About Karen Chhour’s future
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11:06 am, August 3rd, 2024 - 27 comments
Categories: act, crime, Maori Issues, maori party, Parliament, political parties, Social issues, uncategorized -
Tags: karen chhour
Act minister Karen Chhour has recently adopted the mantle of victimhood and claimed that she has been under attack and feels unsafe in Parliament.
From Radio New Zealand:
“It no longer feels like I can walk [Parliament’s] corridors without fear of personal attacks from either other members around the House or even from outside the House as well,” Chhour said.
“It just feels like this environment is so toxic. How can we actually do our job? How can we actually do what we need to do in this place if we fear what we say is going to cause that kind of retaliation and it’s not going to be called out?”
She is apparently referring to Te Paati Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi who in the House in May of this year referred to her as a puppet.
During a debate Kapa-Kingi said this:
“E te Minita, ka aroha ki a koe kua karetaohia e tō pāti. Kia kaha rā”
[To the Minister, how sad that you have been made a puppet by your party. Be strong.]
If this caused Chhour angst then perhaps politics is not for her. Because being described as a puppet is on the scale of things a pretty controlled insult. Far worse is said in Parliamentary debates.
At a personal level I have sympathy for Chhour. Workers should not be subject pressure or bullying or personal attacks.
But she is no ordinary worker. She is a highly paid politician who is primarily responsible for getting through some really regressive policies.
And she shows no particular skills. She seems to have been picked for her job because of her back story and not for her abilities. She is someone who had a difficult childhood and some exposure to the workings of Oranga Tamariki many many years ago when it was called Child Youth and Family.
She is now at the sharp edge of decision making about how the modern system, which is considerably different to the system that she was exposed to, will operate in the future.
Can I say this as delicately as possible but her long term campaign against section 7AA is completely, completely misguided. Contrary to her and her party’s assertion this section does not require Māori kids to be taken away from well intentioned Pakeha couples. It requires Oranga Tamariki to engage properly with Iwi Authorities and to have a proper plan for dealing with Māori kids in trouble. Given that most kids in care are Māori and that historical approaches have not worked and that Iwi Authorities have been doing outstanding work the Minister’s stance is retrograde.
Her solution has attracted negative comments from radical left wing organisations like the New Zealand Law Society. In its submission it said:
The New Zealand Law Society does not agree that repeal of section 7AA will improve the well-being and best interests of children and young people. Nor will it address any perceived undermining of welfare and best interests due to cultural considerations. There is no evidence that section 7AA is responsible for undermining the safety of children.
Or how about this:
The Cabinet Paper concludes that section 7AA creates a conflict for Oranga Tamariki when making decisions in the best interests of the child or young person. In our view, there is no evidence to support this proposition. Section 4A makes it clear that in all matters relating to the administration or application of the Act the well-being and best interests of the child or young person are the first and paramount consideration, having regard to the principles set out in sections 5 and 13. It is clear from these sections that Oranga Tamariki has a duty to ensure the safety of children and young people and that this duty is not overridden by the requirements in section 7AA.
And there is also this:
In the Cabinet Paper, the Minister states that section 7AA has ‘negatively impacted on caregivers’, and that ‘some caregivers have suggested that section 7AA has resulted in a requirement for culturally appropriate environments, which is valued more that children’s welfare.’ The Law Society is not aware of evidence to support the notion that there have been a significant number of removals of children from caregivers because the caregivers were “deemed to be the wrong ethnicity”.
The best resourced most capable and best qualified union to talk about legal matters has spoken. There is no justification for the repeal of section 7AA.
The Waitangi Tribunal formed the same opinion and wanted to talk to Chhour to ask her for her justification and she refused to do so.
In a carefully worded interim decision concerning the repeal of section 7AA the Tribunal raised three matters:
First, we are concerned that the government’s singular focus on implementation of a commitment made in one of the coalition agreements has caused it to disregard its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, and this needs to be corrected before proceeding further. The second is a concern that this rushed repeal of section 7AA will cause actual harm. The third is to draw to the government’s attention a more principled way forward, already available under the Act. This is the periodic review of the legislation and policy provided for in section 448B of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
Even the regulatory impact statement attached to the bill concedes “[t]here is no empirical evidence to support the notion that section 7AA has driven practice decisions that have led to changing care arrangements”.
