Donghua Liu Letter: More Dirty Politics

Written By: - Date published: 7:06 am, September 12th, 2014 - 55 comments
Categories: blogs, Media, same old national - Tags: , , , , ,

Frank Macskasy at The Daily Blog has a good timeline of the Donghua Liu OIA.

And the times on the 18th of June – a date set for the John Banks resignation debate in parliament, and just 2 days after Jared Savage & Brook Sabin put in revised OIAs (their initial ones producing nothing useful) – make for some interesting reading:

12.10 – Labour Leader’s office told of letters, and told OIA will be mailed in 1 hour.

12.30 – Office of Immigration Minister (Michael Woodhouse) told OIA being released, with letters.

12.49 – Jared Savage is emailed OIA.

12.53 – Brook Sabin – without a paper-trail of how he got the letters (but direct from Minister’s office?) – publishes his story on the letter.

12.57 – Whaleoil references Jared Savage’s OIA about the letter.

1.00 – John Armstrong publishes call for Cunliffe’s resignation due to letter.

1.06 – David Farrar refers to Jared Savage’s OIA.

John Banks resignation debate in parliament gets derailed by National front-benchers referencing to breaking Donghua Liu news.

2.29 – Jared Savage publishes his story about his OIA…

Now how Brook Sabin made a package on the OIA in 4 minutes after the OIA release – or John Armstrong managed to comment on the breaking news 7 minutes later – is somewhat of a mystery.  But Whaleoil and Farrar referring to an article that wasn’t published for another hour and a half?

Well, one might suspect Dirty Politics.

John Key admitted having the letter from the weekend of 10/11 May shortly after Jared Savage’s initial fruitless OIA caused it to cross Woodhouse’s desk.  The Nats obviously then needed the information to come out to undermine Cunliffe, and at a politically convenient time. The full article has more inconsistencies and details.

Macskasy leaves us with some questions:

1. Who told Visa Services to respond to Jared Savage’s May 8 request at 8.59am on Monday 16 June?

2. Who told Savage to make a fresh, more specific request, the same morning and copy it to the minister’s press secretary?

3. Who told Sabin to put in a request on June 16?

4. Who told Tova O’Brien to ask those questions on Tuesday 17 June?

5. Who made the transcript of the questions and answers and how was it circulated?

6. After deciding to withhold the Cunliffe letter for privacy reasons, why was it released so quickly and without any further discussion of the privacy aspect?

7. It took the minister less than 20 minutes to approve the release of the Cunliffe and Carter letters. Is this a record?

8. How was it possible for the letter to be published in so many places so quickly?

So I think we can see another clear example of National’s dirty tricks – reaching right up to the PM.

55 comments on “Donghua Liu Letter: More Dirty Politics ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Sans Cle 1
    12 September 2014 at 7:20 am

    Disgusting! What do you do with this? Am sick to the core with this smear, which has damaged the opposition so much. No mention of it in MSM (obviously). Very evil forces at play in this country at the moment. Subverting debate in Parliament, taking focus off John Banks, who was found guilty (regardless of appeal).

    • owie 1.1
      12 September 2014 at 8:12 am

      I’m not sure that this storm in a teaspoon has done any lasting damage to Labour, or the left bloc more generally.

      • Sans Cle 1.1.1
        12 September 2014 at 8:55 am

        I disagree. As a person who was blind to dirty politics before reading the book, having never engaged in blogging or read blogs until 3 weeks ago, I had a very slanted view of Cunliffe. I am non partisan, (but lean toward Green). I believed what I read in the Media. I trusted that journos were calling it as they saw, so didn’t question the sound bites I received. I just took it that Cunliffe had messed up. Just accepted that they were unorganised, not politically expedient, a bit sloppy…. I am educated, interested and engaged in civic matters, but if you don’t get media coverage (other than showing your foibles, and having to explain previous actions), of course it affects your image. I think the smear has had a huge impact on Labour.
        I don’t have time to question EVERYTHING I read/hear (and I don’t watch TV), between work and family. I don’t think I am so different from many New Zealanders.

        National have been very effective with their political marketing, and it has hurt labour.

        • cogito 1.1.1.1
          12 September 2014 at 9:19 am

          Hopefully it will all come back to hit National twice as hard. Would be justice.

          Key has led a government of double-talk, lies and deceit. The signs have been there for a long time if one was prepared to look closely enough.

