Banana republic

Written By: - Date published: 11:41 am, May 24th, 2013 - 78 comments
Categories: accountability, corruption, john key, national - Tags:

People are starting to notice that the Nats are taking us into banana republic territory:

Official reports open up NZ to ‘banana republic’ allegations

Several official reports out this week raise questions about the integrity of public life in New Zealand. The latest is the report on the raids in the Ureweras and elsewhere in 2007, which has resulted in embarrassment for a number of people and institutions.  …

The other major report ‘out’ this week was that by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, who has officially ‘cleared’ the GCSB of acting unlawfully. The most interesting commentary on this comes from Matthew Hooton who says the report should be thrown in the bin, and that it’s findings are an ‘outrageous piece of spin from a judicial officer’ – see: Labour, Greens right on GCSB report. In contrast, Hooton gives praise to the Independent Police Conduct Authority for it’s Urewera report.  …

A theme of suppressed reports is emerging at the moment, which has led the Waikato Times to declare that ‘The Government is fast exposing a distasteful authoritarian streak, by keeping official reports and advice under wraps – hiding them from the country’s elected representatives in Parliament’ – see Reports kept under wraps. On The Standard there is an intelligent discussion of whether we still have the rule of law in New Zealand – see Michael Valley’s The rule of law.

Much of this relates to Andrew Geddis’ recently publicised concerns about the Government’s abrogation of the Constitution, which he’s reprised in a number of newspaper columns – see: We owe it to ourselves to be outraged. Also voicing outrage is the Herald with Disability bill demonstrates contempt for due process, Brian Rudman with Law protecting Government, not disabled, and Gordon Campbell with On the government’s trampling on the rights of family carers.

On Pundit Tim Watkin asks:

More bad process – is this the new National normal?

A week of poor process continues for the government as it side-steps consultation with its decision to approve mining on the Denniston Plateau …

The government’s legislative agenda has been appallingly flippant in the past week or so and I’m delighted Pundit bloggers have taken such a stand. Many of us have been concerned about this government’s approach to process this year. I blogged in February,March and April about the Prime Minister’s focus on outcomes over process and I’ve long opined that the everyman casualness that he built his political career on will one day be his undoing.

That’s not what we’re seeing this week; it will take some poor process in a realm that directly effects middle New Zealand to really wound him. But this week’s urgencies and unwillingness to listen to the people is part of a damaging narrative. New Zealanders don’t like being taken for granted.

Even Nat fan John Armstrong has been uneasy lately:

Naked self-interest rules

Naked self-interest rules, pure and simple.

Well may the Government try to blame a lack of consensus amongst Parliament’s component parties as reason for not implementing the recommendations of the Electoral Commission-conducted review of MMP.

That rationale is just a little too convenient, however. When it comes to consensus, National is the one which refused to budge in its opposition to arguably the commission’s most important and most controversial finding – that the anomalous, outdated one-seat threshold under which minor party list candidates can coat-tail into Parliament on the back of a MP winning an electorate seat should be abolished.

National has refused to budge because retention of the one-seat threshold gives it greater chance of getting enough backing by way of minor party seats sufficient to give it a majority in the next Parliament.

Such a stance is totally indefensible. But it is also completely understandable.

And so on…

The day our Govt stifled the judiciary

The Government last Friday rode roughshod over New Zealand’s constitution, writes Prof Andrew Geddis.

Given our constitution’s unwritten and often opaque nature, it is easy to take it for granted. That fact makes it all the more important to take notice when one of the fundamental pillars of that constitutional arrangement starts getting chipped away.

The National Government did just that last Friday, in the guise of a law stripping people of their right to go to court to challenge the legality of its actions.

… and so on, an abominable display of arrogance and self-interst that in fact goes all the way back to their first months in office.

John Key, the Nats, and those that spin for them, are turning NZ into a banana republic before our eyes – but none of them care as long as they perceive themselves to be “winning”.

