Cameron Slater slithers into bankruptcy
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- Date published:
7:15 am, February 27th, 2019 - 51 comments
Categories: blogs, internet, law, Media, Politics, Social issues -
Tags: cameron slater, defamation, matthew blomfield, Professor Doug Sellman, whaleoil
Yesterday Cameron Slater announced on Whaleoil that he was filing for bankruptcy to avoid stress and the three ongoing defamation cases against him (and the Whaleoil blog). His stated reason was based on ill-health and medical advice after a stroke last October.
Yeah right. The problem is, ignoring the whining, that there is a bit of credibility gap when it comes to taking anything that Cameron Slater says at face value. The Court of Appeal appears to have been exploring the medical evidence pretty thoroughly (and coming up short of credible evidence) when examining a judgement from the High Court (suppression order lifted). Both are really worth reading if you are into dry clear description of facts.
Admittedly I am a trifle jaundiced about Cameron Slater and his behaviour after having to deal with him and his dickhead mates in the social media sphere and court for the last decade and a bit. He is in my opinion simply an self-entitled arsehole of the first order and not even competent at being an effective one. Personally I’ve had a number of issues with his actions against this site or me. A standout for me was reading a comment of his soon afterwards on Whaleoil bemoaning that I hadn’t actually died after having a heart attack in 2011 rather than very nearly. It does tend to constrain any tendency I have towards pity or mercy on his current medical condition.
But I’m just one person amongst the many where Cameron Slater was involved in dubious ‘campaigns’. Initially this was mainly within the political sphere that our respective sites largely operated in. What was curious in the political sphere from quite early on was the degree of coordinated attacks that he was involved in. But that is part of the nature of politics.
And sadly I wasn’t that interested in the destructive campaigns that were mounted in selections for National party candidates. It was a missed warning sign – and probably did severe damage to the National Party based on the poor quality of those candidates showing up in opposition now.
But gradually many campaigns, outside of the political sphere, simply appeared to be vendettas for commercial gain or for revenge attacks. They popped up in the most curious of places with the attacks on political ‘civilians’ and organisations.
What was interesting to me was the mounting speculation by the recipients of Cameron Slater’s bile about who was involved in feeding the selective information in these disputes. For instance with the contracts for medical laboratory services by the district health boards in Auckland from about 2009-2012 – the subject of some very weird Whaleoil campaigns.
To me, these sorts of deliberate actions was clearly an abuse of the blogging system. They were well beyond the bounds that could be tolerated both legally and on any ethical or moral grounds. As far as I was concerned using the net to make them made it my problem as well as that of those attacked unfairly.
A few years ago in 2012, amongst many other campaigns, I tracked one against an Matthew Blomfield where the ‘evidence’ of purported evil was at best sketchy using information from a misappropriated and probably stolen hard drive. The posts were massively embellished with obvious lying about what was written and imaginative suppositions. It was a classic revenge campaign being fed by someone other than Cameron Slater. What was astonishing was the level of vindictiveness and persistence of the campaign. It was a pretty obvious paid PR hit.
So after Matthew Blomfield launched the first viable defamation case and got to the point where it was about the role of blogs, a number of bloggers on this site did our personal bits to publicize the facts actually in the public court documents over the last 5-6 years. We did our best to make sure that the case added into the debate on the role of blogging and social media in NZ.
Because there was continued blatant spinning on the case from Cameron Slater on Whaleoil despite the orders from the judges, we also provided some space for Matthew Blomfield to counter the accusations on our site.
The rogue role of Whaleoil and Cameron Slater became more public the anonymous (and still wanted by the law) ‘rawshark’ hack on the Whaleoil server after Cameron Slater’s “public elation” about the virtues of a death of a “feral” west coaster. The pile of bullshit and sleazy deals, abusing the process of blogging, for his personal gain in attacking political opponents and others often as part of paid campaigns then became public as part of Nicky Hager’s book “Dirty Politics”.
