Like other recent calls for citizen initiated referendums, the referendum on asset sales was deemed to need more signatures after the initial submission. The eight week window to gather more signatures is now over, and the new signatures will be presented to Parliament today. Lots of them:
Asset petition gathers 45,000 more names
Opponents of the Government’s asset sales programme say they have gathered more than 45,000 new signatures to bump the petition over the threshold for a referendum.
After coming up about 16,500 valid signatures short two months ago, the Keep Our Assets coalition, which includes Labour, the Greens and other opposition parties, along with Grey Power, will present the newly gathered signatures to the Clerk of the House of Representatives tomorrow.
16,500 needed, 45,000 submitted, hopefully after inspection it will be enough to do the trick.
Coalition spokesman Andrew Campbell says that despite the Government already selling 49 percent of Mighty River Power, there was still public enthusiasm to stop further sales of power companies. “You might have thought there would be some weakening of resolve, but we found people were still as committed to getting this referendum,” he told NZ Newswire.
Stupid ideas are always worth opposing, whether the government of the day is half way through implementing them or not. The referendum isn’t binding of course, but other factors may yet derail the remaining sales:
Mr Campbell said the Government’s plan to sell up to 49 percent of power companies was in trouble. The Government would struggle to sell more power company shares as MRP shares were not snapped up by “mum and dad” investors the share price had dropped since the sale, Mr Campbell said.
MRP shares initially went on sale at $2.50 each but are now worth $2.29. On the Australian stock exchange they have dropped from $A2.16 to $A1.97.
You’d have to be a mug to invest in the Nats’ next planned Meridian sale – and they know it, having resorted to desperate tactics to try and drum up interest.
Congratulations to all involved in putting pressure on the government on this issue, and particularly to the organisers and volunteers who collected an amazing number of signatures. The chickens aren’t hatched yet, but either way it has been an amazing effort.
Excellent work! I would expect the majority of the 45000 new signatures will be accepted, because both collectors and the public understand the process better. The great thing is that the issue doesn’t go away for National. For the second election in a row, they will have to advance their pro sales position against the wishes of the majority of kiwis. And I confidently predict National will again fail to get a mandate for the sales.
But you can’t confidently predict that national will lose the election. Which is in effect not gaining a mandate anyway. So you can’t confidently predict anything without looking like a twat.
They already have a mandate and you know it, they won an election with this as their main policy and what’s more they will easily win the next election.
You seem to forget that stopping asset sales labours main policy at the last election, they got thumped.
Oh, dear. Have you forgotten the result of the election already Rich? National didn’t get an outright majority, hence no mandate. They were, however, able to get enough votes to pass the sales legislation with the assistance of ACT, who campaigned for the sales, and United Future, who did not. Parties opposed to the sales fell just short of a majority. That may well change next time around, especially now that the referendum will be a live issue at the same time.
United Future campaigned on supporting the asset sales of the energy SOEs and Air NZ while also campaigning on opposing any further sales beyond those companies.
I don’t mind the right lying out of their asses, it’s what they do. But I’m getting really sick of the centre and left resorting to lie and misinformation; we should be better than that.
Petitions, the lowliest form of political activity, but the torys, âthey donât like it up âem!â As Lance Corporal Jones said repeatedly. Who? âDadâs Armyâ Brit Com.
You guys keep going on about the down trodden and poor in the country and how the gap of equality is growing bigger – figure me this – why is it that John Key is over 60% popular.
There are so many small fractional parties now I don’t know who to vote for:
Is there any truth in the rumour there is a urgent caucus meeting tonight?
for a start your comparing two things that arent easily comparable in a soundbite driven environment
but a few items that are in the mix
1) polls as we know them arent that accurate and highly open to manipulation
2) 60% thought key was the best option for PM ie: out of what there is currently available – not whether they actually like him as PM. Its a comparison question
3) the question asked in the poll was highly unlikely to worded in a way as to link Keys popularity with the current and historical social environment of the country
4) many people dont actively understand and link political ideologies to statistical trends in society – theyre too busy working and/or living in their bubbles
5) the media (and by extensions – us) only really look at politics as a series of isolated events rather than as parts of a timeline that fits certain aspirations and plans
theres more that could be added here – but why does it even need to be pointed out? Is your knowledge of politics and society in NZ, both historical and contemporary really that lacking?
1) polls as we know them arent that accurate and highly open to manipulation (really!!! tell Gillard that in Australia)
2) 60% thought key was the best option for PM ie: out of what there is currently available â not whether they actually like him as PM. Its a comparison question (still 60%)
3) the question asked in the poll was highly unlikely to worded in a way as to link Keys popularity with the current and historical social environment of the country (stll 60%)
4) many people dont actively understand and link political ideologies to statistical trends in society â theyre too busy working and/or living in their bubbles (which makes them really happy with John boy – still 60%)
5) the media (and by extensions â us) only really look at politics as a series of isolated events rather than as parts of a timeline that fits certain aspirations and plans (yep that plane keeps going up for John – as for Labour – they are as bumping as a plane landing in Wellington in reverse)
1) your really thick
2) your being thick on purpose
so, either attempt to show some comprehension in your answer, or at least admit you dont have a clue what your talking about.
When the question you, yourself asked is “why is it that John Key is over 60% popular. “. Just saying “still 60%” over and over again doesnt actually prove anything other then reinforcing the assumption that your a clueless idiot or a tr0ll
come on! – you stink up plenty of threads with you posturing and derailments – how about behaving like an educated adult for a change
“2) 60% thought key was the best option for PM ie: out of what there is currently available â not whether they actually like him as PM. Its a comparison question (still 60%)”
just to highlight (and godwin myself a little) – heres the problem with this
You live some years back in western europe and youve been rung up by a polling company. The question is “Who of the following would you prefer as ruler of europe – hitler, mussolini or stalin?”
