Clark’s calamity

Written By: - Date published: 7:48 am, April 7th, 2020 - 131 comments
Categories: uncategorized - Tags:

No doubt this blog will be full of comments today about David Clark.  It has been revealed that he breached curfew a couple of weeks ago by travelling 20 kilometers to a beach with his family.  His bike riding exercise I thought was marginal, this breach is not.

I can understand the pressure.  Clark has one of the toughest jobs in politics.  He also has a family.  Like all families they are under pressure.  He obviously thought at the time that the visit was worth while and family time important.  The rules were somewhat vague earlier on but cannot be stretched to allow the trip.

He has given a fulsome apology and by that I mean a full throated abject apology a catholic would be proud of.  Jacinda Ardern has demoted him, taken his associate Finance portfolio from him and indicated that if it was not for the crisis he would have been sacked.

Fair enough.  Right now I prefer the Government continues to act to deal with this most urgent of issues especially at a time when it is hoped that the country’s response will work.  Sacking him would have been disruptive at a time when the Government’s response needs to be perfect.

And let’s stick to the curfew.  For instance weekly six hour trips between home and work are not on.  And Simon should use zoom from home.  It is good enough for the rest of us.  I hear that Tauranga’s internet is actually quite good.

And I am interested if this example from the New Lynn National candidate, who lives on the North Shore, is being repeated by other National Party candidates?

Nice gesture but the advice from the National Party is very clear.

131 comments on “Clark’s calamity ”

  1. Sanctuary 1

    Sod David Clark, Boris Johnson is in ICU! Has anyone checked how Piers Morgan has taken the news?

    • Gosman 1.1

      He's expressed his deepest concerns and urged his Twitter followers to support him getting better.

      • Muttonbird 1.1.1

        Probably not a wise decision to keep working through Covid-19 but it highlights the bullish, reckless nature of the man and one wonders if those traits, along with the appalling lack of judgement, are what Britain needs in a leader.

        He or his doctors have screwed up here although I expect the advice was to rest but he ignored it. Not the kind of person you want as PM.

    • aj 1.2

      Survival rate for Covid 19 patients once in ICU: 50% I think.

  2. Treetop 2

    I will judge Clark on whether or not he learns from overstepping the lockdown. He does sound sincere when it comes to not overstepping the lockdown again and has apologised.

    Will Bridges learn and will he apologise?

    • Rapunzel 2.1

      I agree I also think that a lot of NZers at home identify in at least one or two ways with what they have done in the past nearly two weeks as well and may blush a little. He was sincere IMO and took it all on board in a more mature way than other polticians would have the capacity for

  3. I Feel Love 3

    That's awesome that card from the Nat MP, something all MPs should do. As for Clark, I still don't care, though I imagine there's a few other MPs suddenly going to be very careful about their own trips. I live near a beach, I'm an essential worker, I'm a happy introvert with happy introvert non sporty kids. I just know there's hypocrisy around this, but maybe with this story coming out loud and clear now it's a good reminder for everyone to stay put.

    • Andre 3.1

      Lisa Whyte is a wannabe, not an actual MP.

    • mickysavage 3.2

      I would disagree. Everyone needs to stay put. Auckland Council and various charities have safe well designed distribution and assistance systems. We should leave it up to them. A lock down is a lock down.

      • I Feel Love 3.2.1

        Fair enough. I live in one of the poorest suburbs of the country, a lot of elderly, and I was pleased to see Age Concern drop leaflets off to households. I agree, re lockdown, I'm quite happy with my own efforts, it's not a struggle. Let those without sin, etc…

      • James 3.2.2

        Agreee 100%

    • Unicus 3.3

      ”Imagine there’s a few MPs being careful ect”

      Particularly if they happen to have embittered National Party neighbours waiting for the chance to don them in.

  4. ScottGN 4

    Clark is a dead man walking right now. All that remains to be seen is if he is shuffled out of his portfolios before or after the election.
    RNZ just said that Bridges wouldn’t front to discuss this. The Nats will have to find some other way to try and exploit this. And apparently Louise Upston has also been commuting from her bubble (wherever that is) to Wellington for committee.

    • Muttonbird 4.1

      The Nats will have to find some other way to try and exploit this.

      They will use Farrar.

  5. Forget now 5

    I am selfishly glad that Clark is still Health Minister, as his non-pandemic priority in the role has always been the much needed Dunedin hospital rebuild. But the appearance of one rule for me & mine, and another for everyone else is really not helpful at this time! It's not like idiots need any more encouragement to break lockdown.

    Clark lives in Opoho, so I am guessing that he drove over the old road to Waitangi, thus avoiding being seen on motorway. That drive is very windy and narrow – though pretty. And Doctor's point is a rather small out of the way beach – I can think of at least three others larger and more convenient. This strikes me as more a deliberate attempt to conceal his trip than a mere misunderstanding.

    • aj 5.1

      …or making a deliberate attempt to go to a deserted beach, to keep within his bubble. But stupid.

    • Waitati, not Waitangi.

