Covid19 is a bastard

Written By: - Date published: 9:25 am, May 11th, 2020 - 128 comments
Categories: australian politics, health, health and safety, uk politics, uncategorized, us politics - Tags: ,

We are heading towards decision time. Does Aotearoa New Zealand loosen up and head back to a semi normal life?

There are many loud voices supporting loosening things up. Particularly those of the right, National, business interests and owners of suburban shopping malls. Why can’t we just get back to normal?

The problem is that normal is years and a vaccine away if ever.

Pretty well all kiwis are proud that the Government responded early and directly. The infection rate started to spike in the same way that it has in other nations. But because of the staunch position taken by the Government and the overwhelming support shown by kiwis we appear to have it under control.

The right have struggled. The Government was too staunch yet not staunch enough. Various permutations of this position have been argued for the past few weeks.

Their latest tactic is to attack the Government for allegedly not getting the legal technicalities right.

I thought that David Parker gave a pretty good response. Bridges attacks were the sort of attacks you would expect from a first year law student and Parker’s response was the sort of response you would expect from a law professor.

Their other attack point has been to claim that Australia has also managed to squash the curve but they were able to get a take out coffee and a haircut and they were able to go to the beach.

The situation is more complex and the relative positions are not so different. But it appears that Australia may not be so conclusively winning the war and eradication may not be in its game plan. Its infection rate has not been squashed. This brings into question suggestions that we could have a Trans Tasman bubble.

As the virus has shown in Japan and in Singapore you may think that you have it under control and then it neatly sidesteps arrangements and keeps on spreading.

Australia is starting to get the same nutty lock down protests that the United States has experienced.

And they appear to think that Bill Gates is implicated.

There is even a kiwi strain appearing and protests are proposed for this Saturday the 16th of May. I suspect that it is linked to the anti vaxxer movement.

Meanwhile the United States and the United Kingdom are moving ahead with plans to loosen up personal distancing restrictions at a time that their infection rates have plateaued rather than are declining. To be frank this is a recipe for disaster. Stand by as infection rates surge again.

 

128 comments on “Covid19 is a bastard ”

  1. Andre 1

    A sensible decision on whether to relax restrictions really depends on some quite detailed information about individual cases that shouldn't be released to the public, for good privacy reasons. Another factor is whether that relaxation can and will include maintaining much tighter bubbles around those that may have any conceivable risk of catching COVID then subsequently spreading it.

    If the few recent new cases have all been either recent repatriations that were still in quarantine or within-bubble close contacts of known cases that were immediately linkable, then that points towards it being feasible to relax restrictions.Especially if extra provision and support is given to strengthen the bubble around those hundred-odd remaining active cases. Preferably also around the recently recovered for another week or two, just to be sure.

    But if the recent cases have included any out-of-bubble transmissions that required a genuine contact tracing effort, then to me that strongly points to maintaining level 3.

    • mickysavage 1.1

      I gather that recent cases have either been Waitakere Hospital nurse infections, which is a big worry, or returning nationals or existing bubbles. This tends to suggest we can cautiously loosen up. But it will only take one random transmission and we may have to go back into lockdown.

      • Andre 1.1.1

        Yeah, that's my impression too. But I've got niggling in the back of my head that a few days ago one of the new cases was reported as still under investigation. Which worries me.

        So I would hope that a move to level 2 would include doing stuff like helping strengthen bubbles around existing cases and their carers. Such as ensuring groceries get contactless delivered to the bubble, rather than someone within the bubble needing to go shopping. If someone within an active case bubble has work available and needs the income, then income support to allow them to stay strictly within the bubble would be a good thing.

      • RedLogix 1.1.2

        But it will only take one random transmission and we may have to go back into lockdown.

        No I don't think so. The purpose of the lockdown was never to eradicate the virus; it was to buy us time to get in place test and track, plus all the other medical system tools needed to manage a much longer term crisis.

        We will get more cases as we move out of lockdown; but if we can find and isolate them quickly enough the virus should not get out of control. I'm not underestimating the challenge this represents, but it is absolutely the only path out of lockdown.

        And as your OP shows, there will be a rising level of resistance to lockdown, how ever deplorable this may feel to many. And we can be certain our media will exploit it to undermine Ardern; some media would sooner see thousands of dead kiwis than this govt have another term. Maintaining lockdown indefinitely simply feeds this risk.

        Oh and a great title for the OP. Early in January Xi Xinping used the term “demon virus”, a phrase that has stuck in my mind. ‘Bastard’ would be the equivalent in our vernacular.

        • KJT 1.1.2.1

          Agree. It is all about being able to limit and control any outbreaks.

          Zero cases, eradication, may not be possible for many months.

          Complacency. Thinking we have licked it. Is a big threat.

          And the people who would rather have thousands dead, than see the Government have another term.

      • RedBaronCV 1.1.3

        I spend my time worrying that one of those Waitakere cases lives in a bubble with an essential worker who has been down at Macca's drive in for the whole of level 3.

        The Matamata cluster still seems to be producing after 54 or so days so that's 4 cycles.

        Us risk adverse would probably be happier with about 28 days of zero. I'm not personally too keen on inter regional travel yet – Queens birthday is coming up – but accept that there may need to be more targeted assistance for some areas. And schools are big bodies of people busy transmitting.

  2. Dennis Frank 2

    There's a mood of rebellion out there, which the Nats hope to surf into the election. Too much a gamble. Resurgence of the virus would topple them off the board.

    Govt is up against human nature: tired of onerous constraints, the people seek escape from the confinement. Rule-breakers were all over the place again.

    So I expect the plan later today will be for a middling trajectory – further easing, but built-in delays to gratification. So the orthodox will feel reassured by the govt's use of the precautionary principle, and the rebels will ignore it regardless. Cops & courts will have to improvise their fakery around enforcement.

    • swordfish 2.1

      There's a mood of rebellion out there, which the Nats hope to surf into the election … Govt is up against human nature: tired of onerous constraints, the people seek escape from the confinement.

      Recent Research NZ polling suggests the bulk of the population remain more cautious than the Govt.

      Eg (1) 60% wanted Level 4 extended longer a few weeks back,

      Eg (2) In latest poll, only 36% said they intended to widen their bubble under Alert level 3.

      • observer 2.1.1

        Yes, all surveys have shown high levels of public support (the professional ones, not the self-selecting online fake polls).

