Has Uffindell been cleared?

Written By: - Date published: 9:12 am, September 19th, 2022 - 98 comments
Categories: law, law and "order", national, same old national - Tags:

Remember the report that National commissioned from Maria Dew QC into the actions of Tauranga MP Sam Uffindel?

It was originally estimated to take two weeks from August 10, 2020.   Then on August 29 a National Party spokesperson said it would take another couple of weeks which expired some time ago.

The expected return date was some time ago.

Last Week Spinoff reported that the Dew report could be some weeks away.

Sam Uffindell, the MP for Tauranga, was stood down more than a month ago after allegations were levelled at him from a former Otago University flat mate. While Uffindell disputed those claims, they followed earlier reporting that revealed had been a violent bully while a student at King’s College.

A review, to be carried out by Maria Dew KC, was ordered by the National Party into Uffindell’s conduct and was initially expected to be completed within a fortnight.

It was subsequently delayed and Christopher Luxon told TVNZ’s Breakfast today he didn’t know when it would be finished.

“There’s no further update,” he said. “It’s really important that the process is followed properly, they were serious allegations. Maria Dew is a qualified King’s Counsel… I want that process to be robust.”

Luxon admitted that it was “frustrating” and said he would have liked the report to be completed by now. The people of Tauranga deserved to know whether their MP would be reinstated, he said.

But there are recent reports that Uffindell has been campaigning locally in Tauranga for National.  Just check out the photo in this post.

And it has just been reported that the Dew report has been received by National and a statement is pending.

It looks like Uffindell has been cleared.  Which is not surprising.  The events happened a long time ago and people should be given the opportunity to rehabilitate.

But the whole event shows National’s hypocrisy.  The next time they talk about being tough on crime or advocate for tough measures be taken against young offenders remember how they thought that one of their own should be treated differently.

98 comments on “Has Uffindell been cleared? ”

  1. mickysavage 1

    And what a day to announce the report. The same day as the Queen's burial. Boy is that cynical.

    • observer 1.1

      "A good day to bury bad news …"

      Especially cynical when it's accompanied by those statements of great respect. So much respect. Florid – and fake.

    • Anne 1.2

      "And what a day to announce the report."

      My immediate thought too. Under the cover of darkness……

    • tsmithfield 1.3

      Yes, the timing of the announcement is "convenient''. In principle though probably no different to what parties have done for years; document dumps on a Friday, or some unpleasant announcement the day before Christmas etc. Just on a grander scale.

  2. Tiger Mountain 2

    A number of commenters on The Standard as I recall, somewhat cynically said about Mr Uffindel that he represented values–machoism, bullying, misogyny–that many in NZ National deep down felt quite comfortable with.

    “Nothing to see here” will represent NZ Natzos charging on regardless of their motley crew.

  3. Sanctuary 3

    Let's face it, being a passive-aggressive moralising prosperity Evangelical with an ugly history of bullying is a feature not a bug for the National party these days.

    • Tiger Mountain 3.1

      Strange for some of us to come to terms with, but true enough.

      In the Far North we have former MPs Mike Sabin and Matt King, ex coppers as beloved by natzo selection committees with demonstrated dodgy records.

    • Gabby 3.2

      Nor for many voters.

    • newsense 4.1

      It shouldn’t be left to Steve Maharey to say this. This is breathtaking moral hypocrisy. ‘Oh not those young offenders!’

  4. Announcement that the report has been 'received by the National Party', and Luxon will be making an announcement later today.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/475029/sam-uffindell-report-into-bullying-allegations-handed-to-christopher-luxon

    • Robert Guyton 5.1

      They shouldn't have hit him with wooden!

      "In early August, Stuff revealed that Uffindell, when he was aged 16, joined with three other teenagers in attacking a 13-year-old in the middle of the night. The victim said they arrived in his dorm room and hit him with wooden, leaving him bruised."

