Daily Review 03/04/2018

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, April 3rd, 2018 - 73 comments
Categories: Daily review, David Farrar - Tags:

Daily review is also your post.

This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

73 comments on “Daily Review 03/04/2018 ”

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  1. Pete 1
    3 April 2018 at 5:42 pm

    Tim Keating: It’s got nothing to do with Afghanistan. We know Tim.

    Just like we know you are always truthful with us.

  2. mary_a 2
    3 April 2018 at 6:05 pm

    And the first head to roll is Tim Keating, NZDF chief. An obscure way of admitting he lied to the country no doubt.

    Now we wait for Key, English and the rest of the National ministers involved to face accountability for sanctioning Operation Burnham, leading to war crimes against civilians.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12025303

  3. Carolyn_Nth 3
    3 April 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Oh – we have 2 daily reviews tonight.

    Mods?

  4. joe90 4
    3 April 2018 at 6:33 pm

    But no spies this time…right?.
    /

    State Department confirms that Russia can replace the diplomats, alleged to be intel officers, expelled last week. US "is not requiring the Russian bilateral mission to reduce its total number of personnel" a spox says. New accreditation to be reviewed on a "case-by-case basis.”— Julian Borger (@julianborger) April 2, 2018

    The Kremlin was boasting and laughing about this on Russian TV two days ago. Putin enjoys showing there’s no limit to the humiliation Trump will accept from him. Helps him rally his gang facing sanctions. https://t.co/iAdIg2b3i5— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) April 2, 2018

  5. Carolyn_Nth 5
    3 April 2018 at 6:36 pm

    timeforacupotea wrote:

    Goodbye Labour / Green parties next election from angry South Island and Southern North Island voters due to your crazy self-seeking Popularity Auckland fuel TAX.

    For Gods sake can you not be fair ! 22cents from us for your lousy busses and useless trains.

    I hope they get kicked out of office and back to the bottom of the world at least they are used to being in opposition.

    That’s not how I read it. Aucklanders will have an extra petrol tax on top of the national one, I think?

    And the money will partly go to regional and local roads.

    RNZ report.

    Stuff reports:

    The Government is proposing a fuel tax increase of between nine and 12 cents a litre to fund a raft of new land transport plans that focus on investing in road safety and rapid rail.

    The tax would be a double whammy for Aucklanders who can also expect Auckland Council to introduce about ten cents a litre in regional fuel taxes to pay for major transport projects.
    …
    The focus is well and truly on regional roads and rail but Twyford denied that meant urban areas like Wellington and Christchurch would miss out.
    …
    He said Aucklanders could face an extra $10 to $15 at the fuel pump every time they fill up – “and in less than three years the rest of New Zealand could be paying that fuel tax too”.

    The other big investment areas in the GPS are regional roading improvements, public transport – which is receiving a 46 per cent hike in funding – and new investment in rapid transit and rail.

    So Aucklanders are going to be paying a lot more fuel tax than the rest of the country.

    • monty 5.1
      3 April 2018 at 6:56 pm

      Is this a reccomendation from the tax working group or out of scope.

      It doesn’t seem fair that Auckland fuel costs would be that high. However on the other hand fairness doesnt really come into it when you need to fund infrastructure.

      I personally beleive that the revenue earned from a fuel tax should be used in that region to fund transport infastructure.

      Also a strong hike like that in Auckland and a better public transport would get more cars off the road and that is a good thing. The key is a reliable and effiecent mass transit system in major population centres.

    • timeforacupoftea 5.2
      3 April 2018 at 7:59 pm

      Carolyn_Nth
      I did jump off the deep end a tad.

      I was listening to radiolive and being ambushed by the telephone.

      $10 to $15 extra per fill.
      Transport Minister Phil Twyford has released the Government’s plans for land transport, which includes a nationwide fuel tax.

      He said Aucklanders could face an extra $10 to $15 at the fuel pump every time they fill up – “and in less than three years the rest of New Zealand could be paying that fuel tax too”.

      Ahhhgg just another TAX increases inflation increases wages all come out in the end for 90% of us doesn’t it.

