“The purists can weep”

Written By: - Date published: 9:11 am, November 3rd, 2013 - 105 comments
Categories: Economy, Privatisation - Tags: ,

Labour’s new KiwiAssure policy has been welcomed by John Armstrong as good politics. And it is. But it’s also good policy – at the same time we’ve got a government hell bent on making sure electricity profits flow to overseas investors, David Cunliffe’s policy is about giving Kiwi’s the ability to ensure that any money made from their insurance stays in the country and pays for hospitals, schools, and New Zealanders’ retirement.

But back to the politics. As Armstrong points out:

When it comes to honesty and ethics, the public ranks insurance companies only slightly above used-car salesmen.

So David Cunliffe cannot really go wrong in committing Labour to setting up a state-owned general insurance firm, KiwiAssure – especially at a time when private companies’ premiums are soaring through the roof and their cover is falling through the floor.

There’s a couple of other threads to this too, one is the close ties National have had with the insurance industry over the years (note how muted Gerry Brownlee has been about recalcitrant insurers in Christchurch), the other is that this policy is another milestone in the return of the Labour party to its roots – the last state insurance company was privatized in the dying days of the neo-liberal fourth Labour government. Which is why Armstrong’s comment that “the purists can weep” is so piquant.

David Cunliffe has brought the Labour party back. Not just to the members of the party but to New Zealanders. There could have been no more appropriate walk-on music as he approached the stage to deliver this policy than a song called “Aotearoa”. “We are New Zealand”. Indeed.

105 comments on ““The purists can weep” ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Lanthanide 1
    3 November 2013 at 9:15 am

    Wonder if Labour will be using that song as the anthem for their 2015 campaign.

    I’ve always thought Minuit really wrote themselves a winner in terms of royalities with that song. TV4 used it for advertising for a while a couple of years ago.

    • Saarbo 1.1
      3 November 2013 at 9:49 am

      wow, powerful video…great.

      That is New Zealand to many of us who proudly live in diverse communities. but I reckon half of National voters live in mono cultural environments (I was in Takapuna recently, ewww), we know from research that 70% of them dont know anyone who is unemployed, so wont appeal to them.

      • Lanthanide 1.1.1
        3 November 2013 at 9:52 am

        It’s actually not really that representative at all: the photos are from Minuit fans who sent them into their facebook page back in 2009 when they made the music video.

        So it skews heavily young.

        • IrishBill 1.1.1.1
          3 November 2013 at 10:08 am

          I don’t know about that. I’m pretty sure I saw a couple of old mates in the tour footage.

        • Saarbo 1.1.1.2
          3 November 2013 at 9:02 pm

          Well Lanth, it may be perfect if you consider this from the SST today.

          “Yet, from young people, there’s been barely a whimper.

          The point has been raised before – young people are bearing the brunt of decisions made in the name of necessity, so why aren’t they taking to the streets? More than that, many don’t vote. Although eligible voters aged 18-24 represented 13 per cent of the total voting age population in the 2011 general election, they accounted for nearly half of the total who did not bother to enrol.”

          http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/9356042/New-lending-criteria-labelled-unfair

    • Just Like Tiger Woods 1.2
      3 November 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Twee “we’re all just like each other” socialist pap.

      Some people contribute. Some people don’t. Some people destroy. Whoever you think the destroyers happen to be, should they be treated just the same as the everyone else?

      If you think not, then you don’t believe in social equality regardless of input.

  2. Tat Loo (CV) 2
    3 November 2013 at 9:34 am

    Great that Armstrong came out with some fairer comments today, unlike the bizarrely one side piece yesterday which basically criticised Labour for doing things the Labour way.

  3. Sacha 3
    3 November 2013 at 9:45 am

    Brownlee muted? The clown was defending the insurance industry vigorously on the radio.

