Doofus of the week – Nick Smith

Written By: - Date published: 3:58 pm, November 25th, 2017 - 60 comments
Categories: democracy under attack, doofus of the week, election 2017, elections, making shit up, MMP, national, nick smith, Politics, same old national, spin, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

No competition in this one, Nick Smith for showing that despite the 27 long years he has spent in Parliament he still has no idea how our electoral system works and for claiming there is an electoral convention that simply does not exist.

 

60 comments on “Doofus of the week – Nick Smith ”

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  1. dv 1
    25 November 2017 at 4:12 pm

    Thats Dr Nick Smith to you lot!!!!

  2. spikeyboy 2
    25 November 2017 at 4:14 pm

    Nick Smith would be a serious contender every week

    • Bearded Git 2.1
      25 November 2017 at 7:54 pm

      agreed spikey….just when you think he can get no lower he plumbs new depths. Its the arrogance of the blatant lies that gets me….LONG LIVE MMP

  3. Draco T Bastard 3
    25 November 2017 at 4:15 pm

    That would be a National MP lying – again.

  4. CLEANGREEN 4
    25 November 2017 at 4:37 pm

    Nick Smith was down and out over the ACC debarkle when we saw him bitterly punished by his party in 2013 and demoted to the back benches, and we felt sorry for him as we met him in Gisborne in 2011 when our rail was under threat then, and he seemed responsive to our pleas for his help to save our rail.

    So we sent Nick a letter of support against his punishment then, and we got note back from him thanking us for suport of him, and he noted that the Politicians had not appreciated hiis side of the issue so we left him as our “considered” friend then.

    But now Nick has well & truly got stuffed up again with his rotten political party, as they have damned all their MP’s with their underhanded rubbish so Nick now “if you played the ‘Hounds & Foxes’ game & ran with the foxes you will expect to get caught”.

    Nick should have learned after the ACC debarkle not to sellout to that party again.

  5. Ted Cooper 5
    25 November 2017 at 4:57 pm

    He carefully omits mention of the Nelson party vote result. By his logic, he shouldn’t be the MP.

    • mickysavage 5.1
      25 November 2017 at 5:11 pm

      Good point! 😀

      • alwyn 5.1.1
        25 November 2017 at 8:22 pm

        Yes. Of course it proves one thing.
        The electorate obviously thought that Nick was a very good candidate and that the Labour one was not.
        After all Nick did better than she did and yet Labour got more votes than National.
        Obviously the local voters, who know him best are very much in favour of him and didn’t think very much at all for the Labour candidate..
        So apparently did the Labour Party. I see their candidate never got close to getting in on the list.

        • Cinny 5.1.1.1
          25 November 2017 at 8:54 pm

          The majority of Nelson voters voted for change with both votes.

          both Green and Labour candidates combined person vote topped all of nicks votes.

          Change will come to Nelson next election, looking forward to it. Rachel was a super impressive first time candidate for Labour, especially in this seat.

          nick smith 16,735 (n)
          Rachel Boyack 12,452 (L)
          Matt Lawrey 9,746 (G)

          • Matthew Whitehead 5.1.1.1.1
            26 November 2017 at 1:04 am

            Yep, Nick Smith just benefitted from vote-splitting against a strong Green and Labour candidates.

          • alwyn 5.1.1.1.2
            26 November 2017 at 10:32 am

            Well yes. Super Impressive you say?
            She was obviously very well thought of by the Labour Party.
            Forty eight on the list if I read it correctly.
            How low can she go?

        • CLEANGREEN 5.1.1.2
          26 November 2017 at 8:41 am

          Hey Alwyn.

          A question I ask is;

          Didn’t the Green Party mount a strong campaign to “un-seat Nick Smith and take Nelson” for the green party?

          Logic tells me that this new Green Party entrant into the Nelson race may have “split the vote” as they said may happen in Napier another former past “labour seat”.

          But in Napier’s case Labour’s MP for Napier Stuart Nash mounted a very strong campaign this time and won with a over a 4000 vote majority.

          We may have done better had the strategic voting campaign been better organsed?

