Far right Canadian activist wants to come to New Zealand to insult local communities

Written By: mickysavage - Date published: 12:08 pm, July 6th, 2018 - 292 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, clickbait, Deep stuff, gender, Globalisation, human rights, immigration, International, Politics, scoundrels, sexism - Tags:

Lauren Southern wants to come to New Zealand to give a speech on August 3 which will no doubt insult various communities.

Should we let her in?

She appears to have a certain way of conducting her business as a self confessed journalist and vlogger. She goes places, says really controversial stuff, hopes to pick a fight, claims to be a victim and then leaves.

Her views are pretty extreme. She once said that Adolf Hitler “was just an SJW [social justice warrior] who happened to get freaky amounts of power”.

For instance here she is picking a fight at an anti facist protest in London. It was all filmed in detail.

The overwhelming impression that I received after watching it was that she was only after clicks.

And here she is insulting a group of women protesting against rape culture. Her lack of understanding and sensitivity is mind boggling.

Attempts by some of the participants to educate her were wasted.

She was recently banned from entering the United Kingdom. From the Independent:

Canadian far-right activist Lauren Southern has been detained in Calais and banned from entering the UK.

Ms Southern, who worked for far right Canadian site The Rebel Media, was held by Border Force in Coquelles on Monday.

A Home Office spokesperson told The Independent: “Border Force has the power to refuse entry to an individual if it is considered that his or her presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good.”

Ms Southern, who supported a seaborne mission seeking to hamper the rescue of refugees, claimed British authorities had told her she was “officially banned from UK for racism” after being detained.

“They just locked me out and said ‘au revoir’… Officially banned from UK for ‘racism’.. Doing fine though, all the cool people are being banned anyway,” the ultra-conservative provocateur said on Twitter.

It appears the authorities were heeding warnings given by the anti racism movement. Again from the Independent:

Dr Joe Mulhall, a senior researcher for anti-racism campaign Hope not Hate, raised concerns about Ms Southern’s activism.

“We’ve been watching Lauren Southern for some time, and she has gradually become more and more extreme in her outbursts and associations,” he told The Independent in a statement.

“The decision to refuse her entry came after she distributed racist material in Luton on a recent visit to the UK.

“In our State of Hate 2018 report released earlier this month, we warned that one of the major threats we would witness this year was the linking-up between Stephen Lennon (Tommy Robinson) with North American far-right alternative media personalities such as Southern and the far-right Generation Identity (GI) movement in Europe. This has seen an unholy alliance start to come together particularly over social media but also in the offline space.

The local Muslim community oppose her being granted permission to visit. From Radio New Zealand:

Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux are best known for their far-right alternative views on everything from feminism, gender and immigration to Islam.

Earlier this year, Ms Southern was banned by from entering the UK on the grounds of her involvement “in the distribution of racist material in Luton”, according to the BBC.

The Islamic community voiced their opposition to the visit last month.

New Zealand Federation of Islam Associations president Hazim Arafeh said it had written letters to the Immigration Minister, Minister for Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission asking for Lauren Southern to be denied entry.

“[She] abuses her right of freedom of speech. She’s just going to give a talk in which she’s just going to insult all of us,” Mr Arafeh said.

“I don’t think insulting Muslims comes under free speech, that’s an abuse of freedom of speech.

“I’m talking on behalf of 50,000 to 60,000 Muslims in New Zealand who are going to face a very hard time by all the comments she is going to make.”

The proposed venue for her speech is the Bruce Mason Centre in Auckland, an Auckland Council owned venue.

My personal view? Freedom of speech does not require us to let her in to insult local communities. And Auckland Council should cancel her booking.

If you want to do something there is a petition you can sign.

Update: Auckland Council and Phil Goff pulled the booking and the speech has been cancelled.

292 comments on “Far right Canadian activist wants to come to New Zealand to insult local communities ”

Comments are now closed

Ovid 1

6 July 2018 at 12:14 pm

Having been excluded from the UK, Southern fails the good character requirements for entry to NZ. She would need positive approval from the Minister of Immigration to get a visa. So really what the Minister is being asked is to do nothing.
- mickysavage 1.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 12:17 pm
  
  Thanks Ovid. Hopefully this will be an easy decision.
  
  There is the other speaker Stefan Molyneux who may not be caught by this. I have not had a chance to look at his background although judging by his twitter feed he is similar to Southern.
- Baba Yaga 1.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 12:44 pm
  
  The only threat Lauren poses to NZ is from the far left nutbars who will resort to violence to try to disrupt her appearances.
  - Sabine 1.2.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 1:26 pm
    
    how dare people be intolerant of her intolerance. Oh my.
    - Baba Yaga 1.2.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 5:28 pm
      
      Indeed. Intolerance is an important part of a society progressing.
  - Tricledrown 1.2.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:44 pm
    
    Baby Gaga hopefully you get detained on your next overseas trip.
    - Sanctuary 1.2.2.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 2:52 pm
      
      And waterboarded. It isn’t torture you know, just enhanced interrogation.
      - NZJester 1.2.2.1.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 3:23 pm
        
        It depends on who you and who you do it too. The US helped in the prosecution of foreign nationals who used it against their people listing it as torture in the charges. But when they used it themselves it was suddenly reclassified as enhanced interrogation.
        
        If they let that legal argument fly the next, you will have rapists claiming what they where doing was just enhanced hugging and not rape.
        
        But both are actually also a form of psychological and not just physical torture inflicted on people.
    - Baba Yaga 1.2.2.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 5:27 pm
      
      You wont have long to wait. Off to Vanuatu for a week tomorrow. Watch the papers.
      - woodart 1.2.2.2.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 3:13 pm
        
        dont forget to talk down to the locals….
- Draco T Bastard 1.3
  
  6 July 2018 at 1:37 pm
  
  She seems to fail on 2 of those conditions:
  
  – have ever been removed, excluded or deported from any country.
  – are likely to be a threat to public order
  
  And possibly on:
  
  – are likely to be a risk to the public interest.
  
  Which means that she should be stopped at the gate and told to leave.
  - Gosman 1.3.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:28 pm
    
    Why is she likely to be a threat to public order?
    - Draco T Bastard 1.3.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 2:30 pm
      
      By increasing hate and divisiveness in society by what she says and does.
      
      BTW, failing on the first means that she can’t come here any way.
      - Gosman 1.3.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:34 pm
        
        I personally find your views hateful and divisive. It doesn’t mean you should be banned from spreading your views around though.
        
        humma 1.3.1.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:50 pm
        
        Yeah I find Draco’s views hateful as well. But i bet Draco does not care about that at all.
        That said, I will protect Draco’s right to spread his hateful views and think the more people speak the better. Hiding speech, as abhorrent as it may be to some, is a recipe for disaster.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:24 pm
        
        Care to describe what makes my views hateful?
        
        R.P Mcmurphy …
        
        6 July 2018 at 9:14 pm
        
        thats trumpspeak from the goebbels playbook.
        
        Gosman …
        
        7 July 2018 at 6:38 am
        
        You denigrate a section of society and label them essentially parasites. You call for them to be eliminated. That is hateful in my view.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        7 July 2018 at 11:07 am
        
        You denigrate a section of society and label them essentially parasites.
        
        Capitalists are parasites and calling them what they are isn’t hateful.
        
        You call for them to be eliminated.
        
        Legislated out of existence. The people would still live.
        
        That is hateful in my view.
        
        And your view is meaningless. It has neither logic nor facts to back it up.
        
        David Mac …
        
        7 July 2018 at 2:36 pm
        
        Parasites provide no benefit to their hosts. Without capitalists I’d have no shelter, shoes, food, transport or internet.
        
        I’m quite grateful for Jennian Homes, Hannahs, Watties, Toyota and Slingshot.
        
        How do you fill those needs in your life Draco? Buy their internet and then use it to slag them off. Pay their rent and then once they’re out of earshot name them: “Bludger”. You’re as deep into this capitalist thing as we all are and I guess you aren’t going somewhere else soon.
        
        Parasites and bludgers come in all stripes, dirt poor and filthy rich. The discerning factor is the value of the contribution we make to the society that supports us.
        
        The bone of contention is the subjective nature of value. One man’s asset is another man’s liability.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        7 July 2018 at 5:59 pm
        
        Without capitalists I’d have no shelter, shoes, food, transport or internet.
        
        We had shelter and food long before we had capitalism.
        
        The discerning factor is the value of the contribution we make to the society that supports us.
        
        Capitalists add none at all. They just bludge off of the work of the rest of us.
        
        You’re as deep into this capitalist thing as we all are and I guess you aren’t going somewhere else soon.
        
        It’s impossible to live outside of society. All I can do is try to change it by highlighting how capitalists bludge upon the rest of us and produce poverty.
        
        Andy []
        
        8 July 2018 at 8:30 am
        
        I am a self employed IT contractor. I am therefore a capitalist and a parasite according to you
        
        marty mars …
        
        8 July 2018 at 9:45 am
        
        Draco has spelled it out clearly from his perspective. If you are a capitalist then you are a parasite – not sure why you want to ask rhetorical questions except as a prelude to outrage.
        
        I suppose you may change his mind – lol yeah nah not a hope in hell thank the Gods.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        8 July 2018 at 9:55 pm
        
        I am a self employed IT contractor. I am therefore a capitalist and a parasite according to you
        
        Actually, what you are is an ignoramus.
        
        You’re incorrectly equating capitalist with entrepreneur. As a self-employed person you’re the latter and not necessarily the former.
        
        Now, it’s very easy for an entrepreneur to become a capitalist and thus a parasite. All that they’d need to do is to employ someone else in their business and profit from that person’s work.
        
        Shareholding, the epitome of capitalism, is pure bludging.
        
        Rob …
        
        7 July 2018 at 1:12 pm
        
        Pity we don’t have time travel as these trolls could catch abus to the 1930’s Germany and live their dreams
        
        Paul Campbell 1.3.1.1.1.2
        
        6 July 2018 at 8:29 pm
        
        I think there’s a simple difference NZ residents are guaranteed free speech by the BORA, foreign nazis are not – we don’t have to let them in.
        
        Our own nazis on other hand have every right to make their viewpoints known in public, as do we to show up and tell people what we think of them
        
        WILD KATIPO 1.3.1.1.1.3
        
        6 July 2018 at 10:43 pm
        
        You don’t give a shit about any of that , Gosman.
        
        That woman got her arse kicked in England. You don’t mess with the English , mate – Hitler tried and look what happened to him. And the English are ALL races . Just like the woman who got under her skin.
        
        English pride.
        
        Cockney Rejects- Oi! Oi! Oi! – YouTube
        Video for oi oi oi music you tube▶ 3:19
    - cleangreen 1.3.1.2
      
      7 July 2018 at 2:48 pm
      
      Gosman;
      “is she likely to be a threat to public order?”
      
      It doesnt’ really matter now so I hear the organisers are about to cal off the visit to NZ now.
      
      I beieve in the freedom of speech and that incuded those who often offend me and others.
      
      But they have a human right to speak of their concerns,
      
      I would be happy if she caome to give her views as she is entitled to do and I if offended can speak my mind then also.
      
      Fredom of speech is a human right and was what our fallen solders died to preserve our right to do so.
      
      The people who want to stop her will use “Incitement to imminent lawless action”
      
      But when many folks in Ackland and other places arond NZ marched against TPPA and caused lawlessness by blocking roads interestingly the national Government used the poice to force an end to their freedom of speech and assembly, as they did when many ralliied against Banks in that famouus movement “take back wall street”.
      
      So if she incited public lawless action again cant the government then use the police as they are using it all the time now?
      - Draco T Bastard 1.3.1.2.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 11:43 pm
        
        But when many folks in Ackland and other places arond NZ marched against TPPA and caused lawlessness…
        
        Protesting isn’t lawlessness.
        
        Rioting, on the other hand, is.
        
        From what I’ve seen she’d be attempting to induce rioting.
  - alwyn 1.3.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 4:43 pm
    
    “have ever been removed, excluded or deported from any country.”.
    Do other countries have such draconian conditions as this?
    If they commonly do I guess that Marama Davidson isn’t going to be doing very much travelling in the future.
    Wasn’t she removed from Israel after her trip on the good ship Band of Fools?
    - Draco T Bastard 1.3.2.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 6:31 pm
      
      Do other countries have such draconian conditions as this?
      
      Yes, as a matter of fact – they do. Here’s a reasonably full list of exclusions.
      
      Wasn’t she removed from Israel after her trip on the good ship Band of Fools?
      
      I believe she didn’t even try to enter Israel but Palestine.
      - Muttonbird 1.3.2.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 8:49 pm
        
        It’s convenient for Israel apologists to call it Israel when it suits them and Palestine when it suits them.
    - Tricledrown 1.3.2.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 8:43 pm
      
      Alwynger Marama she’s got guts than you will ever have.
      Hitler practiced ethnic cleansing like Netenyahu does.
      He began his war on Jews initially by extraordinary diting Jews to Israel even though his mother was part Jewish.
      The reason why I believe was to bring the Arabs back to his side after the British had promised Palestine to both after ww1.
      Now we have the ghetto like conditions in gaza strip just like Warsaw days.
  - Andy 1.3.3
    
    7 July 2018 at 8:39 pm
    
    But it completely fine for the Canterbury Museum to feature an “art” exhibition displaying a T shirt stating “Jesus is a c@@t”?
    
    How exactly is that advancing society ?
    
    I’m pretty sure it is quite reasonable to question Sharia Law, FGM and “Asian grooming gangs”, but not according to the government and the left
    - Draco T Bastard 1.3.3.1
      
      7 July 2018 at 11:48 pm
      
      But it completely fine for the Canterbury Museum to feature an “art” exhibition displaying a T shirt stating “Jesus is a c@@t”?
      
      Wouldn’t that depend upon context of the art?
      
      I’m pretty sure it is quite reasonable to question Sharia Law, FGM and “Asian grooming gangs”, but not according to the government and the left
      
      It would be the majority of parties in the present government that actually question those things. National, on the other hand, appeared to try to bribe one of those countries that’s hard on Sharia Law to sign an FTA and ignoring all those questions in their pursuit of profit.
- Andy 1.4
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:46 pm
  
  She was held under UK terrorism laws in Calais for running a stall in Luton handing out leaflets claiming “Allah is Gay”
  
  Obviously a serious threat to national security
  - Stuart Munro 1.4.1
    
    7 July 2018 at 3:22 pm
    
    Fomenting religious violence is indeed a threat.
    - Andy 1.4.1.1
      
      7 July 2018 at 3:27 pm
      
      Yes, insulting “The Religion of Peace” could be seen as a threat, as it adherents are likely to kill you
    - Richard Christie 1.4.1.2
      
      9 July 2018 at 11:31 am
      
      Fomenting religious violence is indeed a threat.
      
      It’s just what religions do, it’s part of their DNA. For some reason we seem to tolerate the practice.
Tuppence Shrewsbury 2

6 July 2018 at 12:29 pm

Fighting stupidity and racism with controversy, air time and banning of ideas. Feels like the war on drugs all over again
marty mars 3

6 July 2018 at 12:32 pm

No we don’t need that hater here – got enough of our own.
Gosman 4

6 July 2018 at 12:33 pm

Why is insulting Muslims not included in free speech?
- mickysavage 4.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 12:37 pm
  
  Free speech is not the absolute right to say anything. Besides she is asking for the privilege to come here and I don’t think we should extend that privilege to her.
  - Gosman 4.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 12:40 pm
    
    Agreed, incitement to violence isn’t included. However insulting people is generally regarded as free speech otherwise politics would be impossible.
  - Gosman 4.1.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 12:43 pm
    
    I am really interested in exploring this topic MS.
    
    This blog for example contains many insults against people who do not share a particular World view that many here hold. These insults can get quite nasty but we are all adults and this is the internet after all. But if Muslims can’t be insulted then why should anyone be allowed to insult anyone?
    - McFlock 4.1.2.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 1:13 pm
      
      I think “insult” was an extremely polite description.
      
      Either way, the insults here are usually directed at specific individuals or groups that have a choice about their political beliefs, off the top of my head.
      - Gosman 4.1.2.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 1:14 pm
        
        Are you stating Muslims don’t have a choice about their particular belief or do you think religious beliefs deserve special protection above political beliefs?
        
        McFlock 4.1.2.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 1:37 pm
        
        I pretty much get why a lot of people have political beliefs, as I have some of my own. They are generally a matter of choice.
        
        I have no idea why someone would choose one magic book over another. To me, a religious person appears to have as much choice about it as they do their sexuality. If I were afflicted by irrational faith, I fear I might become religious, too. But I don’t think I’ll ever be a tory.
        