  4. Anne 4
    3 November 2013 at 9:49 am

    Just watched a petulant display of the sulks by Matthew Hooton and Claire Robinson on Q&A. Hooton was his normal self… using the language set out by Crosby/Textor. That is, lie, distort, misrepresent and don’t give your opponent a chance to respond.

    Claire Robinson berated Labour for no policy announcements and then contradicted herself later by praising Cunliffe for announcing KiwiAssure even though she had previously criticised it. When Williams (rightly) pointed out that her “years of statistical evidence” were nothing compared to his “years of political experience”, I thought she was going to dong him one!

  5. Rogue Trooper 5
    3 November 2013 at 10:03 am

    speaking of ‘purists’, Shane Jones appeared to have diluted his his cocktail, toasting the gender remit; “the capacity of the women in the party should not be underestimated” – 3News

    Gower also drew out a couple of tensions from the conference;
    -retirement age
    -TPP- increasing skepticism within the party, outright opposition by the unions.

    KiwiAssure- Excellent

    Ditching the monarchy-Even more Bodacious

    • Paul 5.1
      3 November 2013 at 10:05 am

      Grower was looking for tensions.
      He is not a journalist, but a propagandist.

    • Sanctuary 5.2
      3 November 2013 at 10:25 am

      “…Gower also drew out a couple of tensions from the conference;
      -retirement age
      -TPP- increasing skepticism within the party, outright opposition by the unions…”

      Party membership of NZ political parties collapsed during the era of Douglas and Richardson. Now, I know Labour is a long, long way from the halcyon days of tens of thousands of members but by the sound of things a bit of sap is running into long dormant political roots.

      That mean if Gower was born around 1970 he will have no memory of what a mass membership party looks like and how it operates, so for him & the rest of the media amnesiacs – brought up on and used to a normality of husk parties going through a charade of annointing the decisions of a central cadre – seeing delegates debating issues and arguing vigorously over remits must look very strange indeed.

      • Macro 5.2.1
        3 November 2013 at 1:01 pm

        Agreed… They have no knowledge of what the Labour movement – it never wanted to call itself a ‘party’ in those days looked or felt like. The Party of recent times has been a poor image of the robust debate that formed the policy of the early movement.

      • Rednex 5.2.2
        3 November 2013 at 1:04 pm

        Nice one! I got that feeling watching him and that other fella interviewing Davo on TV One this morning. It looked like they really didn’t understand what was going on..

      • Rogue Trooper 5.2.3
        3 November 2013 at 1:06 pm

        😉

  6. tricledrown 6
    3 November 2013 at 10:37 am

    Brownlee defending the insurance companies ripping off New Zealanders,
    If not for Campbell live Gerihatric brownoselee would have not done one thing to push
    Insurance companies into paying out.
    The profits these insurance companies are extacting from NZ now is criminal.
    Brownlee is wrong on saying kiwisure requiring the govt to bail it out they can get reinsurance just like the other insurance co’s.
    Kiwibank isn’t covered by the govt taxpayer either but has forced down bank charges for every one.
    Kiwisure will break the cartel that is in the insurance market.

  7. Wayne 7
    3 November 2013 at 10:47 am

    KiwiAssure is a bit of an indifferent policy. It will have as much impact as KiwiBank. Now I know a lot of people like the idea of KiwiBank, but has it really led to a dramatic change in NZ banking?

    Interesting item on Q&A on poverty this morning. It seems to me the biggest impact on child poverty (apart from jobs) would be to have more state houses. Dr Wills own research confirms that. Which is why I asked the question in post a few days ago about the numbers of poor children in state houses as opposed to private rentals.

    It is surely easy (and popular) Labour party policy to build an extra 3,000 to 5,000 state house a year over the next 3 to 5 years.

    Interesting speech by David Cunliffe yesterday. A lot of clever rhetoric to appeal to the party faithful (including the left), but rather less actual policy that would be different to what Labour has already announced.