      (from Belladonna's link, above)

  5. Peter 6

    Cleared of what? Cleared of what he is said to have done about 20 years ago?

  6. Stuart Munro 7

    Not sure what all the fuss is about frankly – Uffindell seems pretty middle of the road by Gnat standards – crude & stupid, charisma free, habitual bully, without the ghost of a conscience or a clue what public service is.

    This is the hill the Gnats mean to die on, let's give them a decent burial.

    • Mac1 7.1

      There's one fuss which will hopefully be clearer later today.

      I acknowledge that change can happen with young adolescents turning into acceptable adults or otherwise I would be denying my 40 years work as a teacher and facilitator.

      Uffindell has however denied the allegations made about his behaviour at Uni towards flat mates.

      The denial was made, not twenty years ago, but this year.

      If he lied, that would in my book mean he still lacked moral authority.

      What if the report is either unclear on those allegations or does not pronounce him clear of them?

      • Stuart Munro 7.1.1

        I'm sure the Gnats won't care.

        They won't care to further tarnish their alreay sordid reputations by letting the facts out unless it transpires that Uffindell is still a practicing axe-murderer. And the media will let them.

        • Mac1 7.1.1.1

          I think some care. A National MP rolled his eyes when Uffindell's name got mentioned at a meeting I was attending. I did not know what the news was at the stage and wondered why the eye roll. Was it at the poor publicity or at the allegations? This MP had already justifiably rolled the previous MP for poor performance, and here was yet another one……

          I would hope that you are wrong, Stuart, in saying they don't care, for no other reason that these same National MPs will at some stage get another turn. I'll be working to see that doesn't happen, but they'll get there.

          The wisdom is that governments are voted out rather than the opposition voted in. Labour will apply itself to minimising the negatives and promoting the very considerable achievements made on behalf of all.

          Otherwise, those who you so aptly describe- "crude & stupid, charisma free, habitual bully, without the ghost of a conscience or a clue what public service is"- sneak in.

          • Stuart Munro 7.1.1.1.1

            I wish it weren't so – but there is little or no hope for our society if we cannot get more constructive people into parliament.

            I live near the Ohau canals these days and cannot help but think:

            "Look on my works ye mighty, and despair

            – since Roger Douglas we've achieved sweet F-all."

            • Mac1 7.1.1.1.1.1

              Isn't Shelley saying that all political power is ephemeral? Shakespeare wrote in similar vein, as artists who take a longer view do-

              "The scepter, learning, physic, must

              All follow this, and come to dust."

              Like monuments, bodies, rods and orbs all do, as our poets knew and as we have seen recently, in Great Britain.

              The best we do is for now and we need the best people as politicians and leaders to enable us to live our best, now.

              What was left strewn yesterday on The Mall after the procession had passed was horse shit and roses………. for street sweepers to clean up after.

  7. woodart 8

    its obviously taken weeks to get the whitewash thick enough to stick and cover. anybody who has painted over flyshit on a ceiling knows that.

  8. observer 9

    The problem is going to be not so much the decision but (as ever) Luxon talking about it to the media.

    We can write the script in advance:

    Reporter: "What does the report say about what Uffindell has done?"

    Luxon: "Oh look, that's confidential, what I'm saying to you is, we front up and we move on …"

    Reporter: "But you're not fronting up, you're not telling us anything."

    Luxon: "Look, let me be clear, what I'm saying to you is …"

    (repeat indefinitely while eyes roll)

    • Bearded Git 9.1

      "What does the report say about what Uffindell has done?"

      Luxon in reply: "The problem is the Labour government which hasn't got a clue about how to deal with the cost of living crisis ….blah blah blah ad infinitum"

    • Anne 9.2

      @ observer
      laugh Gem.

  9. tsmithfield 10

    At the very worst, all Unfindell probably needs is some leadership training.

