Daily review 30/05/2022

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, May 30th, 2022 - 58 comments
Categories: Daily review - Tags:

Daily review is also your post.

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

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

Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

58 comments on “Daily review 30/05/2022 ”

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  1. Belladonna 1
    30 May 2022 at 6:01 pm

    Seems as though this case – sexual assault by James Gardener-Hopkins, then a partner at Russell-McVeagh, who repeatedly victimized young lawyers and interns at the firm – is still ongoing.

    He was suspended for two years (in a highly partisan decision by the NZ lawyers and conveyances disciplinary tribunal – one wonders about the old boy network); but the Law Society's standards committee is now arguing that he should be struck off.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/law-societys-standards-committee-argues-to-strike-off-former-russell-mcveagh-partner-james-gardner-hopkins/GPEZAV5W436ZOGP6YOCVNO7OHA/?c_id=1&objectid=12527879&ref=rss

    Here's an assessment of the sentence of suspension, and why it's such a light penalty for Gardner-Hopkins.

    https://adls.org.nz/Story?Action=View&Story_id=472

  2. Anne 2
    30 May 2022 at 6:03 pm

    Nanaia Mahuta calls out keyboard warrior by releasing a recent slur she received on Facebook:

    I’m going to put it here – including the redacted slurs:

    "Fuck off out of Parliament you overpaid useless fucking nigger.”

    Good on you Nanaia for releasing it. This kind of racist crap is being received on a regular basis by Maori members of parliament. It is vile hate speech and it’s time action was taken against the perpetrators.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nanaia-mahuta-calls-out-keyboard-warrior-after-n-word-slur/QZVPP5MEJG5EFC6DK4ALQLWRMQ

    • Belladonna 2.1
      30 May 2022 at 6:52 pm

      It's being received by all MPs, and other politicians – to an increasing extent. Women get it worse than men (especially the sexualized threats).

      I was utterly horrified to see the social media content a friend (and local community board rep) was receiving.

      There's much, much worse than this out there.

      Apart from the stupid, race-based epithet – this is fairly legitimate political commentary. Unlike some of the comments I've seen (which are explicit threats of harm to the woman and/or their family)

      • Anne 2.1.1
        30 May 2022 at 7:10 pm

        I'm sure you're right Belladonna.

        The way I see it is that no matter how strong and resilient the recipient might be, it is still going to have consequences for them further down the track. I know this because of some related past experiences of mine. While it is happening you stand up to it and feel strong, but there comes a point when you start to crumble and the recovery period can be extensive.

        That is why I am so strong on Jacinda Ardern's recent speech on the subject. These sub-humans (imo that is what they are) must not be allowed to continue with impunity.

      • Nic the NZer 2.1.2
        30 May 2022 at 7:12 pm

        Just which part of that message is the legitimate political commentary?

        • Belladonna 2.1.2.1
          30 May 2022 at 7:25 pm

          Opinion: Useless, Overpaid.

          It's legitimate opinion that Mahuta is an…. ineffective…. Foreign and Local Government Minister.
          It's legitimate opinion that she's been promoted above her capacity – and is therefore being paid more than she's 'worth'.
          It’s even legitimate opinion that she’s only in Parliament because of her iwi connections (daughter of Robert Mahuta, and therefore connected into the Tainui royal family)

          Others might disagree with the opinion, but that doesn't make it not legitimate political commentary.

          • Nic the NZer 2.1.2.1.1
            30 May 2022 at 7:54 pm

            I think if someone was to make a similar assertion on here they can be reasonably expected to link explaining their opinions of her. I have zero idea why these opinions would be held of her recent actions.

            • Belladonna 2.1.2.1.1.1
              30 May 2022 at 8:13 pm

              Do you have any opinions of National or ACT politicians, in which you think they are useless and/or promoted above their level of competence? I'm pretty sure I've seen some fairly harsh criticism of some of them (past and present), here on TS.

              And, if you truly have zero idea of why some politically right-wing people would have those opinions of Mahuta and her recent actions, you probably need to get out more (or at least read the papers).

              • Nic the NZer …
                30 May 2022 at 8:43 pm

                I tend to keep my opinions to myself unless I can make it clear why I hold those opinions.

            • Poission 2.1.2.1.1.2
              30 May 2022 at 8:58 pm

              Seems to be a growing consensus that she is wanting with regard to FO.China used the opportunity of a) the Australian election and b) The PM racking up airmiles across the US and back.

