Key’s reason for the low emergency intake is that NZ lacks the infrastructure and services required to accomodate more in a way which provides decent outcomes for both refugees and for the country.
This is a frank admission that infrastructure and services have have not been updated sufficiently under his watch.
The new buildings at the Mangere centre are coming on line. Makes you think the Government could keep the old resources running for a while and that way they could really increase the number of refugees they could deal with.
Or Murray McCully the master builder who built a fantastic fancy sheep farm in Saudi Arabia somewhere in the centre of the Sahara desert for only $11.5 million to house about 900 sheep, many of which sadly or happily entered their sheep heaven before even reaching their destination. I suspect none have survived now and have probably been long turned into ‘Dum Biryani’ gracing many a dining table of Sheiks and sultanas under sunset and al kuhool. Salaam!…good luck with that.
In John Campbell’s first piece of journalism since being sacked by TV3 a few months back, this morning on National Radio he interviewed people at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.
There were two interesting pieces of new information in his piece:
1. NZ is the only country in the world that has a single centre that all refugees go to when they first enter the country. They stay for 6 weeks before being moved on to one of a few cities in NZ (Christchurch was notably absent; only Nelson from the South Island was included).
2. They can currently accommodate 150 refugees at a time, but a $5M upgrade that is already underway will take this capacity to 190 mid next year. This upgrade was included in National’s 2014 budget.
Yes, I agree. The government should have supported, allowed and passed the two proposed motions by Labour and the Greens (immediate extra 750 emergency intake, and permanent increase to at least1,000 per year instead of the current 750).
We do have a vacuous and crap of a government here.
————
On a related matter, I read two articles today giving a different perspective on this refugee/immigrant issue in Europe where Germany is taking in over 800,0000 and the super wealthy/sparsely populated Gulf countries where the intake is practically zero:
The golf region countries and the US are heavily involved of creating the situation in the first place. If such an undertaking is planed, there is also collateral damage calculated.
These states don’t really care about people, people are expendable. I mean -really truly.
Saudi Arabia is the cradle of the Wahhabism, developed into an extreme form of Islam. The European parliament has identified this faith as the main source of terrorism. Perhaps this is not explained in the Anglo Saxon world.
For a refugee to settle in Saudi Arabia or Qatar would be akin to going into a lions den.
As for the US, I don’t have much respect for their dictatorship by the rich. So far 1500 refugees were allowed into the US. That says it all.
Latest Colmar Brunton once again places combined Oppo support ahead of Govt support.
So much for the Key/National “defying gravity”/”as popular as ever”/”far more popular than the Third Term Clark Govt” meme being pushed by the Herald on Sunday and dutifully regurgitated by Jane Clifton in this week’s Listener.
Quite a bit of angst was expressed on the Left-leaning blogosphere when the latest Roy Morgan and Herald-DigiPolls came out, suggesting the Nats were up on 50-51%. Like I said at the time, wait for the 2 TV polls.
Tragically, though (and all-too-predictably) One News Pol Editor Corin Dann’s analysis is woefully misplaced: “National is continuing to ride high in the polls…the result will be a big confidence boost to National and John Key……..National doesn’t appear to be suffering in the polls……..on these numbers, National would appear to be as strong as ever……..Key’s personal approval ratings also continue to ride high……..”
Ahhh, Corin, please understand that almost the entire Government/Right Bloc vote now coalesces tightly around National. 47% just aint enough. The Oppo Bloc is on 51%……….
….you know……..a majority.
The Oppo Bloc is up about 7 points on the 2014 Election, the Right Bloc down about 5 points.
The Nat vote is “holding up” because of that collapsed support for their Little Helpers on the Right.
(Note to Mr Pete George and one or two Tories on KiwiBlog………Yes, I’m well aware that NZF support for a Labour Govt isn’t guaranteed. We’ll take that as read. Is more likely than not however)
How about you send this comment to Corin Dann for his edification and education swordfish. He will be so grateful to you for putting him on the right track. 🙂
Seriously why don’t you. Give the little p***k a sharp poke in the eye. To be fair, he’s not as bad as Gower – or maybe he is but more subtle about it.
