And the Nats want this man in parliament?

Written By: - Date published: 11:51 pm, February 16th, 2008 - 72 comments
Categories: national - Tags:

I was just checking out the blogs and discovered this little gem on Kiwiblog:

# Stephen Franks Says:
February 16th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

Britain’s had an independent enquiry into Blair/Labour’s ‘Cash for Honours’ scandal.
Anyone want a bet on the chances of getting anything similarily cleansing here?
One problem – Scotland Yard still has credibility as independent of Labour. Sadly the NZ Police in recent electoral matters have been disgraceful.

Excuse me? Now this might not be the Stephen Franks of Act fame that we know and love, but this user does link to Franks’ blog and the Kiwiblog user “Stephen Franks” has made claims to be the ex-mp that seem to bear up.

So this is what the right is reduced to then? A prominent ex-mp and potential National party candidate for Wellington Central is publicly claiming with no evidence whatsoever that the New Zealand police are corrupt and that the government is involved in a bribery scam.

Given Franks is a lawyer I would have thought he’d know something about evidence and libel but apparently not. I’d be very interested if he stands by his allegations or if he is simply engaging in defamatory politicking, because if it’s the latter then (as my old mate Fran would say) the public is entitled to know.

72 comments on “And the Nats want this man in parliament? ”

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  1. Peak Oil Conspiracy 1
    17 February 2008 at 1:47 am

    Irish Bill:

    “Now this might not be the Steven Franks of Act fame that we know and love…”

    That’d be Stephen Franks.

    And I’m not sure how you infer this from his comment:

    “A prominent ex-mp and potential National party candidate for Wellington Central is publicly claiming with no evidence whatsoever that the New Zealand police are corrupt and that the government is involved in a bribery scam.”

    Could you walk me through your reasoning process in more detail?

    A careful reading of Franks’ comment might suggest a different conclusion: he’s talking about the fiasco leading up to the Auditor-General’s report on party spending (which, incidentally, NZ First by its actions has placed on the agenda for this election).

  2. IrishBill 2
    17 February 2008 at 8:07 am

    I’ve fixed the spelling POC.

    “One problem – Scotland Yard still has credibility as independent of Labour. Sadly the NZ Police in recent electoral matters have been disgraceful.”

    He is saying the police are not independent of Labour. A police force that acts politically is a corrupt police force. It doesn’t matter what “fiasco” Franks is talking about because there has been no “fiasco” involving politicised and corrupt police.

    What you and the rest of the Kiwiblog right need to understand, POC, is that organisations and people are not corrupt simply because you say they are. This kind of behaviour can be ignored when it’s conducted by anonymous KBR nobodies but I’d expect more from a parliamentarian.

  3. outofbed 3
    17 February 2008 at 8:16 am

    Rich out, Franks in
    Every Picture eh ?

  4. gobsmacked 4
    17 February 2008 at 8:28 am

    Key & English buddy up to the Maori Party. David Farrar predicts a National – Maori Party coalition.

    Stephen Franks calls the Maori Party “open racists”.

    Do they really want this guy?

  5. outofbed 5
    17 February 2008 at 9:12 am

    And honestly, who takes their mother with them on protest marches
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/images/701460.jpg

    [lprent: I have done so in 1981. Took a lot of argument and discussion – you should sharpen up your skills.]

  6. outofbed 6
    17 February 2008 at 9:16 am

    Whoops sorry big mistake

    It wasn’t a march it was a protest demonstration

  7. Barnsley Bill 7
    17 February 2008 at 10:22 am

    His comments on the NZ police force resonante with many Kiwis. Despite many incidents of Clark and Co breaking the law over the tenure of this govt we have seen the police fumble and excuse every time. prima facie evidence but not in the public interest is the new motto for Police HQ. Len Richards is still waiting to be charged for an assault witnessed by most of the country but hairy dropkicks in Chch get charged for flicking their sons ear. You really have no wriggle room on this. The perception is that this labour govt have moved themselves above the law.
    Other than that I agree with you, stephen franks is a numpty of the highest order, his scotch taped mouth while holding mummys hand was embarassing.