So as to today’s news. I very doubt that bankruptcy will achieve whatever Cameron Slater would like it to. The David Fisher article on the announcement in the NZ Herald covered most of the relevant aspects. In particular:-
University of Auckland legal expert Dr Bill Hodge said bankruptcy effectively killed defamation actions.
“Lawyers usually say ‘I won’t get paid and you won’t get costs so why go ahead’. They can’t get anything so why carry on.”
The case would remain active against Social Media Consultants Ltd, which is currently entirely owned by Slater’s wife Juana Atkins
Yeah right. Not in all cases – otherwise few defamation cases would make it to trial. What Bill Hodge doesn’t point out is that typically most defamation cases are settled well before trial as each side lays out their case for the other side and confusion and ambiguity are eliminated, while the risk of liability becomes obvious.
In this set of cases I rather suspect that getting money off Cameron Slater isn’t that large a priority. Any more than the money expended on a case was for me when one of Cameron Slater’s idiot mates tried a spectacularly failed private prosecution and subsequent appeals against me.
Court costs and any awards are pretty effective punitive tools to prevent future repeated bad behaviour. It really doesn’t matter that much if they do it by emptying the losing treasury or by simply bankrupting losing individuals or liquidating their companies. In effect it disperses or makes unavailable the assets that allowed the problem in the first place.
As Matthew Blomfield points out…
The legal battle waged between Blomfield and Slater began in the Manukau District Court in 2012 and has since involved dozens of hearings.
Blomfield said he had refused to give up after the impact he and his family suffered as a result of the blog posts.
“He assassinated my character, drove my family into hiding, caused untold financial and emotional damage.”
The High Court’s Justice Paul Davison found Slater’s defence “fell well short” of providing facts which supported the accusations printed.
Early in the legal process, Cameron Slater fronted by lawyer Jordan Williams (now of the so-called ‘Taxpayers Union’) proposed a monetary settlement. Which Blomfield turned down for precisely the reason of the effect on his reputation and family. The money wasn’t the issue – it was Cameron Slater’s practices that were so vile that they needed to be purged from public life. I don’t expect that Matthew Blomfield will think any differently now.
In the defamation case of the medical professionals from Dunedin against Cameron Slater and others, there are bigger reasons at stake than just the money that Dr Bill Hodge thinks so highly of.
In that case they are claiming that a similar series of attack posts with some rather alarming professional character assassination were researched and paid for by the grocery council via a PR firm. I’d don’t expect that they’re that interested in Cameron Slater’s money either. It is their reputation and potentially that of future researchers that they are defending. The idea that a monied interest group can attack people for doing research rather than dealing with the results of the research is reprehensible and something that needs the fact driven public exposure that the court can bring.
As for Colin Craig. Ummm.. who can tell….
To me Cameron Slater’s personal bankruptcy (while leaving the Spanish Bride in control of the Whaleoil blog) just looks like another pretty badly thought through legal maneuver. Just like reading the details of Cameron’s transparent failures to provide the Court of Appeal of proof of his inability to instruct a lawyer was.
“He claimed to have cognitive and language impairment because of his stroke, but the evidence showed he had none.
“He claimed to be too incapacitated to communicate with his lawyers, but he was simultaneously engaging in political discussions in the comments section of the Whale Oil website.”
Blomfield said the Court of Appeal gave Slater until February 22 to provide evidence supporting his claims of ill-health.
“He filed no response at all. Instead, he applied for bankruptcy. He is now saying his proceedings need to be halted for that reason.
“He is doing everything he can to avoid the consequences of his own nefarious actions.”
Blomfield said “this will not work” and a full Court of Appeal hearing next month would rule based on the evidence.
Neither Cameron Slaters ill-health nor his bankruptcy makes any difference to the legal position that either he or the Whaleoil blog are in – which is shit-street as far as I can see.