If these two truly believe the shit they sometimes talk then their knowledge and comprehension of political polls in particular falls woefully short of acceptable and they should be kicked out of their respective positions.
A number of our journalists/political commentators are not at all intelligent, learned or objective, and more importantly not fair or objective. Some of them, like Hosking and Henry are permanently attached to Key’s bottom jowls, while some others seem to be longing to join those two sucklers.
Here is the thing:
National at the last election had a party support of 1,131,501 votes=47.04%
Labour/Greens then had a party support of
LABOUR=604,534 votes, 25.13%
Greens =257,356 votes, 10.70%
A combined vote of 861,890=35.83%
A poor result with a lag from National of 269,611 votes or 11.24%
Now today’s poll shows that Nats are at 47%
And Labour and Greens have 32%+12%=44% Labour has improved by 7% and the Greens by over 1%.
Compared to the election result, National have “improved” by 0% on their own, while Labour and the Greens have actually IMPROVED by 44%-36%=8%!
And get this:
The gap between National Vs Lab/green which was at 11% at last election just 11 months ago, is now ONLY 3% ! That is quite a big improvement actually. Isn’t it?
So what the bloody hell is wrong with the NZH and Corin Dann! Did they not check the figures, have made an inadvertent error or are they playing dirty politics?
Pretty much the latter in that they grasp at anything which shows National and Key in a good light because they are tribal National. Simple as that. They choose to ignore the well known fact that prime ministers always get a much larger vote over the opposition leader because they are the prime minister and therefore better known. It’s hard for us political addicts to comprehend, but there’s a mass of people out there of all ages who only know the name of the prime minister. So, when they are confronted with the question “who would you like as PM” they say the only name they know which is currently John Key. They’re not going to own up to the fact they don’t know who the other leaders are.
That’s why the gap always narrows in the three months leading up to an election because for the first time some of those people discover the names of the other leaders in contention.
Clemgeopin, I think that is a very big call you announced there?
You stated what Dann’s characteristics – you have not said what he has done. I am not convinced, that your opinion on Dann is fair, do you have any sources that can back up what you said?
In this respect, if you think Dann is not so competent, what about the agenda of New Zealand’s media?
Why do you think the media or specifically TVNZ, has broadcasted this news story in this manner. It has convinced me that TVNZ is playing a game of bias, yes I have read and watch the link that you shared with me. Thank you.
Thinking about the headlines you provided, yes I can see your version of your truth. I strongly believe that this does extend my questioning of TVNZ’s agenda. You really think it’s Dirty Politics? Clemgeopin, maybe you are thinking a bit too much, with all due respect.
But is political journalist, fair though?
Honestly – I do appreciate your statistics and mathematics. I am sure TVNZ and Dann do not.
Golden question – why haven’t they done what you did?
Political journalism – it’s not fair isn’t it?
Now you have mentioned the New Zealand Herald, what’s that all about?
If it is not dirty politics, then the report at least shows that these journalists do not seem to take Key or National to task/in depth questioning for even very serious scandals such as Saudi sheep, Pony tail pulling, Asset sales, Airport gate jumping, Misuse of money and Government Porkies etc).
In other words the journos seem to be afraid or prejudiced in favour of the RW.
They paint National in a positive way and Labour in a negative way. That is wrong/dishonest for any objective journalist with integrity to do.
Strongly agree. I think its prejudice rather than fear. Yes, I can agree with your ideas on this press’s favour for the right wing. It was on the back of my mind.
It is a wrong and dishonest for any objective journalist without integrity.
So journalism is not fair. News is not fair.
I think the example that you provided does explain it all and what you said about “What rough patch? National and Key riding high in ONE News Colmar Brunton Poll”.
What about pro-Labour, or pro left wing news press? Would they paint National in a negative way and Labour in a positive way.
Would that lack in integrity in political journalism? I think so.
Like I said earlier, I do think its prejudice rather than fear that shapes news and journalism’s agenda.
It is obvious that Dirty politics has and will play a major roll in retaining Key and National as the governing body in NZ.
Broadcasters, whether on radio or TV are on the whole biased in favour of right-wing parties. They in effect are scared to lose their jobs, eg John Campbell, if they are seen to be rocking the boat. We in NZ do not have an effective Fourth Estate, to stave-off political corruption.