Now, if you choose none of the above your answer isnt counted – So do the poll results have an accurate reflection of any of the three candidates actual popularity? or does it more accurately reflect their popularity only in relation to each other, and only by not including the answers where some one didnt make a particular choice?
WTF are you even going on about? what the fuck does cliff fucking richard have to do with anything?
your not even making sense.
did you or did you not ask this question?
—-“why is it that John Key is over 60% popular”
yes/no?
so when someone attempts to have, you know, a civil discussion with you about what the answer to your question might involve, you just sit there and go “still 60%” and “I did 60%” (did 60% of what? 60% of all the crack??)
and if you hadn’t figured out yet – its a logic question, its designed to highlight the problem with assuming a question that asks you to pick from a list of choices is an indicator of actual feeling
I dont really give a shit what the % is, or whether you agree with me or not – but if the best argument youve got is to keep spouting a number all anyone can assume is either your not that bright, your about 3 years old, or your off your meds. Fucks sake – whats wrong with you?
Its as pointless and pathetic as your attempts at basic addition when your were stomping about the place trying to claim that union membership is only 6%. Crawl back under your rock now – go on – off you go
I understand your logic…the polls show 60%.. you were trying to show that it maybe lower…I understand that. However it is not what the public is told. They are told 60%.
For completeness you are right.
For reporting the answer given to the public is 60%… so 60% is all we are ever going to know. So if you can get the pollsters to give the detail you are stuffed.
However the reverse is still the same for the other preferred pm’s. Therefore overall the average of the answers are correct which 60% of whatever number is still 60%.
Maybe you should ease off and accept the poll result
i was replying to YES’s comment “you gave a example of a survey of three dead dictators which makes your anaylsis (sic) very outdated” by making the example more modern and NZ based; since YES seemed to miss the point of your quite obvious point.
^^ Oh, Yes. You’re very good at running the media/WO lines but in this case you seemed to be on the “coup rumor” du jour a lot faster than anyone else.
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It may have been the first sitting week of 2020, but our Government is already in full-swing - managing a strong economy, investing in infrastructure, and working to break the cycle of homelessness. Read below for all that, and more... ...
In a heated debate in Parliament, National's Deputy Leader Paula Bennett claimed that “nearly 1600 patched gang members have been added” since the Coalition Government took power. To illustrate her point, she altered a chart used by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to show her government’s progress in housing to instead ...
Speech by the Rt Hon Winston Peters at Parliament’s Opening 2020 "We all need insurance" This year New Zealanders are going to have a clear choice to make That choice is between: Optimism versus pessimism; More progress versus back to the future; Investment versus divestment; Unity versus division. New Zealand ...
Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones has slammed the Board of Auckland Airport following the airport's runway closing twice within two weeks due to maintenance. Around 2,000 passengers were affected by last week’s runway closures, according to 1NEWS. Another maintenance closure on January 24 saw two international flights and three domestic flights ...
Jenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Broadcasting New Zealand First supports the commissioning of a business case to assess the viability of a new public media entity. “A strong media environment is critical for a healthy democracy. New Zealand First is a strong supporter of a diverse, independent media,” New Zealand First broadcasting spokesperson ...
Pounamou and technology industries in the West Coast region are set to receive more than $2 million in Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funding. This was announced by the Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau during Waitangi Day commemorations in Hokitika. He said $800,000 would be given to Development West ...
New legislation is being proposed which aims to reduce the stress and financial hardship caused by late payments to small businesses. The Minister for Small Business Stuart Nash is considering stricter rules around payment practices between businesses. “Late payments from large organisations to smaller suppliers can be crippling for these ...
A new partnership programme between the New Zealand Police and Fiji Police will focus on combatting transnational organised crime and enhancing investigative skills, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on the first day of her visit to Fiji. The programme will see: · New Zealand Institute of Environmental Science and Research ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama met today in Suva, and renewed their commitment to continue to strengthen Fiji-New Zealand relations on a foundation of shared values and equal partnership. The Prime Ministers acknowledged the kinship between Fijians and New Zealanders, one that has endured over ...
A $19.9 million investment from the Provincial Growth Fund will help develop essential infrastructure for an industrial hub in the Bay of Plenty town of Kawerau, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says. “The funding will go to three projects to further develop the Putauaki Trust Industrial Hub, an industrial ...
The Provincial Growth Fund is investing $8.3 million on a roading package for Mahia that will lead to greater and wider economic benefits for the region and beyond, Under Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced at an event in Mahia today. The $8.3 million announced consists of: $7 ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has welcomed new reporting showing the Coalition Government is on track to meet its child poverty targets, with 18,400 children lifted out of poverty as a result of the Families Package. Stats NZ has released the first set of comprehensive child poverty statistics since the Government ...
Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter today announced that Bikes in Schools facilities have been rolled out to 20,000 more kiwi kids under this Government. She made the announcement at the opening of a new bike track at Henderson North School in Auckland. “Bikes in Schools facilities give kids ...
Benefit settings rise in line with wages as of 1 April Main benefits will increase by over 3 percent, instead of 1.66 percent, on 1 April with the Government’s decision to annually adjust benefit rates to increases in the average wage. The Minister for Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni, said ...
Strengthening New Zealand’s political and business ties with India will be the focus of Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters’ and Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker’s visit to India this week. The Ministers are co-leading a high level business delegation to India to support increased people and economic engagement ...
