Luxon loses his cool when asked about doctoring gang membership statistics
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8:26 am, September 20th, 2024 - 19 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, crime, making shit up, mark mitchell, paul goldsmith, police, spin, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up -
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Unless you have been living under a rock or have been in an intense coma during the past few years you would have heard National spokespeople saying that gang membership numbers have surged under Labour many, many times.
Labour was allegedly soft on crime and the gangs were recruiting faster than the police.
Over the past five years gang membership numbers increased markedly.
Or so we were told.
Labour and others tried to explain what was happening.
The influx of 501s from Australia, beyond Labour’s control, bolstered gang membersip numbers.
The list was weird. Like Hotel California gang members could check in but they could never leave.
People leaving gangs were not necessarily taken off the list. Even dead Gang members stayed on the list. Police conceded that the list was “not for the purpose of counting membership numbers”.
And the process of identifying gang members appeared to be pretty haphazard.
This Stuff article, analysing a claim that Gang membership had increased by 66% under Labour, lays out the issues. From the article:
The first question to answer is how gang membership is measured. As you might imagine, it’s not straightforward.
Luxon [who had made the claim] appears to be quoting figures from the National Gang List. As at April, 2023, there were 8875 individuals recorded on the list. In April, 2017, there were 4915. That’s an increase of 3960 or 81%.
But the list, maintained by the Gang Harm Insights Centre, was established for “intelligence purposes”, police told Stuff – “not for the purpose of counting membership numbers”.
“The information is collected for the purpose of maintaining oversight of the gang environment to enhance understanding of the scale of social harm caused by, to, and within the New Zealand adult gang community.”
It is simply “one tool” helping agencies to understand gang-related harm.
A Gang Harm Insights Centre report from June, 2023 also notes: “[The National Gang List] holds limited information regarding patched or prospect members of New Zealand adult gangs only and is not intended as a reporting tool.”
This has been a long standing problem with the list and with the use of the list. Everyone knew it. But for political purposes National has insisted on claming that the list was evidence of swelling gang membership numbers and blamed Labour.
Until yesterday. At a press conference National effectively conceded that the list was not fit to be used for counting gang membership by announcing a change.
Under questioning Police conceded they had been doing “validation” of the list to make sure that only current members were on the list. No doubt significant political pressure has been exerted on the Police to do so. Without affecting the underlying ssituation and by altering the data National can then claim to have reduced gang membership numbers.
The press knew what was happening.
Christopher Luxon knew the press knew what was happening.
I am not so sure that Mark Mitcell understood what was happening but everyone else did.
This passage from the Herald shows clearly what was happening.
Luxon, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Police Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming spoke to media from the Police National Headquarters after today’s announcement of extra anti-gang police officers.
But when a reporter questioned Luxon and Mitchell about police removing gang members off the national gang list as part of “sanitising” it – including the removal of deceased people – Mitchell and Luxon appeared to become visibly frustrated.
The reporter suggested it was “convenient” for the Government for gang numbers to reduce and questioned if the Government had asked police to do it.
“Guys, guys, no disrespect,” Luxon said.
“It’s not about the frickin targets, it’s about outcomes.”
Luxon said the outcomes were reducing violent crime incidents.
Another reporter asked if the Government would start celebrating that the number of gang members on the national gang list were going down.
“You haven’t heard us do that,” Mitchell said.
“We’re not celebrating anything,” Luxon added.
Of course National have not celebrated gang membership numbers going down yet. They have to get enough off the list and also let the anti Gang Legislation be in force for a while before they can then celebrate.
For a Government that is obsessed with targets it is strange that they should claim that when it comes to gang membership it is not about the targets.
And at the same time that the Government conceded that the list was not fit for purpose Paul Goldsmith in Parliament yesterday, no doubt using the same dodgy statistics, said “Gang membership has increased by 51 percent over the past five years”.
On the same day that Luxon loses his cool for having his misuse of the gang list statistics rumbled Goldsmith continued to trot out the party line.
Run DMC said it best.