This is an appeal against a decision already made in the High Court that Cameron Slater hadn’t offered viable defences against the defamation action. He therefore lost the defences he was relying upon. These are delaying actions aren’t going to convince the Court of Appeal to overturn parts of that decision – only facts and clear legal argument could. But it doesn’t look like Cameron Slater is good at either.
And for the Kiwi public that is a very good place for this case to be.
For in the end the Whaleoil blog needs to be put down. Sites that use the types of tactic that caused these defamation cases are an abuse of the legal system, of social processes, of blogging and above all for the networks that I have been involved in since 1979.
I trust that the plaintiffs will continue, and that they will be supported by whoever can help. They will be doing the public a service to deter vile imators. In the meantime Cameron Slater can help with testifying why the social aberration that was his marketing model was able to flourish . In the proper venue – the courts.
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Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...5 days ago - Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...6 days ago
- Arguing over a moot point.I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading ...6 days ago
- No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.6 days ago
- Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...6 days ago
- Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect them
News that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...2 days ago - Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunchesMore essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...2 days ago
- Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals billThe Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...3 days ago
- Government throws coal on the climate crisis fire
The Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...3 days ago - Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project insteadCancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...4 days ago
- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...4 days ago
- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homesThe National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on mediaThe action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...1 week ago
- Landlord Government leaves little hope for rentersThe Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...1 week ago
- Opportunity to build a more sustainable economyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...1 week ago
- Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust pastA significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environmentNew Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to GovernmentTens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt makes U-turn on Suicide Prevention OfficeLabour welcomes the Government’s U-turn on the closure of the Suicide Prevention Office, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...1 week ago
- CCC issues warning over further climate delayToday’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets lame and lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets are lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Commitment to disability communities missing from Govt prioritiesMinister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Methane target review is dangerous duplicationThe Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government must commit to school building project for disabled studentsThe Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...1 hour ago - Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...2 hours ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...3 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...3 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...3 hours ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...6 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...17 hours ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...23 hours ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...24 hours ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...1 day ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...1 day ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...1 day ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...1 day ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...1 day ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...2 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...2 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...3 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...3 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...3 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...4 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...7 days ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...7 days ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Government redress for Te Korowai o WainuiāruaThe Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...1 week ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...1 hour ago - How the coolest little capital is shrinking
It's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...1 hour ago - Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...1 hour ago - Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...1 hour ago
- Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...1 hour ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford Graham
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...1 hour ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...1 hour ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...1 hour ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job Cuts
With New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...2 hours ago - Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...2 hours ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...2 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...2 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...2 hours ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...3 hours ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...3 hours ago
- Auckland dog attacks: Callouts for attacks on other animals going upRoaming dogs are responsible for more than a thousand attacks on animals each year, and the number is growing. ...3 hours ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānauThe Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...3 hours ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...5 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...5 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...5 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...6 hours ago
- ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...6 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...6 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...6 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...6 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...7 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...7 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...7 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...7 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...7 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...7 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, 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. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...8 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...10 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...10 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...10 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...10 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...10 hours ago
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No surprises here as Slater has a plan obviously to evade paying for his changes against him, as ‘slimy slater’ will ‘slither’away again to israel; – when the scene gets to ‘ hot ‘as he did last time in 2014 remember?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bbUsLYD78o
Geez, CLEANGREEN ,… why did you have to post that ?
Three slimebags in a row sleazing their way across our newsmedia.
Hear no evil, See no evil , and Do no evil.
The three stooges.
Just when I was starting to enjoy life without scumbags like Whalebloat, FK Jonkey , and the Dipton Dipper , – here you go shoving it all back in front of us again. It brings the odious scum and the equally as odious lies they told all back in inglorious technicolor. Literally. One of the worst era’s of scandals, lies and corruption in NZ’s political history.
Bugger. I was having a nice day until , – like a first timer at the Colosseum , – I was tempted to peek to see what was going on and was then instantly revolted.
Thanks a heap , CLEANGREEN….
Sheesh.
Thanks for the kind thoughts Wild Katipo.
I Love you too.
