Todd McClay gets thrown under a bus

Written By: - Date published: 7:22 am, July 26th, 2016 - 56 comments
Categories: China, International, john key, making shit up, national, spin, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

This is getting boring.

It goes like this:

  1.  Key says something really stupid.
  2. Relevant Minister also says something stupid.
  3. It is discovered that reality is nothing like what has been spun.
  4. Media questions Key.
  5. Minister gets thrown under a bus.

Paula Bennett has tyre marks all over her.  Todd McClay is the latest one to develop visible tread marks.

The approach is appropriate.  National clearly understands that Brand Key is the one thing which may save them next election.  And he has to be protected and the others are all expendable.

Borrowing heavily from this post a week ago this was the story:

Speaking shortly after his arrival in Indonesia for a three-day trade trip, Key sought to pour cold water on the idea of any Chinese retaliation.

While he could not confirm whether MBIE had received a complaint about steel dumping, due to the confidentiality of the complaints regime, the Government had received “no indications” of Chinese concerns about possible anti-dumping duties, or potential retribution.

“Even if there was a complaint, and even if it was investigated, whether a country like China would take retaliatory action against New Zealand, I don’t believe that’s the case that they would.

“There’ll be lots and lots of ways of them looking to resolve issues if there were any, but it wouldn’t be through the sort of things that we’ve seen reported.”

Key said there was no “substantiated source” confirming that China would take action against New Zealand exports, only speculation.

Nek minnit …

In a major backdown, the Government confirms it was told a Chinese industry body had approached a New Zealand exporter, venting anger over a complaint against alleged steel dumping practices.

But Trade Minister Todd McClay says Mofcom – China’s trade ministry equivalent – has denied any knowledge that an approach occurred.

His comments come after government insistence that claims of trade reprisals from a steel dumping complaint against China imports were unfounded.

That was despite trade officials being warned about Chinese anger by a key exporter, Zespri.

And now this.  An apology from McClay for apparently forcing Key to tell fibs.

McClay has released a statement saying this:

Trade Minister Todd McClay has today reiterated that the Government has sought and received assurances from the Chinese Government that any competition issues would not impact on trade between the two countries.

Mr McClay is responding to reports that retaliatory action could be imposed if an investigation is launched into allegations of steel dumping.

“On my return from Indonesia I asked my office for a full review of the broader issues around this matter.

“I want to make it clear today that there have been discussions and limited correspondence over the past few months as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has endeavoured to assess the veracity of these reports.

“I remain limited in what I can say as there are legislative constraints around the reporting of competition complaints that are not yet under investigation. These remain confidential until such time as any investigation is launched and publicly notified.

“Having said that, at the time I should have requested a more thorough briefing before I responded to questions on this issue.

“I have apologised to the Prime Minister for not being able to provide more details at the time.

Of course China would say there would be no trade repercussions to New Zealand raising trade issues about steel dumping.  Can you imagine them saying anything elsewhere ?

Radio New Zealand has this synopsis of what McClay has been saying:

While in Indonesia last week, Mr McClay initially said there was no hard proof of any trade spat with China and the story of Chinese officials threatening kiwifruit, dairy and wool exporters was “extremely hypothetical”.

A few days later, Mr McClay said he remembered he had been personally briefed on the matter by his ministry the week before when he was in China.

Now, in a written statement released on Monday, he said ministry officials had been dealing with the matter for the past few months.

“I want to make it clear today that there have been discussions and limited correspondence over the past few months as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has endeavoured to assess the veracity of these reports,” his statement said.

So we have gone from there being no hard proof of any trade spat and an extremely hypothetical story to McClay recalls being personally briefed to officials have been dealing with the matter for the past few months to now officials have been dealing with the issue for the past few months and he is limited in what he can say because there is an investigation under way.

Key has criticised McClay for dancing on the head of a pin in saying that the only contact had been between a non Chinese Government entity and Zespri. I think the criticism should be vicariously applied to this Government because this sort of event seems to happen all the time.