          • prickles 5.1.1.2.1
            26 November 2017 at 10:03 pm

            I would definitely have voted two ticks green as I have done in previous years but there was no way I could vote for the Green candidate in Nelson. So it was Green and red for me – and many others I spoke to felt the same way. Greens made a mistake backing that particular horse.

  6. Psycho Milt 6
    25 November 2017 at 5:51 pm

    Not so much a “doofus” as a “liar.” He knows exactly why it’s bullshit but is saying it anyway.

  7. Cinny 7
    25 November 2017 at 7:42 pm

    Yup that’s the propaganda that came in the mail box. Thanks for making a post about it.

    Ha I really got one over him yesterday big big time. I so wish I could disclose, but I can’t, it was soooooo good. Don’t come asking me for a favour nick smith the answer is always going to be NO.

    Ok so he wanted something to help him with his political propaganda that only i could provide. Karma nick, karma

  8. Philg 8
    25 November 2017 at 9:01 pm

    And this guy was a Minister for the past 9 years! It’s very telling.

  9. boggis the cat 9
    25 November 2017 at 9:30 pm

    The ‘convention’ with MMP is quite simple: if you cannot get a majority, either outright or through a coalition arrangement, then you can’t form a government.

    This is also the ‘convention’ for other forms of electoral representation.

    Now, if NZ First had not decided on coalition with Labour and Greens, then they could have tried to run as a minority government. Or you have to hold another election.

    Surprising that an MP wouldn’t know this.

    • Macro 9.1
      25 November 2017 at 10:11 pm

      I think he does know it – he just can’t admit it.
      Sad really – all those Nats waking up to the realisation that no matter how wonderful they feel themselves to be – no one else loves them.

      • tracey 9.1.1
        26 November 2017 at 8:24 am

        Yup. They know but have decided to spend money on the “we was robbed” campaign. Rather makesxme wonder if somewhere in NZ a new Lobby group is being birthed – to change MMP

  10. Ms Fargo 10
    25 November 2017 at 10:16 pm

    Seems to have conveniently forgotten they used exactly this aspect of MMP in 2005 when they tried to cobble together a coalition!. ..
    Mr Burns of the national party me thinks. Whinging little man!

  12. RedBaronCV 12
    25 November 2017 at 11:35 pm

    Is that a parliamentary communication as opposed to a political party communication. In other words have us taxpayers paid for it or not??

    • Incognito 12.1
      25 November 2017 at 11:53 pm

      That’s not really the (major) issue IMHO. This stuff came from an MP who has been elected to represent the people of New Zealand in Parliament and thus serve a representative democracy. In my view, Dr Nick Smith is damaging & undermining the institution & system he’s sworn to uphold.

      • tracey 12.1.1
        26 November 2017 at 8:27 am

        Yes and if taxpayers funded his propaganda then it does add a whole layer of despicable to what you wrote.

      • RedBaronCV 12.1.2
        26 November 2017 at 9:32 am

        Oh I agree it’s a dreadful communication but if he didn’t have the money to pay for it then it wouldn’t be out there.

  13. Kevin 13
    26 November 2017 at 7:22 am

    Are we going to see these lies repeated ad nauseum, by National, for the next three years and then a push for another electoral referendum?

  14. Cinny 14
    26 November 2017 at 9:17 am

    I know where he is preaching his propaganda today, might have to go and say hi as I’ll be over that way and explain the MMP system to him. If I do, I’ll def report back this evening.

    If anyone else wants to do the same, his caravan is at the Nelson A&P Show today, at the Richmond racecourse, near the eftpos and the grandstand

  15. piper 15
    26 November 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Nick,is their party born to rule,look at us who do you think you are,asking us about our right.Nick,serious farm fence arrogant,who,are you.

  16. piper 16
    26 November 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Labour,what a feeling of change we had when David,got the better of MULDOON,The atmosphere around parliamentry staff was joyous.Piggy,should i apologies for his misjudgement,no,only for our Labour belief,that better times where coming.

  17. JustMe 17
    26 November 2017 at 4:55 pm

    Perhas Nick Smith’s paint thinner swilling has coddled his mind. Yet he will live up to his true actions, like ALL National Party MPs, and will naturally blame someone else for what has happened even as recently as 2 months ago.
    He(Smith)would be a contender for Doofus of the Week every time he says or does something. Does anyone remember he even took some journos to a traffic island in Auckland to show them a potential housing estate.
    He is making the National Party a joke. Way to go Smith. Keep up the good work and in due course the National Party will cringe every time you open your mouth.