78 comments on “Banana republic ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. marty mars 1
    24 May 2013 at 12:26 pm

    I looked up banana republic because I thought I knew what it meant but wasn’t really sure

    In economics, a banana republic is a country operated as a commercial enterprise for private profit, effected by a collusion between the State and favoured monopolies, in which the profit derived from the private exploitation of public lands is private property, while the debts incurred thereby are a public responsibility. Such an imbalanced economy remains limited by the uneven economic development of town and country, and tends to cause the national currency to become devalued paper-money, rendering the country ineligible for international development-credit.[5] Such government by thieves is a kleptocracy; such a kleptocratic government is manipulated by foreign (corporate) interests, and functions mostly as ceremonial government that is unaccountable to its nation. The national legislature is, in effect, for sale, influential government employees illegitimately exploit their posts for personal gain (by embezzlement, fraud, bribery, etc.), and the resulting government budget deficit is repaid by the country’s working people who earn wages rather than making profits.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_republic

    ummm we aren’t turning into one – we bloody are one already!!! Go through the description and apart from the currency thingy where is the difference?

    • Tom Gould 1.1
      24 May 2013 at 1:18 pm

      And the public service is still clean, despite the Tories’ best efforts to demonise it and recruit their mates into top jobs. Oh, and the cops forgetting they swore and oath to uphold the law.

      • muzza 1.1.1
        24 May 2013 at 1:54 pm

        *Uphold, The Law*

        Which is exactly what, I really need to know, as I stare out of my window..

        Probably won’t get an answer for that one, eh!

        • Te Reo Putake 1.1.1.1
          24 May 2013 at 2:03 pm

          Probably, not. *It’s* *hard* *to* *answer* *the* *poorly* *written* *questions* *you* *put* *at* *the* *best* *of* *times*.

        • xtasy 1.1.1.2
          24 May 2013 at 10:02 pm

          Yeah, “uphold the law”, which under the English and wider common and statute law bodies – now established under post colonial British rule, is one, and which can be interpreted in many ways, that appears to be depending on the wallet that pays the expert lawyers to get the “interpretation” suitably and conveniantly “right” for them then!

          No basic law, no easy, clearly understood guidelines, like in most countries other than such mentioned above, and it is a challenge, but also a goldmine, for the “experts” that know how to navigate and use the law, to meet theirs and their master’s interests.

      • Tim 1.1.2
        24 May 2013 at 6:43 pm

        Aye Tom. That’s a very interesting comment in light of Nathan Guy’s best efforts to blame minions for the latest fiasco on Chinese wharfs – I noticed somewhere that (either a Gubbamint Munsta, or PS CEO) has inferred that certain jobs were on the line. On the line because the dear old Munsta that never inhaled was embarrassed by obvious incompetence, or perhaps simple under-resourcing of departmental staff – SOMEWHERE in the chain.
        When you think about it – WHY the need for a name change in the first place – other than a need for a Munsta of the Crown to look like he was actually doing something
        As I’ve said elsewhere on (I think) this site, the P.S. operate IN SPITE of their ‘leadership’ (their Snr Mgmnt, Ministers, and so on), rather than BECAUSE of them. They do so because of goodwill, and an understanding of their roles as Public Servants – rather than those that apparently ‘lead’ them, but who generally have forgotten what the Public Service is about and who think that they’re operating some sort of fiefdom. (Unfortunately, that INCLUDES law enforcement agencies)
        So…. (as is the trendy prefix), we get to cops that forgot they’ve sworn an oath. That’s very true.
        It’s nowhere NEAR as bad though as the outsourcing of law enforcement to private agencies where swearing oaths would be seen as uttering some sort of obscenity. It hasn’t gone un-noticed that some of the outsource – ees, employed in companies (such as Chubb – but whoever) have VERY suspect backgrounds – some even including armed robbery, and burglary in places like Bond Street (as Wellington City Council “CEO”‘s past will have known of when appointing their ‘Head of Security’).
        [Let’s be clear – that was at the height of a market rules/neo-lib inspired/user pays agenda] – but what’s scary is that there are those that want to push for that sort of regime’s return, and at central gubbamint level, that sort of regime is alrady in play.