      • alwyn 5.2.1
        3 April 2018 at 8:15 pm

        You should consider yourself honoured that you get to pay for that fine example of 19th century technology. Trams.
        That type of transport is completely obsolete with the advent, within the next decade, of autonomous electric cars. Who on earth wants to travel on a train when door to door transport will be available, much more cheaply, by AVs travelling on the road? Or I suppose you can spend a few billion dollars for bicycles. I was in Island Bay this afternoon. A couple of million to build about a kilometre and then about 6 million to try and fix it. Were there any cyclists? Not a single one in the twenty or so minutes I was there.

        • KJT 5.2.1.1
          3 April 2018 at 8:24 pm

          Heard of anthropogenic global warming have you Alwyn?
          And the fact we need to start somewhere with doing something about it?

          Or. You going to join the rest of the right wing in sticking your heads in the sand?

          • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.1.1
            3 April 2018 at 11:53 pm

            You going to join the rest of the right wing in sticking your heads in the sand?

            As per all RWNJs about cars he’s got his head stuck up his arse. It’s why they’re always talking shit.

        • halfcrown 5.2.1.2
          3 April 2018 at 8:43 pm

          Got to agree with that alwyn

        • Pat 5.2.1.3
          3 April 2018 at 8:52 pm

          ‘De Boer says he doesn’t see completely autonomous driving networks in widespread use for another 50 years.’

          https://www.motoring.com.au/autonomous-cars-decades-away-says-nissan-110983/

        • Carolyn_Nth 5.2.1.4
          3 April 2018 at 8:58 pm

          Nah. Guys (and it usually is guys) who get excited about autonomous cars being the future are dreaming.

          They are expensive to produce, and need sophisticated mechanisms to ensure that their sensors will work.

          There’s still the problem that a car can only carry a small amount of people compared with the ground space taken up with mass transit.

          Trackless trains are likely to be developed in the longer term, but they still require the ground to be dug up and fortified because of the weight being carried along the road continuously. The cost and labour for that are not much less than that required for digging up ground to lay tracks for light and heavy rail.

          Autonomous cars will likely be used for short journeys.

          Cars are 20th century transport devices that are on the way out. Every developed country that can afford it has an extensive rail network.

        • timeforacupoftea 5.2.1.5
          3 April 2018 at 9:02 pm

          alwyn
          Here in Dunedin in 1958 we had cycle lanes on Andersons Bay Rd.
          We got rid of the trolley busses, poles always coming off on the corners.
          The poles holding up all the wires were removed and we could see the sky again.
          The sun came out.
          Cycle lanes were removed at the same time.

          2015 the big push for cycle lanes all over the city.
          Not often used, in wrong places, busses could not get around corners or fire engines. Seemed a great waste of money to us rate payers.
          Within the year 80% were removed.

          The remainder not used often, but have seen motorised wheels chairs hooning along. I know one person who does this, the person lost his licence for drunken driving, very useful for a personal passage to the bottle store though.

        • Sabine 5.2.1.6
          3 April 2018 at 9:34 pm

          good grief, seriously good grief.

          Trams are awesome if well planned and executed. I put to you the town of Nice, South of France.
          Lovely place, wedged in between the ‘alpes maritimes’ and the mediteranee. A bit like AKL actually, water on one side, hills on the other, and in the middle a city growing fast and furious, running out of space to accomodate all the people and the cars.
          So at some stage a decision had to be made, roads for cars and carparks and garages or houses for people. Hmmmm…….really what to choose.
          Now Mr. Estrosi is what in NZ would be a National Party member and a rather successful politician at that.
          He decreed that people spend more money on stuff then cars and thus insisted that the region of ’06 Alpes Maritimes’ and above all Nice or Nissa la bella needed more public transport and less cars, to be more appealing to tourists and inhabitants alike, to get rid of some of the smog – did i mention tourism – and get the car traffic that must flow flowing.

          Within a few years, the city was ripped open, the tracks were laid, buses can use the same space, and voila public transport fit for the twenty first century.

          Mr. Estrosi then, ever the smart politician, by degree set the price for public transport within the Department 06 – Alpes Maritimes – at 1 Euro per trip. It was a resounding success. Bus tickets that would have cost some 15 euros to Auron, St. Etienee de Tinnee, Isola 2000 etc, now at 1 Euro. Nice – Marseille en bus? 1 Euro. etc etc etc. People let their cars be at home, some even sold them, and used the bus, tram, train. Why? Because it was cheap, they had their own tracks, did not get stuck in grid lock and it was good for the environement. After all le smog et gris, a la Cote d’Azur is supposedly to be blue skies and all that.

