‘Dying off’?

Written By: - Date published: 7:07 am, November 16th, 2011 - 116 comments
Categories: accountability, act, election 2011, john banks, john key, national, nz first, Steven Joyce, superannuation, winston peters - Tags:

Winston Peters is suggesting that in the transcript of the PM’s meeting with Banks, John Key made some derogatory remarks about the older New Zealanders that tend to support New Zealand First, along the lines of “not to worry [about Winston’s support] they’re dying off”. Slagging off older New Zealanders (ie. the ones that always vote) is a sure way to lose an election.

Could Key really be so clueless? Well yes, when you look at the excuses he’s trotting out – probably.

116 comments on “‘Dying off’? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tombstone 1
    16 November 2011 at 7:35 am

    Revolting! My great grandfather fought like Hell for this country in WWII. He was shot in the head in Crete, survived despite a serious wound and went on to become a prisoner of war. He returned home and worked bloody hard to build this nation back up to the great country it became known as. Men like Key have brought it to it’s knees through selfish bloody greed and comments like that should be more than enough to see the guy gone. What a sad excuse for a Kiwi. Go to Hell Key!

    • The Baron 1.1
      16 November 2011 at 7:49 am

      You realise that there is no quote from Key here, right? This is all based the idle speculation of Winston Peters – he of massiv integrity when it comes to the truth.
      So let me get this straight. This is a posting criticising Key, based on the theories of a proven liar who has a clear motivation for stimulating his base; a person who otherwise has utterly no clue wha was said on that tape, just like e rest of us? Do you think that’s worth publishing Sproit, cos it seems pretty lame and desperate to me.
      What I would be net rested in however is your views on the Green’s illegal attack on Billboards – worse than the Brethren or not, Sprout? Or are you really just a one eyed hypocrite after all?

      • mickysavage 1.1.1
        16 November 2011 at 7:55 am

        All Key had to say was “I did not say that” and “here is the transcript”.

        Until he does that he is skewered.  I must admit that I am enjoying watching this.  Time for more popcorn! 

        • The Baron 1.1.1.1
          16 November 2011 at 8:04 am

          That is such a lame argument, Greg.
          Example: I heard you told your wife the other night that you want all gingers to be burned at the stake. Now go and prove that I am lying by releasing all the details of that private conversation please – otherwise I assume your a liar.
          Key doesnt have to release ANYTHING to disprove the politically motivated rankings of a proven liar like Winston. I know you dearly want the latter in parliament to prop up Philin, but this strains even your minuscule credibility as a reasoned and considered commenter.

          • mickysavage 1.1.1.1.1
            16 November 2011 at 8:13 am

            If you accused me of saying that I would say:

            “I did not say that and would never say such a terrible thing.  I think gingas are wonderful people.”

            Instead the Key conversation went like this:

            Garner: “Do you think you may have offended elderly people or NZ First supporters in any way in what you spoke about with John Banks?”
            Key: “Well I’ve never listened to the tape, and so I can’t recall everything that’s on there. No one’s ever given me a copy of that.”
            Garner: “Would you like to see a transcript?”
            Key: “Nah I’m not bothered about it.”
            Spot the difference?

          • Colonial Viper 1.1.1.1.2
            16 November 2011 at 8:14 am

            Like ms said, all Key needs to do is categorically deny he made those derogatory statements.

            Why doesn’t he?

      • fmacskasy 1.1.2
        17 November 2011 at 5:54 am

        “…Green’s illegal attack on Billboards…”?

        The Green Party didn’t orchestrate any such attack.

        It was carried out by individuals, one of whom was a Green Party member.

        That’s kinda like saying that because Pansy Wong misused Pareliament Travel perks, that the National Party as a whole was involved in planning it.

        Doesn’t make sense, does it?

    • burt 1.2
      16 November 2011 at 7:51 am

      My great grandfather fought like Hell for this country in WWII

      And it wasn’t so that proven liars like Winston Peters could take secret donations from their big business backers via secret trusts.

    • Rob 1.3
      16 November 2011 at 10:20 am

      So did a lot of our grandparents & great grand parents, you don’t have the mortgage on that one dude.

  2. burt 2
    16 November 2011 at 7:40 am

    True! But he should never have said it.

  3. mikesh 3
    16 November 2011 at 7:46 am

    Matthew Hooten said in Bomber Bradbury’s iPredict show a couple of nights ago that some of Winston’s 2008 support will have died by now, so perhaps it is an idea that is circulating in National Party circles.

    • Matthew Hooton 3.1
      16 November 2011 at 7:55 am

      I don’t know if it is “circulating” but its not a new or profound observation that a party that gained its initial support in the 1990s, as a result of the surtax/surcharge, issue from people who were then in their 60s and above has a problem with long-term voter retention 20 years later.

      • mickysavage 3.1.1
        16 November 2011 at 7:57 am

        But it is still a disgusting thing to say Matthew, waiting for a group of people to die off for political advantage, doncha think?

        • Lanthanide 3.1.1.1
          16 November 2011 at 8:54 am

          Personally I don’t think it’s “distasteful” for a commentator like Matthew to say that in a matter of fact way in a conversation (note: haven’t seen the show itself).

          For John Key to say something along the same lines, presumably in a gleeful or smiley way, is, however.

        • grumpy 3.1.1.2
          16 November 2011 at 9:41 am

          Do you reckon it’s worse than Labour wishing for the Mad Butcher to “hurry up and die”?

          • mickysavage 3.1.1.2.1
            16 November 2011 at 9:57 am

            Memo from Crosby Textor
            To Grumpy
             
            Subject: way to go boy
             
            Well done with your latest comment.  It is not true but you should never let the truth get in the way of a good attack.  Keep up the good work.

            • chris73 3.1.1.2.1.1
              16 November 2011 at 11:26 am

              Well we don’t know what was actually said (although I’m guessing more then a few people probably do) and Winnies only suggesting, yet you and others are assuming its true

              • felix …
                16 November 2011 at 11:38 am

                Well I’m not assuming it’s true chris, I’m assuming it’s a coincidence that everyone who has heard the tapes seems to be asking the same questions.

                John Key’s emphatic denial is good enough for me, a man’s word is his bond after all.

                I expect he’ll be releasing the recordings any minute now to prove me right.

          • Campbell Larsen 3.1.1.2.2
            16 November 2011 at 10:05 am

            Lame Grumpy, Lame.

            I am not a member of the Labour party, and I am not their spokesperson.

            • Rob 3.1.1.2.2.1
              16 November 2011 at 10:08 am

              I dont think anyone is saying you are Cambell, nor does anyone care who you are spokesperson for. Just maybe you have learnt some basic life skills about not wishing anyone to be dead.