    And as I suspected, he was taking a careful line on TPP on Q &A this morning. In my view he would almost certainly support (or at least not seriously oppose) TPP if it comes to Parliament next year which is not so likely given that I imagine a deal won’t be done till sometime in 2014.

    Mind you I suspect the Nats would quite like Labour to oppose TPP in election year (if TPP is done soon), since they could paint Labour as not being ready to be responsible guardians of the economy. Which is never a good space for a major party trying to win an election. But I imagine David Cunliffe is alert to that risk.

    • Lanthanide 7.1
      3 November 2013 at 10:54 am

      “Now I know a lot of people like the idea of KiwiBank, but has it really led to a dramatic change in NZ banking?”

      Yes. Prior to KiwiBank, all ‘everyday’ bank accounts had fees. After KiwiBank started up, all of the big banks introduced various accounts with no monthly fee – there are strings attached, like no chequebook and some require online statements etc, but happily none of those strings are of any inconvenience to myself.

      • felix 7.1.1
        3 November 2013 at 12:24 pm

        It’s worth noting that in Wayne’s world 20 or 30 bucks of bank fees is “indifferent”.

        • Lanthanide 7.1.1.1
          3 November 2013 at 1:19 pm

          A lot of the alternative ‘flat-rate’ options are $5/month, so $60 a year. Which actually is pretty sizeable if you think about it in terms of interest on savings: equivalent to $3,000 in a bank account earning 3% and paying tax at the 33% rate. Then again maybe $3,000 sitting in a savings account isn’t much to Wayne, either.

          Or you can go with one of the old-fashioned “pay as you go” accounts that charge you fees for using EFTPOS etc, as if it’s some fan-dangled new technology that “kids these days” are hip with.

  8. Populuxe1 8
    3 November 2013 at 11:46 am

    Except that New Zealand First passed KiwiSure as a policy remit at thier convention several weeks ago and it’s virtually identical though perhaps better thought out

    • Curwen Rolinson 8.2
      3 November 2013 at 12:09 pm

      I have to say … I may be biased, but “KiwiSure” just rolls off the tongue easier than “KiwiAssure”.

      Cunliffe certainly seems to think so – he keeps dropping the “A” when he says it in interviews!

    • insider 8.3
      3 November 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Better thought out? Really? Exactly how will it work, how is it going to be funded? How will the risks be managed? What will it cost? I’ve seen nothing on that in Cunliffe’s speech or media release. For a so called major policy I’d expect a bit more than a clichéd name and it will be sold through post shops (no doubt furtHer lengthening the queues). Kiwi bank is struggling so is hardly a great model. I note Cunliffe’s hedged his bets with a discrete ‘subject to a business case’.

      • Macro 8.3.1
        3 November 2013 at 1:06 pm

        Of course State insurance was always a dog…As is ACC… I mean you twist your ankle – go see the doc – all those forms and stuff .. pay thru the nose…. Govt insurance has never been tried before and is bound to fail…

        • insider 8.3.1.1
          3 November 2013 at 1:08 pm

          So are you saying acc is the model? They are going for compulsory insurance?

          • Macro 8.3.1.1.1
            3 November 2013 at 1:45 pm

            compulsory insurance! What a bloody good idea!
            Of course public health isn’t insurance and look how poorly that works.. compulsory health insurance.. maybe Obama should have thought of that… Bloody governments get their fingers in the insurance pie…

        • Rogue Trooper 8.3.1.2
          3 November 2013 at 1:09 pm

          lol

        • Curwen Rolinson 8.3.1.3
          3 November 2013 at 1:10 pm

          “Government insurance has never been tried before and is bound to fail”

          Well with an attitude like that …

          Also, no, I think you’ll find if you open a history book that New Zealand used to actually HAVE government insurance. Why did you think State Insurance was called State..?

      • Curwen Rolinson 8.3.2
        3 November 2013 at 1:09 pm

        You would appear to have misread my party comrade’s comments. We are not Labourites.

