A basic primer on the law of defamation

Written By: - Date published: 5:58 pm, April 10th, 2017 - 133 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, labour, Media, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

The jury decision in the Hageman defamation case is now out and the reporting has been, how shall I put this, sub optimal. Some media are reporting that Little has been found guilty of defamation.

Following are a few comments quickly typed up in the 5:30 PM train on the Western Line.

First up, Andrew Little has not been found guilty of anything. The case is a civil case, not a criminal one. Mr and Mrs Hagaman have said that they have lost money because Little said awful things about them and their reputation has been damaged. They want to be compensated.

From media reports of the trial there were six separate occasions when Little said unnice things about them. It appears the Jury has held that the nasty things claimed to have been said about Mrs Hagaman are not actionable, and only one of six things said about Mr Hagaman may be.

They then said that they could not decide if qualified privilege applies. If it does it is normally the end of the matter. Qualified privilege basically means that you can say nasty things about people but there is a good public policy reason for allowing this to happen, such as our political parties ought to be opened up to scrutiny and tough questions should be asked when things look unhealthy for our democratic system.

Some cases, such as this one involves a Jury. The Jury’s role is to listen to the instructions of the Judge and then deliver a verdict. After they have done so the Judge then may enter Judgment in accordance with the verdict but not necessarily. The Judge still has the power to give judgment to the party who did not seem to actually win.

In this case, from the media reports, the Jury is unable to say if qualified privilege applies and have not delivered a verdict. Presumably this means they cannot decide if Little was motivated by malice when he said whatever he did say.

If a court holds that a defamation has occurred and that qualified privilege does not apply then the correct thing to do is to enter judgment and then decide on the amount of damages.

This is why Little’s offer of $100,000 damages may become very relevant.

Presumably it was made by way of a Calderbank offer. This means that if only one of six causes of action succeeds and the damages are less than this then the award of costs could go against the Hageman’s even though they may have succeeded in Court.

Time will tell. But the next media outlet that says that Little has been found guilty of defaming the Hagemans ought to rethink their role in life.

133 comments on “A basic primer on the law of defamation ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. billmurray 1
    10 April 2017 at 6:10 pm

    At last a clear and understood piece on the jury’s decision.
    Well done.
    I hope Andrews lawyer seeks out a final statement/ settlement on this matter with the Hagamans legal officer’s.
    Andrew needs this matter off the front pages.

    • Barfly 1.1
      10 April 2017 at 6:14 pm

      Vindictive action by uber wealthy National Party boosters…..

      “Andrew needs this matter off the front pages.”

      Not so sure

      • Blade 1.1.1
        11 April 2017 at 11:45 am

        What vindictive action would that be?

        • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1.1.1
          11 April 2017 at 12:08 pm

          Oh, I agree, Lani just wanted an apology, the $2.3M damages claim happened purely by accident. No malice there at all.

          Pity about her costs, eh. A real shame. It’s sad to see Act donors out of pocket.

          • Cemetery Jones 1.1.1.1.1
            11 April 2017 at 1:51 pm

            Toupee, or not toupee – for Hagaman, that is the question.

          • Blade 1.1.1.1.2
            11 April 2017 at 1:56 pm

            Little was given a chance to apologise. Hell, Little even offered them 100 grand, which isn’t bad for a Lefty. An apology costs nothing except a bit of mana, which in my opinion Andy has very little.

            No malice here. Only from you.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1.1.1.2.1
              11 April 2017 at 2:03 pm

              Meanwhile, on Earth, Lani sued Andrew and lost on all counts. Andrew has clearly demonstrated his sympathy for her situation, but he’s not obliged to give her anything, since his remarks weren’t about her.

              For my part, considering the miseries her political donations buy, I think she got off lightly.

              • Blade …
                11 April 2017 at 2:25 pm

                ‘Meanwhile, on Earth, Lani sued Andrew and lost on all counts. Andrew has clearly demonstrated his sympathy for her situation.’

                Rubbish, the left don’t do empathy as Cemetery Jones comments above show. Andy isn’t off scott free. Hopefully a new trial with a jury whose IQ quotient is above 100 will not let Andy off so lightly.

                • Robert Guyton …
                  11 April 2017 at 2:35 pm

                  We, “the left” have empathy alright, with Andrew Little in this instance. Not just empathy either; Cemetery Jones’ comments show that “the left” do humour as well. Blade, otoh, seems comfortable insulting others, in this case, the good men and women of the jury; or was that an attempt at humour, from “the right”?

                  • Blade …
                    12 April 2017 at 7:50 am

                    No, it wasn’t an attempt at humour, it was an experiment in pack mentality. With that I must go, until hopefully the next court case where sanity prevails and we can have this discussion again. That, or after the election. I’m not fussy.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      12 April 2017 at 8:30 am

                      Yes, run along now, you vindictive shill.

                    • greywarshark …
                      13 April 2017 at 2:44 pm

                      OOh er methinks there is a slight bias towards the Hagamans. Hell hath no fury like that of a potentially richer person having the goodies swept from under their noses.

