Is Casey Costello Corrupt?
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- Date published:
3:15 pm, August 26th, 2024 - 27 comments
Categories: corruption, health, national/act government, nz first, taxpayers union, Tobacco -
Tags: Associate Minister of Health, Casey Costello, tobacco excise, tobacco paper, tobacco tax cuts
Today, the Casey Costello tobacco saga continues. Despite trying to close the chapter on her pro-tobacco record, saying “we’ve traversed this issue many times already” and refusing to answer questions fulsomely in Parliament, Costello is not having that much luck closing it all down.
Today, RNZ’s Guyon Espiner reports that Casey Costello has finally fronted up with the pro-tobacco document she previously said didn’t exist.
That document was sent by her to NZ Health Officials in her capacity as Associate Health Minister. Yes, Health.
She pleaded for tobacco friendly actions – including freezing excise for the industry – and said that tobacco really wasn’t very harmful at all.
In December 2023, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello gave health officials the document which claimed “nicotine is as harmful as caffeine” and argued Labour’s smokefree generation policy was “nanny state nonsense”.
For anyone who isn’t aware yet – those words are the same words the tobacco industry provides its lobbyists.
And she’s not the only one who uses it
The National, NZ First and ACT parties all appear united in their support and repetition of tobacco industry positions (seen in video contending nicotine may not be that harmful).
And while the Ministers consistently argue for austerity in our disabled, health, social service and educations sectors, they appear ready to give $216 million of taxpayers money at the drop of a hat to tobacco esp. Philip Morris.
Yet Costello claims she didn’t write the document and maintains she has no idea how it even entered her office.
Now something is very wrong when Government Ministers act “contrary to the law” – when it comes to tobacco & development interests.
What could be driving it?
Well, Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, David Seymour, Casey Costello all came directly from Atlas Network aligned groups i.e tobacco funded groups. And Paul Goldsmith is a friend of Alan Gibbs and Don Brash (Debbi Gibbs works as Atlas’s Global Chair).
The question to all this is – is there corruption at play? And if not, why so many games?
This is something the government will needs to answer for – else questions around if Casey Costello is corrupt or not, will remain in circulation.
Related articles on Casey Costello:
- Simply not credible (No Right Turn)
- Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House, saying Labour is “fixated on tobacco companies” (Mountain Tui)
- Casey Costello Strikes Again (Mountain Tui)
27 comments on “Is Casey Costello Corrupt? ”
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For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...9 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...9 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...10 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...10 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...10 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...12 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...13 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...13 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...14 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...15 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...18 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...2 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...2 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...2 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
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- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
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- New diplomatic appointments
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- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...3 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...3 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...4 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...6 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...7 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...2 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...4 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...4 hours ago - The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...5 hours ago
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Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...7 hours ago
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That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...7 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...7 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...7 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
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- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
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- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
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- The government has introduced laws for its social media ban. But key details are still missing
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- Archives NZ, National Library to cut 27 roles
The Department of Internal Affairs wants to bring the two organisations under the joint leadership of the Chief Archivist and National Librarian. ...8 hours ago
- Gang patch ban: Members warn of potential for violence to ‘erupt’ as new laws enforced
"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail which I think is absolutely stupid, really it's ludicrous," Ngavii Pekapo, who set up a Mongrel Mob chapter 54 years ago, says. ...9 hours ago
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Government documents show ACT leader David Seymour told the government he was "dissatisfied" with a cost-benefit analysis. ...9 hours ago
- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...9 hours ago
- Labour backs new Police Commissioner – but warns against routine arming
The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...10 hours ago
- Youth on boot camp pilot re-offended five weeks after release
Children's Minister Karen Chhour said while it was disappointing, it would naïve to think none of the participants would lapse. ...11 hours ago
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Hikoi mō Te Tiriti has come to an end, going down in history as the largest march to Parliament in Aotearoa. ...11 hours ago
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The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution — for the fourth time — in Israel’s war on Gaza, while Hezbollah demands a complete ceasefire and “protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty” in any deal with Israel. Amid the death and devastation, Joe Hendren reflects on his time in ...12 hours ago
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CoC = Coalition of Corruption The Atlas network links are so blatantly obvioius.. Do they really think we are that stupidI ? I can understand journalists not wanting to upset the Costellos of this world for fear of losing their political contacts and sources of news but honestly do Seymour and Bishop really think they are that superior to us?