And there is this weird article where the DPMC suggests that it had not informed Key or his office about the complaint even thought a trade war with China because of sub standard steel is as about as bad as you can imagine.

Lets get real here.  The dumping of sub standard steel in New Zealand by China potentially in breach of WTO requirements, the threat to major transport infrastructure posed by said steel, MFAT investigations and a Minister that says there is no problem, then says that there is a problem but it is under control then apologises for misleading the Prime Minister and he cannot say anything further because of the WTO investigation and we are meant to believe that no one thought to tell Key about what was going on.

Andrew Little is right.  This Government has this pattern of behaviour where a string of tricky denials is made when confronted with potentially damaging issues.  McClay should be sacked as a Minister.  And exactly what Key was told and when needs to be investigated further.

56 comments on “Todd McClay gets thrown under a bus ”

  1. Paul 1

    Key.
    The silent assassin.
    A ruthless *******

    • Mosa 1.1

      Like the job of Pm Key is a useless bus driver.
      McClay and Bennett and some of the others are still ministers and just leaving tyre marks is not good enough.
      Promising higher standards in 2008 Key has failed miserably.

      • Patricia Duff 1.1.1

        Is the tide turning ?? lets wait and see. hope Labor party has the capital to cover all it’s promises, and the supporters ((that did not turn up last time to vote)) If less time was spent on the insults and more time trying to unite the country life would be less complicated all round

        If I was to select the leader for Labor it would be Annette King, her many years in politics she is well respected by all and has the ability to conduct herself still stand by her political beliefs
        Andrew looks angry all the time, he smiles only when he is going to make a judgement on one of the opposition

        John Key has by now developed a thick skin which enables him not to be loved by all, but in hindsight doing the best he can

  2. As I observed many years ago, John Key lies even when he doesn’t have to, even when telling the truth would be to his advantage. It’s fun for him, a game even. Clearly his arrogance has rubbed off on his team, but it’s clear from McClay, Bennett and myriad others that his ministers just don’t have his lizard eyed skills in this area.

    But for future reference, any time a National Minister starts a sentence with the word “so”, they are lying. Hope this helps.

    • dukeofurl 2.1

      I see his lies in his stock phrase ‘I havent been briefed’ which seems to mean many things but almost always really means -I have heard that..

      Im guessing he is never ‘briefed’ in the very formal sense of a report written for his consumption which he personally reads.
      These things are delegated to his political staff…maybe even his limo driver… and then afterwards Key has a ‘chat’ about it and other things.

    • thechangeling 2.2

      Very pertinent and humorous comments there TRP.

    • Kevin 2.3

      Lying is his default position. It is as natural to him as breathing. It is that simple.

  3. Neil 3

    The Standard gives a wilfully naive NZ Herald a lesson in journalism and politics:

    “Paula Bennett has tyre marks all over her. Todd McClay is the latest one to develop visible tread marks.
    The approach is appropriate. National clearly understands that Brand Key is the one thing which may save them next election. And he has to be protected and the others are all expendable.”

    It’s great for the Standard, but very sad for NZ democracy, that this blog is able to provide context, historical precedents, inquisitive analysis, and an open assessment of the facts, while the country’s largest daily newspaper looks more and more like a mass grave of journalistic integrity.
    #nzheraldwherebalancedjournalismgoestodie

    • The Lone Haranguer 3.1

      To be fair tho, Todd McClay deserved to be thrown under a bus – for being too stupid to recognise an important matter in his portfolio. He should be chucked from Cabinet too.

      I recall Ms Clark having a pretty similar policy. But just as her judgement and control over her ministers lost focus in her third term, so has Key’s judgement and control over his ministers.

      I guess by the third term of a government, those who were junior at the start, have enjoyed the Limo rides and with inflated egos, figure they are the future and their judgements are sound.

      Labour needs to look at what the Nats did right in the third term of Clark, in terms of organisation and staying on point, and work from there.

      Sure the message will be different, but the structures and the “one voice” deal should be the same.

