Collins’ attack on Pullar continues

Written By: - Date published: 8:53 am, March 26th, 2012 - 58 comments
Categories: ACC - Tags: , , ,

It’s strange watching National’s factions fight it out in the media- the Herald on Sunday running the Collins/Slater faction stuff and the Dompost running material from Boag/Pullar. Both sides are scum. Pullar received (somehow) the largest leak in ACC and passed to the media. Collins has imitated her fellow ministers by leaking Pullar’s private details in revenge.

While Pullar and Boag are undoubtedly acting disgracefully, its Collins’ behaviour that’s more important. She’s a Cabinet Minister with access to privileged information. Collins’ leaking of Pullar’s name and the  facts of her income protection insurance (it’s clearly her, ACC wouldn’t do it). Collins’ position as minister gives her access to a mountain of private and sensitive information, with that comes an absolute responsibility not to release that information without permission.

Oh, and don’t forget, that Collins’ leak of Pullar’s information led to Nick Smith’s resignation. That’s one hell of an own goal.

If Collins wants to claim that Pullar’s information isn’t coming from her, then she should launch an inquiry to find the leak within ACC.

Here’s what the Cabinet Manual has to say on improper release of official information:

Improper release or use of official information

Unauthorised release of official information

8.6 If official information is released without authority, a range of responses may be considered, depending on the circumstances. These include:

(a) an internal inquiry by the chief executive of the department concerned, perhaps in association with the State Services Commission;
(b) an inquiry by the Secretary of the Cabinet;
(c) a ministerial inquiry (see paragraphs 4.91 – 4.92);
(d) a State Services Commission inquiry at the direction of the Prime Minister or Minister concerned, or initiated by the State Services Commissioner;
(e) a police inquiry.

8.7 Sections 78A of the Crimes Act 1961 and 20A of the Summary Offences Act 1981 create an offence, in certain circumstances relating to the security and defence of New Zealand, of improperly disclosing or retaining official information.

Exploitation of official information for private gain

8.8 The use by an official of official knowledge for private gain or benefit of others, even if not involving the disclosure of information, is an offence under section 105A of the Crimes Act 1961.

2.53 In all these roles and at all times, Ministers are expected to act lawfully and to behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards. Ultimately, Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister for their behaviour.

Maybe, when Key’s finished making a dick of himself and pathetically trying to get some of Obama’s glow to rub off on him, he’ll get around to holding Collins to account.

58 comments on “Collins’ attack on Pullar continues ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. mickysavage 1
    26 March 2012 at 9:12 am

    I am wondering at the end game here.  It must be related to the jockeying for the position of next leader of the National Party.
     
    Having a pretty good idea of the internal machinations that occurred during the Labour leadership struggle I must say that Labour’s were a pale insignificant comparison to what is happening in the National Party.
     
     

    • Anne 1.1
      26 March 2012 at 9:40 am

      Collins is one by one eliminating all future opposition to her leadership ambitions?

      • RJL 1.1.1
        26 March 2012 at 11:36 am

        Maybe, but I don’t think it was thoroughly thought through like this.

        I think that Pullar’s details were leaked purely to discredit Pullar, and this was done in ignorance of the fact that there was potential to inflict collateral damage on Smith.

        • mickysavage 1.1.1.1
          26 March 2012 at 1:57 pm

          It will possibly depend if the Smith ACC letters were themselves leaked.  Although I am not sure what Collins’ concern was.  She was not the Minister when the original loss of information occurred or when the Boag – Pullar – Senior manager meeting occurred.

          • RJL 1.1.1.1.1
            26 March 2012 at 3:15 pm

            It seems plausible that some of Pullar’s details — like the fact that she allegedly tried to blackmail ACC — were leaked to attempt to minimise this story: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/acc/news/article.cfm?o_id=3&objectid=10792157

            The spin presumably being that while the privacy breach was bad, the actions of Pullar were so much worse, and therefore she rather than ACC / the government is the real villain that we should all be concentrating on. Fits the general MO for Bennett, Brownlee, et al.

            And to the extent that we have been distracted from the original ACC privacy breach, it was a well executed plan!