        We are from New Zealand First, and we are praising *our own* KiwiSure concept, not heaping opprobium or praise on Labour’s “KiwiAssure”.

        • Lanthanide 8.3.2.1
          3 November 2013 at 1:23 pm

          I wonder if KiwiSure was the name Labour had initially cooked up and NZFirst snatched it up first.

        • greywarbler 8.3.2.2
          3 November 2013 at 2:11 pm

          Good to know that Labour and NZFirst agree on this insurance scheme. What other matter are they in parallel on.

          • Curwen Rolinson 8.3.2.2.1
            3 November 2013 at 2:16 pm

            Well we don’t like asset sales … but it remains to be seen whether Labour will join NZ First’s call for renationalization, or endorse our stance of retaining a 65 age of retirement.

      • felix 8.3.3
        3 November 2013 at 1:14 pm

        “Kiwi bank is struggling so is hardly a great model.”

        Yeah, KB is totally failing to suck kiwis dry like the foreign banks do. 🙄

  9. tricledrown 9
    3 November 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Wayne has found his brain .
    But the Tpp will not be in place anytime this side of 2020.
    As it requires govts to drop agricultural tariffs.
    Conservative govts rely on the rural vote for power they will cut off the hands that feed them!
    Korea Japan The US will not give one inch on farm subsidies!

  10. tricledrown 10
    3 November 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Populuxe that will mean it will be a good fit for NZ1st as a coalition partner.

    • Curwen Rolinson 10.1
      3 November 2013 at 12:16 pm

      pledge to renationalize assets first.

      Then we may talk.

      Rest assured NZ First has many awesome ideas for you to pirate. We don’t even mind giving a few away for free for the good of the Nation 😀

      • Tat Loo (CV) 10.1.1
        3 November 2013 at 12:21 pm

        Bearing in mind that any sertious talk of the govt bulk buying back shares is likely to cause the share price to dramatically rise, giving the big institutional investors an instant win fall.

        It’d have to be done smart, were it to be done.

        • Curwen Rolinson 10.1.1.1
          3 November 2013 at 12:38 pm

          lol, who said we’d be renationalizing at the market rate? That WOULD be a problem.

          NZF policy’s the state reacquires the shares at no more than the purchase price. Turns asset sales into an effective zero-percent-interest-loan.

          (although we really must introduce you Labourites to the PowerBond scheme we passed at our last Convention 🙂 Ain’t gonna be no large institutional investors loving it)

          • Rogue Trooper 10.1.1.1.1
            3 November 2013 at 1:10 pm

            Fawking funny Guy! 😀

            • Curwen Rolinson 10.1.1.1.1.1
              3 November 2013 at 2:22 pm

              you wait till you see the actual policy. It’s hilarious.

              (Provided you’re not a foreign pension fund, investor or carpet-bagger)

              • Rogue Trooper …
                3 November 2013 at 2:29 pm

                I’ve always maintained, Winston earns that constituency which is there for the taking. All credit to him for a man who perpetually rends the english language asunder. Now, time for a cuppa-tea.

              • MrSmith …
                3 November 2013 at 9:12 pm

                What’s funny is by the sounds of things NZ First won’t be involved in any coalition with National after the next election.

              • Tat Loo (CV) …
                3 November 2013 at 10:38 pm

                Mr Rolinson. Random question for interests’ sake.

                Does your ordinary membership take a vote on who NZF would enter into coalition with, if anyone?

                Or is it a purely NZF caucus decision, divorced of input from your members?

                • Curwen Rolinson …
                  4 November 2013 at 8:00 am

                  Legit question, Tat.

                  I’m given to understand that the official way we do things is the Parliamentary Caucus gets a say, and the Board of Directors (which I’m on, by some bizzare piece of happenstance) gets a say. The Board is supposed to represent the wishes and will of the Membership in this equation.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    4 November 2013 at 8:10 am

                    Thanks for your reply. And, congratulations Curwen, I’d read about that.

