Doofus of the week Easter 2018 edition
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12:24 pm, April 1st, 2018 - 55 comments
Categories: health -
Tags: jonathan coleman
For those with challenged constitutions I would urge taking precautions before reading this. Because the amount of nausea inducement is high.
The latest winner of the Doofus of the week award is given to Fairfax reporter for writing an article with a level of hagiography that even surpasses that displayed in John Roughan’s biography of John Key. Pravda would be proud of the level of obsequiousness displayed.
The subject of her writing was former Minister Jonathan Coleman. Her piece reads more like a second rate PR puff piece than a serious piece of journalism.
Kirk has some form. In 2016 she published an attack piece on cancer sufferers who had been lobbying Coleman for the funding of a caner drug which showed promise in treating the cancer they were suffering from. Kirk basically said they were being offered financial inducements to front a PR campaign by the drug company which owned the patent to the drug.
The article had a real Dirty Politics feel about it. The article also smeared Andrew Little and implied there was something untoward in his having dinner with Drug company executives. Unnamed sources clearly from within the Government leaking information to denigrate the credibility of people brave enough to go public as well as Labour. Stuff had to write a retraction of some of the allegations made against the cancer sufferers, essentially withdrawing the claim that they had been paid by the Drug Company to front the campaign.
Te Reo Putake eviscorates the article in this post. His conclusion was strong:
Kirk and her employer may have decided to attack Labour as a diversion from the more obvious hypocrisy of the National Party. In opposition, National bellowed long and hard about the need for Pharmac to fund Herceptin. In Government, they’re happy to watch women die.
Shame on you, Stacey Kirk. Shame on you, Fairfax.
We deserve a free, fearless media, with stories anchored to the verifiable truth.
What we’ve got is Stuff all
On to her latest article. Get ready with the barf bags.
It starts badly with the headline, “Jonathan Coleman, quiet achiever” and goes downhill from there.
Here are some of the more nauseous inducing passages:
The vitriol on social media has never really fazed Jonathan Coleman.
He understood it, he methodically sifted through that which was political and that which was genuine, and never lost sleep over the former.
Cigar in the face blowing Coleman never impressed me as someone who was the sensitive pragmatic sort.
“Coleman’s a this, that and the other, and a killer and all this sort of crap. I mean, you know seriously, reasonable people don’t think that,” says the former health minister of the more rabid sect of the Twitter commentariat.
Stacks of “thank you” emails to him from members of the public, following his shock resignation announcement, provides a weighty counter.
It is not clear if the emails are thanking him for his service or thanking him for going at last. And I guess he does not regard the chorus of people complaining about the underfunding and run down of the health system as being “reasonable”.
Up until six months before the election, Coleman says health was reasonably uncontroversial.
Not on planet reality. And hiding the bad news such as the $14 billion deficit in health infrastructure funding is as controversial and as expensive an action by any Minister I have ever witnessed.
He might be speaking politically; there have always been fires to dampen within health. Major financial blunders by Health Ministry officials, vocal campaigns for brand-name drugs, DHB deficits and staffing woes – the controversies never end.
No mention of the $14 billion infrastructure deficit. And it is interesting that the financial blunders are always someone else’s fault. So much for the idea that the Minister is ultimately responsible.
“But Labour eventually just turned all guns on it. And they campaigned hard on funding and of course they couldn’t make a dent in the economy. In health you can always find cases to illustrate the point that you’re trying to make.
The election result would suggest otherwise.
“When you’re dealing with people in desperate situations and, frankly, without the power to help them without fundamentally changing the model to favour some individuals over others. That is really difficult. You’re in charge of a big system – $17 billion, that’s bigger than the dairy industry. Ultimately, in the health system you are looking to deliver the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
“Over time, the test of that is in the big statistics.”
Here is one big statistic. $16 billion in unmet infrastructure costs. The symptoms are sewerage seeping out of hospital walls. And another. A $2.3 billion annual deficit when the ageing population and population growth are taken into account.
“But if we were going bad in health, I tell you what, we wouldn’t have polled 46 per cent on election night.”
Funny I thought the final result was the important one.
A chronic case of over-achieving, that can’t be done without a steely-cold focus.