                • One Anonymous Bloke …
                  11 April 2017 at 2:37 pm

                  And there’s your vindictiveness on display.

                  I empathise with Lani. It must be quite confronting to realise others view you differently than you would like.

                  • Blade …
                    12 April 2017 at 9:09 am

                    Not everyone thinks in your skewered way, 1AG. You must accept that. I can’t find a reply icon on your above post? lol.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      12 April 2017 at 9:18 am

                      That’s because replies don’t go beyond about eight levels down.

                      That’s quite an astonishing revelation, that not everyone thinks like me. Did you come up with it all on your own? It’s very profound.

                      You came to display your vindictive malice towards Andrew Little, and you succeeded in looking like a sore loser. Cheer up.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      12 April 2017 at 9:48 am

                      “the left don’t do empathy”
                      Still reeling over that one, being a bleeding heart ‘n’all, y’know, snails, whales, the homeless, oppressed minorities, the dispossessed, people who awake each day in tears with the awful realization that, yes, John’s gone…

                    • Blade …
                      13 April 2017 at 2:15 pm

                      Eight levels down, OK.

                      ‘You came to display your vindictive malice towards Andrew Little, and you succeeded in looking like a sore loser. Cheer up.’

                      I came here because Andy had reluctantly apologised publicly. He knew he was wrong. That new trial you didn’t want..well its probably coming, chum. Why do I have to be vindictive towards a guy who’s an abject failure. Likely to be replaced by Cindy after the next election?

                      Cheer up? I’m not the one getting snotty. Hence my comments about your thought processes not being like others. Others don’t have the ability to make trolling look so good.

                    • mickysavage []
                      13 April 2017 at 2:33 pm

                      You have no idea about legal tactics do you.

                    • Blade …
                      13 April 2017 at 3:02 pm

                      Re Mickey Savage.

                      It depends on how you want to look at this case. I look at it from a simple point of right or wrong or uncalled for insinuations.

                      Others look at from a political or legal ploy point of view. And a case could be made from that.

                      Whether Little is legally better off at the moment. Whether he is politically better off or whether leverage is being applied to the left , I don’t know.

                • Cemetery Jones …
                  11 April 2017 at 3:23 pm

                  Gosh Blade, keep your hair on. No need to wig out about it.

    • lprent 1.2
      10 April 2017 at 6:53 pm

      It was pretty obvious right from the start that the statements, given the public policy implications, were unlikely to succeed.

      Basically it is the job of opposition MPs to hold questionable activities and policies that may impact on the government’s performance to the light. The same with any political parties. This is part of the system that we use to keep the politicians more or less honest.

      There is probably nothing more important than holding the role of political donations and their influence on government policy. That is why there is a role for qualified privilege. Of course Andrew Little could have raised this in parliament where he would have had unqualified privilege. But he chose to do it in public probably to ensure that it was debated.

      But what he was asking for was that the matter was investigated by the auditor general – which is subsequently was. That was easily within the remit of a opposition politician, as was highlighting WHY he was concerned.

      It looks like the jury understood the law pretty well by the end of trial. I have no idea why anyone thought it would go differently.

      Even if the jury had ruled against him, then it would have either gotten overturned by the judge or overturned on appeal.

      • AmaKiwi 1.2.1
        10 April 2017 at 8:26 pm

        If the Hagemans had made their $100,000 donation to National anonymously, there could not have been any question of bribery.

        They didn’t. Why not?

        • mpledger 1.2.1.1
          10 April 2017 at 8:33 pm

          They thought no one would bother looking?

        • fender 1.2.1.2
          10 April 2017 at 9:45 pm

          They wanted their name attached to it, like oil to help the gears slip into place?

        • Craig H 1.2.1.3
          10 April 2017 at 10:47 pm

          It’s above the threshold for anonymous donations in the Electoral Act, so National were legally required to disclose it?

          • AmaKiwi 1.2.1.3.1
            11 April 2017 at 2:02 am

            @ Craig H

            If they donated the $100,000 AFTER the government contract was awarded, instead of ONE month before, bribery would be less of an issue.

            Why didn’t they?

            Our wonderful capitalist government is always for sale to the highest bidder. The long term health our people, society, and environment is always secondary to the demands of the capitalists. We have the best government money can buy.

          • Matthew Whitehead 1.2.1.3.2
            11 April 2017 at 1:01 pm

            Yes and no.

            National are required to disclose it if they receive a donation from a given person above the threshold.

            However, there is no obligation for a given person to make such a donation in a fashion that the intent of disclosure must be followed. They could always have arranged to have it laundered to the National Party in a way that it was more seemingly-anonymous, or even split it up to go through several different legal entities so that none of them crossed the threshold requiring non-anonymity.

            Given that those options are open and not illegal, it makes you wonder why they didn’t bother.

            • Craig H 1.2.1.3.2.1
              11 April 2017 at 3:17 pm

              True. Maximum anonymous donation is $1500,but you’re right that theoretically that could be avoided over time .

  2. Barfly 2
    10 April 2017 at 6:16 pm

    “Time will tell. But the next media outlet that says that Little has been found guilty of defaming the Hagemans ought to rethink their role in life.”