        Two reasons why that has not been highlighted in the news:

        1) These have not been TV1/TV3 polls. The networks highlight their own (fair enough, they spend a lot of money on them). They pay little attention to other polls.

        2) It's easy to fill up news/interview time with assorted spokespeople, who naturally represent their own group (retail, hospitality, tourism etc). But they don't represent public opinion overall. Only polls do that.

        So there hasn't been a "mood of rebellion" at all. Not by any measure (polls, petitions, protests, even the kind of thing we've seen overseas).

  3. RedLogix 3

    So far our govt has responded to the immediate crisis admirably. We are moving into phase that as your OP outlines, is immeasurably more complex. So far we are three months into this event and most people and nations have been able to go through lockdown and draw down on their accumulated resources. Not all, but enough to sustain the expectation of a return to something we recognise and familiar and normal.

    When this momentum of the old normal slows sufficiently there will be a cascade of consequences. The pandemic crisis is uncovering new trends to bolster the arguments of both pessimists and optimists. All we can be certain of is that we need to dump our old clichés and be prepared for the challenge of new puzzles.

  4. Pat 4

    The logical thing to do is to wait for at least a complete cycle of zero new cases however the herd immunity (unspoken) crowd are applying (promoted by National) sufficient pressure as to make that unworkable…..we are going to have to hope we are exceedingly lucky.

    Relying on luck is not what I call a 'strategy'….it has a definite orange hue.

    • ScottGN 4.1

      I’m not one of the herd immunity crowd or a National supporter and I’ve supported the government actions right through the lockdown.

      But it’s time to move cautiously towards what will be the new normal now. In essence the public are making the decision for the government. People have started to slip free of their bubbles. There simply won’t be anymore tolerance for another 14 day cycle of a potential infection period at level 3. And I don’t see Ardern ordering troops onto the streets to enforce it.

      We’ve given it our best shot and done remarkably well. Hopefully we’ve managed to overcome the shortcomings of our preparedness at the start of the crisis and can properly manage any outbreaks which will probably be a certainty.

      • Pat 4.1.1

        "There simply won’t be anymore tolerance for another 14 day cycle of a potential infection period at level 3."

        I agree….from a vocal minority (supported by vested interests, political and business via media)….the support of the majority however to complete the job started remains.

        It wouldnt require troops in the streets to enforce.

    • Grantoc 4.2

      I think you're being far to risk adverse Pat.

      If you look at this from the perspective of what the data is telling us (which is what the public health experts go about ad nauseum), then, based on yesterdays figures the percentage of NZders actually dying from Covid is 1.4% of the total number of positive cases. Turning that figure around, this means that 98.6% of all those tested as positive are surviving.

      These kinds of percentages have been consistent throughout the pandemic.

      There has also been significant improvements in tracking and tracing since the Min of Health got organised to combat this virus. Its therefore entirely reasonable to assume that the risk of New Zealanders dying from this virus is now miniscle.

      Conversely the risk of damage to our overall well being far far outweighs the risk of the virus now. From my point of view the stats provide a compelling reason to move to level 2.

      • Pat 4.2.1

        If the strategy is elimination (as we are informed it is) then there is no logic in abandoning that strategy until it is achieved UNLESS it becomes apparent the strategy is failing to achieve its goal……the question of being risk averse was decided when we entered level 4.

        "Conversely the risk of damage to our overall well being far far outweighs the risk of the virus now. From my point of view the stats provide a compelling reason to move to level 2."

        Which stats?….the NZ covid case stats provide no such compelling case…indeed the contrary.

        "Park said health workers were trying to contact about 1940 people who had been at the three clubs and other places nearby. The mayor said gains made against the virus were now threatened "because of a few careless people"."

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/121469425/coronavirus-south-korea-reverses-on-reopenings-following-nightclub-outbreak

        The jobs are gone regardless….the impact on the economy of extending restrictions is marginal.

        • Macro 4.2.1.1

          Pat, I think you misunderstand the use of "elimination" in this instance. Yes the govt strategy at the present time is elimination. But here the word is being used as a verb, not a noun. We are currently in the process of elimination. As Ashleigh said in one of the briefings about a week ago, elimination doesn't mean there will be no more cases popping up. The final phase of the programme is not elimination, but eradication. Under eradication then the goal is for no more cases. Again eradication is used more as a verb – a process to work through – rather than a noun. When there are no more cases, and every case has recovered or died then we can say we have eradicated the disease.

          • Pat 4.2.1.1.1

            The expectation was that any 'cases popping up' would be from offshore..i.e. returning nationals or employees servicing international trade….hence the plan to make sure there was no undetected community transmission.

            Eradication would require the virus to be eliminated globally…something we (in NZ) have no control over.

            • Macro 4.2.1.1.1.1

              the plan to make sure there was no undetected community transmission.

              And essentially we have achieved that. Over the weekend there were over 16,000 tests undertaken in NZ, targeted, and random, and of those, only 4 positive cases resulted, all of which were readily traced to previous cases in an existing cluster, or returning travellers, and all were in isolation.

              • Pat

                We have almost achieved that…so why give up when we are almost there?

                • Grantoc

                  I think to continue to try and achieve complete elimination/eradication will mean being in a perpetual state of 'almost there'. What would be the point if this meant, as it probably does, staying in level 3 or 4?

                  Hanging on to a fantasy that we're 'almost there' means tracking down every last covid virus. That's never going to happen – and, to repeat, what would be the point?

                  Better to go to levels 2 and 1 and to manage Covid through effective tracking and tracing systems. And, as well, to focus on finding an effective vaccination.

                  • Pat

                    As said before …"UNLESS it becomes apparent the strategy is failing to achieve its goal"…we havnt even given it one cycle in level 3 to show its worth.

              • bill

                And wasn't there something about that over-seas traveler having an incubation period that was longer than the two weeks of required quarantine?

        • Grantoc 4.2.1.2

          A couple of points in response Pat.

          Effective strategic planning means that strategists adapt and adjust as new information becomes available. Insofar as the Covid elimination strategy the government is pursuing is concerned, it has already done this to some extent.