      Doctors Point is actually a great beach to take kids, we often take grandkids there (and go without them too). There's large walkthrough, caves, rock pools. Last time we were there (January) there were crabs in the low surf, last year we found an octopus among some rocks. Then there's a walk over the old pa site on Mapoutahi Head, and another beach beyond that. And there are sometimes trains going by on the tracks along the cliff face. Kids love it.

      And usually less busy than St Clair/St Kilda and perhaps Aramoana (2 beaches).

      This isn't an advertisement to go there now, but it's a very good family beach.

      • Forget now 5.2.1

        You are right – Waitati not Waitangi. Autocorrect!

        I like Doctor's Point myself, but you do have to time the tides right to get through that rock tunnel, especially with kids (don't know how old they are). Though I wouldn't swim around that channel into Blueskin bay. Other beaches I had in mind were: Long beach, Warrington Spit, or the St Clair to Smails beach strip along the south coastline (between 1-5 beaches depending how you count them). Aramoana is an even longer and windier drive!

    • Ad 5.3

      Doctors Point is astoundingly pretty.

  6. dv 6

    Just a small point

    ‘and indicated that if it was not for the crisis he would have been sacked.

    If there wasn't a crisis it would have been ok to go to beach!!!

    • Andre 6.1

      The point of 'if not for the crisis' is that the crisis makes continuity of leadership more valuable than the PR value of publicly sacking him to make a point about a personal failing that's only peripherally connected to his job.

      • alwyn 6.1.1

        What is the benefit from this proposed "continuity" of leadership?

        The only thing I can see is that the person involved will remember what was discussed and decided during previous meetings. Given poor old Dr Clark's admitted failing memory I can't see that he is going to provide any such thing.

        Even an old gentleman like myself can remember things like a 40 km trip to the beach with my family a mere week after the event. Not our Dr Clark though. It was simply lost in the haze of the past for him.

        Look at what he had to say.

        "There was no explanation for why he failed to remember, or mention, the earlier trip to the beach at the time.

        "I don't have a good reason. I don't have an excuse. I was obviously being fairly focused on my job, but that's no excuse."

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120860982/ive-made-a-fool-of-myself-health-minister-david-clark-on-his-lockdown-beach-trip

        Poor old chap. I fear that early dementia must be setting in.Surely he should be allowed to wander of into his happy haze and we should be free of his foibles.

        • KJT 6.1.1.1

          I await your condemnation of Bridges foolishness, which is much more likely to spread a virus, than Clarks.

          Waiting!

          Waiting!

          • alwyn 6.1.1.1.1

            I don't think there is any chance of Bridge's driving himself to Wellington will spread the virus. He is also doing his job.

            Neither will Clark going to the beach, directly

            However Clark is the Health Minister and he has been telling people that they must not drive very far just to take exercise, or have a drive with the kids because they are bored.

            Then, when he doesn't obey the orders he is giving to every mere mortal such as us, he is telling them one of a few things. Either the rules don't apply to us important people. Or that they aren't needed anyway as there is no risk. Or that it is fine if you want to amuse yourself and your kids as that is much more important than a mere lock-down. Or more than one.

            Of course you may be one of the important people yourself.

            Bill at 7.2 puts it rather well doesn’t he?

            • observer 6.1.1.1.1.1

              Can you explain the medical/scientific reason why Bridges' driving is different from another person's driving?

              If not, do any of us need to be staying home, when our driving hundreds of km would be entirely safe – according to you?

              (to save you from avoiding the Q, I'm not asking "is the job important enough to take the risk?").

              • alwyn

                Clark's behaviour certainly displays an attitude that taking a 40 km drive so you can take your kids to the beach is acceptable.

                Given his example I suppose people could take the approach that observing any sort of lock-down is unnecessary. You don't need a reason. Just go.

                Bridges, on the other hand, was doing a necessary duty, not just going for a joyride. I'm sure, that you as a staunch lefty would far rather have him sit at home rather than hold this ship of fools like Clark to account.

                • observer

                  So, no answer to my question.

                  As stated countless times, the issue for Bridges is not the working (definitely essential) but the driving (definitely not).

                  But you know that already, which is why you won't engage with it.

                • patricia

                  Alwyn, "ship of fools" You of course are able to say this …for effect.

                  We reserve judgement about your acumen, your attitudes are clear enough.

            • KJT 6.1.1.1.1.2

              Bridges driving is not necessary to do his job.

              It is an example of entitled, dim-witted arrogance. Even more so than Clark.

  7. Tiger Mountain 7

    While there are more pressing matters for many political blog commenters than rubbing Mr Parker’s nose in it, he is still a plonker of the first order. That in itself may not be a sackable offence, but he has done the Govt. minus zero favours.

    Some people are crammed in with kids in confined spaces and no van, bike, let alone beach escape, and likely get a talking to from cops if they do roam about.

    “Do as I say not as I do” is the exact opposite of the messaging the Govt. needs during the Pandemic when they require genuine mass buy in. Parker if he had any self reflective sense or gumption, would have offered his resignation for the first offence even if Ms Arden ultimately did not accept it. It is petty on one level, but incredibly important on the ideological level to take kiwis with the Govt. on this.