              Criticism from both former diplomats should be ringing alarm bells.

              https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/468175/nanaia-mahuta-under-pressure-as-pacific-s-geopolitical-game-heats-up

          • Incognito 2.1.2.1.2
            31 May 2022 at 9:39 am

            Indeed, Mahuta may be in NZ Parliament because of her connections but not just because of them. After all, she’s there to represent her people, just as all MPs are Representatives, and as a Māori MP I’d expect her to have deep connections with her electorate that has voted her for years. No different from National MPs have strong connections with farmers, for example.

    • Patricia Bremner 2.2
      30 May 2022 at 7:51 pm

      Nanaia is principled hardworking and well educated. She has represented Labour for 20 years. Apparently the person concerned was approached and doubled down. Is written racism against the law? We should all go on her facebook and send a supportive message.

      • Anne 2.2.1
        30 May 2022 at 8:36 pm

        It is not legitimate in a social sense at the least to use such language based on the ethnicity of the individual being attacked. Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong but I thought "nigger" was banned. I note the apparent educational level of the writer when contacted for comment leaves a lot to be desired:

        When contacted by the Herald, the sender said he did not regret using that language… he appeared to defend his attack on Mahuta.

        "Tell me this. If she was Pakeha or NZ European do you think she would still be in Parliament after how she's perfomed [SIC]," he said.

        "So is she trying to get herself out of the spotlight by cry's of racism? [SIC]," he said.

        • Patricia Bremner 2.2.1.1
          30 May 2022 at 9:12 pm

          I sent a message of support and received a message back. I hope others do the same to support her in the face of such horrible behaviour.

          • Anne 2.2.1.1.1
            30 May 2022 at 9:39 pm

            I will do it in the morning. Did you use her parliamentary email address?

            I met Nanaia some years ago and found her natural and friendly. She is also a very intelligent and competent person and I saw it first hand. Her detractors use racism and sexism to demean her. I suspect that the comment she has released is mild compared to others she has received.

            • Patricia Bremner 2.2.1.1.1.1
              30 May 2022 at 10:52 pm

              Yes Anne I'm sure there has been worse.. I sent Kia Kaha etc via her personal facebook.

              I am pleased to see her face time meetings have borne fruit. China did not get quite what they wanted. You don't deal with Tainui Politics without diplomatic skills. Cheers. That troll is just letting off steam I guess.

              Belladonna may think the critique valid. I don't. After the Seabed and Seashore issue, she stood by Labour and went back to her people, lost her seat but got in as number 8 on the List. She then stood for the new redrawn seat and won on her merits. She has never leaned on her relations in any way. I too found both the PM and Nanaia warm real and caring. Cheers.

              • Tony Veitch (not etc.) …
                31 May 2022 at 4:43 am

                yes

              • left for dead …
                31 May 2022 at 8:28 am

                yes add me to this support of Nanaia.Belladonna,that nut was using lazy framing,for the political,nasty racism and should be outed. Maybe you are consuming to much of yourself.

                Go stand in the corner with Donald.

                • Belladonna …
                  31 May 2022 at 8:44 am

                  I was explaining that it is legitimate political commentary to have an opinion that an MP is ineffective and/or promoted beyond their level of competence.

                  [And, I would note that I've seen multiple opinions expressed here that Luxon, for example, is both]

                  It's also legitimate for other people to have a different opinion.

                  I agree that the racist epithet is out of line (and explicitly said so)

                  However, many MPs have received much, much worse (look up some of the attacks that Gharahman and Swarbrick have received, for example)

                  You have to wonder if this is deflection from the widespread media coverage about Mahuta's perceived failures as Foreign Minister.

                  Perhaps you could actually engage with what I said. Because your response to me is completely incomprehensible.

                  Maybe you are consuming to much of yourself.

                  Go stand in the corner with Donald.

                  • Incognito …
                    31 May 2022 at 9:30 am

                    Mahuta entered NZ Parliament in 1996 and has been an electorate MP since 1999. I’d say that counters the view that she’s an ineffective MP who must “”Fuck off out of Parliament …”. This view also shows the holder is pig ignorant of democracy or perhaps even anti-democratic.

                    Your reply to l-f-d is spot on, BTW.

                    • Belladonna …
                      31 May 2022 at 12:56 pm

                      I certainly agree that there are plenty of counter-factuals to support a different opinion of Mahuta.

                      I have no doubt she has been a very effective MP in promoting the interests of her constituents.

                    • left for dead …
                      31 May 2022 at 5:38 pm

                      Good grief Incognito, using pub type memes is hardly politictal discourse,that is what I was trying to highlight,maybe badly,but theirs no need for you to start. If my grammar is wrong,sorry,I don't have that ability and thanks for reminding me I have no place here.