Colmar Brunton also finds Pessimism on the economy unusually high at 45%, optimism has plunged to 33%. Until the July poll, optimism had massively outstripped pessimism throughout 2014 and 2015.
As for Dann’s assertion that “Key’s personal approval ratings also continue to ride high”
Key’s on 40% Preferred PM in this Colmar Brunton poll, his post-2014 Election average in the TV polls is 41% and his average over the last 4 TV polls is just a smidgen above 39%.
Compare that to his average Preferred PM ratings in the Colmar Brunton and Reid Research Polls over recent years: 52% in 2011, 51% in 2009, 48% in 2010, 45% last year.
He’s currently receiving very similar ratings to Helen Clark at the same point in her third term.
Far too often this steady fall in support for Key is overlooked or downplayed by journalists placing all the analytical focus on the gap between Key and Little.
The detailed Reid Research ratings on a whole lot of diverse measurements surrounding leadership attributes reinforce this evidence of a slow but relatively steady fall from grace for our hyperactive PM.
That must have fooled generations of criminal lawyers in NZ. But I really suspect that you are just some kind of delusional dickhead who is inadequate at explaining their ‘logic”. In other words some kind of a nutter.
I’d point out that it usually isn’t wise to be noticed by me as either when I am moderating. I find that they equate to “troll” and I like seeing how low they can be crushed. Read the policy.
You are less likely to have such problems if you explain your ideas clearly. While the other commentators may ridicule your ideas and demonstrate their flaws, they can’t really humiliate you and then ban you the way that I can.
An alternative medicine conference has ended with dozens of delegates being hospitalised after taking hallucinogenic drugs.
The patients, aged between 24 and 56, were found suffering from delusions, breathing problems, increased heart rates, and cramps, with some in a serious condition, Deutsche Welle reported.
Broadcaster NDR described the patients as “staggering around, rolling in a meadow, talking gibberish and suffering severe cramps”. ”
😆 suffering from delusions..staggering around, rolling in a meadow, talking gibberish and suffering severe cramps 😆
This doesn’t sound like regular homeopaths to me, nor naturopaths but more probably the description “alternative medicine practitioners” would be right. I wonder if correct meaning has been lost in translation.
From stuff report. The Association of German Healing Practitioners (VDH), which represents homeopaths as well as other naturopaths, quickly distanced itself from the incident.
In a statement, it said none of its representatives were at the conference.
“The organisers of this obscure conference are unknown to us and such events will not be tolerated by our Association,” a spokesperson said.
The drug is classed as relatively new and not widely available. In New Zealand it is a Class C controlled substance, meaning it is banned.
Just as well the drug they were poisoned with caused heart and breathing irregularities and severe cramps as no one would have guessed there was anything wrong with them if the only symptoms were delusions, talking gibberish and rolling around in a meadow.
You wanted to slur homeopathy and homeopaths and presumably people who go to them. You picked something off the internet that is obviously hugely problematic in terms of both information and reliability and you posted it on a political blog.
Or maybe you just lack the critical thinking skills when it comes to things you have large bias against.
Or maybe you thought it was funny, ha ha those idiotic homeopaths being poisoned.
Seriously, it’s hard to know what you were thinking when you posted that, but I’d guess prejudice underlies all of it.
Ah!!!! but at the end of the Stuff article that you posted it says :-
“The Association of German Healing Practitioners (VDH), which represents homeopaths as well as other naturopaths, quickly distanced itself from the incident.
In a statement, it said none of its representatives were at the conference.
“The organisers of this obscure conference are unknown to us and such events will not be tolerated by our Association,” a spokesperson said.”
So not actually a Homeopathic Conference at all and the cause
was 2C-E a drug banned in NZ and in Germany.
Are you trying to be scaremonger? Try a bit more water in your
favourite tipple, it might help or is it the Electric Puha, whatever.
On the other hand perhaps Specsavers might be the answer.
This is a hit by Big Pharma on alt. medicine cos alt. medicine threatens the capitalistic status quo! Just look at the TPPA!!! People could have died! There are even RWNJs making jokes about how the patients overdosed because they forgot to take their medicine. Not funny!