              • Campbell Larsen …
                16 November 2011 at 10:20 am

                Gee thanks for the *concern* Rob – I will file it along with the impartial and helpful advice from family health diary /sarc.
                Got to dash, voodoo to do, have some pins to stick into a figurine called, coincidentally, Rob.

            • grumpy 3.1.1.2.2.2
              16 November 2011 at 10:12 am

              Seem to remember a few actual Labour MP’s (Darrien Fenton springs to mind) joining in the attack. Good topic for Labour to push, especially as Sir Mad is so universally popular.
              Nats could use the opportunity to highlight Labour’s established attitude to the ill and elderly.

      • burt 3.1.2
        16 November 2011 at 8:00 am

        Also it has a problem with retaining voters who can remember Winston’s behaviour in the last few terms he was in government.

  4. Hilary 4
    16 November 2011 at 7:47 am

    All this needs to do for Winston is shift 2 or 3% of older people from National to New Zealand First and it could make a big difference to the election. I imagine there is quite a lot of discussion about politics going on in retirement homes today.

  5. mickysavage 5
    16 November 2011 at 7:53 am

    I bet over in Crosby Textor HQ there is a meeting going on right now with one agenda item:

    “Feck, what do we do now?” 

    • Rob 5.1
      16 November 2011 at 10:34 am

      Greg, I would say not to do to much at all. All anyone has to do is wait for the first combined press presentation where Winston and Phil have to get together and act like they actually know what to do. Geez just imagine it.

  6. Carol 6
    16 November 2011 at 7:57 am

    Own goal by Brand Key! I suspect Key’s tea-for-two was aimed at sidelining NZF and shoring up Act, partly by starving Winton of media oxygen. But it has resulted in Winston getting a lot of media space he probably wasn’t expecting.

    There’s an irony in Key’s alleged dismissal of NZF supporters – the old style conservatives – by relegating them to the dustbin of history. In fact, it is NAct and the neoliberal policies and ideas that are the relects of the 1990s, now teetering on the edge of collapse.

    And some of the NZF old conservative values will strike a chord with quite a few conservatives of all ages – retaining state assets for instance.

    • The Baron 6.1
      16 November 2011 at 8:06 am

      My god you people are delusional. KEY HASN’T SCORED AN OWN GOAL COS HE DIDN’T SAY THIS. This is all just idle speculation from the proven liar that is Winston Peters, all to help him drum up votes.
      So why would anyone be panicking at all?

      • mickysavage 6.1.1
        16 November 2011 at 8:07 am

        Well tell your mate to release the transcript.  

        • Pete George 6.1.1.1
          16 November 2011 at 8:10 am

          Should everything said off the record be able to be open slather? For all politicians?

          • felix 6.1.1.1.1
            16 November 2011 at 8:35 am

            That’s not how you spell “in front of invited media at a photo op”.

          • Lanthanide 6.1.1.1.2
            16 November 2011 at 8:57 am

            Pete, you should watch Campbell Live’s coverage of “was it really private?” that they did last night.

            There was an open door right behind Key. There was a camera man standing in that open door filing Key. Earlier in the exchange, before they were ushered outside, they show a reporter standing in that same spot with a notebook taking notes on what Key and Banks were saying. Clearly some of the reporters would have heard the conversation. Banks would have seen the guy standing there and said nothing.

            According to the crimes act, it’s only a private conversation if you can reasonably expect that it was a private conversation. That is not a reasonable expectation in this case.

            IMO I’d give it 50/50 odds that TV3 will release the tape tonight.

        • The Baron 6.1.1.2
          16 November 2011 at 8:11 am

          See above, Greg. that argument is pretty pathetic, even for you.

          • Galeandra 6.1.1.2.1
            16 November 2011 at 8:16 am

            Is The Baron understudying for Cap’n Panic Pants? All that block lettering, the hysterical tone….. I’m loving it.

          • mickysavage 6.1.1.2.2
            16 November 2011 at 8:17 am

            Key should have said “I said no such thing” but he is skewered because he went down the suppress the news path rather than by fronting and allowing it to be published.

            He has well and truly jumped the shark on this one. 

          • Colonial Viper 6.1.1.2.3
            16 November 2011 at 8:21 am

            Why doesn’t Key just categorically deny that he made those derogatory comments then?

            It would take him like 5 seconds to do.

      • The Voice of Reason 6.1.2
        16 November 2011 at 8:14 am

        Key’s failure to handle this competently is the own goal. If he’d just fessed up when the brown stuff first hit the fan, then we’d all have moved on by now. But, instead, he’s fanning the flames by feigning outrage and he has added to the growing perception that he is a liar and a braggart. And probably got NZF back into parliament, which is almost certainly going to mean he (or Goff) will have to form a minority Government on the 26th.

      • Carol 6.1.3
        16 November 2011 at 8:18 am

        Whatever Key did or didn’t say, the own goal owes a lot to the way he is handling the discussion of the tape.

      • Hami Shearlie 6.1.4
        16 November 2011 at 9:07 am

        Let Key prove he didn’t say derogatory things about older people then! Too scared for the recording to be released. Why? Methinks he doth protest too much!

    • Rob 6.2
      16 November 2011 at 10:18 am

      Carol, I am suprised you haven’t link us to the Wiki eplanation of an own goal.

  7. mickysavage 7
    16 November 2011 at 8:06 am

    How about this for a quote from the slithery one:

    “I’ve always said that a good hard cold winter and a virulent dose of bird flu would solve the Peters problem.”

    I won’t link to it but it was posted today.

    And he keeps saying that Labour is the nasty party?

    Utterly appalling. 

    • Pete George 7.1
      16 November 2011 at 8:12 am

      I agree that’s an appalling thing to post. As is deliberately perpetuating things that are made up by people like Winston Peters.

      • Galeandra 7.1.1
        16 November 2011 at 8:18 am

        Gosh, Petey, they’re starting to think the same stuff about people of your age. Hide the zimmer.

      • mickysavage 7.1.2
        16 November 2011 at 8:22 am

        Memo from Crosby Textor
        To all United Follicle candidates

        Subject:  Meltdown

        CT has for reasons of quality control not required you to post comments on blogsites until now.  But we are in the midst of a major emergency.  Brand Key is under major threat and is facing considerable if not irreversible damage.  Our work in presenting John Key as a generous friendly compassionate PM will be destroyed if the news gets out of what he actually said.

        So please post repeatedly.  If the subject is on what Key said just say “nothing has been proved” but do not commit to releasing the transcripts.  And divert as much attention onto Winston Peters.  Previous work in denigrating his character is still having a residuary beneficial effect. 

        • Pete George 7.1.2.1
          16 November 2011 at 8:27 am

          Greg, it would help my cause if National dropped 10 points, I doubt many of those would go to Labour.

          But I think this election circus of raw opportunism is a disgrace. Voters deserve far better from potential leaders of the country and their parties.

