Dead man walking

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 20th, 2020 - 106 comments
Categories: bill english, brand key, Christopher Luxon, election 2020, john key, Judith Collins, national, polls, same old national, Simon Bridges, uncategorized - Tags:

The vultures are gathering.  When you are the leader of a party whose basic membership qualification is that they have to believe they are born to rule failure is not tolerated.

The media is reporting that there will be a vote of no confidence held in Simon Bridges’ leadership at next Tuesday’s National caucus meeting.  The threat of so many MPs losing their jobs is too much to allow.

Yesterday Jim Bolger publicly endorsed Todd Muller for leader.  John Key previously confirmed that Chris Luxon was his pick.  All we need is for Bill English and Jenny Shipley to come out publicly and choose a successor and Bridges’ humiliation will be complete.

How dysfunctional National has become is confirmed by this Henry Cooke Stuff article which shows how bad things have become.  From the article:

One National MP who spoke to Stuff on the condition of anonymity said that Bridges’ low ratings in the preferred prime ministerial poll made it difficult to see him running a winning election campaign.

“It’s hard to see how he can fight an election campaign when only four-and-a-half per cent of people want him to be prime minister,” the MP said.

Another said the problem was that the public was actively hostile to Bridges’ being the person bringing National’s message to them.

“The problem is the phone isn’t being picked up,” this MP said.

Several saw Bridges’ comment concerning the Prime Minister dying her hair on Newshub on Tuesday night — a joke that he didn’t dye his hair himself — as a particularly egregious example of poor leadership.

But others see the transaction cost of possibly bloody leadership contest as far too high.

Another National MP, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the last thing the party needed was a public battle about itself while the country was focused on coronavirus.

“The more you focus on internal ructions the more the country thinks you’re not talking about them,” the MP said.

“That’s just not going to help us.”

The leading contenders are Todd Muller, Judith Collins and Mark Mitchell.  I am not sure who for but David Bennett is one of the MPs doing the numbers.  The idiot replied to an email to give away the game.  Note to all MPs.  Never ever email anything that you do not want to see on the leading page of any news blog.

Bennett is now in a marginal seat and has sunk to particular depths by running a petition against a planned Kainga Ora development on the basis that poor people would be living there the development is medium density.

And the factions are interesting. I spent quite a bit of time analysing Labour’s ABC faction back in the day. Nowadays there is an ABBA faction, the Anyone But Bridges Alliance. I wonder if they will be Bridges Waterloo?

All eyes will be on Thursday’s Colmar Brunton result. If it is better then the Reid Research poll Bridges can spin it either as an improvement or the Reid Research poll being an aberration even though it appears to match what is happening in private polling.

If it is not then unless the dominant view is to just get the campaign over and change leaders after the election then Bridges is toast.

Update: Newshub has claimed that there are two MPs that are challenging the leadership, Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye.

106 comments on “Dead man walking ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 1
    20 May 2020 at 7:34 am

    Oh dear, how sad. Never mind. Poor Simon, poor simple Simon.

  2. Sanctuary 2
    20 May 2020 at 7:36 am

    The vultures are gathering, they are just wondering which of them is going to be the first to check if the corpse is really dead.

  3. Andre 3
    20 May 2020 at 7:46 am

    Hey Nats, just cool it willya? The country needs Simon exactly where he is.

    • Tiger Mountain 3.1
      20 May 2020 at 8:16 am

      Mr Bridges is a classic case of genuinely being neither qualified, nor temperamentally suited, to national political leadership. I cite his Northland “no bridges” pork barreling and his undermining of colleagues per the “JLR tapes”, and his discordant mis-speaks during C19.

      Please National-keep him on!

      It is tempting to submit to the news cycle “blood in the water” take and see this as really important-but it is just the Nats doing what they need to do to best represent local and international finance capital. Maybe enough New Zealanders will see through it and realise that the NZ National Party represents those that see the Govt. action to stall Covid 19, as not much more than a barrier to profits and increased shareholder value.

    • Chris 3.2
      20 May 2020 at 1:32 pm

      The nats probably get a lot of their advice from this site. "Hey, on TS they all want Simon to stay and if he has to go they want either Collins or Bennett. I think Todd's our man."