        Gosman …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:18 pm
        
        By stating that you are insulting (some) religious people.
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:38 pm
        
        Do you mean “insult” as in “cause offence”, or “insult” as in “promote a fear of genocide against whites”? Because I might have done the former, but apparently Southern does the latter.
        
        Gosman …
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:53 pm
        
        You can define insult however you like. The fact is if we don’t think people should be insulted for their religious beliefs you’ve failed to do that.
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:22 pm
        
        So, to be clear, your argument in favour of hate speech is an absolute, all-encompassing definition of “insult” so you can argue equivalence between risking lives by blocking rescue ships and calling scripture “magic books”.
        
        Do you have a choice about your religious beliefs?
        
        Gosman []
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:23 pm
        
        Yes you have a choice
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:26 pm
        
        I’m not so sure about that.
        
        I’m really not sure one can avoid having a firm, inexplicable conviction that a particular flavour of religion exists, even if it’s merely a social construct from birth.
        
        It’s certainly make life easier for a lot of people. Might have stopped someone I know from killing themselves, too.
        
        Gosman []
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:17 pm
        
        Unless you think people are born in to a religion (i.e. believe from birth) then it’s a choice.
        
        Baba Yaga …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:36 pm
        
        “…your argument in favour of hate speech is an absolute, ”
        
        And there it is folks. The shift from discussing an ‘insult’ to introducing this nebulous concept of ‘hate speech’. Beautiful sleight of hand.
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:45 pm
        
        BY, thanks for demonstrating my point.
        
        As I said at the start, “insult” is a very polite term for some of this person’s shenanigans. But because you pricks pretend that regurgitating fears of ethnic “replacement” is the same as calling someone a poo-head, any criticism or sanction might seem remarkably disproportionate.
        
        Gosman []
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:21 pm
        
        The problem for you McFlock is defining hate speech is fine when it is controlled by your side but it inevitably falls in to the hands of the other side
        
        McFlock …
        
        7 July 2018 at 12:10 am
        
        Perils of democracy. You got a better system?
        
        Gosman []
        
        7 July 2018 at 6:54 am
        
        Yes. Ensuring individual rights are codified in constitutional law so they aren’t subject to the vagracies of democratic politics.
        
        McFlock …
        
        7 July 2018 at 6:30 pm
        
        That just means humans write them once, rather than tweaking them when 18th century punctuation puts assault rifles in the street.
        
        Andy …
        
        7 July 2018 at 8:41 pm
        
        Muslims don’t get much of a choice as they might be killed if they leave Islam, but that is OK with the left, apparently
        
        Jenny 4.1.2.1.1.2
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:03 pm
        
        Gosman
        6 July 2018 at 1:14 pm
        Are you stating Muslims don’t have a choice about their particular belief or do you think religious beliefs deserve special protection above political beliefs?
        
        Gosman, you obviously don’t believe in freedom of religion, or freedom from harrassment for practicing the religion of your choice. Therefore you don’t believe in free speech. On those grounds, I would ban you from entering New Zealand.
        
        Gosman …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:17 pm
        
        Ummm… freedom of religion does not equate with freedom from criticism for belonging to that particular religion.
        
        Do you think freedom of political association means people should be free from criticism for their particular political association?
        
        Tricledrown …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:49 pm
        
        Gosman the world isn’t as simple as your simple mind.
        Perhaps you could work for Trump and become his ambassador to the middle East.
        
        cleangreen …
        
        7 July 2018 at 3:10 pm
        
        Trckledrown 100% beautiful hit there.
        
        Some of Gossie is right though as we need to draw the lines in public behaviour as now wesee that the Seurity review just released contests that the Chinese ‘have strong influenence in our regions’ now because of their mass imigration and financial investments so so need now to draft rules so these new mass imagagants have a guide to work with.
        
        Sam would apply if we get a large muslim imigration and if the political power shifts to more muslim persuassion we may then find our whole system becomes vastly diffent where women are banned and men are losing hands or fingers for their infidelity to islam.
        
        Scary times for sure here if borders are thrown open.
        
        JohnSelway …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:56 pm
        
        Freedom of religion doesn’t include the freedom not to be insulted or made fun of. My rights don’t end where your beliefs begin.
        
        If people didn’t want their beliefs made fun of they shouldn’t have such silly beliefs.
        
        Anyway – if there is no reason to deny her entry then let her in and we can mock and protest her silly beliefs
    - Andy 4.1.2.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 4:50 pm
      
      It’s worth noting here that the Canterbury Museum ran an “art” exhibition that featured a Tee Shirt stating “Jesus is a C-Word” and a picture of a Nun pleasuring herself on the other side
      
      Te Papa had an exhibit featuring a Virgin Mary figurine draped in a condom
      
      Most Christians shrug this off, but when someone tries a mild and meek “social experiment” in Luton, a Muslim stronghold, she gets banned from the UK on terrorism charges.
      - McFlock 4.1.2.2.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:09 pm
        
        She wasn’t banned on terrorism charges.
        She claimed to have been questioned, at least in part, under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000.
        
        Probably asking her whether she was going to shill for the EDL or NF while she was there.
        
        Andy 4.1.2.2.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:00 pm
        
        She has no connections with the EDL and I’m not even sure if the National Front still exists
        
        She was questioned at Calais under the auspices of the terrorism act
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:10 pm
        
        Gosh, glad you could clear that up for the border guards. They wouldn’t be doing their jobs if they didn’t ask the question.
        
        And given the nature of some far right extremists, the terrorism act questions might well have been reasonable.
        
        But as it was, she was not “banned from the UK on terrorism charges”. That’s you lot hyping up the importance of someone who was simply barred because they’re a horrible person, not because they’re a suspected terrorist.
  - One Two 4.1.3
    
    6 July 2018 at 1:37 pm
    
    You don’t understand what free speech is then, MS…
    
    It is the absolute right to say anything….
    
    Geez…come on…
    
    Consequences are another conversation…
    - Draco T Bastard 4.1.3.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 1:47 pm
      
      It is the absolute right to say anything…
      
      Nobody has that right:
      
      The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. […] The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent.
      
      Consequences are another conversation…
      
      And not just the consequences to her but to our society because of the increased divisiveness that she will cause in it.
      - One Two 4.1.3.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 1:56 pm
        
        Every human being has ‘that right’…
        
        Figure it out Draco…seriously…it’s not difficult…
        
        Draco T Bastard 4.1.3.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:07 pm
        
        It’s not difficult.
        
        You’re obviously having difficulty with it though.
        
        There’s a very good reason why we have laws against hate speech. A reason that you fail to understand.
        
        One Two …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:16 pm
        
        Laws do not take away the ability of any human being to communicate any message they so choose, using whichever natural or man made mechanism they have access to…
        
        Figure it out Draco…
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:26 pm
        
        Just because they can doesn’t give the right and the law (and basic logic) tells us that there must be limits to what people can say.
        
        Gosman …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:29 pm
        
        Only in extreme circumstances Draco. I personally find your views dangerous and a threat to my view of public order. Do you want people like me to restrict your rights to spreed you particular viewpoint?
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:35 pm
        
        I personally find your views dangerous and a threat to my view of public order.
        
        Your view of public order is inconsequential.
        
        Nothing I say here or anywhere else will cause anyone else to riot. Hopefully they’ll get round to changing the political system away from the failed capitalist paradigm.
        
        One Two …
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:32 pm
        
        You’ve figured it out…well done…
        
        But you’re still confused about what ‘rights’ actually are…
        
        Unless in your mind relieving another human being of communication is ‘acceptable’…then you appear to be clueless…
        
        The laws that you seem to believe, are ‘rights’…are nothing of the sort…
        
        Basic logic you say…
        
        Nope…
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:23 pm
        
        But you’re still confused about what ‘rights’ actually are…
        
        Nope. That would be you.
        
        You still have NFI as to why rights need to be limited.
        
        One Two []
        
        6 July 2018 at 9:56 pm
        
        Rights…limitations…need to have limits…laws…for public safety you say…
        
        That is a completely different discussion…which still does not stop people saying anything they want, using any method they can communicate with…
        
        You can’t forecably stop people talking and communicating by removing their voice box, arms/legs etc, Draco…locked up in a cell miles from another human being…still talking…still speaking freely…free speech can’t be taken from human beings…not by other human beings…impossible without mutilation or death…
        
        It’s your fantasty world where digital currency is not run by private enterprise and ‘law’ can turn a human being into a mute…
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        6 July 2018 at 11:02 pm
        
        You can’t forecably stop people talking and communicating by removing their voice box, arms/legs etc,
        
        And where did I say anything like that?
        
        Oh, that’s right, I didn’t.
        
        You’re just making shit up to suit yourself which makes you a troll.
        
        One Two []
        
        6 July 2018 at 11:41 pm
        
        Not you specifically, Draco…the wider context…
        
        Keep believing written words on paper, enforced by actors in costumes can stop human beings communicating any message they so choose…no matter how vile the content…
        
        And every human being you believe can be shut down by ‘laws’ will continue … exactly as they are…
        
        JohnSelway …
        
        7 July 2018 at 8:10 am
        
        Draco’s authoritarian streak slips out again.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        7 July 2018 at 6:15 pm
        
        Keep believing written words on paper, enforced by actors in costumes can stop human beings communicating any message they so choose…no matter how vile the content…
        
        And this is you making shit up. I’ve never said that laws stop people doing shit. In fact, I’ve the exact opposite even on this site (about 10 years ago).
        
        The laws define the rights that people have. That’s all. And broadcasting hate speech isn’t one of them. You go round broadcasting hate speech and you will end up with criminal charges.
        
        Having the ability to broadcast doesn’t give you the right. Same as having a car that can do 320km/h doesn’t give a driver the right to do 320km/h.
        
        Gosman …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:27 pm
        
        Hate speech should only be banned if there is a specific call to act in a violent or illegal way.
        
        left_forward …
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:09 pm
        
        … and Gosman, violence is the intention of hate speech.
        
        Gosman …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:25 pm
        
        Incitement to violence is different to hate speech
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:28 pm
        
        Depends on how loud the dogwhistles are.
        
        Gosman []
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:22 pm
        
        Who defines the volume Mcflock?
        
        McFlock …
        
        7 July 2018 at 12:06 am
        
        Courts and the legislature.
      - Baba Yaga 4.1.3.1.2
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:40 pm
        
        Dietrich Bonhoeffer caused increased divisiveness when he opposed the Nazi’s. They dealt with him, didn’t they.
- R.P Mcmurphy 4.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 9:16 pm
  
  if you don tknow that then you are a complete ignoramus.
cricklewood 5

6 July 2018 at 12:37 pm

I say let her in. She can be damned by her own words. Banning her is counter productive and will further entrench bigotry.
- Wensleydale 5.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 1:20 pm
  
  Best plan would be to let her in (free speech, no matter how repugnant), and then send Jeremy Wells, Matt Heath and Mikey Havoc to troll her. No one’s accused of trying to gag professional shit-stirrers, and everyone gets a good laugh out of it. The best weapon against this sort of thing is merciless, concentrated ridicule.
  - UncookedSelachimorpha 5.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 8:56 pm
    
    “The best weapon against this sort of thing is merciless, concentrated ridicule.”
    
    100% agree – and making it even funnier – those types of people usually have zero humour about themselves or their own god-awful views.
  - Andy 5.1.2
    
    8 July 2018 at 9:43 am
    
    Light weights from NZ media would have no chance against Southern
    
    At least she gets off her butt and goes to dangerous places unlike our Twitter following media
- Anne 5.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 3:27 pm
  
  I hope she’s banned. It’s a point of victory for these creeps to be able to roam the world spreading hatred and disorder and unfortunately there are too many gullible people around who will follow them. Don’t give them the opportunity in the first place.
  
  Out of curiosity were they invited to come here by anyone and if so by whom?
  - Gosman 5.2.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 3:33 pm
    
    Why do you want to know? Do you want to ban them as well?
    - Anne 5.2.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 3:58 pm
      
      Curiosity my dear Gosman. Curiosity.
    - R.P Mcmurphy 5.2.1.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 9:17 pm
      
      you should be banned gossy but they seem to let you hang around though I dont know what for?
  - Andy 5.2.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 4:53 pm
    
    Recently, a Muslim Iman in the UK was discussing whether gays should be thrown off buildings, burned alive, or have a wall dropped on them, or a combination of all three
    
    I don’t recall any action being taken against this gentleman, but if you criticise him, you are guilty of “hate speech”, as we see with Lauren Southern, Tommy Robinson etc
    - Paul Campbell 5.2.2.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 8:35 pm
      
      Sure, I’ll call him on it that’s hate speech … but then so is burning catholics in effigy every November
  - Andy 5.2.3
    
    7 July 2018 at 8:46 pm
    
    The vast majority of YouTube channels of a political bent are conservative or libertarian
    If those on the left want to engage in society they could use the same platform of free speech and open discussion rather than banning people that they disagree with. If their ideas are so repulsive then I’m sure the public would see this
- Ad 5.3
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:48 pm
  
  With you on that one.
  
  We rarely have exposure to the anti-immigration debates occurring worldwide, and it’s time we did.
  
  We should model free speech and strong debate as the alternative to violent conflict, and let the quality of her ideas stand or fall on their merits.
Carolyn_Nth 6

6 July 2018 at 12:41 pm

From the reports it sounds like Southern is just out to get headlines by creating public disorder. I would ban her from entering NZ as she’s likely to cause public disorder.
- Andy 6.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 8:47 pm
  
  Because a bunch of leftist thugs would rock up, that is true
- MikeS 6.2
  
  7 July 2018 at 8:55 pm
  
  “…likely to cause public disorder.”
  
  Rubbish. She’s not even far right like so many have described her she’s just conservative.
  
  I challenge anyone on this site to offer up a concrete example of Lauren Southern saying anything racist or trying to stir up hatred or cause public disorder, etc…
  
  I’m very much left wing economically and some of my thoughts on tax and inequality, etc would probably be considered by some as rabid far left! . But on these sorts of cultural or social issues, the ‘so-called left’ (because I don’t believe it is a majority of the left) shoot themselves in the foot and even drive people to sympathize with opposing views.
  
  Banning someone from speaking simply because you disagree with their views or choose to be offended by what they say is the absolute worst way to go about things. Not only does it make more people seek out the opinions you ban because they want to know what is so bad that it gets banned, but it often creates a backlash when people discover just how tame the banned ideas and opinions actually are.
  
  The ‘left’ likes to talk full throttle about diversity, but not when it comes to diversity of ideas or opinions. Banning people or shutting people down from speaking is pathetically weak and only makes the other side stronger. The best and only way to defeat ideas and opinions you disagree with is to stand up and offer better ones, not to bury your head in the sand and pretend differing ideas don’t exist.
  
  Why anyone would ever be afraid of letting someone with opposing views speak bewilders me. Banning speakers (especially those who aren’t really that offensive, if at all,) is simply pandering to vocal minorities. Of course we’ve (you’ve) been happy to let real hate speech peddlers such as Bilal Phillips and Sheikh Khalid Yasin into the country to pedal their real hate.
  
  Banning speakers because you don’t like their opinions is tyrannical and authoritarian. The Left used to fight heart and soul against tyranny, what is happening to us???
Baba Yaga 7

6 July 2018 at 12:42 pm

“I don’t think insulting Muslims comes under free speech, that’s an abuse of freedom of speech.”

Of course insulting muslims is free speech. Insulting any group is free speech. No-one has a right not to be insulted. No one. Calling for someone to be physically harmed is an abuse of free speech. Calling for an entire people group to be annihilated, now that’s an abuse of free speech (https://www.jihadwatch.org/2017/07/california-imam-calls-on-muslims-to-kill-and-annihilate-jews).
- Gosman 7.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 12:47 pm
  
  Agreed Baba Yaga. Muslims seem to get preferential treatment by some members of the left for some reason. I’m not sure why.
  - Baba Yaga 7.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 12:53 pm
    
    http://www.sedaa.org/2017/09/unholy-alliance-why-do-left-wing-americans-support-right-wing-muslims/
  - Stuart Munro 7.1.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:28 pm
    
    It’s an old principle, the freedom of religion.
    
    Because corporations are not religious, religious rights are among those RWNJ routinely seek to overthrow. The Left supports their victims.
    - Gosman 7.1.2.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 3:55 pm
      
      It actually isn’t an old principle. In fact until quite recently the majority of the World did not have it. In some places (i.e. most of the Muslim majority World) they still don’t.
      - Stuart Munro 7.1.2.1.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 3:28 pm
        
        It is old – throughout reformation Europe it was acknowledged as a desirable thing long before it was guaranteed by any constitution.
        
