a person. Like it or not, thats the way it is, so sticking your head in the sand and refusing to recognise this is a recipe for an electoral disaster. Trouble is there are few ‘likeable’ people in Labour ATM. Most seem to be rather venal in their speech and if Clare Curran is an example, don’t particularly value the voters ability to make their own minds up. The seige mentality continues.

    • aerobubble 12.1
      24 August 2011 at 2:36 pm

      Key lied his way into power, Tax cuts were not affordable or balanced, he went back on promises
      not to mess with kiwisaver, put GST up, etc. Are you suggesting Labour should openly put
      principles out they also are not going to keep? Or are you just a hopeless loser suggesting you like
      liars who harm your interests if they do it with style.

  13. ron 13
    24 August 2011 at 11:31 am

    I think a good question for voters is “Would you leave your daughter alone with this guy?”

    • Jim Nald 13.1
      24 August 2011 at 11:42 am

      Hmm, .. some potentially interesting answers there.
      On one account, ‘your’ gene pool should be safe – he claims to shoot blanks.

    • Blue 13.2
      24 August 2011 at 11:43 am

      @ron – “Would you leave your daughter alone with this guy?”, I’m not sure what you mean, are you suggesting he’s sifty like Shane Jones and obsessed with pornography (and the fact taht he thinks the taxpayer should foot the bill for it), then no I wouldn’t. Perhaps leaving her alone with convicted violent offender and serial goob Trevor Mallard, no I wouldn’t, how about former labour MP and the only politician in the history of this country to have been convicted of corruption (that is an acheivement!) – the self entitled elitist Philip Field, then no, I wouldn’t. With you? Most definitely wouldn’t. It really is stupid, low class to try to smear at that kind of base animalistic level. You truly are a moron, ron, or a Labour voter (but once again i have become repetitive). Would you like it if I asked the same question of you and Gareth Hughes being alone with your son?

  14. Pete George 14
    24 August 2011 at 1:06 pm

    Who has substance?

    Try finding all Labour’s policies here: http://www.ownourfuture.co.nz/
    – their emphasis seems to be anti-asset sales, not their own policies. Try finding a mention of Capital Gains Tax on their home page – isn’t it supposed to be their flagship policy?

    National cover quite a range of policies in what should be sufficient detail for most: http://www.national.org.nz/Policy.aspx

    Detailed and easy to find policies at UnitedFuture: http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/our-policies/

    Same with Act: http://www.act.org.nz/policies

    Same with Greens: http://www.greens.org.nz/policy2

    You have to ask WP for his policies of the day.

    • r0b 14.1
      24 August 2011 at 1:31 pm

      You mean the huge red button that says “Labour’s fairer tax system explained”? Yeah that’s easy to miss!

      • Pete George 14.1.1
        24 August 2011 at 1:38 pm

        One policy, not labeled CGT or Capital Gains Tax.
        It’s not in the normal menu position that it’s natural to look.
        It’s near the bottom of the page – requires scrolling.
        It is still a download. That doesn’t make it easy – or likely many will bother.

        There’s one other policy that I can see – NZ Owned and Operated

        Where’s the substance

        • The Voice of Reason 14.1.1.1
          24 August 2011 at 2:02 pm

          A candidate for United Follicles* who isn’t sure he will even vote for himself or his party is worried that another party lacks substance. Nothing better to do, I guess.
           
           
          *Peter Dunne; The Mousse who Roared?

          • Pete George 14.1.1.1.1
            24 August 2011 at 2:09 pm

            I didn’t say I wasn’t sure, I’ve got a much better idea than usual how I’ll vote this far out, but I’ll make my final decisions on the day.

            Have you heard of tactical voting?

            • The Voice of Reason 14.1.1.1.1.1
              24 August 2011 at 2:29 pm

              Have you heard of commitment, Pete? Even the muppet the Nats have put up to lose Epsom hasn’t said he won’t vote for himself as a candidate, just that he wants the party vote to go to National. Can you confirm that you are going to at least party vote UF?
               
              And in the electorate race, what benefit would there be in tactical voting anyway? It’s a safe Labour seat, with over half the votes going to Labour at the last election and only 200 going to the party that thinks you represent them.