The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio continues to champion for greater Pacific participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers with the announcement of the Toloa Awards, with 8 recipients of the Toloa Community Fund and 13 Toloa Tertiary Scholarships. “The Toloa Programme encourages more Pacific peoples ...
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage has extended the date for people to have their say on proposed changes to improve management of whitebait across New Zealand. Submissions were due to close on 2 March 2020 but will now remain open until 9am on Monday 16 March 2020. “I have ...
The endangered toroa/Antipodean albatross has new international protection for its 100,000km annual migration, thanks to collaborative efforts led by New Zealand, Australia and Chile. Today, 130 countries agreed to strictly protect Antipodean albatross at the Conference of Parties on the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild ...
No sales to under-18-year-olds No advertising and sponsorship of vaping products and e-cigarettes No vaping or smokeless tobacco in smokefree areas Regulates vaping product safety comprehensively, - including devices, flavours and ingredients Ensure vaping products are available for those who want to quit smoking Vaping regulation that balances ...
Justice Minister Andrew Little will travel to Berlin tomorrow to represent New Zealand at a high-level summit on nuclear disarmament. This year, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) celebrates 50 years since it entered into force. “New Zealand’s proud record and leadership on nuclear disarmament is unwavering, so it’s important we are present ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will visit two of New Zealand’s most important Pacific partners, Fiji and Australia, next week. The visit to Fiji will be the first by a New Zealand Prime Minister in four years and comes during the 50th anniversary of Fijian independence and diplomatic relations between our ...
Justice Minister Andrew Little and New Zealand First MP Darroch Ball, have today announced the appointment of the Chief Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), the location, and the membership of the Establishment Advisory Group. Colin Carruthers QC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of the CCRC for an ...
Māori Development Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta and Agriculture Minister Hon Damien O’Connor co-announced the first horticultural finalists for the Ahuwhenua Trophy celebrating excellence in the Māori agricultural sector. The three finalists are Ngai Tukairangi Trust from Mt Maunganui, Otama Marere Trust from Tauranga, and Hineora Orchard Te Kaha 15B Ahuwhenua ...
A new kete of resources to strengthen support for students with dyslexia will provide extra tools for the new Learning Support Coordinators (LSCs) as they start in schools, Associate Education Minister Tracey Martin announced today. The Minister launched the kete in Wellington this morning, at the first of three induction ...
The Government continues to make progress on a fairer and more secure rental market for renters and landlords with the First Reading of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill and its referral to the Social Services and Community Select Committee. “Now is the opportunity for landlords, tenants and others who want ...
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Hon James Marape will visit New Zealand from 21-25 February, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. “New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have a warm and friendly relationship. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Marape here and strengthening the relationship between our two countries,” ...
Thousands of children have begun receiving a free lunch on every day of the school week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. The Government’s free and healthy school lunch programme is under way for 7,000 students at 31 schools in Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti and Bay of Plenty / Waiariki, extending ...
The Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni today announced a new approach that continues to broaden the Government’s social sector focus from a narrow, investment approach to one centred on people and wellbeing. Minister Sepuloni said redefining the previous approach to social investment by combining science, data and lived experience ...
The Government is strengthening the Protected Disclosures Act to provide better protection for whistle blowers, Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins said today. “The Protected Disclosures Act is meant to encourage people to speak up about serious wrongdoing in the workplace and protect them from losing their jobs or being ...
Nǐn hǎo (Hello in Mandarin). Xīn Nián Kuài Lè (Happy New Year in Mandarin) Néi Hóu (Hello in Cantonese). Sun Nin Fai Lok (Happy New Year in Cantonese) Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for your invitation to attend this celebration today. I would like to acknowledge ...
Kia ora. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Nau mai haere mai ki te Whare Pāremata. E ngā mana whenua ki tēnei rohe Taranaki Whānui, Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa – kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi. E ngā mana, e ...
Kia ora. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Nau mai haere mai ki te Whare Pāremata. E ngā mana whenua ki tēnei rohe Taranaki Whānui, Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa – kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi. E ngā mana, e ngā ...
Tougher penalties for gun crime are a step closer with the passage of firearms reform legislation through another stage in Parliament. The Arms Legislation Bill has tonight passed its Second Reading. “The changes have one objective - to prevent firearms falling into the wrong hands,” said Police Minister Stuart Nash. ...
Introduction Mr Speaker We all know why we are here today. It has been a long journey. The journey did not actually begin on 15 March 2019. It began on 30 June 1997. Almost 23 years ago, Justice Sir Thomas Thorp told us what was wrong with our firearms legislation. ...
The Government’s work to put trades and vocational education back on the agenda took another major step forward today with the passing of the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. “This is a watershed day for trades and vocational education. These law changes formalise ...
Speeding up the return of Christchurch regeneration activities to local leadership is behind the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament today by Minister Megan Woods. “As we approach nine years since the February 2011 earthquake in Canterbury, and with the transition to local leadership well underway, the time ...
Hundreds of New Zealanders and international visitors will be able to get back out into nature with the Milford Track partially reopening next week, after extensive assessments and repairs, the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today. The popular Great Walk has been closed since 3 February after an extreme ...
Up to 110 new EV chargers nationwide in cities and regions 50 electric vehicles for ride-sharing The Government is helping deliver more infrastructure and options for low emissions transport through new projects, Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods says. Tauranga, Nelson, Levin, New Plymouth and Oamaru are just some ...
