Bridges’ emotional junior staffer problem
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- Date published:
8:04 am, April 11th, 2019 - 36 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, accountability, Christchurch Attack, internet, Media, national, Politics, Simon Bridges, terrorism, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, twitter, you couldn't make this shit up -
Tags: emotional junior staffer, henry cooke, jami-lee ross
Simon Bridges cannot buy a trick right now. He has the reverse Midas touch, everything that he touches turns into some form of excrement. And of the long lasting type.
The emotional junior staffer is one such episode. Richard Harman in Politic this morning released some details about the junior staffer (paywalled link).
He is a former Ministerial press secretary and is said to have played a major role in the party’s agricultural and environmental policy areas. Harman also named him.
Jami-Lee Ross said this a week ago via twitter:
The earlier background should be well known. On the day of the Christchurch mosque massacre the “emotional junior staffer”, who clearly has a conscience, thought it would be a good idea to do to take down National’s racist dog whistle petition against the UN Migration Pact.
He asked a press secretary in Bridges’ office if he should, did not hear back, and then did so. Such action was clearly morally justified although it also clearly showed that the petition was a particularly vile form of racist dog whistle.
Someone thought that it would be a good idea to try and lie their way out of it and Bridges told the media the page had been taken down weeks ago as part of routine maintenance. Clever people on the Internet showed that this was not the case.
It is not clear what Bridges’ knowledge was, maybe he was dropped into it by a dishonest junior press secretary. If so it should be their job that is in jeopardy.
But for some strange reason the party decided to go after the principled junior staffer, and not the person who told what appears to be a clear fib.
And the party is now experiencing internal ructions over what has happened.
From Henry Cooke in Stuff:
… Bridges told media that in fact an “emotional junior staffer” had removed the petition on Friday night, and that he had mistakenly believed that the petition had been removed as part of a routine clean up.
Both of the sources who talked to Stuff believed this was false, because a press secretary had been informed by the staffer that he wanted to delete the petition. The sources said the staffer was now in a dispute with the party after alleging that it lied to media over the weekend following the attack.
And Bridges is now adopting the “I know nuffink” defence.
Speaking on his way into caucus on Tuesday morning, Bridges refused to answer any questions to do with the staffer or the petition’s deletion.
“Employment matters are for Parliamentary Services, obviously I never get involved in them,” Bridges said.
“It’s highly inappropriate for me to be talking about an employment matter.”
Bridges said he stood by his original comments on the matter in the week following the attack, when he described the staffer as “emotional” and “junior”.
He would not directly defend that description of the staffer on Tuesday, repeating that it would not be appropriate to comment on an employment matter.
“I can’t be clearer with you – it’s entirely inappropriate for me to comment on employment matters.”
Several MPs and staffers are upset with the treatment of the staffer, who has worked for National Party MPs for a number of years.
Note the phrasing “[b]oth of the sources” and “[s]everal MPs and staffers”. National continues to leak like a sieve and is showing no discipline. It is clear that Mr Bridges has major problems.
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- 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 ...7 hours 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 ...8 hours 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 ...8 hours 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 ...1 day 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 ...2 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 ...2 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 ...3 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 ...3 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,” ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...5 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 ...5 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, ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...6 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...7 days ago
- Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of PolicePrime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...1 week ago
- Government confirms vital roading reconnectionsSix further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...1 week ago
- Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign MinisterForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...1 week ago
- Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in AotearoaEducation Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...1 week ago
- State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone GabrielleA vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...1 week ago
- Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recoveryInternal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...1 week ago
- Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability servicesThe Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...1 week ago
- Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and memberMinister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...1 week ago
- Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announcedFifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...1 week ago
- Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High CourtHigh Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...1 week ago
- Greens will back Labor’s safeguard mechanism without a ban on new coal and gas. That’s a good ou...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Shutterstock Labor and the Greens have reached a compromise on the safeguard mechanism after months of tense negotiations, giving the government the numbers it needs to pass the bill into law. Greens leader ...3 hours ago - Wayne Brown's conversion on the road to Victoria St
Wayne Brown vowed to stop new roading projects until existing ones finish - and to unclog the city centre's streets - but he now finds himself enthusiastically backing new upheaval for the key crossroad of Victoria St A $50 million beautification project for CBD's Victoria St - which will disrupt businesses from ...6 hours ago - Marama Davidson clarifies violence comments from Posie Parker protest after calls to resign
The Green Party co-leader says she was in shock from being hit by a motorcycle, and her comments about white men committing violence should have been clearer. ...6 hours ago - How to get more women on bikes? Better biking infrastructure, designed by womenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Pearson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Monash University The number of women riding bikes has increased dramatically in cities globally, including a 50% rise in London during the COVID lockdown, and near-equal gender participation in Paris after pop-up bike lanes were put in ...6 hours ago
- PM ordered Davidson to walk back ‘white cis men’ comments
The prime minister has labelled comments made by one of his ministers over the weekend as inappropriate, and revealed his office asked her to walk them back. Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party and a minister, was captured on video ahead of a rally against anti-trans speaker Posie Parker ...7 hours ago - TGA review strengthens case for much tighter vape restrictions at the borderSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Becky Freeman, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney Shutterstock On Friday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) updated its review of proposed reforms to the regulation of nicotine vaping products. It reported the federal government is now “actively ...7 hours ago
- We’ve been connecting brains to computers longer than you’d expect. These 3 companies are leadin...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam John, Senior Lecturer in Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Since it was founded in 2016, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface (BCI) company Neuralink has had its moments in biotech news. Whether it was the time Musk promised ...7 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – The Pandemic: Young Elderly Deaths in Europe, USA and New ZealandAnalysis by Keith Rankin. Chart by Keith Rankin. The ‘Young Elderly’ are in essence the post-war baby-boomers. An average young elderly person in these charts was born around 1950 to 1952. The charts look at ‘quarterly excess deaths’, so do not show week-by-week fluctuations in deaths. For example, data ...7 hours ago
- Davidson clarifies ‘white cis men’ remark, blames ‘shock’ of motorcycle incidentThe co-leader of the Green Party has clarified comments she made at Saturday’s counter-protest against anti-trans speaker Posie Parker. Caught on camera by a representative for the conspiracy theorist website Counterspin, Marama Davidson claimed: “I am the prevention violence minister, and I know who causes violence in the world, and ...8 hours ago
- Hear me out: Stop recording scenes from Red, White & Brass for your social mediaA friendly reminder that your best intentions of promoting a New Zealand-made film are not actually supporting the artists behind it. For many of us, documenting our day or sharing highlights of our week is a common occurrence on social media. For some, that meant uploading full scenes onto TikTok ...8 hours ago
- The Auckland Arts Festival rounds off with an unruly, joyous endingAfter two and a half weeks, the Auckland Arts Festival comes to a close with another eclectic week. Sam Brooks reviews (with assistance from Shanti Mathias). The headline show of the week was undoubtedly The Unruly Tourists, which has had more coverage than any opera I can think of in ...8 hours ago
- This Buddhist sculpture probably won’t ‘rewrite history’ – Western Australia already has a r...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yu Tao, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, The University of Western Australia State Library of Western Australia Does the discovery of a Ming Dynasty Buddha sculpture found near Shark Bay in remote Western Australia “rewrite history” and suggest the Chinese ...8 hours ago
- The environmental impact of Russia’s invasion goes beyond Ukraine – how do we deal with ‘probl...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Getty Images Russia’s invasion of Ukraine appears to be a defining moment in the evolution of the post-Cold War world. In particular, it is highlighting problems that do ...9 hours ago
- How to prepare a Sāmoan umuIf you saw the demonstration at Pasifika Festival – or if you’ve just always wanted to know how it’s done – here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your own umu oven. A Sāmoan umu is an above-ground oven of hot volcanic rocks. Traditionally, an umu was laid out three times ...9 hours ago