    Very hard for Labour to make much hay out of this, when it appears they are having their own issues with allegations of current bullying. Glass houses and all that…

    • observer 10.1

      Labour didn't make any hay, then or now. Check the reporting of Uffindell, from day one. Ardern quite explicit: not Labour's issue.

      Contrast Chris Bishop et al piling in on Sharma's side … and then rapidly retreating once it became clear he wasn't an ally they wanted. Oops.

      “Glass houses” is correct.

      • tsmithfield 10.1.1

        From a strategic point of view it probably made sense for National to amplify Labour's bullying allegations as much as possible due to the Ufindell issue still being in play. The idea being to demonstrate that bullying isn't something isolated to National, historic or otherwise, thus minimising Ufindell's own history.

      • Chris 10.1.2

        The hay they'll be able to make will be whenever national bellows its tough of youth crime line.

    • Incognito 10.2

      This is not a Labour Party or Government issue. It is a problem for, with, and by the National Party. Uffindell was selected and then more dirt rose to the surface, predictably, and the National Party went into panic mode (aka damage control) by hiring a QC and stalling for time, as usual (aka textbook response). The problem hasn’t gone away, only the latest dirt got swept under that bulging carpet under now Luxon’s feet. When you see the National Leader swaggering it is because there’s so much dirt buried under his carpet that he can’t walk or sit straight. There was even a book written about it and it was not for carpet cleaners.

      Your diversion troll tactics are going to fail (you) today.

      • tsmithfield 10.2.1

        National isn't the only party that has kicked for touch by sending an uncomfortable issue for legal review, I think you will find. So, just good strategy there.

        Just looking at how this has been played, rather than who is right or wrong, it seems to me that National has managed to reframe this as "a plague on both your houses" over the time of the review. So, that is the context the outcome will be viewed in.

        My personal view is that there needs to be a point where current behaviour outshines past transgressions. I have selected people for jobs on that basis, even though in a past life they may have had some serious issues. It all comes down to how historic the behaviour was, and how much, and how permanently the person has reformed in the meantime.

        • Incognito 10.2.1.1

          National can play its whataboutery tactics and you can think it is good strategy. However, it is not smart to apply the same diversion troll tactics here on TS, as you did. Stick to commenting on the OP, thanks.

          National Party strategy/policy against youth crime could do with some dose of your practical wisdom on people and past transgressions. That nuance and understanding seems to be lacking with National and I can’t see this improving, can you?

          • tsmithfield 10.2.1.1.1

            I am thinking strategy in an objective sense. If Labour did similar if the boot was on the other foot, I would still think it is an effective strategy, not necessarily “good” in a moral sense.

            Personally, I think a failure of the right is a bit of a knee jerk reaction towards crime. Being on the board of a trust that works in one of the lowest socio-economical areas of Christchurch has certainly impacted my views in that respect. None of these problems are as simple as "lock them up and throw away the key."

          • Tricledrown 10.2.1.1.2

            This shows if you are wealthy and break the law, no consequences if you are homeless and can’t afford a QC/KC you face a lifetime of consequences.National the Natural home of Bullies!

        • Craig H 10.2.1.2

          Not sure how that's kicking for touch. If someone is accused of unpleasant conduct which will have a potential impact on their employment and membership of a group, those accusations have to be investigated fairly. Appointing independent investigators happens all the time for bullying and other claims in employment – why and how would we expect National or Labour or any other political party to be different?

  10. AB 11

    He'll be in the clear unless something new and much more damaging has emerged. Last thing the Nats want is a drip-feed of new Uffindell victims popping out of the wooodwork.

    The process of clearing him will include "a review of our candidate selection policies" and "ensuring that our mentoring processes for new MPs are as robust as we believe them to be". Or some such guff. It's bollocks of course – character affects the political ideologies we are all attracted to and it can't be changed. (i.e. what Stuart said at 7 above)

    • tsmithfield 11.1

      A lot of it will come down to what he disclosed at the time of selection. I don't think any of us have full knowledge of that. But, if he has given adequate disclosure, and has been accepted on that basis, then the selection committee should take it on the chin if they got it wrong.