    Perhaps they are defaming Andrew Little?

    • mickysavage 2.1
      10 April 2017 at 6:46 pm

      Qualified privilege applies to them as well. As long as it was not motivated by malice then politicians are free shots, as they should be.

      • s y d 2.1.1
        10 April 2017 at 7:18 pm

        and yet the NZ Herald has this, right now at the end of their story

        “Earlier, the Herald reported Little was guilty of defamation on one occasion. This has now been corrected and clarified in this story.”

        and then later on their front page video piece has this as the caption..

        “Watch: Little defamation case – Lani Hagaman reacts
        Lani Hagaman is happy to clear her husband’s name as Andrew Little is found to have defamed Earl Hagaman at least once”

        so they throw some mud, get caught out, change that story, but throw the same mud pie somewhere else…

        • mary_a 2.1.1.1
          11 April 2017 at 8:06 am

          @ s y d (2.1.1) … and also another of its massive reporting fails over the jury decision in the case, NZH calls Judge Karen Clark, Helen Clark! This was in the first edition it published, but has since been taken down.

          NZH too trigger happy to nail Andrew Little, can’t get the judge’s name right! And this is our msm folks! Pathetic.

  3. gsays 3
    10 April 2017 at 6:18 pm

    It seems to me, perhaps,John key planted a greater awareness of the notion of:
    speaking as the leader of the opposition,
    speaking as leader of the labour party etc.

  4. McFlock 4
    10 April 2017 at 6:24 pm

    Actually, and please correct me if I’m wrong, there were six statements that contained things.

    The jury did not find that any of those things were about Lani Hagaman.

    The jury determined, by majority decision, that one of those things was about Earl Hagaman.

    They couldn’t come to a decision that the thing about Earl was something Little was allowed to say, or whether it was mean, or what damages were incurred.

    The total jury decision was “someone could reasonably think that one of those statements concerned Earl Hagaman, other than that we really can’t say”.

    • Carolyn_nth 4.1
      10 April 2017 at 6:29 pm

      Lani has stated that one of the things Little said about Earl has been judged by the jury to be defamatory.

      • McFlock 4.1.1
        10 April 2017 at 6:46 pm

        oh cool, yeah rereading an article one statement was defamatory but they couldn’t agree on protection.

        So it was mean, but he might have been allowed to say it, lol

        • mickysavage 4.1.1.1
          10 April 2017 at 6:47 pm

          Basically!

        • Sacha 4.1.1.2
          10 April 2017 at 7:38 pm

          How can it be “defamatory” if they couldn’t decide if it qualified for protection? Potentially defamatory seems more accurate.

          But good news: if she feels vindicated maybe we can all get back to more substantive matters less than 6 months from an election. Like reckons about pizza.

          • lprent 4.1.1.2.1
            10 April 2017 at 7:45 pm

            It is the difference between a case for something being made and a defence.

            For instance the obvious on e is that you could say something completely horrible about someone and it could damage their reputation – ie be defamatory. That it happens to be a true statement is a good defence.

          • mickysavage 4.1.1.2.2
            10 April 2017 at 7:45 pm

            Don’t start me on pineapple …

          • Matthew Whitehead 4.1.1.2.3
            11 April 2017 at 2:03 pm

            If you’ve ever heard the phrase “prima facie,” this is where it applies.

            The jury found one comment to be prima facie defamatory- that is, that reputational damage most likely occurred, regardless of whether they consider Andrew Little to actually be legally liable for that reputational damage.

            Until someone decides whether Little’s qualified privilege defense actually applies, that prima facie decision is pretty meaningless. It’s sort of like trying to figure out who’s going to win a cricket match when you’ve never seen the two teams play against each other before, and you’ve only seen one team batting so far.

      • lprent 4.1.2
        10 April 2017 at 7:32 pm

        Yes. But the same jury was uncertain if that one statement (out of twelve all up wasn’t it) was within the bounds of the same qualified privilege that allows us to slag off politicians.

        Politicians have a duty (actually they’re employed to do it) to raise matters that might affect the public good – and the jury got this one right. The point about awarding of taxpayer funds needs to have a clear and transparent process and path, especially when the recipient is a donor to a political party of government.

        It might have been defamatory. However it wasn’t winnable because of the public policy issues that Andrew Little was right to bring to the attention of the public.

        Hopefully this has clarified the role of qualified privilege in defamation law a bit more. It is a pity that this didn’t go to a judge. A actual judgement would clarify it more.

        Of course it won’t satisfy the affluent self-adsorbed and the legal idiots. But hey what would?

  5. billmurray 5
    10 April 2017 at 6:28 pm

    Barfly,
    IMHO
    Court case’s and continuum of legal argument will negate the election message’s that Andrew needs to promote.
    Only 5 months left, 30% LP and 7% leadership needs improvement.
    A clean unfettered election campaign is needed

    [lprent: My well-honed troll detector says that you are concern trolling with a touch of astroturfing. In the meantime, I can’t see anything in the posts about the election which makes it diversionary as well.