        Outsourcing (apparently cheaper – though studies have shown that it can’t POSSIBLY be), is merely a way for elected politicians to abrogate their responsibility.

        Never mind though aye! all good! no worries. That nice man John Key and his band of dedicated Munsta’s are going to keep us all safe. Nafe the man! …. he’ll see the Kapiti Coast right.

    • Draco T Bastard 1.2
      24 May 2013 at 1:22 pm

      +1

      National: Governing for themselves and their rich mates.

    • SpaceMonkey 1.3
      24 May 2013 at 1:43 pm

      Agreed, we have been for some time… but the currency thingy is more a reflection of the other currencies quantiatively easing into infinity.

      When it’s suits the traders and there’s money to be made, our currency will be taken down… just like in 1987, when the NZ dollar earning Bankers Trust some $300 million in profits and just about collapsing the NZ economy in the process.

    • Rosie 1.4
      24 May 2013 at 2:16 pm

      Bloody hell. That wiki description sums up the running of our country does it not?

    • mikesh 1.5
      24 May 2013 at 4:17 pm

      We don’t produce bananas!

    • xtasy 1.6
      24 May 2013 at 9:57 pm

      Yep, Marty, and you are one of the few that have noticed. NZ has been a true banana style republic (not needing to mean a “republic” as such) for a damned long time, while so many were asleep feeding on the distracting daily drivel fed to them.

  2. McFlock 2
    24 May 2013 at 12:52 pm

    This is beginning to sound Muldoon-ish, even if his motives were different.

  3. vto 3
    24 May 2013 at 1:12 pm

    .
    people only take so much before taking to the streets.

    witness london yesterday.

    ……….

    which leads to the question…

    who benefits from civil unrest?

    and if you follow the money, where does it lead?

  4. ghostrider888 4
    24 May 2013 at 1:15 pm

    been a fruit salad for some time; The Chinese have a preference for lychees; “floral, sweet smell, fragrant flavour and a delicate whitish pulp.”

    On a related vein;
    Mike Dixon-McIver ACC advocate declares war on the bread-and-butter pudding that is ACC.
    (JUDGE MIKE BEHRENS, Q.C. FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE!) hard-pressed to find a Betterman.

    • tc 5.1
      24 May 2013 at 1:35 pm

      RIP George Carlin, one of my fav pieces from a man who never waivered in his beliefs with the IQ to go head to head with anyone.

      Checkout some of the stuff Bill maher did with him where he goes at the tea party and religious zealots.

  7. burt 7
    24 May 2013 at 1:29 pm

    We became a banana republic when our last PM decided being PM was more important than being accountable under the law and used parliament to kill a court case against her – denigrating the Auditor General for being so treasonous as to suggest her party broke the law.

    • ghostrider888 7.1
      24 May 2013 at 1:35 pm

      bit of a one-track record.

      • muzza 7.1.1
        24 May 2013 at 2:09 pm

        The point, I believe Burt’s trying to make, is that it matters little whose *team* is in control, and there is ample evidence to suggest that position, is the correct one to take!

        Is that what you’re trying to say Burt?

        • felix 7.1.1.1
          25 May 2013 at 11:43 am

          No, he’s trying to say it’s all Labour’s fault. It’s all he ever says.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 7.2
      24 May 2013 at 1:41 pm

      …but but but Lllaaaaabbbbboooouuuurrrrrrr, whine whinge smear justify.

    • georgecom 7.3
      24 May 2013 at 10:03 pm

      Burt. Think you are getting mixed up. It was the leader of the opposition party at the time who did a deal for $1 worth of secret advertising for some policies, and then tried to hide it from the voters. That guy got found out & didn’t get into Govt.

  8. Saarbo 8
    24 May 2013 at 1:35 pm

    National are atrocious and seem to be allowed to get away with anything because of a hopeless MSM and and equally hopeless leader of the Labour Party.