          An extremely important consideration for the government in continuing to pursue an elimination strategy is the degree to which it benefits the country verses costs the country. If analysis suggests that we should stay at level 3 so the the elimination strategy can continue to track down a virus here or a small outbreak there, is it worth the sacrifice of say another 50,000 jobs? or the delay in providing cancer treatment? I say it is not worth it. At which point the strategy should be abandoned, unless it can be significantly modified.

          The stats I was referring to above are the NZ stats. Especially the percentage of deaths to confirmed cases.

          Many jobs are gone, and many more will go – but by moving to level 2 and eventually 1, it means that there is a much better chance of saving (even growing) jobs and the economy, which in turn contributes to our overall well being.

          In my opinion its not worth staying in level 3 to pursue an elimination strategy that produces limited and decreasing returns, whilst having the side effect of destroying the economy. I doubt even Jacinda can charm NZders to agree to that.

          • Pat 4.2.1.2.1

            and when the lock down needs to be reimposed (either regionally or nationally) you'll be the first to support it no doubt.

            "In my opinion its not worth staying in level 3 to pursue an elimination strategy that produces limited and decreasing returns, whilst having the side effect of destroying the economy."

            And there is the false dichotomy….extending the lockdown or not will not stop the destruction of the economy…that is destroyed by the virus and the international impacts, not whether we can go to the pub or restaurant or not.

            and a difference of 50,000 jobs…on what basis?

          • RedBaronCV 4.2.1.2.2

            That always sounds "very persuasive". But the reality is we are talking a about a few weeks in what for most people is a very long lifetime. There are also costs in not having that little extra time. People like me who would be far more active out and about if we had had more zero days rather than dodging going out to the movies. And from overseas experience it only takes a few who are highly social to spread it far and wide

      • RedLogix 4.2.2

        These kinds of percentages have been consistent throughout the pandemic.

        It varies wildly from country to country. So far there are 4.2 million confirmed cases globally and 282 thousand deaths. That's a Case Fatality Ratio of 6.8%

        Now you can argue with both the number of actual cases and the number of deaths; both are likely to under-report the actual numbers. As testing extends more broadly across populations we will get better data and models. There is a lot to learn about immunity and whether having serum antibodies implies anything for herd immunity. And as we dig into excess deaths statistics we'll get a full picture of the real human impact of this pandemic.

        But for now these are the numbers we have to consider as the global base case, and right now it shows that if you are diagnosed with CV19 there is about a 1:4 chance you will become seriously ill, and a 1:15 chance you will die.

        There are many concerning aspects to this new virus; perhaps the worst is it's high infectivity before symptoms appear, and relatively long delay before it kills. This means it is under almost no selective pressure to become less lethal over time. Indeed it could easily mutate into something worse.

        Its therefore entirely reasonable to assume that the risk of New Zealanders dying from this virus is now miniscle.

        Maybe this is true for NZ, but these mainly apply because of our full lockdown. But lockdowns while effective, are not efficient. I also support moving to Level 2 soon, not because the perceived threat is low, it will because we are now better prepared to manage it with more efficient methods.

        Level 2 will mean we can move about and most people will cautiously welcome this, BUT this does not mean the crisis is over. It's now moving into a more complex and riskier phase; we cannot assume life is going back to 'normal'.

        • KJT 4.2.2.1

          The number of deaths and disabilities as a result, of Covid are definitely understated.

          As the deaths and disabilities from other causes, because hospitals are full of covid cases etc, have seldom been totalled, for one.

          If we had gone the way of Italy, Sweden and the USA, how much over normal would our total excess deaths have been? Seen articles that suggest at least as many, as those who die directly from Coronavirus.

          • McFlock 4.2.2.1.1

            I think that will come out in the wash. The excess deaths might be unrelated causes but associated with health system overload, or they might be misdiagnosed/undiagnosed/contributingcause covid.

            In ICD10 there is a diagnostic code that might cover deaths due to lack of medical care access, which would be pinged if there were no ICU beds clear. But also, many other causes of death will decrease at this time (NZ might actually be useful as a reference for the non-covid health effects of lockdown).

            So if traffic mortality goes down, but the proportion of traffic admissions who die increases, that might say something. And if all other causes not plausibly covidian go down, maybe an increase in pneumonia deaths indicates misdiagnosed covid.

            • ianmac 4.2.2.1.1.1

              Didn't a credible poll in US show that about 70-80% were unwilling to go to restriction free state? Imagine similar in NZ.

              • KJT

                A, during the lockdown, poll said 83% supported the Governments actions.

                The support for continued restrictions is likely still high.

                However, the less cases we have the harder it is to justify level 3 restrictions.

                Community support is vital for restrictions to work, so they have to be seen to be proportionate.

                I actually trust this Government to sensibly assess and balance the risks, on their record so far.

  5. Sabine 5

    Unless the government is willing to pay all of the bills not currently being paid it will have to 'open' up. Its actually quite simple, no one in this country who was not on a benefit before lockdown can pay their bills in full on (best case scenario) 585.00 per week. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12330543

    And offering people loans in a world were nothing is assured and nothing can be planned is not gonna cut it, is not gonna work, and above all is not helpful at all. Despite what the dear nicely paid suits in parliament (of all sides and all shades of beige) may say.

    I would also like to see something happening about the need for proper access to medical care for pregnant women about to give birth, surely we can do better then fuck all and a port a shower on the road side for women in child birth cause all of our hospitals are closed for business unless one has the virus. Just to name one of the things that really needs to be addressed now before we start loosing women to child birth like we did in 1890.

    But all of these things were well known going into lockdown, and as stated before let me repeat this again:

    "Going into lock down was the easy part, going out of is going to be the really hard and unpleasant part". And maybe that needs to be acknowledged.

    As for the unemployed, maybe the Government can hire a few of the newly unemployed office workers and call takers of NZ and let them answer phone calls to WINZ, i hear the WINZ drones have issues keeping up with the new generation of the wretched and refused of this country to help them get the financial benefits they need and are legally entitled too (as all benefits are pre-paid by the tax payer – just in case people forgot where the money comes from – the worker, not Gareth Morgan and his ilk)
    .

    • A 5.1

      Jobseeker Support for a single person over 25 is $250ish a week net. Chuck in an Accommodation Supplement and you still aren't up to the generous level of wage subsidy. It's going to be a secondary shock to everyone (many of whom thought they wouldn't never need a benefit).

