Criminal procedure bill

Written By: - Date published: 7:32 am, November 16th, 2010 - 65 comments
Categories: human rights, law, national - Tags: ,

Simon Power yesterday introduced a shiny new “Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill” to Parliament. The Nats are touting it as “the biggest change to the criminal justice system in 50 years”. Most reaction so far has been lazily positive, repeating points from the press release. Here’s one typical example:

Changes to the justice system will mean 43,000 less court events every year, less cases going to trial and more flexibility with juries, according to the government. Parliament has today signed off on a justice bill that will bring in some of the most significant changes to court procedures in decades. Justice Minister Simon Power said the 526-page Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill is the biggest shakeup of the criminal justice system in 50 years.

“It is unacceptable that there are thousands of unnecessary court appearances each year, and that it takes an average of 16 months to complete a jury trial in the High Court and 12 months in the District Court,” he said. The bill will force the defence to identify and disclose any issues before a trial and will allow the court to proceed without a defendant, if the defendant does not have a reasonable excuse for being absent. …

Guilty pleas will be encouraged as early as possible, and out of court discussions between parties will be promoted to ensure there are fewer adjournments and shorter hearings. Only the most serious and complex cases will got to trial.

Power said the changes have the potential to save $24 million over five years and free up 16,000 court sitting hours each year.

Sounds good eh? There certainly is a problem with overloaded courts. A little nip here, a tuck there, an voila, much more efficient. But hang on a minute – what are we nipping and tucking? I have seen only one report that critically examines the issue:

Rights to jury trial to be restricted

Justice Minister Simon Power today introduced a bill which he says proposes the biggest changes to the criminal justice system in 50 years. Among the most drastic changes under the Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill are reserving a jury trial to only the most serious cases – which carry a minimum of three years imprisonment. …

High profile barrister Barry Hart says the bill is a direct attack on people’s basic rights.

“It is unduly restrictive. Another example, month by month, we seem to be losing rights of the basic individual,” he says. Mr Hart agrees the criminal justice system needs a revamp but says the new bill fails to address the real crux of the issue.

“There’s no two ways about it there needs to be a speedy trial process, but here for reasons I can never understand, we have no priority system for people in custody.”

The barrister also slams the idea of a trial proceeding without a defendant. “[It’s] completely wrong in principle, I’ll always be against that process. If you have a trial in the absence of an accused it’s not really a trial is it.”

Trial by a “jury of our peers” is a one of our fundamental legal rights — should we be so quick to abandon it? The origins of habeas corpus are even older (back to the twelfth century) — what kind of trial is it without the defendant present? And what other devils are lurking in the details?

I await the reaction of the legal community with great interest (calling Andrew Geddis!). But for now I share the concerns of Barry Hart — it looks like the Nats are engaged in yet another attack on our fundamental rights.

Update: Further concerns expressed.

65 comments on “Criminal procedure bill ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. higherstandard 1
    16 November 2010 at 7:44 am

    Aren’t the majority of trials now non-jury.

    I’d tend to have more faith in the judge making a decision based on the law rather than a jury of peers – whatever that means in the NZ setting.

    • Tanz 1.1
      16 November 2010 at 11:19 am

      Totally agree. Some of the outcomes of the most infamous jury trials of recent years have been real shockers. The Bain trial for one, and the Kahui trial for another. Also, I’m sick of hardened crims being let out early, only to maim and kill yet again. Some have been walking around with over one hundred violent offences to their name. How many lives are taken before their freedom is finally gone? How is this justice? Go Power, and bring down the alcohol limit, as most Kiwis want, while you’re at it.

      Too often the high-profile jury trials are run by the left-wing, apologist, tabloidish MSM media.

      • Vicky32 1.1.1
        16 November 2010 at 5:26 pm

        I have never understood why the Right are so desperate to re-litigate the Bain trial and screech that they know better than the jury that he’s guilty – the same with Kahui…
        Get over it boys! A (supposed) patricide isn’t one, and a Maori guy isn’t guilty! Well, maybe the jury decided that because they’re correct?
        “Hardened crims” – you’ve had too much talkback, you had better lay off while you still have a brain…
        Deb

        • millsy 1.1.1.1
          16 November 2010 at 8:11 pm

          I’m left, and I think Bain is guilty.