    Greens are doing their bit but they dont have a lot of pulling power when it comes to attracting exposure in the media.

    A very sad state affairs for New Zealand.

    • kiwicommie 8.1
      24 May 2013 at 1:39 pm

      People can be suckers, it is pretty sad that 40%+ of voters believe whatever National/MSM tell them. Fortunately people are starting to view John Key and National as boring and out of ideas, usually that’s what helps win elections.

    • gobsmacked 8.2
      24 May 2013 at 5:52 pm

      National are atrocious and seem to be allowed to get away with anything because of a hopeless MSM and and equally hopeless leader of the Labour Party.

      Somebody please correct this if wrong (pref with a link) but … so far I have not seen or heard a single word of criticism from David Shearer on this topic. The OP has a long and growing list of cogent critics taking National to task, from across the spectrum. The Labour leader is not one of them.

      To save wasted time and energy, please note … I am not asking “Has Shearer talked about other stuff?” (yes) or “Have other Labour people spoken up?” (yes). Nor am I interested in agreeing for the one thousandth time that David Shearer is not as bad as John Key.

      So … What has the leader of the opposition said this week about our country becoming a banana republic? Genuine answers welcome.

      • Jackal 8.2.1
        24 May 2013 at 8:49 pm

        Bit of a silly question really gobsmacked… I don’t recall any Prime Minister or leader of the opposition ever talking about New Zealand being a banana republic. So what makes you think David Shearer should have mentioned it in the last week?

        Perhaps you mean Shearer hasn’t been vocal enough concerning the events that have led people to comment about New Zealand becoming a banana republic? In that case you are both right and wrong.

        It’s true that Shearer hasn’t spoken out publicly about the IPCA’s finding that the police acted illegally. However he has spoken out this week about the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security clearing the GCSB of illegal spying:

        Labour leader David Shearer is calling for Mr Neazor’s report to be made public and for an independent inquiry into the GCSB.

        Mr Shearer told Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report programme there is a conflict of interest when the Inspector-General both oversees and reviews the agency.

        There’s no doubt that the last Labour government did some pretty stupid things that undermined the publics confidence in the government, but they come nowhere near the socially detrimental policy direction of the current government.

        The question really is whether a Labour led government will continue with a similar negative legislative direction? In my opinion, as long as they’re in coalition with the Greens, that’s very unlikely. In fact it’s more likely that a Labour/Greens coalition government will restore some of the laws National has been trampling all over.

        You might not have noticed that the Greens, who will likely hold the balance of power after the next election, are all about social responsibility and transparency? They’re what I would call the complete antithesis of National’s corporate agenda.

        Obviously David Shearer is far more aligned with the left and has been outspoken on numerous occasions about the right wing’s detrimental policies that are turning (or have turned) New Zealand into a banana republic. Granted, his comments are very measured… But personally I think that’s a good personality trait to have in a diplomat and future Prime Minister of New Zealand.

  9. BM 9
    24 May 2013 at 4:44 pm

    I fairly happy with the way National is running the country.
    Certainly won’t be rioting in the streets.

    • Jackal 9.1
      24 May 2013 at 8:54 pm

      Is that the new right wing measure of success or failure… Rioting in the streets?

      • kiwicommie 9.1.1
        24 May 2013 at 10:04 pm

        Austerity causes rioting on the streets, a decade more of rising inequality and poverty, and riots will occur frequently in New Zealand.

        • Colonial Viper 9.1.1.1
          24 May 2013 at 10:06 pm

          4 straight nights of rioting in Stockholm. Ostensibly one of the richest cities in Europe. This is what high youth unemployment does to even a “wealthy” nation.

        • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1.2
          24 May 2013 at 11:38 pm

          If it goes on for another decade, and I really don’t expect anything different with Labour in power, then there’s going to be more than rioting.

          • kiwicommie 9.1.1.2.1
            24 May 2013 at 11:49 pm

            I think the main difference is there will be less emphasis on more austerity budgets, and the like, and hopefully a reversal of National’s welfare and student loan reforms.