New Zealanders are increasingly better off under this Government as wages rise and families have more disposable income, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. Stats NZ reported today that average household disposable incomes after housing costs rose 4.9% in 2019. This was the highest rise in four years and came as ...
All New Zealanders need to have their voices heard at work to ensure we have an inclusive and productive economy. Today we introduce a Bill to do this for workers in the New Zealand screen industry, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway says. “The Screen Industry Workers Bill will ...
The Government has announced further help for the Southland and Otago regions to speed up recovery efforts from the floods. “I’ve approved Enhanced Taskforce Green (ETFG), making $500,000 available to help with the clean-up in Fiordland, Southland, and the Clutha district in Otago,” Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni said. ...
Following the announcement that more than 340 schools will be funded to run events promoting vocational education, the Government has announced it will fund a further 257 events to be run by employers and industry. “These industry-run events will allow more than 30,000 students to connect with more than 2,000 ...
Today the Government is making progress on a fairer and more secure rental market for renters and landlords with the introduction of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill in Parliament. “This Bill includes a series of reforms to improve the wellbeing of the 609,700 households that live in rented homes, and ...
A Government programme to wipe out pea weevil has achieved a world first, with Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor today announcing the successful eradication of the noxious pest from Wairarapa. This means the nearly four-year ban on pea plants and pea straw was lifted today. Commercial and home gardeners can again grow ...
Southland residents hit by flooding caused by heavy rainfall can now access help finding temporary accommodation with the Government activating the Temporary Accommodation Service, Minister of Civil Defence Peeni Henare announced today. “The Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to help ...
“Is that it?” That’s Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s response to Simon Bridges’ much-hyped economic speech today. “Simon Bridges just gave the most over-hyped and under-delivered speech that I can remember during my time in politics,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s not surprising. Simon Bridges literally said on the radio this morning ...
The Government's looking at law changes to ensure small businesses are paid on time. Small Business Minister Stuart Nash said he is willing to legislate, if necessary, to ensure payments within 20 days, with interest imposed for late payments. He said prompt payment and cash flow are vital to small ...
Meridian Energy has made a record first half profit with improved revenue. The South Island generator's net profit for the six months ended December rose 26 percent to $191 million. Revenue was up 5 percent to $1.78bn on record hydro generation from the South Island lakes. It had significant customer ...
Economists are predicting a flat - or slightly down - March quarter, as the effects of the Covid-19 coronavirus and the drought come to a head. The Institute of Economic Research's (NZIER) latest Quarterly Economic Predictions picks the virus impact will be short and sharp, with the economy gradually recovering ...
New Zealanders throw away 295 million single-use cups per year. Alice Neville ponders our obsession with takeaway culture, and looks at what’s needed for consumers to change their behaviour. How many commuters did you see clutching single-use takeaway coffee cups on your way to work this morning? Or how many empty ...
New Conservative is extremely concerned over what is tantamount to the confiscation by government of private land, without compensation. Taranaki farmers and landowners have had portions of their properties classed as “Significant Natural Areas” ...
Half of New Zealanders are more likely to vote for a political party in this year’s general election that promises to ‘significantly and urgently’ improve the unhealthy state of homes in Aotearoa. The Consumerlink survey, carried out for the Green Building ...
Mike, a 30-something professional, cares enough about better cannabis policy that he and other local supporters will be at the Riccarton Sunday Market, March 1st from 9am-2pm. “I don't want my kids to grow up in a country that criminalises them for ...
The Salvation Army is strongly opposed to the Government’s new Racing Bill. Today, Salvation Army staff will make our oral submission to the Bill. “Harm from gambling is already at unacceptable levels in this country and increasing availability and ...
One of the men charged over donations to the National Party was at one stage to have gone to the party's candidate college, which identifies and train potential members of Parliament. ...
Child poverty figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show further urgent Government action is needed to lift more children and whānau out of poverty, says The Salvation Army, which is calling for a change in core welfare benefits to be ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.Today’s contentChild poverty, welfare Max Rashbrooke (RNZ): Child poverty stats promising, but more is needed Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): Child poverty ...
Data released under the Official Information Act today reveals almost 12,000 more children are dependent on welfare benefits since December 2017. "At 31 December 2019 there were 206,395 children aged 0-18 reliant on caregiver on a main benefit ...
The Government would consider direct assistance to tourism industry players if the fallout from coronavirus lasts well beyond the first half of the year. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Opposition leader Anthony Albanese sought to claim the climate policy high ground last week with his commitment to a net-zero emissions target by 2050. But figures on Australia’s emissions from the Department of the Environment ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Greg Marston, Head of School, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland The Australian government touts compulsory income management as a way to stop welfare payments being spent on alcohol, drugs or gambling. The Howard government introduced the BasicsCard more than ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Clarkson, Professor in Archaeology, The University of Queensland About 74,000 years ago a volcanic eruption at what is now Lake Toba in Sumatra, Indonesia, created one of the most dramatic natural disasters of the past 2 million years. The plume of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Omer Yezdani, Director, Office of Planning and Strategic Management, Australian Catholic University Philanthropy is a growing source of revenue for Australian universities. It’s essential to advancing quality research, equity and learning. On average, Australia’s top five fundraising universities receive nearly 20 times ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Dawson, Honorary Fellow, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne The assumption that retired people have minimal housing costs underpins the settings of our retirement incomes system. But the real state of housing for older Australians today makes it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Keating, Visiting Fellow, College of Business & Economics, Australian National University We are continually being told that more of us are employed than ever before. Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe points out (correctly) that a higher proportion of us are in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben McCann, Associate Professor of French Studies, University of Adelaide Berlin. February 26 1920. A new silent film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, is released to unsuspecting German audiences and quickly becomes a worldwide sensation. “When will I die?” asks one character ...