          • lprent 1.1.1.1.1
            16 November 2010 at 10:25 pm

            I have absolutely no opinion about his guilt. However I don’t think that there was enough to convict him in the first place.

          • Vicky32 1.1.1.1.2
            17 November 2010 at 4:31 pm

            But why on earth? (I fear I am going to regret asking…) He spent as long in prison as if he had been guilty, but that’s not really the point… as Lynn says, there wasn’t enough evidence to convict him in the first place… As my son said at the time, angry Facebook members and pages notwithstanding, a jury who had the facts, found him not guilty, and that should be the end of it. I’ve seen magazine articles putting the case for the innocence of all sorts of people – Peter Ellis (IMO, guilty as charged!), David Tamihere (who knows?) Mark Lundy (there is a case for his innocence, apparently) and last but not least, the one that really makes me angry, Scott Watson. There was no evidence at the time that the ‘Blenheim friends’ as the media called them were dead… and what ever happened to not finding someone guilty of murder in the absence of a body, or at the very least, evidence that someone had actually been murdered? My father told me a spine-chilling story when I was a child, a true story that had established the principle that a body was needed… In the 14th (I think) century, a man was charged, convicted and executed for the murder of his teenage niece. Neighbours testified that they had heard her say “Oh Uncle, don’t kill me!” and she was gone..
            He swore he was innocent, and my Dad added the detail that he had declared that no grass would grow on his grave and to that very day it never had… I don’t know if that part of it is true… but I do know the next part… the niece turned up back to the village 5 years later, and said “Where’s Uncle, I’d like to introduce him to my husband and child”… turns out she had run away with the boyfriend he’d been telling her off about.
            I have sort of waited for the day that Olivia Hope and Ben Smart come back to Blenheim and say “Dead? Of course not! We went to Sydders and started a business…” Although as years pass that gets less likely, although their upper class origin seemed to me to have much more to do with the media interest than any real belief that they had been murdered. I remember the first TV items being played when they hadn’t been missing for 24 hours! Imagine a solo mother going to the police when her flaky teen daughter had been missing 20 hours – she would be told “Oh, she’s probably run off with a boy, come back when she’s been gone for 6 months”.

    • the pink postman 1.2
      16 November 2010 at 3:09 pm

      You must be kidding ! A lot of judges have Right -Wing connections and ideals . It is the nature of most judges to be on the Centre Right at least and this very often clouds their decisions,.
      I very much doubt that Unionists , Maori and the unemployed and underprivileged would get a fair deal with some Judges.
      The well of and privileged in society would be more likely to escape prison and a severe sentence. Its true some jury trials have dubious decisions but it is far superior to a single biased judge. I personally believe this bill is dangerous and should be opposed tooth and nail!!!

  2. QoT 2
    16 November 2010 at 7:56 am

    And christ on toast could TVNZ’s editors learn the difference between “less” and “fewer”? I wouldn’t normally get too pissy about it except that the Government’s press release uses the correct word so some munter has to have “corrected” it.

    • Richard 2.1
      16 November 2010 at 9:18 am

      I think that replacing a few words in a press release with synonyms is meant to count as “analysis”.

    • Bill 2.2
      16 November 2010 at 9:35 am

      Christ on toast? Possibly more appetising than wafers, I guess.

      • QoT 2.2.1
        16 November 2010 at 12:16 pm

        Goes with Virgin-Mary-on-grilled-cheese.

        • Bill 2.2.1.1
          16 November 2010 at 2:35 pm

          God in a pickle on the side?

          • Vicky32 2.2.1.1.1
            16 November 2010 at 5:37 pm

            Enough already guys, with the ‘clever’ atheist witticisms, please! I am vomiting in my mouth… It ain’t anywhere near as funny as you think it is…
            Deb

            • QoT 2.2.1.1.1.1
              16 November 2010 at 10:29 pm

              Um … who’s atheist? Because a casual-if-blasphemous expletive, plus a reference to far-too-common “miraculous” toast-visitations, plus an in-theme variation … really has, um, nothing to do with you or any person of faith. Would you prefer if I express my bafflement by saying “Sweet tapdancing Buddha”, or is it purely a “waaaa you can’t blaspheme against *my* faith!!!” complaint you have?