My guess a wet bus ticket and a strongly worded, tusk tusk.
Yeah, pretty much. What needs to happen is that these exploiters have everything taken from them, they get jailed for several years and they’re never allowed to own a business or be in a management position ever again.
Indian bosses are noted to be one of the worse to exploit their workers. Just examine what happens in their, so-called democratic homeland. Money is their god without doubt.
Robert Reich article plus trailer for his film titled “Inequality for all”
“A Crisis of Public Morality, Not Private Morality
America’s problems have nothing to do with what happens bedrooms, or whether women are allowed to end their pregnancies.
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I started writing this morning about Hobson’s Pledge, examining the claims they and their supporters make, basically ripping into them. But I kept getting notifications coming through, and not good ones.Each time I looked up, there was another un-subscription message, and I felt a bit sicker at the thought of ...
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The collective right have a problem.The entire foundation for their world view is antiscientific. Their preferred economic strategies have been disproven. Their whole neoliberal model faces accusations of corporate corruption and worsening inequality. Climate change not only definitely exists, its rapid progression demands an immediate and expensive response in order ...
Just ten days ago, South Korea's president attempted a self-coup, declaring martial law and attempting to have opposition MPs murdered or arrested in an effort to seize unconstrained power. The attempt was rapidly defeated by the national assembly voting it down and the people flooding the streets to defend democracy. ...
Hi,“What I love about New Zealanders is that sometimes you use these expressions that as Americans we have no idea what those things mean!"I am watching a 30-something year old American ramble on about how different New Zealanders are to Americans. It’s his podcast, and this man is doing a ...
What Chris Penk has granted holocaust-denier and equal-opportunity-bigot Candace Owens is not “freedom of speech”. It’s not even really freedom of movement, though that technically is the right she has been granted. What he has given her is permission to perform. Freedom of SpeechIn New Zealand, the right to freedom ...
All those tears on your cheeksJust like deja vu flow nowWhen grandmother speaksSo tell me a story (I'll tell you a story)Spell it out, I can't hear (What do you want to hear?)Why you wear black in the morning?Why there's smoke in the air? Songwriter: Greg Johnson.Mōrena all ☀️Something a ...
National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...
The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...
New Zealand is one step closer to reaping the benefits of gene technology with the passing of the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. "This legislation will end New Zealand's near 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab and is ...
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Cosmic CatastropheThe year draws to a close.King Luxon has grown tired of the long eveningsListening to the dreary squabbling of his Triumvirate.He strolls up to the top floor of the PalaceTo consult with his Astronomer Royal.The Royal Telescope scans the skies,And King Luxon stares up into the heavensFrom the terrestrial ...
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The New Zealand government coalition is tweaking university regulations to curb what it says is an increasingly “risk-averse approach” to free speech. The proposed changes will set clear expectations on how universities should approach freedom of speech issues. Each university will then have to adopt a “freedom of speech statement” ...
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The fact that Tony Abbott’s racist government has taken 12 000 refugees while we can make only 600 is shameful for Key.
Key’s reason for the low emergency intake is that NZ lacks the infrastructure and services required to accomodate more in a way which provides decent outcomes for both refugees and for the country.
This is a frank admission that infrastructure and services have have not been updated sufficiently under his watch.
That is simply an excuse.
The infrastructure could be built.
Easily.
Indeed, but social services have been gutted by his ideology and to reverse that would be an admission the ideology is wrong.
The new buildings at the Mangere centre are coming on line. Makes you think the Government could keep the old resources running for a while and that way they could really increase the number of refugees they could deal with.
“That is simply an excuse.
The infrastructure could be built.
Easily.”
They should put Gerry Brownlee in charge of that.
Or Murray McCully the master builder who built a fantastic fancy sheep farm in Saudi Arabia somewhere in the centre of the Sahara desert for only $11.5 million to house about 900 sheep, many of which sadly or happily entered their sheep heaven before even reaching their destination. I suspect none have survived now and have probably been long turned into ‘Dum Biryani’ gracing many a dining table of Sheiks and sultanas under sunset and al kuhool. Salaam!…good luck with that.
