Beware the young advisers – they reflect their masters
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7:30 am, June 27th, 2010 - 25 comments
Categories: australian politics, brand key, kremlinology -
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An interesting parallel between Kevin Rudd and the Key government’s leadership style surfaced in our papers this weekend.
On Saturday, Tracy Watkins had this to say in the DomPost:
Dislike of the Australian leader seems to have reached legendary proportions in the three years since he won the election a dislike surpassed only by the antagonism toward his team of cocky young advisers, who appear to have supplanted long-time MPs and senior ministers as his trusted inner circle.
This snippet was in the Friday Insider, page 27 in the Herald Business section, always interesting but alas not on-line:
Eyebrows began being raised soon after the election over the role of the Government 20-something “ministerial advisers”, mostly recent graduates from the Young Nats. At Beehive meetings, business leaders have been startled to find these youngsters interrupting their own ministers, sometimes even taking over the discussion. One foreign government is now said to have raised a formal diplomatic complaint after an “adviser”, still barely shaving, decided to take it on himself during an overseas trip to negotiate directly with its minister, sidelining his own boss. Labour and National have always promoted party activists to Beehive roles above their abilities, but seasoned observers say they’ve never known them to be quite so full of themselves.
Far from being full of themselves, the best advisers in my experience on both sides of the Tasman have been those who are both willing and able to speak truth to power; because they know that values and policies are more important than personalities. The worst are those who throw around them the cloak of power that is not theirs.
Why the worst are so unpopular is hinted at in a perceptive comment from Kevin Bolt in the Herald-Sun, writing about Rudd:
Rudd chose as his most intimate advisers, mostly people barely 30, eminently bully-able..
If the young advisers in Canberra and Wellington behave like bullies it is because they are just mirrors; they don’t have opinions of their own, but being bully-able they do reflect what they see in their masters.
The Greeks and Romans long ago identified hubris as the besetting sin in politics. It always – sometimes swiftly as Rudd found out – leads to Nemesis.
It would appear to be pervasive in the Beehive right now.
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- Progress on public service pay adjustmentThe Government welcomes progress on public sector pay adjustment (PSPA) agreements, and the release of the updated public service pay guidance by the Public Service Commission today, Minister for the Public Service Andrew Little says. “More than a dozen collective agreements are now settled in the public service, Crown Agents, ...13 hours ago
- Further legislation introduced to support cyclone recoveryThe Government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to further support the recovery and rebuild from the recent severe weather events in the North Island. “We know from our experiences following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes that it will take some time before we completely understand the ...1 day ago
- Duty relief for cyclone-affected businessesFurther assistance is now available to businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and to remit late-payments, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced. “This is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist economic recovery in the regions,” Meka Whaitiri said. “Cabinet has approved the ...1 day ago
- Thousands of sole parents to be better off after child support changesMore than 41,000 sole parent families will be better off with a median gain of $20 a week Law change estimated to help lift up to 14,000 children out of poverty Child support payments will be passed on directly to people receiving a sole parent rate of main benefit, making ...1 day ago
- Green investment fund delivers on climate actionA major investment by Government-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance towards electrifying the public bus fleet is being welcomed by Climate Change Minister James Shaw. “Today’s announcement that NZGIF has signed a $50 million financing deal with Kinetic, the biggest bus operator in Australasia, to further decarbonise public transport is ...1 day ago
- Tax credit boosts cash flow for Kiwi innovatorsA world-leading payments system is expected to provide a significant cash flow boost for Kiwi innovators, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Ayesha Verrall says. Announcing that applications for ‘in-year’ payments of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) were open, Ayesha Verrall said it represented a win for businesses ...1 day ago
- Te Awa shared path completedMinister of Transport Michael Wood joined crowds of keen cyclists and walkers this morning to celebrate the completion of the Te Awa shared path in Hamilton. “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come,” Michael ...3 days ago
- Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-RuaTreaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...3 days ago
- Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpartMinister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...4 days ago
- Government delivering world-class satellite positioning servicesWorld-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...4 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges. Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...4 days ago
- Notes of an address to the Environmental Defence Society Conference, AucklandTēnā koutou katoa. Can I begin by thanking Gary Taylor, Raewyn Peart and others in the EDS team for their herculean work in support of the environment. I’d also like to acknowledge Hon Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, my parliamentary colleagues, and the many activists here who strive ...4 days ago
- New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson TasmanA new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...5 days ago
- National’s education policy: where’s the funding?After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment. “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...5 days ago
- Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventorsPeople aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...5 days ago
- Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economyA cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...5 days ago
- Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...6 days ago
- Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business ForumDeputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...6 days ago
- Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island$2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...6 days ago
- Pasifka Futures Whānau Ora Conference[CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY] E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā tangata katoa, o moana-nui-a-kiwa, E ngā mate, haere, haere, haere atū ra, manuia lau Malaga. Thank you for the kind introduction and opportunity to join you this morning. It is always good to be here in Aukilani, where I ...6 days ago
- Alzheimers New Zealand conference – Opening AddressE nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi, tēnā koutou katoa. Talofa lava and thank you Catherine, for the warm welcome. I’m sorry that I can’t be there in person today but it’s great for the opportunity to contribute virtually. I’d like to start by acknowledging: Alzheimers New Zealand, ...6 days ago
- Government future-proofs EV chargingTransport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...6 days ago
- World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZersAssociate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...6 days ago
- First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners CourtHon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...6 days ago
- Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floodsThe Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...6 days ago
- New appointment to Māori Land Court benchE te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...7 days ago
- Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...7 days ago
- Vertical farming partnership has upward momentumThe Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...1 week ago
- Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote AddressE nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...1 week ago
- New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patientsThe new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...1 week ago
- Second Poseidon aircraft on home soilDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...1 week ago
- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...1 week ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...1 week ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...1 week ago
- Indonesian security forces attack West Papuan rebels holding NZ pilot
By Finau Fonua, RNZ Pacific journalist, and Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Indonesian security forces in Papua last week launched an offensive against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) command holding New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens hostage, RNZ Pacific can confirm. The operation was launched at 1am local time ...2 hours ago - Indonesian security forces attack West Papuan rebels holding NZ pilotBy Finau Fonua, RNZ Pacific journalist, and Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Indonesian security forces in Papua last week launched an offensive against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) command holding New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens hostage, RNZ Pacific can confirm. The operation was launched at 1am local time ...2 hours ago
- Private security companies ‘holding PNG together’, claims ministerBy Gorothy Kenneth in Port Moresby Private security companies are currently holding Papua New Guinea together with the largest workforce of 29,445 and supporting the police in managing law and order issues. There are only 6832 policemen and women serving the country currently, according to reports. Internal Security Minister Peter ...2 hours ago