          Map of Alpes Maritimes https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Alpes-Maritimes,+France/@43.919359,6.6167766,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x12cdb42708284d8f:0x30819a5fd8f25d0!8m2!3d43.9466791!4d7.179026

          About the Trams http://www.bestofniceblog.com/transport-in-nice/tramway/

          more trams are a coming
          https://www.thelocal.fr/20170131/in-figures-all-you-need-to-know-about-nices-new-tramline

          seriously you can be a conservative and still go with the time.

          edit, the price for the single journey has now increased to a 1.50 Euro. which is still bugger all.

          • Sam C 5.2.1.6.1
            3 April 2018 at 10:23 pm

            So, what’s the business case for that?

            Presumably similar to all the amazing roads and viaducts in Southern Italy ie non-existent.

            If you want the govt to fund public transport in its entirety, then just say so. But $1 a ride, even around Auckland, ain’t going to get you very far.

            • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.6.1.1
              3 April 2018 at 11:50 pm

              So, what’s the business case for that?

              It costs less than cars while also making the city more liveable.

              Which is much better than National’s cars which cost more, don’t even stack up on a BCR and make the city far less liveable while also increasing premature death due to pollution.

        • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.7
          3 April 2018 at 11:25 pm

          You should consider yourself honoured that you get to pay for that fine example of 19th century technology. Trams.

          Better than that other 19th century tech – cars.

          That type of transport is completely obsolete with the advent, within the next decade, of autonomous electric cars.

          No it’s not. No amount of autonomous electric cars are going a) get rid of the grid lock of too many cars on the road and b) using too much bloody resources.

          Who on earth wants to travel on a train when door to door transport will be available, much more cheaply, by AVs travelling on the road?

          Cars are always more expensive because they always use more resources. The fact that this isn’t showing up in the pricing system just shows that the pricing system is way out of whack.

          Or I suppose you can spend a few billion dollars for bicycles. I was in Island Bay this afternoon. A couple of million to build about a kilometre and then about 6 million to try and fix it. Were there any cyclists? Not a single one in the twenty or so minutes I was there.

          And here’s some actual research rather than your factless opinion:

          For the nine sites scattered around the region for which AT now have almost six years of data they say April had a combined increase of 19.3% compared to April-2015 and May was even better seeing a 22.6% increase compared to May-2015. The numbers passing in the morning peak saw an even stronger increase at 24.2% for April and 25.8% for May.

          More and more people are switching to using bicycles because they’re a hell of a lot better, cheaper and more fun.

          • alwyn 5.2.1.7.1
            4 April 2018 at 9:03 am

            “Actual Research”?
            You really are a crazy mixed up kid aren’t you?
            Island Bay is in Wellington not in Auckland. They are, for your information about 650 km apart.
            You consider my observing the actual site as being “fact-less opinion”.
            Then you quote something about Auckland as if it is facts about Wellington. I realise that to a Jafa Auckland is all that matters but if you are talking about Wellington you really should quote information about Wellington.

            I suppose I could demonstrate by “actual research” that 98% of the people in Auckland speak French. After all I have “actual research” that 98% of the people In Paris can do so and according to you something said about one city is “actual research” about another.

            • veutoviper 5.2.1.7.1.1
              4 April 2018 at 9:32 am

              LOL. Thanks, alwyn.

              As a “I Bay” girl for many decades (with some absences from time to time), the cycleway has been a disaster IMO – both in safety and looks. It weaves in and out of the car lanes and on and off the pavement, and unless you know it well, it is easy to miss this. The narrower car lanes mean lots more near misses or hits; and the parking between the car lanes and cycle lane is madness, with car doors having to be opened and people/children stepping out straight onto the cycle lane.

              The Island Bay is nothing like the excellent dedicated cycleways that I have seen pictures of in Auckland. I am not anti-cycling, far from it as I am envious of those who can, but for the rest of us locals, it has been a case of the minority getting preference over the majority at massive ongoing cost. And as you say, alwyn, you are lucky if you see more than 2 or 3 cyclists the whole length of the Parade at any one time – often none.

            • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.7.1.2
              4 April 2018 at 10:15 am

              Around the world building bike lanes has increased use of bicycles and resulted in fitter people with better health.