          • Sans Cle 1.1.1.1.1
            12 September 2014 at 9:31 am

            Yes, I never trusted Key. A speculator (a.k.a. Gambler of other people’s money, with only ‘wins’ for himself) being leader of a country, yes maybe….but leader of a society….never. How do skills from self interested gambling (of other’s money) transfer into skills for leading a trulydemocratic society, with our 4 well beings, and built on Te Tiriti?.
            But no, the insidious smear and perversion of parliamentary power and resources (Ede and Collins) blindsided me. On taxpayer’s money? And the opportunity cost of debating time in Parliament. Spent by Bill English et al in the attack on Cunliffe. It beggars belief.

            I certainly was taken in.

        • ianmac 1.1.1.2
          12 September 2014 at 9:38 am

          I think you are right Sans Cle.
          ” Just accepted that they were unorganised, not politically expedient, a bit sloppy….”
          And that has been repeated endlessly by MSM and if you ask people what they think of Labour, those are the words often heard.
          Rotten tricks with a complicit Media.

          • CrashCart 1.1.1.2.1
            12 September 2014 at 3:33 pm

            Agree. When I talk to work mates or family members who are voting National (some are drifting away a little) the common theme that comes out is that Cunliff is just not trustworthy. I straight up ask them why they think that and they can’t give an answer. This is AFTER the whole dirty politics. People still think Cunliff is less trustworthy. Why is that? Because smears like this that in of themselves don’t seem huge when they happen over and over again can’t help but effect the image of a person.

            This is the insideous thing. The Dirty politics tactic has worked so well to undermine the credability of Cunliff that when evidence is put in front of people of what they have been up to people still choose not to believe it and it has had very little effect on NACT in the polls. I understand it is the poll of polls that matter but I am concerned that too much damage has been done in this underhanded manner already.

            • Sans Cle 1.1.1.2.1.1
              12 September 2014 at 3:47 pm

              I have a feeling that the tide is turning (optimist in me)…..and that message is getting out there. I for one am sounding like a bloody ancient Greek advocate of democratic ideals on my social media sites. My brother overseas wanted to know if my FB was hacked with all links etc!. Discussions here on this blog are clearly preaching to the converted, but I for one am trying to open people’s eyes to what is going on, in my own little sphere, and where I can.

            • Bunji 1.1.1.2.1.2
              12 September 2014 at 5:49 pm

              It is insidious – because there will be a gut feel that has been formed from the drip-drip-drip of stories and is very hard to get rid of for a large number of voters.

              Our meat-brains don’t switch our emotions/feelings so easily just because a fact is presented to us.

            • Lloyd 1.1.1.2.1.3
              12 September 2014 at 9:42 pm

              It would not be impossible to prove with sufficient repetition and a psychological understanding of the people concerned that a square is in fact a circle. They are mere words, and words can be molded until they clothe ideas and disguise.”
              ― Joseph Goebbels

              Once you are sold a lie, you have to admit you are duped before you can accept an opposing story. It takes effort to admit you can be conned. It hurts. It is hard to give up the lie when it is steadily reinforced from many sources. It is far easier to accept you have accepted a lie when their is someone to blame. If we can string someone up for the crime it is far more acceptable to make the logic shift against the lie. We need heads on poles and the government will roll!

  2. dv 2
    12 September 2014 at 7:28 am

    Frank is a very good details man.

  3. Ant 3
    12 September 2014 at 7:33 am

    This was one of the more disingenuous episodes in NZ politics – zero substance, journalists knew it, but rolled with the whole thing anyway.

  4. karol 4
    12 September 2014 at 7:41 am

    Savage
    Sabin
    Armstong
    O’Brien

    Why we need a strong public service media.

    • Paul 4.1
      12 September 2014 at 7:50 am

      And now the Corin Dann running Dirty Politics tactics on the Greens.
      Shame on the media.

      • Tracey 4.1.1
        12 September 2014 at 7:54 am

        Because they are being wilfully blind to the true nature of dirty politics which is about networks, collusion betw politicians, their staff, bloggers, media, corporates, lobby groups and various individuals of questionable character.

        Or they are stupid.

        Not sure either is acrime at law but we ought to be collectively outraged.

        • Sans Cle 4.1.1.1
          12 September 2014 at 9:03 am

          I agree…..and I am outraged! But how to get a simple message across to people who don’t realise this is happening?…. People who would also be outraged. The book is out there, but are we back to business as usual?

          I am sick to the core that Ede has not been discussed in Leader’s debates.
          Key has not explained ANYTHING. (Hello Jason if you are reading this……you can run, but NZ will not let you hide).