I am feeling queazy …
He also worried about how people would feel about his leaving the electorate so soon. Costing the country $11 million in by election costs because you decide to go shortly after you have been elected should cause worry,
“I was concerned how people would view that I was leaving Parliament, I was concerned how people would feel in my electorate.”
But he says the overwhelming response has been positive.
I feel positive he is going too. I am not sure this is a good thing for him.
There is no mention of the controversies, (did I mention the $14 billion infrastructure deficit), the failure to allow for population growth, the appearance of third world diseases of poverty in pockets of New Zealand. Just this superficial, uncritical, once over treatment of one of National’s more contentions Ministers. And it is not as if she has been told about the multitude of problems the Health Ministry is facing.
Stacey Kirk for your obsequious, servile, ingratiating, sycophantic, and fawning treatment of one of the country’s most important issues you are doofus of the week.
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A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...4 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...5 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...5 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...5 days ago
- Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...5 days ago
- Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...6 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...11 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...3 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...3 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...3 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...3 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...4 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...4 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...4 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...4 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...4 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...4 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...5 days ago
- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
New Zealand is one step closer to reaping the benefits of gene technology with the passing of the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. "This legislation will end New Zealand's near 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab and is ...5 days ago
- Signs of the hīkoi: More than just ‘words on cardboard’
The placards seen at the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti conveyed "huge kōrero with immediacy", expert says: "People know the power of the word." ...7 hours ago - A final Ode to .. King Luxon
Cosmic CatastropheThe year draws to a close.King Luxon has grown tired of the long eveningsListening to the dreary squabbling of his Triumvirate.He strolls up to the top floor of the PalaceTo consult with his Astronomer Royal.The Royal Telescope scans the skies,And King Luxon stares up into the heavensFrom the terrestrial ...15 hours ago - A hater and an enthusiast review The Royal Free by Carl Shuker
Spinoff editor Mad Chapman and books editor Claire Mabey debate Carl Shuker’s new novel about… an editor. Claire: Hello Mad, you just finished The Royal Free – overall impressions? Mad: Hi Claire, I literally just put the book down and I would have to say my immediate impression is ...16 hours ago - Survive to 25 (December, that is)
Christmas and its buildup are often lonely, hard and full of unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to make it to Jesus’s birthday and find the little bit of joy we all deserve. Have you found this year relentless? Has the latest Apple update “fucked up your life”? Have you lost two ...16 hours ago
- All I want for Christmas is modern day slavery legislation
Despite overwhelming public and corporate support, the government has stalled progress on a modern day slavery law. That puts us behind other countries – and makes Christmas a time of tragedy rather than joy, argues Shanti Mathias. Picture the scene on Christmas Day. Everyone replete with nice things to eat, ...16 hours ago
- Israeli-American historian describes attacks on Gaza as ‘war of annihilation’
Asia Pacific Report “It looks like Hiroshima. It looks like Germany at the end of World War Two,” says an Israeli-American historian and professor of holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University about the horrifying reality of Gaza. Professor Omer Bartov, has described Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza as an ...19 hours ago - NZ govt plans to make ‘heavy handed’ change to free speech rules for universities
The New Zealand government coalition is tweaking university regulations to curb what it says is an increasingly “risk-averse approach” to free speech. The proposed changes will set clear expectations on how universities should approach freedom of speech issues. Each university will then have to adopt a “freedom of speech statement” ...19 hours ago
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This report reflects that gap in our dealings overseas, and it shows that legislators, the public sector and businesses need to walk the talk. ...1 day ago - Government quietly scraps waste minimisation policies
The government has quietly cancelled plans to improve recycling and roll out a kerbside food scraps composting scheme. ...1 day ago
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Pacific Media Watch The union for Australian journalists has welcomed the delivery by the federal government of more than $150 million to support the sustainability of public interest journalism over the next four years. Combined with the announcement of the revamped News Bargaining Initiative, this could result in up to ...1 day ago
- Transmission Gully partnership breakdown will not hurt future public-private partnerships, Infrastru...