    Also Soymun should pull his head in and stop travelling forthwith. Jacinda has led from the front again by effectively living in her “bunker” during this most difficult time since WWII.

    • aj 7.1

      Not Parker.

    • bill 7.2

      Some people are crammed in with kids in confined spaces and no van, bike, let alone beach escape, and likely get a talking to from cops if they do roam about.

      Precisely. Clark was "doing it easy" but just couldn't fcking help himself. I doubt he had or has a single thought for the thousands of people who, unlike him, are in pretty dire straights because of the government's lock down, but getting on with it as best they can regardless.

    • Tiger Mountain 7.3

      Apols for the “Clarkian slip”…

  8. Anker 8

    Really really annoyed by David Clark and all rule breakers.

    right from the beginning I thought the rules of lockdown were clear. Walks in neighbourhood. Very poor judgment on Clark’s behalf.

    right now lockdown is working because people are following the rules. When one person doesn’t then the potential for behavioural leakage is huge “oh brian went for a swim/surf/walk 20 kilometres away, so it must be ok, others are doing it etc etc”.

    we enjoy immense freedom of movement in this country. This is the first time in my lifetime movement has been restricted. I realise this is much harder for some rather than others, but every single one of is (or should be) making sacrifices. David Clark is highly unlikely to be living in an apartment block with his young family where there would be no outdoor space.
    the main reason we are in lockdown is to save lives and to preserve the health system. Italy has lost sometime like 80 drs to this virus, the UK at least one dr and two nurses with young families. I would be extremely pissed off if I was a nurse or a dr right now, potentially putting my life on the line while the minister of health breaks the rules….

    there was quite a bit of criticism of Simon bridges travelling to Wellington yesterday on the Standard. I don’t agree with him doing it, but it is for his job and I guess the opposition do perform an essential service. I think it shows poor judgment onBridges behalf. Clark’s judgement on this has been completely off and if it wasn’t for the crisis I agree with Jacinda, he should be sacked. I know many on this site will disagree with me and I accept that.

    lastly people, stick to the rules even if you don’t agree with them. Maybe the rules about swimming etc don’t make sense, but for gods sake, just do it

    • aom 8.1

      "I don’t agree with him doing it, but it is for his job and I guess the opposition do perform an essential service."

      Oh really? The job of the Leader of the Opposition, like the Minister of Health's, is to do what is expected of everyone else during the lockdown. He could easily do his job from Tauranga using the communication tools that enable others to work from home, or stay in his accommodation in Wellington. To suggest otherwise is to subscribe to either the notion that there is privileged entitlement or that there are red rules and blue rules, where leadership and exemplary behaviour is expected of the former but not the latter.

  9. solkta 9

    Fuck i would love to go to the beach. Beautiful day here in the North heading for a high of 22. Sack him later i say.

    • Paddington 9.1

      I'm sitting up on Owairaka/Mt Albert looking out over to Te Atatu. The upper harbour is like a skating rink, and my boat is still sitting idle in the driveway. Ughhh

      • Andre 9.1.1

        I'm sitting in Titirangi looking across the Manukau towards the airport, and the only man-made noise I can hear is someone at least 3km away hand-sawing a bit of wood. Glorious! No noisy boats, no jet noise from the airport…

        There's stuff I need to do with power tools, but I'd feel like a vandal disturbing the peace doing it now. I'll wait for a windy day when the noise won't carry.

        • Paddington 9.1.1.1

          My little boat wouldn't be heard from where you are if I was on the Manukau! But I do get your point.

          • In Vino 9.1.1.1.1

            A motorboat??? You uncivilised beast. Mine is a sailboat. I enjoy the interplay of wind, wave, and current, while you just barge around, making noise and fumes.

            • Paddington 9.1.1.1.1.1

              I love watching yachts, I love sailing on yachts, but I could never own one. My boats got a 90hp Merc…not too noisy, and not too smoky. But yes, totally uncivilised compared to a sail boat.

  10. Ad 10

    Looks like Bill was right.

    Clark is a weak-assed fool.

    Hopefully Ardern takes the Dunedin hospital job off him completely.

    • Forget now 10.1

      I like having a Dunedin MP overseeing the new hospital – that way if things go awry I can go down and picket their electorate office. I am no Clark fan, but the other option is Curran.

      Or Woodhouse!

      • Ad 10.1.1

        Clark has had a full term to get the project design and construction contract underway.

        Time to clear him out.

        Hodgson as the previous Dunedin MP to Clark gives better input already – actually probably too much.

        With this virus and others circulating through NZ for many years to come, Clark should be replaced as Minister of Health with an epidemiology health specialist like Dr Liz Craig.

        • Forget now 10.1.1.1

          Craig does seem to be a decent choice having been on the health commitee, so presumably up to speed. Didn't know that her background was in epidemiology. But then I don't know much about mostvlist MPs.

          I did say that my (grudging) pleasure Clark remaining minister of Health was selfish.

    • bill 10.2

      I was angry at his blatant hypocrisy, aye?