Recipe:
http://sharmilazkitchen.com/hyderabadi-dum-biryani/
Thanks Clem I like the look of that recipe. With al kuhool.
In John Campbell’s first piece of journalism since being sacked by TV3 a few months back, this morning on National Radio he interviewed people at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.
There were two interesting pieces of new information in his piece:
1. NZ is the only country in the world that has a single centre that all refugees go to when they first enter the country. They stay for 6 weeks before being moved on to one of a few cities in NZ (Christchurch was notably absent; only Nelson from the South Island was included).
2. They can currently accommodate 150 refugees at a time, but a $5M upgrade that is already underway will take this capacity to 190 mid next year. This upgrade was included in National’s 2014 budget.
thanks, that’s useful.
Yes, I agree. The government should have supported, allowed and passed the two proposed motions by Labour and the Greens (immediate extra 750 emergency intake, and permanent increase to at least1,000 per year instead of the current 750).
We do have a vacuous and crap of a government here.
————
On a related matter, I read two articles today giving a different perspective on this refugee/immigrant issue in Europe where Germany is taking in over 800,0000 and the super wealthy/sparsely populated Gulf countries where the intake is practically zero:
[1] Migrant crisis: Why the Gulf states are not letting Syrians in
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34173139?ocid=socialflow_twitter
[2] Germany: Moral leader or misguided?
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34185970
————
The golf region countries and the US are heavily involved of creating the situation in the first place. If such an undertaking is planed, there is also collateral damage calculated.
These states don’t really care about people, people are expendable. I mean -really truly.
Saudi Arabia is the cradle of the Wahhabism, developed into an extreme form of Islam. The European parliament has identified this faith as the main source of terrorism. Perhaps this is not explained in the Anglo Saxon world.
For a refugee to settle in Saudi Arabia or Qatar would be akin to going into a lions den.
As for the US, I don’t have much respect for their dictatorship by the rich. So far 1500 refugees were allowed into the US. That says it all.
“The golf region countries”
Why would anyone reject such regions? Unless one doesn’t have a bag, may be.
Key, Obama and Trump would jump at the chance.
there’s a ranch in Texas that should be housing more than a few…
suspect they may confuse that for one in Cuba
A Quiz for you:
Adam has posted earlier today, that today, 9 September, is Bernie Sander’s birthday.
http://thestandard.org.nz/sanders-leads-clinton/#comment-1068642
Name the following people who were also born on 9 Sept:
[A] A celebrated writer, a recognized moralist and a distinguished social reformer born in Yasnaya Polyana and is regarded as a great literary giant.
[B] A kiwi model turned actor, born in Glenfield, and who starred in a film with Daryl Hannah.
[C] American businessman and entrepreneur born in Indiana and who sold his business for $2 million dollars in 1964, i.e, 51 years ago.
Latest Colmar Brunton once again places combined Oppo support ahead of Govt support.
So much for the Key/National “defying gravity”/”as popular as ever”/”far more popular than the Third Term Clark Govt” meme being pushed by the Herald on Sunday and dutifully regurgitated by Jane Clifton in this week’s Listener.
(See my scrutiny of their claims here …….. http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-06092015/#comment-1067612 )
Quite a bit of angst was expressed on the Left-leaning blogosphere when the latest Roy Morgan and Herald-DigiPolls came out, suggesting the Nats were up on 50-51%. Like I said at the time, wait for the 2 TV polls.
Tragically, though (and all-too-predictably) One News Pol Editor Corin Dann’s analysis is woefully misplaced: “National is continuing to ride high in the polls…the result will be a big confidence boost to National and John Key……..National doesn’t appear to be suffering in the polls……..on these numbers, National would appear to be as strong as ever……..Key’s personal approval ratings also continue to ride high……..”
Ahhh, Corin, please understand that almost the entire Government/Right Bloc vote now coalesces tightly around National. 47% just aint enough. The Oppo Bloc is on 51%……….
….you know……..a majority.
The Oppo Bloc is up about 7 points on the 2014 Election, the Right Bloc down about 5 points.
The Nat vote is “holding up” because of that collapsed support for their Little Helpers on the Right.