The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...2 days ago
- Funding cuts to charity particularly felt over Christmas period
The number of people seeking help from Lifeline is expected to increase by 10 to 20 percent over Christmas. ...2 days ago
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One worker says the building is decrepit and falling down around them. ...2 days ago
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MONDAY“Merry Xmas, and praise the Lord,” said Sheriff Luxon, and smiled for the camera. There was a flash of smoke when the shutter pressed down on the magnesium powder. The sheriff had arranged for a photographer from the Dodge Gazette to attend a ceremony where he handed out food parcels to ...2 days ago
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- Early-onset dementia under the microscope
Comment: If we say the word ‘dementia’, many will picture an older person struggling to remember the names of their loved ones, maybe a grandparent living out their final years in an aged care facility. Dementia can also occur in people younger than 65, but it can take time before ...2 days ago
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Piracy is a reality of modern life – but copyright law has struggled to play catch-up for as long as the entertainment industry has existed. As far back as 1988, the House of Lords criticised copyright law’s conflict with the reality of human behaviour in the context of burning cassette ...2 days ago
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- ‘I prioritise the mission, not my health’: Adam McGrath’s perfect weekend playlist
The Ōtautahi musician shares the 10 tracks he loves to spin, including the folk classic that cured him of a ‘case of the give-ups’. When singer-songwriter Adam McGrath returns to Kumeu’s Auckland Folk Festival from January 24-27, he’s not planning on simply idling his way through – he wants the late ...2 days ago
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A handful of foreign diplomats have misbehaved during their time here - and not all of them have been brought to justice. ...2 days ago
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A West Coast IT worker is warning patients will die as Health New Zealand aims to slash its data and digital staff. ...2 days ago
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Former Labour MP and mayor of Auckland's North Shore City Ann Hartley has died. ...2 days ago
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The Government announced the end of the programme that allowed Māori and Pacific people to acess bowel cancer screening at 50-years-old. ...2 days ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William A. Stoltz, Lecturer and expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University US President-elect Donald Trump has named most of the members of his proposed cabinet. However, he’s yet to reveal key appointees to America’s powerful cyber warfare and intelligence institutions. ...2 days ago
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- Government confirms plan to dismantle Te Pūkenga, re-establish polytechs
The government has confirmed its plan to break up Te Pūkenga / New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and re-establish independent polytechnics. ...2 days ago
Pffft. The smug little snowflake blocked me very quickly without us ever interacting.
Can the Nats please employ Ms Kirk and make an honest PR hack out of her.
…and TOADY
Coleman has gone, and that’s what matters.
@Ken” Coleman has gone, and that’s what matters.” No it is not what matters, that MF gets to walk away scott free, he needs to answer for his despicable and reckless actions when in charge of this countries heath system…this man is directly responsible for the premature deaths of fellows citizens.
That is BAU for the National Party.
+111
We need a law that holds politicians responsible for harm that they cause so that they can’t walk away from it scott-free.
Such a law would likely be selectively enforced on only left-wing politicians, though. =/
1.) If the charges are correct then it shouldn’t matter if the MP is right-wing or left-wing. Malicious attempts to abuse the law should have their own penalties.
2.) The Left are going to have to stop fearing bringing down the hammer when it’s needed.
Then all the “ayes” are equally responsible. Any fool can put forward stupid destructive corrupt polices. A majority of MPs still has to agree with them.
That being so, the likelihood of enacting such consequences is vanishingly small.
For a policy passed in parliament – yes.
But not so for a minister who is responsible for their department and doesn’t have to pass everything that they do through parliament.
True.
You should add her article on stuff today as well for a back to back doofus.
Somethings up with the stuff moderation as well. Every comment I’ve tried to post critical of national doesn’t get through.
I noticed that too with Stuff Hooch. Even when I put a ‘like’ on a comment in the comments section for some reason there is a problem.
More than a year ago Staff asked me to write up articles for them. I said I would get back to them but never did.
In Stacey Kirks’ article I do wonder as to how much the NZ National Party paid her to make her write such a ridiculous article???!!!!
Wouldn’t it be interesting to see who she texts….
“Wouldn’t it be interesting to see who she texts….”
Theres a 9 month gap in Stacey Kirk s publicly available Linkedin profile, from when she left a sales role at Thales, French Defence and technology company in Wellington and she started a 1 year journalism course the next year . That was 2009, a time national was new in government. Just the sort of gig a politics graduate would like- working for for a political party in parliament or ‘research’
Well researched!
The comments part of the site was probably overloaded. Everyone climbing in giving the piece, and Coleman, shit. Getting absolutely hammered in the comments.