- Private security companies ‘holding PNG together’, claims ministerBy Gorothy Kenneth in Port Moresby Private security companies are currently holding Papua New Guinea together with the largest workforce of 29,445 and supporting the police in managing law and order issues. There are only 6832 policemen and women serving the country currently, according to reports. Internal Security Minister Peter ...2 hours ago
- Aukus ‘going against’ Pacific nuclear free treaty – Cook Islands leaderUS President Joe Biden (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) during the AUKUS summit at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego California on 13 March 2023. Image: RNZ Pacific/Jim Watson/AFP “But it is what it is,” he said of the tripartite arrangement. ‘Escalation of ...2 hours ago
- Aukus ‘going against’ Pacific nuclear free treaty – Cook Islands leaderUS President Joe Biden (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) during the AUKUS summit at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego California on 13 March 2023. Image: RNZ Pacific/Jim Watson/AFP “But it is what it is,” he said of the tripartite arrangement. ‘Escalation of ...2 hours ago
- Ankit Bansal Selected As National’s Candidate In Palmerston North
Procurement professional Ankit Bansal has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Palmerston North for the 2023 General Election. “I’d like to thank our local party members for endorsing me to campaign in Palmerston ...2 hours ago - Rima Nakhle Selected As National’s Candidate In TakaniniExecutive Manager of Te Mahia Community Village Rima Nakhle has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Takanini for the 2023 General Election. “The Takanini electorate is my home and I’m really excited to have the opportunity ...2 hours ago
- Dr Carlos Cheung Selected As National’s Candidate In Mt RoskillProperty management company director Dr Carlos Cheung has been selected as National’s candidate in Mt Roskill for the 2023 General Election. “Mt Roskill is my home and I’m grateful for the opportunity to campaign here for a National Government that ...2 hours ago
- Have Your Say On The Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation BillThe Chairperson of the Governance and Administration Committee is calling for submissions on the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill The Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill is the second bill in response to Cyclone Gabriel. The ...3 hours ago
- In full: The PM’s statement on Nash sacking
Prime minister Chris Hipkins’ full statement, as shared to media, on the decision to remove Stuart Nash from cabinet: This evening I have advised the Governor-General to dismiss Stuart Nash from all his ministerial portfolios. Late this afternoon I was made aware by a news outlet of an email Stuart ...5 hours ago - Fresh revelations of Cabinet rule breach leads to Stuart Nash's sacking
The Prime Minister has sacked Stuart Nash from all of his ministerial portfolios, following another breach of the Cabinet Manual. ...5 hours ago - Fresh revelation of Cabinet rule breach leads to Stuart Nash's sackingThe Prime Minister has sacked Stuart Nash from all of his ministerial portfolios, following another breach of the Cabinet Manual. ...5 hours ago
- ‘Conduct is inexcusable’: Four strikes and Stuart Nash is goneFour strikes and Stuart Nash has been ousted from cabinet. It follows revelations this evening that he shared private cabinet discussions with business leaders and criticised decisions made in a 2020 email, according to reporting by Stuff. In the email, Nash set out his opposition to a decision cabinet had ...5 hours ago
- Chris Hipkins mulling future of Stuart Nash, already on ‘final warning’The future of Stuart Nash, recently demoted to the bottom rung of cabinet, hangs in the balance following reports that he shared private cabinet discussions with business leaders and criticised decisions made in a 2020 email, according to reporting by Stuff. It follows Nash losing his police portfolio for breaching ...5 hours ago
- Citizens Advice Bureau delivers petition to Auckland Council in effort to halt budget cutsA petition with 20,000 signatures was handed to Auckland Council in a last-ditch effort to halt budget cuts to the Citizens Advice Bureau. ...6 hours ago
- Australia’s safeguard mechanism deal is only a half-win for the Greens, and for the climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Crowley, Adjunct Associate Professor, Public and Environmental Policy, University of Tasmania Labor and the Greens on Monday announced a deal to strengthen a key climate policy, the safeguard mechanism, by introducing a hard cap on industrial sector emissions. But the ...7 hours ago
- Government announces plan to electronically tag asylum seekers who may pose riskCourts would be able to order that anyone claiming refugee status be monitored, with other conditions such as residency requirements and curfews. ...7 hours ago
- Native Kea Parrot’s Days Numbered By Poison Drops – Wildlife AdvocateThe native parrot the kea is under siege from aerial spread 1080 poison drops says a West Coast wildlife advocate Laurie Collins of Westport. While it is accepted that a good proportion of New Zealanders are opposed to aerial 1080 poison drops used ...7 hours ago
- Coast council sends ‘action man’ packing