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- Release: Lemauga Lydia Sosene to take medical leave
Labour’s Mangere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will shortly take medical leave. ...1 week ago
- Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated
Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this. ...1 week ago
- Release: Charter schools undermine our education system
The Government is taking a wrecking ball to our public education system by reinstating charter schools. ...1 week ago
- Youngest MP to travel to Canada to accept Politician of the Year Award
Aotearoa’s Youngest Member of Parliament, and Te Pāti Māori MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, will travel to Montreal to accept the One Young World Politician of the Year Award next week. The One Young World Politician of the Year Award was created in 2018 to recognise the most promising young politicians between ...1 week ago
- Greens celebrate huge step forward for ADHD community
The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine. ...1 week ago
- Release: Millions to be spent dividing NZ for no reason
The National Party is wasting millions of dollars allowing David Seymour’s Treaty Principals Bill to be drafted and go to Select Committee. ...1 week ago
- Release: New Zealanders departing our shores at a record rate
The Migration figures released by Stats NZ today show National is continuing to drive Kiwis away from New Zealand in record numbers. ...1 week ago
- Te Tai Tokerau MP Slams Govt Overreach in Scrapping Māori Wards
Mema Paremata for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, has reflected on the decisions made by the councils of the North amidst the government’s push to remove Māori Wards and weaken mana whenua representation. “Actions taken by the Kaipara District Council to remove Māori Wards are the embodiment of the eradication ...1 week ago
- Govt already seeking advice on Treaty referendum
On one hand, the Prime Minister has assured Aotearoa that his party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading, but on the other, his Government has already sought advice on holding a referendum on our founding document. ...1 week ago
- Release: Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed
New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt fails hundreds of workers as mills close
Labour is devastated at news hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs following the closure of Winstone Pulp mills. ...1 week ago
- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...1 week ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...1 week ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...2 weeks ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...2 weeks ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...2 weeks ago
- Replacement for the Resource Management Act takes shape
Two new laws will be developed to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA), with the enjoyment of property rights as their guiding principle, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. “The RMA was passed with good intentions in 1991 but has proved a failure in practice. ...2 hours ago - Tough laws pass to make gang life uncomfortable
Legislation passed through Parliament today will provide police and the courts with additional tools to crack down on gangs that peddle misery and intimidation throughout New Zealand, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “From November 21, gang insignia will be banned in all public places, courts will be able to issue non-consorting orders, and ...19 hours ago
- New levy rates set to ensure continued funding of FENZ
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the rates for the redesigned levy that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) from July 2026. “Earlier this year FENZ consulted publicly on a 5.2 percent increase to the levy. I was not convinced that ...20 hours ago
- Police allocate Officers to Beat and Gang Units
The Coalition Government welcomes Police’s announcement today to deploy more police on the beat and staff to Gang Disruption Units. An additional 70 officers will be allocated to Community Beat Teams across towns and regional centres. This builds on the deployment of beat officers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch CBDs ...20 hours ago
- Consultation begins on significant updates to the biosecurity system
Proposals to strengthen the country’s vital biosecurity system, including higher fines for passengers bringing in undeclared high-risk goods, greater flexibility around importing requirements, and fairer cost sharing for biosecurity responses have been released today for public consultation. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says “The future is about resilience and the 30-year-old ...21 hours ago
- Wānaka community to benefit from new overnight health service
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says an Overnight Acute Care Service opening in October will provide people in Wānaka and the surrounding area with the assurance of quality overnight care closer to home. “When I was in Wānaka earlier this year, I announced funding for an overnight health service – ...22 hours ago
- Preventing potholes with data-driven technology
The Government is rolling out data collection vans across the country to better understand the condition of our road network to prevent potholes from forming in the first place, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for the Government and increasing ...23 hours ago
- GDP data shows effect of high interest rates
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for the quarter to June 2024 reinforces how an extended period of high interest rates has meant tough times for families, businesses, and communities, but recent indications show the economy is starting to bounce back, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ data released today ...23 hours ago
- NZ to host first Fiji, Australia trilateral trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua
Trade Minister Todd McClay will host Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for trilateral trade talks in Rotorua this weekend. “Fiji is one of the largest economies in the Pacific and is a respected partner for Australia and New Zealand,” Mr McClay says. Australia and New Zealand ...24 hours ago
- NZ hosts Annual CER Trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua
Trade Minister Todd McClay will meet with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua this weekend. “CER is our most comprehensive agreement covering trade, labour mobility, harmonisation of standards and political cooperation. It underpins an important trading relationship worth $32 ...1 day ago