        But like most RWNJ you have no idea of the importance of the institutions that you so ignorantly set out to destroy.
  - cleangreen 7.1.3
    
    7 July 2018 at 3:12 pm
    
    True also here.
    “Muslims seem to get preferential treatment by some members of the left for some reason.”
  - Andy 7.1.4
    
    7 July 2018 at 8:49 pm
    
    The prophet Mohammed personally beheaded 600 Jews in one day according to Hadith. Seems an exaggeration but def a role model for young Muslims
PaulMartinson 8

6 July 2018 at 12:44 pm

Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux are quite nauseating and provocative in their ideas ..but so what. Why can’t someone be able to express their views in a public setting . They both seem disturbingly obsessed with the concept of ‘white people’ who ever they are. And personally find their science illiterate ideas offensive to the extreme, but would rather see them put in position of having to explain them, than have them silenced this way.
The people we should be most concerned about are those trying to silence views of others that appose their own and have folk banned. That is a very disturbing development in society. It’s as though we have a new form of Sturmabteilung …C21 brown shirts that openly wish to suppress free speech for their own political reasons, and do it with impunity.
- mickysavage 8.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 12:46 pm
  
  She is clearly free to say what she wants. And thanks to the world wide web we have instantaneous access to her thoughts. But we don’t have to let her in to say these things.
  - Gosman 8.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 12:48 pm
    
    Who is ‘We’? Are you deciding who I can and can’t listen to in person?
    - mickysavage 8.1.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 12:50 pm
      
      New Zealand Inc. There is no absolute right for people to be allowed to come here.
      - Gosman 8.1.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 1:16 pm
        
        There is no such thing as NZ Inc. You just made the term up. Again do you think YOU have the right to decide who I can listen to in person?
        
        Draco T Bastard 8.1.1.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 1:52 pm
        
        You can listen to whomever you like.
        
        Our law, as written, doesn’t let you listen to people live in NZ if they’re not of Good Character.
        
        Gosman …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:20 pm
        
        Do YOU get to decide who is of good character or is there some sort of checklist?
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:25 pm
        
        There’s a Good Character check list written in to law. She fails on at least two.
        
        marty mars …
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:17 pm
        
        Nice mate. The facts will set him free.
        
        Andy …
        
        7 July 2018 at 8:50 pm
        
        That rules out most of NZ parliament then
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        7 July 2018 at 11:39 pm
        
        Every single MP in National in fact.
        
        But they’re already here.
        
        mickysavage 8.1.1.1.1.2
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:26 pm
        
        No but I was hoping that my elected Minister of Immigration who has the right to decide who comes into the country would decide that she should not.
        
        And I was hoping Auckland Council would withdraw the booking and they have.
        
        R.P Mcmurphy 8.1.1.1.1.3
        
        6 July 2018 at 9:19 pm
        
        No John Keys made it up. thank god he sloped off before the lynch mob got him!
      - Andy 8.1.1.1.2
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:54 pm
        
        Ms Southern is a master troll
        
        Banning her from NZ will get her much more publicity. Streisand effect.
        
        Draco T Bastard 8.1.1.1.2.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:32 pm
        
        Good – she needs all the exposure she can get.
        
        Perhaps then she’ll understand just how horrible she is.
        
        marty mars …
        
        8 July 2018 at 9:56 am
        
        Yep and hopefully her shit will be seen for what it is – a fly trap.
      - Andy 8.1.1.1.3
        
        7 July 2018 at 2:44 pm
        
        Nigel Farage is coming to NZ this year. Are we going to ban him too?
        
        Incognito 8.1.1.1.3.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 4:37 pm
        
        Has he been denied entry into the UK?
        
        Andy …
        
        7 July 2018 at 8:51 pm
        
        He is a UK citizen so no, obviously
        
        Incognito …
        
        7 July 2018 at 9:37 pm
        
        Well then, you’ve answered your own question, haven’t you?
        
        Andy …
        
        8 July 2018 at 9:47 am
        
        We also banned Ayaan Hirsi Ali
        
        I’m pretty sure we can ban Nigel Farage on some vague “hate speech” justification
        
        Incognito …
        
        8 July 2018 at 2:46 pm
        
        Aren’t Nigel and Winston good mates? Surely, that’s enough reason to ban him from entry 😉
        
        Carolyn_Nth …
        
        8 July 2018 at 3:03 pm
        
        I should think there’s no reason to refuse entry to Farage to NZ. And if he wants to speak to the public, he can do so without using publicly owned or supported venues.
        
        Anyway, Nigel seems to win battles and cause chaos. He seems to have vacated UK right wing organisations now Brexit is causing so many problems for May’s government. So he must being doing world tours to find support elsewhere. He’s a bit of a Trump supporter now.
        
        Incognito …
        
        8 July 2018 at 3:10 pm
        
        Surely, we can find something on him so that he’d fail the ‘good character test’? Does he ‘shop’ at Harrods by any chance? Now, that would qualify him as an unsavoury character 😉
        
        Carolyn_Nth …
        
        8 July 2018 at 3:17 pm
        
        Ah. Farage seems unsavoury to me, but he’s careful to stay within certain kinds of boundaries that won’t scare the horses – he supports Trump and has made some nasty comments about gays and Jewish peoplE, which makes him unsavoury to me – these views do not help towards a humane society.
        
        However, apart from that, he has past his use-by date. Brexit mostly won because of the likes of Boris getting behind it. Now Farage seems to be travelling the world looking for a constituency. I don’t think any Trump cheerleader will get a very big following in NZ.
        
        Incognito …
        
        8 July 2018 at 3:45 pm
        
        I think Farage like many men and women past their use-by date is vying for attention rather than a constituency. I think he’s quite smart and outspoken. He’d make a good columnist for Granny Herald and there may even be a spot for him on DWTS. That said, some of these people from yesterday can still pack a punch …
        
        Gabby 8.1.1.1.3.2
        
        8 July 2018 at 9:52 am
        
        Who’s ‘gay’ and/or ‘trans’ according to Nige?
  - PaulMartinson 8.1.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:02 pm
    
    “But we don’t have to let her in to say these things.” ‘we’? Can I remind that in a democracy you don’t speak for me or anyone else but yourself. Perhaps you should consider what happened in 1939 when a group self righteous ‘brown shirts’ said essentially the same thing about socialists, artists and more …with whom they disagreed politically.
    - Draco T Bastard 8.1.2.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 6:43 pm
      
      Can I remind that in a democracy you don’t speak for me or anyone else but yourself.
      
      And our ‘democratic’ system has put in place rules that will deny her access.
      
      Remember, in a democracy the rules are what the majority agree to.
      
      Don’t agree with those rules? Fine – petition to get them changed. That is also democratic.
      - PaulMartinson 8.1.2.1.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 2:22 pm
        
        To Draco T Bastard,
        I’m not aware the majority of NZers agree with banning free speech. You do obviously…..but that only indicates an intolerance for dissenting voices . Banning criticism and mockery of any religion is plain wrong. These rights are the essence of out democracy. If it weren’t for them there would have been no protestant reformation in the C17 for example.
        
        Draco T Bastard 8.1.2.1.1.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 6:09 pm
        
        I’m not aware the majority of NZers agree with banning free speech.
        
        We haven’t. In fact, it’s guaranteed in the BoRA. We’ve put in place rules that only allow those with Good Character to enter NZ.
        
        You do obviously…..but that only indicates an intolerance for dissenting voices .
        
        And that’s just BS.
        
        Banning criticism and mockery of any religion is plain wrong.
        
        I criticise religions all the bloody time. They’re really stupid idea. I just don’t do it using hate speech.
        
        These rights are the essence of out democracy.
        
        There’s all sorts of rights and laws that make up the essence of our society including limits to those rights.
        
        If it weren’t for them there would have been no protestant reformation in the C17 for example.
        
        You really need to check your history:
        
        Today, people in the United Kingdom live in a democracy, with laws made by a Parliament that they have elected. This has not always been the case:
        
        At the start of the Middle Ages, England was ruled by a king. The institution which came to be called Parliament was just beginning.
        
        In the 17th century, war broke out between king and Parliament, ending in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This established a constitutional monarchy, which is a ‘king-controlled-by-parliament’.
        
        The 19th century saw a reform of Parliament in 1832, and a number of acts of Parliament giving the vote to a greater number of people.
        
        However, Britain did not become a democracy until the Representation of the People Acts of 1918 and 1928 gave the vote to all men and women over the age of 21.
        
        Yeah, England and the UK weren’t even pretending to be a democracy in the 17th century. They did have a major revolution that probably set the stage for them to become one a few centuries later.
    - mickysavage 8.1.2.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 7:57 pm
      
      “But we don’t have to let her in to say these things.” ‘we’? Can I remind that in a democracy you don’t speak for me or anyone else but yourself. Perhaps you should consider what happened in 1939 when a group self righteous ‘brown shirts’ said essentially the same thing about socialists, artists and more …with whom they disagreed politically.
      
      Godwinned …
      
      Think of it this way. It is not a case of someone being deprived of freedom of speech. It is a case of the interruption of someone’s business opportunity.
  - Andy 8.1.3
    
    6 July 2018 at 4:34 pm
    
    “She” is legally a man in her home country of Canada.
    
    Please try not to misgender Lauren Southern (sarc)
    
    Actually LS was banned from the UK on terrorism charges. She had set up a stall in Luton giving away LBGT leaflets claiming Allah is Gay
    
    This was in response to a Vice article stating Jesus is Gay, which of course is completely fine
    
    The UK is now locking up political prisoners based on very flimsy charges. I don’t really want to NZ go down that path
    - Nic the NZer 8.1.3.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 6:51 pm
      
      Do try to make some sense Andy. Distributing leaflets claiming Allah is Gay in no way meets the UK’s definition of terrorism.
      
      Also a travel ban is quite a different thing to locking somebody up.
      - Andy 8.1.3.1.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 2:48 pm
        
        southern was banned from the UK under the unspoken adherence to Sharia, namely that one shouldn’t criticise the Religion of Peace
        
        Presumably that is also true for NZ now . Fine to have art exhibitions featuring “Jesus is a C” though
        
        marty mars 8.1.3.1.1.1
        
        8 July 2018 at 3:32 pm
        
        Rubbish. That isn’t true – youve made that up to fit your bigotry imo.
    - mickysavage 8.1.3.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 8:00 pm
      
      She went over there to pick a fight and film it. Excuse me if I have no sympathy for her or if I object in this being described as a freedom of speech issue.
- esoteric pineapples 8.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:37 pm
  
  I’m with you Paul. Shutting people up poses far more dangers than letting them speak.
  - cleangreen 8.2.1
    
    7 July 2018 at 3:15 pm
    
    I join you on this EP.
    “Shutting people up poses far more dangers than letting them speak”
    
    Yes they become ‘martyrs’ as history has often shown us..
Rozgonz 9

6 July 2018 at 12:48 pm

Hilarious, I knew her visit would get under you lefties skin. Why don’t you just ignore her, don’t give her any airtime. She’s just trying to wind you up and you have taken the bait, hook line and sinker
- JessNZ 9.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:07 pm
  
  I’d say the same thing about every single one of Gosman’s posts!
  
  But I’d decline the application for the visit based on our duly-agreed laws and avoid the media (and possibly real-world) shitstorm that benefits nobody in NZ, even the people who may agree with her opinions.
  - Andy 9.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 4:36 pm
    
    Southern has been to many dangerous places that most journalists would shy away from. So yes, the media here wouldn’t want “her type” here
    - JessNZ 9.1.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 6:04 pm
      
      So much deliberate misunderstanding in one reply 😀
      - Andy 9.1.1.1.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 2:49 pm
        
        So much misunderstanding?
        
        Perhaps you could expand instead of huffing and puffing
- mickysavage 9.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 8:01 pm
  
  Because we don’t have to let her into the country?
- Gabby 9.3
  
  8 July 2018 at 9:55 am
  
  Then she’ll be as happy as you clearly are rozzers.
David Mac 10

6 July 2018 at 12:50 pm

Those wasting an evening and their money to listen to someone share solutions that are fueled by hatred will get what they deserve.

Provided she doesn’t break our laws I say let her harp on. I’m interested in what those juxtaposed to my own view have to say, just reinforces my feelings.

The audience she will attract already harbour views aligned with hers, whether she fills the Bruce Mason Centre or not will have little bearing on where their heads are at.
tsmithfield 11

6 July 2018 at 12:51 pm

What I say below isn’t an indication that I agree with her specific point of view. But rather her right to have it and promote it.

Firstly, I don’t see how this was racist as religion is not a race. It is an ideology.

Secondly, Here is what she got kicked out of Britain for:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxjH5hZYTbQ

All she was doing was demonstrating the contradiction between how Christianity is treated. (Where it is common for academics etc to make provocative statements that Christians would find offensive without extreme reactions from Christians) compared to how Muslims behave when confronted with similar information (Allah is a gay god).

People in the LGBT community should be offended at the response that Muslims had in this in video about the proposal that Allah is a gay god btw. But this perspective seems to be glossed over and accepted by the left so far as Islam is concerned when it wouldn’t be in other contexts.

This incident was entirely about confronting people with concepts that challenged their world view, nothing about causing personal offence.

So, entirely a free speech issue IMO.
- mickysavage 11.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 1:20 pm
  
  But it is a question of entry to our country not free speech.
  
  The video you link to confirms that her modus operandii is to go around the world and hope to make a public spectacle of herself.
  
  She is clearly doing this for the clicks, which I am regrettably adding to.
  
  And I would have to disagree with you about her motivation. You can see from her action in the other two videos that she was happy to start skirmishes with the left and with feminists. She just wanted to pick a fight.
  - tsmithfield 11.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:21 pm
    
    See my comment below that I don’t agree with what she specifically did.
    
    However, what she did wasn’t that different to a stunt that Greenpeace might pull. I likely wouldn’t agree with that either but support the broad right of people to protest and make a point.
    
    In Southern’s case she is protesting against an ideology that is very restrictive on the rights of women and gays etc. In most other contexts we would support the stand she takes. But Islam seems to get a pass on this for some reason.
    - mickysavage 11.1.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 8:03 pm
      
      “what she did wasn’t that different to a stunt that Greenpeace might pull. ”
      
      But it was completely different. She goes for the edge of the political spectrum as part of her business model. She clearly does this for the clicks.
      
      By comparison Greenpeace is motivated by the best of intentions …
  - Gosman 11.1.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:24 pm
    
    Why would she being denied entry to the country MS? The only reason would be that she has unpleasant views which she might share with NZers.
    - McFlock 11.1.2.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 2:43 pm
      
      Visiting here is a privilege, not a right. What good is she to the country?
      - Gosman 11.1.2.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:49 pm
        
        Some citizens of the country think she is useful. The question you are not answering is why YOU get to decide they are wrong and YOU (and people like you) are right.
        
        left_forward 11.1.2.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:13 pm
        
        Hey man stop shouting, it’s piercing.
        
        McFlock 11.1.2.1.1.2
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:24 pm
        
        I don’t get to decide anything. Draco’s already clearly and repeatedly told you who makes the decision and on what basis.
        
        If you’re still asking the question, you must be an idiot or a liar.
Bill 12

6 July 2018 at 1:00 pm

A kind of ‘B’ Grade Katie Hopkins then?

I suspect people like her have simply found a very unpleasant but effective way to ego trip.

Let her turn up.

If halls or auditoriums are empty, she’ll pack up and shut up. But…well, I suspect there are enough people would give her oxygen by trying to shut her down.

What’s with the money grubbing fucks who run or rent out the Bruce Mason Centre though? You think they’d promote an evening by solid left wing/socialist/ anarchist speakers who were sharing their thoughts for free?

No. Of course they wouldn’t.
- esoteric pineapples 12.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:41 pm
  
  “I suspect people like her have simply found a very unpleasant but effective way to ego trip.”
  
  I came across her videos by chance a while ago – the ones dealing with what is happening to white South Africans – and I didn’t get that feeling at all. I felt she was quite sincere in her motivation. I felt that she tends to attract shallow racist personalities, but didn’t feel that she fitted that description herself.
indiana 13

6 July 2018 at 1:05 pm

Oddly we never see the same group of people rushing to set up a petition to block a person such as the one in this article:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/86784089/auckland-imam-permanently-stood-down-after-antisemitic-speeches

I’m not sure if that person is a NZ citizen, if he is then would we also demand that Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux would be blocked from applying for NZ citizenship? Because, once you are a citizen, then you can freely go about insulting anyone.
- tsmithfield 13.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 1:12 pm
  
  Exactly. There at least needs to be consistency in the way people are treated.
- McFlock 13.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 1:42 pm
  
  Well, yes, once you’re allowed into the country then there are no immigration blocks to your speech. You just get stood down when the HRC hears what you’re saying.
  