              And, yes, you opinion is still factless. You don’t like the bike lanes – fine. There’s people in Auckland who also don’t like bike lanes and say the same thing about the Auckland bike lanes despite all the evidence to the contrary.

              Just saying that the bike lanes aren’t used because you haven’t seen any one on them is just bollocks.

              I will admit I was unclear on that point, sorry.

              • veutoviper …
                4 April 2018 at 11:02 am

                There have been many counts of people using the Island Bay cycleway – both by the Council itself, and by the pro and con groups. I don’t have the figures at hand and am not going looking for them. As a resident, I am interacting with the cycleway usually several times a day and have a pretty good idea of usage from seeing it.

                There are some who are totally anti any cycling but I fall in the middle and do appreciate the health benefits – where cycleways can be accommodated in a safe and appropriate manner. Many parts of Wellington with its hills, narrow and winding streets are not ideal or even possible for this.

                The original cycleway in Island Bay was far better than what we have currently. We keep getting asked to vote on various proposals, do so and then they change the proposals yet again. All of which is eating up millions of rate payer monies.

    • The Chairman 5.3
      3 April 2018 at 8:54 pm

      Labour sticking it to the poor once again.

      Seems Labour’s unwillingness to tax high income earners has resulted in them taxing us all with this regressive tax.

      Not only will people pay more to fill their cars, they’ll pay more for goods and services as businesses pass the cost on.

      • Keepcalmcarryon 5.3.1
        3 April 2018 at 9:20 pm

        And if we are rural and have no public transport and are already rorted on petrol prices by the cartel more than the city, we travel and stand to pay more. If they lower speed limits, rural people face longer journeys for doctors, food, essentials. It’s even safer to lower the limit to 10kph everywhere by the way.
        I’m going to want to see something big in the plus column to be on board with this.
        I “ somewhat doubt” this is a smart political play.
        Points to the government for ( I think?) showing leadership at least.

          • Keepcalmcarryon 5.3.1.1.1
            3 April 2018 at 9:43 pm

            Global warming eh, that’s why people won’t be able to afford to live in the country? Wow. Who the fuck is going to grow the food? Chardonnay socialists in Auckland are somewhat pressed for space on their quarter acres.

            • Pat 5.3.1.1.1.1
              3 April 2018 at 9:54 pm

              Fuel prices have varied by more than this over the past year and I havnt noticed my neighbours shutting up their homes and businesses and moving to the big smoke….climate change is going to require/force radical change to the way we live our lives and a small tax increase on fuel is likely to be the least of them.

              • Keepcalmcarryon …
                3 April 2018 at 10:01 pm

                i Can understand labour not getting the rural vote or particularly caring, it’s worth nothing to them politically. But Auckland also gets stung with 2 petrol hikes effectively. This will be… unpopular, considering as chairman states, labour could have chased the wealthy or off shore corporates to pay their share and increased their popularity.
                I shake my head a bit, labour dropped the water tax so as not to spook the horses and we badly need dairy de intensification in some areas, yet we get another petrol tax and possible speed limit changes with which rural voters and no one will be happy.

                • Pat …
                  3 April 2018 at 10:09 pm

                  Didnt say it would be popular and agree its inflationary and regressive but to suggest its not necessary within the current paradigm is to continue the short termism of the past 40 years (another Middlemore anyone?)

                  If you have a better suggestion for funding urgently needed public transport that has been grossly neglected in this country and will be needed even more desperately in the near future then kindly make it.

                  • Keepcalmcarryon …
                    3 April 2018 at 10:18 pm

                    Perhaps re reading my last post will answer that

                    • Pat …
                      3 April 2018 at 10:22 pm

                      cant see any alternatives offered there….unless youre referring to a different thread.

                    • Keepcalmcarryon …
                      3 April 2018 at 10:27 pm

                      “could have chased the wealthy or off shore corporates to pay their share and increased their popularity.”
                      Tax the corporates, tax the wealthy.
                      Joe Bloggs kiwi is struggling.

                    • Pat …
                      3 April 2018 at 10:38 pm

                      tax the corporates and the wealthy…agree though history shows difficult to achieve in practice…even more so now though I would expect (hope) that that will also be on the agenda..(and also has a time lag element that a fuel tax will not).

                      Although I doubt this will have any noticeable impact on fuel use taxation should be behaviour altering and as stated this is likely to be one of the easiest challenges we will face.