          BTW, your repeated CT lines are more than pathetic (you once claimed not to accuse peoplke of that connection, remember?).

          • vto 7.1.2.1.1
            16 November 2011 at 8:36 am

            “But I think this election circus of raw opportunism is a disgrace”

            It is not raw opportunism you silly egg, it is bringing out the true nature of two politicians who want to rule the world. Quite different things. The public is entitled to better understand what each of these slimedogs are like.

          • the sprout 7.1.2.1.2
            16 November 2011 at 11:01 am

            😆 you are so full of shit Pete George 😆
            i pity your deluded self

      • wtl 7.1.3
        16 November 2011 at 1:48 pm

        I agree that’s an appalling thing to post. As is deliberately perpetuating things that are made up by people like Winston Peters.

        If Key really did say what Peters reckons he did, he deserves to be called out on it. I note that Peters says he is aware of what was said during the conversation, and you have no way of knowing he is lying (unless you have also heard the tape). The way Key has handled this issue is also particularly poor – comparing it the the NoTW scandal and more recently, youth suicide, is appalling.

        Yesterday you were happy to apportion blame to the Greens for the billboard scandal. However, I have not seen you blame Key for this and you continue to defend him. IMO, recent weeks and this episode has just shown how much of a National/John Key fanboy you are, despite being a UF candidate. And I can only conclude that if you were to be elected you would simply be all too happy to support any and all National party policies, despite your rhetoric.

    • Tom Gould 7.2
      16 November 2011 at 8:27 am

      These Tories are in ‘blind panic’ mode alright. That smiling cuddly Mr. Key has a mean and nasty streak for all to see, and is clearly prepared to say anything to up the ante or divert attention. Dragging in youth suicide is beyond contempt, especially from a Prime Minister. It was always only a matter of time until the real John Key was revealed to the public, but I never figured it would be now? A week is certainly a long time in politics.

      • Hami Shearlie 7.2.1
        16 November 2011 at 9:13 am

        People who watch parliament have always known John Key has a very vicious side to his character. Wait – National have changed their anthem – out with the Feelers song in with…”What a Difference a Day Makes”!!!

  8. Pascal's bookie 8
    16 November 2011 at 8:17 am

    Baron. Garner has heard the tape. Most likely others at TV3 have as well. They know for a fact what is on there.

    Now tell me why they are asking the questions they are asking given they know what is on the tape, and that they know it will eventually come out anyway.

  9. vto 9
    16 November 2011 at 8:31 am

    Did nothing of similar ilk ever get talked about in Clark and Cullen circles during their time? Not something in private which is much worse than “rich pricks” or “feral inbreds” or “chinless sandal wearers”?

    All just in keeping with the base standards of human conduct …..

    • r0b 9.1
      16 November 2011 at 8:39 am

      “rich pricks”

      Didn’t happen, though Cullen called Key [one specific individual] a rich prick.

      “feral inbreds”

      Didn’t happen, though Clark did refer to “fairly feral attitudes”

      or “chinless sandal wearers”?

      Trevor Mallard did say “chinless scarf wearers”, and also apologised for it.

      • vto 9.1.1
        16 November 2011 at 8:45 am

        he he, well done r0b, I thought it may have taken you a bit longer than that to correct…

        But I mean – is the same attitude and sentiment that is, according to the claims on here, shown with teatape not an attitude and sentiment that was ever present in Labour govt circles? Eaxmple – if Clark referred to “haters and wreckers” in public, how would she have described them in private?

        • r0b 9.1.1.1
          16 November 2011 at 8:51 am

          Not sure she could have said worse in private – silly thing to say!

          All parties say silly things at some point, many of them get caught out for it and punished. At the moment it’s the Nats’ turn. So it goes.

        • felix 9.1.1.2
          16 November 2011 at 8:51 am

          Probably in exactly the same terms she used in public. That’s kinda the point.

      • burt 9.1.2
        16 November 2011 at 8:52 am

        “rich prick” did happen rOb

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/features/2329749/Regrets-I-ve-had-a-few-Michael-Cullen-reflects

        MICHAEL CULLEN didn’t mean to call John Key a rich prick. At least, not out loud.

        STOP re-writing history rOb.

        [I see your reading skills are as sharp as ever burt. — r0b]
        oops! – burt

    • felix 9.2
      16 November 2011 at 8:50 am

      The other difference, vto, is that those comments (the actual versions, not the kiwiblog versions you quoted) were made out in the open.

      The issue for Key and Banks is they say things when they think no-one is listening that they’d be scared or embarrassed to say out loud.

      It speaks to matters of honesty, integrity, and character. And even more so now that he won’t cop to it after being caught.

  10. Pascal's bookie 10
    16 November 2011 at 8:33 am

    Baron and Pete and whoever else wants to maintain that this is just ‘made up’ or ‘lies’ or whatever should have a read of Hooten’s comment.

    Get with the program guys, ‘What he said is no big deal’

  11. anne 11
    16 November 2011 at 8:34 am

    In nz we are taught to respect the elderly,this is something i have installed in my kids,I also had an uncle who was shot in the water by the japanese after jumping out of his plane,another uncle
    fought in the war overseas as well.
    It shows that key has only one thing in mind,win at all costs,even if it goes against majority feeling that they dont like brash or banks or the party act.
    What key and his co-horts have planned for nz is total domination and that is why he likes
    the fpp,key is a closet dictator,with the same personal attributes.
    Given his treatment of the children in poverty,saying ” National standards in all schools,and victims rights,will address that” and his funding cuts of crucial social services when he gives
    fonterra and the meat industry $300grand for promotion and advertising costs and gives sky tv
    $600grand,this came from nz on air,why? who knows tax payers dont need to know,could it
    be for TV7 which the govt is ending and should be another election issue,a great free to air
    channnel for nz,burgled by a capitalist controlling sky leeches that have taken other free to
    air channels,just because they can.
    This election is so crucial for nz on a number of fronts,Labour just have to get there.

  12. felix 12
    16 November 2011 at 8:44 am

    Yet another indication that Key doesn’t intrinsically know what’s acceptable behaviour for a human.

    He didn’t know he’d said anything offensive until he was told.

    What a scumbag.

  13. just saying 13
    16 November 2011 at 8:51 am

    Still have a bad feeling about how the tea party tape thing is going to play out. This is the guy who chose to talk on Veitch’s radioshow, (before the dust had even settled on that one), even brought up the subject of hot babes he’d like to bang. He made a throat-slitting sign to his opponent on live TV. His audacity is outrageous, and seems to kind of thrill, rather than repel many ordinary people. I think he could turn this into an unfair media witchhunt, against which he stood his ground on principle (what a guy!) the transcript revealing his to being “real” and “telling it how it is” (rather than showing what a two-faced jerk he is). The media would be even more cowed, the opposition will end up looking far worse than Key does. And all the emerging doubts about Key’s integrity now plausibly looking like all part of a concerted campaign against him

    Key beats the odds again. And don’t we all want to be on the winner’s side of the divide, as the shit is so evidently begins to hit the fan.