And the last time Chhour tried to get section 7AA repealed this time through a private member’s bill 12 months ago National MP Tama Potaka said “[i]t would be contradictory of us to dismiss this provision entirely, which is intended to be a genuine option to address and meet the best interests of the child in State care”. He said that National would amend rather than repeal the section.
Clearly Chhour is under some distress. Her recent interview with Tova O’Brien did not go well. And she expressed some emotion in complaining about people claiming she is not Māori enough and is not the right sort of traumatised person. She is right. Those sorts of criticisms are disrespectful and unhelpful.
But here is the thing. What she and this Government are changing will directly affect many, many people. Kids will be thrown into boot camps when there are much better options. Social workers and caregivers and the recipients of their aroha are being directly affected by this Government’s decision to cut their funding. And Iwi authorities’ mana will be lessened and marginalised when they present the best option we have to do something meaningful for Māori kids in trouble.
And she is part of a Government that has marginalized Te Reo and Te Ao Māori. And her party wants to foist on us a crap referendum based on a bullshit interpretation of Te Tiriti that will divide the country and set race relations back decades for kicks and political advantage. Please understand my complete lack of sympathy for her plight.
She may disagree and think that her proposal is best, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. She may get upset that large sectors of the community disagree with her. She may be incensed that someone called her a puppet.
But her job is really important. If she cannot listen to the criticism, weigh up the evidence and come up with what is best for us all and instead get upset because people are getting fed up with her then she needs to think about a different job.
And coming from a member of the Act Party is a bit rich. This is the party which demanded an urgent debate on the day that Kiri Allan crashed. It is part of a movement that hounded Jacinda Ardern from the Prime Minister’s position, that attacked Nanaia Mahuta mercilessly, that reduced Clare Curran to tears in the house, and that piled the pressure onto Golriz Ghahrahman until she cracked.
Let Parliament be a respectful place where MPs are courteous to each other, where law changes are considered seriously and where decisions are based on a proper analysis of the evidence and where everyone works for the common good. We do not have that right now. We have a far right party damaging our legal system based on hunches, ill informed reckons and the desire to create chaos for political advantage.
No wonder people are angry.
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- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...3 days ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...4 days ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...5 days ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...6 days ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...6 days ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...6 days ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...7 days ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...7 days ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...1 week ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...1 week ago
- Building consents data bad news for construction
News that the annual number of building consents granted for new homes fell by more than 20 percent for the year ended July 2024, is bad news for the construction industry. ...1 week ago
- Te Pāti Māori Pay Tribute to Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
Papā te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi, i whētuki i raro rā, rū ana te whenua e. Uea te pou o tōku whare kia tū tangata he kapua whakairi nāku nā runga o Taupiri. Ko taku kiri ka tōkia ki te anu mātao. E te iwi ...1 week ago
- Release: Gaps still to be addressed in callouts response
The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...1 week ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...1 week ago
- Green Party pays respects to Kiingi Tuuheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII, after he passed away earlier this morning. ...2 weeks ago
- Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...2 weeks ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...10 hours ago - Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...11 hours ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...12 hours ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...3 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...3 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...3 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...3 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...4 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...4 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...5 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...5 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...5 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...5 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...5 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...5 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...5 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...6 days ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...6 days ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...6 days ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...6 days ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...6 days ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...6 days ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...7 days ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...7 days ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...7 days ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...1 week ago
- Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki
A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland
A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...1 week ago
- Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland
A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...1 week ago
- Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure
A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...1 week ago