                    • Keepcalmcarryon …
                      3 April 2018 at 10:42 pm

                      “Behaviour changing”
                      When you live remotely and don’t have public transport I’ll let you think about how that sounds.

                    • Pat …
                      3 April 2018 at 10:44 pm

                      I do…you have no need to tell me

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      3 April 2018 at 11:58 pm

                      You last was bollocks as well.

            • Draco T Bastard 5.3.1.1.1.2
              3 April 2018 at 11:56 pm

              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_farming

              Has the added benefit of not polluting our waterways.

              • Keepcalmcarryon …
                4 April 2018 at 12:12 am

                DTB says we should be vertical farming if regressive taxation means everyone has to live in the city.
                Where do the cows stand?
                Idealism, meet reality.

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  4 April 2018 at 10:29 am

                  We can build buildings strong enough for the cows as well and they’d have the benefit of having shade.

                  And we don’t need the anywhere near the number of cows that we have.

                  Or we simply print the meat instead – no need for cows at all.

                  • Keepcalmcarryon …
                    4 April 2018 at 11:20 am

                    I’m sweet with that, you are just a few hundred years ahead of yourself.
                    We kind of have to get there first.

        • Sam C 5.3.1.2
          3 April 2018 at 10:20 pm

          Labour doesn’t care about rural NZ – didn’t you realise that?

        • Draco T Bastard 5.3.1.3
          3 April 2018 at 11:55 pm

          And if we are rural and have no public transport and are already rorted on petrol prices by the cartel more than the city, we travel and stand to pay more.

          Get real – the city has been subsiding the rural areas since forever.

          • Keepcalmcarryon 5.3.1.3.1
            4 April 2018 at 12:09 am

            See how it plays out DTB. Drive some South Island roads “it’s different here” because fuck all money gets spent on roads outside natural disasters. But yeah Auckland.
            If the rural urban divide was a National construct for the election, watch what happens and where this goes.
            What’s the petrol price where you are? How far is it to your nearest supermarket or hospital or specialist?

            • Draco T Bastard 5.3.1.3.1.1
              4 April 2018 at 10:26 am

              Drive some South Island roads “it’s different here” because fuck all money gets spent on roads outside natural disasters.

              I have – they’re in better condition than Auckland roads.

              What’s the petrol price where you are?

              Dunno – don’t drive.

              How far is it to your nearest supermarket or hospital or specialist?

              Walking distance.

              None of that takes away from the fact that Auckland subsidises you to live the lifestyle you choose.

              And then there’s the fact that I think the supermarket should do free delivery as it’s actually much more efficient. It’s a little harder to justify for the doctor and specialist to come to you but, then, how often do you need to see the doctor?

              • Keepcalmcarryon …
                4 April 2018 at 11:14 am

                Bullshit on the roads, you should leave the house more often.
                Nicely stilted article there, no breakdown rural vs urban.there are other cities in NZ outside Auckland, who knew?
                Also from your article:
                “They found that Auckland received around 35% of central government’s overall capital expenditures – only a wee bit more than the city’s share of the population. So it’s not like the government’s investing wildly in Auckland and leaving no money for other regions.

                That being said, data on transport expenditures alone paints a slightly different picture. When I looked at NZTA’s regional expenditure analysis, I found that Auckland received almost half of the agency’s spending on new and improved roads over the last decade. ”
                Actually for roads Auckland is “being subsidised by everyone else”

                Sort of the opposite to what you were saying.

      • Bill 5.3.2
        3 April 2018 at 9:34 pm

        James Shaw recently, and pointedly, stated at a public meeting that he favoured user pays when it comes to carbon. So I wouldn’t go reserving the comments about sticking to the poor to NZ Labour.

        • The Chairman 5.3.2.1
          3 April 2018 at 9:47 pm

          Yes, so I’ve heard. However, in his defence, the Greens did plan to help the poor offset that to some extent (with tax cuts, higher core benefits).

    • Draco T Bastard 5.4
      3 April 2018 at 11:16 pm

      And those ignoramuses still don’t understand that Auckland has been subsidising them for years.

  6. Tony Veitch (not etc) 6
    3 April 2018 at 7:01 pm

    Every time Soimon comes on television trying to defend the complete mess left by National in the Health system, the more of a complete prat he looks!