              • Pete George …
                24 August 2011 at 2:45 pm

                The last majority was big, but with a new Labour candidate that will quite likely close up, the only question is by how much.

                It’s pretty obvious how I’ll party vote. But what if Woodhouse or Turei looked like getting close (and I didn’t) and I preferred them to the Labour candidate? I’d vote to try and get who I thought would be the best representative for the electorate. Or I could vote Clark if I preferred him and wanted to help ensure he got in.

                • The Voice of Reason …
                  24 August 2011 at 3:26 pm

                  It was 52% to the Nat’s 30% in 2008, Pete, so knock yourself trying to tactically vote that away. And it’s not ‘pretty obvious’ which way you are going to party vote. You’re the UF candidate. Are you going to vote for your party or not?

                  • Pete George …
                    24 August 2011 at 3:31 pm

                    It was 52% to the Nat’s 30% in 2008

                    Do you think that size of gap is really far too big to close up?

                    • The Voice of Reason …
                      24 August 2011 at 3:40 pm

                      Yes. There, I’ve answered your question, how about you answer mine. Are you Party voting UF or not?

                    • Pete George …
                      24 August 2011 at 3:56 pm

                      Interesting, it’s very similar to another gap in percentages that seems to be floating around.

                      I’ll do what I choose on election day. It’s a secret ballot, it’s really not anyone else’s business.

                    • The Voice of Reason …
                      24 August 2011 at 4:07 pm

                      So that would be a no, then. Are you going to tell Dunne?

                    • Pete George …
                      24 August 2011 at 4:52 pm

                      I’m not saying in public to you or Peter Dunne who I’m voting for.

                      And I won’t tell you in private. Like just about every other candidate.

        • r0b 14.1.1.2
          24 August 2011 at 2:08 pm

          You’re thinking like a political insider PG.  Labours site uses simple language and drums home a few key messages.  For this stage of the campaign its completely appropriate (and a vast improvement on previous elections).

          PS – Any time you find polls showing that votes prefer UF policy do be sure and let us know.

      • Deadly_NZ 14.1.2
        24 August 2011 at 5:02 pm

        But hey you are talking to Pete Secret Squirrel who am I going to be this week ? George. SO yes he probably missed it, as it did’nt jump out, grab him by the throat, screaming at him, Look Here, with flashing neon signs.

    • McFlock 14.2
      24 August 2011 at 1:53 pm

      I like the way you include meaningless, banal truisms as “policy”.

      • Pete George 14.2.1
        24 August 2011 at 2:07 pm

        I agree there are plenty of vague statements, but they are there.
        Aren’t they all meaningless if you don’t get into government?

        • wtl 14.2.1.1
          24 August 2011 at 4:02 pm

          Aren’t they all meaningless if you don’t get into government?

          No, because policies can and do influence the positions of other political parties that may end up in government. Furthermore, some policies, especially those that receive media attention, can and do influence public opinion, which of course has an effect on the future direction of the country. It is also possible to have your policies implemented from outside government, if you are able to convince the government that they are a good idea.

          For example, the Greens have never actually been ‘in government’ (if I recall correctly, the closest they’ve come is abstaining from confidence and supply?), but you will find that they have successfully had a number of their policies implemented, the home insulation scheme being the latest example.

          This is of course goes to show that you don’t actually need to properly ‘support’ the government to make a difference in politics. I’d say there is something to be said for the Green Party which, for a large part, sticks to its principles, rather than blindly supporting whoever is in government or picking policies based on what will get the most votes.

          • Pete George 14.2.1.1.1
            24 August 2011 at 4:05 pm

            Fair points, but the degree of influence is significantly reduced out of government.

            I agree the Greens are relatively principled but not immune from saying things with the aim of attracting votes.

            • wtl 14.2.1.1.1.1
              24 August 2011 at 4:11 pm

              The point is that they are able to stay principled by staying out of government. I would also question whether ‘degree of influence is significantly reduced out of government’ as, IMO, the Greens have had more policies (or at least more substantial policies) implemented than United Future, despite UF being ‘in government’ the last three terms.