West Coasters might have a taste for the gung-ho but pragmatism has taken a turn for the cautious at an extraordinary Greymouth council meeting Outspoken West Coast Regional Council chair Allan Birchfield has been rolled by his colleagues in a bid to make peace with the government and stem the ...7 hours ago - The Posie Parker Stouche: Some Positive Lessons For Our ElectionBy Tim Wilson, Executive Director, Maxim Institute* What does politics produce when mixed with violence and intimidation? Sadly nothing constructive, plus a humungous helping of anger, division, recrimination, spleen and confusion. Oh, and headlines. ...7 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Lambie urges return of former employment program for Indigenous comm...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Senator Lidia Thorpe’s defection from the Greens changed the power dynamic in the Senate. Now the government needs two crossbenchers (and the Greens) to pass legislation opposed by the Coalition. Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie and ...8 hours ago
- Australia’s safeguard mechanism deal is only half a win for the Greens, and for the climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Crowley, Adjunct Associate Professor, Public and Environmental Policy, University of Tasmania Labor and the Greens on Monday announced a deal to strengthen a key climate policy, the safeguard mechanism, by introducing a hard cap on industrial sector emissions. But the ...8 hours ago
- Excitement As Security Guards Initiate For Fair Pay AgreementSecurity guards have made their voices heard and now have enough signatures to initiate a Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for workers in their occupation. Since the Fair Pay Agreements Bill was passed in October 2022, more than 1000 security guards across Aotearoa New ...8 hours ago
- Tertiary Education Institutions: 2021 Audit Results And What We Saw In 2022...8 hours ago
- ‘The reporting process was more traumatising than the assault itself’: LGBTQ+ survivors on acces...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bianca Fileborn, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock The following article discusses sexual violence, self-harm and suicide. Gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence, but we still know very little about ...8 hours ago
- The First Nations Voice to parliament could get us to revisit conversations about Australia becoming...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jesse J. Fleay, Republic Constitutional Scholar, Federalist, Co-Author of the Uluru Statement, University of Notre Dame Australia Australia is preparing for a referendum to decide on the proposed Voice to parliament for First Nations people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated the ...9 hours ago
- Toni Collette was ‘totally inspired’ by Jacinda Ardern for new sci-fi series The PowerToni Collette and John Leguizamo tell Tara Ward about the electric drama set in a world where gender equality becomes a sudden and shocking reality. There’s a moment halfway through in The Power when it seems Toni Collette could be channeling Jacinda Ardern. A mysterious medical event is sweeping the ...9 hours ago
- Don’t let financial shame be your ruin: open conversations can help ease the burden of personal de...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matevz (Matt) Raskovic, Associate Professor of International Business & Strategy, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Nearly two-thirds of New Zealanders are worried about the cost of living, and a quarter are worried about putting food on the table. But ...10 hours ago
- Is ‘climate anxiety’ a clinical diagnosis? Should it be?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiona Charlson, Conjoint NHMRC Early Career Fellow, The University of Queensland Shutterstock Last week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, comprised of the world’s most esteemed climate experts, delivered its sixth report and “final warning” about the climate crisis. It ...10 hours ago
- Government's security arm works on addressing spread of disinformationThe government's national security arm says it is working on how to address the spread of disinformation and this is not directed specifically at the general election. ...10 hours ago
- How to take a book apart: on compiling a poet’s life so farPoet Ash Davida Jane talks with poet Andrew Johnston about his Selected Poems, which spans 23 years of his published work. I’ve started writing this review in the notes app on my phone from the backseat of my friend’s car, which feels a far cry from the world of Andrew ...10 hours ago
- National Party leader Christopher Luxon demands Marama Davidson apologise to cis white menNational is demanding Marama Davidson apologise to cis white men over her comments from Saturday. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says he considers the matter closed. ...11 hours ago
- The ABC’s In Our Blood shines a light on lesbian activism during the AIDS crisis – but there’s...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Manlik, Casual Academic and PhD Candidate, Macquarie University ABC The recent ABC mini-series, In Our Blood, offers a fictionalised account of Australia’s response to AIDS, focusing on the development of a partnership between impacted communities, health professionals and government. ...11 hours ago