People will absorb only so much reeking horseshit before they call time on the embarrassing charade and broadside those involved. Stacey Kirk doesn’t do journalism. She does damage control and historical revisionism. It’s like me claiming to be a scientist if all I did was wear a lab coat and front advertisements for shampoo.
Comments challenging the “opinion” never get through, either. So much for free speech and so much for democracy. Add to this the ridiculous practice of giving reporters the opportunity to express their “opinions” in the first place is pretty telling. How many hack reporters would give that opportunity up? “Wow, I’ve finally made it!” There’s a bunch of them. Kirk’s one. Hamish Rutherford’s pretty dire. Many others. Pathetic.
Two brilliant dissections of the media micky.
The best solution for when they fail to put the spotlight on important issues is to put the spotlight on them.
Investigate the media.
Kirk has form.
Winston Peters has no time for her.
We “Perhaps you should begin your next article by explaining that. That you got it all wrong. Please don’t ask me to explain your gross misrepresentation of the political situation in this country for the last two years.”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98117407/stacey-kirk-what-its-like-to-be-on-the-receiving-end-of-a-winston-peters-tonguelashing
More of Kirk’s stellar work.
As Frank Mckasay puts it
“Kirk’s piece could easily have emanated from the Ninth Floor of the Beehive – not the Dominion Post Building in downtown Wellington..”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/97367387/stacey-kirk-honour-above-the-environment-greens-hold-a-deck-of-aces-theyre-refusing-to-play
Kirk’s piece could easily have emanated from the Ninth Floor of the Beehive – not the Dominion Post Building in downtown Wellington.
Yes this final paragraph shows her ‘transference’ to speaking for Bill English
” National is serious when it says it would be happy to talk to the Greens. But it’s also serious when it says it knows it has to make big environmental moves regardless.”
There was pretty good competition in the DomPost yesterday. I couldn’t decide which was the worst display of hagiography between the one you list or the one in their little magazine.
On balance I decided it really was the one by Ms Hooton.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/inspire-me/102696690/48-hours-with-jacinda-warm-earnest-accessible–is-our-pm-too-good-to-be-true
Anyone proposing to read it should be warned.
“For those with challenged constitutions I would urge taking precautions before reading this. Because the amount of nausea inducement is high.”
Sickening. Should come with a public health warning. And yet the media are so biased against her you know!
One swallow doesn’t make a summer.
Thats the Lifestyle section alwyn.
Its their version of the Womens weekly. Didnt the title give you a clue -At Home with ….
No comparison with the political section.
Funnily no mention of Colemans disastrous ‘reforms’ when he was Defence minister.
He was doing much the same with health, background cuts so as to no scare the horses
Another police shooting .what ever happened to the issue \of tazers that were issue to police to reduce shooting to kill?
Why can’t the police aim for the legs ? No risk then of the alleged machete attacker chasing anyone. In this instance maybe not enough time to get out a tazer.
Stacey Kirk is a perfect example of one who is identified as being “The Mouthpiece of the New Zealand National Party”, How much did the NZ National Party pay her to write up the latest feeble article?
Quite often I look at articles written by so-called professional journalists exuding all the so-called perfection that is the NZ National Party and its MPs then I wonder who has told them to say such drivel?
For example MIke Hosking regularly writes up articles in the other “Mouthpiece of the NZ National Party” aka the tabloid NZ Herald. His rantings and ravings sound very much like something that John Key would say(or write).
John Key, whilst he was prime minister of New Zealand, would often appear on the telly eg on the AM show or Breakfast. Key would have an answer for every question or item but I am sure ‘his having an answer’ reflected his arrogance.
MIke Hosking suffers from the same disease as John Key i.e he(Hosking)knows everything and has an answer for everything.
And so looking at Stacey Kirk, Mike Hosking and all the other sycophantic, and fawning ‘journos’ of the pro-National Party League I can now figure out why their voices were not heard condemning National when they(National)were in government.
And so their lack of a voice condemning National reeks alot like the state-run and controlled media of Nazi Germany of the past.
“How much did the NZ National Party pay her to write up the latest feeble article?”
That’s a serious claim against a journalist. Can you substantiate that Kirk was paid by National, or in any way induced by them to write the article?
I should point out that I didn’t like Coleman as Minister of Health, and I think that electorate MPs shouldn’t jump early in a term and force a by-election.
You call that journalism???
Yes she wouldnt be paid by National.