- Covid-19 update: Death toll rises by 33The official Covid-19 death toll has risen by 33 this week, bumping the total to 2,662. The Ministry of Health’s latest update reports 76 new Covid-attributed deaths, but the overall death toll rises by 33 when adjusted to include non-Covid and other unrelated deaths. The daily average number of new ...10 hours ago
- GCSB prevented three potential domestic terror attacks – Director-General Andrew HamptonOne of New Zealand's spy agencies has revealed it helped prevent three recent domestic terror attacks by identifying people who made threats. ...10 hours ago
- GCSB helped prevent three potential domestic terror attacks – Director-General Andrew HamptonThe head of one of New Zealand's spy agencies has revealed it helped prevent three recent possible domestic terror attacks ...10 hours ago
- Why Western Sydney is feeling the heat from climate change more than the rest of the citySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Global warming has led to higher summer temperatures across Sydney over the past 30 years. However, our data analysis shows very hot summer days are ...11 hours ago
- Super Rugby Aupiki finals review: How Matatū went from winless to championsTwo of the best games of the Super Rugby Aupiki season were saved for finals weekend in Hamilton. Alice Soper recaps. Third/fourth playoff: Blues vs Hurricanes Poua Sometimes a bronze playoff can be a bit of a flop. Still in recovery from the disappointment of missing out on the ...11 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: The Ugly stoking of a culture war in election yearAnalysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: The Ugly stoking of a culture war in election year This weekend saw a showdown between two tribes of contemporary gender politics: those in favour of progressing transgender rights versus women wishing to defend their spaces. It’s a debate with huge passion, outrage and ...11 hours ago
- Revealed: Spy agency stopped three possible terror attacksOne of New Zealand’s spy agencies foiled three possible terror events on our shores, it’s been revealed. The Security and Intelligence select committee met today, with bosses from the SIS and GCSB facing questions from MPs including prime minister Chris Hipkins. It was during this hearing that Andrew Hampton, the ...11 hours ago
- I am a lawyer for children – this is what I doAn anonymous lawyer for children explains what she does, and why it matters. I’m a lawyer who is appointed by courts to represent children in cases where there are concerns about their safety or where the court thinks it necessary. In almost all cases involving disputes around the care of ...13 hours ago
- Robertson considered ‘bank tax’ to curb excessive profitsAs banks face scrutiny over the size of their profits, it’s been revealed the finance minister looked at a possible “bank tax”. The Herald’s Jenée Tibshraeny reported this morning that Grant Robertson asked for advice from the Reserve Bank on whether it would be possible to save the Crown money ...13 hours ago
- Green Party Announces Disability Advocate Neelu Jennings As The Candidate For The Hutt South Elector...
The Green Party has announced Neelu Jennings as the candidate for Hutt South. Neelu Jennings is a disabled disability advocate and former athlete. The mother of two aims to use her platform to call for a fair and inclusive Aotearoa where disabled ...13 hours ago - Minister Davidson Must Resign After 'Violence' CommentsMarama Davidson should stand down as ‘Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence’ for the clear and outrageous statement she made at the Posie Parker protest that ‘white straight men’ are the cause of violence. Her offensive, racist, ...13 hours ago
- Colenso And MindTheGap Join Forces On Pay Gap CampaigningColensoBBDO has been appointed as the new creative agency of record by pay-gap advocacy group MindTheGap to bring renewed attention to the issue of gender and ethnic pay gaps within New Zealand businesses and government. In the 50 years since the Equal ...14 hours ago
- Inside the rise of ‘Do We Have the Same Boyfriend’ Facebook groupsThousands of women across the country are joining Facebook groups that seek to answer one simple question. This article contains reference to domestic violence and emotional abuse, please take care. A quick scroll through the biggest “Do We Have The Same Boyfriend” Facebook group in the country reveals a sea ...14 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Cook Strait ferry woes worsenBluebridge’s Connemara ferry was back in service yesterday after a mechanical issue caused a string of cancellations on Saturday. It was the third time Connemara had broken down in less than two months of service, according to the NZ Herald. “We understand this is very disruptive to our customers’ travel plans ...14 hours ago
- Bendy joints, stretchy skin, clumsiness. Why hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is often missed – ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marie-Claire Seeley, PhD Candidate, Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, University of Adelaide Shutterstock There is growing interest in a connective tissue condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. As more adults are diagnosed with autism, some might not be aware their history ...15 hours ago