    • Tigger 4.2
      12 September 2014 at 11:20 am

      + 1 Karol – this ‘private’ media works for those with money and power. I never had a great impression of them. Now I want justice for their actions.

  5. Peter 5
    12 September 2014 at 7:41 am

    It would be appreciated if someone could please explain the legality or otherwise of this senario …………………..

    • Tracey 5.1
      12 September 2014 at 7:58 am

      Having an Editor (tim murphy of sst) who thinks a statement and affidavit are the same thing is not illegal but it is “criminal”!

  6. North 6
    12 September 2014 at 7:49 am

    Given the importance of the media to a functioning democracy the way the media has gone is extremely disturbing. A biased media once required a committed (if hidden) ideological stance. All it requires now is a bunch of unworldly (except in terms of facile cafe society), truthfully not very bright, “self self self” operatives. Operatives who are encouraged and rewarded for seeing and conducting themselves as ‘part of the story’. The story (narrative) being that of the corporate power elite.

    What’s the obvious way to honour and advantage “self self self” ? Honour the corporate power elite in which one is yet a minion. That’s what’s happened to our media. “Democracy” has been reduced to a buzz word. It is very depressing.

    • kenny 6.1
      12 September 2014 at 7:59 am

      Agree North. In the face of overwhelming evidence that this government is CORRUPT the media do nothing! In fact they go along with it.

      They should be ashamed.

  7. Tracey 7
    12 September 2014 at 7:51 am

    In July this year I submitted an OIA relating to a statement bill english made to tge data forum about single mothers on benefits.

    When his department replied some weeks later, they told me he had relied upon a summary provided to him by ms bennett.

    At Weka’s prompting I sent another request asking for a copy of the summary referred to in his response to me. Pretty specific rquest I think. This was on 8 August. I received the summary on 8 September.

    It took a month.

    My point, and I do have one, is Slater was receiving OIA responses at an unusual fast turn around.

    My request to english couldnt have been more specific cos it referred to a document HE had alerted me to.

    Anyone who says Slaters turn around time for his OIAs is cos he was darn specific are

    Lying
    Speaking from NO experience of OIAs

    That raises the issue of HOW he could be SO specific. OIAs are, in my experience something of a fishing expedition. You suspect they have something but you arent exactly sure.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1
      12 September 2014 at 8:05 am

      Yeah, that’s not how they work for the National Party. A National Party OIA request goes like this: they pay people with tax-payers’ money to trawl through government records looking for any more-or-less insignificant details that might be useful. They keep a database of these – the PM’s self-described “top drawer”.

      When they need a distraction from the latest evidence of their perfidy, they tell one of their deniable sources to put the request in, and help them compose it.

      The Donghua Liu letter/donation smear required considerably more than that of course, as Frank so ably demonstrates.

      It shows journalists working as a branch of the National Party, a coordinated pre-meditated attack. They may as well be on the payroll.

      In other news, I have some Press Council teeth going cheap. Found them at a garage sale in an old box marked “unwanted”.

      • Tracey 7.1.1
        12 September 2014 at 8:13 am

        Clever @teet – oops freudian slip. Meant teeth
        Remember when collins and key described something in 2011 as being years ago? But something a decade ago was a scandal!?!

      • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.2
        12 September 2014 at 8:25 am

        * for “deniable sources” read “deniable assets”.

  8. Sans Cle 8
    12 September 2014 at 8:09 am

    Another legal question: are breaches to Cabinet guidelines legally binding? Is there anything in the Crimes Act that is covered by this behaviour? Is the legal profession/ombudsman involved at this point, or would that be hush-hush?
    I really cannot believe this is not illegal…..and really can’t believe it’s happening here in NZ…(but I suppose Peter Jackson did try to tell us, we live in Middle Earth, The Sleepy Shire, with evil forces surrounding us!).

    • Tracey 8.1
      12 September 2014 at 8:15 am

      My understanding is the cabinet manual are guidelines enforceable by the PM, and maybe, the Speaker?

      They govern matters that are parliamentary and i think are therefore constitutionally outside the jurisdiction of the Courts.

      Only guessing

  9. Keiv 9
    12 September 2014 at 8:26 am

    Damn right it’s Dirty Politics, how much money did Liu have to donate in order to get that reference ? Why didn’t he approach his local electorate MP ?

  10. ianmac 10
    12 September 2014 at 10:13 am

    Excellent idea Bunji to print the summary of Frank’s post. The timeline shows that there is no credible answer but that there is corruption and collusion at the highest level.
    Has anyone tried to deny the truth of the facts?