  11. kejo 12

    According to the photo National are least concerned about employment ,housing, and the environment

    • Muttonbird 12.1

      Social media meme right there. Do a big red/green arrow between the rosette and the four lonely blue dots next to Environment.

      "This is what National thinks of the environment."

    • woodart 13.1

      well, this is a surprise..not. but smart people will instantly see that this is a huuuge tactical blunder by the nats, as they have just let off a long term grenade in their tent. they now either have to swallow their tongues over reformed youth crime, or swallow their pride over bullying in the better (in)bred . either way he's a lame duck. if the lower classes had kept their mouths shut, this whole mess wouldnt have rattled the bone china.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 13.2

      And, the answer appears, unsurprisingly, to be "Yes"

      Belladonna, why "unsurprisingly“, in your opinion?

      • Belladonna 13.2.1

        Political management, mostly.

        I think, that if Luxon had had an inkling that the answer was 'no' (i.e. there had been lots more skeletons found in the closet by the QC), that Uffindell would have already 'resigned' to 'pursue other challenges' for the 'good of the Party'

        Announcing a result in the way it has been done pretty much presupposes that it's not a negative result (or at least not negative from the National perspective) Certainly all of the media signalling has not been 'blood in the water' go in for the kill – and they do get things leaked to them (not for attribution, of course)

        • Drowsy M. Kram 13.2.1.1

          I think, that if Luxon had had an inkling that the answer was 'no' (i.e. there had been lots more skeletons found in the closet by the QC), that Uffindell would have already 'resigned' to 'pursue other challenges' for the 'good of the Party'

          Does that mean you think Luxon had an inkling that the answer was 'yes', prior to the completion of Maria Dew KC's report?

          Was heartening to hear that Luxon believes "in forgiveness and second chances" –
          "Be kind" smiley

          • Belladonna 13.2.1.1.1

            No. I mean exactly what I said.

            I'm quite certain that Luxon (and/or the senior National Party team) were kept briefed under a 'no surprises' policy of any significant findings. [Just, as I'm equally certain that the Labour senior team were kept briefed about other inquiries relevant to Labour]

            There was no inkling that the answer was 'no' at any point.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 13.2.1.1.1.1

              I'm quite certain that Luxon (and/or the senior National Party team) were kept briefed under a 'no surprises' policy of any significant findings.

              Could you provide more info about this "'no surprises' policy' that you are "quite certain" ensured Luxon was "kept briefed" "of any significant findings" of Maria Dew KC's independent (and unexpectedly protracted) investigation?

              There was no inkling that the answer was 'no' at any point.

              Do you mean that Luxon had "no inkling that the answer was 'no' [i.e. that there are more skeletons in Uffindell's closet] at any point" (of the enquiry)?

              What might cause you, a self-declared "respectful centrist", to believe that Luxon had this “no inkling“? Surely it would have been prudent to keep an open mind prior to the (delayed) completion of the KC's independent report.

              • Really no point in discussing further.

                I gave an opinion. I don't have anything else to add.

                • Drowsy M. Kram

                  I gave an opinion. I don't have anything else to add.

                  Agreed, you gave an opinion – I’m just trying to make sense of it.

                  If you’re reluctant and/or unable to provide more info about the "'no surprises' policy' that you are "quite certain" ensured Luxon was "kept briefed" "of any significant findings" of Dew's protracted independent investigation, then I quite understand.

                  • I shall do better next time. And refrain from responding to you.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram

                      I shall do better next time.

                      Maybe you will, and maybe Uffindell's OK – we can all do better!

                      And refrain from responding to you.