- Submissions on Auckland budget close tonightAucklanders – it’s your last chance to have a say on the council’s upcoming budget. Submissions close at 11pm tonight, after which they will be collated and considered by councillors before a final proposal’s released by the end of June. As my colleague Tommy de Silva explained earlier this month, ...11 hours ago
- Submissions on Auckland budget close tonightAucklanders – it’s your last chance to have a say on the council’s upcoming budget. Submissions close at 11pm tonight, after which they will be collated and considered by councillors before a final proposal’s released by the end of June. As my colleague Tommy de Silva explained earlier this month, ...11 hours ago
- NZ pushes China on lethal aid concerns over Ukraine war
After breaking a years-long gap between New Zealand ministerial visits to China, Nanaia Mahuta says the relationship is in good shape but the Government will keep discussing differences of opinion between the countries - including support for Ukraine New Zealand will keep pushing China to use its influence to help end ...11 hours ago - An environmental disaster was waiting to happen in Tolaga Bay. No one listenedThe government has commissioned an inquiry after forestry waste caused widespread devastation in Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. But records show experts have been sounding the alarm for decades – why did no one hear them? This story was first published on Stuff. Ten minutes into the grey wasteland of the Mangatokerau ...12 hours ago
- What is a paraben and why are so many products advertised as ‘paraben-free’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Oliver A.H. Jones, Professor, RMIT University Shutterstock You might have noticed many skin and haircare products are advertised as “paraben-free”, or come across online influencers warning parabens are terrible for your health. But what is a paraben? And could a ...12 hours ago
- ‘Comments were… offensive’: Davidson should say sorry to white men – LuxonGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson should apologise to white men over the “sweeping generalisation” she made ahead of the Posie Parker counter-protest on Saturday. That’s according to National’s leader Christopher Luxon who was questioned on the comments this morning at parliament. Davidson was caught on camera blaming “cis white men” ...13 hours ago
- What you need to know about the deadly fungus detected in New ZealandCandida auris is more likely to infect those who are already ill or immunocompromised and is fatal for 30-60% of those infected. What is Candida auris? Candida auris (also known as C. auris) is a type of fungus called a yeast. It was first identified in 2009 from the ear ...13 hours ago
- What’s Lorde up to next?Lorde’s always been mysterious and her latest newsletter to fans does nothing to change that. The New Zealand singer has just wrapped up her lengthy Solar Power tour in support of her third album released at the height of the delta Covid wave back in 2021. And while reports have ...13 hours ago
- Newsletter: March 27 2023 – Items of interest and importance todayNew Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. Other items of interest and importance today POSIE PARKER RALLY The Facts: New Zealanders are world leaders in respecting transgender men and women Chris ...13 hours ago
- Greens call for universal Covid vaccine availabilty after nearly 2500 children under 5 hospitalisedThe Green Party says the number of under 5s hospitalised for Covid-19 is "horrendously high". ...13 hours ago
- Just 3% of $500m 'drawn down' to improve or build mental health hospital facilitiesNew figures show the government has called on just 3 percent of the half a billion dollars approved to build or expand mental health hospital facilities. ...14 hours ago
- Chris Hipkins says polarising debate in wake of Posie Parker visit not helpfulPrime Minister Chris Hipkins believes the polarising debate in the wake of British gender activist Posie Parker's New Zealand visit has not been helpful, nor was it helpful to bring ethnicity and race into the debate. ...14 hours ago
- Meet three local heroes helping their communities thriveThe Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year will be announced this Thursday. The judges have had their work cut out for them choosing a winner from these finalists. There are hundreds of New Zealanders across the motu who devote time to their communities. Those people who go the extra mile ...14 hours ago
- David Farrier v Sean Plunket v the Family CourtLate last year, at the time David Farrier was readying to release his new documentary Mister Organ, broadcaster Sean Plunket started tweeting out what appeared to be court documents. As we detailed in our extensive timeline of the Mister Organ saga, the tweets included claims that Farrier had been served ...14 hours ago
- PM’s media round dominated by Davidson remarksPrime minister Chris Hipkins’ morning media round has been largely dominated by remarks made by one of his ministers over the weekend. Marama Davidson, who is also co-leader of the Green Party, was caught on capture at a counter-protest to anti-trans speaker Posie Parker stating: “I am the prevention violence ...15 hours ago
- In the face of more extreme weather, how and where we build needs to change. Here’s how the insura...If insurers aren’t involved in discussions on how New Zealand adapts to climate change, we risk whole sections of the country becoming uninsurable. As New Zealand considers how to better prepare for a future affected by climate change, the insurance sector needs to be part the discussion on where and ...15 hours ago