    If you want to stay commenting on this site over the next 6 month, then I would suggest that you stop and read the site policy. But as a general rule, you bets bet is to simply say what you actually think rather than trying to be an ignorant, stupid and rather obvious smartarse. Most here tend to respect people who argue their viewpoint far more than someone so obviously in love with their groin brain.

    This is your warning. ]

  6. Anne 6
    10 April 2017 at 6:39 pm

    http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/91390066/labour-leader-andrew-little-cleared-of-defamation-against-lani-hagaman-new-trial-possible-over-earl-hagaman-comments

    Well done Andrew Little. He should receive kudos for this lengthy media stand-up just posted. It remains to be seen if the media give it to him.

  7. dv 7
    10 April 2017 at 6:48 pm

    What could be the basis of the suggested appeal(s)?

  8. timeforacupoftea 8
    10 April 2017 at 6:49 pm

    Clap clap clap clap !

  9. BM 9
    10 April 2017 at 7:03 pm

    Boils down to the fact that Little is a blundering clown with the political nous of Jeremy Corbyn.

    PM I don’t think so, hyper-aggressive union guy barking like a rabid dog at employers, yep.

    For a guy struggling to get any traction this was the final straw, as leader he’s well and truly done.

    • Muttonbird 9.1
      10 April 2017 at 7:09 pm

      Haha. He makes a stand for all New Zealanders against corruption and wins, and you can’t even congratulate him on it?

      Your bitterness knows no bounds.

      • BM 9.1.1
        10 April 2017 at 7:17 pm

        He hasn’t won anything, he insulted an old guy who has donated fuck loads of money to many charities and then didn’t even have the nous to say “Sorry about that Earl for dragging you into this, but I was doing my job as the leader of the opposition” when the deal was cleared by the AG

        He looks about as far away from being PM material as anyone could be.

    • ScottGN 9.2
      10 April 2017 at 7:11 pm

      Your grip on reality seems particularly tenuous today BM?

      • McFlock 9.2.1
        10 April 2017 at 7:26 pm

        Rich person lost a court case. This has really shaken BM’s faith in the justice system.

    • mickysavage 9.3
      10 April 2017 at 7:17 pm

      I personally thought the issue was an important one. If the Hagamans succeeded then there was the risk that any time there was a suggestion of inappropriate behaviour by National the associated individual might pop up and sue.

      Ever since Atkinson v Lange the legal tolerance for robust political debate has been high. I personally think this is a good thing.

      • Pete George 9.3.1
        10 April 2017 at 7:59 pm

        I agree it was an important issue. But this hasn’t really clarified much has it?

        It is by no means a definitive outcome. There remains some doubt as to how far a politician can go making unsubstantiated accusations, especially when they involve non politicians.

        In the stand up afterwards Little repeated “that words I used have caused them hurt”.

        While what Little said was outside the House there have been some fairly dirty accusations made inside Parliament (by others) where protections are greater.

        While legal privilege gives politicians special protections it must also mean additional responsibilities to be as fair and accurate as possible.

        • mickysavage 9.3.1.1
          10 April 2017 at 8:04 pm

          Not yet but I anticipate the lawyers will be arguing before the Judge soon trying to persuade her to follow/completely ignore the jury verdict.

          There may be appeals. The Judge’s decision and the appeal decisions if any will provide some guidance. The jury result is important because defamation law is predicated on what ordinary people think about what was said.

          Politics hurts often. The test is or should be what amount of hurt must be tolerated to allow our democracy to function properly.

        • Andre 9.3.1.2
          10 April 2017 at 8:15 pm

          “…especially when they involve non politicians.”

          Seems to me that the acts of donating sums adding up to six figures to the political party in government, at the same time as you have substantial interests in an enterprise negotiating a large contract with said government, should be treated as taking a leap towards the grounds occupied by politicians when it comes to being the subject of robust debate

          • Pete George 9.3.1.2.1
            10 April 2017 at 8:23 pm

            So anyone who donates to political parties should be treated as anything goes when it comes to unsubstantiated accusations?

            I don’t think any parties would be comfortable with that.

            • mickysavage 9.3.1.2.1.1
              10 April 2017 at 8:25 pm

              That is not what Andre was saying. But donations in the six figures need to be reviewed carefully …

              • Pete George …
                10 April 2017 at 8:32 pm

                So anyone who donates $100k + should be subjected to close scrutiny?

                Why not 2 x $50? Or five times $20k over say five years?

                Should donor unions be fair game?

                And in any case should unsubstantiated accusations be acceptable?

                That runs a risk of speculative fishing expeditions – one particular non-Labour MP has a reputation for throwing around accusations under privilege and then expecting the police or Parliament to go find evidence for them. I don’t think that dirty sort of politics should be seen as acceptable.

                • McFlock …
                  10 April 2017 at 8:37 pm

                  Pete, it’s a fuzzy logic situation with a reasonable-person test.

                  If a politician overplays the card, they’ll have troubles in the next election. Otherwise they’re serving their public duty.

                  • Pete George …
                    10 April 2017 at 8:41 pm

                    I know different people will see things differently (often depending on their political preferences).