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: New child poverty statistics show little change yet, Greenpeace call for fishing policy review over donations, and a focus on Covid-19 effects on forestry.New figures were released yesterday on one of the most important issues facing the country – how many ...
He may be marooned in Texas, but Joseph Parker is closer to a return to boxing's big time than you'd think. Joseph Parker’s road back to boxing relevance won’t ever lead to the now fully resurgent Tyson Fury. But that doesn’t mean the Gypsy King won’t be a key figure ...
A cruel string of injuries could have prematurely ended Shiray Kaka's sevens career. But with determination and meditation, she's back in the Black Ferns, focused on finally playing at the Olympics. This time last year, Shiray Kaka was living in Japan, studying to be a dog trainer and setting up ...
ReadingRoom is devoting all week to the best-selling book in New Zealand right now, In The Clearing, the brilliant new thriller by Ngāpuhi author JP Pomare, inspired by creepy Australian cult The Family. Today: the author backgrounds his interest in the story. A few years ago I become obsessed ...
A jury didn't accept abused woman Karen Ruddelle killed her partner in self-defence. What does that say about our attitudes towards women in violent relationships? Karen Anne Ruddelle was charged with murdering her partner. Last week, at the High Court in Auckland, she was acquitted of murder but convicted of ...
Former regional parks chair Sandra Coney says a purchase of the disputed land at Ihumātao by Auckland Council would be entirely in keeping with historical precedent and the actions of local government in preserving open spaces for future generations. With various claims being made about the Government stepping in to ...
If RNZ hopes to court the youth audience with its new brand it should take some cues from the ones who’ve had that audience all along: student radio. RNZ has had a month from hell. News the state-run broadcaster was considering scaling back its long-running RNZ Concert network to make room ...
The Grace Millane murder case wasn't a who-dunnit - in fact it was easily solved. But it sparked intense public interest and international media coverage. What were the ingredients that caught the world's attention? A media frenzy descended on the High Court in Auckland last week as a sentence was handed down ...
OPINION:By Murray Horton in Christchurch For as long as the Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (Cafca) has existed – more than 45 years now – we have called for the closure of the aluminium smelter, owned by giant transnational corporation, Rio Tinto. There are numerous grounds for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The inquiry into allegations of misconduct by Australian special forces in Afghanistan is examining 55 separate incidents or issues, according to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force report, tabled Tuesday. These involve “predominantly” allegations ...
Tourism bosses have been invited to join a new advisory group, allowing them to stay in "constant communication" with the government in their response to the coronavirus. ...
Alex Casey delivers her eighth power rankings for The Bachelorette NZ, where a humble avocado changed everything forever. Click here for previous instalments. Glass me with the talking bottle, slice my hand off with a fax machine and send me straight to the Centre De Emergencies, because this was the most ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition government has supported Labor’s motion in the Senate to call for men’s rights activist Bettina Arndt to be stripped of her Order of Australia award over her comments on last week’s horrendous murder-suicide ...
he Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa welcomes the withdrawal of the hugely controversial resolution on anti-semitism from the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting. It is a victory for free speech and human rights. PSNA looks forward to working with other organisations ...
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is calling on New Zealand to back his country in pushing Australia to commit more to climate change action. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bianca Fileborn, Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne The downfall of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has come to a head following his conviction for rape in the third degree and a criminal sex act in the first degree. He was acquitted ...
After days of rumours, Mediaworks have removed Hannah Tamaki as a cast member for the 2020 season of Dancing with the Stars. Sam Brooks reflects on the controversy.On Sunday, the NZ Herald gossip column Spy broke the news that Hannah Tamaki – wife of Destiny Church founder Brian and head of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia Queensland Coroner James McDougall has handed down his findings into the tragic deaths of four people on Dreamworld’s Thunder River Rapids ride in 2016. He reported a litany of failings ...
Sri Krishnamurthi reflects in this special report on what life is really like trying to live and cope with the effects of a stroke for three years. Those were the most horrifying days of my life. It’s only now that I find the courage to write about my trials ...
Dear Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern (Prime Minister), Hon David Clark (Minister of Health) and Hon Chris Hipkins (Minister of Education) We are students, educators, staff and leaders across the tertiary sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. We have an urgent message ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan N Williams, Associate Director/National Technical Leader-Aboriginal Heritage, EMM Consulting Pty Ltd, UNSW The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that without a substantial decrease in our use of fossil fuels, we are on track for a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Onno van der Groen, Research Fellow in the school of medical and health sciences, Edith Cowan University You may have heard of binaural beats, an auditory illusion that has been touted as having stress-busing properties, and is the subject of countless hours ...
Over the weekend, a Twitter spat blew up into a full blown controversy when New Zealander Jason Lei Howden blew up his own movie with a bizarre series of tweets.The trailer for Guns Akimbo makes it look like a fun romp, the sort of film your flatmate who keeps all ...
By underfunding investment in the young we've been able to create budget surpluses to be siphoned into the NZ Super Fund at the current rate of nearly $2.5b a year. This has some serious impacts for a lot of families. ...
‘Over the last six months I’ve realised there are always more tears.’ In August, Emily Writes wrote about the tough months following her son’s hospitalisation and diagnosis. This is what’s happened since.Part 1:Ward One: Emily Writes on love and fear and hope at her son’s hospital bedSix months ago I ...