  10. Lefty 10
    24 May 2013 at 4:52 pm

    We live in a country where democracy is so distorted a bankster can be elected as Prime Minister immediately following an international financial crisis caused by people just like him.

    When he is elected again it is surely a sign that the entire political class is so contaminated by their interconnection with the business, financial and the media elite that voters see very little between them.

    With a third election victory for the bankster very likely indeed it is time we admitted we live in a banana republic where the government administers the nation for the benefit of a favoured few.

    This situation did not come about overnight. Both National and Labour led governments have been doing this for quite some time.

    Since the 1980s each government has simply built on the rotten legacy left by its predecessor.

    The differences that exist are more about governance style than substance and there is no sign any of the main parties intend changing their masters anytime soon.

    In this great free market society democracy is another commodity and you can choose any political brand you like as long as it is the same as the other brands.

    And if you don’t like the big brands on offer, or support an outlier organisation, then the big brands have a compliant media and some handy legislaton to deal with you.

    • BM 10.1
      24 May 2013 at 4:58 pm

      Face it pal, it’s you who’s the odd one out.
      Why should everything have to change to accommodate you.

      • Colonial Viper 10.1.1
        24 May 2013 at 5:47 pm

        You’re not only deluded, you’re making excuses for a shitty self serving circle of rich mates, which suggests both stupidity and a lack of survival instinct.

        • BM 10.1.1.1
          24 May 2013 at 6:09 pm

          LOL, What would you know about survival instinct, fark you wouldn’t last 5 mins if the shit hit the fan, the only way you’d survive is if you put on some hot pants and tricked yourself to prison dudes that like a bit of arse action.

          • Colonial Viper 10.1.1.1.1
            24 May 2013 at 6:12 pm

            Put your junk away mate, your fantasy life isn’t my interest.

            • BM 10.1.1.1.1.1
              24 May 2013 at 6:22 pm

              It’s the only way you’d survive.
              No wonder you keep going on about the collapse of civilization, if it ever happened you’d be fucked.

              Me on the other hand , no worries.

              • McFlock …
                24 May 2013 at 6:35 pm

                Behold the Superman! A cross between Conan the Barbarian, Richard Nixon and Bernie Madoff, living in end-of-days bliss with Sarah Palin.

                • BM …
                  24 May 2013 at 6:43 pm

                  Not quite, I’d be that dude with the awesome skull collection hanging on the front fence.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    24 May 2013 at 6:46 pm

                    Human civilisation isn’t collapsing, it’s depleting, and will do so steadily over the next 200-300 years.

                    As for your survival chances – lol.

                  • McFlock …
                    24 May 2013 at 6:49 pm

                    And yet if you start the collection early, suddenly you’re the weirdo…

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      24 May 2013 at 6:56 pm

                      I believe the term of the moment is “terrorist”

                    • BM …
                      24 May 2013 at 7:08 pm

                      I know,I know.
                      Hurry up civilization and collapse.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      24 May 2013 at 9:40 pm

                      Read the latest installment of the Archdruid report – it explains the dual mindsets between brightness and optimism, and apocalypse.

              • prism …
                24 May 2013 at 6:51 pm

                BM You’re an example of someone who slipped in under the fence of civilisation. You don”t want to pay for your entry ticket you free loader.

      • North 10.1.2
        24 May 2013 at 10:08 pm

        BM. You SPECTACULARLY miss the entire point you egg.

        You don’t even see what a dick you make of yourself.

    • johnm 10.2
      24 May 2013 at 5:18 pm

      Hi Lefty
      You’re 100% right the whole edifice stinks to high heaven with Yankey on the top of the shit pile.

  11. Anne 11
    24 May 2013 at 7:43 pm

    You mean awful and lawful.

  12. xtasy 12
    24 May 2013 at 9:36 pm

    Anthony, are you for real, or are you just slow?

    This is nothing bloody new, we have been there at least since National’s first term in government!