  4. Sabine 4

    i think this might fit the message of the day
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG9TAD9TcIs

  5. Mike Bond 5

    And another issue blown up out of all proportion y Labour. Glad to see the usual “Fire him” thrown in! I just hope that one day if Labour ever get back into power, they remember these calls to sack this one and sack that one for no real reason at all, that they will be sacking their ministers for the same reasons. Question-What is the shortest career in New Zealand? Being a minister in a Labour lead government!!!!!

    • Gangnam Style 5.1

      Brought out the big guns early, “Labour did it tooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 5.2

      I note you didn’t mention the way these little ‘mistakes’ follow a clear pattern. One that consistently presents initially false information, and then twists and turns until the facts come out.

      If these were genuine mistakes there would be no pattern.

      How many Tranzrail shares was it again?

      • Chuck 5.2.1

        “If these were genuine mistakes there would be no pattern.”

        I knew it! OAB you suffer from Apophenia 🙂

        • One Anonymous Bloke 5.2.1.1

          I note that, unable to address the argument, you went straight to ad hominem, and further, that you have moved from ignorance to laughter.

          • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.1.1

            +1

          • Leftie 5.2.1.1.2

            +1 OAB

          • Chuck 5.2.1.1.3

            “you went straight to ad hominem” ok sorry OAB… but its just so easy with your one dimensional rants!

            BTW: There is no argument, McClay will have learned from this…end of story.

            • framu 5.2.1.1.3.1

              “McClay will have learned from this”

              yeah – that lesson is “tell lies like your boss does and your all sweet”

    • Observer Toke 5.3

      .
      . Hi Mr Mike Bond

      . You lick like a lackey. You will keep licking day by day, hour by hour, right down into the National Party and NZ Herald sewer. Slurping away like a little loyal parasite.

      . At least the Sewer is your normal environment. If you ever get into power don’t forget where you come from.

      .

      • Mike Bond 5.3.1

        A good childish response I see. Would have been disappointed if there was none!

    • Leftie 5.4

      You sound very worried Mike Bond. Even you know it’s not looking good for key and his Nats.

      • Mike Bond 5.4.1

        Are you serious? Why would I be worried? Last poll (and I agree it was a bit over the top) is a true reflection of the conversations I hear out there! I must however agree with being worried that Little could one day sneak in and be our PM. Watched him on TV this morning and it is scary to think he would represent this great country. Key has caused us some embarrassment, but Little would take it to a new level.

        • Leftie 5.4.1.1

          I don’t think anyone could destroy, embarrass and shame our country like John key is doing. NZ is not great anymore, traitor John the Con has seen to that.
          Thanks for proving you are indeed extremely worried about key and his Nats, even you know the reign of the terrible Nats is coming to an end.

          • Mike Bond 5.4.1.1.1

            Help me out here please. On what do you base your assumption that the Nats time is over?

            • In Vino 5.4.1.1.1.1

              Normally I cannot stand that silly, arrogant phrase ‘end of story’. Favourite of simplistic fools. But you used it above. So try this, and swallow your own medicine. The Government that promotes dirty profit-gougers deserves to be thrown out for its consistent dishonesty. End of story.

              Is that simple enough for you?

              • Mike Bond

                “Favourite of simplistic fools”. You said it! As for throwing the current government out, I actually might agree with you, but who do we replace them with? Please don’t make a bigger fool of yourself and say that the current Labour party with Little as it’s leader are a better option!

                • One Anonymous Bloke

                  Why, has Little demonstrated a clear pattern of reflexive lying?

                  • Mike Bond

                    Little just makes stupid promises that are firstly not costed and secondly not attainable in the real world. He is a union lacky and is very good at spending others money. This country will collapse financialy if we allowed the current opposition near our treasury benches.

                    • framu

                      your actually describing key with that statement

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      Yawn. So all you’ve got is lies and other people’s slogans. Why do you hate the freedoms of assembly and expression so much?

            • Kevin 5.4.1.1.1.2

              It doesn’t have to be, but ‘time for a change’ has worked before.