                    I’d just prefer that any politician with special legal privilege should be responsible enough to not make serious accusations without having a reasonable level of evidence to back up their claims.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 April 2017 at 9:21 pm

                      Yes, we know you’d prefer it to be more difficult for elected representatives to hold the powerful in the land to account, or even simply call for an inquiry.

                    • Muttonbird …
                      10 April 2017 at 9:29 pm

                      Hmm. I remember John Key claiming Labour backed murderers and rapists. Where was his evidence?

                    • lprent …
                      10 April 2017 at 10:36 pm

                      That really is the point. The special legal privilege is specifically there to deal with suspicions of malfeasance and deeply suspicious connections.

                      In exactly the same way that we can be deeply suspicious of politicians and have the qualified privilege to criticise them.

                      Do you really think that such privileges only go one way? They go both ways because that is what is required to keep a certain degree of transparency on the political process.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      11 April 2017 at 11:00 am

                      Sometimes there may be a perception of a conflict of interest where the interests come close but do not actually overlap. It may still be necessary to take some steps to manage these situations. Not taking steps to manage these risks can undermine an entity’s reputation.
                      …

                      Types of other interest:
                      …

                      having received a gift, hospitality, or other benefit from someone…

                      Managing Conflicts of Interest (pdf). Office of the Auditor General.

                      I’m with the Auditor General: there’s a perception that a conflict of interest exists and an entity’s reputation has been undermined.

                      As if donating to the National Party or Act weren’t enough degradation as it is.

                • mickysavage …
                  10 April 2017 at 8:37 pm

                  Sure all of that. Less than a thousand then there should be no problem. Five or six figures and then it needs to be checked out.

                  • dukeofurl …
                    11 April 2017 at 10:10 am

                    Judith Collins sued Little and Mallard because they said she leaked an ACC complainants details.
                    She was only after an apology which she got but she had to admit it was her who ‘passed on’ the complainants details.

                    She was definitely trying to shut them up. She got nothing politically in the end except that she was essentially untruthful.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      11 April 2017 at 11:08 am

                      Messrs Mallard and Little have confirmed to Ms Collins that was not their intention and wish to make that clear publicly and in the event such meaning was taken, they regret it.

                      Translation: “we pity your failure to understand what we said”.

                    • dukeofurl …
                      11 April 2017 at 5:43 pm

                      Thats interesting version of it.
                      Steve Price called it a non aplogy
                      “The parties agree the leak of the email Ms Boag sent to the Minister and forwarded on her instructions, as the responsible minister, to the chairman and chief executive of ACC, raised an issue of serious public concern and that Messrs Mallard and Little were entitled to question who was responsible for that leak.”
                      http://www.medialawjournal.co.nz/?p=581

                      Since Collins claimed she didnt leak but then she said she did ‘pass it on as the responsible minister’, she came out with egg on her face

            • Psycho Milt 9.3.1.2.1.2
              10 April 2017 at 9:35 pm

              So anyone who donates to political parties should be treated as anything goes when it comes to unsubstantiated accusations?

              That straw man is way too big to fit on this thread, Pete. Perhaps you could try misrepresenting only one part of Andre’s comment at once, so the place doesn’t get filled up with straw.

              • Robert Guyton …
                11 April 2017 at 2:43 pm

                Put it back into your straw man storehouse, Pete, where you keep all the others, crammed cheek to scratchy jowl and drag them out less frequently – people are starting to notice that they are but hollow men.

            • Andre 9.3.1.2.1.3
              11 April 2017 at 5:46 am

              It’s continuums, not binaries.

              Donate a few hundy, like most kiwis could do, and you still get treated like an ordinary kiwi. Donate six figures, which is a political act way beyond the means of the overwhelming majority of kiwis and is a large enough sum to carry a risk of corrupt influence, then expect you should expect increased scrutiny and a greater risk of being the subject of poorly phrased comment. Phillip Mills seemed to understand that.

              Doing business with the government should also carry increased scrutiny over purely private sector deals. Because the government funds itself from powers of compulsion, which the private sector generally doesn’t have. Ordinary dealings get ordinary scrutiny. Extraordinary deals get extraordinary scrutiny, with an increased risk of poorly phrased comment. That Niue hotel deal has a number of characteristics that appear outside the ordinary business of government, so yes it deserves extraordinary scrutiny.

              In this case, the Hagamans combined at least two acts well outside ordinary people’s experience, but are deep into political areas deserving extraordinary scrutiny and comment.

              Ordinary kiwis could reasonably contemplate serving on local boards or even local government councils. So those low-level “politicians” should still get close to the same protections as ordinary people. But at the level of large city mayor or MP, then it’s way outside the experience of ordinary kiwis and increased risk of hurtful comment goes with the position. Top levels of central government are a whole ‘nother level where a rhino hide and serious big boy pants should be the expectation.

              Pete, you seem to be of the opinion that scrutiny of the rich and powerful is a bad thing.

          • mosa 9.3.1.2.2
            11 April 2017 at 12:10 am

            Totally agree Andre.