- Government delivering reliable roads for Manawatū-Whanganui
A record $1.6 billion for transport investment in Manawatū-Whanganui through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s importance as a strategic freight hub that boosts economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. ...1 week ago
- Restoring connections in Hawke’s Bay
A record $657 million for transport investment in the Hawke’s Bay through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support recovery from cyclone damage and build greater resilience into the network to support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that ...1 week ago
- Transport resilience a priority for Gisborne
A record $255 million for transport investment in Gisborne through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and restore the cyclone-damaged network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With $255 million of investment over the next three years, we are committed to making sure that every transport ...1 week ago
- Prioritising growth and reduced travel times in Canterbury
A record $1.8 billion for transport investment Canterbury through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Christchurch is the economic powerhouse of the South Island, and transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and freight in the Bay of Plenty
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Bay of Plenty through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of ...1 week ago
- Getting transport back on track in Auckland
A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will deliver the infrastructure our rapidly growing region needs to support economic growth and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Aucklanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, phantoms projects, ...1 week ago
- Pro-Palestinian activists hold protests to disrupt defense expo in Australia
By Efe Özkan Pro-Palestinian anti-war activists in Australia have protested in Melbourne, disrupting a defence expo set to open on Wednesday. Protesters gathered yesterday in front of companies connected to weapons manufacturing across Melbourne as police were called to prevent an escalation of the events, according to 7News Melbourne. Many ...1 hour ago - ‘Didn’t care enough’: here’s what the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide foun...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Wadham, Professor, Director, Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families, Flinders University After three years of investigations, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has delivered its final report with 122 recommendations. The commission has carried much ...4 hours ago
- What is 3-phase power? And how do I know if my house needs it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asma Aziz, Senior Lecturer in Power Engineering, Edith Cowan University If you’re building, renovating or planning to install a solar battery, your builder or installer might ask whether you’ve considered upgrading from single-phase to three-phase power. This upgrade often comes with a ...5 hours ago
- MSG is back. Is the idea it’s bad for us just a myth or food science?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Dr. Victor Wong/Shutterstock MSG is making a comeback. The internet’s favourite cucumber salad recipe includes fish sauce, cucumber, garlic and – as the video’s creator ...6 hours ago
- South Australia is proposing a law to ban kids under 14 from social media. How would it work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University Artie Medvedev/Shutterstock The South Australian government is moving ahead with plans to ban children under 14 from social media. Under the proposal, teens aged 14 ...6 hours ago
- Australia’s construction industry needs more hands on deck – so why is it ignoring skilled migra...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Loosemore, Professor of Construction Management, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Australia’s construction industry is facing a perfect storm: enormous targets for building – 1.2 million new homes and A$230 billion worth of infrastructure over the next five years – at ...7 hours ago
- At Melaka Art & Performance Festival I watched dancers overcome by a trance in the rain, and the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan W. Marshall, Associate Professor & Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University Feifei Liao performing in the village ruins. Photo by and courtesy of Teo Swee An. Melbourne-based Tony Yap is a leading figure in ...7 hours ago
- Google is facing another crucial court case in the US – and it could have major consequences for o...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbora Jedlickova, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, The University of Queensland One month after a US court ruled Google had illegally maintained its monopoly on internet search, the tech giant will this week face the start of yet another important antitrust case. ...7 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon refuses to speak about Treaty Principles Bill after it was handed to Cabinet
The Prime Minister says ACT leader David Seymour will have more to say on the Bill soon. ...8 hours ago - Jesus’s vision fulfilled: David Seymour restores unity to the church
The Christian church has had quite a few dust-ups with itself over the last 20 centuries. This week, the Act Party brought it together. Since Jesus prayed that his followers may all be one (John 17:20-21), Christians have barely stopped fighting. Yes, they’ve occasionally broken off to slaughter people in ...8 hours ago - PODCAST: The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
Podcast: A View from Afar with Paul G Buchanan and Selwyn Manning. Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning discuss The Politics of Desperation. This episode flows on from our discussions about long transitions and the moment ...8 hours ago
- Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste is powerful and symbolic, but also political
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Brincat, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of the Sunshine Coast Author provided, Author provided Timor-Leste has had much to celebrate recently. August 30 marked 25 years since the Popular Consultation – or “The Referendum”, as many call ...9 hours ago