  18. piper 18
    26 November 2017 at 5:37 pm

    They always are Muldoon,even their key, exploit.

  19. piper 19
    26 November 2017 at 5:49 pm

    Politics,what you sayin,knowing about.Poverty,what humanitarian care,says qualifiy that,show me a document that says define poverty.Truth for these thinkers,who are not in control,poverty outside your farm fence is humanity,that your fence denies.

  20. Cinny 20
    26 November 2017 at 7:53 pm

    Story below, enjoy with a cuppa or other beverage of your choice 🙂

    Found nick at the show and questioned him about the brochure, was just him and maybe 4 or 5 young nats. He invited me into his caravan to talk, I declined and said I would like to speak to him where I was standing.

    Told him that national did not win the election, and lose the mmp negotiations, that it was misinformation and political propaganda etc, he ended up saying that the wording was just semantics.

    Asked him if he even knew how mmp worked, reminded him that the majority of people in his electorate voted against him and his personal votes were down thousands from last election and that labour won the party vote. I did tell him I was well versed and informed with politics and have been watching question time for years (bugger eh, nick lmao)

    He was getting a bit ticked off with me by then, kept my cool as best as I could, had Miss almost 13 with me. Asked him how many years he has been in parliament, 29 he replied, asked him… isn’t it time some one else had a turn? Interestingly behind him one of the young nats was nodding his head. Told me he was the only nat nominated to stand in nelson and nats were the most democratic party for electing people, was super funny.

    Then he went on about the Greens printing propaganda in their news letters, I don’t receive and news letters from the Greens I told him, then he went fishing for Labour bites, going on about Helen Clark and how nats got more votes than she did one election (must have been the time Winnie went with Helen). Because then he went on to say some really nasty things about Winston, which I told him I would share with others and he said go ahead. He said Winston was a liar and am pretty sure he called him an arsehole as well, nicks face was rather red by this stage, his breasts and stomach protruding from a young nats tshirt that he was wearing.

    I was really shocked what he said about Winston in public, other people heard him too, really unprofessional sore loser behaviour, Miss almost 13 was rather shocked.

    Then came the irony, Miss almost 13 spied the free bottle openers with the young nats logos on them, and asked nick if they were bottle openers, he said yes, i was like.. that’s kind of ironic considering those bottle openers are sitting next to anti violence white ribbons on his table. Turned to Miss almost 13 and explained to her they were probably giving away free bottler openers because they are tied in with the pro alcohol lobbyists, who probably provided the bottle openers.

    There’s an ‘opener’ I thought, then I said, that’s right your party allowed booze in supermarkets and lowered the drinking age and look how that has worked out. He then started talking about responsible drinking lmao.

    Asked him where bill was… what do you mean he says… explained about the opinion piece in the media and asked again where bill is, he is at his house in wellington said nick.

    Was just about to leave and a woman walked up to him and said ‘how do we address you now nick’ …. so I said to her, just call him nick he sure isn’t a minister any longer…. then I heard her say.. haven’t you got a doctorate in philosophy nick? … i really couldn’t help myself then…. so I said no he hasn’t, he has a doctorate in landslides, haven’t you nick.. ummm yes he said.

    Then I saw a friend, so went over for a chat and left nick in peace.

    Mental note, film it/record it next time, because of what he said about Winston dang. media would have had a field day with it. Miss almost 13 said she thought one of the young nats had been filming me, so had asked them not to record her mum, when we got home I rang nicks office and left a message saying if any young nats had filmed me and shared it/posted they didn’t not have my permission to do so and I would go about prosecuting them.

    In summary, the man is delusional, a very very bitter person, angry about losing the election, pissed off that we are in an MMP system and clinging onto his seat for dear life.

    And the girls and I had a really really great day out at the show 🙂

    • Cinny 20.1
      26 November 2017 at 8:18 pm

      Edit i meant to say 27 years not 29 years.

