Daily review 28/05/2019

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, May 28th, 2019 - 65 comments
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This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

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65 comments on “Daily review 28/05/2019 ”

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  1. Kat 1
    28 May 2019 at 5:49 pm

    Still leaking at parliament……………..Simon Bridges declares he is still leader of the opposition in the House today…..and the winter rain is coming.
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/113055687/live-national-party-claims-its-got-leaked-budget-details

    • JanM 1.1
      28 May 2019 at 6:33 pm

      As has been pointed out all three of the budget leaks, both current and historic have been against Labour by National. How on earth can nitwits like Jessica Mutch-Mckay sheet that hope to Labour when the evidence shows that the ratbags doing the leaking belong to the right?

    • Fireblade 1.2
      28 May 2019 at 6:44 pm

      Simon says: "Keep looking Paula, there must be something we can use!"

      https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSTdhu09Wvfals-gQlO7INDj3VtxOuqBtu1L_XdrF552umywBM2

    • Gabby 1.3
      28 May 2019 at 6:52 pm

      Is there mitch chance that merk might have some contacts with passwords?

    • joe90 1.4
      28 May 2019 at 7:07 pm

      Keith's onto it.

      https://twitter.com/keith_ng/status/1133190269950517253

      But honestly though, this seems like a terrible and ill-conceived idea. If the breach is technical (incl accidentally leaked via website), then questions ought to be raised about why National didn't disclose it responsibly to Treasury.

      [..]

      If there was some circumvention involved – even if it's at the level of putting extra strings in the URL – then it could be considered "unauthorised access"; again – sooo much obligation to report.

      [..]

      It's not party vs party "fair play" stuff here. It's Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition vs apparatus of state. Soooo much responsibility.

    • Cinny 1.5
      28 May 2019 at 7:17 pm

      Via twitter… LMAO !!!!!

      Can someone explain me National's tactics here?

      "We're going to OWN the Government by TELLING EVERYONE about their laudable new initiatives SLIGHTLY EARLIER THAN PLANNED mwahahahahah"

    • Fireblade 1.6
      28 May 2019 at 8:20 pm

      Budget leak referred to police.

      "Treasury has referred the National Party budget release to police and says there’s sufficient evidence to indicate its systems have been deliberately and systematically hacked".

      "The matter was referred to police on the advice of the National Cyber Security Centre".

      https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/05/budget-leak-to-be-referred-to-police-by-treasury.html

      • The Al1en 1.6.1
        28 May 2019 at 8:27 pm

        If true, that's a big stuff up by Bridges being associated with criminal hacking, and one he just may not recover from. Treasury hacked and stolen files land up in Simon’s lap is so much more a story than we know the numbers.

        And I bet he thought it was all going so well.

        • Charlie 1.6.1.1
          28 May 2019 at 8:52 pm

          Simon Bridges is dead meat standing. Either he has been set up or he insanely thinks his mouthing off is all tickety boo. In any event he is buggered. Next we will see calls for that schoolboy Act wanker for natz leader.

          • The Al1en 1.6.1.1.1
            28 May 2019 at 8:56 pm

            All that gloating earlier in the day for nothing. Now only more scrutiny placed on him and his party. What did he know? Who does he know? When did he know it?

            Talk about reversal of fortunes.

            • Booker 1.6.1.1.1.1
              28 May 2019 at 11:45 pm

              It’s good that treasury have been so onto it and figured out what happened quickly and put it out publicly, stops National in their tracks and days of media coverage of speculation.

              • SHG …
                29 May 2019 at 12:59 am

                Must've taken a real genius to work out that all you had to do was google for the budget

  2. CHCoff 2
    28 May 2019 at 6:15 pm

    All the same, would like to see our Armed Forces NZ Defense combined with NZ sports club culture into a 'reserves' type of organisation that gets together once in a while for those type of army games.

    There are some guys here working on rockets ( i think in partnership with US) have seen, and that's all NZ really needs, combined with armed reserves, for worst case scenarios. Some fortified rocket sites around the country that have a range to keep things out of bay, and a good armed reserves system that can be called upon, is all NZ would ever really need in terms of worst case scenario national defense situations.

    Then there are the immeasurable benefits that a thriving sports club culture can overlap & give to society, reduced crime, the community voluntary sector, local democracy etc.

  3. adam 3
    28 May 2019 at 6:20 pm

    The centre-left of the ALP win the fight for leader. So much better than Shorten.



  5. Anne 5
    28 May 2019 at 6:34 pm

    Going to have to buy a Herald tomorrow. This should be an interesting read.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12234840

    • A 5.1
      28 May 2019 at 6:43 pm

      Noooo!!

      Just buy the book ♥ (if you can stomach the title)

      • Cinny 5.1.1
        28 May 2019 at 7:21 pm

        Re the article…. dang!

        Good idea re buying the book over the Herald. Wonder where I can get it and when?

        Woah it came out tonight, good on the couple, sad that they had to go through all the crap. Will def buy a copy to support them.