  14. graeme 14
    16 November 2011 at 9:11 am

    John Key is a fucking idiot. Neither of those two idiots even thought to ask whose the bag was, and we trust him to run the country?

    Not me….he had his transrail eyes on last night.

  15. Blue 15
    16 November 2011 at 9:16 am

    Further proof that we need to hear the tape, rather than just read a transcript of it.

    If it’s in print, Key can try to spin it, but if we actually hear the arrogant, glib tone in his voice he’s going to be trouble.

  16. Penny Bright 16
    16 November 2011 at 9:24 am

    hmmmm…………… I wonder if this ‘top-secret’ discussion between the Johns included concern over the numbers of UNDECIDED Epsom voters?

    Wonder if this has anything to do with the effective corporate media ‘BLACKOUT’ on anything to do with my candidacy, the issues that I am raising?

    An ACTION PLAN to help stop ‘white collar’ crime, corruption and ‘corporate welfare’?

    And the fact that as one of the Epsom candidates, I have formally requested that the Director of the Serious Fraud Office equally charge Don Brash and John Banks as fellow former Director of Huljich Wealth Management (NZ) Ltd, for signing Registered Prospectuses which contained untrue statements?

    Don’t you think that one or two of the voting public might be more than a little interested in these matters?

    (Given that in the wealthy Epsom electorate – there are liable to be a few investors who have been ‘bitten’ by ‘white collar criminals’ – like the yet-to-be charged – let alone convicted John Banks and Don Brash?)

    If mainstream corporate media continue to ignore these issues – then I will persistently continue to take this message out to the streets of Remuera, Newmarket and Mt Eden, in new and varied ways to directly reach the voting public.

    Anyone who lives in the Epsom electorate who would like to assist in any way – please contact me:

    Penny Bright
    Independent Candidate for Epsom
    [email deleted]

  17. Penny Bright 17
    16 November 2011 at 9:31 am

    Ok folks!

    So you can read for yourself what the mainstream media are effectively censoring:

    ACTION PLAN TO PREVENT CORRUPTION – ‘WHITE COLLAR’ CRIME & ‘CORPORATE WELFARE’ IN NZ:

    1. Get our anti-corruption domestic legislative framework in place so NZ can ratify the UN Convention Against Corruption.

    2. Set up an NZ independent anti-corruption body tasked with educating the public and PREVENTING corruption.

    3. Change NZ laws to ensure genuine transparency in the funding of candidates for elected public office and political parties at central government level.

    4. Legislate for an enforceable ‘Code of Conduct’ for NZ Members of Parliament (who make the rules for everyone else).

    5. Make it an offence under the Local Government Act 2002 for NZ Local Government elected representatives to breach their ‘Code of Conduct’.

    6. Make it a lawful requirement for a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Local Government elected representatives.

    7. Make it a lawful requirement for a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Central Government staff responsible for property and procurement, (including the Ministry of Health), in order to help prevent ‘conflicts of interest’.

    8. Make it a lawful requirement for a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Local Government staff, and Directors and staff employed by ‘Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs) responsible for property and procurement.

    9. Make it a lawful requirement for details of ‘contracts issued’ – including the name of the contractor; scope, term and value of the contract to be published in NZ Central Government Public Sector, and Local Government (Council), and ‘Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) Annual Reports so that they are available for public scrutiny.

    10. Make it a lawful requirement that a ‘cost-benefit analysis’ of NZ Central Government, and Local Government public finances be undertaken to prove that private procurement of public services previously provided ‘in-house’ is cost-effective for the public majority. If not – then return public service provision to staff directly employed ‘in-house’ and cut out these private contractors who are effectively dependent on ‘corporate welfare’.

    11. Legislate for a legally-enforcable ‘Code of Conduct’ for members of the NZ Judiciary, to ensure they are not ‘above the law’.

    12. Ensure that ALL NZ Court proceedings are recorded, and audio records made available to parties who request them.

    13. Make it a lawful requirement for a publicly-available NZ Judicial ‘Register of Interests’, to help prevent ‘conflicts of interest’.

    14. Make it a lawful requirement for a publicly-available NZ ‘Register of Lobbyists’ at Central Government Ministerial level.

    15. Make it a lawful requirement at NZ Central and Local Government level for a ‘post-separation employment quarantine’ period from the time officials leave the public service to take up a similar role in the private sector. (Help stop the ‘revolving door’).

    16. Make it a lawful requirement that it is only a binding vote of the public majority that can determine whether public assets held at NZ Central or Local Government level are sold; or long-term leased via Public-Private –Partnerships (PPPs).

    17. Make it unlawful for politicians to knowingly misrepresent their policies prior to election at central or local government level.

    18. Make laws to protect individuals, NGOs and community-based organisations who are ‘whistleblowing’ against ‘conflicts of interest’ and corrupt practices at central and local government level and within the judiciary.

    19. Legislate to help stop ‘State Capture’, a form of ‘grand corruption’ arguably endemic in NZ – where vested interests get their way at the ‘policy level’ before legislation is passed which serves their interests.

    Prepared and authorised by Penny Bright, Independent Candidate for Epsom 2011
    ( 86A School Rd, Kingsland. [email deleted])

  18. KJT 18
    16 November 2011 at 9:32 am

    Bad news for National.

    The age range of National voters shows that it is mostly the senile who vote for them.

  19. ianmac 19
    16 November 2011 at 9:39 am

    One serious factor that must seep through is about Key’s truthfulness.
    What judgement would we make if a PM claims that he couldn’t remember what he said last Friday? That must be a lie. “I can’t remember.”
    If he couldn’t remember then then he would be in serious mental decline. Dangerous.
    If can remember but denies that then he is telling lies.

  20. graeme 20
    16 November 2011 at 9:45 am

    19….how could any pm not remember a conversation, thats a few days old.

    its on the same scale as not being able to remember how many transrail shares he has…

    • ianmac 20.1
      16 November 2011 at 9:57 am

      A casual voter maybe only taking a passing interest might easily say, “He says he can’t remember!!! That’s what my 8 year-old says when caught abusing his little sister. Really?”

  21. Treetop 21
    16 November 2011 at 9:57 am

    When it came to Debbie Gerbich the NZ Herald were more than happy to print the story of her releasing footage to the media. Debbie partly did this out of public interest.

    NZ Herald have a taped conversation of Key and Banks which is of public interest.

    Debbie later went on to take her life and I did not hear ANY politician stick up for how Debbie was treated by the media.

