Base lies

Written By: - Date published: 9:55 am, August 14th, 2012 - 104 comments
Categories: Minister for Overseas Holidays, sport - Tags:

So, Key’s over in Maine watching his kid play baseball (and, shush, taking the rest of the week off for another overseas holiday). Whatever. The thing that gets me is that he can’t help but lie to tell people what they want to hear. He’s told Maine media that the little leaguers getting to the world tournament is big news here. No, it’s not. It’s just news that our PM has gone to watch.

104 comments on “Base lies ”

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  1. Carol 1
    14 August 2012 at 10:26 am

    Yankee Wannabe:
    http://static.stuff.co.nz/1344851126/982/7470982.jpg

    More important than supporting NZ military sacrifices and even more important than support for sports that have been a traditional part of NZ’s culture.

    There’s a word for that…..

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7470987/Little-leaguers-big-news-says-proud-Key

    How’s it going talking to those US uni scouts about Max getting a place at a high status US Uni, John?

  2. tc 2
    14 August 2012 at 10:48 am

    yes but looking on the positives a-la RWNJ styles at least he’s consistent in his performance as being our most popular sociopath.

  3. ghostwhowalksnz 3
    14 August 2012 at 10:48 am

    Is this NZ team competing in baseball or softball ?

    Each of the two sports have youth teams competing overseas – but in Sydney for Softball and Seoul for U18 Baseball

    So what exactly is this ‘event’ that is being held . It doesnt appear to be an official event of NZ baseball

    My guess is that the team is self selected based on ability to pay for overseas travel

  4. r0b 4
    14 August 2012 at 10:56 am

    Folks, please be careful in this thread to focus your comments on John Key, and leave his son out of it. Thanks.

    [lprent: Yes. ]

    • ghostwhowalksnz 4.1
      14 August 2012 at 12:11 pm

      Isnt it Key who has claimed the team is representing NZ, when in fact its not an official ‘representative’ team of NZ Baseball

    • Draco T Bastard 5.1
      14 August 2012 at 1:51 pm

      Those of us who would prefer a PM that didn’t lie.

      • TheContrarian 5.1.1
        14 August 2012 at 1:57 pm

        This particular lie has all the significance of telling your wife her haircut looks nice when it doesn’t. Not to mention the actual comment isn’t a quote so there is no reference, context or wording to judge it on.

        So, who gives a fuck?
        If say the reporter asked “what does everyone back in New Zealand think?” you think John Key should have said “No one cares”?

        • Dr Terry 5.1.1.1
          14 August 2012 at 3:08 pm

          No, Contrarian, he should have said “Ï have not asked”!

        • felix 5.1.1.2
          14 August 2012 at 3:30 pm

          “If say the reporter asked “what does everyone back in New Zealand think?” you think John Key should have said “No one cares”?”

          That wouldn’t be very statesman-like now, would it? But neither is an out-and-out lie.

          No, what a person who doesn’t lie as a first instinct should say in such a circumstance is along the lines of:

          Well back home in NZ the big sports are rugby and cricket, and American sports like baseball don’t really get a look in, which is why everyone involved is even more proud of these young people for what they’ve achieved just by reaching this level.

          Or something like that.

  6. tracey 6
    14 August 2012 at 11:12 am

    It is not a genuinely international competition. The pm is interested in the asia-pacific team. My research reveals every other team is from usa. My research was brief so can bear correction. It is not a new zealand team. It is not representing nz and given the finances of softball and baseball in nz is probably user pays. Cant find the squad. Would expect it to be full of aussies tho.

  7. js 7
    14 August 2012 at 11:39 am

    In one of the local news reports above is a little comment from the PM about the sport now attracting government funding in NZ. Any conflict of interest there?

  8. Roy 8
    14 August 2012 at 11:39 am

    Why tell such a ridiculous lie?

    • TheContrarian 8.1
      14 August 2012 at 2:04 pm

      You ever told someone at a party the dip was nice when it wasn’t or said you liked someones poem when you didn’t?

      Come on, this is a little bit precious 

      • Roy 8.1.1
        14 August 2012 at 2:12 pm

        Those are white lies to make people feel better. This is just absurd.

        • TheContrarian 8.1.1.1
          14 August 2012 at 2:55 pm

          So if the reporter asked John Key “What does everyone back in New Zealand think?” he should have said “No one cares” or perhaps made a little white lie like “everyone is excited” or “it’s big news”

      • Dr Terry 8.1.2
        14 August 2012 at 3:15 pm

        TheContrarian. I do believe you are becoming civilised, managing to change your filthy epithet to “precious”!

