Daily Review 19/01/2018

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, January 19th, 2018 - 78 comments
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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 …

78 comments on “Daily Review 19/01/2018 ”

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  1. weka 1
    19 January 2018 at 6:57 pm

    Who’s the dude in blue?

    • stunned mullet 1.1
      19 January 2018 at 7:00 pm

      • weka 1.1.1
        19 January 2018 at 7:20 pm

        Trying to remember when I stopped watching cricket. Probably when Vetorri was still a teenager.

        • Union city greens 1.1.1.1
          19 January 2018 at 7:43 pm

          So you don’t like cricket?

          • BM 1.1.1.1.1
            19 January 2018 at 7:48 pm

            Cricket, best game ever, it’s got it all.

            • Muttonbird 1.1.1.1.1.1
              19 January 2018 at 7:52 pm

              Oh dear.

            • Union city greens 1.1.1.1.1.2
              19 January 2018 at 8:00 pm

              I love it, well, when England or Surrey are playing.

              It’s a great game. Like chess with a ball. Like boxing with a bat.

              • BM …
                19 January 2018 at 9:42 pm

                When’re the poms going to get some decent quicks, they’re on par with India when it comes to producing fast bowlers.

                You’d think the premier domestic competition in the world would be producing them by the dozen but all that seems to come out of the UK are these tall bean pole fast-medium bowlers.

                • Union city greens …
                  19 January 2018 at 10:03 pm

                  I’m a Scot, but a unionist Scot, so I support all our home countries, but regards quicks, it does seem the days of Jimmy and Stuart are close to the end.
                  A couple of decent spinners, openers, middle order and tail batters wouldn’t go amiss either.

                  • BM …
                    19 January 2018 at 10:19 pm

                    Jimmy and Stuart aren’t quicks

                    Both are FM swing bowlers at best, I’m talking Devon Malcolm, Norman Cowans, Bob Willis fast, England hasn’t had a decent quick in decades.

                    Seve Harmison wasn’t too bad. bit of a flash in the pan though

                    • Union city greens …
                      19 January 2018 at 10:21 pm

                      Not here for long, for soon to be obvious reasons, so just to say, c’mon the 3 lions.

                    • BM …
                      19 January 2018 at 10:29 pm

                      Forgot Graham Dilley RIP.

                    • Tricledrown …
                      19 January 2018 at 11:19 pm

                      BM when England’s weather allows them to play more cricket .
                      Then when working class people can afford to play cricket.
                      Then when nepotism is dealt with.
                      England would beat NZ on most occasions still.
                      Australia has the conditions and when you fly over any Australian city the number of ovals you see gives you an idea why Australia is always near the top of the world cricket.
                      Healthcare is better in Australia as well so sports people get quick good treatment for sports injuries.
                      The NHS is being rundown making it very hard for most to get any treatment.

            • Keepcalmcarryon 1.1.1.1.1.3
              20 January 2018 at 8:06 am

              Don’t have time for cricket. Too busy working for Bill English’s proud low wage. Right wing bludgers must have a lot of spare time to waste days in front of the TV.

          • weka 1.1.1.1.2
            19 January 2018 at 8:05 pm

            Actually I do like cricket, just not enough to spend all that time watching it. I grew up in a house with a radio in every room so that Dad could go about his weekend and still follow the crickey. Or rugby. Never got the hang of following it on the radio myself

            • Union city greens 1.1.1.1.2.1
              19 January 2018 at 8:08 pm

              Was more setting you up to hit us with an ‘no, I love it’, but just as well, no comedian likes a funnier straight man (woman).

  2. Rosemary McDonald 2
    19 January 2018 at 7:04 pm

    You know, the more fuss made about the impending parenthood of our Prime Minister the less credibility the ‘this is the new normal’ narrative will have.

    Couples have been juggling jobs and parenthood for absolutely ages…this is nothing new, so can y’all just move on???

    Much more media blitzing over this, and those of us who still don’t trust Labour since the last time they were on the Government benches will begin to suspect that this perfectly normal biological function is being beefed up to distract us from a wobbly coalition.