- What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? One’s about plumbing, the other...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Todorovic, Associate Professor of Medicine, Bond University Explode/Shutterstock In July 2023, rising US basketball star Bronny James collapsed on the court during practice and was sent to hospital. The 18-year-old athlete, son of famous LA Lakers’ veteran LeBron James, had ...9 hours ago
- If we truly want our Paralympic athletes to shine, their coaches need more support
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Bennie, Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education/Sport Development, Western Sydney University The 2024 Paris Paralympics delivered heightened attention and awareness of a pinnacle sporting event for para athletes. Australia has often set the standard for para sport, consistently achieving top ...10 hours ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you love celebs out of their comfort zone: Celebrity Treasure Island (TVNZ+, starting September 9) We’re back on the beach for a new season of celebrity ...11 hours ago
- Harris’ lead dips in national US polls and it’s very close in the key states
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris ...12 hours ago
- Rewriting history: how the Treaty ‘principles’ evolved and why they don’t stand up to scrutiny
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images ACT Party leader David Seymour has said the goal of his Treaty Principles Bill is to stimulate an overdue conversation on te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi. ...12 hours ago
- Surge in non-disclosure agreements at Health NZ sparks Labour complaint
Nearly 70 staff at Te Whatu Ora have signed non-disclosure agreements since the end of November. ...12 hours ago
- ‘Numerous questions’, but Fiji govt sticks with new anti-corruption chief
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The Fiji government is backing the appointment of the country’s new anti-corruption chief who was under investigation by the office she now heads, which has left Fijians asking questions. Barbara Malimali — who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson — was revealed as the ...12 hours ago
- Pope Francis calls for end to tribal ‘spiral of violence’ in PNG visit
Inside PNG reports that Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a proclamation even Pope Francis acknowledges. But Papua New Guinea is also challenged with socio-economic developments that do not reach the rural majority despite the presence of numerous extractive industries. The Pontiff in his remarks ...12 hours ago
- Anne Salmond: A Cabinet of principles?
The effrontery of David Seymour’s riposte to Church leaders over his Treaty Principles Bill is breathtaking. He accuses them of being undemocratic. When the Act Party took the idea of a referendum on Te Tiriti to a general election in 2023, it won just 8.6 percent of the vote. The other ...12 hours ago - Public feedback sought on new tolls for lower North Island
Consultation on the proposed tolling schemes for the Manawatū Tararua Highway and the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway is now open. ...12 hours ago
- A new festival celebrates the art of the picture book
Picture Me is a brand new book festival happening in Wellington and Christchurch between 11–28 September. Here’s the inside scoop on the international headliners and what they’ll be doing while in Aotearoa. A good picture book has a timeless quality: a story you don’t mind reading over, and over and ...13 hours ago
- Minister tried to hide NZDF criticism of boot camp comments
The criticism was revealed to RNZ in an official information act response, but new documents show Judith Collins asked for them to be redacted. ...13 hours ago
- LIVE@12:45pm – The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm September 9, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:45pm (USEDT). Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning will discuss The Politics of Desperation. ...14 hours ago
- David Seymour hits out at church leaders over Treaty Principles Bill
The ACT leader says churches are abandoning their core beliefs, after 400 Christian leaders condemned his controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...14 hours ago
- Some home truths about gene technologies
In response to criticism of proposed changes to our GM settings, scientist Revel Drummond says we should discuss the issue of regulatory change from a position of educated debate, not fear-mongering. New technologies often get pushback from sectors of society. In the 19th century people feared the unknown effects on ...14 hours ago
- Dane and Stacey on making travel a business, owning half a dog, and finding balance
Earning money while you travel sounds like a dream to many of us – so how hard is it to make the dream a reality? Travel content creators Dane and Stacey joined Kiwibank’s This is Kiwi podcast to talk about documenting their adventures online, and remembering to sometimes put the ...14 hours ago
- Councils’ credit ratings downgraded over debt, rising costs
A reduced rating will mean higher borrowing costs for two major city councils. ...14 hours ago
- Is America ready to elect a Black woman president?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University It’s the big question that has loomed over Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign from the start: is the United States ready for a Black woman president? I get ...16 hours ago
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Good summary. I can't see any reason for the repeal of that section, especially when there is absolutely no substantive justification for its repeal.
As far as I can see it appears to have been done, at best, by one person supported by her populist party, against the advice of almost everybody actually involved in the awful process of trying to protect an raise children with family issues.
I suspect that this is primarily a donor issue. A shit load of money wound up in the Act coffers to support this change.
It is in the Coalition Agreement between National and ACT:
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/nationalparty/pages/18466/attachments/original/1700778592/National_ACT_Agreement.pdf?1700778592 [pg. 9]
Yeah, but given the preponderance of Maori in child care and the clear evidence that the many previous practices only make the problems worse, why just put a explicit repeal in if they have absolutely no workable plan.