      • felix 8.1.3
        14 August 2012 at 3:58 pm

        “or said you liked someones poem when you didn’t?”

        No way. You gotta be straight with those people or they’ll never stop. 😉

  9. bbfloyd 9
    14 August 2012 at 11:41 am

    Thank you for pointing out how worried the tory twit brigade is about this story gaining legs….

    Don’t know why you are so insecure about the general public suddenly discovering what a lame, dishonest, utterly cowardly prime minister we’ve had foisted on us….The national party public relations office(tvnz,tv3,prime,radio live. zb news,herald) have been at pains to ensure the story is well and truly buried…..Indeed, the herald went so far as to write a shrill defense of johnny sparkles utter cowardice….

    What kind of snivelling, whining coward do we have for a “leader” when he is so frightened to be associated with the downside of his own governments policy of obsequious crawling to the americans that he would openly run away from his obligations as prime minister….?

    Johnny sparkles is the kind of craven coward, that’s who….

    This is the perfect demonstration of just how bereft of “leadership” johnny is…..If we didn’t know that he is no more that a “plant”, put where he is so that the “hollow men” can continue with the asset, and wealth stripping exercise unimpeded, then we know it now….

  10. travellerev 10
    14 August 2012 at 12:06 pm

    This is not about John Key visiting a baseball game to watch his son play. That is just fine.

    This is about John Key’s propagandists telling us that the team his son is playing in is representing New Zealand (In an Olympic games euphoria) and making it a Dad/Prime Ministerial combi while it’s just a silly little league game in order to be able to sell us the reason John Key is excused paying his respects at a funeral of two men who died in an illegal war of aggression based on lies.

    The fact that they had to come up with the patriotic “representing New Zealand”crap means they are fully aware how sensitive this is and it is once again proof of how callous John Key really is.

    • Gosman 10.1
      14 August 2012 at 1:10 pm

      Ummmmm… what evidence do you have that our involvement in Afghanistan is illegal? The UN sanctioned the deployment and role of forces in the country. That pretty much makes it legal.

      • travellerev 10.1.1
        14 August 2012 at 1:36 pm

        Ummm… For those of you wanting to know why the war in Afghanistan is an illegal one here is an excellent exposé

        • TheContrarian 10.1.1.1
          14 August 2012 at 1:39 pm

          Actually buddy I am pretty sure the Security Council did sanction the war

          • travellerev 10.1.1.1.1
            14 August 2012 at 1:46 pm

            Actually I’m not your buddy. And for those really interested in finding out why the war in Afghanistan is illegal watch the exposé.
            Other than that John Key still choose to be derelict in his duty which according to previous commentators he was able to perform and see his kid play.

            John Key can’t be arsed that’s all there is to it!

            • TheContrarian 10.1.1.1.1.1
              14 August 2012 at 2:08 pm

              Sorry buddy, the war conformed to international law.

              • travellerev …
                14 August 2012 at 3:24 pm

                Contrarian, No actually it wasn’t.

                Gosman, I don’t need too. Even if 19 young non Afghanis were able to break every law of physics the war declared on Afghanistan was as illegal then as it is now.
                Waging war on another country is only legal in two events. If you have been attacked and have to defend yourself and if attack is so eminent that only your intervention can prevent it.

                Afghanistan never intended or attempted to attack the US. Harbouring a criminal is not a legal reason to attack an entire Nation and considering they took an entire month after the attacks to attack Afghanistan imminent attack also was non existent.
                For those of you interested to learn why please watch the excellent exposé I link to above.

                • TheContrarian …
                  14 August 2012 at 3:26 pm

                  Umm, yes it was.
                  It had UN Security Council approval. Therefore legal.

                  If you want to argue about the morality of war that is a different kettle of monkeys but the Afghan war was in accordance with international war. 

                • Bob McG …
                  14 August 2012 at 5:49 pm

                  the purpose of NZDF in Bamiyan is not actually to wage war – peacekeeping and reconstruction is actually pretty useful and the incident the two men (who are three time the calibre than JKey will ever be) were involved in was part of their role of backing up the Afghanistan security team trying to protect their region. I suppose the regiment will understand that Mr Key has made sacrifices for his country and that what ever he is doing now is more important than paying his respects to the families who have lost a loved one due to the decisions he signs off on – especially after his comment that implied they were expendable because neither had children and one didn’t have close family (his mum died when he was young and he was raised by his aunty – so not lucky and privileged like some but still willing to make himself useful).

