Heatley story full of holes

Written By: - Date published: 7:10 am, February 26th, 2010 - 84 comments
Categories: national/act government, parliamentary spending, spin - Tags: ,

I’ll try just sticking to the observable facts of the Heatley affair, rather than relying on any of the Nats’ word on events that took place out of the public eye in the lead up to his resignation.

Phil Heatley is adament he didn’t resign for misusing his ministerial credit card. He says the problem is that he signed off on a claim for beverage and food (a claim that incidentally was against the rules, but that’s by the by) but he didn’t, in fact, buy any food. He claims that he sees that as a resigning offence. Come on, pull the other one. ‘Food and beverages’ is a category that covers booze. The expense falls in that category. No minister is going to resign for describing a trivial expense in a perfectly legitimate, or at worst trivially inaccurate, way.

And Heatley and John Key have conflicting stories about how this ‘issue’ was discovered – Heatley says he found it, Key says a reporter brought it to his office.

There’s clearly something else at play. But I don’t think this was planned by the National hierarchy. Key would not have flown to Christchurch only to suddenly turn around and fly back if he had expected Heatley to resign.

That very strongly suggests that as of last night and early in the morning Key didn’t think Heatley was resigning.

I think we need to look at Heatley’s performance. His press conference was clearly being managed by the hierarchy. Heatley isn’t a good liar and throughout the four minute press conference, until Chris Tremain and Simon Power held him by the shoulder and bundled him out the door, I got the overwhelming impression that Heatley was lying and he knew it. Heatley looked like a condemned man at a show trial, reading the false confession his executioners had prepared for him.

But if Heatley was going to be forced to resign because of some other reason why didn’t he either admit that reason or, given the Nats’ love of secrecy, simply claim he was resigning over his misuse of the ministerial credit card?

I think this is where we get to the heart of the issue. If Heatley has resigned because of what is essentially his theft of taxpayer money for private use with his ministerial credit card, then Brownlee would be on the chopping block for the same behaviour, and Brownlee is like English – too important to lose.

So here’s my theory. Heatley, tender soul that he is, agonised over the ministerial card issue and decided to do what would be expected in similar circumstances in a business and what would have been automatic not so long ago for a minister – he decided to resign.

The problem from National’s perspective with that was that Brownlee would be under serious pressure to resign too. Initially, on Wednesday night, Key tried to talk Heatley out of it and had a three hour crisis meeting with Bill English. Thinking it was under control, Key went to Christchurch.

But then Heatley decided he wanted to resign after all. What National needed was a reason for Heatley to resign that wasn’t the misuse of the credit cards, something that wouldn’t implicate Brownlee. And so we got the farce we saw yesterday. I think the whole thing over the receipt and maybe even getting the Auditor-General to investigate his other expenses is a distraction.

That’s my theory, anyway. Any other ideas?

Labour will have to pursue this to dig out the truth. Because, as with Richard Worth, it’s clear that National has no intention of being open with the public.

On that note, the Right is desperately spinning this as some example of high standards. What a laugh. It’s not a high standard to resign for not doing anything wrong, it’s a farce. If this is the bar then most of the Cabinet should be gone for actual sackable offences:

  • Heatley and Gerry Brownlee should have resigned when they were caught breaking the rules for using ministerial credit cards.
  • Bill English, Heatley, Murray McCully, Tim Groser, and Anne Tolley should have resigned for rorting the housing allowance (I notice that a number of ministers still have very big expense claims in that area).
  • Judith Collins, Heatley, Tolley, Rodney Hide, Simon Power, and Wayne Mapp should have resigned for breaking the rules on spousal flights.
  • Jonathan Coleman should have resigned for covering up Melissa Lee’s NZ on Air rip-off.
  • Hide and Heather Roy should resign for charging for appearing at events as ministers, in contravention of the rules.
  • English should resign for getting TVNZ to make him a political ad.
  • And Tolley and Paula Bennett should be sacked for sheer bloody incompetence.

Of course, the only ones who have gone are Richard Worth for reasons Key won’t tell us and Heatley under an obviously false pretext.

No, we didn’t see a new and bizarre age of ministerial standards yesterday. We saw a cover-up.

84 comments on “Heatley story full of holes ”

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  1. wyndham 1
    26 February 2010 at 7:57 am

    Is it not just possible that Mr. Heatley simply “wanted out” of his ministerial responsibilities and the expenses incident has provided both he and the PM with a convenient let out ? Whilst not a good look, it is preferable to admitting that he cannot handle the job.

    The haggard features and the tears at the time of his public apology bore all the signs of a man under extreme pressure. Far more that would be occasioned by cheating over the cost of a couple of bottles of wine.