        Edit.. more info…

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113054178/new-book-lifts-lid-on-whale-oil-blogger-cameron-slaters-dirty-tactics

        And a local publisher, yays !
        Whale Oil, written by Margie Thomson, is published by Potton & Burton.
        https://www.pottonandburton.co.nz/

        And found another link about it via The Spin Off…
        https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/28-05-2019/the-10-most-shocking-moments-in-the-blistering-new-book-whale-oil/

        Sweet no need for buying the herald at all 🙂

        Edit again 🙂 The Spin Off link/article is a goodie (informative)

        • Rosemary McDonald 5.1.1.1
          28 May 2019 at 8:04 pm

          The Spin Off link/article is a goodie (informative)

          Not bad for a quick read…god this saga has gone on forever…please let it end.

          (Quick note to Sam from the Spin off Lofty Blomfield was not only a real person, but an actual legend. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lofty_Blomfield)

          • A 5.1.1.1.1
            28 May 2019 at 8:13 pm

            Legend – nice!

          • AB 5.1.1.1.2
            29 May 2019 at 9:19 am

            Hi Rosemary

            Yes Lofty was a real person. A family member of mine worked a lot with him in setting up and running Northland IHC. I remember once as a kid going out to Whangarei airport with mum to pick up Lofty and he seems in my childhood memory to have filled up half the car – so his nickname was well-chosen.

            Aged about 5 or 6 I also went into the bar of the Whangarei hotel where Lofty hand built his famous "penny pile" of thousands of donated pennies for IHC. He made great show of sleeping in the bar overnight to guard the penny pile from thieves – but actually as a brilliant stunt to get publicity.

            A wonderful guy from all accounts – representing a set of values swept away in the Rogernomics revolution.

            • Rosemary McDonald 5.1.1.1.2.1
              29 May 2019 at 11:21 am

              Heh! I heard about Lofty from an elderly alcoholic I was involved with 'rehabilitating' some thirty years ago. A short, barrel- chested fellow mitts of steel who had been in the fight scene back in the day. Hard to know how much of the brain damage was the booze and how much due to being punched. When others (especially those in authority) were being unkind or thoughtless he used to comment…"He ain't no fucken Lofty Blomfield is he?!" I made it a mission to find out from this guy (in his more lucid moments) who exactly Lofty Blomfield was.

              That ties in well with your recollection AB. The impression I got was Lofty was big and hard….yet had real heart and a sense of fairness.

            • Marcus Morris 5.1.1.1.2.2
              31 May 2019 at 6:39 pm

              My Dad was in the Navy during the war and based at Philomela. He and his friends regarded it as a good night out to go to the Auckland Town Hall and watch the pro wrestlers in action. Lofty Blomfield was certainly a favourite.

  6. A 6
    28 May 2019 at 6:42 pm

    How many homeless could you house for 1.5 million a month?

    Or…you could have a stadium in ChCh apparently.
    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018697149/christchurch-stadium-costs-don-t-add-up-economists-say

  7. Chris T 7
    28 May 2019 at 6:43 pm

    So is Mallard going to address his "Mispeak" anytime soon, or is it too much to expect from him?

    • joe90 7.1
      28 May 2019 at 7:00 pm

      Either Mallard is guilty of a serious lapse in judgment for calling a parliamentary worker the equivalent of a rapist, or Parliament is harbouring a criminal and doesn't feel like a safe place.

      Can Bennett make up her fucking mind?.

  8. Gabby 8
    28 May 2019 at 6:52 pm

    Jeez christy, which one?

    • Chris T 8.1
      28 May 2019 at 6:55 pm

      That is a fair point

      But in this case freaking every woman out who works at the joint by claiming there is a serial rapist working at parliament, who turned out to be a hugger and cheek kisser in front of his wife

  10. Anne 10
    28 May 2019 at 8:31 pm

    Well I never… it's a feast or a famine. Today is a feast.

    Somebody hacked Treasury for budget info:

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12235239

    It was my initial reaction. (Yes I know, I'm so clever. 😎 )

    Robertson tells Bridges not to release any more info. because it is now in the hands of the police.

    Edit: Muttonbird beat me by one one minute.

    • Muttonbird 10.1
      28 May 2019 at 8:35 pm

      Yikes. Would National really hack Treasury for political points (which have been clumsily made)?

      Perhaps not, but did they not think to check the source of the leaked information?

      Edit: Mine wasn’t very good forumming though, Anne. ☺️

      • Anne 10.1.1
        28 May 2019 at 8:48 pm

        I expect it came to them anonymously and they were so excited they never stopped to think how the person got the info. in the first place.

        Serves them right! It shows National are lacking integrity.

        • mary_a 10.1.1.1
          28 May 2019 at 9:42 pm

          Hi Anne I think after this revelation from Treasury, we won't be hearing too much from Si for a while. He will be busy answering questions, such as his intentions for releasing an obvious official confidential document to media. Don't think he will be able to slide out of this one.

          Oh how the worm turns in such a short space of time. Popcorn time coming up soon.