                    • Incognito []
                      31 May 2022 at 5:45 pm

                      I was referring to the racist who posted the slur on Facebook and I assume that wasn’t you.

                  • left for dead …
                    31 May 2022 at 9:40 am

                    Yet you made several paragraphs.Look I largely agree.Belladonna (atropine)Is poison. I would like you to address that the Herald being able to speak with said creep should at least he/she being outed. sadly to many here speak from both sides of their mouth.

                    • Belladonna …
                      31 May 2022 at 12:53 pm

                      Again. It would be nice if you actually engaged with what I said, rather than making nasty comments about my handle.

                      Please note that I am not reciprocating.

                      And, once again, your response (apart from the personal attack) is largely incomprehensible.

  3. SPC 3
    30 May 2022 at 6:44 pm

    Imran Khan sends his supporters into Islamabad and demands new elections be announced within 6 days.

  4. SPC 4
    30 May 2022 at 7:31 pm

    Shanghai and Beijing begin the process to easing the lockdown approach. And presumably will experiment with merely slowing the rate of spread over the summer.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61628770

  5. joe90 5
    30 May 2022 at 7:48 pm

    heh

    Of course, Top Gun: Maverick does not dare to pit Cruise against actual Chinese adversaries. Rather, the film was made with Chinese money, with funding provided by Tencent Pictures, a film distributor and production group owned by the Shenzhen-based technology giant. Sharp-eyed observers quickly noted that even the film’s trailer seemed to have been tailored to avoid causing offence in Beijing. Initial clips emerged in 2019 — the film’s release date was much delayed because of Covid-19 — showing Cruise donning the same bomber jacket he wore in the original. This time, however, two patches on the back of the jacket showing Japanese and Taiwanese flags had been replaced with ambiguous symbols of a similar colour, a change widely assumed to be introduced to avoid even the chance of annoyance by vigilant Chinese censors.

    https://archive.ph/qFG6C#selection-2397.0-2401.800 (FT)

    • Incognito 5.1
      30 May 2022 at 7:53 pm

      Never bite the hand that feeds you, unless you’re my cat.

      • Belladonna 5.1.1
        30 May 2022 at 8:26 pm

        Ha! Wrong way around. The cat owns you….

        • RedLogix 5.1.1.1
          30 May 2022 at 8:35 pm

          Can I take this moment to offer a rather belated welcome to the site Bella – and a sincere appreciation for your intelligent and mature contribution so far. yes

          • Ad 5.1.1.1.1
            30 May 2022 at 9:51 pm

            +100

          • Belladonna 5.1.1.1.2
            31 May 2022 at 8:09 am

            Awww. So kind. Thanks for the welcome.
            I really value the political debate on the site – and appreciate the way that (most) commenters engage with ideas, rather than attacking the person presenting them.

            The spectrum of opinion is fascinating. And most people are willing to learn from others – supported by the moderators insistence on the provision of sources.

            Really enjoying my time here.

            [And snickering rather that this is tagged to a totally tongue-in-cheek comment]

      • The Al1en 5.1.2
        30 May 2022 at 8:27 pm

        Took the liberty of fact checking that and I think you meant…

        Never bite the hand that feeds you, unless it's the two leg I let live with me. 😆

        Edit: Belladonna beat me to it. haha

        • Incognito 5.1.2.1
          30 May 2022 at 8:31 pm

          Great, now we can finally quit counselling; all those purrapy sessions on the couch were costing me an arm & a leg.

      • Patricia Bremner 5.1.3
        30 May 2022 at 9:14 pm

        devil You were not quick enough?

    • SPC 5.2
      30 May 2022 at 8:38 pm

      Top Gun : the mercenary who acts for the one with the most capital.

    • Puckish Rogue 5.3
      30 May 2022 at 8:46 pm

      https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4550166

      'As the opening credits scene of the film commences, Maverick can be seen examining his jacket in his old locker as he slowly puts it on. The original version of the naval patch with the Taiwan and Japan flags is clearly visible, as confirmed by Liberty Times.'

      • joe90 5.3.1
        31 May 2022 at 8:17 am

        Cold feet.

        In an entertainment industry full of uncertainty, few movies seemed as sure a bet as a sequel to the 1986 classic “Top Gun.”

        The Chinese tech firm Tencent Holdings Ltd. in 2019 signed on to co-finance the film, which the Shenzhen-based conglomerate hoped would yield a windfall at the box office. Yet when “Top Gun: Maverick” hits theaters this weekend, it will do so without any financing from Tencent, and without any mention of the Chinese firm that had once boasted of its involvement in the film.

