David Cunliffe two-way on Sunday at 4pm

Written By: - Date published: 10:24 am, June 28th, 2014 - 61 comments
Categories: admin, david cunliffe, notices, The Standard - Tags:

Dolphin Over World 2010David Cunliffe will be putting up a post on Sunday earlier on Sunday. He will be around for some two way interaction at about 4pm-5pm.

It will be similar to the previous session last month. However he has put more time in his schedule. But I’d suggest putting your questions in earlier as I suspect those may get answered earlier.

At the regional list conference I also fixed the problem that was preventing his iPad from reading the site (iOS didn’t like the sites webapp). So he may have more time to read the comments.

As I said last time

Needless to say, the post will be on auto-moderation. The normal rules for these interactive posts will apply. The comment has to be on the topics raised in the post or questions about thing that you should think should have raised in the post. Comments that are simple trolling or “when did you kill your mother-in-law” meme raising or simply going way off topic will simply be trashed without notice.

I’m also going to slightly vary the rules this time. The last time these were run, we got far too many comments that were, in my opinion, simply just speeches stating what the commenter would like do if they were David Cunliffe. However there is only one person invited to give a speech in this post and that the David Cunliffe. If I see too much speechifying in a comment that isn’t pertinent as a question or clarification, then I will redact it back so that is all that is there.

I’d suggest that if your rave gets away on you*, that you write it here or in OpenMike, and link to it in your brief comment on the post for later discussion. However don’t expect David to have read it when and if he answers.

We are as sure as is possible that it will happen at the appropriate time. However, it is the election campaign and as events over the last couple of weeks have shown, anything can happen.

 

Updated: Someone in Cunliffe’s office has whipped up an image..  Feel free to use

 

 

the standard with david cunliffe

61 comments on “David Cunliffe two-way on Sunday at 4pm ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Colonial Viper 1
    28 June 2014 at 10:31 am

    Great to see you actively engaging with The Standard DC, your willingness to front up and front foot the campaign puts you a mile in front of the ducking and diving NATs. Keep it up, better stronger faster!

  3. travellerev 3
    28 June 2014 at 11:41 am

    Great, another 15 minute pick and choose session. I think I’ll pass.

    • Lanthanide 3.1
      28 June 2014 at 12:32 pm

      I was pretty disappointed by last time’s effort. I’m expecting this one to be much better.

      But politicians are always going to pick and choose the questions they answer.

      • lprent 3.1.1
        28 June 2014 at 1:01 pm

        Part of the problem was that he wound up with only half an hour available last time because it was part of the working week. Just trying to get him here was hard enough when it competed with half-hour sessions he could have been doing elsewhere like radio or TV.

        We’re getting a awful lot of people here on Sundays these days and that tends to be deadtime for politicians in terms of media. So I suggested that.

        It was also noticeable last time that it took about 10-15 minutes before he got into the swing of things. It isn’t a usual medium for politicians so there is always a learning curve whenever any of them come on this kind of site. Hopefully having a longer period will reduce the impact of that.

        Finally, he hadn’t been able to read The Standard on his iPad. There was some kind of issues with the webapp and iOS7. I fixed that earlier this month and he can now read the site. So hopefully he’ll be able to read the comments prior to the start of the session.

        • weka 3.1.1.1
          28 June 2014 at 1:16 pm

          I missed the one in May, but the one last Sept was pretty good I thought.

          http://thestandard.org.nz/david-cunliffe-2/

          Some people seem to think that Cunliffe, or any author/guest poster here, is somehow obliged to answer everything. Even if they had the time, which they don’t, surely it’s ok to choose what one replies to? If there was some pattern of avoidance, that could be pointed out, but other than that I can’t see the problem.

          • Colonial Viper 3.1.1.1.1
            28 June 2014 at 1:42 pm

            Yep, and for better or worse there are some questions that politicians should not go near in public during sensitive times in campaigns lest they be drawn off message into a media shit storm.

            • blue leopard 3.1.1.1.1.1
              28 June 2014 at 1:59 pm

              @ CV
              Do you think one of those subjects might be welfare? I tend to. There appears to be an avoidance of this issue with Labour (which I have justified in past conversations), yet it is clearly a problem for some with regards to how much they can trust Labour in this respect – given their silence on the matter.

              In actual fact, I believe Labour are making inferences about this subject but it is clearly going over some peoples’ heads and I note that I couldn’t find a direct reference to welfare in their policies section on their website the other day – is it there and I simply failed to find it or does it not exist?).

              I wonder if Labour would ever consider removing the secondary tax requirement off those on welfare and who are working? And I wonder about the way couples are treated as units – not individuals.

              Do you think welfare is one of those subjects that is too ‘touchy’ to be spoken of by Labour?

