Goneburger
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- Date published:
1:04 pm, April 24th, 2024 - 55 comments
Categories: melissa lee, politicans -
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As predicted 10 days ago the first Ministerial goneburger has occurred and it is Melissa Lee.
It will be interesting to find out what happened in the background. The fingerprints of Winston Peters already appear to be all over this.
Penny Simmonds has lost the Disabilities portfolio.
Stand by as this unfolds.
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- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...1 day ago - Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...2 days ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...3 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...3 days ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...4 days ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...4 days ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...4 days ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...4 days ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...4 days ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...4 days ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...5 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...5 days ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...5 days ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...5 days ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...5 days ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...5 days ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...6 days ago
- Government to boost public EV charging networkEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...6 days ago
- Residential Property Managers Bill to not progressThe coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...6 days ago
- Independent review into disability support servicesThe Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...6 days ago
- Justice Minister updates UN on law & order planJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...6 days ago
- Ending emergency housing motels in RotoruaThe Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...6 days ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and DubaiTrade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...7 days ago
- Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...7 days ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...7 days ago
- Supporting whānau out of emergency housingWhānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...1 week ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...1 week ago
- Speech – Eid al-FitrAssalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...1 week ago
- Government saves access to medicinesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...1 week ago
- Pharmac Chair appointedHon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...1 week ago
- Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderHundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...1 week ago
- New sports complex opens in KaikoheRegional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...1 week ago
- Diplomacy needed more than everForeign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...1 week ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery BelgiumAmbassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...1 week ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk BairDistinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...2 weeks ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, TürkiyeMai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...2 weeks ago
- PM announces changes to portfoliosPaul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...2 weeks ago
- New catch limits for unique fishery areasRecreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...2 weeks ago
- Minister welcomes hydrogen milestoneEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment BillThe coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...2 weeks ago
- Voluntary redundancies at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment bring its tally of job los...
The latest round of voluntary redundancies at the ministry has lifted RNZ's count of public sector job cuts to more than 4000. ...43 mins ago - UK Tories perform badly at local elections; Labor still narrowly ahead in Australian polls
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne I covered the May 2 United Kingdom local government elections for The Poll Bludger. The Blackpool South parliamentary byelection was also held, ...54 mins ago - Hundreds of cities have achieved zero road deaths in a year. Here’s how they did itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Mclaughlin, Adjunct Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia Matthew Mclaughlin It’s National Road Safety Week and it comes on the back of a year in which 1,286 people died on Australian roads. The rising road toll – up 8.2% ...54 mins ago
- What does the new Commonwealth Prac Payment mean for students? Will it do enough to end ‘placement...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deanna Grant-Smith, Professor of Management, University of the Sunshine Coast The federal government has announced a “Commonwealth Prac Payment” to support selected groups of students doing mandatory work placements. Those who are studying to be a teacher, nurse, midwife or social ...54 mins ago
- Education, productivity and emissions: Three big problems NZ needs to fix, according to the OECDEconomic growth is sluggish - and the problems are a familiar list. ...1 hour ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you love a dark comedy: Bodkin (Netflix, May 9) An English podcaster, an Irish podcaster and American podcaster walk into a pub and…make a TV show? ...2 hours ago - ‘Don’t mistake Pacific leaders AUKUS quietness’ as support for NZ, says academicBy Eleisha Foon, RNZ Pacific senior journalist A Pacific regionalism academic has called out New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS and says the security deal “raises serious questions for the Pacific region”. Auckland University of Technology academic Dr Marco de Jong ...3 hours ago