      He knew that what he was doing was a thing others had foregone, and then he gave his own privilege and sense of entitlement a great big hug and carried on.

      I don't know I'd characterise that as being "a weak-assed fool".

      • Ad 10.2.1

        "weak-assed fool" is entirely my own descriptor, but seems about right for a fool-me-twice event.

        • bill 10.2.1.1

          "weak-assed fool" is entirely my own descriptor

          Fair 'nuff. I'm still more than a little hacked off at twats hereabouts who seemed keen to diminish and relegate what I wrote "because just moral posturing" is all.

          And two that we're being told about, aye?

    • gsays 10.3

      That was my first thought when I heard the news this am.

      My understanding of bill's point was that there was a principle at stake.

      No grey area, a lack of leadership,, it was piss poor all round.

      So poor, that Bridge's grizzle committee were strangely mute.

  11. Clearly, Clark's gone in the pre-election cabinet re-shuffle. That doesn't mean he can't make it back to cabinet at some future point, but for this year, he only has two jobs to do; get through the Covid crisis without further mistakes and then help the Prime Minister by accepting his inevitable sacking without complaint.

  12. observer 12

    If nothing else, this will boost the viewer ratings for the Parliamentary committee today. Chaired by Simon Bridges, and this morning's guest: David Clark. Ouch.

  13. Cinny 13

    Wow plagiarism to the max, that little national party flyer at the end of the post, offering help is a direct rip off from the Covid19 website, but the nat’s have altered the branding, same words, everything…. Printed some off a couple of weeks ago.

  14. Sanctuary 14

    Nat MPs will be furious – again – at Bridges. Finally got a stick to politically beat the government with, and Simon goes and breaks his bubble spectacularly and won't front the media.

  15. Anne 15

    My main summer activity is to go to my local beach and have a swim and sunbathe. When the lock-down became inevitable I stopped and so did most people. The beach was deserted. About 8-10 days ago, one of the Covid 19 senior commentators (can't recall which one now) clarified the situation re-swimming to the effect: it was permissible to go for a swim provided you remained in your own bubble (be that one person or more) and stayed well away from other people on the beach.

    So, the next day I went to the beach and so did many of the regulars including quite a few young families who did a splendid job keeping their children close to them. And it stayed like that until Sunday – 2 days ago.

    Now we have been told we were not allowed to go for a swim.

    With shifting goal posts like that, it is no wonder people were confused and found themselves on the wrong side of the law!

    This is not a defence of Clark as such, but a heads up re-the ambiguity that has existed from the start.

    • RedLogix 15.1

      Exactly. We are still only in the first two weeks of this lockdown and we're all adapting to in our own ways. I can understand the harsh political reality behind Clark's demotion, but honestly I can't bring myself to come all over pious about it.

      Over many years here it's been saddening to see how these personalised 'gotcha' threads always get zillions of comments.

      • Macro 15.1.1

        And I want to echo yours and Anne's comment here – it really is depressing that in a moment of immense crisis all people can talk about is "gotcha". I do believe that the rules as they are playing out are in fact a little "Over The Top". My wife and I are in our mid – late 70's and find walking around the steep local streets – which in some places rival Baldwin St*, a little too much, and drive 500m down to the wharf for a good walk along the walkway (a shorter drive than to our local supermarket for our milk and bread). Plenty of room for us to maintain our 2 m distancing from the few other walkers and cyclists. But were stopped by a police officer the other day and told we were breaking the rules.

        * We live at the top of the Thames Fault line. The early planners 150 years ago obviously worked in an office far away, and laid out a street plan which took no cognisance of the local terrain. However we do have an an amazing vista. Right up the Firth to Orere Pt, down across the plains as far as Mt Te Aroha in the south.

        • I Feel Love 15.1.1.1

          Def feel for folks like you. I live in South Dunedin, flat, there's sports fields, the beach, supermarket and dairy and chemist all within walking distance. I haven't used my car since lockdown and now my battery is flat (I checked car a few days ago). I'm back to work next week (I had leave as I was on my way to Europe on day Lockdown was announced).

    • Cinny 15.2

      The media have a massive role to play in some of the mixed messages, especially radio and tv breakfast hosts.

      For example yesterday garner was saying he felt we should be on level 3, not 4. Made me wonder how many took it as gospel.

      This morning peter williams is rabbiting on about wanting to go to the beach etc, because clark did.

      Williams is responsible for social unrest due to the narrative he is spinning on his radio platform. He's deliberately fanning the flames instead of changing the narrative and it's all politically motivated, he's a strong nat supporter.

    • bill 15.3

      Does it cross your mind that we're now being "tapped with the stick" precisely because of the actions David Clark took? Y'know – 'everyone' kinda "got it" but then cabinet minister turns up to empty car park to do shit everyone else is putting on their "probably not" list. And so, lest people re-evaluate what is and isn't okay "because cabinet minister"…

      Anyway. Jist a thought, aye?