              • weka …
                28 June 2014 at 2:06 pm

                Here’s what I asked DC last Sept, which he replied to,

                http://thestandard.org.nz/david-cunliffe-2/#comment-691162

                Weka: “What is your view on Work and Income beneficiaries, esp re Labour policy (carrot or stick)?

                How do you intend to repair the damage done by the deserving working poor vs lazy/cheating beneficiary meme?”

                DC: “I am not into beneficiary bashing in any way, shape or form. I do want to see intensive case management with support for unemployed kiwis to find work. That means there has to be jobs to go to. And we also have to respect people’s individual challenges and family circumstances.”

                I’m in two minds about how to interpret that, but he did answer the question 🙂 I certainly think it’s worth asking more. I won’t be here tomorrow afternoon, but hopefully Lynn will get the post up earlier in the day.

                • blue leopard …
                  28 June 2014 at 2:14 pm

                  Yes! I just saw that earlier today (followed the link you put in another comment on this thread) – I didn’t recall that thread or answer at all – good to see it in black and white!

                  However it does appear that some are being put off Labour (Mary for example) due to no clear policies/announcements directly on the matter. I don’t know how they address this issue without being attacked, although that article (yesterday I think) re capital gains tax certainly indicated Labour are capable of driving the narrative/issues. I also thought they (well the left) achieved that with the way National stole the whole family issue focuss off the left in the latest budget.

                  I wonder if welfare is still to ‘hot’ an issue to do the same with….

                • lprent …
                  28 June 2014 at 3:56 pm

                  …but hopefully Lynn will get the post up earlier in the day.

                  That is the intent. But depends on when I get it. Since the questions have to relate to the post…

              • lprent …
                28 June 2014 at 3:16 pm

                If I was Labour and I had a policy on welfare, I’d either push it out the year ahead or an election, or I’d do it quite later.

                The reasons should be pretty obvious. You either have to inoculate or surprise.

                But I suspect that getting your budget together would be the limiting factor. Until you see the PREFU and do your own budget and tax policies, it is bloody hard to figure out how much you have to play with.

                • weka …
                  28 June 2014 at 3:28 pm

                  True, except there is quite a bit that can be done to fix the culture of WINZ without spending a lot of money. WINZ culture generally improves under Labour govts relative to NACT ones. However this time round more of NACT’s restructuring is in legislation I think, so it will be harder to roll back, both politically and structurally. I’m sure that was intentional on NACT’s part.

                • poem …
                  29 June 2014 at 1:47 pm

                  I know everyone wants to know what labour’s policy is on this, and I hope they repeal the punishing draconian stance national have taken, but if I was labour, I would leave it as late as possible, only for the fact of not wanting to give national/media a chance to turn it into a weapon.

    • Tanz 3.2
      28 June 2014 at 10:55 pm

      Same, my question last time was ignored as well.

      I support CC instead. Donating as well.

      • Clemgeopin 3.2.1
        28 June 2014 at 11:19 pm

        May be you asked it too late or may be it seemed like a time wasting stupid question from a RWNjob troll? What was your question?

  4. Sanctuary 4
    28 June 2014 at 11:42 am

    In your own fifty words or less, what is the Labour party’s mission statement?

    • phillip ure 4.1
      28 June 2014 at 11:45 am

      will you have new zealand continue to be a component of the american drone-strike program..?

      • phillip ure 4.1.1
        28 June 2014 at 12:00 pm

        i understand that you have yr own timetable of policy-release..(and i am not requesting any premature details)..

        ..but cd you assure us that labour will be releasing ‘poverty-busting’ policies in that timetable..?

        ..policies that will address the plights of the worst off..both children and adults..

        • phillip ure 4.1.1.1
          28 June 2014 at 12:09 pm

          i understand you have already given a big ‘no’ to any idea of cannabis-law-reform..

          ..does the herald digi-poll this wknd showing a majority supporting ending prohibition soften/change that stance at all..?

          ..and the surprise from that poll for me..is that 45% of national party voters support either decriminalisation..or full-legalisation..

          ..so to my mind..were labour to be more open to that change..you could well woo soft-national-party voters..

          ..yr thoughts on those factors..?

          • Weepu's beard 4.1.1.1.1
            28 June 2014 at 5:43 pm

            Look, I enjoy blazing up as much as the next guy but I don’t think you should ask questions about weed. He’ll think we’re all a bunch of wasters.

      • poem 4.1.2
        29 June 2014 at 1:50 pm

        David Cunliffe already answered that on Q & A the other week, he said NO to drones.

  5. Mike 5
    28 June 2014 at 11:42 am

    WTF?

    He needs to be talking to actual swing voters at this point, not ‘the base’ over here

    Unless of course he has given up on the general election already and is more worried about a post-election leadership challenge…..

    • lprent 5.1
      28 June 2014 at 11:47 am

      A large chunk of the work for Labour is activating activists to go out and talk to undecided…

      A place like TS is perfect for the task.