                  But you know – by all means please base your eroneous assumptions on a piece of unsubstantiated polemic – wouldn’t want to twist your precious conclusions with anything as complex as reality.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    14 August 2012 at 11:05 pm

                    the purpose of NZDF in Bamiyan is not actually to wage war – peacekeeping and reconstruction is actually pretty useful

                    Too bad NZ ordered its special forces into offensive combat operations alongside the US, and did so in the glare of media coverage, thereby fucking our name of its entire presence in Afghanistan as impartial, trusted actors, and painting big red targets on the foreheads of our forces there.

                    Oh I see you didn’t mention this little fact at all.

                    But you know – by all means please base your eroneous assumptions on a piece of unsubstantiated polemic – wouldn’t want to twist your precious conclusions with anything as complex as reality.

                    Asshat.

        • Gosman 10.1.1.2
          14 August 2012 at 2:40 pm

          Oh. This is one of your wacky conspiratorial rants where you try and argue that September the 11th was an inside job and that the US Government planned it all. Sorry if I had known I would have stayed away. Carry on then with spouting your wacky conspiricy theory. How’s that going for you by the way? Got anybody in any position of authority in any political organisation in NZ ready to start pushing this view?

      • Dr Terry 10.1.2
        14 August 2012 at 3:18 pm

        Well, Gosman, you love to play with words. How about substituting “ïmmoral” for illegal?

  11. dancerwaitakere 11
    14 August 2012 at 12:49 pm

    I’m no fan on John Key. But good on his son for doing something with his life.

    Labour and the Greens will not win the election by constantly focusing on John Key. It won’t work. He is just as incompetent as he was 4 years ago when Labour ran the ‘Trust’ adverts, but people don’t want to hear it 24/7.

    • fatty 11.1
      14 August 2012 at 2:27 pm

      [I’m going to be over-cautious and remove this comment – the comment itself wasn’t offensive but I don’t want the focus turning to Key’s son. Cheers – r0b]

      • Rob 11.1.1
        14 August 2012 at 2:35 pm

        Really fatty, are you sure. Ever get outside much……

        • fatty 11.1.1.1
          14 August 2012 at 2:46 pm

          What?
          That’s weird…My comment wasn’t directed at Key’s son, I’m sure Key’s children are nice kids and good on him for doing well in baseball.
          I got in rep teams as a child, but I don’t see this as evidence that I’ve done something with my life.

          “Really fatty, are you sure. Ever get outside much……”

          Yip, probably more than you

          [lprent: When it comes to the families of politicians and especially their kids, the moderators view over-zealousness as being the minimum required standard. ]

    • Dr Terry 11.2
      14 August 2012 at 3:20 pm

      dancerwaitakere. Who the hell is criticising his son? Nobody, of course. This is nothing but a distraction from the issue.

  12. Maggie may 12
    14 August 2012 at 1:00 pm

    I would not be suprised to see our Prime Minister distancing himself from our war dead.

    How long until like America, the bodies of war dead will be brought home under cover of darkness.

  13. wtl 13
    14 August 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Key also lied about not being able to attend the funerals of the soldiers killed in Afghanistan because of this tournament. A bit of digging by others (see comments) has revealed that he could have attended both. This is an even bigger lie, in my opinion.

    • Ross 13.1
      15 August 2012 at 12:54 pm

      I think it’s the bigger lie too. If he genuinely couldn’t have made the funeral, then he would have left himself open to the claim that he doesn’t take his job seriously enough. But to falsely claim, as he did, that he would have to let someone down, beggars belief. The guy is a charlatan and thinks the public is thick.

  14. seeker 14
    14 August 2012 at 1:27 pm

    I had already posted this link on “Interesting Week”. I think it is the precursor to Contrarian’s. It shows why key felt he had to leave on Thursday – Bangor, Maine was expecting him. It had certainly given him a ‘Maine’ photo op using one of his main photos, the one we know so well!

    http://bangordailynews.com/2012/08/09/sports/new-zealand-prime-minister-to-attend-senior-league-world-series-in-bangor/

    I still believe he could have attended the military funeral, rather than rubbing salt into the fresh wounds of the bereaved by asking them to ‘understand’ his prior commitment to his son when they had just lost theirs.’Understand’ at a time like that?! Who would even be able to think of key’s needs.?