No sorry – your’e right. I shouldn’t have post the pic,
But we do know that ‘to be forewarned is to be forearmed.’ according to the free dictionary.
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/forewarned+is+forearmed
“forewarned is forearmed”
One can be appropriately prepared if one knows something in advance. Hey, just so you know, the boss is in a really foul mood today. Forewarned is forearmed, right?
So as to slippery Cameron Slater;
We don’t want that creep ever as our boss.
Posted in Open Mike but relevant here.
More claims of incapacitating health and victimhood from vexatious litigants on Whale Oil again yesterday, which not only misrepresents reality. And they think the media publicity was somehow a good thing.
Nige (blog manager): Just goes to show the influence this site has eh.
But Whale Oil is not telling it’s readers about the truth of three defamation cases that Cameron Slater is involved in. As a result there are comments like:
The courts have different views.
More on facts of the cases that have dragged Slater down: What Whale Oil isn’t telling their readers
I do like your post. Especially the quotations and very specific costs from the court that show where the legals delays have been coming from.
I was thinking about writing a similar one. In the end I had to drop that part through a lack of time.
Instead I concentrated on why the courts were the proper avenue for dealing with the type of vile crap that has been the Whaleoil stock in trade.
But really, it is pretty simple to understand. I think that fools like ‘Nige’ need to understand that
Thanks Pete George for this. Seems the WO “family” or “staff” are trying to continue the tradition of this fallen master. We will see.
“Karma will get them in the end”.
Seems to me some form of this is exactly what Cameron is experiencing now. What you put out will come back to you. So if he is experiencing ill health (as it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s just another “tactic”) it is because he wished that on so many others.
as slater has spent years thumbing his nose at various different court orders, I doubt he will get much sympathy from any judge. the police also havent any time for him. all we can hope is that he drags williams back into the slime with him as he re-enters his natural habitat.
I believe Slater has been court ordered to produce medical records, and he has yet to do so. Is that correct?
And will the court allow bankruptcy on medical ground with out medical proof?
Re image of snake – it is a shame animals are so often used to personify human shortcomings.
I’d like to see images of animals used for news stories, chocolate boxes etc all charged a small royalty which can go towards saving them. For example, look at how often Australian companies use Koalas to sell products while the koala is rapidly going extinct.
I think it was a reference to the expression ‘snake in the grass’ esoteric but I have some sympathy with you.
Yours is an excellent and interesting idea, esoteric pineapples. I wonder though, if you think the same courtesy should be shown to plants 🙂
Among all the commentary on this event, there is little information on blogs or in the MSM on how the bankruptcy will effect the Whaleoil blog and its subscribers,
My understanding is that if someone becomes bankrupt then the official assignee takes over all of their affairs. The idea is to ascertain what revenue is available for the creditors.
One assumes the blog is a business, with revenue from subscription and advertising, and it also has some connection with the Whaleoil Meat Company.
So will this “business” be henceforth run by an Administrator appointed by the Official Assignee, and/ or will it be closed down as a loss making enterprise & therefore of no value to creditors?
If it is deemed of value, could it be sold off?
Would guess Slater’s legal team will have done what they could to minimise the effects of his bankruptcy on the blog, but IIRC, the OA can look at what happened in the recent past and reverse any actions taken to hide assets away.
People who have subscriptions to the blog, or are considering renewing them need answers to these questions. Same goes for meat purchasers.
I’d put that in the ‘who gives a fuck’ pile.
So why did you reply?
I ‘don’t give a fuck’ but I am interested – there is a difference.
Cos I wanted to. If you care about his subscribers good for you.
No I don’t ‘care about his subscribers’ at all – but I am interested in what the the legal and financial ramifications will be for both Slater and family, his backers, the WO website and its subscribers etc. Again, a big difference.
As far as the WO website is concerned I fully agree with lprent that:
Good for you again. Still not sure why you bothered making your comment to me in the first place tbh
One thing NZ can thank Slater for – he exposed the true character of right wing political thinking and intent here. – WOBF !