  4. Incognito 4
    20 May 2020 at 8:01 am

    This is nothing new, as internal polls appear to have shown a downward slide for some time. Apart from some leak here and there, every now and then, and apart from Matthew’s Magic Numbers, the National Caucus apparently did not know anything because Simon doesn’t share those poll results with them. It’s a cunning strategy: ignorance is bliss and what you don’t know, doesn’t hurt me. In many ways, it sums up the National Party perfectly; they cannot be trusted with power.

    • Sacha 4.1
      20 May 2020 at 8:46 am

      Hiding internal party polls from colleagues should be enough reason to dump the chump.

  5. Sanctuary 5
    20 May 2020 at 8:03 am

    National's problem is they don't seem to have anyone who can read the room, or the zoom.

    I think they've spent the last three years in their offices being radicalised by Fox News.

    • In Vino 5.1
      20 May 2020 at 9:53 pm

      Rude of me to cut in at such a late hour on this thread, but has nobody else noticed the clear threat?

      Todd M plays the role of Little – acts as stodgy, uninspiring leader, but then at late moment stands aside just as Little did. Suddenly, an inspirational Nikki Kaye with compliant media steps in with inspirational interviews. etc, to match what Jacinda did at last election.

      National have confidence in Nikki – she has already beaten Jacinda twice in electorates!

      I personally find Nikki rather vacant, but with compliant right-wing media playing along, this is the threat I see if Todd and Nicki emerge as new Opposition leaders.

      • observer 5.1.1
        20 May 2020 at 10:00 pm

        That's taking conspiracy/fantasy to new levels.

        3 leaders in 4 months is electoral suicide. And Jacinda took over 6 years later (in government terms) than Nikki Kaye would be doing. No comparison really.

        Why would Kaye throw away her career when she would have a far better chance in 2023 or even later?

  6. Peter 6
    20 May 2020 at 8:26 am

    The election will be close. Unfortunately it could close so much that David Bennett gets in.

    • Tricledrown 6.1
      20 May 2020 at 8:50 am

      National seem to think we can bring in overseas students most likely from China by July, if Simon Bridges was any decent sort of leader he would be more in control of his cabinet as well as his mouth.

  7. Treetop 7
    20 May 2020 at 8:47 am

    A great heading "Dead Man Walking"

    Just where Bridges will end up in the National caucus after the vote for leader is what I want to know. Probably Bennett will be replaced as deputy leader as well.

  8. Ad 8
    20 May 2020 at 8:52 am

    Nikki will lose Auckland Central on current polling. Plus she's better as a Deputy than as leader: too Auckland, too liberal.

    Todd Muller would helpfully use the next term unifying that solid blue rural countryside, with no further rump resistance from NZF.

    • Anne 8.1
      20 May 2020 at 10:14 am

      Jim Bolger, the highly respected elder statesman has set the scene for a Todd Muller leader and Nikki Kaye deputy leader.

      A city/regional mix which will go down well with their supporters. Watch their polling numbers rise rapidly. The coalition govt. will need to work hard to win the election despite their current polling.

      • Enough is Enough 8.1.1
        20 May 2020 at 1:31 pm

        I agree Anne.

        My prediction (based on my man in the street observations) is if they stick with Bridges, polling will stay where it is. Perhaps Nats will inch up to 35, but Jacinda will have an absolute majority (which isn't good if we want a transformational government, because as we need the Greens at the cabinet table with some power).

        The Muller/Kaye ticket will entrench the rural vote (which Bridges can't do), and attract back some of the liberal vote that is flirting with Labour.

        It will be game on, but not to the extent where we will lose

        • Anne 8.1.1.1
          20 May 2020 at 3:59 pm

          Yep. That's my take too.

          I don't think it does any political party good to have too easy a ride. It just makes for arrogance and complacency which is in nobody's interest.

  9. Muttonbird 9
    20 May 2020 at 8:58 am

    This hair dye comment has to be one of his worst stumbles, and there have been a few!

    It shows how venal he is and how completely out of touch with what the public think of JA's performance.