  8. outofbed 8
    17 February 2008 at 10:33 am

    If DPF is going to be his campaign manager then there is probably nothing to worry about

  9. Ruth 9
    17 February 2008 at 10:40 am

    That was his WIFE! Get it right you men 😉

  10. outofbed 10
    17 February 2008 at 10:44 am

    Sincere apologies It was probably a bad camera angle

    [lprent: yeah right….]

  11. deemac 11
    17 February 2008 at 11:05 am

    this is a new low in the undermining of politics in NZ. When politicians do this on a regular basis, as the Nats are doing now, it is ultimately destabilising to democracy. In some countries it would be recognised as the prelude to a coup. In NZ it is probably an attempt to turn people off and make them disillusioned with the political process and so less likely to vote.

  12. burt 12
    17 February 2008 at 11:11 am

    outofbed

    And honestly, who takes their mother with them on protest marches..

    Attacking the partner of a public figure in such a derogatory way is about as low as it gets. Then to carry on about it being a bad camera angle…. You are a disgrace. lprent should moderate your comments out of here.

    IrishBill says: I see you’ve completely lost your sense of humour now Burt. Even Franks had a laugh at that picture on his blog

  13. burt 13
    17 February 2008 at 11:18 am

    outofbed

    Rich out, Franks in
    Every Picture eh ?

    That was good – pity you lost it in personal attack mode after that.

    So what we have here is the standard saying it’s a disgrace that National would think of taking a person strong enough to stand up to the Labour party and it’s antics. Imagine, somebody in opposition who’s not going to ‘move on’ when told to by dear leader.

    Must be a scary time eh, big scandals in all directions.

  14. lprent 14
    17 February 2008 at 11:25 am

    burt: I don’t like it. But it appears to be the ‘norm’ in some of the blogs at present.

    I have to regard it as being similar in a similar vein to the attacks on Peter Davis. For instance when he sent a letter to the editor at the Herald recently. Should I point out the commentary on that on some of the blogs? KiwiBlog comes to mind.

    I’d prefer that this type of denigration doesn’t come up at all. But if it is raised by one side, then I cannot deny the ability to respond in kind. It is a problem in escalation, it will probably have to get bad enough before it gets shut down.

    I’m not a supporter of unilateral disarmament. If I see some moderation being even started on other blogs, then I will follow suit.

  15. lprent 15
    17 February 2008 at 11:49 am

    when told to by dear leader.

    For instance your own habital denigration. I find this type of attack distasteful as well. Perhaps I should moderate your comments.

  16. Billy 16
    17 February 2008 at 11:52 am

    I thought partisan politicians could say any old nonsense they wante:

    http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=1123#comment-18525

  17. AncientGeek 17
    17 February 2008 at 12:00 pm

    So what we have here is the standard saying it’s a disgrace that National would think of taking a person strong enough to stand up to the Labour party and it’s antics.

    What does Franks getting turfed out of the public gallery have to do with Labour? The protest violated the standing rules of the house. There are no protests, silent or otherwise, allowed in the house.

    Whoever was the speaker had absolutely no choice but to turf them out. If the speaker was from Act, they’d have had to do it.

    Franks knows that, he just wanted his photo in the papers.

    cap: MORRISTOWN dope
    stock tip..

  18. burt 18
    17 February 2008 at 12:01 pm

    lprent

    Did you miss the subtle difference between my post and outofbed’s. His/hers was denigrating the partner of a public figure. I was referring directly to a public figure. IE: Somebody who’s own actions have earned them such a reference. You were onto it when you talked about Peter Davis and attacks on him.

  19. outofbed 19
    17 February 2008 at 12:08 pm

    If i have offended anyone in anyway I apologise unreservedly.
    Burt thankyou for pointing out my mistake, my tonque in cheek sense of humour sometimes get the better of me.

    However that now done perhaps you can lift your gane as well
    You can start with “dear leader”

  20. lprent 20
    17 February 2008 at 12:08 pm

    burt: What I was saying is:- that my preferences do not count in the moderation of this blog. I dislike name-calling (rather than debate)only a slightly less than I dislike discrimination by association.

    In my opinion, both are symptoms of people who haven’t yet managed to attain adult behaviour. But this is a political blog, so will maintain itself as being no worse then the average political blog (quite childish).