  2. ACC insider 2
    26 March 2012 at 9:34 am

    Four questions Minister Collins needs to be asked:

    Has the Minister run an IT sweep of her office for the email relating to Bronwyn Pullar that was leaked to the Herald on Sunday. If not, why not?
    Is the Minister aware that emails and attachments can be tracked, including when these are opened and the ISP address of where they are opened?
    Did the Minister or her office provide a copy of the memo regarding Bronwyn Pullar to Cameron Slater or any of his ISP’s?
    Did the Minister or her office encourage Cameron Slater to provide the memo regarding Bronwyn Pullar to the media?

  3. Pete George 3
    26 March 2012 at 9:40 am

    “Both sides are scum.”

    “…when Key’s finished making a dick of himself and pathetically trying to get some of Obama’s glow to rub off on him…”

    ACCPullarSmithBoagCollinsgate deserves a lot more scrutiny, like some that’s raised here, but I think you will preach more effectively beyond the converted if you raise the tone of attack above the scumminess. Trash talk doesn’t make a good argument.

    • Bored 3.1
      26 March 2012 at 9:49 am

      Hmmm, it is morning tea on Monday, lots going on..quick glance at the Standard reveals the following comment….“Both sides are scum.”.

      Yes, the world is still rotating, the comment is accurate from my viewpoint. Trash talk? Hey we are talking about trash which I define as people desperate enough to do any number of nasty things to each other.

  4. Sarah 4
    26 March 2012 at 9:50 am

    Potentially new things you can gamble on at Ipredict:

    Police compliant laid against Collins over Pullar email
    Collins resigns as Minister of ACC
    Police investigation of Minister’s office
    Collins charged under the Crimes Act

    • Hami Shearlie 4.1
      26 March 2012 at 11:41 am

      Mind you, she’s not called Crusher for nothing – she’ll think that she can crush all opposition, like a giant rolling pin and she’s already looking slightly green in hue! LOL

  5. ianmac 5
    26 March 2012 at 9:51 am

    Mickey: “It must be related to the jockeying for the position of next leader of the National Party.” Wondered about that. With the flow of events unhelpful to National leadership it may be a cause or an effect for setting up for those who want to become the Boss.
    Collins v Joyce?
    The MSM should be suggesting possible infighting, misquotes, rumours and advice to Collins and Joyce.
    They did so for the leadership for Labour didn’t they?

    • Tom Gould 5.1
      26 March 2012 at 10:06 am

      @ ianmac, but that would cost the MSM bosses money, and some of their flunkies too. There was a time when they made their money from reporting the news.

      • bbfloyd 5.1.1
        26 March 2012 at 11:34 am

        tom.. which lifetime were you living when that was happening?

        who has always owned the presses?

  6. Sarah 6
    26 March 2012 at 9:53 am

    Has the Minister run an IT sweep of her office? If not, why not?

  7. tc 7
    26 March 2012 at 11:17 am

    cage fight time….cue PG’s indignation but I bet he’d watch it with glee.

  8. Sarah 8
    26 March 2012 at 11:23 am

    Is the Minister aware that technology exists to track emails and attachments to any recipients ISP, the pathways of communication, and the ISP address where they have been opened or printed?

  9. Sarah 9
    26 March 2012 at 11:24 am

    Is the Minister of ACC going to turn up and answer questions?

  10. Sarah 10
    26 March 2012 at 11:26 am

    Will the Minister be gone by lunchtime?

  11. Sarah 11
    26 March 2012 at 11:26 am

    Can the Minister trust the staff in her office not to squeal?

  12. ianmac 12
    26 March 2012 at 12:34 pm

    A new Act makes it possible for a “journalist” to be compelled to hand over the source.
    Whaleoil is a sort of journalist who has published some unfortunate stuff about Pullar.
    If there was an Enquiry could Whaleoil be compelled to reveal the source of his email?

    • Kotahi Tane Huna 12.1
      26 March 2012 at 12:42 pm

      Surely Whale’s legal aid lawyer could argue that “Mr. Oil’s output does not constitute “journalism” in any meaningful definition of the word.”

      • felix 12.1.1
        26 March 2012 at 4:55 pm

        Hasn’t the Slater child been arguing for a while now that he and his ilk ought to be granted proper press credentials?