                      Ah, the ol' "no comment" gambit – you're doing 'better' already smiley

                      Luxon not keen on Uffindell report seeing light of day
                      After refusing to release any details of an investigation into National MP Sam Uffindell, it seems Christopher Luxon would rather deal with a negative news cycle than throw sunlight on the reports’ findings.

                      It is almost impossible to form a view on whether National leader Christopher Luxon made the right call reinstating Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell back into his caucus.

                      While the independent report conducted by KC Maria Dew over the last five weeks concluded Uffindell “did not engage in the serious behaviour alleged in the media”, it is impossible to know what other behaviour may or may not have been raised during the investigation.

                      If the National Party truly believes Tauranga voters should have known about Uffindell’s past before casting their votes in June, then surely logic follows that they deserve to know why his name has now been cleared by the party.

            • Incognito 13.2.1.1.1.2

              Nope.

              Asked whether he’d been given a new finish date, Luxon said he had not been in contact with Maria Dew so as to ensure the process was “truly independent”.

              https://thespinoff.co.nz/live-updates/14-09-2022/national-leader-admits-frustration-over-delayed-uffindell-investigation

  12. observer 14

    No surprise there.

    Luxon always says "as the father of a daughter". He seems to think it sounds persuasive and relatable. I don't think he even understands how badly it comes across.

    He has just told "the father of a daughter" that his daughter's experience didn't happen.

  13. Re-run of Winston peters and I am happy being the MP for Tauranga. Not very impressed with Luxon not responding to whoever it was calling out to get a question in.

    Impressed, not in a good way though, by how like Muldoon Luxon is in mannerism and looks.

    Don't know what I think about the CE of the National Party, slick, smooth and hiding things.

    The less than stellar Nat candidate selection processes put this into the public arena…..people who should have known about Uffindell's declaration did not seem to. The comment I made earlier that in Luxon's office there seem to be a dearth of people who are encouraged to speak about the look or perception, still stands. perhaps that is not encouraged.

    Intrigued by the words ‘serious behaviour’…….the usual phrase is ‘serious misbehaviour’. Spin is evident.

    Uffindell does seem to lack judgement – having to reflect publicly on holding up a rosette before the report was in. I don't feel he would be judged as a safe pair of hands for the future.

  14. newsense 16

    Given there hypocrisy over this the party and MP deserve to be hounded. This is much worse than anything Winston Peters has done, yet look at his treatment.

    There are two issues: one is the behavior, but the most important seen here is the way at all steps in the process from the school to the selection to this report it has been covered for without genuine remorse, without genuine self awareness, without genuine desire to provide information to voters, be they public or party, and again to hide the report and rehabilitate once more with no public acknowledgment of the problem or any genuine hope that the party has heard or improved.

    If this is left by the media they are complicit in an elitist bullying culture and a racist forgiveness culture in which money buys prospects and outcomes at the time of reckoning.

    If they hear another National MP claptrap about families not having values and let it lie they are complicit in low standards and these transgressions. They fail poor youngsters at a time when across the country youth crime is down and the ‘tough on crime’ dog whistle is harmful and risks reversing great progress.

    Don’t let them get away with it. Culture review 2.0. Nothing to see.

  15. Tiger Mountain 17

    Nothing to see here! Uffindel Report to remain private, Selection Panel workings to remain confidential, staff member under the bus for not telling Mr Luxon, and Party President did not inform Mr Luxon either, about Mr Uffindel’s Candidate declaration about assaulting an individual with a group when at school.

    Which is a little mystifying given that we are told Sam Uffindel mentioned the assault in his declaration, others are then fingered for not passing this on, including Todd McClay, to what would be considered the appropriate people, and then nothing more from the selection process is to be known by the public.

    Nothing to see here!

  16. mary_a 18

    Luxon has reinstated Sam Uffindell.

    According to Luxon and the National President (can't remembet her name), there is not enough evidence to prove aggressive behaviour from him continued after high school, or during his uni days, despite claims to the contrary!

    The report will NOT be made public. Wonder why? I can smell the whitewash!