      Oh and, check it out.. Newshub is running the story about Nicks brochure too…

      http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/11/nick-smith-claims-national-won-the-election.html

    • Anne 20.2
      26 November 2017 at 8:18 pm

      Oh boy, I wish I had been a fly on the end of Nick’s nose listening to that encounter. Thanks Cinny. 🙂

    • prickles 20.3
      26 November 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Thanks Cinny – well done. Were you also at the meeting recently (in Motueka I think but could be wrong) where he completely lost his cool and shouted that he was a winner and the person he was addressing (an anti dam person) was just a loser. I wasn’t at the meeting but have been told the story by others who were. Apparently people were concerned for his health as he went from red faced to almost purple. It’s definitely time he retired.

      • Cinny 20.3.1
        26 November 2017 at 10:32 pm

        Hi Prickles, No I didn’t make it to the meeting, it was at the Memorial Hall in Motueka. I did hear similar to what you did from people who attended. I also heard that the crowd was not happy about him being there or about what he was saying and they made it known.

        I really think he isn’t handling the election loss one little bit, like it’s seriously messed him up.

        He should give it up, if his anger is causing his health to suffer and preventing him from being reasonable or even normal, then he should quit for the sake of his family at the very least.

        • Mister Smokey 20.3.1.1
          27 November 2017 at 10:50 am

          Cinny, interesting to read that in his maiden speech, 1990, Dr Nick Smith supports MMP. From Hansard:

          “I favour mixed-member proportional representation, similar to that recommended by the royal commission of inquiry.”

          Two elections on, MMP in place, and all settled down.

          But then comes an election result that does not suit National, and for the opportunists, simple souls, or the devious among them, the chance to grandstand, with many lies.

          I saw Dr Smith, in the House, ( November 9/video 20) trying, like a punch-drunk boxer to score hits, saying, (after he has slagged the Speaker, but in the presence of a new deputy), “…does not have a mandate.”

          All rather sad. But there’s a nasty undertone.

          Of the two, I prefer the youthful Nick Smith.

          • Delia 20.3.1.1.1
            27 November 2017 at 3:33 pm

            The youthful Nick was a nice guy, power corrupts and plenty have been corrupted there who have been around to long.

          • Cinny 20.3.1.1.2
            27 November 2017 at 6:08 pm

            Sounds like power has corrupted him and ego is ruling him now.

            Time for someone else to have a turn, his career in politics is over, there are so many angry people about the brochure.

            Those over in Golden Bay are particularly pissed off

  21. Obtrectator 21
    27 November 2017 at 12:30 pm

    Unless he’s a practising medic or a tenured academic, you don’t have to call him “Doctor” anything.

    • Mister Smokey 21.1
      27 November 2017 at 12:47 pm

      Thank you Obtrectator.
      But then, I’d miss the irony, you know?
      (The doctor and the punch-drunk boxer?)

  22. Tanz 22
    27 November 2017 at 9:26 pm

    and if it had been the other way around, with Labour polling higher than National, and WP choosing the losing side and leaving Labour out of power, Labour and the MSM would be crying foul, letting us all know that it is indeed convention that the highest polling party should get to form government. But it’s different when the left do it.
    National gained ten more seats, 200,000 more votes, but even better, NZ First won’t be a factor in the next election to save the election losers. Labour can’t even admit they lost the election, so typically dishonest. However, New Zealanders know the truth.

    • Robert Guyton 22.1
      27 November 2017 at 9:33 pm

      Tanz, please! Get real. Cheers.

    • Cinny 22.2
      27 November 2017 at 10:16 pm

      Tell you what Tanz, everyone in our region knows the truth and that’s why they are so pissed off about the brochure, come to the Tasman electorate and ask around about what they think of the brochure and the lie that national won the election.

      nick smith should be looking after his own electorate.

      It’s MMP it’s not about which party gets the most votes, the winners are those who are able to form a government. national failed to form a government, hence they lost. I’m sorry that doesn’t suit your agenda or fit your narrative, but facts are facts.

    • Tricledrown 22.3
      28 November 2017 at 5:00 am

      Roy Morgan poll Tanz.
      National no friends.
      And still dishing the only option they have.

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    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
    17 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

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

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 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
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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