    • Sacha 9.4
      10 April 2017 at 7:28 pm

      “hyper-aggressive union guy barking like a rabid dog at employers”

      Yeah you might want to check that with some of the employers he dealt with as a union lawyer. Constructive reputation, apparently.

  10. greywarshark 10
    10 April 2017 at 7:09 pm

    Here is a link. Earl Hageman is a wealthy American who is 91. He has a very pretty youngish wife. He has dark hair, while Trump prefers apricot. Nothing should ripple his pond. His wife is a financial manager and oversees Scenic Hotels. End of story.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/79425604/of-political-sideswipes-meet-the-hagamans-of-christchurch

    • ropata 10.1
      10 April 2017 at 8:53 pm

      Cool. Zillionaires can immigrate to NZ, plonk a hefty donation in the Nat party coffers, get a plum contract from the Government, and take annoying politicians to Court. And the Judge tells the jury “this is not about politics”.

  11. Sacha 11
    10 April 2017 at 7:20 pm

    Idiot/Savant concludes: “At this stage, it looks like a win for Little: the case will probably end, and if it doesn’t, it will be clear that it is a purely political exercise, aimed at distracting and possibly bankrupting Little in an election year. ”

    http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2017/04/nationals-proxy-attack-fails.html

  12. Sacha 12
    10 April 2017 at 7:22 pm

    Nicky Hager wrote in 2009 about how easily our defamation system favours political reprisal from those with wealth: http://www.nickyhager.info/crosby-v-hager-defamation-proceedings-as-political-weapon/

    • mickysavage 12.1
      10 April 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Yep this sort of fight is not for the faint hearted or those without significant resources. Imagine how you would feel if because of a couple of slightly clumsily phrased sentences you watched your life’s accumulation of wealth disappear in lawyer’s bills and paying compensation for those whose feelings had been hurt.

    • ropata 12.2
      10 April 2017 at 8:09 pm

      +1 another eye opening piece by NZ’s best journalist

    • ropata 12.3
      10 April 2017 at 8:36 pm

      An article on The Spinoff lays out exactly that, it’s a paint-by-numbers way for the wealthy to attack people that say inconvenient things in public.
      Watching the Hagaman-Little defamation trial, it felt like everybody lost.

      • Muttonbird 12.3.1
        10 April 2017 at 10:45 pm

        From that article:

        Little couldn’t be liable for defamation when speaking as leader of the opposition on a matter of public interest and on which questions were being put to him.

        The Judge said this apparently. The irony is that the judge offered this defence of Andrew Little against National Party backed attacks in the form of the Hagaman court case, yet John Key used the same defence on a number of occasions.

  13. Neil 13
    10 April 2017 at 7:49 pm

    Im amazed the Hagaman’s havent gone after all those on social media & those commenting on news articles that are saying the Hagaman’s are corrupt, unscrupulious & dodgy if they are so offended by what Andrew Little said or didnt say.
    Surely the comments on social media & news articles is just as defamertory as what Andrew little said or didnt say.

  14. weka 14
    10 April 2017 at 7:56 pm

    Micky, it’s Hagaman not Hageman 🙂

    [Right you are. Now corrected. Told you I typed it up on a train! – MS]

    • Sacha 14.1
      10 April 2017 at 8:08 pm

      Hagar, Hager, who knows the difference these days?

      • mickysavage 14.1.1
        10 April 2017 at 8:09 pm

        My bad.

        • Sacha 14.1.1.1
          10 April 2017 at 8:11 pm

          I was going to say “they’ll live”. #doh

          • mickysavage 14.1.1.1.1
            10 April 2017 at 8:17 pm

            I like the approach of Private Eye to the request for apologies because of alleged defamation. The correspondence in the case of Arkell v Pressdram is a hoot:

            From the Plaintiff:

            We act for Mr Arkell who is Retail Credit Manager of Granada TV Rental Ltd. His attention has been drawn to an article appearing in the issue of Private Eye dated 9th April 1971 on page 4. The statements made about Mr Arkell are entirely untrue and clearly highly defamatory. We are therefore instructed to require from you immediately your proposals for dealing with the matter.

            Mr Arkell’s first concern is that there should be a full retraction at the earliest possible date in Private Eye and he will also want his costs paid. His attitude to damages will be governed by the nature of your reply.”

            The response was:

            We acknowledge your letter of 29th April referring to Mr. J. Arkell.

            We note that Mr Arkell’s attitude to damages will be governed by the nature of our reply and would therefore be grateful if you would inform us what his attitude to damages would be, were he to learn that the nature of our reply is as follows: fuck off.

            Hehehe …

            http://www.lettersofnote.com/2013/08/arkell-v-pressdram.html

      • greywarshark 14.1.2
        10 April 2017 at 8:37 pm

        I thought we ought to find out who this Hagar is.
        Wikipedia says – ‘Hägar (sometimes written “Hagar”) is a shaggy, scruffy, overweight, red-bearded Viking.[5] He regularly raids England and sometimes France. ‘ Sounds violent, but interesting, keeps you on your toes sort of thing.