        The reason: Tencent executives backed out of the $170 million Paramount Pictures production after they grew concerned that Communist Party officials in Beijing would be angry about the company’s affiliation with a movie celebrating the American military, according to people familiar with the matter.

        https://archive.ph/JIZFG#selection-221.0-239.301 (wsj)

        • Puckish Rogue 5.3.1.1
          31 May 2022 at 8:23 am

          Sucks to be them, the movies fantastic and its a box office smash already

  6. Nic the NZer 6
    30 May 2022 at 8:18 pm

    Really good in depth discussion of economic theories of inflation. Highlights that large factions of the mainstream are still applying ideas which could have been safely rejected in the 1980s, if not earlier.

    http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=49871

  7. Ad 7
    30 May 2022 at 8:53 pm

    TVNZ poll tonight

    Labour 35

    National 39

    Greens 10

    Act 7

    This is deep trouble that the Budget should have helped correct.

    • Puckish Rogue 7.1
      30 May 2022 at 9:00 pm

      Is it though?

      If Labour win the next election they'll definately lose the one after and then it'll be Nationals turn and then after two or three election wins it'll Labours turn again

      • weka 7.1.1
        30 May 2022 at 9:56 pm

        Nat only getting two terms? Thank goodness.

        • Puckish Rogue 7.1.1.1
          30 May 2022 at 10:02 pm

          Could be two, could be three then Labours turn and they'll get their two or three and then back to National and so it goes…

    • Poission 7.2
      30 May 2022 at 9:03 pm

      All incumbents globally are under pressure with inflation,and price shocks,all local body politicians should be re doing their household budgets,its the non tradeable sector that is unresponsive.

    • Anne 7.3
      30 May 2022 at 9:58 pm

      Actually in the current political climate I think Robertson was on a hiding to nothing no matter what he did. People are dissatisfied due to Covid fallout and the huge hike in oil prices and are taking it out on the government.

    • weka 7.4
      30 May 2022 at 10:00 pm

      Left 45

      Māori 2

      Right 46

    • SPC 7.5
      30 May 2022 at 10:29 pm

      It's the norm – neither NACT nor LAGR having a majority.

      There is the use of the MP by NACT and NZF of late to resolve this.

      It's the prospect of MP joining LAGR which places this into the Kiwi/iwi orbit of 2005.

      And which Winston the Peters Party will try and use to worm his back from ground level poll ratings, just when we thought he was dunne like a dead parrot. Instead he will seek to rise Lazarus like, and minstrel sing of the white cliffs and so return Dad's Army to its encampment outside parliament.

  8. Incognito 8
    30 May 2022 at 9:17 pm

    On 29 May 1947, Mabel Howard became the first female Cabinet Minister in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    https://www.parliament.nz/mi/get-involved/features/mabel-howard-the-first-female-cabinet-minister/

    • swordfish 8.1
      30 May 2022 at 11:59 pm

      Opinion was swinging in the US too during the immediate post-war era:

      I think 1947 was the year my grandmother got elected for Labour to the Wellington Hospital Board & a few years later to the Wellington City Council. Mid-20th Century Feminism did actually exist … despite claims to the contrary by certain prominent Second Wavers.

      And, as the US Gallup numbers suggest, men were by no means all irredeemably sexist. Women (& Democrat voters) were only mildly more like than men (& Repubs) to be comfortable voting for a woman presidential candidate in the late 40s & 50s. And, in fact, by the late 40s, a majority of both women and men were prepared to vote for a Presidential ticket that included a woman Vice-Pres.

      • swordfish 8.1.1
        31 May 2022 at 12:16 am

        "were only mildly more likely than men"

      • Incognito 8.1.2
        31 May 2022 at 8:02 am

        Thank you!

      • Patricia Bremner 8.1.3
        31 May 2022 at 4:11 pm

        Thanks Swordfish .

        That attitude was evident in teaching 20 years ago. 80% of Principals were men, while 80% of teachers were women who mainly preferred men Principals… Conditioning??

  10. mac1 10
    30 May 2022 at 11:07 pm

    Mac1 is very pleased that Macnamara was the clincher. Good on the Macs! The name means in Irish Gaelic "Son of a sea dog' and so the Liberals could claim that victory was 'pirated ' away from them. The Labor candidate Josh Burns who won the seat is the descendant of Jewish immigrants in a seat with a good number of Jewish voters. The seat is one in Melbourne and is upwardly mobile. The Greens, Liberals and Labor were very close on the first count to each other. Go Labor!

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    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • 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
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    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
    17 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
    20 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
    22 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
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  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

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