                    • Curwen Rolinson …
                      4 November 2013 at 8:29 am

                      Ahaha. Thanks. Well if you’re referring to what I think you’re referring to, congratulations may be a little premature. I believe I find out the outcome tonight.

                      Depending on how it goes, solidarity and support may prove more appropriate.

            • bad12 10.1.1.1.1.2
              4 November 2013 at 8:26 am

              As seen on TV, Backbenchers i do believe…

  11. Paul 11
    3 November 2013 at 12:10 pm

    KiwiBank
    Kiwi Assure
    Kiwi Build

    • Rednex 11.1
      3 November 2013 at 1:08 pm

      I don’t like Kiwi Assure (the name that is not the policy) just doesn’t trip of the tongue well. Should run a competition on it…

      • Curwen Rolinson 11.1.1
        3 November 2013 at 1:11 pm

        Lol. NZ First came up with “KiwiSure” two weeks ago as a name. How does that sound to you?

        • Tat Loo (CV) 11.1.1.1
          3 November 2013 at 10:38 pm

          Labour couldn’t possibly use that mate. It might make it look like we were copying policy off you, or something…

          • Curwen Rolinson 11.1.1.1.1
            4 November 2013 at 8:01 am

            Lol, we’re always more than happy to provide progressive … inspiration 😀

            • bad12 11.1.1.1.1.1
              4 November 2013 at 8:28 am

              By the way, welcome to the Standard, a NZfirst perspective will be an ‘interesting’ addition to the debate…

              • Curwen Rolinson …
                4 November 2013 at 8:53 am

                Thanks. There’s been a few of us NZF people who’ve occasionally inhabited the comments-threads of The Standard for awhile now (Hello Populuxe et al), but it’s nice to have a more formalized welcome 🙂

                I’m sure you’ll find we’ve got creative contributions to the national conversation.

                • bad12 …
                  4 November 2013 at 9:14 am

                  Lolz, i am finding NZFirst now has 3 policies that i agree with, taking back the power generators,(should wait for the Labour/Green single buyer to kick in first which will have them begging to unload the proceeds of such theft),

                  65 as the age of retirement Full Stop, (although i would entertain a look at an abatement rate for those who choose to work and collect the pension),

                  The insurance biz,(can’t find any objection in my bones,Government has a role in business especially where manufacture can lead to a more valuable export commodity for our primary goods, the super-fund should be the beneficiary of all such Government business)…

                  • Curwen Rolinson …
                    4 November 2013 at 9:34 am

                    😀

                    #Renationalization’s awesome, yeah. You’re also correct to note there’s a potential synergy between NZPower and Renatioanlization – although it may potentially be a little unfair to some of the actual mum & dad investors (yes, there are some out there) to renatioanlize for *too* terribly much less than the price we sold them for.

                    Will have to tell you about the PowerBonds policy remit we just put through our own Convention on a related note 🙂 (oh, while on power, I do note a cabinet paper prepared by David Parker in iirc 2006 which declared the case for nationalization and amalgamation to produce arguable efficiency gains over single-buyer)

                    65’s legit, and I’m glad we’re exerting electoral gravity (so to speak) by having made that a bottom line. How do you feel about Compulsory National Savings?

                    And yeah, you’re right – KiwiFund and KiwiBank (along with, surprise surprise, Kiwis) ought to be the main beneficiaries of government business and transactions.