(Note to Mr Pete George and one or two Tories on KiwiBlog………Yes, I’m well aware that NZF support for a Labour Govt isn’t guaranteed. We’ll take that as read. Is more likely than not however)
How about you send this comment to Corin Dann for his edification and education swordfish. He will be so grateful to you for putting him on the right track. 🙂
Seriously why don’t you. Give the little p***k a sharp poke in the eye. To be fair, he’s not as bad as Gower – or maybe he is but more subtle about it.
If these two truly believe the shit they sometimes talk then their knowledge and comprehension of political polls in particular falls woefully short of acceptable and they should be kicked out of their respective positions.
A number of our journalists/political commentators are not at all intelligent, learned or objective, and more importantly not fair or objective. Some of them, like Hosking and Henry are permanently attached to Key’s bottom jowls, while some others seem to be longing to join those two sucklers.
Here is the thing:
National at the last election had a party support of 1,131,501 votes=47.04%
Labour/Greens then had a party support of
LABOUR=604,534 votes, 25.13%
Greens =257,356 votes, 10.70%
A combined vote of 861,890=35.83%
A poor result with a lag from National of 269,611 votes or 11.24%
Now today’s poll shows that Nats are at 47%
And Labour and Greens have 32%+12%=44%
Labour has improved by 7% and the Greens by over 1%.
Compared to the election result, National have “improved” by 0% on their own, while Labour and the Greens have actually IMPROVED by 44%-36%=8%!
And get this:
The gap between National Vs Lab/green which was at 11% at last election just 11 months ago, is now ONLY 3% ! That is quite a big improvement actually. Isn’t it?
So what the bloody hell is wrong with the NZH and Corin Dann! Did they not check the figures, have made an inadvertent error or are they playing dirty politics?
…are they playing dirty politics?
Pretty much the latter in that they grasp at anything which shows National and Key in a good light because they are tribal National. Simple as that. They choose to ignore the well known fact that prime ministers always get a much larger vote over the opposition leader because they are the prime minister and therefore better known. It’s hard for us political addicts to comprehend, but there’s a mass of people out there of all ages who only know the name of the prime minister. So, when they are confronted with the question “who would you like as PM” they say the only name they know which is currently John Key. They’re not going to own up to the fact they don’t know who the other leaders are.
That’s why the gap always narrows in the three months leading up to an election because for the first time some of those people discover the names of the other leaders in contention.
+1
Clemgeopin, I think that is a very big call you announced there?
You stated what Dann’s characteristics – you have not said what he has done. I am not convinced, that your opinion on Dann is fair, do you have any sources that can back up what you said?
In this respect, if you think Dann is not so competent, what about the agenda of New Zealand’s media?
Yes, I accept that I was rather too severe in my criticism of Corin Dann which was prompted by his headline in the transcript, which said,
” What rough patch? National and Key riding high in ONE News Colmar Brunton Poll”
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/what-rough-patch-national-and-key-riding-high-in-one-news-colmar-brunton-poll-q09860.html
To me, a more objective and fairer headline would be something like:
“National has made zero progress from its election result”
“Labour and the Greens have steadily increased their party vote by 8%”
or,
“Labour and the Greens narrow a 11% gap from National to just 3% in under eleven months”
Why do you think the media or specifically TVNZ, has broadcasted this news story in this manner. It has convinced me that TVNZ is playing a game of bias, yes I have read and watch the link that you shared with me. Thank you.
Thinking about the headlines you provided, yes I can see your version of your truth. I strongly believe that this does extend my questioning of TVNZ’s agenda. You really think it’s Dirty Politics? Clemgeopin, maybe you are thinking a bit too much, with all due respect.
But is political journalist, fair though?
Honestly – I do appreciate your statistics and mathematics. I am sure TVNZ and Dann do not.
Golden question – why haven’t they done what you did?
Political journalism – it’s not fair isn’t it?
Now you have mentioned the New Zealand Herald, what’s that all about?
If it is not dirty politics, then the report at least shows that these journalists do not seem to take Key or National to task/in depth questioning for even very serious scandals such as Saudi sheep, Pony tail pulling, Asset sales, Airport gate jumping, Misuse of money and Government Porkies etc).