    • The Al1en 5.2

      As I've told you before, I take home less than $585 per week and pay all my bills, so to repeat the lie no one can pay their bills on the wage subsidy is still factually incorrect.

      • ScottGN 5.2.1

        The net weekly pay from the wage subsidy once tax and KiwiSaver are deducted is $475.00. As for managing on it, doesn’t that rather depend on what your weekly outgoings were before you needed to rely on it? Not many people will have landlords in a position to reduce their rent for example, and in Auckland at least average rent will certainly take a sizeable chunk of the subsidy.

        • The Al1en 5.2.1.1

          You'd have to search for the previous exchange on the subject to find my comments that for many it would be a struggle and/or impossible, but the fact remains, a blanket statement this isn't possible, just isn't true.

          • Blazer 5.2.1.1.1

            You are correct.

            The same logic applies to homes being unaffordable I guess.

            There will always be some who..can afford them.

        • KJT 5.2.1.2

          A family living in Auckland will be paying that in rent alone.

          Even in Northland, rent starts at $300/house.

          And, if you are a small business paying $11000 a month in commercial lease, not unusual…….

          Of course the malls and landlords, should come to the party as well, after the money most have been making. But only a few have,

  6. AB 6

    I fear that the same sort of Kiwi 'she'll be rightism' that has given us such a lethal adventure tourism industry and so many workplace deaths, will also undo the good work done to date on COVID-19.

  7. Muttonbird 7

    Open the schools, they are inherently disciplined places full of routine and all comers and goers are known. Schools can be traced.

    Everything else where you can't practice distance stays shut.

  8. Oh gee …. maybe one should show up to the NZ protests (in a mask) with a sign demanding more funding for vaccine development ….

  9. Kay 9

    There was a terrible bullying culture in NZ before this, even amongst 'professionals.' Some things never change.

  10. RichardP 10

    My level 2 rule would be "If alcohol is involved (or likely to be), then it's a no. Other businesses fine proved they practice distancing and contact tracing.." – given many of the clusters NOT from old folks homes are from situations where alcohol (and the close mixing that comes with it) were present (Bluff wedding, Matamata St Patricks day, Boom rock wedding, Korean night club etc.)

  11. weka 11

    Re the anti-vaxxer communities, we really need to take a step back and consider what is going on there. Hating on them, shunning them, ridiculing them will not make them go away, and will almost certainly radicalise the majority of them who are fairly ordinary NZers. The extremists and the manipulators we can deal with differently, but most people who have concerns about vaccinations, 5G, GE foods, fluoridation and so on, have some basis for their general unease with the state of technology in the world. Making this a fight between anti-science and science is supreme will cause wider divisions and is the same radicalising split that is happening in other areas. The right will use this to further create a Trumpian culture in NZ.

    Instead, we have the option of calling in. Instead of "I'm right, your wrong" (and seriously, does anyone believe that will actually work with most people?), we can find common ground and build working relationships that are the core of healthy community.

    If we believe instead that are a nation state that should be all on the same page, that community and relationship don't matter, then we (progressives) will make our own contribution to Trumpian culture in NZ.

    To be clear, I'm not suggesting us all singing kumbaya, or that we accommodate behaviour that is anti-social or dangerous. We can still disagree, sometimes vehemently, and we still need collective, thoughtful approaches to dealing with the extremes. I'm talking about understanding that we are in this together and that the basis of good politics and society needs to be respect for people (as distinct from their ideas).

    Understanding that we have things in common, and that there are actually third party actors involved who have a whole another agenda entirely will free us up to break the binary we are currently stuck in.

  12. peterh 12

    Be very careful. The great aussie myth , Melbourne 100 new cases in 4 days, 1 bubble at a meatworks 76 cases , one of the infected meat workers wife works at a aged care now its in the aged care . yesterday 8 new cases 4 at meatworks. 4 from RANDOM TESTING and today had to close down a new health care centre

    • Pat 12.1

      A pattern repeating all round the world…and we are on the cusp of avoiding it.

      Sadly it looks like we will end up doing a half arsed job thanks to political pressure.

      • ScottGN 12.1.1

        It’s not just political pressure though Pat. A friend of mine is desperate to see her grandchildren. Another friend broke lockdown rules last week to go and get her mother and move her into her house. Walking about Auckland nowadays I see all sorts of people out in groups that must surely be out of their bubbles. You just can’t lock the population in their homes endlessly.

      • Poission 12.1.2

        A single ember can re light the forest.

        https://twitter.com/yaneerbaryam/status/1259300589407735808

      • swordfish 12.1.3

        A pattern repeating all round the world…and we are on the cusp of avoiding it.

        Sadly it looks like we will end up doing a half arsed job thanks to political pressure.

        Pretty much my view in a nutshell.

  13. Sanctuary 13

    If the virus comes in waves overseas that require more lockdowns, then aiming for eradication with closed borders looks an attractive economic aim.

  14. bill 14

    Australia is starting to get the same nutty lock down protests that the United States has experienced.

    It's not fair or accurate to suggest that all of the people protesting lock-down are "nutty". People on very low incomes who can barely muster two brass farts in the best of times have to find a way to put food on the table and pay bills….on something like 80% of "not two brass farts" in some of the better situations.

    The response differs around the world, but when a government says people must stay at home, then that government has a duty or obligation to make sure people are provided for. And that hasn't been happening.

    On the larger picture, while I understand governments and businesses wanting a return to normal economic activity, I'm not convinced that sentiment's wholly shared by the public. Sure, people want some things to return, but as for a 'cut and paste' jobby from November 2019….yeah, nah.

    And then there's that opportunity to have a wee deek at physics and have our future guided by reality rather than ideology….seemingly not up for discussion and so slipping us by.

    • AB 14.1

      "It's not fair or accurate to suggest that all of the people protesting lock-down are "nutty". People on very low incomes who can barely muster two brass farts in the best of times…."

      Such an important distinction this – prolonged lock-downs have to be accompanied by the bailout of citizens. Governments need to chuck new money in at the bottom and tax it out at the top. The latter can wait for a while.