    Key has gagged the media by going to the police. Muldoon used the police when it came to Moyle in November 1976 because Muldoon knew there were two versions to what happened in June 1975 when a 21 year old cop spoke to Moyle in Harris Street Wellington.

    I have asked Key to have a barrister appointed to look into my historical complaint with the police and he sent my request to Power and Power suggested that I go to the IPCA. IPCA is not an option so I languish out here.

  22. mickysavage 22
    16 November 2011 at 10:02 am

    You know how people have been joking about how Key would have to massacre babies publicly to dent his popularity.  Well abusing the elderly is almost as bad …

  23. Jackal 23
    16 November 2011 at 10:08 am

    Both of my grandfathers were in WW2 and they went through horrendous things. They fought hard for this country against fascism. Some of the things they experienced were truly amazing!

    You won’t hear many from the older generation speak out against authority… because they have respect for the thing they fought for. To see those in power corrupting the very thing their friends died for must be difficult.

    If it’s Peters speculating, why doesn’t Key just say so? Either way my respect for politicians is at an all time low.

    The disrespect shown by Key and Banks towards the older generation is simply unacceptable! Chatting about how it’s good for Nact that the old people are dying is the epitome of nastiness.

    Key is not a leader, he’s an egocentric prick who’s been elevated far beyond his capabilities.

    • chris73 23.1
      16 November 2011 at 11:33 am

      Tell you what, how about we wait until we know whats on the tape before we accept as truth what winstonfirst says is on the tape

      • Jackal 23.1.1
        16 November 2011 at 11:50 am

        In the mean time we have Peters word against Keys avoidance of the issue. Being that Key is a habitual liar who has very little concept of respect… my monies on Peters actually knowing what was said and telling the truth.

        • chris73 23.1.1.1
          16 November 2011 at 11:54 am

          You can take Peters word (because it suits you to) I’d however take someones word that has a little more credibility

          • Zorr 23.1.1.1.1
            16 November 2011 at 1:18 pm

            You been talking to your courier driver again then? (because I personally consider have Key to have just as much credibility as Winston)

  24. gobsmacked 24
    16 November 2011 at 10:13 am

    Statement from National Campaign HQ:

    We totally reject the outrageous suggestion that the Prime Minister talked about people “dying off”.

    After hours of desperate brain-storming, we are finally able to clarify this misunderstanding.

    Mr Key was, in fact, talking about “Dyeing Goff”, a reference to the Labour leader’s hair.

    This puts the matter to rest. Let’s now get back to the real issues facing New Zealand, like Mr Key’s next visit to a kindergarten and a photo-op with teddy bears.

  25. idlegus 25
    16 November 2011 at 11:58 am

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5972674/Key-storms-out-of-media-conference

    holy hell, things are not going to plan for national are they? who woulda thought, after all the lies before, this one is sticking.

  27. chris73 27
    16 November 2011 at 1:20 pm

    So all this means is that National will have to have the support of the Maori Party rather then choosing to have the support of the Maori Party

  28. randal 28
    16 November 2011 at 1:33 pm

    I am a wrinklie.
    I dont mind.
    what I object to is parvenus like kweewee coming along and selling all the states assets that dont belong to him and to which he never in his working life contributed to.
    That is just pelf.

  29. The Pink Postman 29
    16 November 2011 at 3:02 pm

    Brian Gould’s and Jim Tulleys statements on morning report today should go out to all voters.This incident has shown just what a sleazy crafty man this Key is,
    What Labour must now watch is that Crosby-Textor will be working overtime to smear Labour.
    There must certainly be something bad in these or else “Old smile and wave would have released them.

  30. rod 30
    16 November 2011 at 5:02 pm

    The real John Key has finally stood up.

  31. Carol 31
    16 November 2011 at 5:23 pm

    The latest RNZ report on Key says he seemed to have tapped into the mood of the public by taking the line that people weren’t interested in the secret tapes. They had comments from members of the public who told Key they were on his side over the issue.

  32. the sprout 32
    16 November 2011 at 5:26 pm

    seemed to have tapped into projected the mood of the public

  33. Roy 33
    17 November 2011 at 9:35 am

    If Key did diss the elderly, it doesn’t bother me at all. Although both my grandfathers fought at the Somme and I admire them for that, my surviving parent is your bog-standard NZ wrinkly: authoritarian, National-voting, racist, homophobic, illogical, greedy, pocketing super when already very wealthy, reviling the young, hypocritical, and expects to be worshipped and pandered to simply by virtue of age. Newsflash: if you were a stupid asshole before your hair turned grey, you will remain a stupid asshole. Personally I think that once people retire they should be disenfranchised, because it disgusts me that the over-65s are the wealthiest demographic in the country while we have 25% poverty in children. Also, I am genuinely concerned that many old voters are too senile to vote. If children and teenagers are ‘too immature’ to vote, why aren’t the elderly ‘too senile’?
    One of the things I most loathe about the loathsome Key is his pandering to wrinklies while he callously ignores poverty in children and unemployment in youth. The Grey Greedies have a massive sense of entitlement and are quite happy to vote National to serve themselves, with no thought for children or young people. They are contemptible and so is Key.
    Flame away…you won’t change my mind.

  34. jack 34
    29 November 2011 at 8:53 am

    I use to be a National supporter till I saw their real agenda the news media will never print. Key has a side that is extremely vicious but the media won’t show it. I believe Key said those things about the elderly and has absolutely no values only a desire for money and power He’s put there by the banks. I really believe it was Key that gave Nicky Haggard Don Brash’s emails because he had the most to gain. Remember those Don Brash comments?? His throat cutting gesture and eyes rolling is in Parliament as a reaction to that man attempting to jump off the balcony. He’s passing bills under urgency more than any other Prime Minister.. I am not a labour fan either. I watch people what they do and Key worries me. The naive public is going to get a SHOCK very soon.