- Zero speed camera warning signs set up since policy announced in 2019The new police minister says she has recently been made aware of the lack of progress - and has asked for more information. ...16 hours ago
- The Bulletin: No fix for Coromandel highway before ChristmasIt will also be a couple of months before a decision is made on what approach will be taken with Coromandel’s SH25A which has been closed since cracks appeared on January 27 in the wake of ex-Cyclone Hale. Any fix will take nine to 12 months to implement. Access in ...16 hours ago
- The ‘dubious’ green claims at the supermarketConsumer NZ has warned customers to be aware of “unsubstantiated” or “misleading” eco-friendly claims made at the supermarket. The watchdog has taken a closer look at several items including a supposedly “planet conscious” air freshener, “ocean plastic” bags and “industrial compostable” teabags. But Gemma Rasmussen, Consumer’s head of research and ...16 hours ago
- For the first time, astronomers have linked a mysterious fast radio burst with gravitational wavesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clancy William James, Senior Lecturer (astronomy and astroparticle physics), Curtin University ASKAP. CSIRO We have just published evidence in Nature Astronomy for what might be producing mysterious bursts of radio waves coming from distant galaxies, known as fast radio bursts or FRBs. ...16 hours ago
- ‘The media normalises war-mongering’: how Chinese Australians respond to talk of war in mainstre...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wanning Sun, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Early this month, the Daily Mail published a story online implying three Chinese men taking photos at the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne were spies. After complaints and ...16 hours ago
- What causes hiccups and how can you get rid of them?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vincent Ho, Associate Professor and clinical academic gastroenterologist, Western Sydney University Shutterstock We all get hiccups from time to time, and sometimes they just won’t seem to go away. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm – the muscle ...16 hours ago
- 2022 was a good year for nature in Australia – but three nasty problems remainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Shutterstock A new report card on Australia’s environment reveals 2022 was a bumper year for our rivers and vegetation – but it ...16 hours ago
- Ghost rodents: get ready to fall in love with Australia’s albino rats and miceSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darcy Watchorn, PhD Candidate, Deakin University Discoveries of albino animals have a unique ability to capture the public imagination, often leading to flurries of social media and news coverage. (Think Migaloo, the famous white humpback whale.) It’s easy to see why ...16 hours ago
- Students’ mental health is a big issue for schools – but teachers should only be part of the sol...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brian Moore, Lecturer, Educational Psychology & Child Development, School of Education, Charles Sturt University Shutterstock Schools are an obvious place to do mental health work with young people. This is important, as about one in seven young Australians are diagnosed ...16 hours ago
- At chocolate time, we’ve discovered what the brands that score best on child labour and the enviro...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Dumay, Professor – Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Macquarie University Pxfuel What distinguishes a company that makes “good” chocolate (chocolate untainted by child labour, modern slavery, deforestation and the overuse of agrichemicals) from one that merely makes chocolate? ...16 hours ago
- IVF heist: Romantic Getaway on Binge explores the desperation couples can feel during the costly IVF...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle de Souza, Lecturer in Law, University of New England Binge British comedy Romantic Getaway recently dropped on streaming service Binge. The show stars Katherine Ryan and Romesh Ranganathan as Alison and Deacon, a couple desperate for a child. Alison ...16 hours ago
- Secret agencies step into the lightThe GCSB and NZSIS revealed concerns about the growing threat of foreign interference yesterday as RNZ launches new Chinese language news service and the national security system faces reform, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...17 hours ago
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Perhaps Key will have learned a valuable lesson from the demise of Rudd.
Certainly looks that way. Do let us know if you find one.
Note to self:
Always wait more than 6 minutes before replying to Tony.
Before “editing” his comment read “This must be what is known as clutching at straws”.
Yep. I did think the article above was searching for a pin prick of light in a dark sky of negativity. However, I thought my comment was stating the obvious and not adding anything more than anyone could see by reading the article. So I decided to change my comment, which is what the edit function enables one to do, of course.