    • mik e 14.3
      24 August 2011 at 4:14 pm

      PG If Labour put their policy out now National will steel the popular ones so they have to wait until the last minute .Or they could do the same as National have done just lie and smile and wave

  15. In Vino Veritas 15
    24 August 2011 at 1:59 pm

    Ooo r0b!! yer so cutting, but still a wet. Yes, its a big red button. But I guess that one big red button tells the tale. “Voters prefer Labour’s remedy for the economy over National’s”

    Labours one remedy = CGT. And even your man Goff says its not fully fleshed out yet. Nice work Labour, you going ahead in leaps and bounds, well as much as one can leap and bound with two broken legs.

    And just for you my friend: Socialism is great, until you run out of other peoples money.

    Are you still annoyed? Seems like it.

    • rd 15.1
      24 August 2011 at 2:14 pm

      >Socialism is great, until you run out of other peoples money.

      That has now been changed to–

      Capitalism is great, until you run out of other peoples money.

      • aerobubble 15.1.1
        24 August 2011 at 2:49 pm

        Yeah, its great until you run out of other peoples money, which it always is.
        Money is call on future value. So eventually when we have entropy death
        of all the pristine ores and fuels the world has to offer, we’re fracked.
        Anarachists were right, all wealth is theft.

      • AAMC 15.1.2
        24 August 2011 at 2:52 pm

        Or, Capitalism’s great until you run out of Communist Chinese and Wahhabi Saudi money.

      • In Vino Veritas 15.1.3
        24 August 2011 at 2:57 pm

        rd, that’s given me a laugh. Amazing, some of you guys are actually quite funny in a real laugh sense. As opposed to laugh at you sense.

        I would say though, as I feel I must, with Socialism, it’s always other peoples money and when it runs out, so does Socialism, since governments are obliged to take on loss projects and many projects that are zero sum. At least with Capitalism it just grows another head and someone starts generating wealth sooner or later. Just like some of the rich listers, wealth goes up and sometimes, it goes way down, depending on how much risk is taken. Socialism just expects to clip the ticket while taking no risk (and pay themselves healthly for the hard job ticket clipping is).

        • rd 15.1.3.1
          24 August 2011 at 3:05 pm

          >>At least with Capitalism it just grows another head and someone starts generating wealth sooner or later.

          Ha thats it Economic darwinism.

          >>At least with Capitalism it just grows another head and someone starts generating wealth sooner or later.

          Or they are bailed out by the tax payer.

          • AAMC 15.1.3.1.1
            24 August 2011 at 3:58 pm

            Privatisation of wealth, Socialisation of risk.

          • In Vito Vertias 15.1.3.1.2
            25 August 2011 at 8:28 am

            Bailed out by the taxpayer? I’d suggest then, that they are bailed out with some of the taxes that they have paid. That’d be irony I guess.

        • mik e 15.1.3.2
          24 August 2011 at 4:27 pm

          SCF IVV .Then look at Singapores economy their are no successful laissez fair economies .Find one for me Ivv.Making up stories about socialism When the so cold party thats against it is spending more than ever on welfare. and many times more on corporate welfare .Spinning hypocritical BS is the ideology your promoting .Funny the left actually have a history of much lower unemployment and corporate welfare so you would think a logical person would be berating the right.Its probably because they borrow and hope and get the next generation to pay.$ 72 billion reasons not to support National thats how much this Govt is borrowing to buy your vote.

      • mik e 15.1.4
        24 August 2011 at 4:30 pm

        rd Then you borrow and hope

  16. Ianupnorth 16
    24 August 2011 at 2:41 pm

    This whole thread is thoroughly depressing; I’d say let’s get Gareth Morgan to be PM, except people would not like him as he has a lisp, a moustache and rides a motor bike.
     
    Is it any wonder the place is a mess?

    • In Vino Veritas 16.1
      24 August 2011 at 2:49 pm

      And he’s an economist…. that should eliminate him instantly

      • mik e 16.1.1
        24 August 2011 at 4:36 pm

        IVV he is one of the very few self made successful economists he has traveled to just about every part of this world and has seen what works and what doesn’t. He’s not a treasury ideologue nor a bank economist who both have vested interest in making lots of money for the big 4 banks ie treasury lunch bribes. Gareth Morgan is not afraid to attack any policy or promote it!

        • Craig Glen Eden 16.1.1.1
          24 August 2011 at 5:47 pm

          What as apposed to a money trader?At least economist no they dont actually generate anything useful Bankers and Money traders actually think they create wealth.