  Or should we deport citizens, now?
  - Draco T Bastard 13.2.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 1:57 pm
    
    Not everyone in the country and spouting hate speech is a citizen. Those people should be deported as they don’t fit the Good Character test for Permanent Residence or even getting a visa.
    - McFlock 13.2.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 2:41 pm
      
      Visa revocation ok, but I reckon if they go bizarro-evil after permanent residency, we’ve already made the call and they might have cut ties on that basis.
tsmithfield 14

6 July 2018 at 1:07 pm

Yes. Personally, I don’t agree with what she did because the reaction was quite predictable. I don’t think she needed to do that to know there would be a reaction.

However, the broad concept of challenging religious ideas, and making people feel uncomfortable about their behaviour is legitimate freedom of speech. Not racism.
Alfie 15

6 July 2018 at 1:23 pm

Mickey… you may want to modify your link to the petition. The current link goes to a “You have successfully signed the petition” page.

[Will do thanks – MS]
Jenny 16

6 July 2018 at 1:53 pm

I call on the New Zealand authorities and the acting Prime Minister to deprive this hate monger of her right to come here.

To give fascists and racists a platform to openly state their views, on the grounds of free speech is a false equivalence.

If you illegally deprive someone of their liberty by kidnapping them, society retains the right to deprive you of your liberty by imprisonment.

In my opinion the principle is the same, if you practice hate speech you give up the right to free speech.

Racism and hate speech is not free speech, it is an abuse of free speech, because its purpose is to incite violence and deprive others of their freedom.

Freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of religion, political views, racial equality are all the target of hate speech., The purpose is to deprive others of these rights, To advocate the removal of these rights from others, means you do not deserve them your self.

Do we defend the right for neo-nazis and racists to parade in Chartlottsville or do we oppose them?

Do we oppose the right of the blackshirt fascists to bolster their movement by marching down Cable Street as they did in England?

Or do we allow the Brown Shirts to march unopposed and grow as they did in Germany?

The children stand at the gate by Lene’s yard. Suddenly they hear: tromp, tromp — tromp tromp — Hey hey hey! Hitler Youth! Heil, heil heil!

Hurray, Hitler Youth! Let’s follow them! They are marching past: tromp, tromp, right, left

http://research.calvin.edu/german-propaganda-archive/textbook05.htm
- Gosman 16.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 2:25 pm
  
  Who gets to decide if it is hate speech or not?
  - You_Fool 16.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:43 pm
    
    Me? Can I? Please?
    
    Also am I allowed to follow you around and verbally abuse you at all times, call you names and insult your parentage? You can’t complain about that cause it is my free speech right? No matter what I say, or what leaflets I hand out… right?
    - Gosman 16.1.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 3:56 pm
      
      If you like. Unless you damage my reputation by speaking or writing untruths. Then I get to sue you. Do you see how this works now?
      - You_Fool 16.1.1.1.1
        
        9 July 2018 at 7:21 am
        
        Can I record my time and cut it to not show where I do slander you and abuse you and then claim that is the truth because I have a video of the incident…
        
        You realise that is what these people are doing right?
    - Andy 16.1.1.2
      
      8 July 2018 at 9:53 am
      
      Being anti rape and anti FGM is now considered “hateful” by the left
- Jenny 16.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 2:43 pm
  
  Germany is everywhere where we march in brown shirts and sing our songs, that is Germany.
  
  Heini and Lene
  
  “Is Germany everywhere?” Heini asks. — Father says: “Germany is everywhere where real German people are together…..
  
  …..Germany is everywhere that happens, no matter how far away from here. And where German boys and girls obey their parents and work hard in school, that is also Germany. Where the Hitler Youth play and sing and do their duty, and where girls dressed in brown use their hands to show their love for their Führer and help their people, that is also Germany. Where German soldiers conduct exercises, where we march in brown shirts and sing our songs, that is Germany.
  
  http://research.calvin.edu/german-propaganda-archive/textbook05.htm
  
  No pasarán
- Andy 16.3
  
  7 July 2018 at 8:59 pm
  
  I support a lot of work that Lauren southern does particularly the Farmland documentary
  
  I am a UK immigrant with NZ citizenship
  
  Would you like to deport me? I’d be happy to share my contact details with you and you can doxx me and intimidate my family
  
  It would be my pleasure
  - joe90 16.3.1
    
    7 July 2018 at 9:32 pm
    
    the Farmland documentary
    
    Why are you angry?
    
    Apartheid ended!
    
    ~Fin~
    /
You_Fool 17

6 July 2018 at 2:23 pm

I think the term “Don’t Feed The Trolls” applies to this person… She is just a click-bait troll…
- Draco T Bastard 17.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 2:28 pm
  
  And so are all the RWNJs in this thread.
  - You_Fool 17.1.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 2:38 pm
    
    Well, yeah… they mostly seem to be in it for the l0lz and not to actually debate ideas…
    - tsmithfield 17.1.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 2:53 pm
      
      Let me ask Draco and you if you would speak against ideologies that have been shown to be highly repressive to the rights of women and gays?
      - You_Fool 17.1.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 2:57 pm
        
        I am against anything the represses the rights of anyone….
        
        Note this troll isn’t really protesting anything, any more than me yelling at random people is protesting anything…
        
        tsmithfield 17.1.1.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:07 pm
        
        To the degree that Lauren Southern is also against a specific ideology that holds those views, would it be fair to say that you agree with her so far as that goes?
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:11 pm
        
        Well, no she’s not.
        
        She’s basically saying we should fear all Christians because on denomination covered up child abuse by its members (well, multiple denominations, but probably not all). When you’d probably find that most members of even that denomination were appalled by the behaviour.
        
        tsmithfield …
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:23 pm
        
        In the particular stunt she pulled, only those with intolerent views would have reacted to her.
        
        Similar to how someone speaking against child abuse in the Catholic church would receive support and agreement from those in the church not involved in the behaviour and only cause upset with those who were in agreement with that behaviour.
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 3:40 pm
        
        she’s only ever pulled one stunt? lol
        
        But in a broader sense, too, you’re full of shit. Blocking a ship that’s going to search for and rescue people in the sea, or blaming Syrian refugees for a shooting, or ranting that your ethnicity and culture is being “replaced”, these aren’t merely criticising a narrow aspect of a particular faith, it’s tarring everyone in that faith with the same brush.
        
        tsmithfield …
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:24 pm
        
        Blocking a ship that’s going to search for and rescue people in the sea”
        
        That actually sounds quite similar to the way Australia treats refugees, so perhaps we should be boycotting Australia.
        
        All the rest is merely her expressing her views.
        
        The best way to counter that speech is to provide counter examples, arguments, and stats to refute her position.
        
        The more she states her views, the more opportunity there is for them to be countered and for her to be discredited. Suppressing her views only feeds her cause.
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:37 pm
        
        What ships do the aussies block?
        
        What you’re avoiding is the fact that racism isn’t rational. One can’t counter that with examples, argument or stats. Any more than one can counter AGW deniers. They want to bog people down in muddy waters of example vs counter vs statistic. If the waters are clear, there’s only one rational position. If they’re muddy, nobody knows where to go. And look at all the people they’re debating with and pwning in their heavily edited videos…
        
        But more importantly, sometimes the worst thing one can do is validate an abhorrent position with respect.
        
        tsmithfield …
        
        6 July 2018 at 4:50 pm
        
        What Australia does isn’t exactly the same, but it is of the same ilk. Such as this where fairly extreme measures were taken to stop refugees reaching Australia:
        
        http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-09/abf-denies-sinking-indonesian-asylum-seeker-boat/7232010
        
        So far as the rest goes, don’t you think it might be a tactic for Southern to provoke bans etc to increase her profile, and enlist support on the basis of perceived injustice on infringement of her right to freedom of speech.
        
        So far as racism goes, I think it is conflating issues. I don’t think it would bother her particularly what colour skin the people were.
        
        If there were hordes of white people arriving as refugees in similar numbers I suspect she would think pretty much the same about those as she does about the current refugees.
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:01 pm
        
        rescuing people and then scuttling their craft isn’t the same as stopping other people rescue them.
        
        Of course she wants a reaction. The question is whether respecting her views (and I’m not going to get into a semantic debate about which exact flavour of fuckwittedness she has) would do more harm than just not actively supporting her by giving her a visa in the first place.
        
        tsmithfield …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:07 pm
        
        I would think the long term detention of refugees in squalor conditions without any hope for the future is worse. It is killing them slowly and torturing them at the same time.
        
        So, I don’t think Australia is any more virtuous than Southern, yet we keep up relations with them.
        
        McFlock …
        
        6 July 2018 at 5:11 pm
        
        Yup. We’re not perfect.
        
        So we should give her a platform because we’re imperfect in other areas? How does that work? In for a penny of bigotry, in for a pound?
    - Gosman 17.1.1.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 3:48 pm
      
      What ideas do you want to debate here?
      - R.P Mcmurphy 17.1.1.2.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 9:21 pm
        
        anything you like. start the ball rolling.
        
        Gosman 17.1.1.2.1.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 1:55 am
        
        How about freedom of speech then?
SPC 18

6 July 2018 at 2:49 pm

No right turn, as usual determines on principle and favours free speech.
AsleepWhileWalking 19

6 July 2018 at 3:50 pm

I watched her piece on getting into the Whitehouse press gallery. Seemed interesting and made some good points.

Other than that don’t know her work and don’t have time to watch. Won’t be going in any case.
Carolyn_Nth 20

6 July 2018 at 4:08 pm

The venue managers have now cancelled the event.

Newshub 3 hours ago.

An ‘alt right’ speaking event planned to be held in Auckland has been cancelled by the venue operators.

That comes as Mayor Phil Goff sent a clear message that the pair are not welcome at Auckland Council venues.

“I just think we’ve got no obligation at all – in a city that’s multicultural, inclusive, embraces people of all faiths and ethnicities – to provide a venue for hate speech by people that want to abuse and insult others, either their faith or their ethnicity,” Mr Goff told Newshub.
…
Auckland Live, which runs the Bruce Mason Centre where the event was scheduled to take place, said the event was cancelled due to “security concerns” around the “health and safety” of the presenters, staff and patrons of the event.
…
Canadian Lauren Southern was banned from entering the United Kingdom after displaying flyers reading “Allah is a Gay God” and “Allah is trans”. She claims the flyers were part of a stunt proving Islam is homophobic.

In a trailer for the speaking event, Ms Southern asks whether Australia will continue to be a “victim of multiculturalism”.

“Do you want to retain your culture? Do you want to retain your borders? Family? Identity? Or will the boats keep coming?” she asks.

Stefan Molyneux also shares his views in lengthy internet videos, including arguing race is tied to IQ and reportedly saying women are to blame for violent men because adults are informed by “dysfunctional early childhood experiences, which are all run by women”.

There would be precedent for not allowing the pair entry. Musicians Odd Future was denied entry to New Zealand in 2014, after the group was deemed “a potential threat to public order”.

As Ms Southern has already been denied entry to the United Kingdom, she is not eligible for a New Zealand visa unless she is granted permission specifically.

Immigation Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said Immigration NZ [INZ] is looking into the matter.

“I am advised that INZ is aware of the two Canadian nationals referred to and is assessing whether any action needs to be taken under the Immigration Act and Immigration Instructions.”
- Bill 20.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:34 pm
  
  I’d like to think that the simple act of hitting, or threatening to hit the bastards where it hurts (in the pocket) is what lies behind the Bruce Mason Centre cancellation.
  
  But given the nonsense from Goff (wouldn’t butter melt in his mouth?) and the noises from Galloway, I suspect it’s all down to far messier stuff.
- Andy 20.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:39 pm
  
  Actually Molyneux’s arguments about race and IQ are based on peer-reviewed science. Jordan Peterson holds similar views.
  
  At least NZ will be a quiet place with none of these “far right” extremists coming in. However, when a large number of Kiwis hold similar libertarian views. you might want to be careful
  
  They might be everywhere… even commenting here……. Wooooo scary
  - McFlock 20.2.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 4:45 pm
    
    “When”. Lol.
  - Bill 20.2.2
    
    6 July 2018 at 5:09 pm
    
    Whatever Molyneux’s views on race and IQ may be, they aren’t based on “peer reviewed science” any more than than (say) Steven arsehole Spielberg’s “Empire of the Sun” was based on J G Ballard’s childhood experiences – ie, – a fuck of a lot of twisted bastardising going on.
  - Carolyn_Nth 20.2.3
    
    6 July 2018 at 5:12 pm
    
    Do tell about this “peer reviewed science”.
    
    Peterson, for instance, has had his veneer of scholarship pulled apart by some knowledgeable people:
    
    Here – by a feminist philospher
    
    And here – to mention just two learned people who have argued against Peterson’s bullshit and pseudo-science.
    
    What’s more important is why such people are getting a following – there’s a major struggle going on – the neoliberal consensus is crumbling.
    - mikes 20.2.3.1
      
      7 July 2018 at 9:25 pm
      
      “…pulled apart by some knowledgeable people:….. a feminist philosopher”
      Kate Manne – Hahahahahaha.
      
      Below is Peterson’s letter to Manne regarding that article.
      
      https://jordanbpeterson.com/uncategorized/response-to-vox-feminist-philosopher-dr-kate-manne-of-cornell/
      
      Harrison Fluss – absolute joke pretending to be intellectual – see this link in regards to the article you shared..
      
      https://medium.com/@hugonewman/jacobin-magazines-bullshit-a31deaf921c8
      
      Peterson often explains in great detail why he thinks he is getting such a massive following, you should read some of his material or listen to some of his lectures. But you won’t, because you no doubt think he is some sort of far right nazi, which he is quite clearly not and he is very vocal about his dislike and disgust of the far right.
tsmithfield 21

6 July 2018 at 4:08 pm

But what she did (with respect to illegal migrants) is not really that different to what our “civilised” neighbour Australia has done with respect to migrants.

So, while I strongly disagree with the action, it wasn’t that much different to the behaviour of a sovereign nation we happily engage with. So, if we are going to stop her from coming to NZ should we also be boycotting Australia?

So far as speech goes, it is merely her speaking her view and challenging the status-quo.

I am sure there are viewpoints you support where you would applaud similar behaviour from an activist. So, freedom of speech cuts both ways.
Hum 22

6 July 2018 at 4:09 pm

I don’t support this woman’s ridiculous views but I support her right to express them. We need to be very careful as a society if we are to start suppressing points of view that we disagree with.
- R.P Mcmurphy 22.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 9:23 pm
  
  she can always write a letter to the editor.
  - cleangreen 22.1.1
    
    7 July 2018 at 3:20 pm
    
    Good luck there RPM.
    
    Editors are corporates, so they will not invite free speech will they?
millsy 23

6 July 2018 at 4:12 pm

We will have a Handmaid’s Tale style dystopia imposed in the west if the likes of Petersen and Southern are allowed to flourish. They want to strip women, blacks and gays of their hard work rights, and they need to be stopped.
- Carolyn_Nth 23.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:48 pm
  
  I do think there is a major struggle going on right now between social and economic conservatives, and progressives.
  
  There’s a backlash coming from conservatives against the gains made by social progressives. They have taken some confidence from Trump winning the presidency.
  
  There’s an article by Jamelle Bouie on Slate, saying Trump is “leading the Republican charge to preserve a shrinking white majority”.
  
  Getting bogged down in a debate about free speech is a red herring.
  
  This struggle is about the current challenges to the wealthy elites and those with social and cultural status and privileges, and attempts by them and their supporters to maintain their power and privilege. Like Trump their “free speech” can play fast and loose with the truth. They aim to influence rather than spread evidence-based information and arguments.
- chris73 23.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 7:22 pm
  
  Got any links to support your views?
  
  https://www.youtube.com/user/JordanPetersonVideos/featured
  
  He’s got thousands of hours on his youtube channel so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find or did you just hear something from someone and decided to believe it?
- MikeS 23.3
  
  7 July 2018 at 9:29 pm
  
  What absolute rubbish. You clearly have no idea what any of the people mentioned even have opinions on.
  
  A “Handmaids Tale style dystopia ” already exists, it’s called ISIL, or Saudi Arabia, or one of many similar cultures / countries that believe women to be sub human and that gays should be killed.
Andy 24

6 July 2018 at 4:16 pm

All this “far right” BS is getting very tiresome.