  16. Wayne 16

    The huge difference between Bridges and Clark is that by going to Wellington, Bridges is doing his job. Being able to work with his team and being accessible to the media in the Beehive. Which in my view is an important part of holding the government to account, and actually making useful suggestions. As many of us have found, Zoom is not really a proper substitute. Being both support and counterpoint to the PM, who clearly is going to the Beehive each day and working with her key staff. As indeed she should. I think the daily press conferences from the Beehive Theatrette are absolutely essential at this time.

    Clark's action were all about himself and his family, stretching the rules, especially when he is in an essential leadership position.

    • Ad 16.1

      If Bridges can't manage his team by Skype (or Teams or whatever) he's missing a key qualification to being able to run a team of any kind in the new context, let alone a country.

    • observer 16.2

      Sorry Wayne, but you still don't get it.

      Everything you say about Bridges doing his job in Wellington is correct. It's essential that he does it.

      So he should be based in Wellington. Problem solved.

      • Muttonbird 16.2.1

        This!

      • Pete George 16.2.2

        Both Bridges and Clark have important enough jobs to justify being based in Wellington where most of the decision making and communication with the media and the public is based. Especially the Minister of Health.

        • lprent 16.2.2.1

          Both Bridges and Clark have important enough jobs to justify being based in Wellington where most of the decision making and communication with the media and the public is based. Especially the Minister of Health.

          Your argument is just outright spurious. Have you managed to miss the 21st century so far? There has been a comms revolution. If bridges wants to lord over minions, then he really needs to learn to do it using a comms line.

          Makes bugger all difference where you are if you shouldn’t be in the same room because there is a viable comms alternative. Like not infecting reporters or minions sounds like a lot of sense. Sure Jacinda and Robertson are doing it – but that is in their explicit job descriptions. Someone has to physically sign those regulatory documents. They sent virtually every one else apart from really essential ones away to be remote.

          But for everyone else, it makes bugger all difference when all important information is on networks, public or private. It isn’t like either the minister of health or the leader of the opposition have a need to get their hands dirty by picking up hardware and work with it. Either could do face time with whomever. And if their internet sucks, then they can just use cell data. I often do because it is frequently faster than everything else.

          Hardware and good are about the only good reason to be at a particular place with other people. Or even at a particular place..

          Which is what I just did cycling to pick up some updated development boards that just arrived from the UK into our empty office. Couriers dropped them off with their access – we’ve got an essential status various business deliveries.

          I came in to pick up the board that I need to keep working remotely on the current project. I came complete with a letter in my pocket just in case the police wanted to know what I was doing.

          Nice way of combining my daily exercise with work. All the more so since my access card wasn’t in my pack where I thought it was, so I had to return home and then go back out again. I was isolated because of the speed of travel and that I was on the road (dual pedestrian / bike tracks are a bit crowded – roads are unpopulated by cars).

          • Pete George 16.2.2.1.1

            So why aren't Ardern, Robertson, Bloomfield, Ombler, police and Civil Defence heads as well as all journalists working from home?

            Signing legal documents electronically or scanning and sending them is common now. Most court processes are operating electronically now.

      • Anne 16.2.3

        Precisely what I've been thinking. Why has he not stayed in Wellington for the duration of the lock-down? Sure, he is away from his family but that is no excuse for driving hundred's of kilometres twice a week . I'm sure the moment lock-down 4 is lifted both he and Ardern will be free to travel back and forth to their private residences.

    • Cinny 16.3

      Bridges is not doing his job. He is driving around the country rather than basing himself in Wellywood.

      How many hours to drive, Welly to Tauranga and back ? It's about 14-15 hrs all up.

      What work is being done during that time?

      Is he using a ministerial limo for it?

      If simon does two to three trips a week, that's around 30-45 hrs driving during a lockdown. Is that effective leadership? I think not.

    • KJT 16.4

      Clark was bending the rules a little, where there were gray areas already.

      It is not partisan to state that Bridges, is blowing a fucking Great hole in them.

      He can bloody well stay locked in at his job, like many other essential workers.

      If you can't see the difference?

      By the way I would have given Bridges or anyone else the same tolerance for the things Clark did.

      Driving from Auckland to Tauranga, which cannot be considered necessary, is obviously, taking the piss.

      • bill 16.4.1

        Clark was bending the rules a little, where there were gray areas already.

        C'mon! The guy's just an upstanding prick of privilege.

        Correct me if I'm wrong. But Clark was privy to the process that wrote the fucking rules, yes? You suggesting he didn't quite understand those rules? Because 'everyone' else seemed to get it – hence the reason he drove into an empty car park.

      • mauī 16.4.2

        Clark could literally drive a bus Toyota Hiace through any set of rules.

    • Incognito 16.5

      Are you saying that all eleven members of ERC should be in Parliament or just the Chair?

      • McFlock 16.5.1

        I suspect that depends on whether they have a working internet connection at home. Wasn't that bridges' excuse?

  17. Reality 17

    Why is Pete George so irritating? He is sanctimonious, but writes well, has reasoned points of view, but comes over like one of those annoying kids in the playground that the other kids get sick of.

    • KJT 17.1

      Because he fills up whole threads, saying the same thing in 20 slightly different ways.

      And claims to be even handed middle of the road when he is manifestly not.