    • simbit 5.5

      Nah bol, this is serious…

  6. ianmac 6

    Todd: Hey Boss. There is a problem with China threatening retaliation over cheap steel.
    John: No problem buddy. Just keep quiet about it.
    Todd: Are you sure Boss?
    John: Are you doubting my judgement McLay?
    Todd: Sorry Boss. You are always right.
    A few months later.
    John: I was never told. McLay has let us down. Naughty boy Todd. You must know that even when I am wrong, I am right.

  7. Repateet 7

    I know it’s current but why pick on poor Todd?

    The fact is that is the way “they” operate. Collins, Parata, Bridges … and the conductor of that sad band, Key.

  8. Wyndham 8

    Nothing to see here Micky. Look at all those nasty possums, rats and stoats over there !

  9. whispering kate 9

    I wonder if Breakfast TV1 given the same opportunity of a billboard taking the mickey out of the PM (and there have been plenty of them in the past), would have given him a bit of a goading, I think not – its just the same old bias of our MSM, fortunately Andrew Little had a laugh about it – I think he has had to deal with far more difficult people in his prior job to worry over fluff like this. Breakfast most of the time is bloody useless anyway, it works as background noise but occasionally you get a gem on which is nice.

    • dukeofurl 9.1

      Its got the hallmarks of a ‘photoshop’ from Jason Eade, as he used to commission the stuff for use by Whaleoil and others.

      So I imagine hes left the previous place he went to hide after being hounded out of the 9th flr… but kept his security pass… and is now back on payroll.

    • mosa 9.2

      Breakfast is only good when you are eating it.
      That program dumbs down the viewers and victims before they even start their day !
      And of course a perfect platform for Key too spin his bullshit for another week , its like the hangover effect on a week day … it just makes you sick.

  10. Leftie 10

    McClay isn’t the only one that should and needs to be sacked, John Key and the rest of his dirty crew should be sacked too.

  11. Gabby 11

    Dammit, Toddie, always check Pony’s hat.

  12. Eevee 12

    Re. Todd McClay’s “Sorry, boss” – is JK losing control of his Ministers? is there a list (and dates) of staff who has said this to John Key? does JK have too much unsubstantiated trust in his staff? How does this reflect on his ability to select the best people to guide NZ towards a Brighter Future?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 12.1

      At least they’ve set a date for when we can expect to see it 😈

  13. Justme 13

    Really the amazing ability of this government to tell porkies, react with denial and blame someone else but themselves is getting so stupid.
    I get the impression that ‘head of the pin’ that McClay is dancing on is becoming very overcrowded with National MPs saying and doing stupid things all the time now. Not a week goes by when a National MP is caught in the headlights and made to look a complete and utter idiot and a failure.
    But Key merely pats them(his MPs)on the back and does stuff all. Perhaps he too is dancing on the pin-head and knows that one wrong step will slide him quickly off the pedastool he thinks he is on.
    And yet after almost 8 years in government it is very much likely the Key government have become arrogant. They live by the adage that they can do no wrong but time and again they show themselves for the idiots they truly are.
    This government probably had no intention on letting NZers know about the sub-standard steel coming in from China. But then this is what we have come to expect from a sub-standard government. It’s a shame this government has become a joke.
    This reminds me of an Irish joke where the pilot of a stricken plane gives the ‘brains of Ireland’ the last ‘parachute’. Once the ‘brains of Ireland’ has strapped on the parachute and jumped out of the plane the pilot then tells the rest of the passengers that he(the brains of Ireland)jumped out with a flight bag strapped to his back. That is the Key government ie the “Brains of Ireland”(no offence intended here to Ireland which I am 100% are more intelligent than Key & co can ever be).It’s just the Key government have absolutely no brains between their ears. I am sure they are ruled by the almighty dollar signs and that’s about it.

  14. Gary the newbie 14

    mmmm!!
    Firestone Mclay and Goodyear Bennet
    There’s gotta be a Tui billboard in
    here somewhere

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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

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