                    Here’s another NZF policy you’ll agree with : doing everything in our power to ensure government banks with Kiwibank rather than foreign owned ones 😀

                    • bad12 …
                      4 November 2013 at 10:17 am

                      Definitely agree on the banking, it will tho take a serious cash injection and some robust IT work to bring KiwiBank up to such a capability but there is plenty of time to accomplish both while the clock ticks away the time left on the Westpac contract,(doing so as far as IT goes might need the setting up of an IT campus where one company is not of such robustness as to be able to carry out all the necessary work but a number of IT companies working together probably could),

                      The other leg of this policy has already been signaled by Labour/Green in that all Government spending should be examined line by line and Favor given to those firms based in New Zealand employing Kiwi’s and paying their fair share of tax,

                      The areas of policy agreement across the Labour/Green/NZFirst spectrum seem to be piling up in such a fashion as to out-weigh the disagreements and as far as i can see such disagreements are more to do with the means of achievement and the extent of the policy reach than the actual policy outcomes…

                    • Tat Loo …
                      4 November 2013 at 10:34 am

                      How do you feel about Compulsory National Savings?

                      It’s got to be kept well away from the private investment banking and hedgefund sector, for starters.

                      Idea:

                      The government puts your money into your own KiwiBank national savings account, which sits there as a massive cash asset on the government’s balance sheet, to which it electronically credits 1.0% interest per month for the first $10,000 invested. This is new money, electronically generated, designed to push the circulation of money into the economy from the ground up, and benefiting small savers the most.

                      No need for it to be invested in speculative markets.

                • karol …
                  4 November 2013 at 9:15 am

                  Hi Curwen.

                  Are you claiming Populuxe as one of yours? Or as a strong critic of NZFers?

  12. Foreign Waka 12
    3 November 2013 at 12:19 pm

    Q&A this morning: Paula Bennett is so below par that it is astounding that even a National Party welcoming all the rhetoric and denying poverty, is keeping this person in her job. On the question of whether her department should actually do the research instead of private funding via the Children’s commissioner – her answer is no! My god, why is she paid in the first place. Even the business lobby knows that what you cannot measure, you cannot manage. Perhaps this is what quintessential the issue is: National does not WANT to measure as it would become quite clear that NZ has now outpaced the British from last century by far. I admire Dr Russel Wills for his professional approach and his commitment to change the situation. Perhaps he should be in charge of that issue and his recommendations binding. 265 000 children in poverty – NZ shame on you!

  13. Fisiani 13
    3 November 2013 at 4:53 pm

    So correct me if wrong but nationalised electricity, nationalised insurance and nationalised building. More tax, more borrowing , more government spending. The North Korea of the South Pacific. And there will be still more bribes to come. 1,000,000 votes to come apparently from raising minimum wage and paying even teenagers working for the government a wage dreamed up for a family of four despite these policies costing at least 50,000 job losses.
    There come a point when no amount of emotive language and crocodile tears will be able to con the public. They are not that gullible.
    If I am wrong and they are that gullible and believe in the money fairies then the Labour/Green polling should be over 50% next poll.

    • Paul 13.1
      3 November 2013 at 5:22 pm

      Fisiani, are you:
      a) a disciple of neo-liberalism and so indoctrinated you believe in the cult of selfishness as proposed by Ayn Rand ..despite all the evidence now apparent.
      b) a paid puppet of the corporates who write their spin.
      c) a member of the 1% yourself who actually benefits from the present paradigm.

      Just wondering what motivates you to write the rubbish you do.

      • Fisiani 13.1.1
        3 November 2013 at 6:43 pm

        no to a b and c. Simply stating the truth Paul. I believe that the public are actually quite intelligent. They want prosperity, higher wages and more jobs, all of which are guaranteed by the proven success of National rather than the monstrosity of a Green/Labour/Mana/NZF ungovernable job destruction coalition.

    • Puddleglum 13.2
      3 November 2013 at 10:35 pm

      “So correct me if wrong but nationalised electricity, nationalised insurance and nationalised building.”

      Hi Fisiani, yes you are wrong. NZPower, KiwiAssure and Kiwibuild do not involve the nationalisation of those industries.