Because they don't beyond some waffle. The only coherent plans across of all three coalition parties are to reduce monitoring of the problems (aka deregulation), boot camps which are always a failure, and charter schools which are usually an expensive failure. None of which address known problems with taking children into care.
The ONLY justification that I can see from Act has been that 7AA upsets some foster parents. Which seems to me to be is probably where Act's financial interest probably comes from, hooked into their Hobson's choice stupidity.
So where is the plan to fix the obvious issues with children who wound up with badly monitored bad fostering causing widespread abuse. Have they read the abuse in care report, or even its summary. The level of systematic abuse from the kinds of care done outside family groups was and almost certainly still is horrendous. In my view it is worse than the abuse inside families. Especially when you look at how it impacts largely on Maori and Polynesian.
Do Act like torturing children? Because I can't see any other reason for repealing 7AA
I agree parliamentary debate should be respectful. It's just hard to swallow coming from an ACT Minister whose party last week complained of racism when a couple of Select Committee members opposed ACT MP Laura Trask leading a subcommittee on Section 7aa, supposedly on the grounds of her being pakeha. Not true of course, as Carmel Sepuloni, who is on the Committee said. Laura Trask is a novice MP, who has now been parachuted in to chair part of a very delicate and controversial policy, which Karen Chhour is responsible for. Don't tell me this isn't about a power grab by ACT and crying in the corridor because she doesn't like the inevitable push back is pathetic. She has power. Power as a Minister, power with a huge salary and staff, power to change lives for the better or the worst. All I can see is the worst part of it.
A few years ago when she was in Opposition, I came across one of the many multitudes of press releases the ACT MPs were required to churn out on a daily basis. Something to do with unemployment (I think she was their welfare spokesperson?)
I decided to email her about it, not expecting a reply at all, but she did reply, and we maintained a very civil correspondence whilst agreeing to disagree. Given I can never get replies from the Greens- the party I vote for- but I got a response from my natural enemy, well she gets credit for that. But not my vote!
Also completely agree with this post.
Bugger Me.
A piece of fluff from Kapa-Kingi and the world has fallen.
But crickets from our main stream press about the deep racism and retrograde nature of Chour's law change and the continuation of negative impacts it will bring.
What a truly fucked up time we live in. When a ugly retrograde piece of legislation can be forced through, because of someones feelings got hurt.
The cultural change in acceptable behavior has shifted this week with the Privileges Committee scolding Genter for honestly being a good hardass.
Chhour complaining is part of the change of what's acceptable.
Same with those limp-wristed fools in the Green Party complaining about the weakest of slights once actual party discipline comes down. So pathetic.
So long as you're not punching people, I expect power to be contested very hard.
Bring back the 'Duck'……………….
Eventually the issue of 7AA comes down to the ineptitude of one Christoper Luxon. It seems that there is little support for the removal of 7AA and yet the top notch Luxon Negotiator was out-shone by a very minor party.
Great summary of the issue thanks Mikysavage.
Great post Micky. This is all Seymour’s fault-he chose the wrong person to front this issue. This is only going to get worse.
If he had any sense he would replace her with himself now, but he is not used to managing a caucus that is in government and he would hate to admit he got this badly wrong.
Far from a piece of fluff, this is punching below the belt.
“If Section 7AA were around in Karen Chhour’s time, she would have been raised Māori, she would have been raised being connected to her whakapapa and having a knowingness of her Māoritanga. Instead, she was raised Pākehā with a disconnection and disdain for her… people."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350362931/act-mp-karen-chhour-breaks-down-tears-over-unsafe-workplace
Doesn't mean I am in favour of the repeal of 7A. To sheet these actions to Chhour's door is drawing a long bow.
It was done and dusted for Luxon and crew to get power, as pointed out by Incognito above. (Comment 1.1)
I heard Chhour on RNZ on this subject, she didn't convince me of it's appropriateness but came across as a committed, compassionate human being
I think that Karen Chhour is a driver of this particular repeal rather than merely a party puppet.
She introduced the private member’s Bill on 22 Sep 2022.
It was rejected at the First Reading in Parliament on 23 Jul 2023 with both National and ACT MPs voting in favour.
https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/3e5bd3e0-b189-4110-b3d8-7e8345384863?Tab=history
I like to think that it was no issue to put it into the Coalition Agreement.