    Banana republic style government is in full force and flourishing in Aotearoa NZ day in and day out. I have repeated it incessantly, that NZ has become a country and system nothing much short of what a smart, modern dictatorship looks like.

    Welcome to the rest of us, many of whom have seen this coming and have actually experienced it even first hand!

    I can tell you stories, but in order to not disclose my privacy too much, I will refrain from mentioning details. But just have a close look also at the welfare bill passed in March! There is ample stuff in there that sends real strong shivers down many beneficiaries’ spines, if they have one.

    NZ is in a shocking state, especially when it comes to the large share of the public that take no interest, or that do not get it, even if they do take an interest. I listened in on Duncan Garner on his hyped up crap show, called “Radio Live Drive” this afternoon. Journalism is just about self stilism, self aggrandisement, boasting, ridicuuling, being biased and serving as a loud mouthpiece, to have the employer run yet more adverstisements. No substance in that guy. Is he a journalist, or an entertainer of the lowest character, I ask?

    NO information, no education, no substance, no balance, no independence, that is the 4th estate in NZ, it is a sick joke. If the many people living here were not so indifferent or even idiotic as they are, they would notice, but they do not care.

    Nobody in numbers wants to be informed here, they all just want to consume, have fun and take life for a great joke, right?

    There is no other explanation for the state of affairs. So this country sinks, dumbs down, sells itself under the people’s arse holes, and there is no future for any person, who wants to plan and stay.

    Hand this land over to Mainland China to do something better with it, the locals have lost the plot long ago, I am afraid. It is only the minority of you Standardistas and a few others still trying to raise issues, the rest have left us all behind, they do not give a damn. That is stuff that makes dictatorships work, and NZ is the easiest country to rule, it is like running a chicken yard in the sticks.

    See BLiP’s take on this government, which was an excellent display:
    http://thestandard.org.nz/nats-environmental-record/

    • Paul 12.1
      24 May 2013 at 10:08 pm

      So you reckon we should just give up?

      • xtasy 12.1.1
        24 May 2013 at 11:07 pm

        Paul – not al tall, I challenge you to take a stand, to shake your relatives, one by one, to shout at your work mates, to stand up and also try to convince, to talk, to debate, to scream if need be, to reveal the truth, to perhaps shake some out of the daylight slumber and intoxication, enforced and encouraged also by one John Key, the ever smiling toxic assassin and dream seller.

        We have now, what the US sell their migrants, the “New Zealand dream”, and that is what they sell to all those migrants out there. Yet in Auckland, centre of most migration, we have a council going to build up (some with sense and justification), but much of it to only accommodate herds of new migrants who escape their lots, to only end up locked into new dependency and servitude here.

        I already see ghettoisation, I see many migrants live only in apartments and whatever, never seeing the country, as they do not feel they relate, belong, or can even afford to leave Auckland City to find out what is around it. That is what they will create and invite. And there is nothing suggesting more economical and affordable solutions, cheaper rents, cheaper services, better transport and so forth, it is all day dreamt stuff by some lofty plan drafters, who want to sell us the great Auckland Unitary Plan.

        I am not a conservative or rightist, but this plan is shit, utter shit, and it should be opposed solidly and robustly, all over Auckland, that is if Aucklanders understand that in most of the urban area they will face up to 6 levels of buildings, no matter what.

        A two to three million city, mostly made up of property buyers escaping other croweded places, not connected to, nor committed to NZ, that is madness.

        No, this is all crap, and it must be fought, fought, fought, take a damned stand, please!

    • kiwicommie 12.2
      24 May 2013 at 10:09 pm

      Many New Zealanders have already left (600,000+ in fact), most of which are disgusted at the status quo, lack of opportunity, and lack of jobs and respect just like I am. If you walk on some streets in New Zealand you will find that many New Zealanders like to put down poor people i.e. ‘get a job’, looking down on the homeless, and WINZ treats the unemployed like they are parasites wasting their time. It is really disgusting but what can we do unless it is election day, until 2014 NZ’ers are stuck with bigoted neo-liberal attitudes.