- Labour says Government's water plan will see some councils 'left out in the cold'Meanwhile, the party and National are also odds about whose plan to fix the pipes will cost more. ...3 hours ago
- The climate cost of your digital lifeHow worried should we be about the cloud? This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. I currently have a few thousand unread emails languishing in my inbox, mostly old marketing newsletters and piles of unread science journal press releases. I have a similar number ...3 hours ago
- Three fact-checking challenges in Southeast AsiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nuurrianti Jalli, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies College of Arts and Sciences Department of Languages, Literature, and Communication Studies, Northern State University Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Southeast Asian governments not only have to deal with the virus but also with the false ...3 hours ago
- Houston area’s flood problems offer lessons for cities trying to adapt to a changing climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, Professor Emeritus of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan Pavement can leave floodwater with nowhere to go. Chengyue Lao/Xinhua via Getty Images Scenes from the Houston area looked like the aftermath of a hurricane in ...3 hours ago
- The scaling back of Saudi Arabia’s proposed urban mega-project sends a clear warning to other woul...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Murakami Wood, Professor of Critical Surveillance and Securities Studies, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa The skyline of Riyadh, the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. (Shutterstock) There is a long history of planned city building by both governments ...3 hours ago
- Many immigrants to the US are fleeing violence and persecution − here’s how the federal governme...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Jacobsen, Henry J. Leir Chair in Global Migration, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University The men’s dormitory at a new center for asylum-seekers in Portland, Maine. Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images Immigration has become a defining issue ...3 hours ago
- LIVE TODAY: A View from Afar – A Moment of FrictionThe LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm May 6, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:30pm (USEST). In an analytical essay titled ‘A moment of friction’ political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan wrote how we are living within a decisive moment of ...4 hours ago
- How to make the most of oyster seasonThe Boil Up’s Lucinda Bennett considers the oyster – from freshness to pearls to the joy of shucking your own. This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. In Carmen Maria Machado’s short story ‘Eight Bites’, a woman begins her last supper before bariatric surgery with “a cavalcade ...4 hours ago
- Auckland University staff appeal over Gaza protest in solidarity with studentsAsia Pacific Report A group of 65 Auckland University academics have written an open letter to vice-chancellor Dawn Freshwater criticising the institution’s stance over students protesting in solidarity with Palestine. They have called on her administration to “support” the students who were denied permission to establish an “overnight encampment” by ...5 hours ago
- How the Student Volunteer Army is helping high schoolers give backThe Student Volunteer Army is on the march, generating approximately 1.6 million hours of volunteering from roughly 35,000 secondary school students in just five years. For Rebekah Brown, the pathway to volunteering started with her singing coach. With a passion for the arts, the suggestion to volunteer at Acting Antics, ...5 hours ago
- Here’s what happened when I replaced my personality with the Meta AI chatbot for a dayKeeping up with online communication can be exhausting, so Fran Barclay enlisted the help of Meta’s new ‘intelligent assistant’ to respond to all her messages. Could her mates tell the difference? For centuries, technology has ruled the ways in which we communicate. From the dawn of written language, to the ...5 hours ago
- MP Jamie Arbuckle to keep two jobs – and two salariesJamie Arbuckle, a councillor who has become an member of parliament, says he has settled into having two roles so comfortably he's going to keep both pay cheques. ...6 hours ago
- What Australia can learn from Latin America when it comes to tackling violence against womenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luis Gómez Romero, Senior Lecturer in Human Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Theory, University of Wollongong Fifty years ago, Australian feminist Anne Summers denounced “the ideology of sexism” governing over so many women’s lives. Unfortunately, sexism is as lethal today as it ...7 hours ago
- A tax on sugary drinks can make us healthier. It’s time for Australia to introduce oneSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Breadon, Program Director, Health and Aged Care, Grattan Institute Leah Newhouse/Pexels Sugary drinks cause weight gain and increase the risk of a range of diseases, including diabetes. The evidence shows that well-designed taxes can reduce sugary drink sales, cause ...7 hours ago
- As New Zealand CBDs evolve post-pandemic, repurposing old or empty spaces should be on the drawing b...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez, Senior Researcher in Architecture, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images The COVID-19 pandemic and the hybrid work patterns it fostered have changed the way we think about office space, and central business districts in general. While fears ...7 hours ago