      • Forget now 17.1.1

        He used to be United Future candidate for Dunedin North (Dunne's mob). In 2011 he lost to David Clark 12,976 to 176. Though given that everyone except the ACT candidate got (159) more votes than that, I am sure he doesn't hold a grudge.

        At least he was willing to stand up for what he believed in. Even if it is not for me.

      • Macro 17.1.2

        ^^^^^

        This

      • Pete George 17.1.3

        "fills up whole threads, saying the same thing in 20 slightly different ways"

        A deliberate joke? It's funny anyway, I've heard it all before, whole threads of it (in slightly different ways of course).

  18. peterh 18

    No Mater how any of you try to gloss one or the other, they BOTH have done a great dis service to all of us who are trying real hard to get through this, and I like most others are pissed off with both of them

  19. Reality 19

    KJT – yes, yes, and yes to your points!

  20. Clearly Clark is now toast, but for perspective's sake, he drove 20 minutes in a car for an isolated walk on the beach. He didn't cough on anyone for fun, punch a checkout girl, fight over bog paper or even commute from Tauranga to Wellington.

    The best thing this particular scapegoating has done is give those who are clearly having a lot of issues during the lock down something to vent over, reduce the cabin fever, and hopefully ease the chances of personal meltdown.

    Thanks alone for that David.

    • McFlock 20.1

      lol maybe.

      The trouble with the 20min drive is that it was clearly against the rules, well over the line. The bike ride was fuckall. And then there's the not telling the PM about the beach trip while he was getting stick for the biking. A double infraction.

      He's lucky the PM thinks that a continuity change would be worse for the country than keeping him in office.

      • weka 20.1.1

        the time lag in fessing up is a big issue too, understandable on a human level, not so much for an experienced politician. I wonder if Ardern told him to sit down and write a list of everything he'd done since lockdown.

        On the bright side, now she gets to replace him at her leisure, which means no disruption to the current processes, and time to get a replacement up and running.

      • The Al1en 20.1.2

        So with both mps for Dunedin getting booted in this term, will someone be looking into signs of a clusterfuck

        • McFlock 20.1.2.1

          Well, one is leaving as an MP. Dunno what Clark will do. I mean, he might perform so well from now on that he keeps MoH – but the signs are against it, lol

          But he might decide to stay in the back benches for a term or two. Remember, it took blinglish over a decade from being shite oppo leader to being PM. Or Clark could call it quits in September.

    • observer 20.2

      " He didn't cough on anyone for fun, punch a checkout girl, fight over bog paper or even commute from Tauranga to Wellington."

      He didn't tell the public to panic buy, either. No MP would be that stupid, surely. And if they did, they wouldn't lie and claim they hadn't said it, would they? And if they did, they'd be sacked by their leader, right?

      (oh hang on … I'm wrong, and wrong, and wrong. How fast we forget).

      https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/public-being-urged-ignore-national-mp-encouraged-coronavirus-panic-buying

  21. alwyn 21

    I am somewhat surprised the Martyn Bradbury has such a different opinion to the author of this piece. Martyn seems to take the view that Bridges is doing his job as he should but the Clark is an idiot. Far be it from me to disagree with Mr Bradbury in this case. He seems to have got it right for a change.

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2020/04/07/comparing-bridges-commute-to-clarks-breaching-of-quarantine-are-two-seperate-issues/

    On the other hand I was greatly surprised to see the Left's stalwart Chris Trotter's views about "Mickey Savage". I'm in two minds about this. One tells me that Chris is just pulling Mickey's chain. The other says he really believes it.

    Does Chris really believe that "This lamentable failure of the Centre-Left’s imagination was also in evidence on The Standard, where the man who goes by the entirely undeserved moniker of “Mickey Savage” opined: “Clearly the Government has more pressing issues to deal with than producing the likes of Woman’s Weekly."?

    What do you think Mickey?

    https://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-lamentable-failure-of-imagination.html

    • observer 21.1

      Bradbury and Trotter are spokespeople for the LeftBorg in the same way Brian Tamaki and the Libertarianz represent everyone on the Right …

    • The only thing I'd take from Trotter's piece is that he sees himself as separate from the centre left. Something most astute folk spotted years ago.

      • Muttonbird 21.2.1

        I pigeonhole Trotter with Ad and Redlogix.

        They are of the Left which does not seek fairer distribution of resources so that all people can raise better little people.

        Rather they relish beating the capitalist at his own game, thereby of course becoming the very thing which they oppose.

        • Stunned Mullet 21.2.1.1

          How do you pigeonhole yourself ?

          • Muttonbird 21.2.1.1.1

            Yes, I do know what pigeonhole means and used it deliberately.

            It is interesting you, a right winger leaped to their defence. And alwyn, a right winger linked to the Trotter piece in the first place…

            • Stunned Mullet 21.2.1.1.1.1

              I am not leaping to anyone's defense, merely asking you a question as to how you view yourself while you pigeonhole others.

              • Muttonbird

                Socially conscious.

                • Stunned Mullet

                  Fair enough.