  15. Wensleydale 15

    It's nice to see we haven't progressed far beyond baying mobs chanting "Burn the witch!" I mean, "Arrest Bill Gates!"? I try hard not to ridicule people like this because it's not terribly constructive… but they just make it so fucking easy. I work with a guy who spends much of the day watching fringe videos on the internet. He entertains us all with his barking mad conspiracy theories about 5G, Illuminati mind control and the Deep State pumping drugs into the water to pacify the populace. (He doesn't respond well to comments about the Lizard People infiltrating contemporary society as a precursor to a full-scale invasion. That's just silly, apparently.) Sometimes we just let him talk because it's so thigh-slappingly hilarious, but most of the time we're just left speechless. I mean, where do you even start with this stuff?

    • weka 15.1

      Start with understanding that if we put the conspiracy stuff aside, are there still concerns about Gates, his influence and what he does? Are there reasons to distrust the state? Is high tech out of control and needs reining in via ethics and other values? That's not necessarily going to build common ground with your work mate, but it does shift *us out of shun and ridicule being our natural inclination. Then the issues of tech and govt become about ideas and politics rather than writing people off.

      • Sacha 15.1.1

        Comes down to how much energy we have to be unpaid and unqualified therapists for the fears of those around us. So many others we can be helping first.

        • weka 15.1.1.1

          Much important therapeutic work gets done unpaid and by people with experience but no formal qualifications /shrug

          I don't see how that's particularly relevant though. Apart from some basic compassion and respect skills, I'm not suggesting everyone has to get into each other's heads.

      • Wensleydale 15.1.2

        You're a better person than me, Weka. And no, I'm not being facetious.

      • francesca 15.1.3

        I for one object to a billionaire( who got to that position with some pretty unpleasant business practices,) having so much power and influence .

        "While the efforts of fellow billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg to use his wealth to win the presidency foundered amid intense media criticism, Gates has proved there is a far easier path to political power, one that allows unelected billionaires to shape public policy in ways that almost always generate favorable headlines: charity."

        "The Nation found close to $250 million in charitable grants from the Gates Foundation to companies in which the foundation holds corporate stocks and bonds: Merck, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Vodafone, Sanofi, Ericsson, LG, Medtronic, Teva, and numerous start-ups—with the grants directed at projects like developing new drugs and health monitoring systems and creating mobile banking services."

        Are we to be governed by corporates, dictating education and public health?

        https://www.thenation.com/article/society/bill-gates-foundation-philanthropy/

        This really smacks of the rich giving to themselves and each other, and avoiding taxes at the same time

        Pay your bloody taxes and let elected governments develop public health policies

        • KJT 15.1.3.1

          Their influence on education has been the worst effect for the USA.

          We can see what dumbing down does, right now.

    • RedLogix 15.2

      Lizard People infiltrating contemporary society as a precursor to a full-scale invasion. That's just silly, apparently.

      Why does no-one take us geckos seriously?

      I mean, where do you even start with this stuff?

      Here is metaphor that might help. I spent a fair chunk of my life tramping and more than a few times I got 'geographically embarrassed' as we like to put it. The mistake most people make is pushing onward in the hope they may stumble across some clue that will help. It rarely does.

      The trick is to stop, sit down, get warm and have a bite to eat if you can. Then think back to when you can last remember you knew where you were. Then carefully reconstruct the steps needed to get there.

      Well the interesting part with most of these conspiracy theories is they almost always contain at least some small kernel of truth. That's the point where you knew you were on the track. I had a close friend who had bought into the whole faked moon landing package, but rather than confront the hot mess head on, I took it back to things we both personally knew for certain were true about the event and slowly worked it from there.

      For most people, this kind of off-track adventure is a matter of trust. Either the official narrative is missing or deficient and they start searching for alternatives. This is not in itself a bad thing, because the gated institutional narrative is often manipulated in ways we should be questioning. Finding points of trust (and they can often be quite small things) is the key to not getting lost.

    • joe90 15.3

      The virus is a bioweapon deployed by China so Soros and assorted jack-booted globalists working with Bill Gates and the UN can mass-medicate the citizenry with a supposed vaccine while the sons and daughters of liberty are sitting ducks under the freedumb hating socialist diktats of social distancing and mandatory isolation.

      • Wensleydale 15.3.1

        Thanks for clearing that up for me, mate. Cheers.

      • AB 15.3.2

        Darn – you're right. I thought Crooked Hillary and Sleepy Joe had bought the virus back from China to destroy the greatest economy in the history of the world. But I like your theory better.

        • Dukeofurl 15.3.2.1

          Some hard line Catholic Prelates have joined the chorus . In one strongly worded sentence, it claims that "centuries of Christian civilization" could be "erased under the pretext of a virus" and an "odious technological tyranny" established in its place. "

          "A letter signed by such Catholic notables as the German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller,[one of Benedicts right hand men] Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano from Italy and Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the former bishop of Hong Kong, claims that the pandemic is being exploited to restrict basic rights "disproportionately and unjustifiably." It also maintains that the contagiousness of the novel coronavirus has been overstated by authorities, referring to unnamed "authoritative voices in the world of science and medicine" to back its claim.

          It strongly criticizes governments around the world for the lockdowns imposed in a bid to stem the spread of the virus, saying that "the imposition of these illiberal measures is a disturbing prelude to the realization of a world government beyond all control."

          In one strongly worded sentence, it claims that "centuries of Christian civilization" could be "erased under the pretext of a virus" and an "odious technological tyranny" established in its place.

          https://www.dw.com/en/germany-catholic-chiefs-reject-cardinals-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories/a-53384164?maca=en-rss-en-ger-1023-xml-atom

          • Ad 15.3.2.1.1

            Good to see them getting slapped down hard by other Catholic leaders.

            What idiots.

    • bill 15.4

      I used to live next door to a guy who ran an aged care home and one day he started on earnestly about "Greylons" and "the Manhattan Project" and such like.

      I guess I could have focused on what he was thinking and dismissed him as mad or whatever, but I focused on how he was thinking, and realised he was no different to me or anyone else I've known.

      Maybe that's a way around an urge to just dismiss people?

  16. Rosemary McDonald 16

    We towed a trailer loaded with household stuff from the Waikato to the Far Far North on Saturday.

    Did our research, and one of the Offspring applied for permission to travel with us to help with heavy lifting so we didn't have to ask for help from outside our bubble.

    We wisely planned to stay overnight before driving back south (so we can travel up in our Bus tomorrow) and politely turned down offers of staying with friends….didn't want to bubble break…but the motel down the road refused to take us because they're 'only allowed to accommodate Essential Workers.'