              • Vicky32 …
                17 November 2010 at 4:40 pm

                “or is it purely a “waaaa you can’t blaspheme against *my* faith!!!” complaint you have?”
                I seriously would much rather you didn’t blaspheme against anyone’s faith, actually! IMO, ‘miraculous toast visitations’ are (thankfully) not at all common, and an artifact of American general ignorance. So, yes I have a complaint. I remember saying on h2g2 years ago, “how would you like it if I used your Mum’s name as a swearword, hey?” and missing the point bigly, an atheist replied to me, “Go ahead, I hate my mother”…
                Charmed, I am sure!
                Deb

                • QoT …
                  17 November 2010 at 4:57 pm

                  I think that analogy is pretty crap, really. My mother is my mother, whereas Christian theology is fairly well embedded in event the most secular Western societies.

                  • Vicky32 …
                    17 November 2010 at 5:30 pm

                    No, the analogy is not crap. If you feel free to insult my religion, and I can’t retaliate (maybe because you don’t have one – but mainly because I am not that kind of person)… then your family is an analog – presumably (except obviously in the case I quoted above) something you have an attachment to…
                    Is that why people like to eff and blind and swear against Christ? Because “Christian theology is fairly well embedded in event the most secular Western societies.”?
                    Because I have never understood it…
                    I grew up in an atheist household. When he was a child, my brother decided he would swear by saying ‘Buddha’. (There was no blasphemous swearing in our household at all… which might be evidence for your assertion, but on the other hand might just be because my parents were heavily into courtesy.)
                    My brother gave up the swearing by Buddha when he was older – simply because of – yes, courtesy.
                    (By the way, the atheist parents became Christians, but that’s another story.)

                    • QoT …
                      17 November 2010 at 5:38 pm

                      I have a hard time believing that you honestly don’t understand, Vicky, that swearing by saying “Christ” or “Jesus” or “God dammit” is a common occurrence in our society because of the embedded nature of Christian theology. It becomes second nature in the same way that saying “mate” and “like” and “you know” does because it is ubiquitous.

                      Saying “Jesus tapdancing Christ” is not intended as a specific insult directed specifically at you, whereas attacking my family and using their names as derogatory terms can only be a personal attack.

                      And as I said below, sorry, but you’re not actually that important.

                      It is clearly not just “another story” that the atheist parents became Christians or you wouldn’t mention it – except to make presumably some smarmy point about how your faith is better than everyone else’s.

            • NickS 2.2.1.1.1.2
              16 November 2010 at 11:12 pm

              lawl, this is nothing compared to Cra

              • Vicky32 …
                17 November 2010 at 5:53 pm

                “I have a hard time believing that you honestly don’t understand, Vicky, that swearing by saying “Christ” or “Jesus” or “God dammit” is a common occurrence in our society because of the embedded nature of Christian theology. It becomes second nature in the same way that saying “mate” and “like” and “you know” does because it is ubiquitous.”
                Speak for yourself! Normal, ubiquitous – no, it isn’t…. And I don’t get your rationalisation about ‘the embedded nature of Christian theology” I just don’t understand how that makes it all right!

                “Saying “Jesus tapdancing Christ” is not intended as a specific insult directed specifically at you, whereas attacking my family and using their names as derogatory terms can only be a personal attack.”
                Missing the point again! This is getting way old… I notice too, that you say that your blaspemous language is an insult directed specifically at me. Thanks a bunch! What have I done to deserve that? My point was about attachment and loyalty…

                “And as I said below, sorry, but you’re not actually that important.”
                If that were true, why the hostility?

                “It is clearly not just “another story” that the atheist parents became Christians or you wouldn’t mention it – except to make presumably some smarmy point about how your faith is better than everyone else’s.”
                Jumping to conclusions. What I meant was that I am not telling it here, it’s not relevant to political debate. You are getting on my wick with your bitter and twisted remarks about me. Smarmy? Grow up.
                My faith means as much to me (probably more) than your unfaith does to you. I could make with the insults, but I won’t because I am not that kind of person.