BTW, my point about Key learning a lesson is a fair one considering he made this observation himself on the news the other day.
“However, I thought my comment was stating the obvious and not adding anything more than anyone could see by reading the article.”
That doesn’t usually prompt you to delete your comments. What changed?
And yes of course the edit function allows you to do that, but removing an entire comment and writing something completely unrelated after someone has replied is a straight up dick move.
Of course, as a tory this will mean nothing as the edit function allowed you to do it.
Anyway it’s Sunday. Shouldn’t you be cheating on your taxes? Cock.
Ummm…I don’t seem to be the one who can’t exercise self-restraint in waiting until the edit option has closed off before responding. Had you done so, you wouldn’t have ended up looking like a twat with a response completely unrelated to my statement.
BTW, your comment wasn’t visible when I was editing. If I had seen the comment, I wouldn’t have edited.
Tony you fucking douche, that’s why I made the mental note.
How about YOU excersise some restraint and have the balls to leave your comments in place. Coward.
[lprent: I strongly suspect that was over the top. Rein the anger in. ]
What? That a style only political position isn’t particularly politically sustainable over the long term if there is little political substance backing it?
Political advisers to a failed Labour PM in AU – long bow, keep pulling it.
I suspect the only one pulling it here is you.
Don’t be so rude IrishBill. There is no call for that kind of behavior.
Would those same , ministerial advisers’ be the one using personal flybuys cards when making purchases on office cards
A study of ministers’ expenses by the Herald on Sunday found 19 cases of staff earning personal FlyBuys points over the past year.
[lprent: A link makes this more useful. ]
You must remember the spending scandal appeared straight after the first poll showing a slide in support for National.
I think they had the story ready for just an event, when you slide in the polls bring out a nasty about the opposition.
You see the same thing happening with the Mayoral elections in Auckland.
Len Brown was ahead in the polls and hey presto a nasty campaign against him.
Only in NZ could ‘FlyBuys’ be a political issue. Putting the P in Pikey.
[lprent: Use the Reply button. It makes it easier for others when a side topic spawns off. ]
If watching a porn movie and paying for it later is a political issue then surely taking airpoints for flights you DIDN’T pay for and keeping them for yourself is a bigger one, no?
Its all ways the hubris. How they do it doesnt really matter
Goff can influence Australian court decisions, who woudda thunk it.
The article at least shows she was up front and direct in her admission of guilt. What happened behind the scenes will probably never be known or really of much importance. It was Ecstasy, not meth or heroin. May as well have been a bottle of tequila and a Guarana pill. The cock up is what her Daddy said. Goff’s ‘ my daughter has never taken drugs’ is one of the stupidest comments from a parent of an adult in the 21st century I have seen. Which he then trumps by reminding us of the ‘legal drug, alcohol’ which causes more damage to society than all of the mainstream social narcotics combined.
Maybe if there was a little more common sense and honesty and a little less hysterical and hypocritical regurgitation of drug war propaganda then some real progress could be made in the battle against narcotics. Drugs always have been and always will be part of society.
A discussion unrelated to this post was moved to OpenMike. If I see any further attempts to divert discussion here then people will get an abrupt ban.
Really interesting issue here – and whether it is possible to provide well balanced political advice (and access to networks) if all one has ever done is politics. Given the speed at which ministers lead their lives, I think it is vital to have people offering advice who are connected to the real world, not just the political. Also suggests that good inter-personal skills should not undervalued!
Yeh agree, if Rudd had hired a few union heavies as advisors they would have bullied him into taxcuts for miners instead of a big new tax. Come to think of it he should have hired Key’s advisors. Maybe he could have even been a Key clone. That would have simplified things. Trouble is the bosses have this annoying habit of using two parties with different names to alternate in power just to confuse us that its all about personalities and not profits.
That would include Farrar, “unofficial” National Party advisor and cheerleader supreme, who if the price is right would sell Jupiter and Mars.
Ultimately public preference for PM is the main prerequisite for a leadership change. It looks like Key won’t have to worry about this for quite a while yet.