      • Clemgeopin 5.1.1
        28 June 2014 at 2:27 pm

        [1] When you say,

        “But I’d suggest putting your questions in earlier as I suspect those may get answered earlier”,

        Do you mean we should put in the question here now or wait for tomorrow when there may be a new page set up?

        [2] Another point:
        Is it possible to issue a press release for MSM to possibly publicise this Q and A session?

        P.S :
        Just saw/read your clarification on the 1st point I made above. Thanks.

        • lprent 5.1.1.1
          28 June 2014 at 4:01 pm

          The post tomorrow is where you leave questions. I’d point out that the usual rules about comments having to relate to the post apply, and since I don’t know the topic that a lot of the questions are a bit moot.

          However, who knows. The post still has to be written as far as I am aware. Maybe a peek here will provide inspiration. It can’t hurt anyway.

          I suspect that some of the MSM do actually read this site. But there is quite a lot of social media action going on with that poster. Help spread it.

    • phillip ure 5.2
      28 June 2014 at 11:47 am

      i didn’t realise it was either/or..there..mike…

      ..not enough hours in the day for both..?..you think..?

      • Mike 5.2.1
        28 June 2014 at 11:57 am

        Well there is only 80 odd days to go and Labour is now polling lower than in 2011, time seems like something that can’t be wasted at this point
        I can’t imagine Key devoting an hour to Whaleoil/Kiwiblog at this point in the electoral cycle…

        • phillip ure 5.2.1.1
          28 June 2014 at 12:03 pm

          get a grip mike..!

          ..the official-campaign-period hasn’t even started yet..

          ..and comparing with tory-key..?

          ..nah..!..tories are all about top-down control..

          ..a false-comparison on yr part..

        • poem 5.2.1.2
          29 June 2014 at 1:57 pm

          Who said the polls are true Mike? And havent you been listening to your party? national have been calling on their supporters to ignore the polls.

    • Stephanie Rodgers 5.3
      28 June 2014 at 2:21 pm

      The Standard is one of the most highly read blogs in the country and frequently what gets posted here is picked up by the mainstream media. Not to mention there’s huge value in re-invigorating the base’s enthusiasm to get out campaigning.

      David Cunliffe is a great guy, but he alone does not have the ability to reach every enrolled non-voter on a personal level.

      But I suspect you know this and just wanted to get in a dig about the leadership – exactly the kind of petty little undermining tactic which can be quashed by him spending an hour here.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.4
      28 June 2014 at 6:14 pm

      He needs to be talking to actual swing voters at this point, not ‘the base’ over here

      I think you’ll find that there’s more swing voters here than base Labour supporters.

  6. Tautoko Viper 6
    28 June 2014 at 12:03 pm

    Question: Why should small business owners consider voting for Labour?

    • lprent 6.1
      28 June 2014 at 12:06 pm

      He won’t be answering questions on this post. But feel free to use it for practice…

      • phillip ure 6.1.1
        28 June 2014 at 12:12 pm

        any chance of asking him if he will answer questions posted in this thread..?

        ..surely..in the spirit of openess..?

        ..that does not seem an unreasonable request..

        • lprent 6.1.1.1
          28 June 2014 at 12:35 pm

          Why? Everything has to be scheduled.

          Hard enough to get him to come here at all.

          I’m waiting for his post at present, which I suspect that I won’t get or post up today. When that arrives and gets posted, then you can start asking questions that he may answer.

          • blue leopard 6.1.1.1.1
            28 June 2014 at 1:01 pm

            A suggestion:

            I put forward that it might actually be a better idea – might actually work better – if people post questions here today and that would allow Mr Cunliffe some time to consider the answers. (Would also show trends of interests, so questions can be answered in groups)

            I personally think it is pretty hairy for a politician to come up with responses within an hour or two of reading the questions especially in an election year and especially due to the climate of witch-hunting going on in the media with respect to the left wing and Labour in particular.

            We need good clear direct answers to our questions, yet they do need to take into account how they can be misinterpreted, exaggerated and used to attack Labour/left and then proceed to make it seem like Mr Cunliffe is back-tracking. I guess this hasn’t occurred the last time this Q&A was conducted – but I wondered if it curbed Mr Cunliffe from answering quite a few of the questions?

            The internet is not like a public meeting in real life – the responses stay in black and white for ever-more and therefore some slightly less real-time elements could be employed in order to enhance the benefits of this process?