But it doesnt make any effort to be a ‘review’ of his time, its full of his facts and figures, which just happened to make it into the story, including this
“But that tends to belie the quiet idealism and/or thoughtfulness that also comes with anyone who takes the time to keep a daily personal diary. ”
really ? Those werent Colemans own words either!
Previous articles , like when the Greens wouldnt consider National for a coalition.
“. National is serious when it says it would be happy to talk to the Greens.But it’s also serious when it says it knows it has to make big environmental moves regardless.”
Was that Bill English talking up his chances, NO. Its was Stacey Kirk talking up her dream of national back in government.
The question has to be , has Stacey Kirk worked for national in 2009 when it was new in government, her bio has a blank for most of that year.
It read ad if written by a PR firm, or may have significant chunks ripped straight from something sent to here.
The level of bias is what’s relevant. The suggestion of payment may be more of an expression of bias than necessarily based in fact.
The strategy is give unthinking malleable fame-seeking empty vessel reporters the opportunity to have their “opinions” published which makes them feel like celebrities and once they’ve had a taste of that little else is needed because they’re totally hooked so keep spitting out the same mindless shit time and time again. Easy-peasy.
When I first looked at that picture of Ms Kirk I thought the glittery thing behind her right ear was a bow. Oh yeah I thought. That sums her up nicely. All tinsel, no substance.
It’s not a bow (or maybe it is) but the sentiment is still appropriate.
And I thought it was weird to have a picture of Ms Kirk’s thirteen year old daughter. Guess if it’s really the writer it explains the immaturity.
She’s all ribbon, no pony tail.
That’s all political and not ‘genuine’.
He’s National where it’s always someone else’s fault. The party for personal responsibility never takes any.
I assume that it’s that way after he’s he methodically sifted through that which was political and that which was genuine, and never lost sleep over the former.
well he certainly came across a methodical sifter
1000% LOL
Did anyone mention the growing deficit of general practitioners? Or the amazing and verifiable fact that a helluva lot of Kiwis cajn’t access the ‘medical system’ either in or out of hours?
This health system only covers some citizens. Many are excluded due to cost, unavailability, distance to travel, or being told ‘there’s nothing we can (afford) do for you. Go home and wait for the cardboard coffin. If we can find one, we’ll send a respite nurse every week or so,’
And the ‘quiet achiever’ is pleased with his performance… His new employer is probably doomed, however.
If Coleman was still our Health Minister, we still wouldn’t have a site or final commitment on our new hospital here in Dunedin, and he’s be using a PPP so that a private company would build and own the building, profiting from leasing it to the DHB.
Other DHBs would still be under pressure to hide problems and report “surpluses” and those that didn’t would have commissioners sent in (as we had, here in the South).
He will be remembered as a dreadful Health Minister. This is lazy journalism from Stacy Kirk. There’s no balancing view, just the unalloyed smugness of JC himself. Ugh!
We still don’t have a site or final commitment on a new hospital in Dunedin. The latest from ODT:
While securing a site or sites is important that hasn’t been decided (or if it has not publicly announced).
And importantly, there is no indication of timeframe. National kept delaying things, it’s yet to be seen what Labour will do. This sort of talk (last Tuesday) is a concern:
I hope we do get a positive announcement but I wouldn’t bank on it.
The budget for the rebuild has already been approved. It was part of the election package. I’m quietly confident.
national/Coleman promised a ‘business case’ for a New Hospital in Dunedin before the election 3 years ago. They didnt get that either. ( But of course what they wanted was a PPP with fewer beds to make ‘business sense, but the sacked board wouldnt have it)
Very poor standard of journalism from Kirk and Stuff!
Pity no journalist or media network enforces the fact former electorate MP Jonathan Coleman walked away only six months after a general election, costing the country a heap of money for a by-election in Northcote! In Coleman’s case, the arrogant prick is treating it as a joke!
In such a situation (other than circumstances beyond the member’s control), IMO there needs to be a law which forces an electorate MP to come up with at least half of the cost of a by-election, if he/she fails to complete the first term of office after a general election. That as well as forfeiting any entitlements post resignation, such as life time perks etc.
The next Natz MP who I think will walk will be the other useless article, Gerry Brownlee. Like Coleman, another extremely arrogant NON achiever in Parliament!