        • In Vito Vertias 16.1.1.2
          25 August 2011 at 8:46 am

          Mike e, you are really quite rabid aren’t you? Making up stories? hypocritical BS is the ideology I’m promoting? And I thought it was giving the blog food for thought. Tied to a stake by a leash in Port Louis is where a foaming at the mouth, barking creature like you should be.

          One of the few self made economists. A Tui moment. Yeah right. I happen to know a few self made economists, who have travelled to just about every part of the world, and have seen what works and what doesn’t. None of them are “Treasury idealogues” and none have “vested interests”. And guess what? Their views in some instances match Gareth’s, and in some instances don’t come within a bulls roar of his views. But hey, thats OK, everyone has an opinion or a theory. Least they are sensible and logical in their reasoning. Still wouldn’t want any of them as PM though.

          • ropata 16.1.1.2.1
            25 August 2011 at 7:30 pm

            IVV Don’t let the evidence dent your faith in the great power of Capitalism to save us!
            I guess you haven’t been reading any news for the last 3 years.

            Theoretically capitalism might work in certain ideal conditions (decent governance, prevention of fraud, adequate resources, commercial and legal environment, level playing field … ) however getting it right means a certain level of state intervention. And human nature being as it is people always try and cheat.

            http://howdaft.blogspot.com/2011/06/sad-state-of-new-zealand-economy.html

            The answer to the problems facing NZ isn’t some grossly superficial neo liberal market ideology, we need economic leadership that realises the purpose of economy and government is to SERVE THE PEOPLE.

            A decent society enables people to realise their potential and flourish.

            • In Vito Veritas 16.1.1.2.1.1
              26 August 2011 at 9:00 am

              ropata, yup, I read the news from time to time. It would appear I’ve been reading it for longer than you though since socialism has been failing for a lot longer than capitalism I would respectfully suggest.

              I do however agree with you that a certain amount of intervention is required. But in saying that, I’m in the less is more camp. I’m (which will probably not surprise you) the “individual choice” camp as well.

              You made a typo in your statement which I’ve taken the liberty to correct

              The answer to the problems facing NZ isn’t some grossly superficial socialist market ideology, we need economic leadership that realises the purpose of economy and government is to SERVE THE PEOPLE.

              A decent society enables people to realise their potential and flourish.

              Just as a matter of interest, if you dont mind me asking, are you a state socialist, a social democrat or a libertarian socialist?

              • Colonial Viper …
                26 August 2011 at 9:21 am

                The answer to the problems facing NZ isn’t some grossly superficial socialist market ideology, we need economic leadership that realises the purpose of economy and government is to SERVE THE PEOPLE.

                I agree with you. What we need is a deep and thoughtful socialist ideology which can work effectively and pragmatically in a globalised capitalist world. To serve ALL the people. Not just the smartest, the richest, the most able, or the most ambitious. But every single person as a citizen with equal rights to participate in society and equal responsibilities to participate in society.

                Currently what we have is economic leadership which serves a very small set of stakeholders: primarily a board of directors of around a dozen people (generally men) and a few major shareholders (often institutional investors run by men).

                Having read your previous posts I don’t think you believe in the above quote you wrote in the slightest, but I am willing to humour you.

                A transition to a mixed democratic socialism-capitalism model would be quite possible for NZ to do, it could occur over in a less than 10 year span, and would necessarily require considerable government restructuring of the economy: but resulting in much more economic freedom for individuals and small groups.

  17. randal 17
    24 August 2011 at 8:19 pm

    I know who is is going to win but I’m not going to tell you.
    You are just going to have to wait and see.
    but I’ll give you a clue.
    it could be red but it wont be blue.

  18. Ianupnorth 18
    25 August 2011 at 11:47 am

    My grandad had an expression for people that were all show and no substance

    Fur coat, nae knickers

    • In Vino Veritas 18.1
      25 August 2011 at 4:55 pm

      Oooh yuck Ian!! Can you imagine your mates Goff and King “Fur coat nae knickers”? Shivers, that’d be wrong, though. Silly me – no show and no substance, so shall we say “No coat, no knickers”. Wretch. Even worse.

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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    20 hours ago

  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    23 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 day ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    2 days ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
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