    Perhaps Bridges reads Kiwiblog every night and is stuck in that unfortunate bubble thinking that's what most Kiwis really think.

    Bridges’ childish hair dye quip goes against basic decency but worse, it completely misses the truth that 95% of Kiwi's thinks JA and her government got the pandemic response right and, as the face of the response, Ardern has worked extremely hard for NZ.

    The comment seems to brag that he's feeling fine but Ardern is aging and spent. Ardern is the person with the weight of a nation on her shoulders, not Bridges, and I think she made this point in Parliament recently.

    You's expect the hair dye comment from a teenage bully. I fear that is where Simon Bridges' development as a person stopped.

  10. te reo putake 10
    20 May 2020 at 8:59 am

    The coup plotters appear to have coalesced around Todd Muller for leader, Nikki Kaye for deputy. Bridges, on RNZ, confirmed that there will be a vote on Tuesday, however he refused to name the challengers.

    Judith Collins is out.

    • Enough is Enough 10.1
      20 May 2020 at 9:07 am

      He confirmed the same to Hosking, so its going to be a busy weekend for the Nats.

      • Muttonbird 10.1.1
        20 May 2020 at 9:13 am

        Did Hosking deride Bridges and the National Party the way he did Shearer, Cunliffe, Little and the Labour Party?

        • roblogic 10.1.1.1
          20 May 2020 at 10:09 pm

          Nah he's just waiting for his talking points from Farrar to recycle, or a heavenly oracle from the arse of Sir John Key

    • RedBaronCV 10.2
      20 May 2020 at 9:15 am

      Todd & Nikki would be far too left wing for most of the Nats wouldn't they? I can already hear them on Nikki – far too pretty.fluffy/barbie to be a Nat leader. They need to keep Simon!!!

      • Enough is Enough 10.2.1
        20 May 2020 at 9:17 am

        That's the point though isn't it. They need to win back voters who have jumped to Labour in the past 6 weeks. A hard right duo won't do that.

      • Incognito 10.2.2
        20 May 2020 at 9:22 am

        A more collaborative and less antagonistic and polarising approach might go down better with the electorate. This doesn’t mean that National will turn left or green on Tuesday but more that it will show a different side of face and persona. We might even get a real contest in the coming Election!

        • KJT 10.2.2.1
          20 May 2020 at 10:12 am

          Well. You would think so.

          But election coming up. National has to pretend to care about people.

          They are the two, they have, who could give that perception.

          Though Muller is already bleating about "villianising" farmers by expecting them to pay for their own pollution. So expect more polarisation, and “othering”..

      • RedBaronCV 10.2.3
        20 May 2020 at 9:56 am

        I can't see these two as anything more than face time to hide the real agenda.We need the honest Simon!

    • Treetop 10.3
      20 May 2020 at 9:42 am

      Collins out for leader but what about deputy leader?

    • coge 10.4
      20 May 2020 at 5:57 pm

      There is a very good reason Judith has stayed out of this. It's a badly timed pantomime. There will not be a change in leadership.

  11. Reality 11
    20 May 2020 at 9:14 am

    Bridges’ latest foot in mouth was to call Paula by her well known name of Paula Benefit.

  12. Stephen D 12
    20 May 2020 at 9:16 am

    The Nats have a couple of choices.

    1.Stick with Simon and sacrifice a bunch of lower list MPs.

    2.Roll Simon for a leader who will pick up the party vote in the short term, then get rolled during BBQ season. Judith, Mark?

    3.Roll Simon for a leader who will take the loss, and rally the troops for a decent tilt at 2023. Todd or Nikki

    Senior caucus members probably want 1 or 3. Lower list MPs Judith. She might not win the election, but they know at least she'd take the fight to Jacinda.

    • Stephen D 12.1
      20 May 2020 at 9:56 am

      With Judith and Mark apparently not standing, looks like 1 or 3.

      Risk a bloodbath with Simon or let the Todd/Nikky ticket have a go, and give them next term to turn things around.

  13. Tricledrown 13
    20 May 2020 at 9:25 am

    The boy who cried Wolf was crying on National Radio this morning.Claiming crying foul he wasn't getting the exposure that Jacinda was getting.