                • QoT …
                  17 November 2010 at 8:33 pm

                  Vicky, you clearly are not interested in actually reading my comments or acknowledging your own tactics (if you’re not going to tell the story WHY BRING IT UP?).

                  Captcha: avoid – I intend to.

                • NickS …
                  17 November 2010 at 9:05 pm

                  lolwut?

                  That post wasn’t even meant to be there, I closed the tab it was since my motivation was all out, and was perplexed to see in the recent post list later that night. But since you’re choosing to tone troll and treat the stupidity of religion and non empirical beliefs as something beyond mocking, my troll blood compels me to post what I was going to post. Fear ye mortal, for we shall desecrate crackers with mockery:
                  http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/07/its_a_goddamned_cracker.php
                  http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/07/the_great_desecration.php

                  Further mocking:
                  http://www.google.com/cse?cx=017254414699180528062%3Auyrcvn__yd0&q=cracker+site%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fscienceblogs.com%2Fpharyngula%2F&sa=Search

                  And lastly:
                  Marcus Brigstocke’s ‘3 Abrahamic Faiths’ Rant .

                  And yes, your are more than welcome to your beliefs, but those beliefs do not give you any right to define what others can and cannot say, or in this case, mock.

                  Oh yeah…

                  My faith means as much to me (probably more) than your unfaith does to you. I could make with the insults, but I won’t because I am not that kind of person.

                  Except you haven’t probably seen anything I’ve written on atheism and religion in other places, and therefore such an assumption is based off stereotypes, which being stereotypes are usually craptastic at describing individuals. And then there’s the bragging over how much you care, and how much of a good person you are for not insulting me.

                  It’s soo cute.

                  And so fail troll, since I’m merrily grinning while reading your post.

                  • lprent …
                    17 November 2010 at 9:58 pm

                    Very old testament of you I must say…

                  • Vicky32 …
                    18 November 2010 at 6:21 pm

                    NickS, you have no way of knowing how much time I used to waste on atheist sites, so you pretty well guarantee I have either seen what you have written, or exact copies! (It seems to me you people really need to come up with some new, and perhaps convincing) arguments.
                    I see I have been declared a troll. As you wish! Par for the course really – you guys are never too keen on free speech.
                    But – meh!
                    Deb

                    • NickS …
                      18 November 2010 at 7:00 pm

                      It’s no wonder you’re still a christian then, for you seem unable to think your way through the relevant parts of my post, instead making a series of fallacious assumptions which I shall enjoy gnawing on.

                      NickS, you have no way of knowing how much time I used to waste on atheist sites, so you pretty well guarantee I have either seen what you have written, or exact copies!

                      Except I’ve been down in the coal mines, when I was active, learning and changing my understandings of atheism away from many of the main sites, and my ideas are based around using the concept of solution-space and epistemological uncertainty. On top of that fact, that without seeing what I’ve written, you can’t make any assumption on my beliefs/strength etc.

                      (It seems to me you people really need to come up with some new, and perhaps convincing) arguments.

                      It’s not our fault when christians can’t think and/or ignore the major faults in your religious beliefs, which with christianity theodicy, aka the problem of evil and deconstructivist critiques of the need for “evil”. Along with the usual critiques of the truth of the bible, evidence for such entities as souls, and the ye olde “but there must be something!” meme, thanks to teological thinking.

                      And just to make it clear, I’m referring to other people, not you, for all I have is this thread, and there’s insufficient data to go on.

                      I see I have been declared a troll. As you wish! Par for the course really – you guys are never too keen on free speech.

                      lolwut?

                      Get back to high school and relearn critical reading please. Because I said that you where using tone trolling, which is somewhat different than arguing you’re a troll. Especially when there’s obvious evidence to the contrary with your behaviour in this thread and others that marks you as being serious, and not a full blown troll.