Mercury's first half profit has dropped as weak wholesale conditions and intense competition drove down revenue. The power generator and retailer's net profit dropped 20.2 percent in the six months to December to $83 million, reflecting below average generation and divestment of its smart metering business. Revenue was down 14 ...
He’s been the country’s leading supporter of the strangest films in the world, and now he’s made his first feature film. Sam Brooks talks to Auckland film champ Ant Timpson about his directorial debut, Come to Daddy.My first encounter with industry legend Ant Timpson was from afar, at a 2010 ...
Summerset's annual profit is down with higher wages expected to continue to be a drag on earnings over the coming year. The retirement village operator's net profit fell 18.3 percent to $175.3 million in the year to December, as expenses rose, while the construction of fewer living units contributed to ...
NZME media group has slumped to a large loss after writing down the value of its business as it pursues a merger with its rival Stuff. The company's loss for the year ended December was $165 million, which included a write down of $175m in the value of the business, ...
Whoopee! A pay rise. No – to be precise, a rise in the national super which is paid to some of the team at Point of Order. Super was included in the boost to benefits announced yesterday by Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Fair to say, this boost did not ...
Movie Mogul Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of rape. But the problem is much bigger and more insidious than a few bad men, writes Victoria University's Jan Jordan. In May 2017, New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor had a conversation with Hollywood actress Rose McGowan that began the downfall of movie ...
Jamela Alindogan reports on journalists in the Philippines protesting and demanding better protection of press freedoms. Video: Al JazeeraBy Neil Joshua N. Servallos in Manila The University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, which has the biggest and oldest journalism school, has released a statement supporting television broadcaster ...
Homeownership has long been touted as the great Kiwi dream, but not everyone’s looking for a permanent fix. Jihee Junn explores the rising phenomenon of renters by choice.Even if I had a hundred grand sitting in the bank for me to spend right now, I’m not sure buying a house ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jamie Parr, Lecturer, Australian Catholic University German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) is sometimes dismissed as a malevolent figure, obsessed with the problem of nihilism and the “death of God”. Understandably, these ideas are unsettling: few of us have the courage to confront ...
US politics ain’t for the faint-of-heart. Signs of desperation are emerging in the Democratic Party as Senator Bernie Sanders surges to the lead after three key polls – and party grandees worry whether mainstream United States is ready to elect a “socialist”. Then, Republicans fear the US intelligence agencies, labelled ...
The Opportunities Party (TOP) today proudly announced the first tranche of candidates that will contest the upcoming 2020 New Zealand General Election. After two successive “smile and wave” governments Kiwis can see through the charade. Politics has ...
Media company NZME sees a further modest fall in revenues and earnings - and declares itself the "right owner" for rival Stuff Ltd as it gives more details of its push for political and regulator support. ...
Media company NZME declares itself the "right owner" of Stuff and gives more details of its push for political and regulator support. NZME expects further details of its proposed bid to buy rival Stuff to be made public in "coming weeks" - and any Kiwishare offered to the Government to be ...
The Council of Trade Unions is pleased that the Government is continuing to shine light on the issue of poverty in New Zealand and specifically child poverty with new statistics out today. CTU policy director and economist Andrea Black was at the ...
Forest & Bird is concerned at misinformation circulating regarding a policy statement aimed at protecting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. The National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity is being consulted on by the ...
QUOTE from; Article: NZ Energy and Environment Business Week https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2002/S00150/govt-vehicle-fleet-emissions-heading-in-wrong-direction.htm First published in Energy and Environment on February 13, 2020. “The latest data shows the Government’s attempts to electrify its vehicle fleet and cut its emissions ...
The defendants in the National Party donations case have pleaded not guilty to charges brought by the Serious Fraud Office. The four men entered their pleas today during their first appearance in the Auckland District Court. Yikun Zhang (48), Shijia (Colin) ...
A teenager who was stabbed more than 16 times by her ex-partner has spoken out about her ordeal, and thanked those who ran to her aid. Crystal Tupou was left fighting for her life after her ex-partner stabbed her multiple times in broad daylight on ...