None of this justifies playing the person but even taking out/down the person, if this is even a deliberate strategy by some opponents, won’t change the course of what the coalition is doing.
If I have time, I’ll follow-up with my own perception and assumptions of some of the reasons that might be driving Chhour and also the coalition parties in their war against ToW (as an umbrella term) and the NZ version of Project 2025.
Thanks for expanding on that, it sheds a bit more light on the issue.
She's not as 'pawnish' as I thought.
I would be interested to read yr views as to her motivation.
From where I sit, it seems like trying to lessen a rigid adherence to orthodoxy that has occasionally not served the child well.
Chhour is definitely not a pawn; she's far too smart for that. And I agree with your comment that comes across as committed and compassionate. For some reason opposition parties have chosen to make this particularly personal. (Applause in Parliament as Karen Chhour condemns personal attacks from Te Pāti Māori about her upbringing | Newshub). Willow-Jean Prime called her a 'sell out'. Kelvin Davis said that Chhour needed to 'leave her Pākehā world'. And so on. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer's 'white tears' social media posts last week continued the same theme. These attacks appear to be both patterned and coordinated, and they seem intended to paint her as a 'lesser' Māori.
There may be good reasons to oppose the removal of 7aa, but while Labour and TPM continue to 'punch below the belt', they will fail to make that case.
Chhour is definitely not a pawn; she's far too smart for that.
Can you provide proof? Her take on the legal issues is appallingly bad. So bad no one I know supports it.
For some reason opposition parties have chosen to make this particularly personal … Willow-Jean Prime called her a 'sell out'. Kelvin Davis said that Chhour needed to 'leave her Pākehā world'. And so on.
Have you been around? These criticisms are really tame and Kelvin had the decency to apologise.
There may be good reasons to oppose the removal of 7aa, but while Labour and TPM continue to 'punch below the belt', they will fail to make that case.
Labour is not punching below the belt. How about you respond to the case they have made instead of alleging they have not done so.,
You can start with this – https://www.labour.org.nz/news-release_govt_s_stubbornness_will_harm_m_ori_children
You're implying smart = intelligent. I can't make a jugdgement on her intelligence. However I know people who work or have worked with her, and the word they use to describe her is 'smart'.
"These criticisms are really tame and Kelvin had the decency to apologise."
It's subjective whether they are 'tame'. It is not subjective that they are personal.
"Labour is not punching below the belt."
When Prime called Chhour a 'sell out', she was targeting her race. Davis was doing the same thing. These are low blows, and suggestive of a lack of actual argument.
"You can start with this –"
That doesn't provide any kind of 'case'. It's slogans. A case would be evidence that section 7aa, or it's repeal, actually makes a blind bit of difference. Young children died in the care of family before section 7aa, and they have continued to die after it.
Might have something to do with what’s happening in Parliament these days; leave your conspiracy theories for your SM accounts.
Okay then, make the case for or against instead of being a Chhour and ACT apologist.
"Might have something to do with what’s happening in Parliament these days…
Of course it will have something to do with what's happening in parliament. It's political. It’s an ideological difference, with one side playing the man. Or in this case woman.
"Okay then, make the case for or against instead of being a Chhour and ACT apologist"
What gives you that idea? I've been clear – children died before 7aa and have died since. At the hands of family whose care they should never have been placed in.
Trying to lessen a rigid adherence to orthodoxy. There were definitely instances where Maori children, settled and well attached, were removed from pakeha families, the very sad South Island case of 4 children being the most well known; strongly condemned by Kelvin Davis and Ta Mark Solomon. Seemed the work of over reactive social workers after the condemned removal of the infant in Hastings, staff or directors who did not seem to understand the vital importance of attachment. I do know of 2 other cases, causing heartbreak; I certainly hope this practice is not happening still. Maybe it’s unfortunate that Karen didn't dialogue with the Waitangi Tribunal for better understanding on both sides.
That would be appreciated Incognito. I have been trying to figure it out for some time. My original estimate was that overall theToW case is being conducted in a climate of spite and retaliation for them essentially rocking the Tory boat. Tory… as in right wing conservative Anglo Saxon angst at being challenged by what they generally regard as a inferior race. How Chhour fits into the strategy I don’t know.