- Nuclear power makes no sense for Australia – but it’s a useful diversion from real climate actio...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia Wlad74, Shutterstock Opposition leader Peter Dutton argues Australia needs nuclear power to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. But nuclear power is not feasible for Australia. It is too slow, too ...7 hours ago
- Australian churches collectively raise billions of dollars a year – why aren’t they taxed?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dale Boccabella, Associate Professor of Taxation Law, UNSW Sydney There’s a good reason your local volunteer-run netball club doesn’t pay tax. In Australia, various nonprofit organisations are exempt from paying income tax, including those that do charitable work, such as churches. ...7 hours ago
- Real comedy, real trauma: how Baby Reindeer and Feel Good are forging a new television genreSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marina Deller, Casual Academic, Creative Writing and English Literature, Flinders University Netflix Comedy is opening up spaces for silences to be broken and trauma stories to be told. In 2018, Hannah Gadsby started a revolution with Nanette, asking audiences to rethink ...7 hours ago
- Tense office dynamics draining your soul? Kink can help with thatThe workplace can be a minefield of bad comms and passive aggression. Kinksters can help you navigate it. A friend and colleague recently gave me a compliment I loved. They told me I’d always been good at emotional communication and making people feel comfortable. “But I feel like it’s really ...7 hours ago
- Old, more polluting ships serving NZ could be a barrier to climate goalsThe Climate Change Commission is floating the idea of bringing international shipping into New Zealand's carbon-cutting targets. ...9 hours ago
- A week on, the school phone ban is (mostly) winning praiseEven if some students are now just texting on their laptops. Stewart Sowman-Lund writes in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...9 hours ago
- Could Wellington be the next region to ink a water deal with the government?Councils from Horowhenua, Kāpiti, Wairarapa, the Hutt Valley, Porirua and Wellington City will meet this Friday to work together on a plan for a Greater Wellington region water deal. ...9 hours ago
- Award-Winning Musician Ria Hall Announces Candidacy For Mayor Of Tauranga
Renowned musician, advocate, and proud born and raised daughter of Tauranga, Ria Hall, is announcing her candidacy for Mayor of Tauranga and Pāpāmoa Ward for the upcoming election on July 20th. ...10 hours ago - Teachers don’t want the new histories curriculum to be ‘rebalanced’The new Aotearoa histories curriculum is rich with potential. There’s still work to be done, but the education minister’s criticisms about ‘balance’ miss the mark, argues primary school teacher Jessie Moss. In 2015, Ōtorohanga College students presented to parliament a petition signed by more than 10,000 people calling for a ...11 hours ago
- At last! The kiwi is getting its comeuppance For too long our so-called national bird has maintained its stranglehold on the economy of regional New Zealand. Thanks to the fast track legislation, we will have our revenge. Theories abound on what ails New Zealand’s economy. National leader Chris Luxon has posited that we’re negative, wet, whiny, and inward-looking; ...11 hours ago
- Southland stream life wiped out by single contaminant dump
An investigation is underway into how freshwater crayfish, trout and thousands of eels were killed when pollution from private land ended up in a healthy stream The post Southland stream life wiped out by single contaminant dump appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago - An incident at Glenmark station in CanterburyLate one afternoon in March 1860 a man in a thin green velveteen jacket and a wide-awake hat arrived on foot at a sheep station named Glenmark, about 65 kilometres north of Christchurch. The man was in his mid-fifties but he looked older. Several people who met him that day ...11 hours ago
- An obscure climate accounting decision with billion-dollar consequencesOpinion: For a country that trades on its reputation as a trustworthy international counterpart, we must follow through on our climate commitments – or face serious financial risks The post An obscure climate accounting decision with billion-dollar consequences appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Officials set aside environmental benefits of waste-to-energy facilityA $350 million waste incinerator is a step closer, but questions marks remain over its environmental benefits The post Officials set aside environmental benefits of waste-to-energy facility appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Auckland’s decades-old stadium shuffleIf building one of Auckland’s possible waterfront stadiums was funded privately, it would need to hold a sold-out Ed Sherran concert every weekday for 25 years. That’s Rob Hamlin’s finding – he’s a senior marketing lecturer at the University of Otago. “It’s not going to happen; forget about it,” he ...11 hours ago
- Federated Farmers’ support for fast-track bill ‘ambiguous’Fed Farmers’ oral and written submissions on the fast-track bill contain no definitive indication of the group’s support. Board member Mark Hooper clarifies. The post Federated Farmers’ support for fast-track bill ‘ambiguous’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- How advertising, not social media, killed traditional journalismComment: The debate over the future relationship between news and social media is bringing us closer to a long-overdue reckoning. Social media isn’t trying to kill journalism, because social media has never really cared about journalism. Social media is resolutely in the attention business. News propels some attention — perhaps ...11 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 6 MayThe post Daily crossword, Monday 6 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Political donations: people power no match for big businessAnalysis: Experts are renewing their calls for a cap on donations as the gap between the left and the right widens The post Political donations: people power no match for big business appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 6 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 6 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- New Kiwi gymnast flips for Olympic dreamFor the past 12 years, Georgia-Rose Brown has balanced on the brink of making an Olympic Games – but always landed gracefully on the wrong side. Reaching the Olympics is a dream the gymnast has harboured since she was a six-year-old; a dream that would dwindle every four years, yet ...11 hours ago