    Absolute bollocks he got to much exposure by trying Trumpish tactics he got all the attention alright but the more they saw of simple Simon the less they liked.

    • Treetop 13.1
      20 May 2020 at 10:00 am

      Politics is a dirty business when a party leader is being rolled. Possibly had Bridges not have been distracted with his position as leader he might have been seen to have performed better during the Covid-19 crisis which is hopefully at the tail end.

    • Chris 13.2
      20 May 2020 at 4:54 pm

      His troubles were caused by too much exposure, not too little. If he'd kept his head down, worked hard on his wee committee, put his election campaign on hold and came up with constructive ideas that showed a little national unity instead of ferociously attacking anything that moved he'd still be leader now. Poor bugger. It shouldn't have been that difficult for him. Would be interesting to know the advice he received.

  14. ianmac 14
    20 May 2020 at 9:37 am

    I seem to remember a time when Key was supportive of the Labour leader, Little I think, and of course he knew that it would be good for the National Party for Little to continue as Leader. Funny that the boot is now on another backside.

    Labour backs Bridges! Please stay on Simon.The country needs you!

  15. swordfish 15
    20 May 2020 at 9:45 am

    All eyes will be on Thursday’s Colmar Brunton result. If it is better then the Reid Research poll Bridges can spin it either as an improvement or the Reid Research poll being an aberration even though it appears to match what is happening in private polling.

    I think the differences will be relatively mild. Based on the House Effects of the various Pollsters currently making it into the news in one form or another (Reid Research, Colmar Brunton, UMR), I'm guessing the imminent Colmar Brunton will be somewhere in the region of:

    Lab 54%

    Green 6%

    NZF 3.3%

    (Govt 63.3%)

    Nat 34%

    ACT 1.4%

    (Oppo 35.4%)

    Other 1.8%

    [Lab lead over Nats = 20 points]

    [Govt lead over Oppo = 28 points]

    (And, no, collectively those figures don't quite = precisely 100% … but then Colmar Bruntons rarely do given their rounding of all ratings over 5%)

    Guesstimate: based largely on the average CB vs RR differentials for each Party in polls conducted around the same time over the entire period since the election of the Ardern Govt … but with slight weighting given to the most recent differentials + some weighting given to UMR vis-a-vis both CB & RR.

    • lprent 15.1
      20 May 2020 at 12:16 pm

      Lab 54%
      Nat 34%

      That sounds about right based on the the usual differentials. I would have picked Lab 53%, Nat 35%.
      Come the election, more like Lab 49% and Nat 39% depending on exactly how bad this leadership spill is.

  16. Incognito 16
    20 May 2020 at 9:49 am

    I cannot wait for the National Party (and a few others, for that matter) to rejuvenate and reinvent itself as a modern centre-right party equipped to deal with the pressing issues of today and tomorrow. Bring it on!

  18. roblogic 18
    20 May 2020 at 9:58 am

    Bomber turns into a SiBri supporter?! I'm sure his motives are pure 😛

    https://twitter.com/CitizenBomber/status/1262820691503546368?s=20

    • Incognito 18.1
      20 May 2020 at 10:03 am

      No, no, no, Martyn!

      Is there even a pointing having Simon Bridges anymore?

      Please keep up.

      • Chris 18.1.1
        20 May 2020 at 1:39 pm

        Yes there is. What would you prefer? Another good old kiwi bloke who can really relate to honest hard working kiwis? We had almost nine years of that and look what happened. And they may've just found themselves another one.

        • Incognito 18.1.1.1
          20 May 2020 at 7:50 pm

          I’d prefer a decent Opposition that is not continuously trying to punch below the belt and above its weight and showing they’re living proof of the Peter Principle. People who lack talent and skills often resort to bullying, dirty games, and throwing mud at others in the hope that some will stick and taint them. The National Party lacks talent and courage and it is stale and beyond the pale. That said, the Labour Party better have a good look in the mirror too and not rely on current polling and the star power of one person.