It’s just a label used to discredit anyone who doesn’t go along with the globalist corporate agenda
- McFlock 24.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:25 pm
  
  Not at all. Some of them are far left, as well.
- Carolyn_Nth 24.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 4:31 pm
  
  Exactly how are Southern and Molyneux opposing “the globalist corporate agenda”?
  
  Southern is a right wing libertarian and they tend to support international free trade. They do seem to be “globalist” in the way they are travelling the world to spread their views.
  
  And Southern has spent most of her time attacking NGOs, not corporates. She has opposed feminists and LGBTI+ people – these are not groups supporting international corporates.
  - Andy 24.2.1
    
    6 July 2018 at 4:41 pm
    
    She is part of the so-called Identitarian movement which is in favour of closed borders, or at least anti-open borders, and maintaining the cultural traditions of European countries.
    
    In other words, pretty much like most Kiwis
    - millsy 24.2.1.1
      
      6 July 2018 at 5:12 pm
      
      No, she wants homosexuals strung up with piano wire, casual sex made illegal, and schools to stop teaching evolution.
      - Andy 24.2.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:04 pm
        
        I’m not sure if you are actually serious
        
        I’ll just assume that you are mentally ill Millsy,
        
        millsy 24.2.1.1.1.1
        
        6 July 2018 at 6:21 pm
        
        I am serious. Ironically the Islamic nation’s she hates so much caters for her reactionary social conservatism with laws against pre maritial sex, homosexuality, restrictions on women’s rights, etc.
        
        Andy …
        
        6 July 2018 at 7:06 pm
        
        Millsy, I have watched many videos from Lauren Southern and nowhere have I seen her have “reactionary” views that you suggest.
        She has interviewed Trans people on her Youtube channel, and her trolling in Luton with the “Allah is Gay” thing was done with Caolan Robertson, who is a gay man
        
        So I don’t really know here you get your information from
        
        OK I get it that she is a “troll” in the sense that she is trying to provoke discussion and reaction’
        This is a problem, apparently
      - chris73 24.2.1.1.2
        
        6 July 2018 at 7:26 pm
        
        Again Millsy got any proof of what you say? Here’s her youtube channel:
        
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCla6APLHX6W3FeNLc8PYuvg
        
        see if you can find anything or, ideally, STFU
        
        joe90 24.2.1.1.2.1
        
        7 July 2018 at 1:20 pm
        
        Here she is saying young women delaying marriage and engaging in pre-marital sex leads to unhappiness and that they squander the advantages they have in securing their future because it, pre-marital sex, undermines the ability of women to successfully pair bond.
        
        https://youtu.be/oxHIftZVfrQ
        
        Gosman …
        
        8 July 2018 at 6:34 am
        
        That seems like a view that most mainstream religious people share.
    - Carolyn_Nth 24.2.1.2
      
      6 July 2018 at 5:14 pm
      
      there are some on the left that do want more border restrictions. But Southern and Molyneux go further than that and have a very racial slant to that.
- Gabby 24.3
  
  8 July 2018 at 10:12 am
  
  A bit like the ‘farleft’ bullshit andies.
esoteric pineapples 25

6 July 2018 at 4:33 pm

I’ve watched some of her videos on what is happening to white South Africans – particularly the poor ones and farmers – and felt she presented a pretty strong case for the injustice that is taking place against them where no-one else seems to be speaking up for them.
- AsleepWhileWalking 25.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 5:29 pm
  
  Thanks, might check that out
  - cleangreen 25.1.1
    
    7 July 2018 at 3:22 pm
    
    Thanks EP
    
    I to will review her points as there is always been “two sides to every story”
Sabine 26

6 July 2018 at 5:12 pm

The wannabe Nazi Richard Spencer was denied further travel within Europe on a stop over in Poland.

“He has to return to the United States”

hahahahahahaha

https://thinkprogress.org/richard-spencer-is-effectively-barred-from-europe-30b18131d272/

Poor things, so white and no one wants them.
AsleepWhileWalking 27

6 July 2018 at 5:27 pm

Goff just banned them.

Pity. I like Stefan even if I disagree. Always thought provoking.
Sanctuary 28

6 July 2018 at 5:37 pm

Deftly torpedoed by Phil Goff.
- JessNZ 28.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 12:05 pm
  
  If you want to feel disturbed, go check out the comments on Phil Goff’s FB page post where he starts ‘Auckland Council venues shouldn’t be used to stir up ethnic or religious tensions.’
  
  One, to me, says
  ‘Too little, too late.
  
  The awakening continues, and you hysterical leftist mental patients best beware, we WILL absolutely retake the reins of power, and WILL absolutely treat you and your degenerate, depraved ilk, in the exact same manner as you treat us.
  
  The pendulum swings, NOTHING can stop it.
  
  Enjoy while you can.
  
  Tick tock.’
patricia bremner 29

6 July 2018 at 6:04 pm

Just another RW troll we don’t need here.
- Andy 29.1
  
  8 July 2018 at 10:31 am
  
  There are actually two of them . I notice how the left always pick on the women though
RedBaronCV 30

6 July 2018 at 7:43 pm

Is she self funding or is someone else footing the bill. And if so who?
It’s not cheap to come here and hire the Bruce Mason centre and then the required security etc etc. And from my brief glimpse above it looks like a change of operating style. in the past she seems to have gone to a demo and mouthed off – and got a reaction she filmed.
Standing a a stage making the same sort of remarks is a very different scenario – particularly if the audience is small and friendly. On the other hand if she did give a speech we could well wind up with social media photos of all who support her views publicly available.
- Carolyn_Nth 30.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 8:29 pm
  
  The promoter who was organising the Auckland event is David Pellowe. Curiously, he’s not interested in rtying for a non-council venue in Auckland. Probably feeds off the cancellation of the event to make political mileage out of it.
  
  He’s an Aussie, and is described in this article anarchobase about Pellowe bringing Southern and Molyneux to Australia.
  
  As noted, the tour is being organised by ‘Axiomatic Events’, a new project behind which sits Queensland businessman and Media Guy (‘Hunni Promotional Media’) Dave Pellowe. A concerned Christian citizen, Pellowe, both via his now-deleted blog ‘The Philtheist’ and still-extant Twitter accounts (Dave Pellowe and VozMayoria/Voice of the Majority), expresses fairly conventional ‘AltLite’ views: he’s pro-Christian and anti-Muslim; pro-Trump and anti-abortion; a climate change denialist and a friend of the corporate sector. He’s also a former candidate for the Family First Party, running for the seat of Logan in the Queensland state election in 2015 (when he scored 1,098 votes or 4.1%)
  
  Pellowe has a website and a youtube channel
  
  He’s anti-marriage equality, and anti Palestinian. “The truth about Gaza” is about how awful Hamas and Palestinians are.
  - Gabby 30.1.1
    
    8 July 2018 at 10:15 am
    
    I wonder what views master Pillow holds on Hobson’s Lemon-scented.
- Incognito 30.2
  
  7 July 2018 at 12:22 pm
  
  On the other hand if she did give a speech we could well wind up with social media photos of all who support her views publicly available.
  
  I see, guilty by association, as ruled by an armchair-based Facebook & Twitter lynch mob viewing photos online and drawing their verdicts. FFS!
weston 31

6 July 2018 at 8:01 pm

I thought we championed free speech here in nz ?IM astounded that the mere idea of two individuals speaking from a stage in auckland could cause so much fear and righteous indignation .Surely ideas surreptitiously entered into our psyches by huge corporations or media giants or villainous pr companies or equally villainous intelligence agencies …..are infinitely more dangerous ??
- Alan 31.1
  
  6 July 2018 at 8:08 pm
  
  second that
- mickysavage 31.2
  
  6 July 2018 at 8:10 pm
  
  Their ideas are free to make they way through the WWW. Why should we allow them into the country. Besides it is not expression of free speech, it is a lost business opportunity.
  - Nick J 31.2.1
    
    8 July 2018 at 8:40 pm
    
    So Mickeysavage, you are happy to decide who should be allowed in to say what. That’s a mighty fine and dandy position for anyone to hold. Now imagine Gosman for example holding that power. Would that be acceptable?Are you by dint of your political persuasions a better candidate for decision on who comes, speaks etc than Gos?
- Gabby 31.3
  
  8 July 2018 at 10:17 am
  
  What gave you that idea westy? The jihadists on every street corner preaching death to the infidels?
corodale 32

6 July 2018 at 8:37 pm

Divide and conqueur in action, bring it on!
More exciting than work and mortgage.
Expect we have enough adults in our community to help supervise these kids peacefully, that they may express their past trauma is a healthy fashion.
Gentle conflict to potentially release the tention, in a theraputic sense.
Macro 33

6 July 2018 at 8:54 pm

Well we banned Randy Mandy.
Rice-Davies also toured Spain, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore but was banned from entering New Zealand as a result of a complaint from the Girl Guides.
http://spartacus-educational.com/SPYdavies.htm
Sabine 34

6 July 2018 at 9:32 pm

I think the chick is just confused.

she wants to be racist but does not want to be a ‘feminist’ even tho she would like to have some of the rights ‘feminists’ have fought for, such as the right to not marry in order to have a meal ticket, such as sex without marriage, and sex without child bearing. But other then that she just wants to be racist, cause being white is so special, and being a youtube alt-right racists beats working any day. .

https://www.salon.com/2017/12/04/alt-right-women-are-upset-that-alt-right-men-are-treating-them-terribly/

Quote :”I am not trying to sell the idea that myself, as a 22-year-old, needs to be married right now for the sake of traditionalism and not being a degenerate,” Southern said in a YouTube video. “What is also just completely shocking to me is the utter lack of understanding of nuance.”
Southern said that women should be able to choose their own life path and not be attacked for it, which sounds like what women have been shouting for a few decades now.” Quote end.

https://mic.com/articles/186675/the-women-of-the-alt-right-are-speaking-out-against-misogyny-theyd-prefer-absolute-patriarchy#.z2SugSrrX

Quote: “I’m not going to get married at 22 years old just so that I won’t be called a degenerate on the internet,” nationalist figurehead Lauren Southern said in a recent video addressing her harassers.”Quote end.

Sadly the blokes don’t think so? 🙂

Quote: “They’re tricking a lot of men into thinking they’re the ideal, traditional woman when they’re no different than the skank I can find in any nightclub here,” Roosh V, a famous rape apologist blogger, said in a YouTube video posted Dec. 4. “In fact, in some cases, they are worse.”Quote end.

Sorry my dear, you are dabbling in white patriarchy and sadly these guys that adhere to this outdated form of society really do like their women uneducated, bare feet and pregnant in the kitchen fixing sandwiches. 🙂 Cause you – women – need to out breed the ‘undesirables’ – you know the ones not white.

I suggest she acquaint herself with the quiverfull movement and realize that this is her future if they get their say 🙂

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiverfull

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gothard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19_Kids_and_Counting
- marty mars 34.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 4:30 pm
  
  + 1
  
  Thanks Sabine – I now know what quiverfull means.
Pat 35

7 July 2018 at 12:41 am

The world used to be flat….what happened?

http://www.eastonbh.ac.nz/2014/08/the-right-to-dissent-by-jack-shallcrass/
Blazer 36

7 July 2018 at 7:41 am

Those that had never heard of her like me,now have.
A win for her ‘brand awareness’.
Robert Guyton 37

7 July 2018 at 8:09 am

Goff – “I just think we’ve got no obligation at all…”
Correct. He does just think that. And he gets to decide. It’s a mayoral thing, deciding. ‘parently.
justpassingthru 38

7 July 2018 at 8:21 am

Of course Goff has the right to ban her from a council-owned building. She’ll just find somewhere else. It just proves how much of a far-Left organisation Auckland Council is.
- Gabby 38.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 12:22 pm
  
  The giveaway for me was how much money the council is taking from millionaire property developers and spending on street beggars justpassingwind, now that’s far-Left I thought to myself.
Nick J 39

7 July 2018 at 8:42 am

Let her come and express herself, judgement of her opinions is over to the listener. Buggered if I want anyone telling me who or what I can listen to, that’s the thin end of the authoritarian wedge.

On that note it seems ever more clear to me that the Left in particular have adopted a closed mindset that does not tolerate anything other than their views to be expressed, socially, politically or publically. It’s Orwellian, I don’t need Phil Goff to protect me or make me safe from malign opinions. Time to grow up, harden up and start thinking.
- MikeS 39.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 9:36 pm
  
  Exactly right. As stated in an earlier post, the so called left shout from the rooftops about how great and important diversity is. But when it comes to diversity of ideas or opinions, not so much.
Jenny 40

7 July 2018 at 9:58 am

Breaking News:

A white person has not been let into the country.
Blazer 41

7 July 2018 at 12:20 pm

My understanding is she cancelled her trip.
Has not been barred from entering NZ.
- Incognito 41.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 12:26 pm
  
  Pellowe said Lauren Southern had been denied an automatic entry visa to New Zealand because she had been denied entry to the United Kingdom, but lawyers had been working on securing one.
  
  https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105302179/controversial-canadian-speaker-denied-visa-as-auckland-agency-cancels-booking?rm=m
  - Jenny 41.1.1
    
    7 July 2018 at 3:31 pm
    
    Sanity prevails
    
    Politics is pressure
    
    What is interesting to me, is that pressure was coming on Lauren Southern from all sides, until it just became too much.
    
    This speaks well of New Zealanders.
  - Andy 41.1.2
    
    8 July 2018 at 10:29 am
    
    The border police in the UK asked her if she was a “Christian extremist” and how she felt about crashing cars into people
    
    It’s a growing problem and I thing the Methodist’s are worst, although I’d watch out for those pesky Amish and their hordes and carts too. Can’t be too careful these days
cleangreen 42

7 July 2018 at 3:28 pm

Yes it looks like we are in a PC PC PC PC PC PC out of control world now and we really should be worried about the other global issiues that now confrant us all like….

WORLD
-Global heat wave
-Climate change will be catastrophic
-Global financial meltdown
-Trump trade war with China
-America invading Venezuela
- Jenny 42.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 7:13 pm
  
  Everything is related.
  
  The rise of the Far Right is in part a reaction to the issues you mention. Just as rise of fascism was a reaction to the Great Depression.
  
  The purpose of these ‘reactionaries’ is to delay or prevent any progressive action to confront any of these sorts of problems.
  
  To your list I will add another but related list…
  
  -Climate change, denial
  -Scapegoating of minorities
  -Austerity
  -Sexism
  -Racism
  -Nationalism
  -Militarism
  -War
  
  The second list is a list of all the things that the Far Right champion.
  
  You may agree, or not maybe, that it complements the first list
  - Andy 42.1.1
    
    8 July 2018 at 10:07 am
    
    I am anti rape . Does that make me Far Right?
    - marty mars 42.1.1.1
      
      8 July 2018 at 10:19 am
      
      Lol are you for real? What a knob.
      - Andy 42.1.1.1.1
        
        8 July 2018 at 10:26 am
        
        1500 girls were raped in Rotherham England by “Asian grooming gangs” yet the police and media were silent . People who spoke up were labelled “far right”
        
        My question stands. Is it better to let your daughters be raped because it is politically correct to do so, or is it better to speak up and risk being labelled Far Right?
        
        marty mars 42.1.1.1.1.1
        
        8 July 2018 at 10:34 am
        
        Fuck off you wanker – clear enough for ya.
DS 43

7 July 2018 at 3:48 pm

It’s a bit moot now, but I’m a tad uncomfortable with denying these nutters entry. Yes, they are nutters, and truly vile people, but letting them in and then protesting them strikes me as a much better solution. We aren’t fascists, even if they are. As it is, they’re going to thrive on martyrdom.

Also note that the dangers of “incitement” is the justification for New Zealand’s archaic blasphemy law (you know, the one the Government wants to repeal – surely we on the Left want to consign that sort of thing to history?).
Jenny 44

7 July 2018 at 3:49 pm

Everything is related
joe90 45

7 July 2018 at 3:52 pm

Hates immigrants but thinks he should be able to go wherever TF he likes.

White nationalist leader Richard Spencer was reportedly stopped by authorities in Europe this week while attempting to travel to address young white nationalists.

Spencer seemingly confirmed the incident Thursday on Twitter, sharing a Swedish-language tweet from another “alt-right” supporter saying that Spencer had been banned in Europe because of his views.

[…]

The Associated Press reported last year that Spencer had been banned from entering 26 European countries. Those countries, which include Poland and Sweden, are part of Europe’s visa-free Schengen area.

Spencer said at the time that he would try to challenge the ban, which is in place for five years, according to the AP.