- Rent controls are far from being ‘economically illiterate’Opinion: There are many ways to regulate for rental increases, depending on the market conditions The post Rent controls are far from being ‘economically illiterate’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Students on social work, nursing and teaching placements to get weekly $319.50 means tested Prac Pay...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A new Commonwealth Prac Payment will provide students with $319.50 a week when they are on clinical and professional placements. The payment will be means tested and start from July 1 next year, which ...15 hours ago
- Auckland Palestine rally honours Gaza journalists for freedom awardAsia Pacific Report About 500 people honoured Palestinian journalists in the heart of the New Zealand city of Auckland today for their brave coverage of Israel’s War on Gaza, now in its seventh month with almost 35,000 people killed, mostly women and children. Marking the annual May 3 World Press ...17 hours ago
- GCSB foreign spying capability under scrutinyThe Government Communications Security Bureau denies hosting a foreign spying capability flagged by the watchdog, differentiating it from the system recently criticised. ...1 day ago
- Auckland academics call out university stance over pro-Palestine protestRNZ News A group of academic staff at New Zealand’s largest university have expressed concern at the administration’s move to block a protest encampment that was planned to take place on campus calling for support for the rights of Palestinians. This week, the University of Auckland warned that while it ...1 day ago
- Auckland's new water plan unveiled by Mayor Wayne Brown and Local Government Minister Simeon Br...The government claims Aucklanders will avoid a projected 25.8 percent water rates increase with the coalition's Local Water Done Well plan. ...1 day ago
- 'Māori Seabed, For Shore!' – Two decades on from the largest hīkoi in a generationTwenty years has passed since the historic hīkoi against the controversial Foreshore and Seabed Act reached Parliament. ...1 day ago
- An Ode to .. Julie Anne GenterGenterwocky After a hard days marching, Sir Doocey calls in at the Village Tavern For a pint of ale and a pork pie. The grim villagers stare at him. “Do not be travelling on the forest road,” warns a crusty old beak. “And why is that, antique peasant?” Grins Sir ...1 day ago
- National aims high while struggling to take offPolitical conferences after a party returns to power are usually a chance for some healthy, even unhealthy backslapping. Yet National Party president Sylvia Wood’s address to its mainland representatives on Saturday hardly contained the unalloyed delight that one might have expected following National’s escape from the wilderness of opposition. Yes, ...1 day ago
- Real journalists can lead the war against deepfakesComment: Almost half the world is voting in national elections this year and artificial intelligence is the elephant in the room. There are genuine fears AI-generated or AI-edited deepfakes will potentially manipulate election outcomes not just in the US and UK, but critically in countries such as India. For that ...1 day ago
- Meet the cast of Married at First Sight NZ for 2024Ahead of the reality franchise’s return to New Zealand, allow us to introduce the eight brides and grooms. Chuck on a veil and tie back your man bun, because it’s time to say “I do” to a new season of Married at First Sight NZ. The reality TV “social experiment” ...1 day ago
- The good news is the government plans to cancel $3 billion in student debt. The bad news is indexati...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor in the Practice of Higher Education Policy, Australian National University Every year on June 1, student debt in Australia is indexed to inflation. In 2023, high inflation pushed the indexation rate to 7.1%, the highest since 1990. This ...2 days ago
- Albanese government to wipe $3 billion in student debt, benefitting three million peopleSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Changes in the May 14 budget will cut the student debt of more than three million people, wiping more than $3 billion from what people owe. The government will cap the HELP indexation rate ...2 days ago
- ICC demands end to threats against court amid Gaza war probeAsia Pacific Report The prosecutor’s office at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has appealed for an end to what it calls intimidation of its staff, saying such threats could constitute an offence against the “administration of justice” by the world’s permanent war crimes court. The Hague-based office of ICC Prosecutor ...2 days ago
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Lee was a bit of a shocker on her previous outing as a minister ..
I was surprised when she popped up again..
..made me think the national talent-pool must be ankle-deep…
And penny Simmonds is still environment minister..
(That’s reassuring..eh..?)
Luxon realised he screwed up royally by not putting the Climate Change minister in cabinet, so he has corrected this today.
Too late Christopher, we all know now that you don't give a toss.
Sixteen years in the House, and this is all it amounted to? She'll be no loss.