    Personally I wouldn’t want a person as insensitive and unprincipled as key at the funeral of my beloved son if he had just lost his life in the service of his country. Furthermore, said leader of the country had asked for my ‘understanding’ that a previous ‘booking’ should take precedence over his duty as the country’s prime leader to welcome my son home and publicly honour and salute his outstanding and courageous sacrifice. Death, laying down your life for your country men is no small thing.

    However, back in pm world, how irritating that such things should happen when one is already booked, armed with respectable reasons of course, to fly off on a mini family break. But, hey ho, there’s the rub of the job of being prime minister. Thinks to himself – “Must get someone to come up with a credible story to get me out of this puzzling situation and let me do what I want, whilst still looking ‘principled’. My blind followers will justify any choice I make come hell or high water while I enjoy what others have irritatingly lost. All will be well for me. I never cry or lose sleep over such things. I’ll be fine, I’ll be fine…… ”
    Key could easily have paid for another flight – he has the money.

    Patrick Gower told us more of Lance Corporal Malone’s incredibly brave actions last night. He had managed to get one soldier to safety and he went back to help another and lost his life doing so. Now that’s sacrifice and love of one’s fellow man, and devotion to duty; God bless him.

    Apologies to sensitive right wingers if this sounds harsh, but I am greatly saddened and very, very disappointed in john key and his dereliction of duty. He should have known what being the PM entailed when he took on the job. You can blindly respect him all you want, but I think New Zealand deserves better than him.

    • tracey 14.1
      14 August 2012 at 2:04 pm

      Its not school holidays is it? First cunliffe now key taking holidays… Is key having more than four weeks away from work this year?

    • Dr Terry 14.2
      14 August 2012 at 3:24 pm

      Key could easily have visited his son a week or two later, but not so with the memorial service. A family party can always be deferred. A matter of national grief cannot be deferred.

  15. shorts 15
    14 August 2012 at 1:42 pm

    meanwhile in Bangor residents are wondering WTF is a New Zealand?

  16. Anne 16
    14 August 2012 at 1:53 pm

    Thank-you seeker for expressing so well… what many of us feel about his behaviour. By the sounds of it, he could easily have attended that memorial service – which was more than just a memorial service anyway because the coffins of the two soldiers were present – without missing any of his son’s games. But it didn’t happen to suit his plans this time around.

  17. captain hook 17
    14 August 2012 at 2:15 pm

    he’s just putting on the style.
    in essence key is just another wannabee who thinks that having money does it when it doesn’t.
    he should go to outer mongolia to fulfill his destiny and achieve his dream and get lost.

    • Dr Terry 17.1
      14 August 2012 at 3:26 pm

      captain hook. Good idea – but outer Mongolia is too close – better he had gone on the mission to Mars, from which there is no return!

  18. tracey 18
    14 August 2012 at 3:47 pm

    The thing is contrarian why is his default position, lying. ? He cld have said its a big deal to me because hes my son…. But knowing it will get reported back he just had to lie…

    • TheContrarian 18.1
      14 August 2012 at 3:54 pm

      Look at it this way – it isn’t a direct quote, it has no context, we don’t know the question, if it was part of larger comment etc etc. Not to mention it is comparable to telling the host at a party you enjoyed yourself when you really didn’t.

      Therefore it is really quite precious and silly to get all bent out of shape about it when they are real pressing issues one could report on. This is childish.

      I know, I know, some wags above have made comment that for something I am saying is so minor I seem to be getting bent out of shape. But debating this issue with The Standard monkeys in no way implies I care about what Key said. Because I don’t – I don’t care. But the bleating Standard intrigues me much like you can’t help but tongue a loose tooth…..or scratch a genital wart. 

      Anyway, that’s where I am at. 

      • Murray Olsen 18.1.1
        14 August 2012 at 4:55 pm

        No Contrarian, it’s more like going to a turducken party in the US and A and being asked if they’re popular in your country. The appropriate answer would be “Apart from Gerry Brownlee, nobody in my country knows what a turducken is, but they’re very popular with him.” Key’s answer was more along the lines of “Yes, we all gave one at least once a month and they are becoming an increasingly important part of the Kiwi dining experience.”

      • Tracey 18.1.2
        15 August 2012 at 9:38 am

        Is the lie about energy prices not being more expensive under private companies precious, or serious? You see, it’s the same scale…

  19. felix 19
    14 August 2012 at 4:09 pm

    “Look at it this way – it isn’t a direct quote, it has no context, we don’t know the question, if it was part of larger comment etc etc.”