  11. Tom Jackson 11
    12 September 2014 at 10:26 am

    Well, it’s a vindication of what people were saying early on this year: that the media were colluding in hit jobs on Cunliffe.

    I seem to recall some journalists blogging that this was Labour’s fault.

    Bullshit.

  12. ghostwhowalksnz 12
    12 September 2014 at 11:08 am

    Dont forget the OIA request for” letters from MPs” about Donghua Liu turned up the fact there were letters from national and ACT Mps as well.

    From memory it was Williamson and Banks.

    Their letters were not released !

    You can see a hint of this in Brook Sabins casual OIA request where he wanted only letters from Labour Mps. He was in on the secret before he requested it. Savage asked after MPs in general

  13. Iron Sky 13
    12 September 2014 at 12:16 pm

    The Götterdämmerung is coming for you:

    Now that the Iron Maiden is gone:

    “Woe to you, oh earth and sea
    For the Devil sends the beast with wrath
    Because he knows the time is short
    Let him who hath understanding
    Reckon the number of the beast
    For it is a human number
    Its number is”

    (04)894 7014

    oh silly me, we live in modern times

    Facsimile – (04)894 7031
    Email hq@national.org.nz

  14. Treetop 14
    12 September 2014 at 1:42 pm

    This is the reason why an independent anti corruption tribunal needs to be established.

    Time to clean up the rot.

  15. venezia 15
    12 September 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Can someone please provide a copy of this document, plus Frank Macasky’s outline to Winston? He seems to be getting a lot of media attention recently. Also, it could prove useful in his “Extended Enquiry” should he throw in his lot with Key post election.

  16. Grantoc 16
    12 September 2014 at 3:02 pm

    Apart from a few of you on this blog, who else is going to be interested in this particular issue raised by MacCasky. I suggest nobody.

    You’d be much better off focusing on why the Labour party is facing a potentially disastrous election result next week and what the implications of that could be – such as the movement going into permanent decline.

    Your energy would be much better spent thinking about and working out how to prevent such an outcome.

    Even the Greens are beginning to subtly manouvre themselves away from being too closely associated with Labour for fear of being caught in its wake as it sinks.

    It might make you feel morally superior and you may enjoy some kind of moral righteousness by continuing to dredge up the ‘Dirty Politics’ issue, but if you do you’ll probably be consigned to same watery grave as the Labour party.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 16.1
      12 September 2014 at 3:16 pm

      Oh look, another ratfucker pretending there’s nothing to see here.

      • CrashCart 16.1.1
        12 September 2014 at 3:38 pm

        Yea he suggests we look into why Labour are polling so low, ignoring the fact that this whole post goes to the core of why labour are polling so low.

        Grantoc here is a hint, when you have had a dirty tricks campeighn using public funds and governments powers to undermine the opposition for the last 6 years it is bound to have a negative effect on the polls.

        Glad I could clear that up for you.

        • Grantoc 16.1.1.1
          12 September 2014 at 5:15 pm

          CrashCart

          You are wrong. Labour is polling so low because it has become increasingly irrelevant to its core constituency, and to everyone else.

          If your theory was correct then it would be reasonable to have expected a surge in Labour’s support following the release of Hager’s book. That hasn;t happened and won’t happen.

          Glad to clear that up for you.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 16.1.1.1.1
            12 September 2014 at 5:53 pm

            Oh look, the ratfucker wants another bite.

            What’s the appropriate dose of 1080 for a large primate?

    • Sans Cle 16.2
      12 September 2014 at 3:40 pm

      Greens are not moving away from sinking ship. Not changing their policy either, in my understanding of a hui they had (am not a member so could be wrong on that).

      People are interested and I am happy to see that a link to macasky’s story got through comments section under Armstrong’s drivel in today’s Herald.
      Some of us are more concerned about freedom of speech and democratic principles which are being compromised……long after this partisan election.
      Hell, why do we have to hide behind veiled blogs to have these discussions?….Because we have sinister partisan people out there doing whatever it takes to clinch power. We have people like Slater, Ede, Odgers, Lusk, Armstrong (and that’s not a comprehensive list) assassinating characters willy-nilly.