That thing about Coleman not thinking he’s a killer really sums up that he has no idea what he was actually doing.
Every government minister is a killer. In all governments. Pretty much every minister sooner or later makes a decision that will involve people dying as a result (however indirect that might be) no matter what choice is made. Health, Defense, Transport, and Social Welfare are all as direct as it gets.
Politics isn’t a fucking game. It’s not just a job. It has real consequences for real people, and some of those people will die. Some of the time the minister’s job is to choose the least number of deaths in a complex environment. It’s about as real as the Trolley Problem gets.
I wonder if there’s a closed circuit going on with some journalists who haven’t done much to hide their political affiliations.
That is, Kirk and a few others might be struggling to get access to government people because they are rightly wary of her anti-Labour agenda. This means the only stories she can get now are those from within her extensive National Party contacts, like the one on Coleman.
She still has to file stories to get paid so she’s left with only one source of information. This becomes self-fulfilling as she daren’t upset the only people who will now speak with her!
You mention a $14 billion structural deficit, which may or may not be true. If it is there is literally a zero chance that will be fixed by the current government, not with their current fiscal plans.
$14 billion (asumming it is capital) requires an additional $1.4 billion per year. And that is not counting additional staff, inflated pay demands, new medicines etc.
So all very well to criticise Dr Coleman, but the hard fact is that Labour will do no better.
You could spend 50 % more on health (the US actually does) and still not solve all the problems. Admittedly the US system invents most of the world’s drugs, and has gold plated hospitals, but an awful lot of people miss out.
In NZ we might get less than in the US but at least we all get it. I have recently been a patient in North Shore Hospital ICU. They (doctors and nurses) were fantastic. Hard to see how they could be better.
Our system is a lot better than many people think.
Thanks Wayne
You mention a $14 billion structural deficit, which may or may not be true. If it is there is literally a zero chance that will be fixed by the current government, not with their current fiscal plans.
Agreed. The last Government should have told us about this problem. Rather than saying everything was hunky dory and they were doing really well.
$14 billion (asumming it is capital) requires an additional $1.4 billion per year. And that is not counting additional staff, inflated pay demands, new medicines etc.
So all very well to criticise Dr Coleman, but the hard fact is that Labour will do no better.
More like $800 million a year but what do I know.
You could spend 50 % more on health (the US actually does) and still not solve all the problems. Admittedly the US system invents most of the world’s drugs, and has gold plated hospitals, but an awful lot of people miss out.
Yep the US spends too much on lawyers. They should have a more socialised health system. It is cheaper.
In NZ we might get less than in the US but at least we all get it. I have recently been a patient in North Shore Hospital ICU. They (doctors and nurses) were fantastic. Hard to see how they could be better.
Our system is a lot better than many people think.
Agreed the system is great. But it is going backward. We need to make sure this does not get worse.
What do you mean by “true”? Do you mean accurate, correct, or something else?
You probably know that a $14 billion structural deficit at this stage is likely to be an (conservative) estimate only.
The issue is that it was hidden from plain sight, like an iceberg, and at least some (…) issues were known to the previous Government but swept under the carpet.
I read somewhere that the current Government had a 10-year budget for Health and it has already stated that it would take more than one term to fix all the issues (that we know of).
NZ healthcare is o.k. But not as good as it should be and not as good as you might think it is. For example: https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/350693/australia-ahead-of-nz-in-cancer-survival-rates
If you were a patient in ICU you would have received the best available care. The workforce (doctors, nurses, admin) are highly professional and dedicated people. This doesn’t mean that the system is not under tremendous pressure! And should I mention waiting lists?
I agree that it is not as simple as throwing more money at it; the money should be used wisely. But if shit seeps through walls and mold grows inside walls that needs to be fixed pronto, don’t you think?
I’m glad to hear you got good care, Wayne. The frontline people in our health system are wonderful. They deserve better from all those who manage and govern and shape the system.
The US system is a bureaucratic cluster fuck. Our system is not ok just because it compares well to theirs.
Yeah well a friend of ours suicidal daughter got told to go watch a DVD by the local mental health team last year when she rung them worried about herself – she took an overdose instead but is fortunately still alive thanks to her flatmates coming home.
Mental health is definitely not in good shape.
Writes for the Sunday Star Times, am I right, love to hear more reviews of her future articles on here, thank you.