      • Colonial Viper 12.2.1
        24 May 2013 at 10:11 pm

        ~600,000 is the Australia only figure I believe.

        • kiwicommie 12.2.1.1
          24 May 2013 at 11:06 pm

          Yep, you’re right. Just looked on wikipedia for 2010 (supposedly):

          Regions with significant populations
          New Zealand New Zealand
          4,370,000
          Australia 566,815 2 8 [2]
          United Kingdom 58,286 1 6 [3]
          United States 22,872 1 5 [3]
          Canada 9,475 1 6 [3]
          Netherlands 4,260 1 6 [3]
          United Arab Emirates 4,000 7 [4]
          Japan 3,146 2 3 [3]
          Ireland 2,195 1 6 [3]
          Hong Kong >2,000 [5]
          Germany 1,643 2 6
          Norway 929 2 6 [3]
          France 890 1 4 [3]
          Sweden 687 1 6 [3]
          Denmark 382 1 6 [3]
          Thailand 300 2 5 [3]
          Spain 275 1 6 [3]
          Italy 234 2 6 [3]
          Austria 156 1 6 [3]
          Finland 88 1 6 [3]

  13. Chooky 13
    24 May 2013 at 11:01 pm

    Reply to Xtasy

    Chook yards are not easy to run in the sticks…there are all sorts of rats and ferrets lurking around, waiting in the bushes and hiding in the trees…..and chooks know a rat and a ferret when they see one!……just as NZers know a Banana Republic when they see one…There is a lot of unease and murmurings in the Wild Woods….and on the perches.

    If only Labour could get its yah yahs together and provide market focus/branding with a dynamic , young ,intelligent leader to combat Key head to head….Cunliff !…..The Labour Party should get an advertising agency to advise them on their opposition leadership….at the moment it just ain’t working, as you know, and just about everybody in New Zealand knows it !

    • xtasy 13.1
      24 May 2013 at 11:15 pm

      chooky – point appreciated, murmorings should turn into action, that is my expectation, even if it is isolated and in small groups here and there, that will send messages already. The greater picture can grow from that. As for Labour, we know the problem, at least part of it. I have not let up sending the message, and I will continue to do so. One thing is to start blocking these Shearer emails that they send out to members and others. That may send a signal, when they get all those failure messages, no thanks!

    • Hami Shearlie 13.2
      24 May 2013 at 11:23 pm

      There’s nothing like a wise old Chook!!!! Totally agree about the Labour Party. So very unappealing with Shearer as Leader – boring, hesitant and totally uninspiring! Cunliffe is the exact opposite to Shearer. Cunliffe would shred Key limb from limb, yet the ABC gang would rather be in perpetual opposition than have Cunliffe as Leader. He might actually make them work really hard, and be, and sound “committed”!!

    • Murray Olsen 13.3
      25 May 2013 at 8:08 pm

      They probably already have an advertising agency advising them on leadership. I think that’s at least part of the problem. They should take more notice of the membership.
      But chooks, yeah. My brother was just telling me how foxes ate all his in NSW. I laughed (he’s a Tory), but then I remembered the weasels and rats we were constantly at war with.

  14. prism 14
    25 May 2013 at 11:00 am

    I thought that the graphic for this thread is very good, very clever. There are some great headline images on this site. Who does them I wonder.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 27

    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 27 were:1. The Minister for Ford Rangers strikes againTransport Minister Simeon Brown was again the busiest of the Cabinet ministers this week, announcing an ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 hour ago
  • Ticket To Anywhere

    You got a fast carAnd I want a ticket to anywhereMaybe we make a dealMaybe together we can get somewhereAny place is betterYesterday’s newsletter, Trust In Me, on the report of abuse in state care, and by religious organisations, between 1950 and 2019, coupled with the hypocrisy of Christopher Luxon ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 hours ago
  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    19 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    24 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 day ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    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

  • 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
    18 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
    21 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
    21 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
    24 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T01:28:17+00:00