Luxon, Peters and Seymour basically threw her under a bus, so its no surprise she got squashed.
This combination of rich urban yuppies, yeomen farmers and conspiracy theorists basically hate the media, so they chose the weakest link to manage broadcasting.
After all that time around politics (including the "dirty" era), she ought to have been able to sense that she was being set up to fail – and turned the job down.
Threw a couple of females under the bus. Murdoch and other cartoonists must lovet his coalition.
Possibly the end of the political career of another National also-ran whose main purpose to the tories was to get the Chinese asian votes.
There are a few others like David Bennett and Paul Goldsmith who do just as little and deserve similar but because they are old white guys they won't get dumped.
M the L – if I recall, David Bennett was a list MP prior to last year's General Election and he was placed quite low on the list and decided to call it quits then. I'm also presuming he wasn't re-selected as candidate for Hamilton East.
Don't be mean. Mike the L can't really be expected to keep up with what is going on in Parliament.
He probably hasn't noticed yet that Jacinda and Grant are no longer there. In fact he might not have realised that Helen Clark is gone from the House.
Yes, my point was that he was there a long long time despite doing nothing much. Doing nothing seems to get you success within National. They probably kept him on because he entertained everyone with his constant rants about socialism.
Journalism's loss was Parliament's gain? Or something like that.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_Lee#Early_life_and_career
They wouldn't, would they?
Korean-origin minister Melissa Lee, National's highest-ranking candidate of Asian heritage at the election, received donations worth $25,662 – 100 percent from the party. Lee spent $24,938 of this amount on her campaign.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/510783/asian-candidates-demonstrated-fundraising-prowess-in-2023-election
Hard to disagree with Goldsmith in there. Dry as toast and quite happy for market forces in purest form alter the media landscape.
Simmons without any TEC guardrails is turning our tertiary education sector into risible mash. Her blindsided of the Disability Commissioner was ugly. She's an ugly human.
Dear PM
Nobody says "this is how I roll", except characters in TV comedies. You cannot expect anyone to take you seriously, and basically nobody does. But thanks for the laugh.
Perhaps she meant "This is how I get rolled".
Based on today's outcome, it's possible she saw it coming.
'This is how I roll.' from Hip hop and/or rap…MC Hammer 1991. Another sickening slogan.
Re Lux and Lee – "This is how I roll" – painful(ly).
Lee's sacking means nothing except Luxon posturing – “look at me being tough.”
And she's a member of the Natz party.
Wait until someone from ACT or NZF fucks up. Then we'll see just how 'strong and tough' he really is!
Surprised that the MINISTER FOR SMOKING Casey Costello didn't get the boot also.
Surely shouldn't be long.
As Tony V suggests above, there are different rules for the 2 other parties. Their Minister numbers are locked into the coalition agreement. Costello would have to be replaced by somebody from NZF, and only with Winston's permission. Luxon is not running this show.
So don't expect Costello to go soon, or ever.
There are a couple of take aways not immediately apparent, IMHO.
1. Luxon has dealt with these two ministers like the CEO of a big company. You stuffed up, you have to go. Anyone with the slightest interest in NZ politics can join the dots between poor performance and getting put out with the milk bottles.
A seasoned politician would have done this as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle. Put in the new boys to assist with the demanding portfolios now, then dropping the deadwood later on, when joining the dots wasn't so clear. So, we can learn a bit more how Luxon sees himself as more CEO than prime minister.
The other ministers who aren't part of the inner circle may also realise that taking risks may not be the key to ongoing success. Worrying times, IMHO.
2. Coupled with the above, this happened way too early if Luxon cares about presenting himself as the maker of occasional bad choices. People will see what happened here and start wondering who will be the next fruit to fall from the tree, instead of seeing a professional bunch of cabinet ministers (by people, I mean swinging voters who maybe voted for Luxons rhetoric and could be swayed otherwise in 2026).
Ardern reshuffled way too late and too light, so by the end it was just a political laxative.
Luxon could do one of these a quarter and enable his bench to play to their peak.
Very pithy comments.
Every time I've watched Lee and/or Simmonds I've had the uncanny feeling I'm watching Claire Curran rehashed, which is kind of ironic in Lee's case.
Luxon likes the CEO analogy, but it doesn't work.
A CEO doesn't think "Well, the Marketing Dept is stuffing up badly but they're untouchable, because their staff answer to another executive, not me".