  19. RedBaronCV 19
    20 May 2020 at 10:06 am

    Looks like round 70% of the country wants Simon . 63% on the govt benches and 4% who think he would be a great PM. That.'s real popularity for a Nat leader.

  20. Muttonbird 20
    20 May 2020 at 11:27 am

    Far out. That caucus must hate each other's guts.

    Massive split in ideology and some genuine disunity being thrashed out in public.

    Collins and Mitchell, the far right of the party firmly backing Bridges, while the slightly more palatable centre right clearly think Bridges is a chump. The country agrees!

    Good times.

  21. Hooch 21
    20 May 2020 at 11:29 am

    Todd who? I think if they roll Bridges they’ll stay at or worse in the polls. It would show that they are a scrambling rabble and ununified, although that ship has probably sailed now that they are publicly trying to knife him. I find it hard to see how Nationals rabid rump, who refer to Ardern as Cindy amongst other misogynistic terms, would accept Kaye, a young successful woman like Ardern, who many see as one of the lefter leaning National mps.

    • Muttonbird 21.1
      20 May 2020 at 12:00 pm

      Be a good outcome if Bridges wins the leadership vote and he and his far right wing mates punish Kaye so much that she decides to jump ship to Labour.

      She'd be a great Labour MP and I'm not entirely sure why she isn't.

  22. Stephen D 22
    20 May 2020 at 11:41 am

    How do the Nats go about compiling the order for the List?

    That will be a fun series of meetings!

  23. ianmac 23
    20 May 2020 at 11:54 am

    Would Muller really consider being Leader? About 3 months in the job. Then losing the election. Luxton elected MP then promoted to Leader. What should Todd do?

  24. dv 24
    20 May 2020 at 12:00 pm

    Judith said Simon won't be rolled, and she is not standing.

    • lprent 24.1
      20 May 2020 at 12:09 pm

      Better hunting after the lost election?

    • Peter 24.2
      20 May 2020 at 12:44 pm

      Judith said he won't be rolled?

      Headline: 'Judith Collins says no-confidence vote would fail'

      Body: National MP Judith Collins says she will not be challenging leader Simon Bridges – and does not believe a no-confidence vote against him would pass.'

      Does what she said match what she actually said? Does her saying she thinks a no-confidence vote won't succeed equal a definitive 'wont be ruled?

      And to cap it all off she's just a bird on a power line looking down at what's happening:

      "I am just focused on the job and I am not part of anything that is going on. I am keeping myself well out of everything."

      Ah, the vision! A bird on the wire actually being a lying cow!

    • Enough is Enough 24.3
      20 May 2020 at 2:04 pm

      Judith has a rock solid fan club out in punter land, who make up a noisy portion of Nat supporters.

      That support does not translate to caucus support though. More chance of Auckland congestion ever being fixed than there is of Judith getting the numbers.

  25. AB 25
    20 May 2020 at 12:13 pm

    Would be fun to watch Nikki Kaye spinning frantically to reconcile National's fundamentally sociopathic vision with her 'liberal' credentials. The waffle and illogic of it would be epic if she was ever faced with a decent interviewer. Big 'if' that.

    • Enough is Enough 25.1
      20 May 2020 at 2:09 pm

      The National Party are the kings of PR and bullshit.

      What part of their 'public' persona would lead you to suggest they have a fundamentally sociopathic vision?

  26. Dean Reynolds 26
    20 May 2020 at 2:14 pm

    It's always entertaining watching our betters behaving just like the rest of us

  28. observer 28
    20 May 2020 at 2:40 pm

    It has to be Muller. Not a saviour, not an election winner, but simply to change the narrative, and give National a chance of denying Labour an overall majority.

    I don't agree with the conventional wisdom that he would only get "one shot" – i.e. an election defeat automatically means an opposition leader has to be dumped afterwards. If National under Muller recover so there's a caucus of 50+, then he will have saved a lot of MPs who were facing unemployment. They would have no cause to get the knives out.

  30. roblogic 30
    20 May 2020 at 3:08 pm

    WANTED: Crony capitalist operation seeks slick new front-man for PR campaign. Experience asset stripping small nations preferred

  31. Fireblade 31
    20 May 2020 at 3:26 pm

    Bwahahaha!