        • Robert M 12.1.1.1
          27 March 2012 at 12:09 pm

          Well why not, the cameron rag is sometimes amusing and informed. Unlike people like Michelle Boag , Bill English and Nick Smith, the Slaters clearly belong in something that would be a recognisable National Party or any other legitmate right centre party like the Australian liberal party or the UK Tory Party.
          I find the Michelle Boag performace intolerable and unbelievable. How this women who fronted for New Zealand finest, most brilliant and effective and ideological new right businesspeople and accountants and lawyers like Micheal Fay and David Richwhite sit in the same party as such pathetic left wing wets as Nick Smith and Bill English who in their gutlessness and betrayal are doing unlimited damage to the NZ economy and our society every day.
          I am sure Fay and Richwhite would never have defended a mindblowing rort like ACC in which numerous people known to every kiwi and every street got mindblowing take and bread of about 90,000 dollars a year for decades with very little wrong with them other some minor injury which supposedly derailed them from doing some specific technical job they had done for a year. Compared with any DPB living on a pittance and doing the outrageous crime in the view of the very stupid of actually enjoying sex and leisure, pleasure – Michelle Boag and Puller really take the cake. But then of course like me Michelle Boag has always the morals of an alley cat, after all she was the press secretary for Muldoon and Bolger. Rob Muldoon always had admiration for alley cats of a wide variety of types-ie hot women, criminals and gang members.

    • Cactus Kate 12.2
      26 March 2012 at 2:29 pm

      Whaleoil made it perfectly clear Bronwyn told him (rather unwisely) several years ago the information he has published thus far. Therefore she appears the source for what he has published.

      • felix 12.2.1
        26 March 2012 at 5:11 pm

        The Slater child is also on record saying there’s no such thing as the truth except whatever he decides it is at the time.

        So there’s that too.

      • mickysavage 12.2.2
        26 March 2012 at 10:40 pm

        Cameron and friends seem to be very sensitive to this particular issue.  Could it be that he has wittingly or unwittingly been caught up in an internal Cabinet gunfight for the future leadership of the National Party?  And he thought he was just giving Boag a hard time?

  13. tsmithfield 13
    26 March 2012 at 1:19 pm

    Eddie, you appear to be making totally unsupported assertions in your article. Mere plebs, such as me, would probably get banned for making similar statements.

    The article you link to only refers to an e-mail from Boag. It says nothing about who it was sent to. So, to say it was Collins is a complete stretch as there doesn’t appear to be any evidence in the article that the e-mail was sent to the government at all.

    • Lanthanide 13.1
      26 March 2012 at 2:16 pm

      The double standards that go on around here do rather rankle me, as well.

      • Clashman 13.1.1
        26 March 2012 at 2:21 pm

        +1

      • tsmithfield 13.1.2
        26 March 2012 at 2:33 pm

        I know we have substantial disagreements in politics Lanth. But I have seen you take a principled approach to a number of issues now, and have high respect for you for that.

      • lprent 13.1.3
        26 March 2012 at 9:50 pm

        A. The post inferred it, it did not assert it. In other words it is clear it is speculation by the author. Where commentators and sites get into trouble is when they assert it as fact without offering proof.

        B. The Lange vs Atkinson decision means that considerably more speculation can be used about politicians in the public interest than can used for private individuals, companies and unions.

        C. Similar limits exist around the criminal law and what we can do in those areas.

        If there are double standards then they appear to pervade legal system because that is our boundary.

        Many of the critics here don’t really appear to understand the nuances of the legal limits that the authors routinely work around. Personally, I’m always impressed about how much finesse that the authors use and how little I have to worry about getting hauled into court.

        And of course our own internal ‘law’ is pretty straight forward. It is hard enough motivating ourselves to write, moderate, keep servers going, and the software operating. If someone has been around for an instant and wants to waste our time with stuff about the site we have heard a thousand times before, don’t listen when warned, then we presume that they would really prefer to be elsewhere where they don’t waste our time.

        • tsmithfield 13.1.3.1
          26 March 2012 at 10:44 pm

          I don’t know if my e-mail to the site has managed to get me unbanned. However, I trust that this post will get through.