    • SHG 10.2
      29 May 2019 at 1:01 am

      Never attribute to hacking that which is more easily explained by incompetence.

  11. dv 11
    28 May 2019 at 8:39 pm

    Well well well

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/113077002/budget-leak-referred-to-police-after-treasury-finds-evidence-of-hacking

    'Budget leak' referred to police after Treasury finds evidence of hacking

    "We (police) have contacted the National Party to request that they do not release any further material, given that the Treasury said they have sufficient evidence that indicates the material is a result of a systematic hack and is now subject to a police investigation.

    Snap

    • mpledger 11.1
      28 May 2019 at 9:58 pm

      He must have known the only way he could get the information was if it was stolen. He must have known that using stolen information lawfully has very strict rules around who can make use of it and for what purpose – he is/was a lawyer after all. Unless he is a whistle blower or a journalist he could be in a spot of bother.

  12. Peter 12
    28 May 2019 at 8:41 pm

    A former Crown Prosecutor would always look wise and ethical wouldn't he? No doubt he took counsel before using the information he used. All the questions would have been asked, like, "What happens if the info comes from a hack of Treasury?"

  13. Fireblade 13
    28 May 2019 at 8:59 pm

    WTF

    Simon Bridges twitter

    The National Party has acted entirely appropriately. Grant Robertson has falsely smeared us to cover up his and The Treasury’s incompetence. When what has occurred is revealed, he will need to resign.

    https://mobile.twitter.com/simonjbridges/status/1133292488511197186?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

    • Muttonbird 13.1
      28 May 2019 at 9:01 pm

      Umm. Reveal it then, Simon. 😈

    • Anne 13.2
      28 May 2019 at 9:02 pm

      Fireblade has now beaten me by one minute. 🙁

      Bridges is off his rocker! Robertson has not smeared anybody. He's acted in a totally dignified way.

    • Pat 13.3
      28 May 2019 at 9:06 pm

      Gone in a fortnight?

      • Anne 13.3.1
        28 May 2019 at 9:16 pm

        Is Bridges trying to infer there was a conspiracy between Robertson and Treasury to set up the Nats and make them look like asses?

        Good grief. 😯

        • Pat 13.3.1.1
          28 May 2019 at 9:21 pm

          I dont think Bridges is that coherent….he is flailing

          • Fireblade 13.3.1.1.1
            28 May 2019 at 9:38 pm

            I agree. Bridges tweet makes no sense. He's panicking.

            Newshub are reporting:

            "Treasury secretary Gabriel Makhlouf says the breach is serious, and the matter was referred to police on the advice of the National Cyber Security Centre."

            • The Chairman 13.3.1.1.1.1
              28 May 2019 at 9:42 pm

              Bridges tweet makes no sense.

              Perhaps he's confident it didn't come from a hack.

          • Drowsy M. Kram 13.3.1.1.2
            28 May 2019 at 9:45 pm

            Maybe Bridges' is desperately seeking a way to step down from his role as leader of the opposition – certainly looks that way.

            He is, however, a convenient placeholder, and so will be required to suffer in that role for at least another 18 months.
            Hope I’m right smiley

            • Pat 13.3.1.1.2.1
              28 May 2019 at 9:59 pm

              I think his convenience has evaporated….hes now a consistent liability.

    • The Chairman 13.4
      28 May 2019 at 9:32 pm

      @Fireblade

      This story just keeps on giving.

    • joe90 13.5
      28 May 2019 at 9:33 pm

      Those replies!

    • SPC 13.6
      28 May 2019 at 9:37 pm

      Poor Simon, it’s possible such a hacking and supply of information to him is part of a plot to remove him as leader.

      To shore up his support in his own party he chooses to resort to an attack on Labour, but he will be wondering whose knife it is – it might well be related to the expense leak faction (that he presumed, without much credibility, he identified last time).

    • mary_a 13.7
      28 May 2019 at 9:56 pm

      Fireblade (13) … Unbelievable!

    • SPC 15.1
      28 May 2019 at 10:16 pm

      The site update request – DPF must have left his deskfile behind and someone used one of his old tricks.

    • Anne 15.2
      28 May 2019 at 10:21 pm

      That was 18 years ago. I doubt loop holes like the one he describes are still accessible – surely. The penguin is in damage control mode?

        • McFlock 15.2.1.1
          28 May 2019 at 10:29 pm

          Mind you, organisations make basic web mistakes every day.

          But if it were as simple (and stupid) as prematurely publishing data, that's almost as bad as a data leak or server hack, let alone if Robertson is correct and some of the data they accidentally released was wrong.

          We seem to have entered a Heisenbergian state of scandal these days, what with "rapist vs hug" and "hack vs multilevel incompetence". Is the opposition/Soper boldly calling out government/speaker travesties, or is it the op[position and Soper who are fecking jerks? Only time will tell.

  16. joe90 16
    28 May 2019 at 11:39 pm

    Premiering 2020 on Faux: The tRump Trials

    https://twitter.com/joshtpm/status/1131712683026341896

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    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
    20 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
    21 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
    23 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
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  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

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