“I’m being treated like a criminal by the Polish government. It’s just insane,” Spencer said at the time. “I haven’t done anything. What are they accusing me of?”

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/395745-richard-spencer-confirms-ban-on-traveling-to-european-countries
Adam Skinner 46

7 July 2018 at 6:30 pm

I’m glad there are other Kiwi’s like me who are appalled that we have politicians, protest groups and the New Zealand Federation of Islam Associations telling others who they can listen to. I’m a Lauren Southern fan and I wouldn’t be if she were racist or bigot that the media label her. I’ve watched many of her YouTube videos and have not seen a single example of her being racist or bigoted. I’ve have heard her say that Western style democracies are superior to others when it comes to human rights, religious tolerance, Justice and equality, and I’ve yet to hear a credible argument proving her wrong. She describes herself as a conservative but still she is described as far-right in the media without them ever saying what the far-right actually stand for or what makes Ms Southern part of it. If being a nationalist is the only criteria I have to say I always support NZ in sport and are proud when a Kiwi does something good internationally but I voted Labour in the last election, not really a far-right party whatever that is. I noticed they used to accuse Dr Jordan Peterson of being far-right but this has changed somewhat since he became internationally well known and has given so many interviews and talks that the far-right accusation is seen as the rubbish it is. I suggest that those wishing to know the truth about Ms Southern watch her videos and podcasts for themselves rather than listen to the bias views put forward by people who disagree with what she says and argue she is a bad person rather than disputing her facts and arguments or debating her on the issues.
I am very sad that NZ is following Britain and Canada in stopping people from speaking and accusing folks of hate speech because they don’t like the facts being presented. It has lead to real injustice and loss of freedoms elsewhere and we should fight against it here in NZ.
- Incognito 46.1
  
  7 July 2018 at 9:47 pm
  
  I’m glad there are other Kiwi’s like me who are appalled that we have politicians, protest groups and the New Zealand Federation of Islam Associations telling others who they can listen to.
  
  I’d be appalled too if it were not for the fact that nobody has told others whom they can listen to. You appear to be twisting the facts and your last paragraph is only slightly more accurate.
- Andy 46.2
  
  8 July 2018 at 10:05 am
  
  Hear hear.
  
  Jordan Peterson is a self described classical liberal Yet has been described as Alt Right and Far Right
  
  Ridiculous. The left have long since lost the plot
greywarshark 47

7 July 2018 at 6:35 pm

There’s no such thing as ‘free’ speech. There are all sorts of controls on what is reasonable to say to people. People who think that limiting free speech would be bad, talk in theories and open the way to bullies dogging people they have decided they disagree with. Those people might be wanting an abortion which should be a private affair, wanting to use euthanasia or find out about it, which should be a private affair, or just interfering and trying to change others actions. How far should one go in this behaviour?

In turn the free speech promoters need to take serious thought about their own attempt to oppress others by their actions, while they attempt to deny those others the right to behave and express their thoughts in a reasonable way.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/361324/self-styled-nz-baptist-pastor-facing-deportation-from-australia
What is the Pillar Baptist Church?
The Pillar Baptist Church opened at Goodna, west of Brisbane, within the past 12 months.
It is not affiliated with the mainstream Baptist denomination, including the Queensland Baptists or Australian Baptist Ministries.

The church has declared it is anti-abortion, anti-gay and anti-Islam.
Mr Robertson posts sermons on social media and has also released a “documentary” critical of the Mormon faith.
On the church’s website, Mr Robertson describes his church as a New Testament Independent Fundamental Baptist Church.

“Our church is a friendly group of believers who have a strong desire for truthful biblical preaching, that isn’t watered down or compromised,” the website says.

Mr Robertson had already sparked controversy in New Zealand by saying people in gay marriages should be shot, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern should “get in the kitchen where women belong”.
He was rebuked by Baptist Churches of New Zealand in 2014, who said he had never been affiliated with their denomination.
“The NZ Baptist churches have been demeaned by his vitriol, leaving many of our Baptist church members and pastors wrongly implicated by Robertson’s actions,” the church said.

New Zealand police reportedly launched an investigation into Mr Robertson but dropped the case on the basis there was no evidence to suggest he had committed any crimes.

Who is this man? Why does he think he has the right to harrass and frighten Muslims? Why is he more important to the world than others, and his judgments reign supreme? Why should bears be drained of their bile when there are people like this roaming free in our society? Why go to Australia and bring our country into disrepute, and enable them to bridle sensitively about it, when they have their Manus Island disgrace ongoing? What has taken him to Queensland to do this? And why can’t Baptists sue him for using their name, bringing their ‘brand’ and reputation into disrepute? Surely churches know that one of Jesus’ forecasts that people will worship false gods and wrongly preach in his name, and use religion to make money, is increasing in our materialistic society.
cleangreen 48

7 July 2018 at 9:16 pm

Yes greywarshark,

The truth is that the politicians expect us to believe ‘we have free speech, but in reality we do not.

We saw many cases when our people protested with our voices the government of the day would shut our people down when the poiotical climate got to sticky didn’t they.

We need a free speech tv network as best as the TVNZ 7 was; – remenmber when we had this ‘free speech’ channel until National closed it down?.

Labour need to construct their own commercial free balanced channel as they in the last Labour Government did, and have another ‘mark two’ TVNZ 7.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVNZ_7

TVNZ 7 was a commercial-free New Zealand 24-hour news and information channel on Freeview digital television platform It was produced by Television New Zealand, which received Government funding to launch two additional channels.

The channel went to air just after 10 am on 25 March 2008 with a looped preview reel. The channel was officially launched at noon on 30 March 2008 with a special “kingmaker” political debate held within the Parliament building and featuring most of the elected minor party leaders.
It featured TVNZ News Now updates every hour from 6 am to 11 pm, with a specialised rolling 10-minute bulletin ‘zone’ between 8 am and 9 am, throughout which six bulletins were aired. TVNZ 7 also featured an hour-long bulletin, TVNZ News at 8, at 8 pm each night. It was hosted on weeknights by Greg Boyed and on weekends by Miriama Kamo.

While it was originally reported to be a ‘rolling news channel’, similar to Sky News and CNN Headline News, Eric Kearley, head of TVNZ’s Digital Launch team, stated about 70% of the schedule would be “factual variety” programming – a mix of local and overseas documentaries, and programmes that discuss current events and sport, with the remaining 30% being the news updates. A full schedule was released on 28 February 2008.

The channel was relaunched on 1 March 2011, it was officially announced that TVNZ 7 cease broadcast in June 2012. This was confirmed when Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman stated on behalf of the government that they would not extend further funding for the channel due to low ratings. This was despite viewing figures that suggested half of all households with Freeview at the time were watching TVNZ7 – around 700,000 people – and not the 207,000 claimed by Coleman. In March 2012, Television New Zealand confirmed this decision and announced there would be no eleventh-hour reprieve for TVNZ7.
Name (Required) 49

8 July 2018 at 3:09 am

“[She] abuses her right of freedom of speech. She’s just going to give a talk in which she’s just going to insult all of us,” Mr Arafeh said.

Well I guess we will never know now will we.

“I don’t think insulting Muslims comes under free speech, that’s an abuse of freedom of speech.”

Mr Arafeh, with respect, one should be free to speak their criticisms as they see fit. If you feel insulted by their words you are free to do so. You are free to rebut their criticisms. I am sure Ms Southern would be happy to meet with you to address your concerns.

If free speech is going to be truly free then nothing can be beyond critique. To make Islam some how exempt from analysis or mockery is not fair to all the other religions who have learned to live with a little tongue in cheek.

I’m disappointed that our civic venues have been closed to people with ideas that might hurt some peoples feelings.
Name (Required) 50

8 July 2018 at 3:19 am

Far right Canadian activist wants to come to New Zealand to insult local communities

Bullshit journalism. If this is “The Standard”, then may the one true god help us all
Ned 51

9 July 2018 at 9:40 am

Anybody who bothers finding out about Lauren Southern or Stefan Molyneux would realize they are NOT FAR RIGHT in their political beliefs literally everything they talk about is backed up by the actual truth its a really sad day when New Zealand becomes afraid of the literal truth and this whole incident is extremely embarrassing to our countries reputation internationally…Really folks are laughing at us for being liberal morons right now.
Craig Y 52

11 July 2018 at 5:29 pm

If anyone wants to sign this Change.org petition against Southern’s visit here, go right ahead. It currently has 2885 signatures, more than twice as many as a pro-visit petition on the same website: https://www.change.org/p/immigration-new-zealand-stop-lauren-southern-from-entering-new-zealand
Delia 53

12 July 2018 at 12:18 am

If she is cancelling her trip, why are we talking about her?

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This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Neha Pathak Disasters can disrupt medical care both during and long after the event. (Photo credit: U.S. Air National Guard / Sgt. Jorge Intriago) Weeks after Hurricanes Milton and Helene tore paths of destruction across the Southeast, pictures of communities ...

Skeptical Science

3 days ago
First section of Te Ha Noa Opens

Something definitely worth celebrating is the opening of the first section of Te Hā Noa, the Victoria St Linear Park. As we highlighted eight years ago, this project is vital for helping move the thousands of people that will pour out of the Te Waihorotiu station once the CRL opens. ...

Greater AucklandBy Matt L

3 days ago
Boldness be my friend

When Nicola Willis gave the annual Finance Minister’s speech to the country’s top public servants last week, what she said must have landed like a bomb. “Now is the time for your best and boldest ideas,” she said at the Institute of Public Administration (IPANZ) event. Coming from a minister ...

PolitikBy Richard Harman

3 days ago
Wednesday 30 October 2024

The NZCTU has joined with Business NZ and health and safety groups to call on the Government to drop its plans to reform health and safety law. The Postal Workers Union is opposing a plan to reduce rural postal deliveries from five to three days a week. The Government has ...

NZCTUBy Jeremiah Boniface

3 days ago
Yer doin it all wrong mate

Reader Jeff Howell is the best kind of social media friend to have. When there's outrage and denunciation needed he’s in there dishing it with verve; and when those storms pass you get happy Jeff, sharing his projects. His projects are awesome.Until a week or so ago it was a ...

More Than A FeildingBy David Slack

3 days ago
Out Of Sympathy.

Unsympathetic Characters: Christopher Luxon should be grateful that his principal opponent, Chris Hipkins, is as out of sympathy with the temper of the times as he is.CHRIS HIPKINS had both a good week and a bad week. He and his team were able to press home Labour’s attack on the ...

Bowalley Road

4 days ago
Two States – But No Solutions.

My Enemy’s Enemy Is My Friend: Mohammad Amin al-Husseini, the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, at the opening of the Islamic Central Institute in Berlin, December 19, 1942. The elimination of the Jewish state has been the unwavering ambition of successive generations of Palestinian leaders.AMIDST ALL THE HORROR of the Israel-Hamas War, ...

Bowalley Road

4 days ago
NZ For Sale: Chris Luxon Is Concierge To The Wealthy

Watching a Christopher Luxon press conference is a masterclass in gaslighting. You just know what he’s saying is disingenuous - if not outright deceptive and lies - but out he comes - with confidence and vigour - telling me black is white, and white is red.According to the Prime Minister, ...

Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui

4 days ago
Will banks & insurers back self-consented homes?

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, October 30: The Government’s move to allow qualified builders, plumbers and drainlayers to self-consent their work faces potential hurdles from reluctant insurers and bankers wanting protection against ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

4 days ago
Ātahu from Moana Maniapoto

We are blessed in Aotearoa with certain people that you might call National Treasures—those with great talents and a strong affinity for this place they are the custodians of. It’s not an official list; the people you think of might differ from those I think of.What are the attributes of ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

4 days ago
Henderson Station Upgrade but will it Improve Customer Experience

Over the long weekend rail shutdown a new project got underway, an upgrade to Henderson station but the plans highlight that improving the customer experience by making it easier to use public transport is not a part of Auckland Transport’s agenda. ...

Greater AucklandBy Matt L

4 days ago
Climate Adam: Is climate change fuelling mega hurricanes?

This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). From hurricanes like Helene and Milton, to typhoons like Gaemi, vast storms are causing devastation: destroying cities and tearing up lives. ...

Skeptical Science

4 days ago
Get in the sea, old mate

For the State Highway One traveller, some sights remain dramatic no matter how many times you see them: Wellington harbour opening out at the bottom of Ngauranga Gorge; the first glimpse of Ruapehu; three quarters of the South Island. Also: the moment when you reach the top of the Brynderwyns and ...

More Than A FeildingBy David Slack

4 days ago
Taking the piss again

Remember Casey Costello? The government's most ignorant Minister? First she was referred to the Chief Archivist after claiming that key advice on her cancer promotion policy had simply magically appeared on her desk one day, and that she had no idea where it came from. Then, when the Ministry of ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

4 days ago
Monthly Employment Data shows weakness in economy

Monthly employment data released today by Statistics New Zealand showed our continuing labour market weakness, and particularly challenging conditions for young working people, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “There are 21,000 fewer filled jobs than this time last year, and the fall has been led by those ...

NZCTUBy Jeremiah Boniface

5 days ago
Copy of Rwanda’s Kagame: from Saviour to Tyrant?

Is Rwanda turning into a country that seeks regional dominance and exterminates its rivals? This is a contention examined by Dr Michela Wrong, and Dr Maria Armoudian Dr Wrong is a journalist who has written best-selling books on Africa. Her latest, Do Not Disturb. The story of a political murder ...

Fabians

5 days ago
We’ve got issues

'Cause I got issues, but you got 'em tooSo give 'em all to me, and I'll give mine to youBask in the glory of all our problems'Cause we got the kind of love it takes to solve 'emYeah, I got issuesAnd one of them is how bad I need yaSongwriters: ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

5 days ago
‘Happy to watch your grandkids grow up in Australia via WhatsApp?’

Globally, NZ has the second-highest share of its population living overseas permanently, many of them now permanently in Australia. 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 Tuesday, October 29: A ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

5 days ago
October-24 AT Board Meeting

Today the Auckland Transport board meet again as a whole for the first time in two months. AT note: Members of the public are welcome to join the meeting via Teams. Please note, due to technical difficulties, the video feed will be unavailable. However, attendees will still be able to view ...

Greater AucklandBy Matt L

5 days ago
The fourth article of the Treaty

While Parliament struggles with David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, a Christian scholar and some heavyweight mainstream church leaders have developed a different perspective on the Treaty of Waitangi. Theologian Alistair Reese presented a petition to Parliament’s Petitions Committee on Thursday asking Parliament to legislate to recognise the oral agreement “4th ...

PolitikBy Richard Harman

5 days ago
Gordon Campbell on why so many young males like Donald Trump

To foreigners, the fact that so many millions of Americans are buying the used and poisonous goods that Donald Trump is selling is an unfathomable mystery. However, some clues to the allure of Trumpism can be found in the gender gap of unprecedented size that has opened up between those ...

Gordon CampbellBy ScoopEditor

5 days ago
Building a Safer Future for Every Worker

Every New Zealander deserves a workplace that puts safety and wellbeing first. Too often, we’ve seen the real cost of a system that doesn’t fully protect workers. Lives are lost, families grieving, and communities bearing the burden of preventable tragedies. That’s why, alongside Business New Zealand, the New Zealand Institute ...

NZCTUBy Jeremiah Boniface

6 days ago
Not all authoritarians are fascists.

A few days ago I responded to a post about Trump being a fascist on one of my friend’s social media page, then made a few comments on the consultancy social media page by way of follow up. Given the … Continue reading → ...

KiwipoliticoBy Pablo

6 days ago
Keep the Vampires From Your Door

I'll protect you from the hooded clawKeep the vampires from your doorWhen the chips are down I'll be aroundWith my undying, death-defying love for youEnvy will hurt itselfLet yourself be beautifulSparkling love, flowersAnd pearls and pretty girlsLove is like an energyRushin' an' rushin' inside of me, ehSongwriters: Brian Philip Nash ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

6 days ago
The Odd Couple.

Strange Political Bedfellows: Matthew Hooton’s support for Winston Peters’ New Zealand Futures Fund reflects the Radical Right’s newfound reluctance to bet everything on the efficacy of market forces.AS IF HE WASN’T IN ENOUGH TROUBLE, Matthew Hooton has now come out for Winston Peters’ New Zealand Futures Fund (NZFF). Not only ...

Bowalley Road

6 days ago
Your Friends Should Be Close By

Hi,I’ll never forget the time the guy next to me on the plane got really angry because the Wi-Fi wasn’t working. Here we were, 40,000 feet in the air, and he couldn’t get Facebook. He was huffing, he was puffing. He was insufferable.I’m constantly amazed you can get the internet ...