"she is no ordinary worker. She is a highly paid politician who is primarily responsible for getting through some really regressive policies." MS
“It no longer feels like I can walk [Parliament’s] corridors without fear….." KC
When the powerful and privileged start playing the victim card, everyone else needs to be on guard.
In Chhour's interview with Tova she got a taste of boot camp culture and didn't like it. I feel a little sorry for her. She's just a puppet of Seymour's psueudo Darwinian philosophy and will be left by him to sink or swim. Real boot camp stuff eh?
I think Chour's desire to remove 7AA stems from cases like Moana. This little girls plight was commented on this site numerous times around the time of the case. I think it was Molly who said she knew of similar cases.
I have always thought Karen came across as vulnerable, which would make sense due to her background. I am not sure how I would describe the attacks on her other to say she is being targeted. And this is having an impact on her.
Having followed the case of Moana, I think it is so important that OT put safety above culture. Sometimes thankfully they are not mutually exclusive. But what happened to Moana is despicable.
On the one hand TPM don't make themselves look professional by making personal attacks (and, possibly) appearing to condone that kind of attitude from others. TPM seem to me to be trying to build support by social influence than professional politics, but I guess the rule book didn't anticipate that so it's not breaking any rules.
But ACT took on the same broad issues as Don Brash did with his Orewa speech, so why the backlash surprises them surprises me.
Like the nerd in the classroom who teases the poor kid with the torn jersey, then runs to the teacher when he gets his nose tweaked.
For decades a central message, albeit tacit perhaps, from the ACT party has been self reliance, standing on your own two feet, no one owes you a living, the realities of life, delivering a 'tough message', a hard message, getting tough, hardening up………I found chours reaction to be so unlike the standard ACT rhetoric and attitude
OK, have stared at this over the course of a week.
Summary: Karen Chhour:. With no education or prospects, was an apparel industry outworker, maybe former checkout operator, did ACT’s “politics” course, and was selected from the intake. Deprived background, emotionally fragile, no conceptual ability, black and white thinking, debating with her would be pointless, shooting her down inhumane. Believes completely that what she is doing is good. Dazzled by where she is standing fronting up this stuff. I do not believe she writes parliamentary bills.
Background: Seems to be about 43. Childhood between foster homes, homeless as an adult, unsure she would survive (tons on Google). No recorded education.
Linked-in says: 2005-10, Countdown ‘customer service’ (sic); 2019 to present, own company Kazzer Services. Listed as “New Zealand-made clothing and property management” – karen-chhour/interests says she owns no property except her own mortgaged home, so presumably home expenses go through.
Clothing – – NBR says act-list-mp-karen-chhour/ “Chhour contracts to clothing companies and sews their clothes, tags and presses them before sending them back ready to be displayed in clothing stores”. It's called outworking, a job frequently done by migrant workers.
ACT protegee: ‘Did a one year course in politics through the party’. Any relation to Seymour’s two-week Atlas MBA?
See ACT’s course (or semester?) my.act.org.nz/sopps “Practical Politics”. October intake is sold out, alarmingly. “Practical politics” – appears to work politics based on how to get power by inventing threats to scare people and demonising the other side. May be Atlas-Network-wide (e.g. nes-g.org/en/last-news/practical-politics-the-first-day. Run by Atlas Network in Georgia (Caucasus, not USA)
More ACT ‘education’ – spotify.com/show/ ‘Politics in Full Sentences’, a series of weekly podcasts “for those who love free markets and free minds”. Four years ago, but you can see the build up. Sinister.
But back to KC – – with what she represents, as ACT's creature, it's horrifically brilliant – a weapon of mass destruction that it would be cruel to oppose. .
Thanks for that reference. It does explain a lot about why Seymour was reasonably effective as an opposition operator, but is now proving to be so useless and under-trained at the process of government. He lacks the well-rounded education required. Probably too arrogant to understand his own lack of breadth.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/02/new-zealand-america-moving-trump/
https://admin.atlasnetwork.org/assets/documents/financials/22209874-Atlas-Year-in-Review-2008_1.pdf
Karen Chhour as well. Looks to me like she shouldn’t be anywhere near a ministerial role.