- Education expert John Hattie’s new book draws on more than 130,000 studies to find out what helps ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hattie, Professor, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock In 2008, I published my book Visible Learning, which aimed to explain what works best to help student learning. At the time, others claimed it was the ...15 hours ago
- How and where we build needs to change in the face of more extreme weather – the insurance industr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Naylor, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Massey University Getty Images 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 how we build ...15 hours ago
- Are you financially literate? Here are 7 signs you’re on the right trackSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bomikazi Zeka, Assistant Professor in Finance and Financial Planning, University of Canberra Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels, CC BY With the cost of living and interest rates rising, a growing number of Australians are struggling to manage their finances. Many are ...15 hours ago
- ‘No reason’ for anti-trans speaker to fear for her life, says Pride organiserThe scenes that unfolded at Auckland’s Albert Park on Saturday morning were, according to counter-protesters, largely peaceful and non-violent. British anti-trans campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen Minshull (or Posie Parker) fled New Zealand after her attempts to host a rally in Auckland city were stopped by thousands of protesters. Keen-Minshull has claimed ...15 hours ago
- Guyon Espiner on NZ’s troublesome lobbying lawsHe’s got one of the most prestigious journalism careers in the country, but RNZ’s Guyon Espiner is not slowing down anytime soon. His new series “Mate, Comrade, Brother” on political lobbying in New Zealand has already exposed a number of troubling incidents. He sits down with Duncan Greive to discuss why he ...16 hours ago
- The anti-trans rally that wasn’tPosie Parker said she wanted to ‘speak up for women’. Hundreds of protesters spoke up for trans rights instead, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A day of anger and joy ...16 hours ago
- Nanaia Mahuta – 'We take seriously' New Zealand's relationship with ChinaThe foreign minister has returned from a visit to China saying the relationship is very important and complex, requiring "continual management" to make sure the two countries do not lose sight of each others' views and perspectives. ...16 hours ago
- How much for that racism in the window? Auctioneers sell racist, Nazi paraphernalia
Shock but not surprise – that’s how an Auckland woman reacted to a racist depiction of a black person up for sale at a Mt Eden auction house Diana Phillips felt "immediate straight-up fury" on seeing a racist caricature of a black person for sale in the window of a Mt ...17 hours ago - Anne Salmond: Greenwashing and the forestry industry in NZ
The inquiry into forestry slash destruction in Tairāwhiti, and review of the Emissions Trading Scheme, should prioritise the state of the planet not the balance sheets of global corporations, writes Dame Anne Salmond. Over the past few weeks, New Zealanders have been exposed to shocking images of local landscapes ravaged ...17 hours ago - A new report into Shortland Street shows its vast impact – and hints at perilExclusive: A new report into the cultural and economic benefits of Shortland Street shows its power – but as with any good soap, trouble is coming. Duncan Greive reports on its findings. When Shortland Street debuted in 1992, no one could have predicted what it would become. NZ on Air, ...18 hours ago
- How to charge your EV without being a dickKeep calm and charge up: an etiquette guide for those wanting to use public EV chargers without leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. It looks like a petrol pump. It is like a petrol pump. But this one doesn’t have any fossil fuels flowing out the hose. Electric ...18 hours ago
- Porn and the middle classes
The explosive opening chapter of a new novel Identity remains secret A thirty-nine-year-old Point Heed businessman and father of two convicted for possession and distribution of child pornography has been granted permanent name suppression. Bridget’s throat caught. Point Heed: lovely, leafy Point Heed. Her neighbourhood. It was ...18 hours ago - Cash is king as NZX's seventh straight fall wipes out gains for the year
Germany’s Deutsche Bank suffered the biggest hit on bank stocks ...18 hours ago - Porn and the middle classesThe explosive opening chapter of a new novel Identity remains secret A thirty-nine-year-old Point Heed businessman and father of two convicted for possession and distribution of child pornography has been granted permanent name suppression. Bridget’s throat caught. Point Heed: lovely, leafy Point Heed. Her neighbourhood. It was ...18 hours ago
- Majority of New Zealanders support 'ute tax'
A new survey shows support for the EV subsidy – and the fee on high-emitting vehicles ...18 hours ago - Trees: Our ultimate renewal resource
Watch video: In part 5 of our video series, The Way Forward, Rod Oram looks at big new ideas that can lead our response to climate change and improve sustainability. If we humans are to stand any chance of a liveable future, we must transform everything we do so ...18 hours ago - East Coast farm collapses after Māori Carbon group takes over
The Government's Emissions Trading Scheme incentivises the planting of pine forest. But a company looking to cash in on the scheme has left a farm on the East Coast prone to significant erosion within months of taking over. Aaron Smale reports. Satellite images of a former sheep station on the East Coast show a stark ...18 hours ago - Co-governance at the coalface