          Thanks for the thoughtful answer BTW. Your explanation helps.

          I guess we could debate whether what Eddie has said is assertion or inference. Anyway, that is not really the point.

          Its your site. So, obviously, you can decide what you allow or disallow. Probably my beef is that, from my perspective, I have been banned for similar instances as what I see in Eddies post above. I guess if you want others to behave in a certain way, it would be good for those posting articles to set the example of what is expected. Otherwise, it can seem rather arbitrary and unfair when people get banned for similar behaviour.

          [You said Ambrose had committed an offence – no caveats, just a bald statement that he had committed an offence. That’s defamation, because it is clearly not true on the facts and cannot not be reasonably be believed to be true on the known facts. I said that Collins was imitating her cabinet colleagues in using personal information held by the government to intimidate opponents of the government. That isn’t defamation thanks to Lange v Atkinson, and arguably honest opinion – in that my opinion is honestly held and can be reasonably extrapolated from the known facts. – As I’m in a good mood and you’re taking this well, I’ll waive the ban. Eddie]

          • tsmithfield 13.1.3.1.1
            26 March 2012 at 11:13 pm

            Thanks for that.

            I have deleted my reply to MS below. It was probably OK, but is now unnecessary given your comments.

    • hawk 13.2
      26 March 2012 at 2:17 pm

      I agree TS.

      It seem that a few days ago people were getting banned for not providing links to info they were suggesting over the MUNZ bullying lockout etc.

      Yet he have a blanket statement “it’s clearly her, ACC wouldn’t do it” with no link at all. Apart from the fact that it follows a link to the fact that she has been paided out privately.

      So to me a clear case of “do what we say not what we do ” by the Standard.

      In no way has Collins been shown to be linked to a leak expect from the thoughts of EDDIE. Total fail for being a fair and unbias site. Interesting that the right aligned comment do get harsher moderation.

    • mickysavage 13.3
      26 March 2012 at 10:47 pm

      TS obviously Eddie may be privy to more information than he is letting on.  And if he is right will you apologise?

      [My post makes no mention of the letter from Boag. It is simply about who leaked Pullar’s name. If Pullar’s name wasn’t leaked by Collins then she should launch an investigation to find out how it was leaked. Because Pullar claims ACC leaked it and they deny that. Eddie]

  14. Cactus Kate 14
    26 March 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Bronwyn negotiated a confidential settlement with her private insurer, while The Herald reported this as a fact, it did so off Michelle Boag’s email to Crusher. If you read the misleading piece again slowly it was the Herald that claimed it was over $1million, not Boag and not Crusher.

    The only people who would have known the settlement figure were indeed Bronwyn and anyone she has told. Which I doubt would include ACC but given Whaleoil actually published the number a week before the Herald, clearly includes him. I didn’t know the exact number and I knew her well at the time it was settled. I never asked.

    ACC themselves have stated that the settlement does to form part of their calculations for eligibility to ACC.

    Therefore Bronwyn herself appears to have been the “leak” to Whaleoil who blogged it.. Nothing at all to do with Crusher.

    • Ross 14.1
      26 March 2012 at 2:34 pm

      Nevertheless, Collins hasn’t disguised her intense dislike of Pullar. Would she resort to releasing private information ala her colleague Paula Bennett? I have no doubt she would.

      • Cactus Kate 14.1.1
        26 March 2012 at 2:51 pm

        Yes but Crusher didn’t. Read above. Bronwyn has spoken to anyone who will listen to her concerns about ACC well back into the Labour government years. If you want privacy you must keep your information private, she hasn’t.

    • mickysavage 14.2
      26 March 2012 at 2:49 pm

      What about the Boag email itself Kate?  I am sure this was a private Nat activist to Nat activist but it appears to have made its way to ACC and was then transmitted somehow to Slater.
       
      Care to comment on this?

      • Cactus Kate 14.2.1
        26 March 2012 at 2:55 pm

        Why? Too many insane conspiracy theories here already.
        Boag was clearly lobbying the incoming Minister by the sounds. And again, want privacy, be private.

        • Bored 14.2.1.1
          26 March 2012 at 4:53 pm

          So Prickly One, who benefits (the most)….whats the real score according to the inside tequila? (I would lay a bet on your version being close to the mark).