                  I think many on all sides of the political spectrum would see themselves the same way as would Bradbury, Trotter and Redlogix.

                  • In Vino

                    Well, I don't think that pigeonhole has ever been spelt correctly.

                    I always said and wrote "pigeon'shole". Which is where a lot of the above should be stuffed.

      • alwyn 21.2.2

        Well yes, but I still can't decide?

        Does he really believe what he is saying or is he joking?

    • pat 21.3

      Think it is worth remembering that Mr Trotter is first and foremost a freelance writer….and for a more informed opinion read the linked

      https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/obituary-for-the-new-zealand-listener-1939-2020

      • Pete George 21.3.1

        I challenged him recently about continuing to write for The BFD paywalled magazine, supporting among other things Slater's return to his old dirty political tricks, and Chris said I didn't understand how freelance journalism works.

    • Incognito 21.4

      Did CT really say “entirely undeserved moniker”? So, he’s also losing his grasp of the English language in a pathetic attempt to bait somebody, just like you did here, Alwyn. Sad, but he can always join John Armstrong and write acerbic articles for the NZH once in a while. As for you, Alwyn, take your smart arse bait trolling comments to OM next time, thanks. Let me know if I need to put this in bold font for you.

  22. observer 22

    After today's 1 pm press conference it's clear a few journos are getting cabin fever. Maybe they should go for a bike ride.

    They're stuck in the old routine, when they had 30 seconds to grab MPs in the corridors, on their way into the House. "Quick, get a gotcha question on camera, before they escape!".

    Now they have half an hour to ask intelligent and informed questions, and they are lost. Only repeating the same ones, and so losing the audience. (Which means they let the PM off the hook re-Clark, she could repeat the prepared soundbites all day long – so I'm fine with the politics of it, but it's poor journalism).

    • Anne 22.1

      They are showing themselves up for what some of them are… ignorant, attention seeking show ponies. They keep asking the same questions over and over again even though the PM has already answered them moments sooner. So, she repeats the same answer ad infinitum.

      I note the intelligent questions usually come towards the end when the show ponies have run out of steam.

    • Hooch 22.2

      That was without a doubt the stupidest press conference we’ve had during the lockdown. Every “journalist” had to ask their own version of the same question and we got the same answer every time. They are doing the country a disservice by following their BAU gotcha crap. There must be countless other more pressing issues they could be asking about.

  23. Corey Humm 23

    Clarks career is over. I'd wager he won't be standing for reelection again, he's making vague comments about it too. Rhe health portfolio has taken many a career. I'm thankful it's not Johnathan Coleman though!

    I don't get why he's in Dunedin, He's health minister. I know he has a young family but he should be in Wellington for the duration of lockdown, we're in a pandemic after all this should be his shinning moment. Atleast the public now knows who Clark is unlike most of labours ministers I’d rather be persona non grata than an irrelevant non entity! I do hope he's not the only minister who gets reshuffled or demoted or retires before the election, there's some really big talent in the 2017 class and they should start getting some leadership roles to refresh the party, apart from Grant and Little and the Pm I look at the front bench and am immediately aware of why we spent 9 very nearly twelve years in opposition. Labour got incredibly lucky with Ardern , without we would probably still be polling around 29% heading into our fifth straight loss because there was no plan post Helen Clark, she basically was the party and now Ardern is the party. This can’t keep happening, If we are lucky enough to get a second term and I really want us to get a second term, we need some new faces in leadership roles to prepare the next generation of leadership for the opposition, I don't wanna waste six years in an internal civil war caused by a power vacuume and everyone on the front bench bar bridges is tediously dull and it would be a Phill Goff esque nightmare for any of them to lead the party.

    • Corey Humm 23.1

      *bar grant not bridges he's the worst , he's why I'm quietly hopefully that we have a second term in us and I'm not bagging the party just it'd be good for when we are in opposition to have a bunch of the next generation of leadership to have ministerial experience

    • Louis 23.2

      Didnt spend nearly 12 years in opposition, just 9. Clark doesnt have to be in Wellington to do his job. Other ministers are basing themselves at home too ie Minister of Police for example, note that it is the Commissioner of Police doing the updates on the policing end of things, as its the role of the Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield to conduct the Covid19 updates.

  24. Someone with some experience in media and politics on today's media conference when PM Ardern was asked questions about David Clark.

    What precisely was the problem today? I watched it and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Of course they were going to push the PM hard on this issue.

    I think people should stop complaining about the media asking the PM and the Health Minister hard or repetitive questions. They won’t always be fair, they won’t always be right, but I think we’re all robust enough to handle a bit of media scrutiny during a crisis.

    Yeah, gotcha politics is silly and at times like this is unhelpful. But also we don't need the left to sound like a bunch of whining crybabies. The questions around David Clark, for example, were entirely legitimate, despite people whinging endlessly about them.

    The questions aren't for your consumption. They are for journalists to try to get to the truth of what's happened and challenge the politican's answers. They then put together stories which are intended or you.

    I still don’t see what the problem was. Of course this was going to be a major issue and the PM was going to be grilled from every angle. You’d expect the same if it was a National PM up there.