Good questions, RB.
This is outside my area of expertise, but my understanding is as per yours – that the Official Assignee takes over/examines the bankrupt’s financial affairs. I suspect that a lot of people would love to see what opening the WO books reveals!
The first link in lprent’s post under the phrase “and coming up short of credible evidence” is to David Fisher’s article in the Herald which includes the following:
”… The case would remain active against Social Media Consultants Ltd, which is currently entirely owned by Slater’s wife Juana Atkins.
The ownership of Social Media Consultants Ltd has changed on a number of occasions in recent years. At the time the defamatory posts were published, it was listed on the Companies Office as owned by a mentor of Slater’s, millionaire and Seventh Day Adventist church leader Paul Honnor.
Ownership changed with Slater becoming the only shareholder by 2013. In 2015, the majority of shares were transferred to Atkins.
Then, in early February this year, the remainder of Slater’s shares were transferred to Atkins. This happened just weeks after Slater was registered as the contact person for Social Media Consultants Ltd when it bought, on finance, a late model four-wheel-drive.
Insolvency specialist Damien Grant said the Official Assignee, which oversees personal insolvency, would check to ensure a fair price was received for any assets – such as shares – which were transferred before bankruptcy.
He said a bankrupt was not allowed to be a company director or be involved in the management of a company without the permission of the Official Assignee. They were also barred from travelling abroad without permission, and could be obliged to surrender income if they were judged to earn too much.
Grant said bankruptcy often arrived as a relief for those forced into insolvency.
“Most of the people I have spoken to who have gone through bankruptcy don’t find the experience that difficult – mainly because they were living crap lives leading up to it.”
Slater did not respond to a request for comment. On the Whale Oil blog post about his bankruptcy, it stated: “Cam will not be available for media comment and nor will his family.”
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12207479
This doesn’t really cover the situation re donations to WO itself or the Whale Meat Company.
The website for the latter gives no information re the company itself as to whether it is a limited company, who owns it, directors etc
https://whalemeat.co.nz/
However, a quick search of the Companies Register reveals that just a few days ago on 25 Feb 2019, the company was registered as Whale Meat Company Limited
Company Number 7292558
NZBN: 9429047295483
Incorporation Date: 25 Feb 2019
Company Status: Registered
Entity type: NZ Limited Company
Constitution filed: No
AR filing month: August
Ultimate holding company No
Company addresses: Registered Office
HOWARD TAYLOR – ACCOUNTANT, Apartment 1503 The Metropolis Apartments, 1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010 , New Zealand
Address for service
HOWARD TAYLOR – ACCOUNTANT, Apartment 1503 The Metropolis Apartments, 1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010 , New Zealand
Directors Showing 1 of 1 directors
Howard Karl TAYLOR
Apartment 1503 The Metropolis Apartments, 1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010 , New Zealand
Additional Information
Industry Classification: M696210
Business management service nec
https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/7292558
For the heck of it, I also searched for Social Media Consultants Ltd and this is the latest information on that company which confirms Juana Atkins as the only director and has the same business addresses etc as the details for the Whale Meat Company Ltd above:
[Note – the following was last updated on 22 Feb 2019]
Company number: 2303831
NZBN: 9429032012989
Incorporation Date: 19 Aug 2009
Company Status: Registered
Entity type: NZ Limited Company
Constitution filed: No
AR filing month: June , last filed on 06 Jun 2018
Ultimate holding company No
Company addresses:
Registered Office
Howard K TAYLOR – ACCOUNTANT, Apartment 1503 The Metropolis Apartments, 1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010 , New Zealand
Address for service
Howard K TAYLOR – ACCOUNTANT, Apartment 1503 The Metropolis Apartments, 1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010 , New Zealand
Directors Showing 1 of 1 directors
Juana Mary ATKINS
Company record link:http://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/co/2303831
https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/2303831
Note – There are personal addresses, emails and mobile numbers which I have left out.