                      Also, theists are going to get mocked/called trolls when they insist on bringing up tired old arguments that have been seen and debunked time and time again. More so when their behaviour involves not answering questions and ignoring rebuttals without even a excuse, along with missing teh point when they don’t have the skills to understand a given argument and other abuses of formal and informal fallacies.

                      As for freespeech, how hypocritical of you to accuse atheists and others of their freedom of speech to make religious jokes. I should also mention that noting you’re tone trolling doesn’t limit your freedom of speech, it’s merely an observation that instead of dealing with an argument, you’re far more interested in the tone. Which is a waste of other participates time and effort, and frankly ironically fucking rude.
                      /smug

                      But – meh!

                      Apathy fail, if you couldn’t be truly bothered you shouldn’t have bitten the bait and just gone “meh” instead of making further crap-posting.

                  • Vicky32 …
                    18 November 2010 at 6:28 pm

                    By the by, my remarks were addressed at QoT, not you… the reply button under his post was not working…
                    Deb

  3. mickysavage 3
    16 November 2010 at 8:47 am

    HS the changes to what charges can actually be subject to jury charge is small.

    In 2008 there were only about 140 jury trials for such cases. The reforms do not make these trials go away, all that happens is that a Judge alone will preside. Some court time will be saved but not a great deal.

    My strong experience is that one of the main reasons with the clogging up of courts is the lack of Judicial resources. Cases can be remanded many times because there are not enough Judges to deal with the cases listed for the day. Appointing some more Judges would go a long way to unclogging the courts.

    Guilty pleas are already promoted through some reasonably hefty sentence discounts. I do not know how much further you can go on this.

    And attacking the presumption of innocence by requiring some disclosure by the defendant of their defence is bizarre and scary.

    This is not radical change. It is a hotch potch collection of changes, some idiotic, dressed up as reform.

  4. Tigger 4
    16 November 2010 at 9:01 am

    Surely Pansy Wong is a prime candidate for these new speedy trials.

  5. Geoffrey 5
    16 November 2010 at 9:08 am

    What QoT said (at 7.56am) +1

  6. mickysavage 6
    16 November 2010 at 9:28 am

    I thought I would have a look at one of Power’s claims. His press release says

    Reserving jury trials for the most serious and complex cases, including by raising the threshold for a defendant electing a jury trial from crimes carrying a penalty of more than three months’ to those carrying more than three years’ imprisonment. This is expected to cut the jury trial workload by 300 to 600 trials a year (a reduction of 25-45% in the jury trial workload).”

    But there are a few problems with this:

    1. Actual jury trials saved based on 2008 figures have been estimated at 136.
    2. Total jury trials in the District Court in 2008 was 2761.
    3. The proportion of trials that would have been saved is just under 5.

    Is it my maths or is are this administration’s figures screwy?

    • r0b 6.1
      16 November 2010 at 9:34 am

      are this administration’s figures screwy?

      If so it wouldn’t be the first time! Thanks for your comments here, as per OP I’m very interested in the reactions of lawyers to this…

    • Bored 6.2
      16 November 2010 at 9:38 am

      No Mickey, it is the logic behind the proposals that is screwy.

      NACT claim the changes will save money: wrong as your numbers point out. More importantly it is wrong in principle, justice costs money and it takes time.

      The whole concept that we can apply economics (influenced by the neo lib brand) to the courts is a disgrace, to trade off justice for early guilty pleas based upon the cost to defend, plea bargaining, and any other short cuts that give “efficiency” are going to debase justice.

      To “try” in absentia is jst plain wrong, and these bastards will abuse it.It smacks of totalitarianism a la Stalin and Hitler.

  7. Bill 7
    16 November 2010 at 9:31 am

    Hmm. So trails surrounding political activism could have charges laid that are laid only because those charges exceed the three year limit?

    Meaning that the Waihopai three might have been (not too sure of the exact charges that were laid and the sentence that those charges could have attracted) tried by a judge alone, meaning much less liability of ‘natural’ justice prevailing.

    “The bill will force the defence to identify and disclose any issues before a trial..”

    Why? So a defence would be rigid, then? Much less capable of exercising degrees of flexibility in the light of new issues being highlighted by the prosecution? (Prosecution doesn’t have to disclose all issues before trial, apparently.)