  21. outofbed 21
    17 February 2008 at 12:12 pm

    Lprent ? you can delete the offending post I have seen the error of my ways (hangs head in shame)

    [lprent: too many comments referring to it. Looks like you will have to live with it.]

  22. outofbed 22
    17 February 2008 at 12:33 pm

    Oh well sleep will be difficult tonight But hey

  23. Whaleoil 23
    17 February 2008 at 12:39 pm

    Ancient Greek: “violated standing rules of the house”

    How about this then? Big difference between tape over the mouth and presenting weapons, singing, dancing and standing up, all of which are against the standing orders….clearly rules for some and not for others.
    http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/?q=content/silenced-even-house

  24. the sprout 24
    17 February 2008 at 12:49 pm

    she’ll be right oob.

  25. outofbed 25
    17 February 2008 at 12:49 pm

    Hm keep it up Whaleoil apart from Act (though rats deserting sinking ship etc) you have only got one potential coalition partner probably not good to play the racist card

  26. AncientGeek 26
    17 February 2008 at 12:56 pm

    W: And was Franks invited to perform by the speaker expressing the wish of the house? Because I’d bet that whoever it was, asked leave of the house and had it granted, before doing anything in the gallery. In my experience, Maori are usually quite meticulous about protocol. Franks wasn’t.

    And what does Ron Marks gesture have to do with anything. We’re talking here about the rules governing the public gallery. That photo was taken on the floor (and gets covered by other rules).

  27. AncientGeek 27
    17 February 2008 at 12:59 pm

    Furthermore, I’ll bet that Ron Marks got done for his gesture, and didn’t complain.

    Franks violated the rules and then whined about it. All to get a publicity shot.

    cap: the drama
    damn machine…

  28. AncientGeek 28
    17 February 2008 at 1:23 pm

    I’m less concerned about Franks pathetic publicity stunt, than I am about this report “http://www.stuff.co.nz/4403110a6160.html“.

    We have our troops deployed wider than any time during my adult life. This is at a time when unemployment is the lowest it has been in my adult-life. The effective spending on the military has been improved, especially after getting rid of those white-elephant fighter bombers from the 1950’s. The equipment has improved out all sight over the last 10 years

    However I think that we’re going to have to increase the wage rates in the military to allow them to attract and retain the skills required for a professional force.

  29. outofbed 29
    17 February 2008 at 1:54 pm

    No problems change the “boot camps” into forced enlistment camps

  30. AncientGeek 30
    17 February 2008 at 2:19 pm

    The military wants volunteers who are want to be professional soldiers. They really aren’t interested in conscripts. But it sounds like they are having problems recruiting people with the levels of skills that they require. Sounds like a place for a wage rise.

  31. Peak Oil Conspiracy 31
    17 February 2008 at 3:33 pm

    Irish Bill:

    What you and the rest of the Kiwiblog right need to understand, POC, is that organisations and people are not corrupt simply because you say they are.

    I realise this probably isn’t your intended meaning, but just in case it is, I challenge you to show me where I’ve ever alleged that any organisation, in NZ or overseas, is corrupt. Hint: I haven’t.

    This kind of behaviour can be ignored when it’s conducted by anonymous KBR nobodies but I’d expect more from a parliamentarian.

    I’d dare say Winston Peters has carved out a special niche for himself in NZ politics (at least in living memory), in two ways: (1) most number of defamatory allegations under parliamentary privilege; and (2) most number of allegations as to corruption. Am I wrong?

  32. IrishBill 32
    17 February 2008 at 4:26 pm

    parliamentary privilege

  33. burt 33
    17 February 2008 at 6:43 pm

    AncientGeek

    The military wants volunteers….

    But it sounds like they are having problems recruiting people with the levels of skills that they require. Sounds like a place for a wage rise.

    Schools are having trouble get teachers, Police are having trouble recruiting, there aren’t enough Dr’s to clear the waiting lists…

    Sounds like NZ is a place that needs a wage rise. So the common employer between the military, police, health service, education sector?

  34. reid 34
    17 February 2008 at 7:06 pm

    Has Labour selected it’s Wellington Central candidate yet? Is it Chauvel?

  35. IrishBill 35
    17 February 2008 at 7:18 pm

    Seems like a fair call to me Burt. I’d love to see the government raise wages. I’m sure a few in the business sector might not be so happy about it though.