Thanks for the response Veutoviper.
I’m guessing people would need to be wary about sending any money in the direction of the blog or the meat company until there is some kind of public declaration as to what will happen to these entities under the bankruptcy.
Definitely unless they want to see their money disappear into a big black hole. From what I have read on the few occasions I have gone to WO, they seem to have quite a few [select your own word] who donate automatically monthly or so …
Just did a flying visit and see they are still pushing people to subscribe and also to buy the meat with prize draws etc.
In connection with the above, Howard Karl Taylor is a bit of an interesting accountant.
First up in a Google search, a PDF of a decision in March 2006 by the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of NZ whereby a certain member pleaded guilty of misconduct in a professional capacity, conduct unbecoming an accountant and breaching the Institute’s Rules and Code of Ethics.
,
https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/-/media/11d09e56c93d49a19177d8ab1662a885.ashx
A long time ago but I am not sure I would pick him for myself, but each to their own.
The blog owning company currently has sole shareholder of Slaters wife, after Cameron transferred the shares over. The company is a second defendant.
So awards and apportioned costs against them will require payment, and liquidation in the event that they cannot pay – which seems likely. The liquidatorwould probably sell off the company assets including the site.
Note below that they may have separated the site as an asset: https://thestandard.org.nz/cameron-slater-slithers-into-bankruptcy/#comment-1588395
It is interesting that they have set up another separate limited company to the Social Media Consultants Ltd that Slater and Atkins first set up in 2009. in addition to the Whale Meat Company Ltd also set up just a few days ago.
I presume you saw my comment at 6.2 above with the current details on the NZ Companies Register whereby Juana Atkins is now the sole shareholder/director of Social Media Consultants Ltd as from 22 Feb 2019 and for the Whale Meat Company Limited incorporated/registered on 26 February 2019.
Re the link to the Register for the WOBH Limited included in your comment below at 9, this shows as a change of name a day earlier on 25 February 2019 with this company originally set up as MADAS 114 Limited on 13 February 2019 if you click on the Previous Names link. All other details ( Company number, etc) on the Company Summary page other than the name itself are the the same for both listings with one exception..
An interesting anomaly is that the Company Summary listing for WOBH shows the incorporation date as 13 February 2019 but the actual Certificate of Incorporation as 25 February 2019 – ie
” This is to certify that MADAS 116 LIMITED was incorporated under the Companies Act 1993 on the 25th day of February 2019
and changed its name to WHALE MEAT COMPANY LIMITED on the 26th day of February 2019.”
Re Howard Taylor listed as the only Director of WOBH Ltd, he is also the only Director of the new Whale Meat Company Ltd.
However, the previous addresses page for Social Media Consultants Ltd shows that Taylor has been associated with Social Media Consultants Ltd with the company’s registered address and address for service being that of Taylor’s Accountancy business since June 2015, ie
https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/2303831/addresses
Taylor has not been, nor is he now, a Director of Social Media Consultants Ltd. Cam Slater and Paul Honnor are the only other previous Directors from the Directors page in the Companies Register.
So all of this looks a bit like them trying to do some last minute ‘rearrangements’ to try to protect assets etc. If Slater has or is about to declare bankruptcy, probably a little too late as the Official Assignee can look at such rearrangements and reverse any actions taken to hide assets away.
But has anyone got any proof that he has done so or really is intending to do so? I haven’t seen any to date, and have seen speculation that this is just another attempt to buy time etc.
(Also see my 6.2.2 above re Taylor).
Helpful accountants always have a shell company or two sitting around when a client needs an urgent solution. All able to be unwound though, as you say ..
And PG has commented below about Slater now being officially bankrupt: https://thestandard.org.nz/cameron-slater-slithers-into-bankruptcy/#comment-1588676
He does wood lice no favours.
Indeed. Wood lice actually have a purpose.