    National MP calls Todd Muller "pale stale and male".

    Meanwhile, Simon Bridges is considering calling an emergency caucus meeting this Friday to try and squash the leadership challenge.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300016914/simon-bridges-considering-early-caucus-meeting-to-head-off-leadership-challenge

  32. observer 32
    20 May 2020 at 3:46 pm

    Monday: poll tells National MPs that daily personal attacks on PM really, really, really isn't working for them.

    Wednesday: So let's keep doing it!

    Who will decide Bridges' fate? Matt King, Simeon Brown, Stuart Smith and all the other Nats who use social media to show how much they don't get it. Bridges is only the symptom, the disease is much worse.

  33. Sacha 33
    20 May 2020 at 4:26 pm

    Bridges gets his Friday showdown, fresh off the next poll: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300016914/national-caucus-will-meet-on-friday-to-decide-simon-bridges-fate

    The National Party caucus will hold an emergency meeting on Friday to hold a vote on Simon Bridges’ leadership.

    The rest of the story is rehashed equivocation from the earlier one.

  34. observer 34
    20 May 2020 at 4:26 pm

    Update:

    6 pm Thurs: TVNZ poll.

    noon Fri: National caucus meeting brought forward 3 days – now confirmed. Classic "put up or shut up" move by leader.

    More MPs now publicly backing Bridges, odds on survival shift to better than even.

  35. observer 35
    20 May 2020 at 4:53 pm

    This is changing by the minute …

    Now Muller claims HE has the numbers. Letter sent to caucus.

    Stay tuned, this is the best soap opera in years!

  36. georgecom 36
    20 May 2020 at 5:12 pm

    will be a pity if Bridges loses, I am very comfortable with him continuing where he is.

    if he gets rolled I hear rumours he might start a bungy and boat anchor manufacturing business. should be quality products given Simons talent for making things plummet.

    “Bridge Anchors, guaranteed to drop”
    “Bridges Bungys, guaranteed to go all the way down”

  37. Sacha 37
    20 May 2020 at 5:16 pm

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300017132/national-leadership-todd-muller-emails-challenge-to-caucus-saying-national-cant-win-under-simon-bridges

    "It is essential that National wins this election," Muller wrote.

    "I share the view of the majority of my colleagues that this is not possible under the current leadership."

    • observer 37.1
      20 May 2020 at 5:19 pm

      Which means Muller cannot campaign for National or hold a portfolio if Bridges keeps the leadership. Backbench electorate MP at best.

      No way he or Kaye can say "Simon's the man!" without the voters laughing.

      (edit)

      From Sacha’s Stuff link –

      He wrote that Labour had failed in every task it had set itself and the consequences of it being re-elected would be “catastrophic for two generations.”

      So he can’t read the NZ room either. Only the National room.

    • AB 37.2
      20 May 2020 at 6:47 pm

      "the consequences of [Labour] being re-elected at this time will be catastrophic for two generations."

      I would refer Bridges to a delusional business numpty who can utter such drivel.

  38. Muttonbird 38
    20 May 2020 at 5:36 pm

    Incredible that Bridges (and Boag) would cry like a baby this morning about the PM getting all the coverage and him no air time, and then use the very same interview for Party specific purposes in trying to squash a coup.

  39. Fireblade 39
    20 May 2020 at 5:44 pm

    While the government is managing a global pandemic and keeping New Zealanders safe, the National Party is inwardly focused, stabbing each other in the back and plotting leadership coups.

    It's a disgusting display of arrogance by the National Party.

  40. Muttonbird 40
    20 May 2020 at 5:46 pm

    Bridges and Jami Lee Ross are so similar with their huge, cast-iron egos and their staggering lack of self-awareness it’s not hard to see why they were great mates.

    I should do Twitter.

    • I Feel Love 40.1
      20 May 2020 at 6:06 pm

      Don't have to join Twitter, just open it & watch it, fascinating to see stuff happening in real time, and the many, many nutbars (I'm wondering are the Maga anti vaxxers taking the anti lupus drug?).