Newsroom's Nikki Mandow went hunting for organisations run using a co-governance model and found some have been doing it quietly for years. No power grab, no stolen assets. The Detail hears from leaders of these bodies about what co-governance looks like in practice, and asks - does it work? For Bob ...18 hours ago - Majority of Kiwis support 'ute tax'A new survey shows Kiwis also back a fee on high-emitting vehicles ...18 hours ago
- Child porn at central suburbThe explosive opening chapter of a new novel Identity remains secret A thirty-nine-year-old Point Heed businessman and father of two convicted for possession and distribution of child pornography has been granted permanent name suppression. Bridget’s throat caught. Point Heed: lovely, leafy Point Heed. Her neighbourhood. It was ...18 hours ago
- Bunnings agrees to remove 999-year legal constraint on use of residential land
The Australian-owned building supplies chain is defending the 16 land covenants it has retained ...18 hours ago - The unexpected result of sharing difficult decision-making with citizens
As a Watercare Citizens’ Assembly shows, they can provide useful and constructive inputs to the democratic process ...18 hours ago - Why NZ (really) needs water reform – in five charts
Five key charts from the state-of-our-waters report put the case for Three Waters reform ...18 hours ago - Daily crossword, Monday 27 March
...19 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 27 March
Loading...(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...19 hours ago - Keeping the flow – the use of te reo Māori at NZ’s ParliamentBy Johnny Blades, RNZ The House journalist An increased appetite to learn te reo Māori among members and staff from different parts of the Parliamentary system means the work of Parliament’s Māori Language Service is in demand more than ever. Compared to several years ago there’s now also significantly more acknowledgement ...22 hours ago
- After 12 years in opposition, grassroots politics restores Labor to power in New South WalesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Marks, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Strategy, Government and Alliances, Western Sydney University Dean Lewins/AAP Sometimes defeat can come with small victories. In his NSW election concession speech, defeated Liberal-National Coalition Premier Dominic Perrottet remarked the campaign had been a “race to ...1 day ago
- View from The Hill: Dutton saddles up for Aston race amid Victorian Liberal infightingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Mikey Burnet Byelections for leaders are rather like steeplechases for horses: there is always the risk of serious injury. Ahead of the 2018 super-Saturday contests, Bill Shorten had an impatient Anthony Albanese ...1 day ago
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Yes Micky,
Bridges looks at the camera in Parliament yesterday looking just like a wounded duck during Q+A questions he was firing at Jacinda, as she and Winston had all bases covered and cut Bridges off at every bend in his crooked road. .
“Simon Bridges cannot buy a trick right now. He has the reverse Midas touch, everything that he touches turns into some form of excrement. And of the long lasting type.”
Another high brow informed comment from the Left, ” turns into some form of excrement ” – ouch. Please continue ………..
Bot turtle a bit slow no matter how much you polish-it its still Soimon looking slippery maybe his Chinese spy trainer will help.
This opinion piece by Dave Armstrong in the Dom-Post pretty much covers it.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/111873179/bridges-fails-leadership-test-over-emotional-junior-staffer-case
This seems to be a bit odd.
“Bridges also said that, while he didn’t necessarily agree with what the “junior staffer” had done, he wasn’t going to “be critical of it”.
So why is a charge of serious misconduct now being laid against the “emotional junior staffer” by Bridges’ chief of staff, Jamie Gray?” -Dave Armstrong.
I thought it was the staffer was charging Bridges for Bridge’s statements???
Trouble is when you push someone from the office under the bus, when that person has been working as a ‘press secretary’ they have friends in the media. Likely more friends than Simon has.
Next step Gray has to go, as hes failed to ‘make this go away’ in fact failed in the simplest way as a cover up is worse than saying right away- ‘One of our people did the appropriate thing at the time and removed it from web site’
I am a conservative. Nothing depresses me more than the fact that Bridges remains at the helm of National.
I hope he stays there for as long as possible, as he’s very much the gift that keeps on giving. But if National know what’s good for them, he won’t last the year.
A classic example of parliamentarians putting their career ahead of nation or party.
Ego can be an unfortunate force.
I am a realist. nothing impresses me more than the fact that Bridges remains at the helm of Titan er national…
Yes after many years in the wilderness I too , have come to the conclusion I am a conservative…. sort off. Far more conservative than the far Left and definitely more conservative than the far Right.
I am happy with my conservatism.
I am a white line painter in the middle of the road and proud of it.
I don’t like extremes and I celebrate my conservatism apologizing to no one.
And Simon Bridges ?… hes making a hash of it. I would advise him to leave politics because it is not a very nice environment. But if he stays he will almost certainly ensure Adern for another term so in that way I wish him to stay.