  36. AncientGeek 36
    17 February 2008 at 7:36 pm

    Now where is the government going to get a couple of billion from?

  37. Gooner 37
    17 February 2008 at 8:28 pm

    “I’d be very interested if he stands by his allegations or if he is simply engaging in defamatory politicking,…”

    Who did Franks defame?

  38. burt 38
    17 February 2008 at 8:44 pm

    AncientGeek

    Now where is the government going to get a couple of billion from?

    I’d start with the surpluses that we have had for the last few years, you know the ones – they show prudent management, money collected in excess of requirements, requirements like paying decent salaries.

    Other than that, perhaps the govt could offer Owen Glenn the PM’s job for $2b and sort it all out once and for all.

  39. Robinsod 39
    17 February 2008 at 8:45 pm

    I’m pretty certain you can defame an organisation. I know I’ve been threated with liable by a corporation before.

  40. the bean 40
    17 February 2008 at 8:53 pm

    lprent i appreciate the need to moderate but the comment thread interruptions are becoming increasingly school marmish. Tane and co did quite a good job without having to pick on everything. The more you pick at posts by people like ‘out of bed’ the more decent commentators are going to drift off else where and it will be left to the trolls.
    [lprent: Think about the purpose of this blog. It is here to advance the labour movement and help make the left more effective. How do you think a comment like that looks to the lurkers (at least 10x the commenters). Does it help or hinder? And thanks for the compliment.]

  41. AncientGeek 41
    17 February 2008 at 8:55 pm

    I’d start with the surpluses that we have had for the last few years, you know the ones – they show prudent management,….

    Sorry to underquote, but…

    Yes, it has been nice to have a fiscally prudent government for a change. Means that one of these inevitable crunches comes through and the government doesn’t have to borrow to finance a deficit.

    They still need to index adjust the tax brackets, but anything is better than the Muldoon solution to a changing world economy.

    Robinsod: it is libel, not liable. Hey – I can be as picky as Irish

    cap: this waged

  42. The Prophet 42
    17 February 2008 at 8:57 pm

    I know I’ve been threated with liable by a corporation before.

    Well thats a surprise Sod.

    Franks will be good for National, he’s got a bit of mongrel with some lawyer bits in the meld. Obviously pretty smart at free PR too.

    Given Franks is a lawyer I would have thought he’d know something about evidence and liable but apparently not

    Are you a lawyer Bill?

    catchpa – of liberation

    Ah, it knows me well.

  43. Robinsod 43
    17 February 2008 at 9:21 pm

    Yeah, prophet. Funny thing was when I told them to go fuck themselves nothing more came of it. Typical righties…

  44. the sprout 44
    17 February 2008 at 9:39 pm

    sounds like the SlaterWhale

  45. Tane 45
    17 February 2008 at 10:07 pm

    reid, Grant Robertson has been selected as Labour’s Wgtn Central candidate. He’s a good guy and he runs a blog at: http://www.grantrobertson.co.nz/

  46. Chemist Peter 46
    17 February 2008 at 10:24 pm

    What is Grant qualified to be a canidate for Labour? Teacher, unionist or poofter.

  47. the sprout 47
    17 February 2008 at 10:32 pm

    CP you have all the humour of a chemistry major

  48. Chemist Peter 48
    17 February 2008 at 10:37 pm

    very witty subject chemistry but it is very straight, opposites attract. BTW, I did do a chemistry major, a MSC in fact.

    LF, what has the drought got to do with GW. We are talking weather in this instance. Apparently it is being caused by the La Nina, which is also making it piss down in Australia.

  49. milo 49
    17 February 2008 at 10:49 pm

    You know, every time I feel like hassling Labour, I see a comment like that from Chemist Peter, and I reconsider.

    Anyway, as for the Stephen Franks comments, that exactly why I comment anonymously, when my real name is … Jim Kirk! No, Norman Bolger! Err, I mean Tony Blair! Um, actually it’s … Bill Birch!

    Hmmn. Criticisms of an individual who puts his name to his comments would have a little more credibility if the critic wasn’t so …. anonymous

  50. James Kearney 50
    17 February 2008 at 10:55 pm

    Stephen Franks is standing for public office and is using Kiwiblog to build supporters and electioneer – the author of this post isn’t.