  41. ScottGN 41
    20 May 2020 at 7:00 pm

    I love love the old girl who got vox pop’d on One News tonight, “why can’t Jacinda lead the National Party?”

  42. Graeme 42
    20 May 2020 at 8:22 pm

    In the fortnightly missive from Destination Queenstown

    TIA is hosting a Discussing Tourism webinar with Hon Simon Bridges and Hon Todd McClay tomorrow Thursday 21 May at 2pm. Hon Simon Bridges will discuss the work of the Epidemic Response Committee and next steps, as well as National’s views on the future of our tourism industry. Mr Bridges will be joined by National’s Tourism spokesperson Todd McClay. Click here to register.

    Should be entertaining if it goes ahead. Simon's ERC session on tourism today was a bit of a no-show

  43. Nic 181 43
    20 May 2020 at 8:37 pm

    Whilst I intensely dislike Mr Bridges, both personally and as a politician, I don’t want to see him rolled just yet. Better I think to have him go down with the ship. Any replacement after the election will struggle even more for relevance. Viva the struggle!!!

  44. observer 44
    20 May 2020 at 9:53 pm

    A quick trip around RW social media (ugh, I know) shows plenty of anger towards the challengers. Not necessarily Bridges fans, more "don't rock the boat". It's a familiar refrain to Labour ears from the Time Before Jacinda.

    Going to be a bloody Thursday. Only Colmar Brunton can Save Our Simon.

  45. mac1 45
    21 May 2020 at 8:48 am

    A muso's take on National's woes.

    Simon Bridges will need all his drumming skills to beat up his support to keep his job. At the moment he is arhythmic and out of sync. Will the C&W man Muller please the fans more?

    National seem to think they can combine C&W with Metro noise to get a sound that will please the punters. What will more likely happen is that they'll form separate bands.

    The National atonality extends to believing that Ardern's popularity is "Kumbaya" when it's actually more "Stand by Me" and "We are the Champions".

    Todd Muller will take National back to "Me and You and a Dog named Blue."

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    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    9 hours ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    10 hours ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    10 hours ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    12 hours ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    13 hours ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    14 hours ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    17 hours ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    17 hours ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    17 hours ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    19 hours ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    19 hours ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    21 hours ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    24 hours ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    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. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • In Whose Best Interests?
    On The Spot: The question Q+A host, Jack Tame, put to the Workplace & Safety Minister, Act’s Brooke van Velden, was disarmingly simple: “Are income tax cuts right now in the best interests of lowering inflation?”JACK TAME has tested another MP on his Sunday morning current affairs show, Q+A. Minister for Workplace ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Don’t Question, Don’t Complain.
    It has to start somewhereIt has to start sometimeWhat better place than here?What better time than now?So it turns out that I owe you all an apology.It seems that all of the terrible things this government is doing, impacting the lives of many, aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ per se. Those things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Auckland faces 25% water inflation shock
    Three Waters became a focus of anti-Government protests under Labour, but its dumping by the new Government hasn’t solved councils’ funding problems and will eventually hit the back pockets of everyone. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 8:06 am today are:The Government ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Small accomplishments and large ironies
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Song of Saqua: Volume VII
    In order to catch up to the actual progress of the D&D campaign, I present you with another couple of sessions. These were actually held back to back, on a Monday and Tuesday evening. Session XV Alas, Goatslayer had another lycanthropic transformation… though this time, he ran off into the ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    6 days ago

  • Accelerating the Growth Rate?
    There is a constant theme from the economic commentariat that New Zealand needs to lift its economic growth rate, coupled with policies which they are certain will attain that objective. Their prescriptions are usually characterised by two features. First, they tend to be in their advocate’s self-interest. Second, they are ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    7 days ago

  • The only thing we have to fear is tenants themselves
    1. Which of these acronyms describes the experience of travelling on a Cook Strait ferry?a. ROROb. FOMOc. RAROd. FMLAramoana, first boat ever boarded by More Than A Feilding, four weeks after the Wahine disaster2. What is the acronym for the experience of watching the government risking a $200 million break ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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  • Taupō takes pole position
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
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  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
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  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
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  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
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  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
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  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
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  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
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  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
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  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
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