It's an impressive trick to persuade people that a hostage is really the boss, so he's doing that con job well. Maybe his opponents should stop joining in with the fiction? Call him what he is, not what he claims to be.
Well at least he's treating his own team with the same disdain he shows for public servants.
Don''t be fooled folks. This is all about Luxon. Luxon's incompetency to be more accurate.
He's a CEO not a PM. He hires and fires at will. When someone shows him up by doing or saying something stupid then out the door they go. That is why he was so unpopular at Air NZ. He is a bastard… along the lines of RD Muldoon.
His flock will come to hate him just as they did at Air NZ. How many will be hired and fired before the axe comes down on him?
"That is why he was so unpopular at Air NZ. "
Says who? Running a large international airline is not a popularity contest, but I know several people who worked at Air NZ during his tenure and say he was liked and respected.
I'm not convinced about Luxon the PM, but as CEO of Air NZ, I'll leave it others who know better than you and I:
Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon resigns | RNZ News
"Chairman Tony Carter said Mr Luxon has made an outstanding contribution to the airline. He said under Mr Luxon's tenure the firm had experienced a period of enhanced profitability, strong dividends to shareholders and record customer satisfaction scores."
Analysis: Luxon still flying high after Air New Zealand gig | RNZ News
Under his leadership the airline has had a makeover in planes, routes, and profitability which has been envied by many larger carriers around the world.
Under Mr Luxon, the airline has become more service focused and innovative in everything from flight safety videos to lie flat beds in cabins. It's no accident that it has walked away with what might be regarded as the Oscars of the aviation world.
Internally he has been credited with improving the wage structure, rewarding non-executive staff with bonuses, and improving diversity.
That's why Jacinda appointed him chair of her Business Advisory Council
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/prime-minister-announces-business-advisory-council
Good point.
"Says who?"
Says a couple of pilots I happened to know who were also speaking on behalf of their colleagues. That's who. Can't speak for the backroom.
One of the sticking points seemed to be that he took full credit for the job his predecessor actually started…
Bit like what he is said to be doing now. Taking credit for enacting certain policy planks that had already been commenced by the previous govt.
Do you believe everything you read in the press? Their interviewees wouldn’t exaggerate would they… because it might be in their interest?
"Says a couple of pilots I happened to know who were also speaking on behalf of their colleagues. "
So gossip, basically. Doesn't carry any weight with me.
"Do you believe everything you read in the press? They wouldn't exaggerate would they… because it might be in their interest."
The Chairman of Air NZ? The Business editor of RNZ? As I said, I'd take their opinion over yours or mine.
Edit:
“”You can’t deny that Air NZ’s financial performance and increase in profitability has coincided with Christopher taking on the role as CEO,” says Award Judge Cathy Quinn, chair at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. “Airlines are seen as difficult business to run profitably. Air New Zealand faces big and large competitors with deep pockets.”
https://www.nelsonairport.co.nz/airport-news/air/deloitte-top-200-ceo-of-the-year-christopher-luxon-air-nz
He was CEO in the post GFC and pre pandemic period when airline management was easy – tourism began to boom (Qantas had record profits in 2018). Fyfe left forecasting what was ahead.
That wasn't Cathy Quinn's view. And there appeared to be a lot more successes for Air NZ under Luxon's leadership than just financial.
I know several people who worked at Air NZ during his tenure and say he was liked and respected.
…And what about the thousands of other people who worked there?
…
Exactly! These are all anecdotes. That was why I questioned Anne’s claim. It’s the old ‘depends who you talk to’, including Anne’s ‘couple of pilots’.
An acquaintance who worked for Luxon reckoned he was pompous knob, oblivious to the trials and tribulations of those around him, with high opinions about his own abilities.
.
Luxon's legacy – how does it stack up
Christopher Luxon leaves Air New Zealand next week after eight years.
He began by running the international airline, where he made big changes before being appointed to the top job. Grant Bradley looks at some of the key areas that have marked his time in the role.
https://archive.li/JJCPa (NZ Herald 21/9/19 )
Thanks for the Herald link – the original is behind a paywall. The take-away is that Luxon oversaw a period of high profitability and improved industrial relations. And this:
Union reps were among the guests at Luxon's farewell put on by the airline's board this week and pilots say Luxon was good at clearly explaining just how their jobs, future growth and the interests of the airline are intertwined.
Pompous knob he may have been, but 'unpopular' and 'incompetent' (Anne's words) he clearly is not.