    I could have directed her to the Rules for Inter Regional Travel in Level 3 which allow for home relocations, but she had got it so firmly into her head that only Essential Workers were allowed to travel and she'd be 'audited and get into trouble ' that I really couldn't be bothered bursting her bubble.

    Luckily we have friends up there who run a backpackers…closed under lockdown….who were happy for us to stay. They had even left food and fresh fish for us. We never actually saw them ….bubbles etc…so we owe them bigtime when we can finally meet up again in person.

    We had got all our paperwork in order, as well as a brief explanatory account of why we were Traveling all neatly packaged in clearfile pockets for a quick and clean flick at the checkpoints/roadblocks.

    Not needed. Not a single checkpoint despite numerous marked police cars on the road.

    There was more traffic on the road than we expected in the built up areas, but way less than normal so the the trip was much quicker. The Auckland motorway was a breeze. Traffic, but flowing happily along at 100kph. None of that stupid shit at the southbound on ramps on the Northern motorway, which had us wondering if it was just Shopping that creates the hideous bottlenecks even in off peak times normally.

    We did have minor car trouble…needed a computer technician/mechanic to reset a warning light and test drive the car….all done 'contactless ' and maintaining required 2 meter gap. Couldn't Paywave as the mechanic had not been able to source a capable machine…such has been the rush.

    So. Why this boring tale?

    We bought a property, sight unseen, in the first few days of Level 4.

    Signed documents, witnessed via a WhatsApp video call. All very new and scary for dyed in the wool Luddites.

    Have been through considerable stress trying to get shit done that needed to get done, but we have got there without too much bloodshed and only a few tears. Patience has been the key.

    Things have Changed. We Old People have adapted to these changes, and what could have been difficult was not. Businesses have adapted, and are still functioning and are managing to maintain safe distancing. Some clearer signage might help at the service stations, but we could still get the vital BP mocha and the double wrapped pies.

    We were surprised that some acquaintances Up North accepted our rule they could not help us…. some of those folk tend to be healthily suspicious and dismissive of government imposed controls(quite a few are proud 'anti -vaxxers' even)…but there seems to be an aura of cautiousness and compliance.

    Level 2 can come with some of the existing controls with few problems…IMHO.

    Checkpoints still…even just to remind folk.

    Open shops other than supermarkets, with the same social distancing rules. Please…because I'm not buying new bath towels on-line.

    Schools…I don't know. I suspect that if I had school age children or mokos I'd be wanting them at home still. Be interesting that one.

    Keep the borders closed. To even the Aussies. We don't need overseas workers to come here to be exploited…hire our own, train them and pay them well.

    When it's 'safe'…allow travelers in but on strict self funded three week Quarantine. No exceptions.

    • Sacha 16.1

      Congrats on the house.

      • Rosemary McDonald 16.1.1

        Thanks.

        Literally over the road from our favorite free park over in our Bus. Saw it on Trademe, got good mates to check out access for the Bus and the Wheelchair. Tick for both, and the price good enough that we can afford required modifications. Might realize the dream of having an accessible holiday place for mates who need it. 😉😉

        • patricia 16.1.1.1

          So pleased for you Rosemary. You have moved North in time to miss the worst of the winter as well. Keep well. All the best.

          • Rosemary McDonald 16.1.1.1.1

            Had our first truly disgusting damp amd fogggy Waikato winter morning the other day.

            I was doing a wee jig, complete with heel-clicks, as I found a gap in the trailer for the chainsaw.

            We are finally going home.🙂

    • RedLogix 16.2

      Best wishes with your new home. yes

      The good news is most people are doing the best they can in this changed world.

      • Rosemary McDonald 16.2.1

        Thanks RL. Having no Home of our own to go to when Level 4 struck was confronting to us.

        We thought we'd be fine so long as we had the Bus. The NZMCA closing all 40 of our club parking sites…an overreaction IMHO…will have rattled a few permanent but happy bus dwellers.

        Sharing with son and daughter in law, both working fulltime outside the home, created stress. More for them, as they were concerned about bringing home The Virus and making the OPs sick.

        I admit to having some concerns that we are not being told the truth about the origins of Te Virus and how it has been transmitted. Having extended family in Wuhan has given us some insight.

        But what has been interesting is while I gave been outside over the past week loading the trailer and repacking our Bus the opportunity has arisen for some interesting chats with passing random walkers.

        Most seem content with the Lockdown and how our gummint have handled things. None give a toss about healthworkers wearing masks because that is not their lives.

        Most talk about WHO and their delay in declaring a pandemic and them seemingly being confident that China had it under control. Also most remember, as I do, that when the genome of Te Virus was first mapped…initial comments from experts declared it to be obviously a construct, made in a lab. Now, today, almost impossible to find links to those initial summations with the accepted narrative quickly shifting to the Wet Market.

        Now, there's a shift back again….all very interesting …and a pox on MSN for the way this saga has been handled at their end.

        They are the true bastards on this.

    • Anne 16.3

      Not a boring tale at all. Interesting and enlightening. My congrats too.

      • Rosemary McDonald 16.3.1

        Ta Anne. We thought we'd find a level of rebellion Up North. Seems most folks getting on with it from a distance and enjoying being able to get out on the water and catch a fish.

        Looking forward to catching up with other locals we have got to know over the years…politically very diverse.

        Once I have unpacked.😉

    • KJT 16.4

      Good to hear you've found a home.

      • Rosemary McDonald 16.4.1

        Three less homeless people. 😄(We have a mate going to move into our sleep out…another van dweller finding Lockdown tough.)

        • KJT 16.4.1.1

          smiley

          Currently only have family as basement dwellers.

          Covid has actually put rental accommodation within reach, of our usual rotating coach surfing youngsters.

    • Ad 16.5

      That's been a very long road for you Rosemary, and I wish you and your a swift settlement into the new place.

    • Molly 16.6

      Congratulations on the house, Rosemary. All the best with the unpacking and settling in.

      • Rosemary McDonald 16.6.1

        We don't have much stuff Molly…and the previous owners have left the place furnished. Clean and tidy….but fully furnished. Be like a treasure hunt. A bit weird going through someone else's cupboards…

        We took a hell of a punt buying sight unseen, and we were heavy on the 'good faiths ' when going unconditional.

        Looking over the place on the weekend all seems in order.