- Government proposing changes to jury trials
The Government is seeking the public’s feedback on two major changes to jury trials in order to improve court timeliness, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The first proposal would increase the offence threshold at which a defendant can decide to have their case heard by a jury. “The second is ...1 day ago
- Business key to regional economic dialogue
Local businesses and industries need to be front and centre in conversations about how regions plan to grow their economies, Regional Development Shane Jones says. The nationwide series of summits aims to facilitate conversations about regional economic growth and opportunities to drive productivity, prosperity and resilience through the Coalition Government’s Regional ...1 day ago
- More funding for Growing Up in New Zealand study
The Government is investing $16.8 million over the next four years to extend the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) Longitudinal Study. GUiNZ is New Zealand’s largest longitudinal study of child health and wellbeing and has followed the lives of more than 6000 children born in 2009 and 2010, and ...1 day ago
- Tough targets for charter schools will raise achievement
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that Charter Schools will face a combination of minimum performance thresholds and stretch targets for achievement, attendance and financial sustainability. “Charter schools will be given greater freedom to respond to diverse student needs in innovative ways, but they will be held to a much ...1 day ago
- NZ votes for Middle East resolution at UN
New Zealand has voted for a United Nations resolution on Israel’s presence in occupied Palestinian Territory with some caveats, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand’s yes vote is fundamentally a signal of our strong support for international law and the need for a two-state solution,” Mr Peters says. “The Israel-Palestine ...1 day ago
- Honouring the legacy of New Zealand’s suffragists
Suffrage Day is an opportunity to reaffirm New Zealand’s commitment to ensuring we continue to be a world leader in gender equality, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. “On 19 September, 131 years ago, New Zealand became the first nation in the world where women gained the right to vote. ...1 day ago
- Foreign Minister to travel to New York, French Polynesia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling to New York next week to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, followed by a visit to French Polynesia. “In the context of the myriad regional and global crises, our engagements in New York will demonstrate New Zealand’s strong support for ...2 days ago
- Thanking social workers on their national day
“Today, on Aotearoa New Zealand Social Workers’ Day, I would like to recognise the tremendous effort social workers make not just today, but every day,” Children’s Minister and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says. “I thank all those working on the front line for ...2 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Laos for ASEAN meetings
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg will travel to Laos this week to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers’ Meetings in Vientiane. “The Government is committed to strengthening our relationship with ASEAN,” Ms Grigg says. “With next year marking 50 years since New Zealand became ...2 days ago
- Members appointed to retail crime MAG
The Government has appointed four members to the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “I am delighted to appoint Michael Hill’s national retail manager Michael Bell to the group, as well as Waikato community advocate and business ...2 days ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation AGM and Conference 2024
It’s my pleasure to be here to join the opening of the NZNO AGM and Conference for 2024. First, I’d like to thank NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku, NZNO President, Anne Daniels, and Chief Execuitve Paul Gaulter for inviting me to speak today. Thank you also to all the NZNO members ...2 days ago
- Improvements for New Zealand authors
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says changes to the Public Lending Right [PLR] scheme will help benefit both the National Library and authors who have books available in New Zealand libraries. “I am amending the regulations so that eligible authors will no longer have to reapply every year ...3 days ago
- Minister commends Police for gang operation
Police Minister Mark Mitchell congratulates Police for the outstanding result of their most recent operation, targeting the Comancheros. “That Police have been able to round up the majority of the Comancheros leadership, and many of their patched members and prospects, shows not only the capability of Police, but also shows ...3 days ago
- New appointments to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has announced a major refresh of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board with four new appointments and one reappointment. The new board members are Barry O’Neil, Jennifer Scoular, Alison Stewart and Nancy Tuaine, who have been appointed for a three-year term ending in August 2027. “I would ...3 days ago
- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawke’s Bay
Cabinet has approved an Order in Council to enable severe weather recovery works to continue in the Hawke’s Bay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell say. “Cyclone Gabrielle and the other severe weather events in early 2023 caused significant loss and damage to ...3 days ago
- FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...3 days ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...4 days ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...4 days ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...4 days ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...4 days ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...4 days ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...4 days ago
- Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD
Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...5 days ago
- Increased certainty for contractors coming
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...5 days ago
- Draft critical minerals list released for consultation
A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...5 days ago
- Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy
The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...5 days ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...6 days ago
- Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...1 week ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...1 week ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...1 week ago
- Defence Force offered zero pay increase start industrial action
Civilian staff employed NZDF have started industrial action, unhappy not to be offered any increase in pay. ...1 hour ago - More than half of people who use party drugs take ADHD medicines without a prescription, new researc...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Sutherland, Research Fellow, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Alex Green/Pexels Each year, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW Sydney surveys hundreds of people who regularly use drugs in Australia to understand trends in substance ...2 hours ago - Scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on microplastics. Their alarming conclusion puts humanity on notic...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Raubenheimer, Senior Lecturer, University of Wollongong Shutterstock It’s been 20 years since a paper in the journal Science showed the environmental accumulation of tiny plastic fragments and fibres. It named the particles “microplastics”. The paper opened an entire research field. ...2 hours ago
- Endure – or peter out? Here’s what Northern Rivers organisers and Stop Adani can teach us about...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Tattersall, Associate Professor in Urban Geography and Host of ChangeMakers Podcast, University of Sydney mantisdesign/Shutterstock Over the last decade, several groups in Australia have successfully mobilised against fossil fuel interests. But which ones have gone the distance? The urgent ...2 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill Politically Clumsy And Unproductive
The Treaty Principles Bill is unproductive for New Zealand, says Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa. “David Seymour and ACT are misconstruing history. You can’t have a reasonable debate with a person or party who distorts the truth,” ...3 hours ago - ‘I don’t believe I would have gotten into university’: how early entry schemes help Year 12 st...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sally Patfield, Lecturer, Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock During September, many Australian universities start making early offers to Year 12 students for a place next year. This is ahead of the main rounds ...3 hours ago
- The most miserable and fucked-up children’s authors, rated
You don’t have to live a haunting life of unparalleled grief and sorrow to be a great children’s author, but it helps. Content warning: This article mentions suicide and abuse. It’s always been a cliche of children’s literature, that many of the greatest writers for children dislike children. Even those ...3 hours ago - As the Quad meets again, is it all optics and no substance?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Bisley, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of International Relations at La Trobe University., La Trobe University This weekend, the four leaders of the Quad will once again convene, this time in US President Joe Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, ...3 hours ago
- Gangs bill passes as debate brews over future of gun registry
The government caps a crime-focussed week, but a coalition tussle could be about to surface, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...4 hours ago
- 120 Wellington families lose access to respite care support, but ministers say it’s not a cut
Some of the families, who are caring for mentally ill children, are "really struggling to cope", one mum says. ...5 hours ago
- Concerns new Cook Strait ferries won’t be rail capable
The loss of ferries that can carry rail vehicles will mean more trucks on the roads, advocacy group says. ...6 hours ago
- UN Security Council’s credibility at stake over Gaza conflict – former PM Helen Clark
The former head of the UN Development Programme says the lack of UN action on a ceasefire is "deeply disturbing". ...6 hours ago
- Defence Force planning restructure to cut costs, as 200 civilian staff opt for voluntary redundancy
Many staff are "utterly shocked" at the news and say the security of NZ's borders could be threatened, union says. ...6 hours ago
- The Moment of Truth: Revisiting a wild night in NZ politics, 10 years on
The Kim Dotcom challenge to John Key culminated in an extravaganza joining dots from the US, the UK, Russia – even North Korea. And it got very messy. Toby Manhire casts his eye back a decade. The thing started late, but no wonder – hundreds were stuck outside on Queen ...7 hours ago
- Every Jacqueline Wilson book I’ve ever read, ranked from worst to best
To honour the release of Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson, mega fan Miriam Moore ranks all the books by her childhood hero. Content warning: some sensitive material, such as eating disorders and child abuse, is discussed. Last week, the heroine of tween girls all around the world, Jacqueline Wilson, released ...7 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 20 September
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 20 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago - Liv living her best life in Barcelona
Liv Mackay’s first connection to the America’s Cup goes back to New Zealand’s original hunt for sailing’s holy grail – a decade before she was even a twinkle in her father’s eye.Her father, Hugo, was in fact a shearer – a Kiwi working in western Australia – who went to ...7 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 20 September
The post Daily crossword, Friday 20 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- China propaganda boss makes quiet NZ visit
A leading figure in China’s propaganda system shunned the spotlight and government meetings during an NZ visit The post China propaganda boss makes quiet NZ visit appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- The language of forensic science
The jury in the Philip Polkinghorne murder trial has heard from drug analysts, DNA scientists, and even a mechanical engineer about power spikes from using a toaster.Is there anything science can’t reveal when it comes to such tricky court cases?Well, yes.Forensics is a tool, but not the instant-answer, ‘gotcha’ link ...7 hours ago
- Raw Politics: National’s hard-ass golden boy
He’s hardening his own thinking and that of the Government on everything from gang patches to Māori customary marine rights, and smashing or blundering through official guardrails. Is Paul Goldsmith the National Party’s quiet hatchetman?Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder, Newsroom Pro managing editor Jonathan Milne and co-editor Tim Murphy ...7 hours ago