In other words the journos seem to be afraid or prejudiced in favour of the RW.
They paint National in a positive way and Labour in a negative way. That is wrong/dishonest for any objective journalist with integrity to do.
Strongly agree. I think its prejudice rather than fear. Yes, I can agree with your ideas on this press’s favour for the right wing. It was on the back of my mind.
It is a wrong and dishonest for any objective journalist without integrity.
So journalism is not fair. News is not fair.
I think the example that you provided does explain it all and what you said about “What rough patch? National and Key riding high in ONE News Colmar Brunton Poll”.
What about pro-Labour, or pro left wing news press? Would they paint National in a negative way and Labour in a positive way.
Would that lack in integrity in political journalism? I think so.
Like I said earlier, I do think its prejudice rather than fear that shapes news and journalism’s agenda.
It is obvious that Dirty politics has and will play a major roll in retaining Key and National as the governing body in NZ.
Broadcasters, whether on radio or TV are on the whole biased in favour of right-wing parties. They in effect are scared to lose their jobs, eg John Campbell, if they are seen to be rocking the boat. We in NZ do not have an effective Fourth Estate, to stave-off political corruption.
Dreadful reporting by Dann.
Just another paid puppet.
Another contemptible sell out.
Cheers, Paul and Anne.
Colmar Brunton also finds Pessimism on the economy unusually high at 45%, optimism has plunged to 33%. Until the July poll, optimism had massively outstripped pessimism throughout 2014 and 2015.
As for Dann’s assertion that “Key’s personal approval ratings also continue to ride high”
Key’s on 40% Preferred PM in this Colmar Brunton poll, his post-2014 Election average in the TV polls is 41% and his average over the last 4 TV polls is just a smidgen above 39%.
Compare that to his average Preferred PM ratings in the Colmar Brunton and Reid Research Polls over recent years:
52% in 2011, 51% in 2009, 48% in 2010, 45% last year.
He’s currently receiving very similar ratings to Helen Clark at the same point in her third term.
Far too often this steady fall in support for Key is overlooked or downplayed by journalists placing all the analytical focus on the gap between Key and Little.
The detailed Reid Research ratings on a whole lot of diverse measurements surrounding leadership attributes reinforce this evidence of a slow but relatively steady fall from grace for our hyperactive PM.
Dann is lying for his corporate masters.
And whom would the corporate masters be? A certain media domain? government organization?
Grammar police here. It’s which not whom.
That’s today’s University education for you.
Comma after ‘which’. Grammar Armed Defenders Squad here
Yes, possibly, but the omitted comma is a Summary Offences matter, whereas the which / whom error falls under the Crimes Act.
There is no such thing as the Summary Offences and there is no such thing as the Crimes Act.
That must have fooled generations of criminal lawyers in NZ. But I really suspect that you are just some kind of delusional dickhead who is inadequate at explaining their ‘logic”. In other words some kind of a nutter.
Summary Offenses Act 1981
Crimes Act
I’d point out that it usually isn’t wise to be noticed by me as either when I am moderating. I find that they equate to “troll” and I like seeing how low they can be crushed. Read the policy.
You are less likely to have such problems if you explain your ideas clearly. While the other commentators may ridicule your ideas and demonstrate their flaws, they can’t really humiliate you and then ban you the way that I can.
Keys popularity “a figment of the imagination” stumped up with bullshit figures
Stuff reports that “Serco facing more than $1m in fines for Mt Eden prison failings”.
The so-called “fines” are in fact reductions in the potential performance bonuses it can earn under its contract.
Wouldn’t a fine be financial penalty it has to actually pay rather than simply a reduction in the bonuses it can earn as part of its service contract?
Interestingly I saw the same story first leading on the National Herald mobile app before it disappeared.
“Homeopathy conference ends in chaos
An alternative medicine conference has ended with dozens of delegates being hospitalised after taking hallucinogenic drugs.
The patients, aged between 24 and 56, were found suffering from delusions, breathing problems, increased heart rates, and cramps, with some in a serious condition, Deutsche Welle reported.