        They have even left us the old tractor. I've always wanted one of them.🙂

        • patricia 16.6.1.1

          Tractor!! Rosemary you are full of surprises. Your own place is so important to well being.

        • Brigid 16.6.1.2

          A tractor!! How awesome. Glad you've found a place to settle. I like the north, tho in places it's a bit white (woops I didn't write that). But yeah politically very diverse.

    • ianmac 16.7

      A great story Rosemary. Hope you don't mind but reading between the lines it seems to me that some stress has gone out of your life and that you are relaxed and optimistic about your future. It is why I read it all carefully in case I missed any words. Thanks for the insight.

      • Rosemary McDonald 16.7.1

        Biggest stress over the past six weeks has been having our Bus locked in the mechanics yard…not knowing if she was repairable, how much how long? If ever. I had nightmares. I woke in tears.

        The stuff you read from me here…not stress…I'm righteously venting.

        My anger at the seeming lack of understanding from Our Leaders and their official advisors of how vulnerable healthcare workers and those they care for are will persist.

        Just today…two more nurses testing positive. Why are healthworkers so vulnerable?

        Because they are almost always up close and personal to their patients. 'Hands on' really does mean hands on. And unless your arms are 2 meters long…

        My disdain, no, disgust at the MOH has been cemented in place by the way they have handled the whole issue of PPE for front line workers. Simply confirms what twenty years of engagement with them on disability issues taught us. They really are a bunch of numpties.

        The good thing is that with the Big Move coming up we will be too busy sorting our own shit out. And catching up on some fishing. Our new neighbour came for a chat while we unloaded the trailer the other day and remarked to Peter that he had never seen him before without a fishing rod hooked to his wheelchair.

        OTOH got chatting with one of those frontline nurses the other day. You remember, one of those who wore her own mask at work and was told not to wear it.

        One of the thousands who signed the petition begging the MOH to to show proper leadership and listen to those actually doing the work.

        Not to the ivory tower dwellers.

        😊

    • adam 16.8

      Welcome to the north, you going to like it up here.

      The warmth helps.

      • Brigid 16.8.1

        Yep.

        It's a good place.

        We could start a movement.

        🙂

      • Rosemary McDonald 16.8.2

        We have been hanging around north of Kaitaia for about 6 years. Just about tangata whenua….without the actual whenua.

        Good people. Gentle weather. Some solid activists on environmental issues….especially commercial water consents.

        Fishing great. Two wheelchair accessible wharves…one two minutes away and the other half an hour. Great pies.

        ..

  17. Blazer 17

    Deep,deep depression is inevitable.Unemployment will rocket after the wage subsidy runs out mid June.

    Sweden which has no lockdown had 36,000 new unemployed in one month.

    Identifying and isolating new outbreaks quickly may contain the virus but GDP and the economy will be fucked for years.

    12 years of maintaining a financial ponzi scheme guarantee that.

    • patricia 17.1

      Blazer, yes you are right. However, the Budget may extend the wage subsidy till Sept so business has more chance of improved takings in the spring and summer. This has to be a collective effort. We need to support local enterprises, and I don't mean Maccas.

      The young are agile tech savvy and geared for shorter termed employment. If Govt puts the right supports in place they and we will get through this.

      The GDP and the economy needed a revisit, and covid-19 has forced that confrontation. We need to guard against the wealthy organising the changes to suit their views rather than having it reflect our needs.

      In the "new way" perhaps religions and foundations need to be taxpayers to avoid a "money go round" where they support other tax free wealthy groups.

      • Blazer 17.1.1

        Where did you get your information that the Govt could extend the subsidy till September?

        • ianmac 17.1.1.1

          Robertson did say last Friday when asked about the ending of the wage subsidy that a new more focussed to need was needed. Then said wait for the Budget on Thursday.

          • Blazer 17.1.1.1.1

            Thx.Will look forward to this budget…should make the 'mother of all budgets' look like a ..gamete.

        • patricia 17.1.1.2

          Blazer It is what I think is needed.. This is bigger than past problems and needs a bold vision. A further thing could be a Kiwi Corps which was hiring unemployed at a living wage to improve New Zealand in many ways. We have permission to think outside the usual norms Right?

          And Robertson’s comments re budget.

  18. barry 18

    A problem for deciding whether to loosen up is the long tail.

    When numbers drop very small, modelling becomes impossible and averages no longer apply. What can happen is that a caregiver gets infected and goes home to self-isolate and gives it to one family member, who gives it to the one person they have contact with. If pubs are open that one person can go and give it to 100 and we have a big cluster (like in S. Korea). Or 100+ people in a meatworks like Germany.

    At some stage we have to get better at stopping the chain. That means proper quarantine with well-protected care-givers. China did this in Wuhan as they saw that it would go on forever. Even then they had another case crop up yesterday after weeks of none.

    Opening up is very risky. A week of zeros would give me more comfort.

  19. Ad 19

    3 new cases today dammit

    • Poission 19.1

      which is troublesome is the self isolation part .

      Of the three cases – two are linked to the St Margaret's Hospital and Rest Home in Auckland, bot are nurses at Waitakere Hospital.

      Both were asymptomatic throughout a stand-down period which they spend in precautionary self-isolation at home. They were tested as part of routine requirements to safely return to work but both returned positive results.

      Strong precautionary measures remain in place at the hospital and the St Margaret's facility, the Ministry of Health said. They couldn't rule out further cases in clusters.

      The third case is someone who travelled back from overseas. It is an imported case.

      • Pat 19.1.1

        Pretty concerning that health professionals appear unable to avoid contamination and transmission.

        • francesca 19.1.1.1

          Thats true Pat, but they have far more exposure

          • Pat 19.1.1.1.1

            In the workplace yes…still would hope that there is considerable effort being applied to finding out why…and PDQ

        • Poission 19.1.1.2

          Maybe if they understood the risks of getting changed at work,and showering b4 they left,where transfer is the most significant problem,

          • gsays 19.1.1.2.1

            While I can not speak for all DHBs, locally, those initiatives were started by the workers. Even the wearing of scrubs (so they could be contained and laundered in-house) was opposed by the PTB.

            Again, it was because of senior staff doing what they knew to be right then their example was followed by junior staff, despite protestations of management.

      • RedBaronCV 19.1.2

        Did they return positive results and are still infectious or did the tests just pick up the residual virus after they have had the no or mild symptoms period?