        More : ‘Hägar The Horrible is a comic strip about Hagar, a Viking businessman – sacking and looting is his profession. He leads a crew of hardworking Vikings and …’

        Then an explanatory video.
        (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlWsxppAtOo

        Don’t know if the description matches any of our dear leaders. Not Bill, not Andrew, not neat James, Hone and MP – not quite their thing as they are trying to get bits back from earlier raids on them, so what about Winston? Sounds a bit uncouth for him – he’s a lawyer isn’t he, so uses other methods.

        I think that Hagar has left the room and gone to Japan. Watch out Japan.

    • Sacha 14.2
      10 April 2017 at 8:10 pm

      Also is mis-spelling a potential defence?
      “I was thinking of Earl Hageman III of Cornwall, your honour”

  15. Pete George 15
    10 April 2017 at 8:13 pm

    A clarification from Graeme Edgeler:

    There were six causes of action: Little’s initial statement, and then five over statements over the following days (eg media comment and answers to questions). The Hagamans asserted that each of these six statements defamed both Mr Hagaman and Mrs Hagaman.

    The jury, by majority (which means 1, 2, or 3 jurors disagreed) found that none of the statements defamed Mrs Hagaman.

    They found in respect one of the statements, that Little had not defamed Mr Hagaman.

    In respect of one, they found that Little had defamed Mr Hagaman, but could not agree whether he had a defence of qualified privilege.

    In respect of the other four statements, they could not agree whether they were defamatory.

    http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2017/04/little_wins.html#comment-1908448

  16. ropata 16
    10 April 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Asher Emanuel of The Spinoff writes

    On Niue, an island under the government of New Zealand until 1974, there is one hotel. In 2014 it was in poor repair and no longer making money. The Niuean government was considering what could be done. Back in New Zealand where there are many hotels it was election time.

    Two days before polling Earl Hagaman, concerned about the spectre of Kim Dotcom, donated $100,000 to the National Party. Not long after his donation, the organisation he founded, Scenic Hotel Group, won a contract to manage Niue’s hotel in a process overseen by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. And not long after that, the New Zealand government made a grant of $7.5 million to refurbish the hotel now known as the Scenic Matavai.

    Over a year later, Radio New Zealand reported the closeness in time of the donation and the awarding of the contract. Earl had used his money to have an outsized influence on politics and in turn politics was about to have an outsized influence on him. Little, by this time leader of the opposition, had a few things to say. The situation “stinks” he said, and pointed to the Key government’s track record with sending sheep to Saudi Arabia and getting totally rinsed by SkyCity in negotiations over a convention centre. Little called for transparency and requested the Auditor-General to investigate the donation and contract.

    Was that the wrong thing to do? The story might have sunk without his comments. And without his request the Auditor-General might never have essentially cleared the process of corruption.

    Anyway, the Hagamans were displeased.[…]

    Hat tip

    Defamation law is stink. Watching the Hagaman-Little defamation trial, it felt like everybody lost https://t.co/pL3yiG6pJL— John Drinnan (@Zagzigger2) April 10, 2017

  17. cyclone 17
    10 April 2017 at 8:37 pm

    So forgive me if this is an awful question but, given the constant refrain that Earl Hagaman is a dying man, what happens if he dies with this unresolved?
    Does the case end?

    • McFlock 17.1
      10 April 2017 at 8:39 pm

      I suppose it could be continued by his estate.

      • cyclone 17.1.1
        10 April 2017 at 8:41 pm

        Or not. Can you defame a dead man?

        [lprent: Quite tasteless. It would probably be a good idea not to pursue this line before you get me to give you the generic arsehole treatment. I do need the occasional practice twisting ignorant fuckwits like you into raging, ranting and frustrated diminished ego pretzels. So carry on – my decades of online venomous skills await you. ]

        • McFlock 17.1.1.1
          10 April 2017 at 9:24 pm

          if the defamation harms the value of his assets because of their association with him, it could be argued that the defamatory statements are having ongoing damage.

          A lawyer would have an idea on who or what could mount an action in that case

        • Craig H 17.1.1.2
          10 April 2017 at 10:53 pm

          No, one cannot defame the dead, legally speaking.

  18. Draco T Bastard 18
    10 April 2017 at 8:37 pm

    Time will tell. But the next media outlet that says that Little has been found guilty of defaming the Hagemans ought to rethink their role in life.

    Little could probably sue them for defamation.

  19. WILD KATIPO 19
    10 April 2017 at 8:42 pm

    ” Time will tell. But the next media outlet that says that Little has been found guilty of defaming the Hagemans ought to rethink their role in life.”

    ————————————————————-

    Good on you , Mickey.

  20. ianmac 20
    10 April 2017 at 10:41 pm

    Suppose the Right will be pleased whatever the outcome, because they might feel that they have taught opponents a lesson.
    As they did to Nicky. He wins but at what huge cost.

    • Muttonbird 20.1
      10 April 2017 at 10:57 pm

      The right are raging at this. Our own rwnjs are sulking and those on the alt-right attack sites Kiwiblog and Whaleoil are typically apoplectic.