- Government triggers $2 million spend on Māori wards while deriding nice-to-haves
Local councils will foot the bill to reaffirm Māori wards as required by a new law, despite the majority voting unanimously to keep them The post Government triggers $2 million spend on Māori wards while deriding nice-to-haves appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Gisborne landowners may seek compo for retiring erosion-prone land
The Government may be asked to provide compensation for Gisborne landowners whose steep, erosion-prone hills are set to be taken out of production following the devastating impact of cyclones Hale and Gabrielle last year.Tairāwhiti is home to some of the country’s most erosion-prone land and Gisborne District Council plans to introduce a new ...7 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – September 20
FICTION1 Marry Me in Italy by Nicky Pellegrino (Hachette, $37.99)No one does romcom fiction set in Italy with lotsa heavenly cooked meals and swoonsome scenery better than La Pellegrino; her latest novel has gone straight to number 1 in its first week in the charts, and is up for grabs in this ...7 hours ago
- Govt relies on 2013 orange roughy data to set catch limits after none found in 2023
Putting options to the minister, Fisheries NZ said models using the more recent data predicted ‘a more pessimistic stock status’ The post Govt relies on 2013 orange roughy data to set catch limits after none found in 2023 appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- French police shoot dead two Kanaks in New Caledonian ‘assassinations’
By Stefan Armbruster and Harry Pearl of BenarNews French police have shot and killed two men in New Caledonia, stoking tensions with pro-independence groups days ahead of a public holiday marking France’s annexation of the Pacific archipelago. The pro-independence FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) decried the deaths yesterday ...10 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: US rate cut puts pressure on RBA – and things could get heated
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock might need her flak jacket when she fronts the media next Tuesday after the bank’s two-day board meeting. This week’s United States Federal Reserve interest rate cut of a hefty ...13 hours ago
- Tupperware has filed for bankruptcy – is multi-level marketing in trouble?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Hughes, Lecturer in Marketing, Research School of Management, Australian National University ArtZiq_TRG/Shutterstock Tupperware is one of the few iconic brands with which nearly every Australian has come into contact at some stage. Some, like me, will have grown up ...14 hours ago
- Caitlin Johnstone: On human rights, ‘friendly’ war crimes and Western hypocrisy
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone The death toll has risen to 12 from Israel’s terror attack in Lebanon on Tuesday which detonated explosive materials hidden in thousands of pagers. Another 20 people were then killed in another attack the following day ...17 hours ago
- Unemployment of 4.2% is a sign of RBA success, but it might not last. Here’s why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeff Borland, Professor of Economics, The University of Melbourne Today’s news that an extra 47,500 Australians found work in August while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% is a sign of success for both the government and Reserve Bank. It’s a ...17 hours ago
- Yes, you do need to clean your tongue. Here’s how and why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dileep Sharma, Professor and Head of Discipline – Oral Health, University of Newcastle luisrsphoto/Shutterstock Has your doctor asked you to stick out your tongue and say “aaah”? While the GP assesses your throat, they’re also checking out your tongue, which can ...18 hours ago
- Coalition’s gang legislation passes into law banning patches in public places
The coalition's gang legislation - that bans patches in public - has passed into law. ...18 hours ago
- Govt using data collection vans to monitor roads and prevent potholes
The data collection vans will replace on-the-ground inspections across Aotearoa. ...18 hours ago
- Health Minister Shane Reti fails to address West Coast health cut concerns
The Health Minister has stopped short of saying the West Coast's planned new weekend health service will be safe for patients. ...20 hours ago
- I think my child is having panic attacks. What should we do?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gemma Sicouri, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney Allan Mas/Pexels In the movie Inside Out 2, 13-year-old Riley, who has recently started puberty, has a panic attack during a hockey game timeout. Anxiety (the emotion ...20 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon announces where 500 new police will be assigned
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to media after police revealed where the additional 500 officers the government has promised to recruit and retain will be assigned. ...21 hours ago
- Brain drain: Record number of NZers cross ditch for The Office Australia
Shocking new video confirms a significant number of New Zealanders have been recruited to join The Office Australia. Across our mojo-less motu, the thought of crossing the ditch is never far from our draining brains. In June, The Guardian reported that New Zealanders are leaving the country in record numbers, ...21 hours ago
- Donald Trump insists a ‘strongman’ leader will help America. My new book explains why he’s wro...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Partlett, Associate professor of public law, The University of Melbourne It is well known former US President Donald Trump admires the power strongman leaders wield. What is less well known are the problematic long-term constitutional consequences of this kind of ...21 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon on where 500 new police will be assigned
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to media after police revealed where the additional 500 officers the government has promised to recruit and retain will be assigned. ...21 hours ago
- ‘Side job, self-employed, high-paid’: behind the AI slop flooding TikTok and Facebook
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jiaru Tang, PhD student, Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology TikTok / The Conversation TikTok, Facebook and other social media platforms are being flooded with uncanny and bizarre content generated with artificial intelligence (AI), from fake videos of the ...22 hours ago
There are lies damned lies and statistics.