    And what about any defence tactic of allowing the prosecution to dig a hole for itself before unveiling a piece of evidence that kills the prosecution case. With prior disclosure, the prosecution could alter their argument….avoid or deliberately downplay an otherwise pertinent issue, in order to get a conviction…as opposed to seeing that justice is served.

  8. ianmac 8
    16 November 2010 at 9:56 am

    Bill: “Why? So a defence would be rigid, then? Much less capable of exercising degrees of flexibility in the light of new issues being highlighted by the prosecution? (Prosecution doesn’t have to disclose all issues before trial, apparently.)”
    Exactly. A witness discloses an issue unexpectedly during the trial. The defence deserves the right to shift their defence strategy rather than be stuck with the pretrial declaration as proposed.

  9. Pascal's bookie 9
    16 November 2010 at 11:45 am

    From the Stuffy version of the tale:

    Meanwhile, Mr Power has indicated he would like to see a review of the Bill of Rights. Although the legislation was “a benchmark” for conduct, policy and law, it would be naive to think the Bill of Rights Act would not “benefit from a rethink”, he said this week .

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4343762/Cabinet-set-to-sign-off-justice-shake-up

    • r0b 9.1
      16 November 2010 at 11:53 am

      Absolutely. I’m sure the BORA can be made much more “efficient”…

      • Tigger 9.1.1
        16 November 2010 at 5:17 pm

        Why do we even need rights? Just do away with them.

        • mickysavage 9.1.1.1
          16 November 2010 at 5:19 pm

          A quick hearing in front of the Senior Seargent on the night of the lock up. Just think of all the savings in Courts, Judges and Lawyers.

          Of course good people never need these services.

          • r0b 9.1.1.1.1
            16 November 2010 at 5:24 pm

            If you’re not guilty you have nothing to fear!

            • the pink postman 9.1.1.1.1.1
              17 November 2010 at 3:50 pm

              Oh dear rOb .Where have you been living. “If you are not guilty you have nothing to fear. ” I believe it was Goebbels who first used that phrase. I agree one has nothing to fear so long as one is not ,Maori, poor , underpriviledged , unionist or any other perceived enemy of the Nats.
              I believe this bloke Power is the most dangerous politician since Sydney Holland. In fact because the influence of TV and the backing of Textor -Crosby he is most likely much more dangerous .

            • mickysavage 9.1.1.1.1.2
              17 November 2010 at 4:03 pm

              I am sure that r0b was being ironical …

          • millsy 9.1.1.1.2
            16 November 2010 at 8:14 pm

            Why not just do what they did in the American South, and settle it with a noose and tree branch?

            Garth McVicar knows he wants to…

  10. Draco T Bastard 10
    16 November 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Idiot/Savant put up a post on this yesterday:

    The Bill of Rights Act is very clear: no-one shall be compelled to be a witness or to confess guilt. That’s exactly what Simon Power is proposing they be forced to do. It will be more “efficient” of course. So would forgoing trials entirely and assigning verdicts at random. But the court process is not supposed to be about efficiency and saving money – it is supposed to be about justice. And what we are seeing here is an erosion of justice so that National can give away more tax cuts to its rich mates.

    It really does look like NACT are throwing in even more authoritarian rules so that they can cut taxes to themselves and their rich mates.

  11. gingercrush 11
    16 November 2010 at 1:53 pm

    And yet nearly all of you would have celebrated the repeal of provocation despite the legal fraternity having real concerns about that.

    • Bill 11.1
      16 November 2010 at 3:12 pm

      Never been altogether comfortable with that being repealed, to be honest. The Weatherston trial, his ludicrous application of the defence and subsequent media coverage was all a bit too convenient in my mind. I’m not arguing that as a defence strategy it was abused by ‘gay bashers/murderers’ and the like.

      But

      Victims of domestic violence who ‘lose it’ after the latest in a long run of abuses? I think it was a good mitigating defence in those circumstances. Now their circumstances can’t be differentiated.