Broadcaster NDR described the patients as “staggering around, rolling in a meadow, talking gibberish and suffering severe cramps”. ”
😆 suffering from delusions..staggering around, rolling in a meadow, talking gibberish and suffering severe cramps 😆
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/71907286/homeopathy-conference-ends-in-chaos
This doesn’t sound like regular homeopaths to me, nor naturopaths but more probably the description “alternative medicine practitioners” would be right. I wonder if correct meaning has been lost in translation.
From stuff report.
The Association of German Healing Practitioners (VDH), which represents homeopaths as well as other naturopaths, quickly distanced itself from the incident.
In a statement, it said none of its representatives were at the conference.
“The organisers of this obscure conference are unknown to us and such events will not be tolerated by our Association,” a spokesperson said.
The drug is classed as relatively new and not widely available. In New Zealand it is a Class C controlled substance, meaning it is banned.
I’m guessing there are multiple translation and media reporting issues.
Interesting that nsd is so guillible.
@weka
Just as well the drug they were poisoned with caused heart and breathing irregularities and severe cramps as no one would have guessed there was anything wrong with them if the only symptoms were delusions, talking gibberish and rolling around in a meadow.
Ok, nasty and guillible.
You wanted to slur homeopathy and homeopaths and presumably people who go to them. You picked something off the internet that is obviously hugely problematic in terms of both information and reliability and you posted it on a political blog.
Or maybe you just lack the critical thinking skills when it comes to things you have large bias against.
Or maybe you thought it was funny, ha ha those idiotic homeopaths being poisoned.
Seriously, it’s hard to know what you were thinking when you posted that, but I’d guess prejudice underlies all of it.
@Weka… there, there diddums.
Go and have some herbal tea diluted 1:100,000,000.
and there we have the sum of your ability to debate. Get to the point of not being able to discuss the issues and your true nature is revealed.
“Get to the point of not being able to discuss the issues and your true nature is revealed.”
Oh the irony 😆
Ah!!!! but at the end of the Stuff article that you posted it says :-
“The Association of German Healing Practitioners (VDH), which represents homeopaths as well as other naturopaths, quickly distanced itself from the incident.
In a statement, it said none of its representatives were at the conference.
“The organisers of this obscure conference are unknown to us and such events will not be tolerated by our Association,” a spokesperson said.”
So not actually a Homeopathic Conference at all and the cause
was 2C-E a drug banned in NZ and in Germany.
Are you trying to be scaremonger? Try a bit more water in your
favourite tipple, it might help or is it the Electric Puha, whatever.
On the other hand perhaps Specsavers might be the answer.
This is a hit by Big Pharma on alt. medicine cos alt. medicine threatens the capitalistic status quo! Just look at the TPPA!!! People could have died! There are even RWNJs making jokes about how the patients overdosed because they forgot to take their medicine. Not funny!
John Skelton’s “Speke Parott”
If you ever thought you could go back in time and speak the lingo 😈
Did anyone else notice this burred in the business section of the Herald?
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/employment-relations/news/article.cfm?c_id=189&objectid=11509633
My guess a wet bus ticket and a strongly worded, tusk tusk.
The future people, as long as we have a Tory government hell bent of scaring the middle class out of existence.
Yeah, pretty much. What needs to happen is that these exploiters have everything taken from them, they get jailed for several years and they’re never allowed to own a business or be in a management position ever again.
@Adam thanks for reminding me I saw the headline but missed reading the article. Scumbags like that should be deported.
Indian bosses are noted to be one of the worse to exploit their workers. Just examine what happens in their, so-called democratic homeland. Money is their god without doubt.
Robert Reich article plus trailer for his film titled “Inequality for all”
“A Crisis of Public Morality, Not Private Morality
America’s problems have nothing to do with what happens bedrooms, or whether women are allowed to end their pregnancies.
Our problems have everything to do with what occurs in boardrooms, and whether corporations and wealthy individuals are allowed to undermine our democracy.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/a-crisis-of-public-morali_b_8105366.html
And finally for some good news:
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/sep/09/adelaide-joins-race-to-become-worlds-first-carbon-neutral-city
KEY “Hair today gone tomorrow” lets hope