45,000 more signatures 
The Cranky Uncle vs. Climate Change book is now available! The book uses cartoons, humor, and critical thinking to expose how and why some people reject climate science. It's now available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book outlets. If you're near the DC area, you're very welcome to ...5 hours ago
by the Council of Disobedient Women When Moana Maniapoto recently lamented that Rachel Stewart was no longer writing for the Herald, political commentator Morgan Godfery was quick to brag on Twitter, like a schoolyard bully, how proud he was of “driving Rachel Stewart from the Herald”. What a contrast Morgan ...16 hours ago
You’re probably aware that the Achievement Standards used to assess senior school students’ learning are being reviewed. Science is one of the ‘pilot’ subjects in this process, where a ‘Subject Expert Group’ has developed 4 draft Science standards¹ (a significant step away from the current 30+, and a response to ...17 hours ago
It seems we can’t even get through a week these days without the National Party's leader, Simon Bridges, making some sort of silly announcement about a policy that doesn’t actually exist.Usually concerning Bridges’ gut instinct and the undoing of whatever the Government has recently announced, National’s reactionary opinions and uncosted ...19 hours ago
Oh look! NZ First's secret slush fund was laundering donations from Talley's:One of the country's biggest fishing companies, Talley's, and its managing director donated nearly $27,000 to the New Zealand First Foundation, which has been bankrolling the New Zealand First Party. The foundation received $26,950 from seafood giant Talley's and ...20 hours ago
High Risk Call: Insensitive though it may seem to even pose the question: how will the electorate respond to what the Prime Minister’s opponents will undoubtedly characterise as an attack on New Zealanders’ freedom of speech? At more than twelve month’s remove from the terrible events of 15 March 2019, ...2 days ago
I am about to mail my overseas ballot to Florida so that it can be counted in the Democratic primary on March 17. In Florida you have closed as opposed to open primaries, which means that one must declare a party preference in order to vote in a party primary. ...4 days ago
In mid-December the Israeli secret police, the Shin Beit, revealed it had arrested dozens of Palestinian left-wing activists, including members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), in the previous few months. Among those arrested was one of the central leaders of the PFLP, Khalida Jarrar. As ...7 days ago
I am among the most pro-free speech people I know. I don’t doubt there are others more strident than me, but I’m certainly up there. And my support for freedom of expression isn’t limited to opposition to government-imposed restrictions. It extends to a belief that employers should have limited powers ...1 week ago
One of our most immediate priorities upon forming Government was to get people out of sleeping in cars, garages, or on the street and into safe and warm housing. Since then, we've made major progress towards breaking the cycle of homelessness, including expanding Housing First, building more state houses, and ...1 hour ago
Mark Patterson MP, New Zealand First List MP based in Clutha-Southland This afternoon to a crowd of over 100 people in Mataura -- Mark Patterson, New Zealand First List MP based in Clutha-Southland launched a parliamentary petition regarding the aluminium dross issue in Mataura, Southland. The petition asks that the ...1 day ago
New legislation is being proposed which aims to reduce the stress and financial hardship caused by late payments to small businesses. The Minister for Small Business Stuart Nash is considering stricter rules around payment practices between businesses. “Late payments from large organisations to smaller suppliers can be crippling for these ...2 hours ago
The Government's looking at law changes to ensure small businesses are paid on time. Small Business Minister Stuart Nash said he is willing to legislate, if necessary, to ensure payments within 20 days, with interest imposed for late payments. He said prompt payment and cash flow are vital to small ...27 mins ago
Meridian Energy has made a record first half profit with improved revenue. The South Island generator's net profit for the six months ended December rose 26 percent to $191 million. Revenue was up 5 percent to $1.78bn on record hydro generation from the South Island lakes. It had significant customer ...32 mins ago
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Should have had them all first go. That would have had some impact.
Silly – the impact will be delivered by the result, which will show just how out of touch with New Zealand you are.
Errr, Labour at 30%. I’m not the one out of touch.
no – the fact youve equated two completely different things proves youve got your finger on the pulse of the nation
Too Little. Too Late.
Too late for the 2011 election, that’s for sure. Not too late for the next one though. The timing should be just right in fact đ
Oh, and all straws are “little”, but the camel’s spine still snaps.
Excellent work! I would expect the majority of the 45000 new signatures will be accepted, because both collectors and the public understand the process better. The great thing is that the issue doesn’t go away for National. For the second election in a row, they will have to advance their pro sales position against the wishes of the majority of kiwis. And I confidently predict National will again fail to get a mandate for the sales.
But you can’t confidently predict that national will lose the election. Which is in effect not gaining a mandate anyway. So you can’t confidently predict anything without looking like a twat.
Assets sales vs Man ban.
Ding, ding “And it’s a knock out win to asset sales in the first round.”
đ
They already have a mandate and you know it, they won an election with this as their main policy and what’s more they will easily win the next election.
You seem to forget that stopping asset sales labours main policy at the last election, they got thumped.
Oh, dear. Have you forgotten the result of the election already Rich? National didn’t get an outright majority, hence no mandate. They were, however, able to get enough votes to pass the sales legislation with the assistance of ACT, who campaigned for the sales, and United Future, who did not. Parties opposed to the sales fell just short of a majority. That may well change next time around, especially now that the referendum will be a live issue at the same time.
Straws. Clutching. Wildly……
Straws, meet camel đ
Oh for crying out loud.
United Future campaigned on supporting the asset sales of the energy SOEs and Air NZ while also campaigning on opposing any further sales beyond those companies.
I don’t mind the right lying out of their asses, it’s what they do. But I’m getting really sick of the centre and left resorting to lie and misinformation; we should be better than that.
Its all just dead trees, I’m afraid. This government has no interest in public opinion, they have shown this again and again and again.
I’m sure you man ban ,stop everything dreamers will love this.
MRP up 6cents this morning, still down but and looking good.
Your use of conjunctions still betraying hubris and or but insecurity.
Petitions, the lowliest form of political activity, but the torys, âthey donât like it up âem!â As Lance Corporal Jones said repeatedly. Who? âDadâs Armyâ Brit Com.
Store the boxes safely till recycling day.
wow – extremely well constructed arguments from the right on this thread
You guys keep going on about the down trodden and poor in the country and how the gap of equality is growing bigger – figure me this – why is it that John Key is over 60% popular.
There are so many small fractional parties now I don’t know who to vote for:
Is there any truth in the rumour there is a urgent caucus meeting tonight?
Is there any truth in the rumour there is a urgent caucus meeting tonight?
Probably not, Key is safe for now. But Collins is lurking.
“why is it that John Key is over 60% popular”
Brilliant, and a bit of the old-answer-is-contained-within-the-question there.
theres so many factors in play
for a start your comparing two things that arent easily comparable in a soundbite driven environment
but a few items that are in the mix
1) polls as we know them arent that accurate and highly open to manipulation
2) 60% thought key was the best option for PM ie: out of what there is currently available – not whether they actually like him as PM. Its a comparison question
3) the question asked in the poll was highly unlikely to worded in a way as to link Keys popularity with the current and historical social environment of the country
4) many people dont actively understand and link political ideologies to statistical trends in society – theyre too busy working and/or living in their bubbles
5) the media (and by extensions – us) only really look at politics as a series of isolated events rather than as parts of a timeline that fits certain aspirations and plans
theres more that could be added here – but why does it even need to be pointed out? Is your knowledge of politics and society in NZ, both historical and contemporary really that lacking?