    Yet Uffindell did not apologise for his brutal behaviour until 20 years later. Obviously hoping it would be swept away into his dark past. A hint of deception? We will wait and see how he responds, when things don't go his way in politics.

    • Johnr 18.1

      Well knock me down with a feather. Why am I not surprised.

      What I find curious is that no discussion has surrounded the fact that Duffus was expelled and the other 3 participants were suspended. Which says to me that Duffus was the ring leader.

      Do the Natzos consider this a sign of leadership qualities.

  17. I don't understand why Luxon had to dismiss a question about the Nat response to youth crime by saying the issue of Uffindell and the issue of youth crime were being conflated.

    The question was exactly on point.

    It could have given rise to a welcome rejigging and reflection.

    The point is that when Uffindell offended he and his family had options and these options were open to him because his family had money. Money gives access to options. What do we do about young ones who offend who don't have those options? In Natland we obviously just throw them away.

    I cannot help but think that had the Nat 'lawgiver' Ralph Hanan been around he would have been able to work something in about youth crime that did not yield to this black and white view that is around now in the Nats.

    https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/5h6/hanan-josiah-ralph

  18. Muttonbird 20

    Luxo woulda got Jon Keys on the phone pronto. Find out what to do. Keysey woulda said, stare ‘em down and laugh in their faces.

  19. tsmithfield 21

    Fair result. People wanting to join any party should not be excluded on the basis of what they did when they were young and stupid, unless they are still young and stupid.

    And, it is rare for these types of reports to be released publicly. So no surprise that it wasn't. Amongst other things, there are considerations of privacy for those who have complained for a start.

    I can think of a number of high profile reports from both sides of the house that haven't been released. There is one particularly high profile report from a couple of years ago that wasn't released that I won't mention, in case it is viewed as trolling.

    • rod 21.1

      Your love and devotion to the National party is well documented, nothing to see here.

    • Nic the NZer 21.2

      What if they were young or stupid? And the case for young xor stupid?

    • Muttonbird 21.3

      Not fair to the person Ufindell beat with a chair leg, is it?

    • Incognito 21.4

      There’s a difference between making a relevant (political) point or argument in the context of a discussion thread and diversion trolling. If you must engage in whataboutery and theydidittoo then OM is your first and last port of call.

  20. Kat 22

    There is a general election in twelve months, lets see how the voters in blue rinse Tauranga respond, Uffindell could even increase his majority.

    • Bearded Git 22.1

      Kat-the election has to be held by 13 January 2024, so it could be as long as 16 months away, though more likely 15 months.

      • Belladonna 22.1.1

        While it's true, that it has to be held before then, it would be a truly extraordinary set of circumstances which would cause the Government to set an election date for December or January. September and October are the traditional months (absent snap elections, which we need not consider) – although Ardern might extend to November (which also has precedent – though not recently). As we're now in September, we're most probably 12, maybe 13 months out.

        • Muttonbird 22.1.1.1

          Getting a few more weeks of spring weather in before the election date would be an advantage for the the governing Labour Party.

        • Kat 22.1.1.2

          Barring natural earthly events out of human control Jacinda is bound to play it by the book with regards election date. Barring usual events of right wing grubby politics and media sycophancy Jacinda should remain the PM, whenever the exact election date.

          Hopefully Labour are prepared for the lies, disinformation, devious and relentless mud slinging to come………

        • Bearded Git 22.1.1.3

          What is wrong with an election in early December? That is 14.5 months away.

  21. Muttonbird 23

    Good to see Grant keep the message clear that the National Party are disrespectful and cynical. It's important to re-enforce this whenever they try pull a fast one.

    • Alan 23.1

      Great to see that labour is all in for co-governance etc. but “forgot” to mention that during the election campaign , transparent as mud.
      Fast one doesn’t even begin to describe it.

      • Shanreagh 23.1.1

        Warning: includes/sarc later in the post. .