    • Incognito 19.2

      Two asymptomatic nurses picked up in a routine test.

      I would like to see the number of active cases drop much lower before we move to L2 but I think it is a fait accompli. We’ll find out in 2 hours.

      • Poission 19.2.1

        Asymptomatic cases can also shed virus,

        Among 76 residents in the point-prevalence surveys, 48 (63%) had positive rRT-PCR results, with 27 (56%) essentially asymptomatic, although symptoms subsequently developed in 24 of these residents (within a median of 4 days) and they were reclassified as presymptomatic. Quantitative SARS-CoV-2 viral loads were similarly high in the four symptom groups (residents with typical symptoms, those with atypical symptoms, those who were presymptomatic, and those who remained asymptomatic). It is notable that 17 of 24 specimens (71%) from presymptomatic persons had viable virus by culture 1 to 6 days before the development of symptoms. Finally, the mortality from Covid-19 in this facility was high; of 57 residents who tested positive, 15 (26%) died.

        https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2009758

        • Incognito 19.2.1.1

          Exactly!

          Asymptomatic nurses is the last we want or need. Hospital staff was apparently a major vector in Italy, particularly in Lombardy. They are also treating vulnerable patients who don’t have COVID-19 but require medical care for other reasons. It is a ticking time bomb.

          • Poission 19.2.1.1.1

            Yes but look at the money the DHB saved by not laundering nurses uniforms.

            • gsays 19.2.1.1.1.1

              Surgery cancelled, wards emptied and brand new scrubs in the hospital and management were forbidding nursing staff wearing scrubs.

              Initially it was because you couldn't be in the same uniform as consultants, then a week or so later, the claim that the laundry wouldn't cope.

              After being ignored, scrubs became allowed.

          • Andre 19.2.1.1.2

            I'm a little curious about how robust the definition of "recovered" has turned out to be. At the start of all this, it was defined as " Recovered cases are people who had the virus, are at least 10 days since onset and have not exhibited symptoms for 48 hours, and have been cleared by the health professional responsible for their monitoring."

            It doesn't appear to have changed in the meantime. Which strikes me as a little surprising given how much we've learned since then, and how much more testing capability we now have.

            I'm also curious about post-recovery advice – whether it's "you're good, go nuts" or something more like "it would be really good if you could still consider yourself contagious for another couple of weeks".

  20. Kay 20

    Yes, slightly different situation in Germany, but reads very familiar and could easily translate to here.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52604676

  21. observer 21

    Unfortunately the lockdown has shown us that "we" do well when the decisions are made for us, and "we" don't, when the decisions are left to us.

    I wish that wasn't true. I value my freedom. But the zeros (or very low numbers) that we celebrate are only happening because the government gave us no option. We couldn't mingle and spread the virus, because there was nowhere to mingle. As soon as we had more choices, a lot of people started making bad ones.

    Politicians always tell voters that they are wonderful people (that's how politicians keep their jobs). So Ardern is hardly likely to say "You guys are f***ing this up, and I don't trust you to do the right thing".

    We might get away with it if we move to level 2, and avoid the re-emergence of cases, as is happening in so many other countries. But let's not kid ourselves. It was 5 weeks at level 4 that did it. The government had to save us from ourselves.

  22. adam 22

    I'm more than happy to let the US and the UK do what they going to do. When infections go back up, more strikes are on the cards. Because people are sick to death watching friends die just by going to work.

    What I'm more worried about here is people thinking this is done and dusted. We did good, no matter what the far right loony brigade may want to spin. But, the reality is Covid has no respect for past good actions. It's what we do in the now which matters.

    • Rosemary McDonald 22.1

      Yep.

      I am taking some comfort though that so far, the region giving the most single digit salutes to the Rules(judging by the attention from the police) has not, so far, become a known cluster. Which you'd think would happen with Counties Manukau residents going all BAU during leve 4 and 3.

      Or, it could just be that there a more cops per square k in that region.

      Anyway…those who will be reckless will hopefully be reckless with other reckless folk.

      We will just have to be vigilant and wear masks inside outside our bubbles. Wash hands. Wear gloves.

      Behave like we have Te Virus.

      (Which is probably the most sensible thing Our Leader has said in the last seven weeks.)

    • Dukeofurl 22.2

      "But, the reality is Covid has no respect for past good actions. It's what we do in the now which matters. "

      Exactly. It just started with one virus particle in one person in Wuhan 6-8 months ago and has gone around the world.

      A second wave is almost certain and another etc , but starting from different points. Random mutations maybe small, but thats on average, a small variation in the 5 millionth person to be infected may be enough to tip it to attack the young and healthy instead.

  23. Robert Guyton 23

    Jacinda: "People will be at the movies, at sports-games, at concerts, but they will be spaced-out!"

  24. R.P Mcmurphy 24

    this represents a new beginning. exactly how it will play out is anybody's guess. my hope is that we stop trying to rev the guts out of the economy and aim for a a more relaxed and laidback lifestyle rather than incessant grubbing after loud noisy toys and punishing the environment. in specific examples we need to stop the removal of trees from Aucklands volcanic hills just to appease some self appointed guardians who want to impose their vision on the world without realising that the exotic covering acts a s water storage and filtration for the city's ecosystem in general and that cosmetic fixes are not the answer.

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    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    1 day ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    1 day ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    1 day ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    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
    3 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    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
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    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.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    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
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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 ...
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
    The thing about life’s little victories is that they can be followed by a defeat.Reader Darryl told me on Monday night:Test again Dave. My “head cold” last week became COVID within 24 hours, and is still with me. I hear the new variants take a bit longer to show up ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • AT Need To Lift Their Game
    Normally when we talk about accessing public transport it’s about improving how easy it is to get to, such as how easy is it to cross roads in a station/stop’s walking catchment, is it possible to cycle to safely, do bus connections work, or even if are there new routes/connections ...
    6 days ago
  • Christopher's Whopper.
    Politicians are not renowned for telling the truth. Some tell us things that are verifiably not true. They offer statements that omit critical pieces of information. Gloss over risks, preferring to offer the best case scenario.Some not truths are quite small, others amusing in their transparency. There are those repeated ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days 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
    4 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
    6 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
    7 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
    20 hours 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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
    5 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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    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
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
    This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti.  Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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