On the balance of probabilities – yes. But who in the coalition of chaos isn't?
Never in my life have we endured such a despicable government as this shower of miscreants. They are way beyond the pail. Every thing they have done in the short time they have held the seat of Govt they have done to the detriment of the populace and for the benefit of the few. The country is going to be a basket case when they have finished.
Andrew London sings it all for me from the opposite point of view 🙂
https://youtu.be/auA8jy8km8o?t=1617
Like Steven Joyce used to say: "business as usual".
More like normal business has resumed.
No she is just hopeless, somewhat thick, and doing what she is told. Sad reality but then most of the women on that side of the aisle just follow instructions from the chaps in blue suits, some of them even take to wearing blue suits.
Really ? So just a simple, thick, woman. Have you read and understood the Links provided ?
and argued Labour’s smokefree generation policy was “nanny state nonsense”
this from a government that wants to tell parents what their kids can and cannot do with cellphones in schools and who tells people how they can spend their money at supermarkets. Luxon, Seynour and Peters running a really nanny state govt
Day by day, week by week, this government is increasingly arrogant, dictatorial, secretive, callous. There is no accountability to the voters as they barge ahead with their alienating and divisive policies. They don't give a damn. As long as their donors are happy that is all they care about.
Seems to me the corruption issue raised here targets the player rather than the game. Surely everyone knows democracy was created to simulate rule by the people whilst using politicians who serve industry. That pattern has been consistent in all western countries since the 19th century – perhaps only to those who read history and pay attention to political behaviour though.
The right act as servants of the establishment more obviously than the left, who prefer to wear a thin disguise. The marriage of capitalism and democracy is the only game in town so everyone must play in accord with the rules. Costello hasn't been caught out breaking any rules yet, so far as I can tell. Is blowing hot air around proving to be an effective political tactic for the left? Not yet. The 3-headed dog is two thirds of the way through their first year in office, wondering where the opposition has gone…
Amongst the self-important, half-baked (centrist) waffle, there’s a reasonable point about the opposition not savaging Costello the way the nut jobs did away with Claire Curran. They are leaving it to journalists to do the and their job.
But this only highlights the fact that the left are not as rabid, compassionless, entitled, ethically challenged, and bloodthirstily despotic as the National Party and its voters.
"…the left are not as rabid, compassionless, entitled, ethically challenged, and bloodthirstily despotic…"
Cough Darleen Tana, cough.
Good point, but its corollary is that someone like Tana is outed as not meeting the appropriate professional standards or team culture, in a workplace sense.
These Ministers and Associate Ministers are building the culture of what's acceptable, encouraged even.
That's the difference.
Except, Dennis, the left lobbyists lobby for unions who advocate workers’ rights, for marginalised people, for the environment we all share and for the rights and protections of NZ citizens, and who are happy to undergo democratic scrutiny to ensure that legislation.
Whereas right wing lobbyists lobby for overseas firms that want to addict us to their products or want to monopolise infrastructure, for a small number of people who like guns (despite Aramoana, and the Mosque shooter) and for farmers who don't want to carry the cost of their environmental pollution. None of the second group contribute to a healthier and economically robust NZ. Many of that group want the legislation passed without close scrutiny, after paying large bucks to individuals who are then elected.
Not sure what you mean by left wing lobbyist, but by your definition of right wing lobbyist, Hipkins employed one as his chief of staff.