    Just today I was sent copies of two emails…one from the Labour spokesperson for Health prior to the election pointing out that the issue my friend was writing about was well covered in the Labour Manifesto and promises were made to fix this significant injustice.

    The second email my friend received was from the newly minted Minister of Health in response to friend emailing his office to remind him of the pre-election promises….”We understand that you have had extensive correspondence with the Ministry of Health directly on the Funded Family Care policy, which has addressed the matters you have raised.

    The Minister and this office is unable to further assist with your enquiry. ”

    So basically the big FO.

    Not good enough Labour…not good enough at all. You damn well promised to sort this issue.

    Perhaps while the Government is all aglow with the prospect of parturition…they might just want to spare a thought for those parents who have cared for their disabled children for decades, had to go to the Human Rights Review Tribunal and two Courts to get justice…. only to have the previous bunch of bastards knife them in the back and treat them like garbage.

    Having said that…Labour could have sorted this prior to the 2008 election and chose not to.

    Looks like its going to be another three years of bullshit for disabled New Zealanders and their chosen family carers.

    • BM 2.1
      19 January 2018 at 7:12 pm

      The media almost killed Ardern with kindness at the election, I think they’re going to finish her off this time around with the wall to wall pregnancy/marriage coverage.

      It’s all so over the top it’s pissing people off.

    • Anon 2.2
      19 January 2018 at 7:17 pm

      It’s not even a juggle, they’re rich and will have one full time parent. On Jacindas salary alone they could hire a full time nanny if they wanted. Even if the kid ends up disabled they could fund whatever they need themselves, but I doubt any ministry would deny them anything anyway.

    • Ad 2.3
      19 January 2018 at 7:41 pm

      Relax Rosemary. There’s going to be a torrent of motherhood stories about our PM. No one can stop it, not even you.

      The left are in power here, and their leader is pregnant.

      I just know you can cope.

      • Rosemary McDonald 2.3.1
        19 January 2018 at 7:44 pm

        “The left are in power here,”

        Are they???

        • Ad 2.3.1.1
          19 January 2018 at 8:03 pm

          they run the country. sorry doll. you must have missed it.

        • weka 2.3.1.2
          19 January 2018 at 8:07 pm

          Ha ha, nice one rosemary.

        • Anne 2.3.1.3
          19 January 2018 at 9:07 pm

          I agree with Rosemary. It really is way over the top, but don’t blame Jacinda and Labour. It’s the media who are to blame.

          There’s an element at the least of truth in Rosemary’s response @ 2.3.1

          Are Labour running the country??? Not entirely. The global corporate bullies based here and off-shore are pulling most of the strings.

          And AD… how about you withdraw that pathetic attempt to demean Rosemary by calling her “doll”. Have long suspected you were a closet misogynist.

          • Ad 2.3.1.3.1
            19 January 2018 at 9:11 pm

            Yes Labour run the government.
            Which runs the New Zealand state.
            Go look it up under Beehive then come back here.

            If you think Rosemary deserves a break after demeaning the Prime Minister about her pregnancy, you need a really good hard look in the mirror.

            • Anne 2.3.1.3.1.1
              19 January 2018 at 9:23 pm

              If you are referring to Rosemary McDonald @ 2… I detected no demeaning of Jacinda whatsoever. Labour yes, and I don’t agree with her there.

              I’m sure there’s a name for someone who tries to cover up their own faulty response by attempting to suggest their target is the culprit.

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

              • Ad …
                19 January 2018 at 9:28 pm

                “…If we are going to be blighted with endless bloody front pages of the women’s trash mags featuring glamour shots of the PM wearing the latest designer preggy wear or Jacinda and Clark go baby shopping or renovate the nursery or how Jacinda deals with stretch marks/morning sickness/piles/constant need to pee/reflux/varicose veins…. I swear I won’t be accountable for my actions.

                Prime Minister is an important role, and yes, the one before last made it a celebrity gig and we all mocked him mercilessly for it.

                So , Prime Minister…some gravitas, please.”

                I am sure you can defend that as something undemeaning of the Prime Minister and supports pregnant women who can work as Members of Parliament.