      I really wouldn’t care about who is next in government EXCEPT, if it is Key, this will carry on. Will be a sham of inquiry(ies).
      But on a more positive note…..it seems the tide is turning. There is mega criticism of Key and Armstrong in today’s Herald.
      Me thinks change is afoot (which is why the MSM is trying to factionalise the Green/labour block).
      Planet Key seems to be worried……very worried, and that can only be a good thing.
      Key HAS to win this election at all costs, as if he doesn’t ALL his dirty politics will be aired. And as MSM is so complicit, they are in real danger too.

      Now, what’s that phrase I read here? Keep calm and vote Left!

  17. Tautoko Viper 17
    12 September 2014 at 3:38 pm

    Grantoc, it appears that you are under the misapprehension that the corruption that you obviously condone is not an issue for NZers. Prepare to be surprised then as the full picture is revealed to the public view.

    • Grantoc 17.1
      12 September 2014 at 5:24 pm

      Tautoko

      For the record I didn’t ‘obviously condone’ corruption or anything else in my comment.

      I commented on the general reaction to Hager’s revelations, which is there for all to see. Objective observation of behaviour (of the NZ voting public in this case) has nothing to do with condoning anything.

      If you read my comment carefully you’ll be aware of this.

      Apart from that what do you know about the ‘full picture’ that the rest of the country doen’t? Maybe you should share this so we can see if your theory is correct regarding the reaction of the public per se.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 17.1.1
        12 September 2014 at 5:56 pm

        Nah, the simplest explanation for your bad faith comments is that you’re a ratfucker, to be given no solace or quarter.

        • Grantoc 17.1.1.1
          12 September 2014 at 9:14 pm

          Anonymous

          I guess it takes one to know one.

          In reality it’s prats like you that are contributing to Labour’s demise.

          For what it’s worth if you truly support Labour’s cause, you’d be out there trying to win the hearts and minds of the people. Infantile abuse; denial, and throwing tantrums is not going to cut it.

          Maybe in reality you really don’t support the left and its goals after all.

          Maybe you’re a plant from the right to undermine the left. If so you’re doing a fine job. Keep it up!

  18. Jack the Rat 18
    12 September 2014 at 3:56 pm

    This National Party is the ultimate in slease and rat trappings.

    They have control of the country’s purse strings and the media, the are fooling the NZ Public with misinformation and mistruths and when you have a compliant media eating out of their hands the country is on a hiding to nothing.

    One day we will all wake up to what has happened, when we have reverted back to the feudal society with the masters and the serfs, in the fiefdom of NZ.

    Having studied economics and international trading in the 1970’s at University it make my guts turn to see what has happened in this country with the rape and pillage of State Assets, it took decades of taxpayer time and effort to build those State Assets and they were sold in an instant for handsome profits for the favoured few who now are on pedestals in NZ Economic Halls of Fame?

    • Sans Cle 18.1
      12 September 2014 at 8:00 pm

      Hopefully we wake up fresh and airy for the 20th….and get all our collective asses to the booths…….change is afoot my friend…..New Zealanders are rather angry with Dirty Politiking. I think we need strong credible messages from Cunliffe this week. Reassurances. Give those disaffected and angry ex-Nat supporters (who are also justifiably peeved with Key/Collins/Ede/Lusk er al.) a credible place to vote.
      I think he did really well by stating a three party coalition preference. Just need to offer stability, remind people of how they managed economy in past, brought down debt, brought up savings, ran 9 surpluses……etc etc etc.
      Also social innovation, and credit to where credit is due to Peters who brought in so much for vulnerable people (kids and elderly)….and his damn fine role as watchdog in Parliament.

  19. Jack the Rat 19
    12 September 2014 at 3:59 pm

    Hopefully we will have a change of Government and we will see some moral investigations into what has been going on in this country, i liken it to East Germany and Russia with the Stasi and KGB Networks.

  20. Jack the Rat 20
    12 September 2014 at 5:42 pm

    What a f***** snowjob by a corrupt unethical media, this needs to be exposed in MSM however it will never get past the Editor or Content Manager. Yuk Vomit we are living in a very sick society under this regime.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 27

    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 27 were:1. The Minister for Ford Rangers strikes againTransport Minister Simeon Brown was again the busiest of the Cabinet ministers this week, announcing an ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 hours ago
  • Ticket To Anywhere

    You got a fast carAnd I want a ticket to anywhereMaybe we make a dealMaybe together we can get somewhereAny place is betterYesterday’s newsletter, Trust In Me, on the report of abuse in state care, and by religious organisations, between 1950 and 2019, coupled with the hypocrisy of Christopher Luxon ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 hours ago
  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    19 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 day ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

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

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

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

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T02:00:19+00:00