CommentsOpinions

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

FeedsPartyGovtMedia

  • Vegas Baby

    Good morning, lovely people. Don’t worry. This isn’t really a newsletter, just a quick note. I’m sitting in our lounge, looking out over a gloomy sky. Although being Rotorua, the view is periodically interrupted by steam bursting from pipes and dispersing—like an Eastern European industrial hellscape during the Cold War.Drinking ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 hours ago
  • Why Entrust Needs New Leadership

    I am part of a new team running in the Entrust election in October. Entrust is a community electricity trust representing a significant part of Auckland, set up to serve the community. It is governed by five trustees are elected every three years in an election the trust itself oversees. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    7 hours ago
  • London Bridge is falling down

    In the UK, London is the latest of council groups to signal potential bankruptcy.That’s after Birmingham, Britain’s second largest city, went bankrupt in June, resulting in reduced sanitation services, libraries cut, and dimmed streetlights.Some in the city described things as “Dickens” like.Please, Sir, Can I have some more?For families with ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    7 hours ago
  • Govt may kick elderly out of hospitals

    The Government is considering how to shunt elderly people out of hospitals, and also how to cut their access to other support. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 hours ago
  • Getting the nephs off the couch

    The so-called “Prince of the Provinces”, Shane Jones, went home last Friday. Perhaps not quite literally home, more like 20 kilometres down the road from his house on the outskirts of Kerikeri. With its airport, its rapidly growing (mostly retired) population, and a commercial centre with all the big retail ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    9 hours ago
  • De moralibus orcorum: Sargon of Akkad, Rings of Power, Evil, and George R.R. Martin

    I have noted before that The Rings of Power has attracted its unfortunate share of culture war obsessives. Essentially, for a certain type of individual, railing on about the Wokery of Modern Media is a means of making themselves a online livelihood. Clicks and views and advertising revenue, and all ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    15 hours ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #37

    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, September 8, 2024 thru Sat, September 14, 2024. Story of the week From time to time we like to make our Story of the Week all about us— and ...
    Skeptical Science
    17 hours ago
  • Salvation For Us All

    Yesterday, I ruminated about the effects of being a political follower.And, within politics, David Seymour was smart enough on Friday to divert attention from “race blind” policies [what about gender blind I thought - thinking of maternity wards] and cutting school lunches by throwing meat to the media. Teachers were ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 day ago
  • A warm embrace

    Far, far away from here lives our King. Some of his subjects can be quite the forelock tuggers, but plenty of us are not like that, and why don't I wheel out my favourite old story once more about Kiwi soldiers in the North African desert?Field Marshal Montgomery takes offence ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Literal clowns are running the place, we must put a timeout on this stupidity… right Aotearoa?

    These people are inept on every level. They’re inept to the detriment of our internal politics, cohesion and increasingly our international reputation. And they are reveling in the fact they are getting away with it. We cannot even have “respectful debate” with a government that clearly rejects the very ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago
  • Fact brief – Does manmade CO2 have any detectable fingerprint?

    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park from the Gigafact team in collaboration with John Mason. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Does manmade CO2 have any ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Judge Not.

    Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1-2FOUR HUNDRED AND FORTY men and women professing the Christian faith would appear to have imperilled their immortal souls. ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago
  • Managed Democracy: Letting The People Decide, But Only When They Can Be Relied Upon To Give the Righ...

    Uh-uh! Not So Fast, Citizens! The power to initiate systemic change remains where it has always been in New Zealand’s representative democracy – in Parliament. To order a binding referendum, the House of Representatives must first to be persuaded that, on the question proposed, sharing its decision-making power with the people ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago
  • Looking For Labour’s Vital Signs.

    Flatlining: With no evidence of a genuine policy disruptor at work in Labour’s ranks, New Zealand’s wealthiest citizens can sleep easy.PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has walked a picket-line. Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has threatened “price-gauging” grocery retailers with price control. The Democratic Party’s 2024 platform situates it well to the left of Sir ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago
  • Forty Years Of Remembering To Forget.

    The Beginning of the End: Rogernomics became the short-hand descriptor for all the radical changes that swept away New Zealand’s social-democratic economy and society between 1984 and 1990. In the bitterest of ironies, those changes were introduced by the very same party which had entrenched New Zealand social-democracy 50 years earlier. ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago
  • Kōrero Mai – Speak to Me.

    Good morning all you lovely people. 🙂I woke up this morning, and it felt a bit like the last day of school. You might recall from earlier in the week that I’m heading home to Rotorua to see an old friend who doesn’t have much time. A sad journey, but ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Winning ways

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Street architecture adjustment, KolkataShare Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • 48 seconds on a plan that would reverberate for a million years

    Despite fears that Trump presidency would be disastrous for progress on climate change, the topic barely rated a mention in the Presidential debate. Photo: Getty ImagesLong stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Using blunt instruments and magical thinking to ignore evidence of harm

    The abrupt cancellations and suspensions of Government spending also caused private sector hiring, spending, and investment to freeze up for the first six months of the year. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāThis week we learned:The new National/ACT/NZ First Coalition Government ignored advice from Treasury that it didn’t have to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Is This A Dagger Which I See Before Me: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power Episode 5 (Seaso...

    Another week of The Rings of Power, season two, and another confirmation that things are definitely coming together for the show. The fifth Episode of season one represented the nadir of the series. Now? Amid the firmer footing of 2024, Episode Five represents further a further step towards excellent Tolkien ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago
  • In Open Seas; A Book

    The background to In Open Seas: How the New Zealand Labour Government Went Wrong:2017-2023Not in Narrow Seas: The Economic History of Aotearoa New Zealand, published in 2020, proved more successful than either I or the publisher (VUP, now Te Herenga Waka University Press) expected. I had expected that it would ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    3 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to Sept 13

    The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts and talking about the week’s news with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on the latest climate science on rising temperatures and the climate implications of the US Presidential elections; and special guests Janet ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Do or do not. There is no try

    1. Upon receiving evidence that school lunches were doing a marvellous job of improving outcomes for students, David Seymour did what?a. Declared we need much more of this sort of good news and poured extra resources and funding into them b. Emailed Atlas network to ask what to do next c. Cut ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Dangerous ground

    The Waitangi Tribunal has reported back on National's proposed changes to gut the Marine and Coastal Area Act and steal the foreshore and seabed for its greedy fishing-industry donors, and declared it to be another huge violation of ti Tiriti: The Waitangi Tribunal has found government changes to the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: National wants to cheat on Paris

    In 2016, the then-National government signed the Paris Agreement, committing Aotearoa to a 30 (later 50) percent reduction in emissions by 2030. When questioned about how they intended to meet that target with their complete absence of effective climate policy, they made a lot of noise about how it was ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Treasury warned Govt lower debt limits meant less ‘productivity-enhancing investment’

    Treasury’s advice to Cabinet was that the new Government could actually prudently carry net core Crown debt of up to 50% of GDP. But Luxon and Willis instead chose to portray the Government’s finances as in such a mess they had no choice but to carve 6.5% to 7.5% off ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Is the Media Complicit?