                You went for defence.

                Start now Anne.

                • Anne …
                  19 January 2018 at 9:45 pm

                  That’s the media’s doing and I’m sure Rosemary recognises as much. You can interpret it whatever way you choose but that does not mean you are right.

                  So , Prime Minister…some gravitas, please.

                  Thank-you for highlighting my point. There’s nothing rude or insulting about that statement. I doubt it was necessary because Jacinda will be well aware of the inherent danger, but people are still entitled to voice concern.

                  Yes. you are welcome to have the last word on the subject. 🙂

                  • Ad …
                    19 January 2018 at 9:55 pm

                    Oh cheers.
                    After mentioning women’s mags, glamour shots, preggy wear, baby shopping, renovating the nursery, stretch marks, morning sickness, piles, varicose veins etc … then mentioning her actual serious role as Prime Minister, no one should take that as an insult to female Members of Parliament.

                    Go develop some actual feminism in your blood Anne.

                    You need it.

                  • Rosemary McDonald …
                    19 January 2018 at 10:25 pm

                    “That’s the media’s doing and I’m sure Rosemary recognises as much.”

                    Yes, Anne. That was me waving a big (red if you like 😉 ) flag.

                    Not demeaning at all.

                    Telling the truth. What I could cope with reading of what’s been available on line this afternoon it is patently clear that this is the way the media is going to run with this.

                    Again…working while pregnant or as a new mum is nothing new…

                    The last thing I’d want to be blasted with as I ducked into Pak n Spend at 5.30 pm after picking up the toddler from daycare, after a shit day at work with my swollen ankles spilling over the stupid high heels the Boss insists on me wearing is the Prime Minister looking oh so glamorous as if the whole thing is a walk in the park.

                    It isn’t. And while my brain knows that as PM she has to maintain a certain image, my brain also knows she has a flotilla of minions in her orbit to help her do this. Having the PM’s privilege thrown in my face will not encourage me to vote Labour next time.

                    What will encourage me to vote Labour next time (If I too was younger and working and family building) is seeing this Government, that promised to effect change for the better, do it.

                    Wasting time on image maintenance when there’s real work to be done??? Yeah, nah.

                    Labour/NZF/Green tenure is by no means secure.

                    And if that Other Mob gets back in…we’re in for a wealth of pain.

            • Ian 2.3.1.3.1.2
              19 January 2018 at 9:27 pm

              In theory maybe. The quality of Governance is what matters and this sideshow is not going to help that at all. Good luck to the proud parents . Good luck to NZ inc ,that has been incredibly short changed.

              • Muttonbird …
                19 January 2018 at 9:29 pm

                The apologist for waterway polluters returns!

              • mickysavage …
                19 January 2018 at 9:42 pm

                Why?

                Governments have multiple layers, PM, Cabinets, Advisors, Departments … decisions go through multiple decision making processes.

                I am sure the PM will not stop reading and hearing and talking about things. Why should her having a baby mean that she will not perform her role or that the multiple layers of review will not work?

                • Ian …
                  19 January 2018 at 9:52 pm

                  I have never seen a first calver end up at the top of the pecking order. Youth and enthusiasm allways gets trumped by Age and experience.

                • Macro …
                  19 January 2018 at 9:59 pm

                  I’ve been watching recently the second of the mini-series “Victoria”, and the comparison between the Queen of England – who was at the time Ruler of an Empire upon which the sun never set, and the Prime Minister of a small country of around 5 million people is very interesting. Victoria gave birth to 9 children while at the same time carrying out her duties as Monarch. In those days the involvement of the monarchy in the running of the country was considerable, and Victoria after the birth of each child, despite the protestations of her advisors, she was insistent on returning to her duties.

                  • weka …
                    20 January 2018 at 1:22 am

                    I just started watching this recently (series 1). Am quite enjoying it, but am curious as to how historically accurate it is. Do you know?