  7. Pete 7
    3 April 2018 at 7:48 pm

    You mean the more he comes on looking like a retarded Simple Simon the more simple retards accept him and his simpering and lionise him as The Answer.

    • James 7.1
      3 April 2018 at 8:38 pm

      Retards ???

      Classy.

    • monty 7.2
      3 April 2018 at 8:49 pm

      Referring to someone as having a mental illness is not cool and says more about yourself than does about Mr Bridges.

      Debate and disagree what the person is saying and not the actual person, when you resort to name calling and abuse it demeans the content of your argument.

    • mary_a 7.3
      4 April 2018 at 4:32 pm

      @ Pete (7) … Calling people a retard is not acceptable, just as it is to mock someone with a speech impediment!

      I am surprised this post passed moderation!

  8. Pat 8
    3 April 2018 at 7:50 pm

    Another good piece from Gordon Campbell (which includes an offshore link re Dot Com)…

    “Since National changed leaders, the same illusion has been perpetuated by Simon Bridges, who cited National’s claim to be “good economic managers” in his first statements as leader. If there is any justice, the decrepit state of Middlemore Hospital should return to haunt Bridges during his tenure, and throughout the election campaign of 2020. As CTU economist Bill Rosenberg recently pointed out in a detailed demolition of National’s claims to economic competence, fiscal management ( which entails managing the government’s finances) is not the same thing as managing the wider economy for the benefit of the general public :”

    Good economic managers?…my arse!

  9. monty 9
    3 April 2018 at 8:09 pm

    What a great draw and series win for the Black Caps.

    Cant get coverage here so listened to it the old fashion way on the radio, it was riverting stuff. Amazing how doing nothing, not scoring can be so tense and exciting.

    Have to admit it test cricket is the best. In what game can a draw mean so much and be so important and played hard and in the right spirit of a good tight contest.

    Good stuff.

    • ScottGN 9.1
      3 April 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Totally agree.

    • patricia bremner 9.2
      3 April 2018 at 8:42 pm

      Our household is proud. Ish Sodi was great. Remember 84 Hadlee and c/o.

      • monty 9.2.1
        3 April 2018 at 8:56 pm

        Ish Sohdi and Neil Wagner what a fight.

        I grew up watching the late great Martin Crowe and Hadlee. At School and after school or when you caught up with your mates you either wanted to be Hadlee or Crowe in the backyard.

        After school and the weekends wasn’t about TV/playstation or computers for me it was about Saturday morning sport rain, snow or sunshine, riding my bike or playing Rugby or Cricket in the backyard with neighbourhood kids or being forced to play tennis by my mum or caddie for my dad (thankful for that now as quite enjoy it both tennis and golf now).

        The sound of Cricket was always on in the background on the radio so you could pretend to be your heroes and keep up with the game.

        • patricia bremner 9.2.1.1
          3 April 2018 at 9:12 pm

          So True Monty. I was teaching in 1984 and our Principal burst in to say “There is a meeting in the staffroom. The classes are on a break”

          Everyone did just that. He had a tv in the staffroom. and one in the hall. It was a great day. Fans everyone.

  10. halfcrown 10
    3 April 2018 at 8:15 pm

    I see that another parasitical beneficiary is now spending up large on his wedding.

    One can see why the French and Russian revolutions happened.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12024506

    • patricia bremner 10.1
      3 April 2018 at 9:01 pm

      They both do good in the world. His income comes from his great grandmother and mother. Did you see the Invictus Games he started for the injured service staff?
      After the poisoning security will be huge I imagine.
      I agree that is a ridiculous amount of money. That is their world, but they try.

      • Draco T Bastard 10.1.1
        4 April 2018 at 12:02 am

        They both do good in the world. His income comes from his great grandmother and mother.

        Not enough to offset the damage of the bludging that they do.

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  • 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
    2 hours 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
    2 hours 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
    2 hours 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
    2 hours 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
    8 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    11 hours 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
    12 hours 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
    14 hours 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
    15 hours 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
    15 hours 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
    18 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    19 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    21 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    22 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    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’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    24 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    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
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    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
    14 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    18 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
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  • 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 ...
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  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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    20 hours 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 ...
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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    2 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 ...
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  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Government focused on getting people into work
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  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
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  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
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  • 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 ...
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  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
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    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
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    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
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  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
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    4 days 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
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    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
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    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
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    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
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    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
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