    It’s obvious Franks sees the Kiwiblog Right as his core constituency.

  51. Chemist Peter 51
    17 February 2008 at 11:05 pm

    Thats the beauty of the www Milo, I can stay anoymous. How about all the Standard left who flock here? Right = wrong, left = right. It’s a running joke with Labour selections, you are either a teacher, unionist or a homosexual. Perception is reality in this instance.

  52. the sprout 52
    17 February 2008 at 11:10 pm

    “with Labour selections, you are either a teacher, unionist or a homosexual”

    or, unlike NAtional, an experienced politician

  53. The Prophet 53
    18 February 2008 at 8:50 am

    Stephen Franks is standing for public office and is using Kiwiblog to build supporters and electioneer – the author of this post isn’t.

    Quite true James.

    We have no idea who the author of this post is.

    That was Milos point.

    The Beans comment a 8.53pm is absolutely fucken hilarious.

    lprent – how dare you hassle the crew. Just ban those nasty trolls.
    OOB is one of the ‘good’ guys, didn’t you know?

    [lprent: I don’t really care. I just look at behaviour. Generally it pays not to attract my attention.]

  54. the bean 54
    18 February 2008 at 9:12 am

    [lprent: Think about the purpose of this blog. It is here to advance the labour movement and help make the left more effective. How do you think a comment like that looks to the lurkers (at least 10x the commenters). Does it help or hinder? And thanks for the compliment.]

    currently this kind of excessive moderator commentary is hindering anyone enjoying this blog or feeling like they can be bothered commenting. And as for telling me that by daring to comment on this I am some how jeopardising the advance of the labour movement? yep…right

  55. Ex Labour Voter 55
    18 February 2008 at 9:21 am

    Apparently, the Standard now defends Dail Jones in Parliament. Tane has a go at DPF, saying DPF pointing out views that Jones has, which most Labour voters would find repugnant, shows that National doesn’t understand MMP.

    lprent, isn’t robinsod ready for another final final final warning yet? And for the record, who is currently banned from making comments?

  56. Tane 56
    18 February 2008 at 9:25 am

    ELV – it’s silly to try and smear people online when they can refer back to the original quote with a simple link:

    http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2008/02/dails_back.html#comment-409856

  57. Ex Labour Voter 57
    18 February 2008 at 9:44 am

    lprent: one of your problems as a moderator is that you use terms that you do not understand in order to confuse people, yet the people you are talking to are smarter than you and see through your bullshit. With all due respect, you are not smarter than the commentators on this blog. You have taken on the role of self-appointed moderator, yet you aren’t smart enough to understand the arguments. Consequently, you invariably side with your own political prejudices, and hammer people who put up views opposing your own, yet give very light sentences to people who share your views.

    Robinsod is still hurling abuse on this blog, despite being given final final final warnings multiple times.

    When the Standard was established, it claimed not to moderate comments, because it believed in free speech. Now the Standard effectively has several full-time moderators, and you ping everybody who raises a slightly contrary view.

    Lprent, you have gone beyond the role of moderator to editorialise. Your problem when you editorialise is that your views are banal and flimsy. Here’s a constructive idea for you, if you have to moderate. Ping everybody who is abusive, and withhold your own views until you’re smart enough to mount and sustain a proper argument.

  58. the bean 58
    18 February 2008 at 9:55 am

    jeeze…I wouldn’t claim Lprent wasn’t “smart” enough. even I am not dumb enough to think that. but I am sure that will give him a laugh

  59. milo 59
    18 February 2008 at 10:19 am

    Iprent said: “Think about the purpose of this blog. It is here to advance the labour movement and help make the left more effective.”

    This shows the gulf in values between me and some of the crew here. I value argument and debate, the contest of ideas, with the hope that truth will emerge from critical discussion. Iprent seems to value propaganda! Sheesh. It must be nice to have such certainty that you never need to change your views.

  60. The Prophet 60
    18 February 2008 at 10:21 am

    [lprent: I don’t really care. I just look at behaviour. Generally it pays not to attract my attention.]

    Yup, this site just keeps on giving and giving.

  61. r0b 61
    18 February 2008 at 11:12 am

    This shows the gulf in values between me and some of the crew here.