David FarrierBy David Farrier

6 days ago
2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #43

A listing of 30 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, October 20, 2024 thru Sat, October 26, 2024. Story of the week As an experiment, we asked Google's Gemini for help categorizing the articles we shared during the week. ...

Skeptical Science

6 days ago
Labour Weekend

Stand up all victims of oppressionFor the tyrants fear your mightDon't cling so hard to your possessionsFor you have nothing if you have no rightsLet racist ignorance be endedFor respect makes the empires fallFreedom is merely privilege extendedUnless enjoyed by one and allSongwriters: Eugene Edme Pottier / Petrus Christianus De ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

7 days ago
Fact brief – Do volcanoes emit more CO2 than humans?

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 members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Do volcanoes emit ...

Skeptical Science

1 week ago
People of Courage & Decency. And Everyone In Between.

Today, news broke that Jeff Bezos, the American billionaire with a net worth of $206 B (NZ $344B), personally vetoed Washington Post’s Editorial Team from endorsing Kamala Harris.That stops the decades-old tradition of the Wapo for endorsing Presidential candidates. And editors have resigned - that includes Editor at large Robert ...

Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui

1 week ago
Let’s Talk About… Anything.

Can't we talk about anything else but love?Love that launched a thousand shipsPlease! Let's talk about anything else but loveLove that causes war and famineCan't we speak about real estate?Love of wifeWatergate?Love of children!Seasonal fluctuations in the prime interest rate?Love of chocolate, you must love chocolate, everybody loves chocolate, say ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

1 week ago
Can you hear me now?

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
Why Nations Fail

This year’s Nobel awards in economics raise critical issues about the future of the world.I was not alone with high hopes when the Soviet Union collapsed. It has been good to see various nations leave the yoke of the Soviet Empire and move towards liberal democracies with thriving economies although ...

PunditBy Brian Easton

1 week ago
All very instructive

1. Who played the sax solo on Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street?a. Kenny Gb. Lisa Simpsonc. Bill Clintond. Raphael Ravenscroft2. What did Nicola Willis, addressing a large gathering of senior public servants this week, ask them to do?a. Come up with fresh ideas and innovative audacious out of the box thinking b. ...

More Than A FeildingBy David Slack

1 week ago
More Sabotage

The Waitangi Tribunal has been one of the most effective critics of the National government and its racist, anti-Māori agenda. So naturally, they're sabotaging it with a crony appointment: Former ACT Party leader Richard Prebble has been appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal. Prebble, a Commander of the British Empire, ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

1 week ago
Ghost of a (Mad) Dog

How can that dog be barkin' in the backyard?We ran over him years agoHow can that dog be runnin' by the backfence?We ran over him years agoGhost of a dogBarkin' in the backyardSongwriters: Edie Brickell, Kenny Withrow.I have to say this one caught me by surprise. I had to check ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

1 week ago
David Seymour’s School Lunch Provider Has Questionable Record – Including Listeria, Hors...

Yesterday, I looked into Seymour’s school lunch provider and found out it was Compass Group - a group that has had a long list of food quality issues and settled out of court for corruption and bribery of officials.Never mind the food looked like slop - heavy, process laden food ...

Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui

1 week ago
After years of cover ups and hacks, the truth on gas is out

Long stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:Gas is worse for the climate than coal, over any timeframe that is relevant for a ‘bridging strategy’. The ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
Brown orders motorway building to start before business case done

Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, October 25: Scoop of the day: Oliver Lewis reported for BusinessDesk-$$$ this morning that Transport Minister Simeon Brown ordered construction to start on the four-lane Hawkes Bay ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
The Hoon around the week to October 25

The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the week’s news with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on the latest climate news, including another extreme climate event in the United States; on the escalating conflict between Israel, Iran ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
Weekly Roundup 25-October-2024

Happy Friday, even more so as we’re head to a long weekend, so welcome to another round-up of interesting stories about what’s happening in Auckland and other cities. Feel free to add your links in the comments! This post, like all our work, is brought to you by a largely ...

Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland

1 week ago
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #43 2024

Open access notables The rate of global sea level rise doubled during the past three decades, Hamlington et al., Communications Earth & Environment: The rise in globally averaged sea level—or global mean sea level—is one of the most unambiguous indicators of climate change. Over the past three decades, satellites have ...

Skeptical Science

1 week ago
Does New Zealand need Vegas-style transit security on our busses?

There’s a reason why people are supposed to stay on the Strip when they go to Las Vegas, and it’s not just proximity to the best attractions. This city of fluorescent lights and gambling halls extends in all directions across the Nevada landscape, for as far as the eye can ...

Sapphi’s SubstackBy Sapphi

1 week ago
No Enemies To The Left – Or The Right.

Wrong Turn: Labour and National can only reduce the toxic influence of their electoral competitors by rejecting their extremism.“NO ENEMIES TO THE LEFT” has always been Labour’s rule-of-thumb. What, after all, does a moderate, left-of-centre party gain by allowing its electoral rivals to become repositories for every radical (i.e. congenitally dissatisfied) ...

Bowalley Road

1 week ago
All the tools we need

Off I went yesterday, me and my little ear robots, to a workshop.Did I hear every word? Reader, I most surely did. Did I have to ask anyone to repeat themselves? I did not, not one single time.Ironically, the subject of the workshop was one that prompts many to cover ...

More Than A FeildingBy David Slack

1 week ago

Greens call for bottom trawling ban and call out Minister for lacklustre response

The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling, following news a New Zealand bottom trawler caught 37kg of coral in international waters, prompting the suspension of all fishing in the area until 2026. ...

Greens

2 days ago
Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs

Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...

NZ First Press Release

3 days ago
Release: Funding for Gumboot Friday should pause

The National Government should review its support for Gumboot Friday after unacceptable comments by its leader and champion Mike King. ...

Labour Blog

3 days ago
Louise Upston cherry-picks data to punch down on the poor

The Government has very conveniently cherry-picked data from the latest MSD projections to justify its cruel agenda and punch-down policy when it comes to people living in poverty. ...

Greens

3 days ago
Luxon needs to address the cow in the room

The Green Party was appalled to hear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claim we are “doing everything we can” on climate change, while his government does nothing to address emissions in our most polluting sector. ...

Greens

5 days ago
Govt Must Clean Up ‘Its Shit’ From Sunken HMNZS Manawanui

Te Pāti Māori is calling out the Government and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for their inaction and disgraceful downplaying of the impact caused by the sunken HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa. “We demand the Government move without further delay to clean up its shit from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa,” said co-leader Debbie ...

Māori Party

6 days ago
Jamie Arbuckle: Inquiry into Banking Competition

This week was the start of the bank inquiry hearings into banking competition. The inquiry was confirmed in the NZ First/National Coalition agreement. 140 submissions were received on the inquiry, and we will hear from over 60 submitters including all the major banks. ANZ, New Zealand's largest bank, was first ...

NZ First Press Release

7 days ago
Tanya Unkovich: It’s time to start the debate on palliative care as a ‘right’

There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...

NZ First Press Release

1 week ago
Release: Labour backs Christchurch City Council sanctions on Israel

Labour is backing Christchurch City Council’s decision not to do business with firms involved in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Release: Government driving away offshore wind industry

The Government has created a hostile environment for companies seeking to build offshore wind farms. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Another step towards Pasifika justice

The Green Party acknowledges the historical importance of MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill, passing its second reading in Parliament today. ...

Greens

1 week ago
Sanctions Soar, Jobs Vanish – National’s Cruelty Exposed

Te Pāti Māori is enraged at the National government’s ruthless punishment of beneficiaries, all while jobs are disappearing. MSD data shows a 133% increase in sanctions over the past year, with over 14,000 sanctions in just three months. The kicker? The jobs this government insists people should find are nowhere ...

Māori Party

2 weeks ago
Police Perpetuate Siege on Ōpōtiki

Te Pāti Māori MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi, says today’s police-sponsored terrorism in Ōpōtiki is a continuation of the State’s predatory behaviour towards the iwi of Te Whakatōhea. "Ōpōtiki is once again being intentionally targeted and is the direct byproduct of this Government’s 'tough on crime' legislative changes,” said MP ...

Māori Party

2 weeks ago
Release: Govt cuts school lunches even further

The Government has gone back on its word and cut the full school lunch programme in primary schools after saying it wouldn’t. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Time to shut down failed Youth Justice Residences

The Green Party is calling for Youth Justice Residences to close, following a protest in which a group of young people spent the night on the roof of an Oranga Tamariki justice facility. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: Appalling process on three strikes law

The Government is subverting parliamentary process on laws the evidence already shows don’t work. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Labour calls for investigation into tobacco tax cut

The Government’s decision to award a $216 million tax break for Philip Morris’ heated tobacco products reeks of tobacco industry interference and needs to be thoroughly investigated. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Delay to retirement village review won’t help residents

The National Government is treading water on a much-needed review of the Retirement Villages Act, kicking any amendments down the road till the next parliamentary term in 2027. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Serious concerns ignored in Govt’s fast track bill

National’s fast track bill enables the most radical and unbalanced consenting regime in living memory. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Fast-Track, off the rails: Submitters show strong opposition to Bill

Despite resounding public opposition, the fast-track legislation is being pushed through Parliament with provisions that could have real consequences for people and planet. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: Labour supports continuing fight for dairy access

Labour welcomes the National Government’s decision to further pursue our access to the Canadian dairy market under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Job losses devastating for Timaru

Confirmed news that the Smithfield meatworks will close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
New Zealand First Member’s Bill to Improve Access to Palliative Care

New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill which aims to improve access to palliative care for all New Zealanders, ensuring kiwis have better access to the compassionate palliative support they may need. The ‘Improving Access to Palliative Care Bill’ seeks to guarantee that every New Zealander has the right ...

NZ First Press Release

2 weeks ago
Release: Further uncertainty for Kiwirail as jobs set to go

KiwiRail offering voluntary redundancy to all its staff is hugely concerning given the future of New Zealand’s rail system is under threat. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
ASA Declares Hobson’s Pledge Advertising Misleading and Socially Irresponsible

Te Pāti Māori Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer welcome today’s ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which found that a Hobson's Pledge advertisement regarding customary marine titles was misleading and socially irresponsible. The two-page wraparound ad, published in The New Zealand Herald, suggested that nearly the entire coastline ...

Māori Party

2 weeks ago
Release: Benefit numbers continue to soar under National

National’s all pain approach to beneficiaries has yielded no gain as benefit numbers continue to surge past projected figures. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Casey Costello: What Once Was…

Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...

NZ First Press Release

2 weeks ago
Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty

Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
International Energy Agency issues wake-up call on climate action

Today’s report from the International Energy Agency highlights how far this Government’s actions are dragging us backwards in the fight against climate change. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: Lack of funding puts pressure on frontline Police

News that 173 roles are being cut at Police will only put more pressure on the frontline. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Bipartisan agreement on outdated marriage law

Changes to outdated relationships legislation has passed its third reading giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Cuts to Apprenticeship Boost will fail future NZ

The Government’s cuts to the Apprenticeship Boost programme will leave New Zealand without the workforce it needs to build homes, schools and hospitals. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
Release: Sluggish economy means struggles ahead for Kiwis

While today’s inflation numbers are good news for Kiwis, there are still struggles ahead with rising rents, rates, insurance and high unemployment. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
CPI figures show rents continuing to soar

Stats NZ has confirmed that higher rent prices were the biggest contributor to the annual inflation rate. Almost a fifth of the 2.2 per cent annual increase in the CPI was due to rent prices. ...

Greens

3 weeks ago

New Charter to guarantee better access for hunting and fishing

Minister for Hunting and Fishing Todd McClay has today launched an Access Charter (the Charter) to ensure better access for recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land (PCL) across New Zealand. “This Charter establishes guiding principles for the Department of Conservation (DOC) to provide clear and transparent decisions on ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

18 hours ago
Pou Whenua blessing honours Tongariro

A beautiful new Pou Whenua at the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will introduce visitors to the sacred landscape they are entering, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Mr Potaka attended a blessing for the specially carved Pou Whenua at Mangatepopo, at the start of the track on 1 November. ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 day ago
New members appointed to the NZTA Board

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board. Mary-Anne Macleod and Mike Rudge have both been appointed as members for three-year terms commencing 1 November 2024 and ending 31 October 2027. “Transport is a critical part of our Government’s plan ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 day ago
Welcome relief from new oestradiol gel funding

Associate Health Minister David Seymour is welcoming Pharmac’s funding of oestradiol gel, following global shortages of oestradiol patches earlier this year. “I’m well aware of the stress caused by the global shortage earlier this year. At the time I said I was confident Pharmac was working hard to find a ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 days ago
Deputy Prime Minister visit to Australia

Foreign Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters will visit Australia next week. “Australia is New Zealand’s closest partner, and we are pleased to make this second official visit there for 2024 following the first ever Foreign and Defence Ministers 2+2 Meeting between our two countries in Melbourne in January,” ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 days ago
Applications now open for new training pathway

Applications have now opened for tertiary education organisations to seek Government funding to develop New Zealand’s first postgraduate diploma programme for associate psychologists, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced today. “Investment in this new training pathway supports the Government’s target to grow our mental health and addiction workforce and ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 days ago
Increased medicines access continues following budget boost

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see further increased availability of medicines for Kiwis following 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 this Government assumed office, ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 days ago
New Zealand concludes high quality trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement that will open up significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters in the Gulf region, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay announced from Doha today. Today’s announcement follows significant reengagement with the GCC following meetings ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 days ago
Government seeks views on remote court attendance

The Government is exploring how to modernise the law around people attending court remotely, to support access to justice and enhance court performance. Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the current law has not kept up with evolving court practices and public attitudes to the use of remote technology, nor been ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days ago
Breast screening age extension begins in Nelson Marlborough

Free breast screening has been extended for 70 to 74-year-old women living in the Nelson Marlborough district, ahead of a national roll-out late next year, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand with about 3,400 women diagnosed with the disease ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days ago
Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board strengthened

He toi whakairo, he mana tangata. The reappointment of one trustee and the appointment of four new trustees to the Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board will enable the legacy of Te Māori to be carried forward into the future, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days ago
Affordable housing project supporting home ownership

Up to 300 affordable, healthy, community-tailored homes helping to support home ownership are set to be built in eastern Porirua, supported by Government funding for Our Whare Our Fale through the Building Homes for Pacific in Porirua initiative, Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti and Associate Housing Minister Tama ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days ago
Dire benefit forecasts show the need for Welfare that Works

A new report that forecasts young people on benefits will spend an average of 20 more years relying on welfare underscores the need for the Government’s reforms, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. MSD’s latest Benefit System Insights report, released today, which estimates how many future years different ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days ago
Trade Minister travels to Doha for GCC trade discussions

Trade Minister Todd McClay will hold trade discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) trade ministers in Doha this week. Minister McClay will meet with all six GCC Trade Ministers, as well as the GCC Secretary General. “This will be my seventh visit to the region this year including two Ministerial ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Podiatry prescribers will boost patient care

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister David Seymour say it’s great news that podiatrists will soon be able to prescribe medicines, meaning patients with painful foot and leg conditions don’t have to make a separate trip to the doctor. “This simple step means a big change for people ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Historic redress inequities finally resolved for Lake Alice Unit survivors

The Government is addressing historic redress inequities for some survivors abused at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. In 2001, the Crown reached a $6.5 million group settlement with 95 survivors subjected to abuse at the Lake Alice Unit. Law firm Grant Cameron & Associates (now GCA Lawyers) represented ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
ERO report shows Government’s truancy emphasis is vital

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Education Review Office’s (ERO) timely report on chronic school absence released today is further evidence of a truancy crisis. “Chronic absence has doubled since 2015. This report reinforces that action is needed to ensure this generation reaches its full potential,” says Associate ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Minister welcomes business view on AML

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomes BusinessNZ’s report which addresses reducing the compliance burden on small businesses. “The challenges outlined in the report released today echo many of the concerns I have heard from businesses, which have informed my Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT) priorities,” she says. “I have ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Mangamuka Gorge opening in time for Christmas

State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge will be open for Christmas, with critical work currently underway to clear the large slips and dropouts that have caused significant disruption for Northlanders trying to get where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Mangamuka Gorge ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Trusted building professionals able to self-certify

The Government is proposing further significant action to reform the building and construction sector to support more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
New appointments to the TEC board

Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Mr Bharat Guha have been appointed to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) board, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. “I would like to welcome the two new members joining the TEC board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Dr Alan Bollard CNZM is an experienced public ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Move to fast-track overseas doctors welcomed

Fast tracking applications for registration by eligible specialist doctors wanting to practice in New Zealand is in line with the Government’s push to improve the health outcomes for New Zealanders, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. This fast-track pathway applies to specialists trained in anaesthesia, dermatology, emergency medicine, general practice, ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Address to Western Sydney University: Constitutional and Rule of Law challenges in current global en...