(comments in brackets)
1) polls as we know them arent that accurate and highly open to manipulation (really!!! tell Gillard that in Australia)
2) 60% thought key was the best option for PM ie: out of what there is currently available â not whether they actually like him as PM. Its a comparison question (still 60%)
3) the question asked in the poll was highly unlikely to worded in a way as to link Keys popularity with the current and historical social environment of the country (stll 60%)
4) many people dont actively understand and link political ideologies to statistical trends in society â theyre too busy working and/or living in their bubbles (which makes them really happy with John boy – still 60%)
5) the media (and by extensions â us) only really look at politics as a series of isolated events rather than as parts of a timeline that fits certain aspirations and plans (yep that plane keeps going up for John – as for Labour – they are as bumping as a plane landing in Wellington in reverse)
your answers have only proven one of two things
1) your really thick
2) your being thick on purpose
so, either attempt to show some comprehension in your answer, or at least admit you dont have a clue what your talking about.
When the question you, yourself asked is “why is it that John Key is over 60% popular. “. Just saying “still 60%” over and over again doesnt actually prove anything other then reinforcing the assumption that your a clueless idiot or a tr0ll
come on! – you stink up plenty of threads with you posturing and derailments – how about behaving like an educated adult for a change
“2) 60% thought key was the best option for PM ie: out of what there is currently available â not whether they actually like him as PM. Its a comparison question (still 60%)”
just to highlight (and godwin myself a little) – heres the problem with this
You live some years back in western europe and youve been rung up by a polling company. The question is “Who of the following would you prefer as ruler of europe – hitler, mussolini or stalin?”
Now, if you choose none of the above your answer isnt counted – So do the poll results have an accurate reflection of any of the three candidates actual popularity? or does it more accurately reflect their popularity only in relation to each other, and only by not including the answers where some one didnt make a particular choice?
still 60%
still not answering the question
still thick?
I did 60%. you gave a example of a survey of three dead dictators which makes your anaylsis very outdated.
You should take their posters off your wall now. It’s sort of like saying cliff Richard never has had cosmetic surgery
WTF are you even going on about? what the fuck does cliff fucking richard have to do with anything?
your not even making sense.
did you or did you not ask this question?
—-“why is it that John Key is over 60% popular”
yes/no?
so when someone attempts to have, you know, a civil discussion with you about what the answer to your question might involve, you just sit there and go “still 60%” and “I did 60%” (did 60% of what? 60% of all the crack??)
and if you hadn’t figured out yet – its a logic question, its designed to highlight the problem with assuming a question that asks you to pick from a list of choices is an indicator of actual feeling
I dont really give a shit what the % is, or whether you agree with me or not – but if the best argument youve got is to keep spouting a number all anyone can assume is either your not that bright, your about 3 years old, or your off your meds. Fucks sake – whats wrong with you?
Its as pointless and pathetic as your attempts at basic addition when your were stomping about the place trying to claim that union membership is only 6%. Crawl back under your rock now – go on – off you go
I understand your logic…the polls show 60%.. you were trying to show that it maybe lower…I understand that. However it is not what the public is told. They are told 60%.
For completeness you are right.
For reporting the answer given to the public is 60%… so 60% is all we are ever going to know. So if you can get the pollsters to give the detail you are stuffed.
However the reverse is still the same for the other preferred pm’s. Therefore overall the average of the answers are correct which 60% of whatever number is still 60%.
Maybe you should ease off and accept the poll result
I can’t parse a single sentence of that.
to clarify relevance of 3 dead dictators:
Question: Who is your prefered Prime Minister? John key, David Shearer, Russel Norman, Winston Peters or some one else?
Answer: Someone else
Question: Who would that be?
Answer: Anyone else
…
Analyst: category: unknown/did not say
Results: Do not include unknown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is John Key still preferred by 60% of respondents?
no because of “Results: Do not include unknown”
you havent clarified anything at all (if this is still “yes” talking – your icon keeps changing so im only assuming its the same person here)
stop being stupid and stop side stepping around how a conversation actually works.
I am not YES, and I was trying to clarify the point for Yes… Or at least make his trolling more obvious…
oh his trolling is pretty obvious – it doesnt need any help đ
but i will note that you didnt actually clarify anything, youve just posed the same logic question i did but with different names
i was replying to YES’s comment “you gave a example of a survey of three dead dictators which makes your anaylsis (sic) very outdated” by making the example more modern and NZ based; since YES seemed to miss the point of your quite obvious point.
ahh – righto. My apologies – sometimes the reply chain gets a little confusing once it reaches its limit. đ
“Yes” didn’t miss anything.
“Yes” is wasting your time.
I’d pick Mussolini over Hitler or Stalin. The food would be better. Or was that a trick question?
^^ Oh, Yes. You’re very good at running the media/WO lines but in this case you seemed to be on the “coup rumor” du jour a lot faster than anyone else.
I am really intrigued…
we have in the bag even with a 30 percent failour rate we have the numbers. watch the might river share price thats the best opinion poll.
Should really put more effort into keeping the ones we have left.
Can someone explain to me why a number of right wing contributors on this subject seem so worried about having a public vote on asset sales?
Surely if asset sales in such a good idea, Key has such a strong mandate and so many people are in favour, then a public vote would show that? Surely?