    This is a long read. Open to all.SYNOPSIS: Traditional media is at a cross roads. There is a need for those in the media landscape, as it stands, to earn enough to stay afloat, but also come across as balanced and neutral to keep its audiences.In America, NYT’s liberal leaning ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Black Friday

    It's Black Friday, the end of the weekYou take my hand and hold it gently up against your cheekIt's all in my head, it's all in my mindI see the darkness where you see the lightSong by Tom OdellFriday the 13th, don’t be afraid.No, really, don’t. Everything has felt a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 13-September-2024

    Ooh, Friday the thirteenth. Spooky! Is that why certain zombie ideas have been stalking the landscape this week, like the Mayor’s brainwave for a motorway bridge from Kauri Point to Point Chev? Read on and find out. This roundup, like all our coverage, is brought to you by the Greater ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    3 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #37 2024

    Open access notables Early knowledge but delays in climate actions: An ecocide case against both transnational oil corporations and national governments, Hauser et al., Environmental Science & Policy: Cast within the wide context of investigating the collusion at play between powerful political-economic actors and decision-makers as monopolists and debates about ‘the modern ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • What it is

    I liked what Kieran McAnulty had to say about the Treaty Principles bill this morning so much I've written it down and copied it out for you. He was saying that rather than let this piece of ordure spend six months in Select Committee, the Prime Minister could stop making such ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • A government-funded hate campaign

    Cabinet discussed National's constitutionally and historically illiterate "Treaty Principles Bill" this week, and decided to push on with it. The bill will apparently receive a full six month select committee process - unlike practically every other policy this government has pushed, and despite the fact that if the government is ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • How Substack works to take (some) craziness out of America’s elections

    I spoke with Substack co-founder yesterday, just before the Trump-Harris debate, about how Substack is doing its thing during the US elections. He talks in particular about how Substack’s focus on paid subscriptions rather than ads has made political debate on the platform calmer, simpler, deeper and more satisfying ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Kamala Harris Did Something Unthinkable

    Hi,Yesterday me and a bunch of friends gathered in front of the TV, ate tortillas, drank wine, and watched the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.Some of you may have joined in on the live Webworm chat where we shared thoughts, jokes and memes — and a basic glee ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • Kamala Harris Did Something Unthinkable

    Hi,Yesterday me and a bunch of friends gathered in front of the TV, ate tortillas, drank wine, and watched the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.Some of you may have joined in on the live Webworm chat where we shared thoughts, jokes and memes — and a basic glee ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • Kamala Harris Did Something Unthinkable

    Hi,Yesterday me and a bunch of friends gathered in front of the TV, ate tortillas, drank wine, and watched the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.Some of you may have joined in on the live Webworm chat where we shared thoughts, jokes and memes — and a basic glee ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • David Seymour is such a loser

    For paid subscribersNot content with siphoning off $230,000,000 of taxpayers money for his hobby projects - and telling everyone his passion is education and early childcare - an intersection painfully coincidental to the interests of wealthy private families like Sean Plunkett’s1 backers, the Wright Family, Seymour is back in the ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Cross-party consensus: there’s no pipeline without good faith

    There’s been a lot of talk recently about a cross-party agreement to develop a pipeline for infrastructure, including transport. Last month, outgoing CRL boss Sean Sweeney talked about the importance of securing an enduring infrastructure programme. He outlined the high costs of the relentless political flip-flopping of priorities, which drives ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • Voters love this climate policy they’ve never heard of

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Karin Kirk The Inflation Reduction Act is the Biden administration’s signature climate law and the largest U.S. government investment in reducing climate pollution to date. Among climate advocates, the policy is well-known and celebrated, but beyond that, only a minority of Americans ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • ACC wants to administer inflation at more than double the RBNZ’s target rate

    ACC levies are set to rise at more than double the inflation rate targeted by the RBNZ. Photo: Lynn GrievesonKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, September 12:The state-owned monopoly for accident insurance wants ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Harris vs Trump

    We’ve been selected to rock your asses 'til midnightThis is my term, I've shaved off my perm, but it's alrightI solemnly swear to uphold the ConstitutionGot a rock 'n' roll problem? Well we got a solutionLet us be who we am, and let us kick out the jams, yeahKick out ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Treaty Bill “a political stunt”

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon appears to have given ACT Leader David Seymour more than he has been admitting in the proposals to go forward with a Treaty Principles Bill.All along, Luxon has maintained that the Government is proceeding with the Bill to honour the coalition agreement.But that is quite specific.It ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • An average 219 NZers migrated each day in July

    Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, September 11:Annual migration of New Zealanders rose to a record-high 80,963 in the year to the end of July, which is more than double its pre-Covid levels.Two ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • What you’re wanting to win more than anything is The Narrative

    Hubris is sitting down on election day 2016 to watch that pig Trump get his ass handed to him, and watching the New York Times needle hover for a while over Hillary and then move across to Trump where it remains all night to your gathering horror and dismay. You're ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • National’s automated lie machine

    The government has a problem: lots of people want information from it all the time. Information about benefits, about superannuation, ACC coverage and healthcare, taxes, jury service, immigration - and that's just the routine stuff. Responding to all of those queries takes a lot of time and costs a lot ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Christopher Luxon: A Man of “Faith” and “Compassion” Speaks on the Treaty Pr...

    Synopsis: Today - we explore two different realities. One where National lost. And another - which is the one we are living with here. Note: the footnote on increased fees/taxes may be of interest to some readers.Article open.Subscribe nowIt’s an alternate timeline.Yesterday as news broke that the central North Island ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Member’s Day

    Today is a Member's Day. First up is the third reading of Dan Bidois' Fair Trading (Gift Card Expiry) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the committee stage of Deborah Russell's Family Proceedings (Dissolution for Family Violence) Amendment Bill. This will be followed by the second readings of Katie ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Northern Expressway Boondoggle

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has been soaring high with his hubris of getting on and building motorways but some uncomfortable realities are starting to creep in. Back in July he announced that the government was pushing on with a Northland Expressway using an “accelerated delivery strategy” The Coalition Government is ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    5 days ago
  • Never Enough

    However much I'm falling downNever enoughHowever much I'm falling outNever, never enough!Whatever smile I smile the mostNever enoughHowever I smile I smile the mostSongwriters: Robert James Smith / Simon Gallup / Boris Williams / Porl ThompsonToday in Nick’s Kōrero:A death in the Emergency Department at Rotorua Hospital.A sad homecoming and ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Question Two of The Kākā Project of 2026 for 2050 (TKP 26/50)

    Kia ora.Last month I proposed restarting The Kākā Project work done before the 2023 election as The Kākā Project of 2026 for 2050 (TKP 26/50), aiming to be up and running before the 2025 Local Government elections, and then in a finalised form by the 2026 General Elections.A couple of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Why is God Obsessed with Spanking?

    Hi,If you’ve read Webworm for a while, you’ll be aware that I’ve spent a lot of time writing about horrific, corrupt megachurches and the shitty men who lead them.And in all of this writing, I think some people have this idea that I hate Christians or Christianity. As I explain ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Inside the public service

    In 2023, there were 63,117 full-time public servants earning, on average, $97,200 a year each. All up, that is a cost to the Government of $6.1 billion a year. It’s little wonder, then, that the public service has become a political whipping boy castigated by the Prime Minister and members ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • New Models Show Stronger Atlantic Hurricanes, and More of Them

    This is a re-post from This is Not Cool Here’s an example of some of the best kind of climate reporting, especially in that it relates to impacts that will directly affect the audience. WFLA in Tampa conducted a study in collaboration with the Department of Energy, analyzing trends in ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • Where ever do they find these people?