And politicians know this and have been using bullshit statistics to lie to the public for decades. Some sectors of the political debate have more honesty than others. We just need to figure out which. It's becoming more obvious by the day who are guilty of telling porkies
It is not easy for Jo Public to figure out what is BS and what is not????
As Micky links to in the Post above – the public are now being informed https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/the-whole-truth/132478912/national-says-gang-membership-is-rising-is-it
But this is not the only "statistic" being misused by this current shower.
144 levels of management , Renaming road maintenance budget to "Pothole fund", the list can go on… We are being lied to on a daily basis by this "govt" . Pity the PM who is allegedly a member of "The Upper Room" christian group doesn't read the daily bible reading for the past few days"- James 3: 3 – 6
IMO
As they are working in the service of evil I would remind them of Romans 6:23
So Look! They are working intensely hard right now*. So they should should expect some really amazing wages.
* They are looking this, and they are looking at that, and in some cases they are even looking into it!
Are Political Party Gang Patches included? I gather they have been banned from the House. But can Luxon now be arrested from wearing one in his Tesla?
Provisional list of porkie tellers:
Chris Luxon
Nicola Willis
Paul Goldsmith
Simeon Brown
Mark Mitchell
Simon Watts [climate]
David Seymour [double whammy]
Nicola McKee
Karen Chhour and last but not least
Winston Peters.
Feel free to add to list.
You omitted one of the most natural born bs artists in their ranks, chris bishop.
Hes made a career out if it.
Yeah I did. Black mark for me. 🙁
Louise Upston
With respect, it might be easier to identify who is not lying
To your list, I add Matt Doocey (health practitioners shook their heads), Shane Reti (more shaking of heads by medical practitioners and fact checked by multiple journalists), Brooke Van Velden (reprimanded by Parliamentary Commissioner), Casey Costello (found to be dishonest and deceptive by Chief Ombusdman).
😳
Shane Reti…I see Tui has also added him above.
Will a government that lies its way into power inevitably finish by lying their way out of power? Does any mechanism still exist that makes us confident that this will always be the case? Personally, I'm not confident at all.
Single issue voters – Tick their box and they will do a great three monkeys impression.
There is another simple explanation for some of the increase in gang numbers after 2017 – the police and the new government made a point of targeting gang crime, and gang monitoring.
The 501's contain many motivated recruiters
The trajectory of society helps with recruiting too.
Growing inequality, war on workers wages, conditions and rampant migration, housing inaffordability….
Great article, Mickey.
My notes from today:
Luxon is making headlines today for blowing his cool when asked by Benedict Collins why the government was reducing numbers on the gang list.
Gang list numbers were unceasingly used by National in opposition to justify why Labour “is weak on crime”.
National and NZME touted this constantly when Labour was in government. Here is Mitchell in 2022 with NZME’s Rachel Maher highlighting an explosion in gang numbers.
Mitchell: Clearly, Labour are “soft on crime” and have “failed to keep gangs under control, and tougher measures are needed to get on top of the problem.”
Despite being told by Labour and police it was not absolute proof of crime management nor gang numbers, National persisted in attacking Labour as ‘soft on crime’ with the gang list. So it was rich to see Luxon and Mitchell defend the gang list yesterday as unimportant and not necessarily always accurate.
Note: Dirty politics harms everyone – PLUS: As a regular observer of Luxon at press conferences, I can assure you he frequently gets angry and goes on the attack when faced with evidence or questions he doesn’t like. This is why the term “bully pulpit” frequently emerges in my mind when watching him in action.