            I therefore am suggesting it might be a beneficial approach for people to write questions here – and point this thread out to Mr Cunliffe; allowing Mr Cunliffe (and perhaps his research team) time to formulate answers that are clear – yet don’t get him horribly compromised by our rabid and hysteria-ridden media…..hopefully you understand what I mean…

            • weka 6.1.1.1.1.1
              28 June 2014 at 1:19 pm

              Problem is, someone has to wade through all the other comments, either someone from ts or someone from Cunliffe’s team (let’s assume DC isn’t going to), to find the relevant questions. Lynn said he would put the post up tomorrow, and there will be time then for people to post questions ahead of time in a more strictly moderated space.

              • blue leopard …
                28 June 2014 at 1:23 pm

                Yes, fair enough – it really is simply a suggestion which I thought had some merit.

                I guess, as you say, there is time for Cunliffe to read questions prior to the time that he is online and responding. It simply gives him more time to think responses over- the earlier questions are put up – although that also is possible given this thread….

  7. Tautoko Viper 7
    28 June 2014 at 12:13 pm

    Question: Many young, single, childless workers (many under-employed) are not engaged in politics. They are struggling to pay the rent or living at home for longer. What policies does Labour have that will inspire them to enrol to vote and to vote Labour?

  8. David H 8
    29 June 2014 at 10:40 am

    2 Questions

    1: Is labour going to make deals with other parties on the left to win marginal seats, or to muck up the Nats ‘Cup of tea deals?

    2: Is the Labour Party going to make FULL use of Social Media this election?

  9. freedom 9
    29 June 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I will be absent for today’s Q&A, and would appreciate someone adding these questions to the submissions to David Cunliffe, Thank you.

    2 questions

    1:
    Mr Cunliffe, with Drones now being an unavoidable technology, will Labour commit to refusing to support the US Drone Strike missions and insist that any support to the US Drone missions supplied via any resource from New Zealand is for search & rescue missions only?

    2:
    Mr Cunliffe, with life long access to education being a critical foundation for any society, will Labour fully re-instate all Education funding that has been removed since 2008, including Adult Education programmes and all Tertiary assistance for mature students?

    • blue leopard 9.1
      29 June 2014 at 1:33 pm

      Hi Freedom,

      I will copy and paste your question into the thread when it appears (if someone hasn’t done so before me).

      Just to avoid any disappointment though one of lprent’s comments in this thread indicated questions may not get through if it isn’t related to the post Cunliffe writes – but I will copy and paste and send it and see if it gets through…..

  10. William Rea 10
    29 June 2014 at 1:12 pm

    We are told that if we liberalised our drug laws, that would be sending the ‘wrong message’ to young people. I want to ask David if he realises that the drug laws only catch about 1 or 2 percent of users every year, and they are mostly the young, the poor and the Maori. White, middle class professionals hardly ever get caught. What sort of “message” do you think is received by those who are the victims of this law?

  11. Clemgeopin 11
    29 June 2014 at 1:20 pm

    I intend asking these three questions. What do you think?

    [1] What is your policy on the mass secret surveillance of Kiwis by GCSB and the Five Eyes Programme? What changes will you make?

    [2] Will you legislate that Charter schools that receive public funds (a) Can not receive more public funding than public schools (b) Should abide by the rules as required by the education department such as trained/qualified teachers, subject to ERO and public audit of performance and accounts (c) should abide by (a) and (b). Otherwise, no public funds will be available to them.

    [3] Is is correct to say that National focuses on Key’s cult personality while Labour and the progressive parties focus on policies and the people?

  12. Kiwiri 12
    29 June 2014 at 1:23 pm

    Can someone ask a question about the retirement age please.
    I won’t be around later this afternoon to raise that.

    • blue leopard 12.1
      29 June 2014 at 1:31 pm

      I will copy and paste something if you would make it clear what your question is- i.e. what do you want to know about the retirement age?

      Given lprent’s one of comments in this thread; it may not get through if it isn’t related to the post Cunliffe writes – but I will copy and paste and send it and see anyway…..

  13. Pasupial 13
    29 June 2014 at 1:28 pm

    Question & Supplementary:

    Mr Cunliffe; would you be willing to accept Internet/ MANA Party MPs as part of a Labour-led government if that gave you the numbers to form a progressive coalition post-election (and a mutually satisfactory relationship could be negotiated)?

    How about; a United Future & Maori Party MP(s), if they have votes to offer and were willing to negotiate support (I’m assuming a yes for both; Green Party and NZF, a no for; National, ACT & CP, please correct if I’m mistaken)?

    Best of Luck for the election.

  14. Ergo Robertina 14
    29 June 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Would Labour require government departments to shift processing/admin functions to the regions to rejuvenate these areas and help relieve housing pressures in Auckland and Christchurch?
    Would Labour abolish Health Benefits Ltd?
    Are there too many DHBs, and would amalgamations be likely under Labour?

  15. James Brodie 15
    29 June 2014 at 4:09 pm

    Hi David.

    QUESTION: What is your proposed disability support policy and how is this different from other parties policies? (P.S. Keep up the good work)

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    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
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