Bag the boss when you when you're on $150K – >$300Kpa plus tax-free allowances? Nah
The 'boss' was leaving the next week. So yeah, they would have said what they wanted.
Career prospects, sport.
@Joe90 – never mind what happened at Air NZ, I'm living in fear of his restructuring and layoffs.
Luxon seems to be living in a fantasy world, where he is CEO of NZ Inc and all the people who live here are his talent pool, some to be rewarded, others to be laid off. Jobseekers are his 'dead-wood', worthy only to show the rest of us how insecure our lives are (so we'd better knuckle down and take it).
Since the elections, NZ has been moving closer to being another FoxCon, imho.
"I want my disgraces in the dark places. It's how I Troll"
BS, and/or maybe Luxon has grown since, but then there's his “entitled” gaffe.
Real-life "pompous knobs" are seldom truly popular – I should know
It seems reasonable that CEO Luxon is regarded as popular and competent by some, versus unpopular and incompetent by others – not to mention unpopular and competent, or popular and incompetent – issue-by-issue, case-by-case. So many possibllities – depends in part on who and what you (want to) believe.
"I can't recall"
Another day another anecdote. A CEO with a few detractors. And a legacy of success. Maybe he will make a decent PM.
Love anecdotes – so entertaining; healing even – laughter is the best medicine. Keep 'em coming. The ones about John ‘tax haven’ Key’s legacy were hysterical.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Politics
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/25/new-zealand-referendum-same-flag-what-was-that-about
Que Sera, Sera…
Both Clark and Key made decent PM's. That reflected in their personal popularity, and their political success. So maybe there's hope for Luxon yet.
Key was useless. He was all show and no substance. He was just lucky to be backed up by four competent and near competent people. Some of his behaviour was pretty awful, and the behaviours of some of his "friends" were despicable.
Depends how you define 'decent' – my biased pick is Ardern over DP Key.
Our opinions all have a degree of bias, Drowsy.
Of course empathy is important in a leader, when balanced against performance.
“What’s happened today will shock a lot of people, because over the last few years we’ve got used to Prime Minsters just putting up with their ministers doing a bad job or behaving badly in public. Kiri Allan, Phil Twyford, Michael Wood, Clare Curran, even Nanaia Mahuta – the Foreign Minister who didn’t like international travel. It took forever for Hipkins or Ardern to demote the under-performers, and they suffered for it – public opinion of them was tainted.”
HDPA quoted at Christopher Luxon’s show of strength is perfect for our angry era – Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup (msn.com)
“That’s very shrewd.”
Interesting BE headline – is our (present) era (or the people in it) unusually angry, and if so, then why? What does Bryce think?
And where to from here for anger? Time and the cost of living will tell.
One of my takeaways is that the CoC talent pool is frightenly shallow.
The other is that Seymour and Peter’s will look weak if they don’t handle their ministers similarly.
when you saw the original make up of the COC cabinet the weakness and dearth of talent was all too obvious. a 6 monthly clean out of ministers to clean up another cluxton fuck could well be a recurring theme
Cowards. What are you hiding from?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350256165/waitangi-tribunal-summons-childrens-minister-overturned-high-court
‘The mana of the tribunal is not diminished.’ Except it’s not allowed to call ministers to account when it says it needs to, but only when the paternalist court says it’s okay. Don’t be silly thinking your constitutionally mandated powers actually exist natives!
The mana of the High Court IS diminished.
Ms Lee was a mediocre presenter at best in her previous career and a token Natzo candidate–anyone recall her comments about Mt Albert, re South Aucklanders coming to commit crimes…
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mp-motorway-would-keep-south-auckland-criminals-out/ECNWU6W5J3TZBOARN2KZKFA5ZE/
Dodging media channel interviews and industry engagement does not cut it for too long for any Minister.
Micky may be right about Winston, the ultimate crunch point for this CoC Govt. will be when Winston has to hand over the Deputy Prime Ministership to Dave, which he will not enjoy one little bit. Mr Peters turned on Jacinda Ardern with his threatened letter to the Governor General before the 2020 Election so there is little reason to think that he would not plan similar power plays for the current PM–Mr Baldrick Luxury Luxon.
And the clock is ticking on the name suppression.
It doesn't really matter now whether Luxon was a good or a bad CEO. Because being a CEO is the complete opposite of being a Prime Minister.