Tēnā koutou Nau mai haere mai ki tenei hui Thank you to Vice Chancellor Williams, and the University of Western Sydney, for inviting me to speak today. I speak to you today in my capacity as Attorney-General – the New Zealand Crown’s Senior Law Officer. In this capacity, I serve ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Security advice for start-ups welcomed

Minister responsible for the security and intelligence agencies Judith Collins has welcomed new guidance that aims to protect New Zealand’s start-up and emerging technology sector from the threat of economic espionage. “We are a nation well-known for our ingenuity, and our willingness to openly collaborate in the spirit of enterprise ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Funding support to strengthen frontline volunteer service organisations

The Government has approved $23.1 million for four critical frontline volunteer service organisations to replace storm-damaged assets and provide training and equipment to improve New Zealand’s response to future emergency events, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey says. $14.6 million for Surf Life Saving New ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

6 days ago
Jones heads to international mining conference

Resources Minister Shane Jones will speak at Australia's largest annual mining event in Sydney this week to mark New Zealand’s return to the international industry stage. Mr Jones will attend the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) where he will update the sector’s most influential players on the work the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
NZ investing in Pacific disaster preparedness & climate resilience

New Zealand will contribute $20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters have announced. “The Pacific Islands region faces severe challenges from natural disasters and climate change impacts and New Zealand is committed to doing its part to help meet them,” ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Police to increase presence on Auckland public transport

Aucklanders will see a greater Police presence on public transport services to boost safety and reassure public transport workers and passengers, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. “Minister Brown and I are working together, alongside Police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Government funds helicopter replacements

The Government is investing in eight new emergency helicopters to replace some of New Zealand’s ageing air ambulance fleet, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and ACC Minister Matt Doocey announced today. “Our air ambulance helicopters play a vital role in saving lives around New Zealand,” Casey Costello says. “This is ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
China and New Zealand strengthen organic trade

An uplift to New Zealand’s organic product trade is expected through a new upgraded arrangement with China, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.“The upgraded Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products will deliver opportunities for our organic export sector.”The upgraded MRA was signed in Central Otago today by Andrew Hoggard ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Judicial appointments announced

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced two Court of Appeal and two High Court appointments. The four appointments will take effect on 21 November 2024 and are: Justice Christine French Justice French, who has been appointed President of the Court of Appeal, graduated with an LLB (Honours) from the University of Otago ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka joined tangata whenua from Ngāi Tahu and local community members today to celebrate the opening of New Zealand’s eleventh Great Walk – the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. “The 60km upgraded track provides the opportunity to do one of New Zealand’s world-class multi-day walks, and will bring ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
New Chief Criminal Cases Review Commissioner

The Honourable Denis Clifford has been appointed Chief Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. Hon Clifford brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will prove invaluable to the Commission. “He has served as a judge at both the Court of Appeal and High ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Changes to improve building fire safety

The Government is progressing changes to better protect Kiwis and their property from fires, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Following the tragic Loafer’s Lodge fire in 2023, 37 boardings houses across the country were assessed and I am pleased to say that all fire safety recommendations from the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Germany and New Zealand partner to support agriculture and tackle global emissions

New Zealand and Germany have announced the official start of a partnership aimed at supporting the agriculture sector and tackle global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “The partnership, called the Alliance for the Climate – Dialogue on Climate and Agriculture between New Zealand and Germany (Agri-DENZ project), ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
New members appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka today confirmed the appointment of two new members to the Waitangi Tribunal, as well as the reappointment of Kevin Prime. The members appointed and reappointed are: Hon Richard Prebble (CBE). Mr Prebble is a former Cabinet Minister where he held a broad range of portfolios. ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
New appointments to the Local Government Commission

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has today announced the reappointment of the current Chair and the appointment of a temporary member to the Local Government Commission.Current Chair Brendan Duffy ONZM has been reappointed as Chair for a one-year term ending 23 October 2025, while Gwen Bull CNZM will be joining ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
New Electoral Commission Chair appointed

Today the House agreed to Justice Simon Moore KC being appointed chair of the Electoral Commission, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Justice Moore brings with him a high level of legal acumen and decision-making ability, strategic planning skills and unquestionable personal integrity and independence. “He retired from the High Court ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Education Minister attending conference in Australia

The Education Minister is travelling to Australia today to attend the 23rd edition of public policy conference, Consilium. “New Zealand and Australia share common challenges and aspirations for education. New South Wales has recently introduced a new curriculum that is explicit, sequenced and knowledge based while Victoria is requiring structured ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Launching VisAble to enable safer lives

The launch of new community advocacy group VisAble signals an important development in community advocacy to achieve more focus on the needs and rights of disabled people in the family violence and sexual violence system. Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, and Disabilities Issues Minister, ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago

Palau newspaper sued by president’s family company ahead of general election

By Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews Palau’s largest newspaper is being sued for defamation by the company of President Surangel Whipps Jr’s father, just days ahead of general elections in the Pacific nation. Surangel and Sons alleges “negligence and defamation” by the Island Times and its editor Leilani Reklai for an ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

6 hours ago
Cook Islands PM calls for easing of tensions in New Caledonia

By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has returned from New Caledonia saying it is not a simple “black and white situation”. Brown returned from a three-day Pacific fact-finding mission in the French Pacific territory alongside the Prime Ministers of Solomon Islands, Tonga and Fiji. ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

14 hours ago
Another Palestinian journalist killed in Gaza as Israel ‘suffocates the truth’

“In his message for the day, the secretary-general underscores that a free press is fundamental to human rights, to democracy and to the rule of law,” Dujarric said. ‘Alarming rate of fatalities’“Recent years have seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, which has seen the ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

15 hours ago
Chris Penk lays foundations for self-certified building scheme

As the government sets about laying the foundations for tradespeople to sign off their own work, RNZ sits down with the minister responsible to hammer out the details. ...

Radio NZ – political

17 hours ago
Short story: 3rd place, Sargeson Prize

WinterI still think of Michael often. We first met at Grace’s thirty-first birthday party. I was sitting outside on the back deck when he came out through the sliding glass doors. He was pulling a pouch from his coat pocket.“You want a smoke?” he asked, planting himself on the bench ...

NewsroomBy Cello Forrester

21 hours ago
The Secret Diary of .. Mike King

MondayI sat in at a team meeting to discuss our suicide prevention fundraising event this Friday night in Dunedin and was told we were struggling to gain an alcohol licence from the council.“Tell them Mike King is behind it,” I said. “My name opens doors. Do you see that door? It ...

NewsroomBy Steve Braunias

21 hours ago
The making of Donald Trump

It’s taken six years, but The Apprentice, the film former US President Donald Trump didn’t want anyone to see, is finally out in cinemas, just ahead of the US presidential election.There was so much back-and-forth around whether or not the production would go ahead that by the time filming was ...

NewsroomBy Davina Zimmer

21 hours ago
Where the brain goes, the gut will follow

Comment: There has been a growing understanding of the powerful two-way connection between our stomach and brain in recent years, suitably named the gut-brain connection. This link is so strong that the gut is sometimes nicknamed our “second brain”, highlighting how real your “gut feelings” can be. If you’ve ever ...

NewsroomBy Dr Mikaela Law

21 hours ago
The Weekend: When the tide turns

Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. The window in which to “have an opinion” on an unfolding news story is shockingly small. Just as large newsrooms know that being “the first” to publish a breaking news story is often more important than anything written in it – ever ...

The SpinoffBy Madeleine Chapman

22 hours ago
Let people respond to the haka how they want to

Cultural challenges are an integral part of sports, but how teams respond has been a point of debate for some time. Self-proclaimed “loose head” England prop Joe Marler called for the haka to be scrapped earlier this week, before “clarifying” what he meant, attempting to pivot his statement, and then ...

The SpinoffBy Liam Rātana

22 hours ago
‘I’ve never lived it down’: The Breakfast live cross that still haunts Jack Tame

The TVNZ broadcaster reflects on his life in television, including a full circle moment with David Attenborough, his favourite politicians to interview and why he’ll never watch Game of Thrones. Jack Tame spends most of his time grilling our own MPs, but at the moment his heart is somewhere else. ...

The SpinoffBy My Life in TV

22 hours ago
‘So subtle, yet so chaotic’: Wiri Donna’s perfect weekend playlist

Wellington’s Wiri Donna shares her perfect weekend playlist. Bianca Bailey is the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter behind the chamber-pop project Wiri Donna, which recently released its second EP, In My Chambers. “I’m feeling a little vulnerable about it, almost like I’m about to out myself as an angry person. ...

The SpinoffBy Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

22 hours ago
How the Gen Z broccoli haircut became big business for a teen barber

Three teenage barbers in Mt Albert have capitalised on a viral haircut to build businesses on Instagram. Duncan Greive gets a haircut and a lesson in modern business. Photography by Jin Fellet. ‘When I first started cutting hair, I messed up my friend really badly,’ says Ali. I shiver involuntarily ...

The SpinoffBy Duncan Greive

22 hours ago
A new novel imagines a New Zealand version of the conservative South Asian grifter

There’s little to like about figures like American politician Vivek Ramaswamy, but there is a lot to learn. Earlier this year, American politician and failed Republican candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, hosted notorious bagpipe, Ann Coulter, on his podcast. They talked for an hour, and frankly there’s no way I’m going to ...

The SpinoffBy Brannavan Gnanalingam

22 hours ago
The wild, exotic life of Katherine Mansfield

https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.jsKatherine Mansfield left New Zealand when she was 19 years old and died at the age of 34.In her short life she became our most famous short story writer, acquiring an international reputation for her stories, poetry, letters, journals and reviews. Biographies on Mansfield have been translated into 51 ...

NewsroomBy Newsroom Contributor

22 hours ago
Podcast: Giving employees what they want, when they want it

Fintechs are changing the way we spend and save, but they are also set to change the way we could be paid for work, or more correctly, how workers receive fringe benefits. As New Zealanders we’re used to having the bulk of our remuneration paid as an electronic payment ...

The SpinoffBy When the Facts Change

22 hours ago
Albanese promises changes to HELP repayment arrangements to ease cost of living

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra People repaying HELP student debts would get cost-of-living relief under changes to repayment arrangements to be announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday. The minimum threshold for repayments to start would be lifted ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

1 day ago
Philippine Supreme Court orders ‘temporary protection’ for abducted environmental activist

By Jairo Bolledo in Manila The Philippine Supreme Court has granted temporary protection to an environmental activist abducted in Pangasinan earlier this year. In its resolution dated September 9 — but only made public this week — the court granted Francisco “Eco” Dangla III’s petition for temporary protection, and prohibited ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

1 day ago
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Bruce Wolpe says personal relations between Trump and Albanese would...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Days from the US presidential election, the polls are showing the outcome of the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump remains a nail biter. With the United States our closest ally, the result ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

1 day ago
Indo-Fijian ‘listen to us’ plea to NZ over Pacific ethnicity classification

By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/Bulletin editor Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says that as far as Fiji is concerned, Fijians of Indian descent are Fijian. While Fiji is part of the Pacific, Indo-Fijians are not classified as Pacific peoples in New Zealand; instead, they are listed under Indian and ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

1 day ago
Is thirst a good predictor of dehydration?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland KieferPix/Shutterstock Water is essential for daily functioning and health, and we can only survive a few days without it. Yet we constantly lose water through sweat, urination and even ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

1 day ago
US election: The world could wait a fortnight thanks to one Arizona County

Come next Tuesday, the world will be watching Nate Young and his team – literally. There are now 21 livestream cameras showing early voter ballot drop-off locations and the inner-workings of the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center.The 24/7 livestreams that capture election employees’ every move might seem like overkill, but ...

NewsroomBy Laura Walters

1 day ago
Te Arawhiti – the Office for Māori Crown Relations set to lose more than 50 roles

Two proposals were made to staff on Friday - one would see a transfer of functions to Te Puni Kōkiri - with 44 employees transferred. ...

Radio NZ – political

1 day ago
Naked tennis, outback feuds and a chimp named Tonka: what we’re streaming in November

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexa Scarlata, Research Fellow, Media & Communication, RMIT University As I write this, people around the country will be recovering from last night’s Halloween shenanigans, perhaps even experiencing a candy-induced comedown. Luckily, this month’s streaming picks include a serial killer flick that’ll ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

1 day ago
Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s social media posts have had a ‘sudden boost’ since July, new rese...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Graham, Associate Professor in Digital Media, Queensland University of Technology On July 13, shortly after Donald Trump was targeted by an assassination attempt, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter), tweeted to his more than 200 million followers: ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

1 day ago
Could Ukraine be heading toward a frozen conflict? Why so much is hinging on the US election

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University In recent months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pushing hard for the United States and European countries to double down on military support for his country until he can achieve his “victory ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

1 day ago
Australians love sport, but which ones do they actually play? National survey results paint a surpri...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Liderina/Shutterstock Sport and physical activity are an important part of Australian culture and society. But how do we know which sports have the highest participation rates in Australia? ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

1 day ago
Mike King: A timeline of ups and downs in mental health

The former comedian is back in the headlines, this time for making controversial comments about alcohol - but it's not the first time he's ruffled feathers. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
‘I’m coming home from a party, and I don’t want to end up getting arrested’: do driving apps...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Verity Truelove, Senior Research Fellow in Road Safety Research, University of the Sunshine Coast Vlad Ispas/Shutterstock Apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze can tell drivers when they are approaching speed cameras or random breath testing stations. Countries such ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

2 days ago
The Friday Poem: ‘THE THING IS’ by Johanna Cosgrove

A new poem by Johanna Cosgrove. THE THING IS i don’t know how to write about you while my heart bloated is mince for the jackdaws the slack jaw you pried open with careful fingers stroking my tongue as a treasure belonging to only you my whole mouth bruised by ...

The SpinoffBy Johanna Cosgrove

2 days ago
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending November 1

The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Faber & Faber, $37) “Though not perfect, a clear leap forward for ...

The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books

2 days ago
Dunedin council grants liquor licence for suicide prevention event that sparked Mike King’s al...

Dunedin's district licensing committee has granted a special licence for alcohol sales at a fashion show on Saturday that is raising money for a suicide prevention charity. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
This new docuseries shows us another world of learning

Episode four of Home Education follows Kensey and her mum Alesha as they navigate a new journey of learning at home. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. As the wind blows through the poplar trees and the sun begins to lower, a ...

The SpinoffBy Tara Ward

2 days ago
Which Australian states and territories perform best on gender representation in parliament? We crun...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Blair Williams, Lecturer in Australian Politics, Monash University Abortion became a key issue at the recent Queensland election, despite its decriminalisation in 2018. Voting against the motion at the time, LNP leader David Crisafulli fumbled questions throughout the election campaign about ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

2 days ago
Dunedin council grants liquor license for suicide prevention event that sparked Mike King’s al...

Dunedin's district licensing committee has granted a special licence for alcohol sales at a fashion show on Saturday that is raising money for a suicide prevention charity. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
Te Arawhiti – the Office for Māori Crown Relations set to lose 40% of its staff – union

Te Arawhiti is being "gutted", the Public Service Association says. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
Fisheries Minister Shane Jones calls for review of coral limits to avoid fishing bans

Shane Jones' comments come after a New Zealand vessel caught more than double the legal amount of coral - triggering an automatic suspension of fishing in the Lord Howe area of the Tasman Sea. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
NZ must step up to protect its own oceans to match international commitments made at Commonwealth le...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Scott, Professor in Law, University of Canterbury Fiona Goodall/Getty Images New Zealand and other Commonwealth nations wrapped up their global meeting in Samoa last week with a declaration to protect the ocean in the face of severe climate change, pollution ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

2 days ago
Big Job Losses Coming As Govt Guts Te Arawhiti – Office For Māori Crown Relations

Te Arawhiti - the Office for Māori Crown Relations will focus on its legislative functions to progress settlements under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act. Te Puni Kōkiri will take over the post Treaty settlement ...

Scoop politics

2 days ago
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu elected as Fiji’s new president

RNZ Pacific Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has been elected as the new president of Fiji, despite opposition from women’s rights groups. Ratu Naiqama was the current Speaker of Parliament and nominated by Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He was elected yesterday after getting 37 out of 55 votes. He is the ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

2 days ago

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Far right Canadian activist wants to come to New Zealand to insult local communities

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