    There is no gulf between wanting to advance the labour movement, and a contest of ideas. In any contest of ideas the labour movement wins handily!

    Where there is a gulf is between people. There are the kind of people who volunteer their time and effort and work hard to admin a blog, who put up with a world of abuse, and who front up with their names. There is a gulf between them and the kind of people who drop in, occasionally and anonymously, to snipe.

    To be fair Milo, you’re not a troll (like The Prophet). You do seem to want to engage constructively. Though you also have a tendency to sometimes pop up all excited and run a line of arrant nonsense that you don’t believe in just to try and score some points:

    http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=1030#comment-16599

  62. Michele Cabiling 62
    18 February 2008 at 12:39 pm

    IrishBill says: just in case you forgot you’ve been banned until May.

  63. The Prophet 63
    18 February 2008 at 5:41 pm

    To be fair Milo, you’re not a troll (like The Prophet)

    Yay, r0b doesn’t think I’m a troll.

    I’m so relieved.

    Hey r0b, you know how you’re just a commentor here and not part of the blog blah blah blah.

    How come your comments have the nice little shaded box around them that all the blog authors have?

  64. IrishBill 64
    18 February 2008 at 7:43 pm

    Yeah, I’d been waiting for someone to ask that. We’ve been wondering the same thing. It could be some random html that rOb’s browser is inserting or it could be that something in his username/email is confusing wordpress. We’re pretty sure it doesn’t extend to actual admin privileges though.

  65. Gooner 65
    18 February 2008 at 10:04 pm

    “I’m pretty certain you can defame an organisation. I know I’ve been threated with liable by a corporation before.”

    Robinsod – I’ll forget you called me a fuckwit on a prior post and answer this for you. I don’t hold grudges, usually 🙂

    It’s very hard to defame an organisation. Usually only individuals can be defamed.

    In your case you might have said something that sufficiently identified an individual within that organisation. That’s a different story.

  66. r0b 66
    18 February 2008 at 10:42 pm

    We’ve been wondering the same thing. It could be some random html that rOb’s browser is inserting or it could be that something in his username/email is confusing wordpress.

    Huh. I thought everyone saw their own posts (and of course the admin posts) highlighted (in a grey box). Never realised it was only me!

    My browser is various versions of Safari on various Macs. My user name and email address aren’t at all unusal – they contain a “0” (zero, which many people read as a capital “o”).

    We’re pretty sure it doesn’t extend to actual admin privileges though.

    Well, I see a tab at the top right of the banner saying site admin, but it doesn’t seem to let me do anything much. I won’t explore further, I’ve no right to admin The Standard even if it’s technically possible.

    If Lynn wants to email me, perhaps we can sort out what is going on with the grey box.

  67. test 67
    18 February 2008 at 10:45 pm

    This is r0b testing.

  68. r0b 68
    18 February 2008 at 10:47 pm

    So it’s not my browser, does seem to be user name based.

  69. Robinsod 69
    19 February 2008 at 7:29 am

    Robinsod – I’ll forget you called me a fuckwit on a prior post and answer this for you. I don’t hold grudges, usually

    Yeah, sorry about that Gooner. I get a bit hot under the collar about folk (especially vulnerable folk) getting treated badly at work (it’s a hang over from watching some pretty bad shit happen to friends and family during the 90’s). I’m pretty sure you’re right about defamation and organisations – I think when I was threated with it it was a legal bluff. I’m not sure if we have the same laws as the UK where the infamous McLibel case took place, though.

  70. randal 70
    20 February 2008 at 9:24 pm

    franks aint gonna do nuthin…he can only say whats wrong with the world and never whats right…voters want positive people

  71. r0b 71
    31 March 2008 at 5:33 pm

    ‘Sod: “If the Greens had the opportunity to implement one core policy without compromise what would it be?’

    Ohh – like it – gets my vote!

    Steve: r0b. I have a technical point of my own. You may have noticed that when Standard writers comment our comments are in grey boxes. So are yours, and only yours, and we can’t stop it happening.

    It’s a puzzle! I discussed this once with IrishBill, see here:
    http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=1130#comment-18917
    and the test that followed.

    Hope it makes you feel special anyway.

    Fer sure!

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

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