Andrew Kirton, formerly of Anacta, a trans Tasman lobby outfit that worked for the alcohol industry, Lion and Asahi.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prime-ministers-chief-of-staff-andrew-kirton-led-lobbying-firm-that-fought-against-reforms-now-binned-by-chris-hipkins/FPPZ3RTX3VGOXPY4OKAYEKUGUI/
IMO yes corrupt. Ex police detective….notwithstanding.
Hi Mountain Tui. Thanks again for your efforts. I have been reading through a link page, which I think you provided earlier ( If not, hope you can utilise some of ?)
Anyway, seeing your Paul Goldsmith is a friend of Alan Gibbs link I seen this on aforementioned…talk about timely.
The whole of NACT1/Atlas Network/TPU reeks of corruption
Thank you PsyclingLeft.Always !
I wrote about Paul Goldsmith's writing of Alan Gibb's life, but hadn't seen the quotes. And as usual what you've shared is immensely useful.
Thank you as ever.
Tui
Power to you, matey : )
Another bent ex copper, whom are so beloved by the right as candidates. But…as other commenters have said, Atlas Network looms large. The old photos of Mr Seymour at their seminars speak to us now. He appears a smirking twat from Epsom but a lot of resources and ideological effort have been expended on him by the backers.
They want results…hence school lunches are downgraded to sandwiches while the Tobacco industry get hundreds of millions in tax cuts. Semi Auto firearms are going to be more available etc.
The NZ Godfather, spew : (…. Alan Gibbs. An old article..from ..The Herald, but History aye?
And now.. years later again, they have their chance..and are going for it . Why I, and others fought hard to stop the scumbags . All are equally corrupt in NACT1
All we can do now is fight back..and hope there is something left of NZ.
It's concerning that Casey Costello worked as a police officer, given her behaviour as an MP. Her initial denials of the existence of the document at issue, then releasing it with redacted comments and cynically claiming to not know who wrote it, shows her up as deceitful and arrogant. It will be interesting to see if the media challenge her or the party leaders to explain why she should remain an MP.
It is concerning indeed. It would seem the bar set for promotion to detective is too low and needs to be urgently reviewed. It won't happen because these miscreants, who are easily bought by society's political scumbags, would seem to be in hot demand.
I am reminded of the Christine Rankin era in the late 1990s where cops were encouraged to perf and join the newly formed Beneficiary Bashing Squad under the guidance of Paula Bennett. They had a brief ball where they bullied and harassed beneficiaries on specious grounds. Fortunately Helen Clark came along and saw them all – including Rankin – off the premises in very quick time.
Sorry. 13 was a reply to Vivie.
Anne – I recall that in the 1990s Income Support staff were required to wear uniforms, which included women wearing knee-length skirts. This seemed dictatorial and with regard to Christine Rankin, completely hypercritical. She was known, amongst other things, for her high hemlines and low necklines, yet women staff were reprimanded for not dressing in a formal, corporate manner. She seemed narcissistic and vain, and was probably fearful that other women would present as more impressive. A classic case of "Do as I say, not as I do".
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/haunting-echo-in-dress-row/WMW2CDKKE4WUTGJDM5ISJ5OO7I/
''By CHRIS DANIELS
Christine Rankin once gave evidence against an Auckland social welfare worker sacked for not wearing official corporate dress.
The worker, who wants to be identified only as "Maria," fought an ultimately unsuccessful three-year battle to get her job back at Income Support Service after she was sacked for not wearing the approved corporate uniform.
Christine Rankin, then a senior manager in Income Support, was called to give evidence about how the official departmental wardrobe standard was applied…..".
Yes. It was all about image in those days. The beneficiaries were just the fall guys and gals who were being used to bolster their narcissistic "look at us aren't we powerful" delusions.
In a reasonable year this insane story about an apparating document in Casey Costello’s office would launch mockery and satire and see the downfall of the government.
On the other hand this is the worst government in 30 years and they don’t give a crap about us.
The truth of the situation in two simple sentences. Good one newsense.