    A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, is how Winston Churchill described the Soviet Union in 1939.  How might the great man have described the 2024 government of New Zealand, do we think? I can't imagine he would have thought them all that mysterious or enigmatic. I think ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Motorway madness

    How mad is National's obsession with roads? One of their pet projects - a truck highway to Whangārei - is going to eat 10% of our total infrastructure budget for the next 25 years: Official advice from the Infrastructure Commission shows the government could be set to spend 10 ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Our transport planning system is fundamentally broken

    Ever since Wayne Brown became mayor (nearly two years ago now) he’s been wanting to progress an “integrated transport plan” with the government – which sounded a lot like the previous Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) with just a different name. It seems like a fair bit of work progressed ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago
  • Thou Shalt Not Steal

    And they taught usWhoa-oh, black woman, thou shalt not stealI said, hey, yeah, black man, thou shalt not stealWe're gonna civilise your black barbaric livesAnd we teach you how to kneelBut your history couldn't hide the genocideThe hypocrisy to us was realFor your Jesus said you're supposed to giveThe oppressed ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • How mismanagement, not wind and solar energy, causes blackouts

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections In February 2021, several severe storms swept across the United States, culminating with one that the Weather Channel unofficially named Winter Storm Uri. In Texas, Uri knocked out power to over 4.5 million homes and 10 million people. Hundreds of Texans died as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • The ‘Infra Boys’ Highway to Budget Hell

    Chris Bishop has enthusiastically dubbed himself and Simeon Brown “the Infra Boys”, but they need to take note of the sums around their roading dreams. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, September ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Media Link: “AVFA” on the politics of desperation.

    In this podcast Selwyn Manning and I talk about what appears to be a particular type of end-game in the long transition to systemic realignment in international affairs, in which the move to a new multipolar order with different characteristics … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    7 days ago
  • The cost of flying blind

    Just over two years ago, when worries about immediate mass-death from covid had waned, and people started to talk about covid becoming "endemic", I asked various government agencies what work they'd done on the costs of that - and particularly, on the cost of Long Covid. The answer was that ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • Seymour vs The Clergy

    For paid subscribers“Aotearoa is not as malleable as they think,” Lynette wrote last week on Homage to Simeon Brown:In my heart/mind, that phrase ricocheted over the next days, translating out to “We are not so malleable.”It gave me comfort. I always felt that we were given an advantage in New ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Unstoppable Minister McKee

    All smiles, I know what it takes to fool this townI'll do it 'til the sun goes downAnd all through the nighttimeOh, yeahOh, yeah, I'll tell you what you wanna hearLeave my sunglasses on while I shed a tearIt's never the right timeYeah, yeahSong by SiaLast night there was a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Could outdoor dining revitalise Queen Street?

    This is a guest post by Ben van Bruggen of The Urban Room,.An earlier version of this post appeared on LinkedIn. All images are by Ben. Have you noticed that there’s almost nowhere on Queen Street that invites you to stop, sit outside and enjoy a coffee, let alone ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    1 week ago
  • Hipkins challenges long-held Labour view Government must stay below 30% of GDP

    Hipkins says when considering tax settings and the size of government, the big question mark is over what happens with the balance between the size of the working-age population and the growing number of Kiwis over the age of 65. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Your invite to Webworm Chat (a bit like Reddit)

    Hi,One of the things I love the most about Webworm is, well, you. The community that’s gathered around this lil’ newsletter isn’t something I ever expected when I started writing it four years ago — now the comments section is one of my favourite places on the internet. The comments ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 week ago
  • Seymour’s Treaty bill making Nats nervous

    A delay in reappointing a top civil servant may indicate a growing nervousness within the National Party about the potential consequences of David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill. Dave Samuels is waiting for reappointment as the Chief Executive of Te Puni Kokiri, but POLITIK understands that what should have been a ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 week ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #36

    A listing of 34 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, September 1, 2024 thru Sat, September 7, 2024. Story of the week Our Story of the Week is about how peopele are not born stupid but can be fooled ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago
  • Time for a Change

    You act as thoughYou are a blind manWho's crying, crying 'boutAll the virgins that are dyingIn your habitual dreams, you knowSeems you need more sleepBut like a parrot in a flaming treeI know it's pretty hard to seeI'm beginning to wonderIf it's time for a changeSong: Phil JuddThe next line ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Six.

    The “double shocks” in post Cold War international affairs. The end of the Cold War fundamentally altered the global geostrategic context. In particular, the end of the nuclear “balance of terror” between the USA and USSR, coupled with the relaxation … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago
  • Buried deep

    Here's a bike on Manchester St, Feilding. I took this photo on Friday night after a very nice dinner at the very nice Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon, on Manchester Street.I thought to myself, Manchester Street? Bicycle? This could be the very spot.To recap from an earlier edition: on a February night ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies, Excerpt Five.

    Military politics as a distinct “partial regime.” Notwithstanding their peripheral status, national defense offers the raison d’être of the combat function, which their relative vulnerability makes apparent, so military forces in small peripheral democracies must be very conscious of events … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago
  • Leadership for Dummies

    If you’re going somewhere, do you maybe take a bit of an interest in the place? Read up a bit on the history, current events, places to see - that sort of thing? Presumably, if you’re taking a trip somewhere, it’s for a reason. But what if you’re going somewhere ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Home again

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago
  • Dead even tie for hottest August ever

    Long stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:The month of August was 1.49˚C warmer than pre-industrial levels, tying with 2023 for the warmest August ever, according ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth

    New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded

    The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD

    Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Increased certainty for contractors coming

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Draft critical minerals list released for consultation

    A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy

    The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced.  “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand

    From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Need and value at forefront of public service delivery

    New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting

    Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New Bill to crack down on youth vaping

    The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping.  “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed

    Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups

    Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it

    The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Targeted supports to accelerate reading

    The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology

    With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final

    Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Driving structured literacy in schools

    The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s misleading information is disappointing

    Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.   “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine

    The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill

    Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government unlocking potential of AI

    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government releases Wairoa flood review findings

    The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Promoting faster payment times for government

    The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech

    E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward.  Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses

    Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test

    More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction

    Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Māori Education Advisory Group established

    The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review

    The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight

    Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Have your say on suicide prevention

    Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Action to grow the rural health workforce

    Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost

    Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians

    Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris.  “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations

    A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report.  “It will have the mandate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Passport wait times back on-track

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New appointments to the FMA board

    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • District Court judges appointed

    Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-09-16T01:41:09+00:00