Goneburger

Written By: - Date published: 1:04 pm, April 24th, 2024 - 55 comments
Categories: melissa lee, politicans - Tags:

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.

55 comments on “Goneburger ”

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  1. Phillip ure 1
    24 April 2024 at 1:29 pm

    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..?)

  2. Bearded Git 2
    24 April 2024 at 1:30 pm

    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.

  3. Obtrectator 3
    24 April 2024 at 1:34 pm

    Sixteen years in the House, and this is all it amounted to? She'll be no loss.

    • Mike the Lefty 3.1
      24 April 2024 at 1:48 pm

      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.

      • Obtrectator 3.1.1
        24 April 2024 at 1:55 pm

        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.

      • Rodel 3.1.2
        24 April 2024 at 11:23 pm

        Threw a couple of females under the bus. Murdoch and other cartoonists must lovet his coalition.

    • Mike the Lefty 3.2
      24 April 2024 at 1:55 pm

      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.

      • Jilly Bee 3.2.1
        24 April 2024 at 2:51 pm

        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.

        • alwyn 3.2.1.1
          24 April 2024 at 3:21 pm

          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.

        • Mike the Lefty 3.2.1.2
          24 April 2024 at 7:01 pm

          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.

      • Drowsy M. Kram 3.2.2
        24 April 2024 at 2:55 pm

        Journalism's loss was Parliament's gain? Or something like that.

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_Lee#Early_life_and_career

  4. joe90 4
    24 April 2024 at 1:58 pm

    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

  5. Ad 5
    24 April 2024 at 2:15 pm

    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.

  6. observer 6
    24 April 2024 at 2:19 pm

    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.

    • thinker 6.1
      24 April 2024 at 5:10 pm

      Perhaps she meant "This is how I get rolled".

      Based on today's outcome, it's possible she saw it coming.

    • Rodel 6.2
      24 April 2024 at 11:34 pm

      'This is how I roll.' from Hip hop and/or rap…MC Hammer 1991. Another sickening slogan.

  7. Tony Veitch 7
    24 April 2024 at 3:11 pm

    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!

  8. Stan 8
    24 April 2024 at 3:51 pm

    Surprised that the MINISTER FOR SMOKING Casey Costello didn't get the boot also.

    Surely shouldn't be long.

    • observer 8.1
      24 April 2024 at 4:11 pm

      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.

  9. thinker 9
    24 April 2024 at 5:28 pm

    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).

    • Ad 9.1
      24 April 2024 at 5:58 pm

      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.

      • Traveller 9.1.1
        24 April 2024 at 7:20 pm

        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.

    • observer 9.2
      24 April 2024 at 6:26 pm

      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.

  10. Ad 10
    24 April 2024 at 5:55 pm

    Well at least he's treating his own team with the same disdain he shows for public servants.

  11. Anne 11
    24 April 2024 at 6:47 pm

    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?

    • Traveller 11.1
      24 April 2024 at 7:13 pm

      "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.

      • Michael Scott 11.1.1
        24 April 2024 at 7:32 pm

        That's why Jacinda appointed him chair of her Business Advisory Council

        https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/prime-minister-announces-business-advisory-council

      • Anne 11.1.2
        24 April 2024 at 8:00 pm

        "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?

        • Traveller 11.1.2.1
          24 April 2024 at 8:06 pm

          "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

          • SPC 11.1.2.1.1
            24 April 2024 at 8:27 pm

            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.

            • Traveller 11.1.2.1.1.1
              24 April 2024 at 8:31 pm

              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.

      • thinker 11.1.3
        25 April 2024 at 8:09 am

        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? devil…

        • Traveller 11.1.3.1
          25 April 2024 at 9:49 am

          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’.

    • joe90 11.2
      24 April 2024 at 8:43 pm

      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 )

      • Traveller 11.2.1
        24 April 2024 at 8:53 pm

        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.

        • joe90 11.2.1.1
          24 April 2024 at 9:08 pm

          pilots say

          Bag the boss when you when you're on $150K – >$300Kpa plus tax-free allowances? Nah

          • Traveller 11.2.1.1.1
            24 April 2024 at 9:15 pm

            The 'boss' was leaving the next week. So yeah, they would have said what they wanted.

            • joe90 11.2.1.1.1.1
              24 April 2024 at 9:30 pm

              Career prospects, sport.

              • thinker …
                25 April 2024 at 8:19 am

                @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"

        • Drowsy M. Kram 11.2.1.2
          25 April 2024 at 12:22 pm

          I met a former Air NZ flight attendant recently. She told me how their conditions were cut to the point that she had to pay for her own tickets to Auckland to work on international flights. On a return trip to Wellington she was told she'd be sitting next to Luxon. She asked not to be, but they said it was the only seat.

          So, she told, me she had to decide whether to tell him how she felt or live with the fact that she hadn't. So, she started to explain the situation and he interrupted her with: "You're just waiters and waitresses…". She said to me not only was that not true – there's a lot of safety training, first aid etc, etc – but it was insulting to wait staff. She then pointed out to Luxon that the top 10 staff were earning $19 million between them to which he replied: "I could earn a lot more elsewhere." He seems to lack any self-awareness, humility, decency or even intelligence.

          https://nzissues.com/Community/threads/the-bald-truth-about-luxon-what-a-former-air-nz-flight-attendant-told-a-wellington-journalist.28734/

          BS, and/or maybe Luxon has grown since, but then there's his “entitled” gaffe.

          Optics and illusions in politics [16 March 2024]
          Luxon kept repeating that he was “entitled” to the allowance until he saw the light. “Entitled” proved to be an unfortunate choice of word.

          Pompous knob he may have been, but 'unpopular' and 'incompetent' (Anne's words) he clearly is not.

          Real-life "pompous knobs" are seldom truly popular – I should know wink

          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.

          National MP Chris Luxon, ex-Air NZ boss, has ‘no recollection’ of controversial Saudi contract

          "I can't recall" laugh

          • Traveller 11.2.1.2.1
            25 April 2024 at 1:50 pm

            Another day another anecdote. A CEO with a few detractors. And a legacy of success. Maybe he will make a decent PM.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 11.2.1.2.1.1
              25 April 2024 at 3:42 pm

              Another day another anecdote.

              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

              Maybe he will make a decent PM.

              Que Sera, Sera…

              • Traveller …
                25 April 2024 at 5:32 pm

                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.

                • mpledger …
                  25 April 2024 at 10:57 pm

                  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.

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  26 April 2024 at 8:51 am

                  Both Clark and Key made decent PM's.

                  Depends how you define 'decent' – my biased pick is Ardern over DP Key.

                  From stardust to an empty tank: one-of-a-kind leader Jacinda Ardern knew her time was up [19 Jan 2023]
                  Over the next six years, her leadership was shaped and defined by a series of national and international crises – and her responses in those pressured moments, which repeatedly emphasised the values of empathy, humanity and kindness, will likely form the standout legacy of her political career.

                  • Traveller …
                    26 April 2024 at 10:27 am

                    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)

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      26 April 2024 at 11:47 am

                      Our opinions all have a degree of bias, Drowsy.

                      “That’s very shrewd.” smiley

                      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.

  12. Stephen D 12
    24 April 2024 at 8:25 pm

    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.

    • georgecom 12.1
      24 April 2024 at 11:44 pm

      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

  13. newsense 13
    25 April 2024 at 12:29 am

    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.

  14. Tiger Mountain 14
    25 April 2024 at 10:06 am

    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.

  15. AB 15
    25 April 2024 at 9:42 pm

    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.

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    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

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

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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