I suspect this whole dirty scenario had its origins in the 1990s when we became a fully paid up member of the neoliberal brigade. It unleashed a culture of behaviour that we had not encountered before in NZ.
In the 1990s there were three publicly revealed break-ins. One involved Judith Tizard’s home and the other two were Auckland-based political headquarters – one Labour and the other the Alliance Party. There was evidence that membership and supporters lists were interfered with. In the case of the Labour break-in, the culprit had the cheek to use the office copying machine to make copies of these lists.
There could only be one motive for those break-ins and that was to gather information about individuals – information that could be used against them at a later date. That imo was when the Dirty Political machine became operative and eventually evolved into the vicious attacking of individuals that became prevalent from the mid-2000s.
I know the identity of a couple of people likely involved in those early escapades, and one at least was associated with Cameron Slater in later years.
I have no doubt Anne that this illegal activity carried on during Keys tenure.
It has the smell of water gate all over it but the difference is that no trail led directly back to Key other than Eade being implicated and the PMs dept being involved.
That was as close as it got to Key and as damning as that was the others took the fall for their boss.
I noticed this change in our political environment starting in 2004 with Brash being elected leader of the National party.
That 2005 campaign was a full attack on the Helen and her government.
I don’t remember the dancing cossacks but from what i have read and watched Muldoon’s tactics in 1975 was probably the start of what we have seen as of late.
Imo, Key was an enabler but he wasn’t directly involved. After Hager’s book “Dirty Politics” was published he relinquished all ties with the D.P. mob. That marked the beginning of the end for Slater.
My comment @ 8 was by way of back-ground material which led to D.P.
And of course there was the attempt by Slater and co. to get into Labour’s computers using the back door. That’s the humorous side of the story. He’s keen to get his hands on other people’s personal material, but when someone does it to him by way of reprisal, he throws tantrums and declares himself the victim.
Yes thanks for the background Anne i always find your input into these things interesting.
My error was Brash becoming leader in 2004.
It was in fact October 2003.
Whatever key was, and he was a lot of things, he gained financially and politically from the activities of the dirty politics crims and he should go to gaol and so should they.
There was also the break-in at Don Brash’s home and his “romantic interest” Diane Foreman. She said about who could have done her break-ins – “There are a range of possibilities. I think the culprit is closer to home.”
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/1101/Diane-Foreman-breaks-silence-on-burglaries]
More shuffling of the deckchairs, noted yesterday by parliamentary observer Phil Lyth:
https://twitter.com/philiplyth/status/1100300243118112770
Yep, WOBH Ltd:
https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/7271736
John Key and Judith Collins will bail her out
I’m always amused that people think that a domain registry confers ownership.
1. Domains are effectively owned by the state, and parcelled out via the national registries. Having a domain is a rental – not a ownership right.
2. In NZ this is pretty obvious. Having a domain only requires 3 things, an admin contact, a technical contact, and a payment. There is nothing in there that confers ownership. In return the register gives you exclusive access provided they decide not to (and the conditions that govern when they may choose to do so are pretty flexible and they aren’t limited).
3. Not to mention that both the courts and the government have immense powers whenever they choose to exercise them.+
A company or individual running website is liable for publishing defamatory material. Who is responsible are the organisation or individual running actually the site at the time of publication, as well as the author of the offending material.
In this case that was either or both of Cameron Slater or the company enjoined currently as second defendant.
A sale of the assets of the site – which are really the material on the site, its ‘goodwill’, its access to the domain, and its revenue streams have to be properly accounted for to the courts and the official assignee /liquidator on behalf of creditors. What this means is that the any money for the transfer of control/ownership or control of the shelf company come into the resolution on the behalf of creditors.
Basically, if accurate, this probably means that Cameron & co are just playing shell games for legal positioning. It is just another delaying tactic. Rather pointless.
//—-
Looking down, I see that Pete George has done a post on ownership.
https://yournz.org/2019/02/28/slater-officially-bankrupt-whale-oil-whale-meat-ownership-changes/
It appears that Mr Taylor is the accountant for a number of the Slater and Atkins ventures.