So the emotional junior staffer turns out to be an ethical senior staffer.
Bridges needs to get back to scaremongering on CGT – Granny Herald is doing the heavy lifting for him on this and he needs to similarly get back on message.
Liken CGT to a black hole or something – very topical today – a fiery nothingness where socialist devils suck all money out of existence and turn us into Venezuela, or something.
Or turn everything alchemisticly to gold, as black holes can purportedly do, although the outcome for Simons Shit is probably less favourable.
Disclaimer : there is probably no such word as alchemisticly, it may indeed have escaped from a etymological black hole.
… a fiery nothingness where socialist devils suck all money out of existence and turn us into Venezuela, or something.
I think they’ve already done that – minus the fiery nothingness bit. 😉
Anne! Shhh… don’t mention the ‘V’ word, you will wake up one of the trolls.
Not directly related to post but:
Oh dear, oh dear oh dear….
This is not an issue which will ‘go quietly into the night.’
Jamie-lee made reference to the ’emotional junior staffer in a supplementary question in Question Time yesterday.
Unfortunately, for all concerned except Soimon, the speaker ruled the question out.
Is J-L Ross stalking Soimon?
‘Is J-L Ross stalking Soimon”
You reckon !
There must be something in the water out in east Auckland . Williamson was the same with English as leader….he wouldnt rest till he was bought down
Agreed, I don’t believe it when a politician blames back office staff and I certainly don’t believe it here
I’m hearing (possibly in my head only) a chant getting louder and louder, as if all the conservatives in NZ (left and right) were calling out for a leader, someone to believe in
If only there was someone who could take charge…after the next election of course
If only…
https://i1.wp.com/www.whaleoil.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1478989_561528227258268_120535684_n.jpg
Is that the one you use when you ‘can’t sleep’ PR?
How dare you, my love is pure and unsullied thank you very much
You know there’s probably some sort of therapy available for whatever it is you’re clearly suffering from.
That would be proof that there is no cause so hopeless that there isn’t someone willing to take it on.
The only cure is….
is that a young eva braun?
LOL !!!
“On the day of the Christchurch mosque massacre the “emotional junior staffer”, who clearly has a conscience,
He is a former Ministerial press secretary and is said to have played a major role in the party’s agricultural and environmental policy areas.”
Really: “ a conscience” was not very present every time they cut DOC’s budget as a policy. Agricultural policy? Will take generations to clean up the mass of those policies, if we even have that long.
I think “the junior staffer” motivation to remove the petition is rather something very different. I.e the petition would have still be up if the Chch event hadn’t happened.
Umm… I think he recognised that in lieu of what had just happened, the item was in poor taste. He was right to pull it. As for the ’emotional’ bit… only psychopaths would not have felt any emotion. And of course that is what the gunman and other like minded individuals are – psychopaths.
so perhaps the big issue with national is not what he did, its the fact that he has a conscience, ,,,very bad..the party of individuals dont want individuals being individual…got to keep in step(goose or not)….
… ‘ I think “the junior staffer” motivation to remove the petition is rather something very different. I.e the petition would have still be up if the Chch event hadn’t happened ‘ ….
Bingo.
Emotional Junior Staffer’s LinkedIn profile says this:
“Press Secretary at Office of the Leader of the Opposition”
Given that he’s in Bridge’s entourage, you’d have to wonder whether he contacted his boss directly about the petition before taking it down. It’s entirely possible that the reason he’s being subject to a disciplinary process is because he refused a direct order from Bridges to leave the petition up.
Hi TRP
I’m going to give Bridges the benefit of the doubt for the time being. Just for the time being note. 🙂
It’s possible that his senior press secretary misrepresented what happened. He might have been covering his a**e because he didn’t bother to reply to the more junior press secretary’s text/email. So, the younger man went ahead and took it down anyway.
Good on ya, Anne, you’re a fine example of Jacinda’s politics of niceness. Me, I’m a cynical old sod who really, really hopes one of our regular readers in the msm picks up on this and asks Simon if it’s true. Because, if it is, it’s the end of his dismal career.
Not sure about the first sentence. I have my barneys from time to time.
But if Simon goes we get the blood-sucker, Judy. I know PR will be on cloud nine but the rest of us…
Actually, this junior (snort) staffer “fake news” reminds me of my free range chickens.
Trying to round them up at feeding time is “interesting”.