          • Cactus Kate 14.2.1.1.1
            26 March 2012 at 8:24 pm

            Interesting question FINALLY on The Standard

            Who benefits most from what has happened?
            I suspect Bronwyn.
            Hello, who is going to cut her ACC off after this?
            Boag and Smith are the losers.
            Crusher has been inconvenienced with the kerfuffle.
            Reporters have had a weeks great copy.
            And Winston mentioned the word sex in Parliament so his ratings driven by conspiracy have increased.

            • Colonial Viper 14.2.1.1.1.1
              26 March 2012 at 9:09 pm

              Who benefits most from what has happened?
              I suspect Bronwyn.
              Hello, who is going to cut her ACC off after this?

              I bet some people are looking at filing criminal charges against Bronwyn. Misuse of private information for personal gain and all that.

              And Winston mentioned the word sex in Parliament so his ratings driven by conspiracy have increased.

              How can it still be a conspiracy if the detail is all coming out in the open?

              • felix …
                26 March 2012 at 9:12 pm

                Odgers is just trying to divert attention away from the political machinations, as the Slater child has been doing.

                Pullar is a dupe and a patsy, neither here nor there in the big picture.

                Who benefits politically?

  15. William Joyce 15
    26 March 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Has Crusher developed a new career advancement plan? – Link

  16. Ross 16
    26 March 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Pullar’s list of gripes with ACC is longer than my arm. Isuggest the ACC minister might like to improve the performance of her ministry rather than shoot the messenger.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/6631240/Full-list-of-Bronwyn-Pullars-complaints-to-ACC

    • ianmac 16.1
      26 March 2012 at 3:05 pm

      Phew! Somewhat repetitive but no wonder ACC is fed up! Smoke. Fire?
      On Morning Report today it was suggested that the obsessiveness of some can be credited against certain types of brain injury.

  17. felix 17
    26 March 2012 at 4:59 pm

    I note that an old drunk lady upthread keeps calling Judith Collins “crusher”.

    Has she actually crushed any cars yet or is this just another bit of desperate and pathetically transparent meme generation?

    • deuto 17.1
      26 March 2012 at 9:14 pm

      Interesting that she continually uses Crusher – but after her first two comments on the post, my instinctive reaction was “the ‘lady” protestive too much” – not correct wording but you get the drift. Playing interference by chance?

      • felix 17.1.1
        26 March 2012 at 9:19 pm

        Hmm yes, 5 prickly comments in this thread, containing 5 instances of “Crusher” and none of “Collins”.

        I think the idea is to make Collins sound strong and formidable, but really it just makes Odgers sound sycophantic and crawly.

    • David H 17.2
      26 March 2012 at 11:03 pm

      I think she might have got one. I saw a piccy of it, and I would not even want to get in it. It was a Toymotor Coroda 1988 vintage with more coroda than toymotor.

  18. Adrian 18
    26 March 2012 at 5:17 pm

    It’s not fair to compare the car that Collins crushed to Nick Smith. As TV3 showed when the authorities turned up to take it away, it was a broken down empty stripped out shell long past it’s use-by date, ohh……

    • felix 18.1
      26 March 2012 at 5:19 pm

      So she has actually had a car crushed?

      Is it just the one so far?

      • Colonial Viper 18.1.1
        26 March 2012 at 9:20 pm

        Yep, just that one. As Adrian mentioned it was already an immobile wreck. Probably did the landowners a favour, taking it away.

  19. Sarah 19
    27 March 2012 at 12:02 pm

    How many people is Collins going to knock off to cover her arse?
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6644194/ACC-chairman-called-to-Beehive
    Is John Judge next?
    Who’s going to squeal??!!

  20. Sarah 20
    27 March 2012 at 12:12 pm

    One thing that can be confirmed now is either ACC or the Minister is lying!
    Which one?
    How can anyone have trust and confidence in ACC and their integrity when we don’t know if it’s the Corporation or the Minister that’s lying?
    Maybe they both need to go?

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    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • At a time of media turmoil, Melissa had nothing to proclaim as Minister – and now she has been dem...
    Buzz from the Beehive   Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

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