The url is just another asset. If it had no value, why transfer control to a different entity.
They have a rental on it and a presumption of being able to continue to lease it.
Re, your reference to PG’s post today on ownership, I see he mentions Redbaiter’s comment here at 6 above.
Perhaps you missed my reply to Redbaiter yesterday at 6.2 at 11.51am with full company details for both Social Media Consultants Ltd and the new company set up on 26 February 2019 for Whale Meat Company Ltd. I wasn’t aware of the other new company WOBH Ltd also set up recently (actually as MADAS 114 Ltd on 13 February but changed to WOBH also on 26 February 2019) which Sacha raised at 9 above.
While you were posting your comment above, I was putting together another comment now at 6.3.1.1 in which I provided information and some links to the Companies Register showing that Howard Taylor has been involved in providing the registered office and office for service to Social Media Consultants Ltd since June 2015, and also now for WOBH Ltd and Whale Meat Company Ltd and is also the only Director for both those latter two new companies.
Without seeing your comment above, I also commented that I thought that Slater and co were just attempting rearrangements which were not likely to get past the Official Assignee if indeed Slater actually filed for bankruptcy. My view was that until proven that he had or was going to file, this was yet another delaying tactic – as I now see you also thought. LOL
However, according to PG’s post it now seems Slater has actually filed for bankruptcy so it will be interesting to see what happens vis a vis these last minute manipulations.
Yesterday at 6.2.2, I also provided a link to a 2009 decision by the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of NZ whereby a certain member (Taylor) pleaded guilty to misconduct in a professional capacity, conduct unbecoming an accountant and breaching the Institute’s Rules and Code of Ethics.
I recall, from some years ago, listening to “The Panel” under Jim Moragh, hearing David Farrar extolling Whaleoil as interesting and amusing.
Interesting what spin doctors say when they are not lying. They sound like politicians.
It’s a win for everyone
Slater was officially adjudicated bankrupt yesterday.
I have collated the various ownership changes here:
https://yournz.org/2019/02/28/slater-officially-bankrupt-whale-oil-whale-meat-ownership-changes/
Failed to mount a legal defence… So what else is new?
Slater must be getting his advice from a complete moron if he thinks that putting assets in his wife’s name and then declaring bankruptcy to avoid costs will work. It won’t and its doubtful Slater’s backers will keep funding such a loser especially when the Assignee opens up his bank accounts. Lawyers always get paid even if it means Slater and his wife have to sell up. After all, they’re personally liable for the costs because it’s their company. Own it mofos!
Normally I would feel sympathy for someone in Slater’s position but look at all the bile and disinformation he’s spread across the Internet. Scumbags like Slater don’t deserve sympathy!
Turgid rightie Liam Hehir minimises years of appalling behaviour:
https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/28-02-2019/does-cameron-slaters-departure-from-whale-oil-signal-the-end-of-an-era/
Nope. So much for ‘personal responsibility’.
He’s a revolting cunt, equally hated by all sides of the political spectrum.
As for the “he’s a family man” what the fuck has that got to do with anything?
An attempt to remind people better than slater that trauma to families as collatoral damage should be avoided where possible, rather than regarded as an extra incentive.
A fair point, but sadly one that fights for air at the rank hypocrisy of pleading that on slater’s behalf, when he was (at best) completely reckless as to the harm he caused others, directly or indirectly.
But also a point that happily goes by the wayside when his spouse is current owner of the mechanisms by which he use to inflict that harm, and therefore a complicit party in that damage. I don’t know if he has kids. I pity them if he does.
I have always felt sorry for his kids, poor buggers.
btw, I really like cunts. Seems a bit unfair to associate them with slater.
So Liam thinks that blogs have disappeared and we now tweet sarcastic one-liners from Twitter. Yeah so that has increased the depth and value of political debate how?