    That’s a fair call, bit of context and an actual quote would be nice.

    “Not to mention it is comparable to telling the host at a party you enjoyed yourself when you really didn’t.”

    That’s not a comparison you can really make, because as you point out there’s no quote and no context, so really you have no idea what it’s comparable to.

    However if I were to assume that it’s roughly accurate for the purposes of this discussion, I’d say a better comparison would be telling the host at a party that you’re a huge fan of whatever they’re a fan of when you aren’t. Which, apart from being a bit stupid because they’re going to know straight away if the conversation goes any further, is also a sign of a great weakness of character.

    “Therefore it is really quite precious and silly to get all bent out of shape about it when they are real pressing issues one could report on. This is childish.”

    Yep. You should probably stop it.

    • TheContrarian 19.1
      14 August 2012 at 4:12 pm

      That’s a fair call, bit of context and an actual quote would be nice.

      indeed, it is quite important.

      Yep. You should probably stop it. 

      I’ll never stop. I am like an irresistible force…would you like to be my immovable object?
       

  20. infused 20
    14 August 2012 at 7:24 pm

    Slow news day?

  21. irascible 21
    14 August 2012 at 7:25 pm

    KeY is more than likely getting a briefing from his GOP familiars while using the photo opportunity of the quintessentially USA little league to demonstrate his patriotism while ignoring the reality of the country he plays at being PM of.
    We should remember he is the the MP for Hawaii rather than Helensville.

  22. RedBaron 22
    14 August 2012 at 7:42 pm

    Fair enough to leave politicians’ kids alone – couldn’t agree more.

    BUT when will the politicians leave the kids of beneficiaries alone and stop typecasting them by their parent income..
    When will they stop issuing contraceptive advice to the 16 year old daughters of low income parents, demanding vacinations even though a benefit may only be used for a short period of time and on and on……

  23. jack 23
    14 August 2012 at 10:42 pm

    Key looks like he is really enjoying himself at the baseball game.. the favourite American pastime. Meanwhile back home two family are burying their loved ones who gave the ultimate price on Key’s orders to fight in Afganistan to back the yanks. Something is horribly wrong here.. .have we truly lowered the bar when it comes to Prime Ministers?? Is he as self serving as he appears but the media won’t reveal?? Terrible.. it reminds me of Key’s response rate to the Rena.. Terrible. I can’t see why anyone would vote for this creep.

    • Tracey 23.1
      15 August 2012 at 9:40 am

      The other reason he probably said it is because the Leader of a nation taking time off his “job” to watch a small tournament probably made them think “wow this game must be huge in NZ”.

  24. Tracey 24
    15 August 2012 at 9:41 am

    “”You’re apt to see a whole lot of players willing to join the sport and participate,” he told the Maine newspaper, “because we always see that when we see a New Zealand team doing well, whether it’s basketball or whatever it might be.” John Key

  25. Balanced View 25
    15 August 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Pathetic article.
    Zetetic – unfortunately by publishing nonsense like this you lose credibility with a majority of NZers. This will then discredit any good points you make in other posts.
    Of course the regular sheep that live on this site will lap it up….

    • Colonial Viper 25.1
      16 August 2012 at 12:42 am

      “Balanced View” has somehow mind-read what the “majority of New Zealanders” think.

      This is a truly remarkable step in human evolution.

    • Draco T Bastard 25.2
      16 August 2012 at 12:52 am

      I recall this balanced View. His view is so far to the right as to make John Key seem centrist. Never says anything of value at all and just insults people – like he just did.

      • Balanced View 25.2.1
        16 August 2012 at 2:04 am

        You couldn’t be more wrong about my political view point. But thanks for recalling me.

    • mike 25.3
      16 August 2012 at 1:03 am

      Well colour me t-rolled.

  26. saf 26
    16 August 2012 at 12:28 am

    Maybe John did the Toolman Tim thing and sought advice from the good man over the back fence.
    This Venerable source of wisdom should always be listened to.

  27. Treetop 27
    16 August 2012 at 4:12 pm

    I expect that Key will have discussions with the FBI re Dotcom and this will not be confirmed.

  28. Stu 28
    20 August 2012 at 7:23 am

    Mr Key is still Overseas and 3 more NZ soldiers die. Does he care a hoot I think not as going overseas on a holiday to see his son appears more important to him.

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  • 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
    23 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

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