      As McFlock said at 9.2.1: “Rich person lost a court case”. This outcome is simply not natural in their world view.

  21. saveNZ 21
    11 April 2017 at 7:42 am

    Lets face it, it was a politically motivated ruse right before the election to distract and try to discredit Little from a rabid Natz supporter and tax payer beneficiary with the added bonus of scaring others to look deeper into the swamp of political donations and their subsequent awards of taxpayer money.

    Natz have zero in policy for this election, no ideas and their only hope is to cheat, throw mud and hope the distraction on their own incompetence on everything from housing, to wages to transport to water to immigration is not in the media.

    Their only hope is to manufacture dirt on Labour do something stupid to keep the headlines off the Natz, like headlines Arden vs Little, or a statement against family violence they can manipulate into something else aka Cunliffe.

    However the tide has turned. People have been disgusted with the media from last election and their role in dirty politics and the media themselves are looking to find themselves ignored and irrelevant by their blatant bias and incompetence from the public.

    Maybe Little should sue the media who say he is guilty of defamation and get some of his costs back.

    Because we are now living in a society that allows litigation to cheat and drive out freedom of speech. AKA Big Tobacco was allowed to kill people for decades more than they should have by litigation.

    A few people have been victorious like the environmentalists against McDonalds.
    http://defamationwatch.com.au/?page_id=257

    The case with Little shows the public that justice is not justice any more. Yes he won, but he has had huge legal costs and the distraction and media coverage that should not have been allowed in the first place.

    Contrast this with the case in Northland and the Natz MP, who got off and he was not even publicly named as a suspect.

    So for real crimes Natz MP’s get off scot free and the media lets them and they are not ever named publicly and the Natz never scrutinised about their involvement related to the crime whether found guilty or not.

  22. One Anonymous Bloke 22
    11 April 2017 at 7:53 am

    I then apologised to the PM ‘for any offence taken’ – a classic Clayton’s apology which suggests that those offended are far too sensitive for their own good but, hey, if it makes them feel better then here is my most insincere effort’.

    Michael Laws.

    Whether or not it’s his intention to do so, Little adds insult to injury each time he apologises for the “hurt”.

    It’s like music to my ears 😈

  23. Cinny 23
    11 April 2017 at 8:01 am

    If Lani really cares about her ‘dying’ husband then she should be spending as much time as she can with him.

    Personally I’d be shocked if Lani and Earl kept this case going, considering his health. They would just be drawing more attention issue. Maybe their actions defamed themselves?

    Happy for Alpha and his family, and as a result of this case the public are better informed about ‘donations to political parties and big business’. Thanks Alpha, good vibes to you and yours.

  24. dukeofurl 24
    11 April 2017 at 9:14 am

    I never quite understood part of the Auditors Generals report of the hotel deal

    ‘8 October 2014 – A Ministry staff member emailed a person in Parliament, noting that “Tomorrow the Matavai Board is to consider the appointment of a hotel management company to run the Matavai. Scenic Circle are the proposed managers….
    http://www.oag.govt.nz/media/2016/niue-hotel

    I presumed that ‘person’ to be a national party politician. The wording suggests the lawyers have looked closely at this part.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 24.1
      11 April 2017 at 9:20 am

      Whoever the National Party’s bagman is, I doubt they leave a paper trail.

      • dukeofurl 24.1.1
        11 April 2017 at 10:24 am

        emails do !

        The whole Niue hotel project is doomed to fail really. The island is much further than even Tonga, has no palm fringed lagoons to entice tourists, like rarotonga
        There is only one direct Air NZ flight a week, which we taxpayers subsidise.

        Scenic tried to arrange Air Chathams to have flights from Tonga, which is 600km away. I suppose that required another subsidy. There arent any airlines in Tonga that can be trusted.
        At some stage I cant see Scenic staying without even bigger dollops of government money.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 hour ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    7 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    14 hours ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    15 hours ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    15 hours ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    15 hours ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    15 hours ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    15 hours ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    15 hours ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    15 hours ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    16 hours ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    18 hours ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    18 hours ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    18 hours ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    18 hours ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    18 hours ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    19 hours ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    22 hours ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    22 hours ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    22 hours ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    23 hours ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    24 hours ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 day ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

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

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • In Whose Best Interests?
    On The Spot: The question Q+A host, Jack Tame, put to the Workplace & Safety Minister, Act’s Brooke van Velden, was disarmingly simple: “Are income tax cuts right now in the best interests of lowering inflation?”JACK TAME has tested another MP on his Sunday morning current affairs show, Q+A. Minister for Workplace ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Don’t Question, Don’t Complain.
    It has to start somewhereIt has to start sometimeWhat better place than here?What better time than now?So it turns out that I owe you all an apology.It seems that all of the terrible things this government is doing, impacting the lives of many, aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ per se. Those things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Auckland faces 25% water inflation shock
    Three Waters became a focus of anti-Government protests under Labour, but its dumping by the new Government hasn’t solved councils’ funding problems and will eventually hit the back pockets of everyone. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 8:06 am today are:The Government ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Small accomplishments and large ironies
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-18T22:20:35+00:00