                    • Macro …
                      20 January 2018 at 8:41 am

                      I heard an interview with the writer on RNZ a while back and she was saying that they had access to Victoria’s diaries as well as the official records. Obviously it is historical drama so there is dramatic license, but the events and her reaction to them I feel are fair. She was a popular Monarch, and popularity such as she maintained over such a long period, had to be earned.
                      If you enjoyed the first series – you will certainly enjoy the second.

                    • Anne …
                      20 January 2018 at 8:58 am

                      I have studied Queen Victoria’s reign for some years and by and large the events have been accurately reported although quite a bit of undue license given the character traits of some of the key personnel.

                      For example, Prince Albert’s brother was said to have been be an out and out rake, but in the series he comes through as more of a lonely soul who made a youthful ‘error’ that blighted the rest of his life. A bit of an understatement methinks.

                      Apart from that its well done and the sets are opulent and magnificent.

                    • weka …
                      20 January 2018 at 7:16 pm

                      oh good, thanks, I shall persevere.

              • Tricledrown …
                19 January 2018 at 11:44 pm

                Ian you are a dinosaur

          • Rosemary McDonald 2.3.1.3.2
            19 January 2018 at 10:04 pm

            “The global corporate bullies based here and off-shore are pulling most of the strings.”

            These strings need to be severed….toot sweet…else nothing is going to change.

            And it is change that people voted for.

          • Tricledrown 2.3.1.3.3
            19 January 2018 at 11:36 pm

            Anne ad being ironic rosemary is the Mysoginist.

        • eco maori 2.3.1.4
          21 January 2018 at 1:36 am

          Yes I’m observeing our Coalition Government carefully and hopefully they make the good choice that benefit the many.

  3. Anon 3
    19 January 2018 at 7:08 pm

    The date is wrong in the title.

  4. Tricledrown 4
    19 January 2018 at 11:29 pm

    On BBC Mark Richardson getting schooled by Jacinda.

  5. Ed 5
    19 January 2018 at 11:32 pm

    Yes capitalism is destroying Venezuela not socialism.

    “Venezuela’s oil production is collapsing at an accelerating pace
    Peak oil and economic sabotage by the Americans is largely behind this, not “socialist inefficiency””

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuelas-oil-industry-takes-a-fall-1516271401

  6. eco maori 6
    20 January 2018 at 4:30 am

    The Queen of Great Britain is the longest serving monarch. She is definitely a great role model for all our Lady’s of the World she is firm and assertive and humane. I say it was a king there would not be a wedding of Harry and Megan this wedding is good for all humans. Many thanks to the Queen for this amazing event. Because I see that ladies are good humble humane intelligent leaders and to be fair half the population I Back Lady’s equality full stop. I know a lot of men strongly disagree with the views I have on subject they have to pull there head out of the sand and realise this is 2018 equality is how we have to go to have a peace full humane world society. Ka kite ano

  7. eco maori 7
    21 January 2018 at 2:22 am

    Yes WE need to change everything.
    In my view we have to examine Our lives and identify what is critical to substaning a happy healthy life /future for US and OUR Mokos grandchildren.

    1 Is man critical for sustaining life not anymore with new technology why do wership MAN

    2 Is money vital to our lives KNOW. why do we wership money.

    THIS IS WHAT IS VITAL FOR LIFE and in my view We should wership them and care for them and they will take care of US.

    1 Air clean health air a clean healthy environment. Take AIR away from US and we won’t last 10 min.

    2 Water we need clean healthy water to sastain life we won’t last a week without water.

    3 Food ie all OUR wild life plants and animals we won’t last 3 months with out food.

    4 Mother earth Papatuanukue we will be gone in seconds with out her

    5 The Moon we won’t last long without the Moon just about everything is influenced by the Moon sea levels would rise no tides emencly.

    This is why I’m a environmental friendly ADVOCATE.
    Because I GET THE BIGGEST PICTURE.
    I hope the rest or the common people of OUR WORLD get it soon as we are the people who will lose the most if we don’t change our lifestyles. Ka kite ano

    • eco maori 7.1
      21 January 2018 at 2:40 am

      3 Is OIL and carbon based fuel nonrenewable fules and products we wership and don’t need these to substan a happy healthy life
      Ka kite ano

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  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

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