        Not sure why co-governance is mentioned in the Uffindell thread. Perhaps 23.1 and my response 23.1.1 should go to OM

        Co-governance as a concept and reality has been around for many years starting in earnest in modern times with various treaty settlements where land was handed back to Maori, then handed over to a new body to administer with Maori having a place on the administering bodies, challenges by the NZ Maori Council to some of the actions proposed by various neo-lib govts in the 1980s/90s. It has also been implemented in the Maori ward concepts in local govts.

        Even before many Treaty settlements Maori co governance had been a fact in say some of the administration of areas such as National Parks, then region-wide National Parks and Reserves Boards.

        So just because you had not heard of co governance did not mean it was not happening. As it was already happening and had been for many years in some cases one could ask why it needed to be something mentioned in an election manifesto?

        Now if you had said the Three Waters concept and the bringing of this back under closer scrutiny by central govt had possibly not been explicitly mentioned then I might have agreed with you. Though some of the water and sewage woes that seemed to be compounding (Havelock North, Wellington, ageing infrastructure and poor water quality readings in many local auth water supplies) would have meant, to an astute or big picture observer, that something had to be done.

        But no……you are happy to be thought to be lacking in knowledge and dog-whistle to cover it.

        Funny you should mention mud as we are coming up for the yearly edition of that long running Southland saga called 'Mud Farming' where we see breath taking shots of cows up to their knees in mud and eating baleage or winter crops etc as well as heart breaking shots of the same cows giving birth to calves also while knee deep in mud. That is the kind of mud we should ban rather than fretting about some thing like co-governance that has been with us in various forms for many years.

        Rushes outside, its dark but I can see that the sky has not fallen even though we have had forms of co-governance.

    • Finn McCool 23.2

      Grant should have kept his mouth shut. If you can't understand why, you will when we lose the election.

  22. This does not show the KC in a very good light

    • Shanreagh 25.1

      Probably had the tightest brief you could imagine together with the most rigid definition of 'bullying' and what constituted concerning events It must have been rigid if it could dismiss a person saying that they were scared/frightened/concerned when there were loud voices and bashing of doors in a flat so bad they had to lock the door, get out the window, ring the parent and never go back to the flat again.

      There will have been to-ing and fro-ing I am picking between legal people in Nats and the KC. The KC would need to be able to satisfy themselves they could investigate against the brief as written. Then there is the discussions after a draft was put forward, some would even discuss prior to a draft even being written to alert those who paid for the investigation that this was the thinking.

      That they have been able to dismiss the Otago flat incident points to an investigation that had a tight definition of bullying possibly involving violence, then asked someone to see if other later events matched this. Of course they would not, they only showed an out of control person doing scary things.

      Of course the failure and the sad thing for Uffindell and him being the fall guy, despite the report, is that the blame for the shock, horror lies elsewhere in the Nats with those who did not alert those who needed to know of what Uffindell had said and the implications it might have had.

      What amazes me, and I am all for giving a person a second go is that Uffindell, even with these possible character flaws or things to give selectors 'pause' was still found to be the best of the four runners for the position. What were the others like? Perhaps their skeletons were worse though this is hard to imagine.

  23. OK… Scottish decision. "Not Proven "… He will be closely watched by his own and us

  24. observer 29

    Everything you need to know about National in one perfect sentence:

    Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller said Maria Dew’s report had “vindicated” Uffindell, but he said he hadn’t seen her report or its executive summary.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129935278/national-mps-werent-shown-sam-uffindell-report-or-summary

    • Sacha 29.1

      Trust me.

      Although Dew has not responded to questions about her investigation, Luxon said she was comfortable with the way his party was portraying it.

      “All the statements that Sylvia, myself and Sam read out yesterday were actually all run through Maria Dew as well. They were a faithful representation, and she was comfortable we were communicating the findings of her report,” he said.

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  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

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