    They do it because politicians are trained to give bullshit answers. Imagine if Simon Bridges was never asked a follow up question, or never had the question repeated if the journalist didn't quite believe what he said or thought he was giving all relevant info.

    From this Twitter thread.

    It is important to know if the Prime Minister thinks that the Minister of Health is up to the job.

    Ardern made it clear that Clark has only kept his job for the good of the fight against Covid and the good of the country :

    "My priority above all else is our collective fight against Covid-19."

    "He's had to pay a personal price for this but I'm determined our health system will not."

    "I cannot lose the prior work that's been done or the knowledge he holds."

    Ardern says it would have been challenging to bring someone else up to speed.

    From https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/413620/live-covid-19-updates-from-new-zealand-and-around-the-world-on-7-april

    I think this is probably the right call from Ardern. She was obviously unhappy with Clark, but had to put the current situation and the good of the country first, otherwise she would have sacked him completely – and I believe her on that.

    • I Feel Love 24.1

      But does the "gotcha" style tactic get the "truth"? I remember the Hard Line or Hard Talk interview Key gave in the UK, long form, with Key (who was a master and deflection) squirming and not being able to hide and utterly shown up. Gotcha is just an easy way to get a polly to pull a face and that's seen as a "score" by useless lazy journos.

      • Pete George 24.1.1

        You could call any media questioning 'gotcha' if you wanted to discredit it or divert from it.

        Clark admitted breaching the rules despite being in a position he should know them better than just about anyone, presuming he was involved in making them.

        And he admitted not fronting up to the PM for four days after the story first broke.

        Ardern was obviously very annoyed – in Breakfast this morning Clark appeared to nearly say 'angry' before checking himself.

        What is 'gotcha' about asking the PM if she has confidence in a Minister who stuffed up in multiple ways during an unprecedented crisis he is supposed to be dealing with as a senior Minister?

        • Incognito 24.1.1.1

          gotcha

          noun

          Save Word

          To save this word, you'll need to log in.

          Log In

          got·​cha | \ ˈgä-chə \

          Definition of gotcha

          : an unexpected usually disconcerting challenge, revelation, or catch also : an attempt to embarrass, expose, or disgrace someone (such as a politician) with a gotcha

          https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gotcha

          • Pete George 24.1.1.1.1

            Clark disgraced himself and embarrassed himself and the Prime Minister. Is that a self-gotcha?

            • Incognito 24.1.1.1.1.1

              You started this thread @ 24 with this:

              Someone with some experience in media and politics on today's media conference when PM Ardern was asked questions about David Clark.

              Why are you now diverting away from it?

        • I Feel Love 24.1.1.2

          Not quite what I asked, but I understand you're not known for good faith answers to simple questions, quite ironic really as that's what you accuse politicians of, I won't engage anymore. I still haven't got the energy to be outraged by a stupid mistake that harmed no one.

    • observer 24.2

      "Of course this was going to be a major issue and the PM was going to be grilled from every angle."

      As pointed out by Hooch. Anne and myself above, the problem is that she was not "grilled from every angle", but from the same angle – many times.

      If you understand the media at all, you will know why. TV1 reporter asks question, PM answers it with prepared line (or fails to answer, if you prefer).

      Then TV3 reporter asks the same question, not because she didn't hear the previous one, but because Newshub wants to have their reporter on the clip.

      And so on. It is not done to get the answers, on behalf of the public, as if they were a team of prosecutors, working together. It is to get the audio-grab for their own media outlet.

      Hence the repetition, and for the public, the failure to get any additional information – in today's case, about David Clark. Nothing new was learned.

      Going on about lefties/righties is totally missing the point. The PM would happily take that level of questioning any time. She is far too smart to be flummoxed by the entirely predictable.

  25. Rob 25

    I thought Simon wanted to be our Prime Minister

    in the circumstances of what he has been saying and I expect he understands what lockdown means then he and if he thinks it appropriate his family should be based in Wellington at present Otherwise he is lucky our media are all so happy to grease up to him.

    • Muttonbird 25.1

      The media hasn't pursued the question. They've asked it but accepted Bridges' claim that it wasn't possible.

      Bridges will absolutely refuse to do this now, even if it's the right thing to do, because he thinks he'll appear weak.

      He's stroppy and infantile like that.

  26. RRM 26

    If the leader of the opposition could work from home via zoom, then the Prime Minister could too. Wonder if we'll see a map of her travel bubble on the news? I bet we won't.

    I'm not really worried about the virus… I'm much more worried that during a state of emergency we have a media that wants to run interference for the government instead of questioning them.

    • Muttonbird 26.1

      She probably walks to work.

    • observer 26.2

      You would lose your bet. The PM explained to media before the lockdown started that even though she has a house in Auckland, she would now be based entirely in Wellington, where she has a home bubble (partner and child) and a work bubble (necessary staff). Unlike Bridges, she sees the importance of staying in one home. And never driving.

      Perhaps you should realize that "I haven't heard" does not equal "nobody has said".

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    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
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    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
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    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
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    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
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    6 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
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    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
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    7 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
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    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
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    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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