      • Vicky32 11.1.1
        16 November 2010 at 5:52 pm

        I feel the same way… The provocation defence ought to have stayed – how often was it used by (alleged) gay bashers, as opposed to others?
        I am sticking my neck out here, which means inviting people to make me a head shorter, but what the hey? Gay people are *not* all plaster saints by virtue of being gay, any more than any other group comprises solely saints!
        Deb

        • QoT 11.1.1.1
          16 November 2010 at 10:31 pm

          Vicky … who gives a crap what any given gay person is like? Their being gay still isn’t a reason for them being brutally killed by wankers with a hypersensitive masculinity complex.

          Sure, you may say “oh I wasn’t saying that”, but frankly as soon as you start acting like the issue is about gay people’s behaviour as opposed to that of their murderers there may be a tiny problem with your logic button.

          • Vicky32 11.1.1.1.1
            17 November 2010 at 4:54 pm

            QoT, you seem to have issues with whatever I say… No one whoever they are deserves being killed – but what I was saying is that I think it’s a bad thing that the provocation defence was got rid of solely because (AFAIK) of its use in the trials of real or alleged gay bashers…
            You may diss me (in fact you have in advance) for saying “I wasn’t saying that”, but like it or not, I wasn’t.
            Deb

            • QoT 11.1.1.1.1.1
              17 November 2010 at 4:59 pm

              Um, you’re not that special, Vicky, you just happened to make two comments I took massive issue with on a thread I happened to be getting email notifications for.

              If you want to say that “gay panic defence is not sufficient reason to repeal provocation”, it probably wouldn’t kill you to say that, instead of having a nice victim-blaming rant about gay people. Because that’s what you did say.

              • Vicky32 …
                17 November 2010 at 5:35 pm

                Sigh, have it your own way! ““gay panic defence is not sufficient reason to repeal provocation”. That’s my point of view.
                Anche se, eppure, le gente gay non sono gente onesta e buono, secondo me! Eppure si muove…
                Deb

                • QoT …
                  17 November 2010 at 5:40 pm

                  Playing victim because you had your own words held against you probably isn’t the smartest move in this situation, Vicky. Perhaps you could try implying that I’m some kind of coldhearted atheist, or pull the “don’t you have anything better to do??” defence? I just don’t think the judging panel are with you on this one.

                  • Vicky32 …
                    17 November 2010 at 5:57 pm

                    The judging panel? Self-important much?
                    Leave it please… Picking on me might give you a buzz (it obviously does) but I have better things to do..
                    Deb

                    • RedLogix …
                      17 November 2010 at 9:08 pm

                      No you’re not on you’re own here Deb. I’m fairly uncomfortable about the abolition of the ‘provocation’ defense as well. Sure sometimes defense barristers will pull very long bows with it, but almost invariably juries cut them loose on it.

                      But if you’ve seen a bit of life, and understand how most murders are committed by ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances they’re tragically ill-equipped to deal with… then you’ll realise that provocation has it’s place. If not as a full-defense, at least as a partial mitigation.

  12. Draco T Bastard 12
    16 November 2010 at 3:20 pm

    And now it appears that it’s inconsistent with the BoRA as well.

  13. Malcolm 13
    17 November 2010 at 6:53 pm

    Right to silence, habeas corpus, trial by a jury of our peers, the right not to be detained arbitrarily. Going, going, gone …. with barely a whimper. These are supposed to be fundamental rights of the individual. So much for bourgeois legality. Time for some working-class justice.

  14. Tanz 14
    17 November 2010 at 8:17 pm

    Key is not Hitler, you know. Paint him black, but it won’t stick.

    • Colonial Viper 14.1
      17 November 2010 at 8:29 pm

      Yep. Key is definitely not Hitler. Hitler created a network of highspeed autobahns spanning across Germany and in doing so sorted out Germany’s massive unemployment problem. Key built a cycleway and created a couple of dozen labourers’ jobs.

      So agree, Key is definitely not Hitler.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 hours ago

  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 hours ago

  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 hours ago

  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    8 hours ago

  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    11 hours ago

  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    11 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    12 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    12 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    14 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    16 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    18 hours ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    18 hours ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T11:01:26+00:00