  14. Tracey 14
    3 November 2013 at 5:15 pm

    You may stand corrected. You are wrong. Yes 47% of new zealanders are gullible. In the same way you continue to swallow the lies of the nats dangling the possibility of future prosperity so you will vote for policies that actual keep you stagnant and the 1% rolling on. Like you many cling to the idea that they are doing good because you would rather be foolish than admit they have duped you on so many fronts.

    • KJT 14.1
      4 November 2013 at 10:38 am

      I wouldn’t say that New Zealanders are gullible on the whole. Misinformed is nearer the mark.

      • Tracey 14.1.1
        4 November 2013 at 10:49 am

        sure, but I was referring to those who voted for national in the last election. Make a fool of me once shame on you, make a fool of me twice, shame on me type thing…

  15. Tracey 15
    3 November 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Fisiani

    creating a new state insurance entity is not nationalisation. The dictionary can be your friend.

  16. lolita bother 16
    3 November 2013 at 6:34 pm

    Hey Fisiani at 4:53 pm

    ”
    So correct me if wrong but nationalised electricity, nationalised insurance and nationalised building. More tax, more borrowing , more government spending. The North Korea of the South Pacific. And there will be still more bribes to come. 1,000,000 votes to come apparently from raising minimum wage and paying even teenagers working for the government a wage dreamed up for a family of four despite these policies costing at least 50,000 job losses.
    There come a point when no amount of emotive language and crocodile tears will be able to con the public. They are not that gullible.
    If I am wrong and they are that gullible and believe in the money fairies then the Labour/Green polling should be over 50% next poll.
    ”

    You print that on an Lprint or Karol entry you get banned for two weeks pal. You lucky Eddie not so extreme

  17. Psycho Milt 17
    3 November 2013 at 7:31 pm

    Would it kill them to either call a thing what it is (eg, State Insurance) or use a bit of fucking imagination? It feels like the current Labour incumbents think naming something involves sticking “Kiwi” on the front of it. Two terms into the next government we’ll have Kiwiair, Kiwicops, Kiwihealth, Kiwischools and Christ alone knows what the fuck else. Kiwinationallibrary, anyone?

  18. Dumrse 18
    3 November 2013 at 8:44 pm

    “The purists can weep”. The only weeping will be the policy holders when the kiwiasure goes tits up because it can’t cover the first tsunami let alone a half decent shake.

    • Tracey 18.1
      4 November 2013 at 10:50 am

      you mean like AMI needed boosting from the government????

    • KJT 18.2
      4 November 2013 at 11:44 am

      Like AMI and all the Christchurch private insurers that people are still waiting for payments from.

      The ones that took our money for decades and suddenly cannot afford to pay out without doubling premiums.

      Yeah right.

  19. tricledrown 19
    3 November 2013 at 10:34 pm

    Dumrse all insurers use reinsures to cover their arse.
    But there is no cover for being dumb unless u vote for National or Act you can become a right wing policy consultant all you have to do is tell lies and act dumb.
    Perfect fit 4u dumrse.

  20. One Anonymous Knucklehead 20
    4 November 2013 at 8:23 am

    Throwing words around equals critique, apparently, in right wing land.

    Is there any criticism of this policy that isn’t frothing at the mouth?

    I guess that’s why Cunliffe wants to see the business case; the local Tea Party doesn’t have the chops. Better wingnuts please.

  21. Crunchtime 21
    4 November 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Please fix your rogue apostrophes…

    “David Cunliffe’s policy is about giving Kiwi’s the ability to ensure…”

    should be

    “David Cunliffe’s policy is about giving Kiwis the ability to ensure…”

    An apostrophe is used for abbreviation or ownership. No other reason. You do not put an apostrophe before an s for a plural. Ever.

    I’m sure we want things to a professional standard.

    Love,
    The Grammar Nazi. 😉

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 hours ago

  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 hours ago

  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 hours ago

  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 hours ago

  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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
    10 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
    12 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
    14 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    3 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
    10 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
    11 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
    12 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T08:32:18+00:00