    • Marty G 1.1
      26 February 2010 at 8:03 am

      Yeah. that’s not lightyears away from my theory.

      The problem is if he wanted out why didn’t he resign over what he actually did wrong – spending taxpayer money on private use – rather than something that isn’t even wrong – categorising a wine purchase as ‘food and beverages’?

      • the sprout 1.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 8:11 am

        Or indeed if he he just wanted out, why not just resign before rather than go through this embrassment and look like you’re resigning over one misdeamenour?

        It doesn’t add up.

    • toad 1.2
      26 February 2010 at 8:36 am

      Whilst not a good look, it is preferable to admitting that he cannot handle the job.

      By that reasoning, I would expect considerable scrutiny of Anne Tolley’s expenses to be going on at the moment.

  2. vto 2
    26 February 2010 at 8:06 am

    My theory is that it is the usual bullshit emanating out of the beehive. The full story and all reasons are never explained. There were countless of them during Clark’s time, and before that, and it is simply the horrid tradition continuing. I roll my eyes.

    Politicians will hence continue to occupy the lower rungs of respectables.

  3. greenfly 3
    26 February 2010 at 8:08 am

    Let’s hear from Gerry now, shall we?

    Gerry? Your turn to air some linen.

    Fat chance!

    • tim 3.1
      6 March 2010 at 11:36 pm

      Gerry’s linen is still in the wash! But standby, it’s on the spin cycle as I type

  4. infused 4
    26 February 2010 at 8:08 am

    I actually think he’s legit. I haven’t seen any other person as sincere as Heatley. I could be wrong, but I really don’t see anything going on here.

    • the sprout 4.1
      26 February 2010 at 8:12 am

      Then that would just make it a massive error of judgement.

      • infused 4.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 8:13 am

        He seems like the person to make a masive error or judement. Letting his emotions take over

        • Marty G 4.1.1.1
          26 February 2010 at 8:17 am

          Apart from the fact that there’s nothing wrong in characterising two bottles of wine as ‘food and beverage’ (remember, this is totally separate from the issue of misusing the card for private use) there’s also the problem that Key and Heatley provided different explanations of how the ‘error’ was discovered

          • infused 4.1.1.1.1
            26 February 2010 at 8:23 am

            After 5yrs in business, I think I’ve only just got a handle on everything I can claim on correctly.

            Maybe I’m a slow learner.

            • Marty G 4.1.1.1.1.1
              26 February 2010 at 8:47 am

              Did you ever charge wine and holidays for your private use to your work account?

              There’s understanding the technicalities and there’s understanding the basics.

        • IrishBill 4.1.1.2
          26 February 2010 at 8:19 am

          Which would beg the question, who the hell thought he should be a minister?

  5. Eric C. 5
    26 February 2010 at 8:20 am

    There are many unanswered questions about why this whole story was mismanaged by John Key.

    For example, if the Dom Post got the documents under the OIA why didn’t Key make the ministers payback the misspent funds before the papers were sent to the Dom Post? That would have kept it from getting any momentum with the follow up “he will pay it back” and “he has paid it back” stories. I mean, it is not like the story came out of a leak. They gave the information out and had plenty of time to plan how to manage the story.

    I reckon once again, Key and his mates didn’t think they had done anything wrong until they saw what the Dom Post was going to publish. Rules and laws are for someone else not them.

  6. pollywog 6
    26 February 2010 at 8:43 am

    It would be nice to think a poltician had a crisis of conscience to do the right thing but i just dont have that much faith in them.

    It does however seem Cheatley was on the slippery rort slide and maybe that dishonesty was getting to him. Now if someone could get him alone, tug the heartstrings and get him to whistleblow on the culture of disingenuousness within parliament, that would be choice !

  7. the sprout 7
    26 February 2010 at 8:57 am

    I wonder who shared the various dinners and bottles of wine with Heatley?
    I understand one of them says ‘Phil Heatley and Wife’.
    I suppose if it wasn’t actually Heatley’s wife at the time that could be problematic for him.

    • Lanthanide 7.1
      26 February 2010 at 10:24 am

      sprout – the particular wine for “Phil Heatly and spouse” was at the National party conference. That is, official party business where everyone would have seen him, so he wouldn’t have been there with some other women.

      It is possible that other spending could’ve been as you suggest, but the particular instance of ‘2 bottles of wine marked as food and beverages’ is above board.

    • Lanthanide 7.2
      26 February 2010 at 10:26 am

      sprout – the particular instance with the 2 bottles of wine charged as ‘food and beverage’ were from the National party conference. That is, an official party function where he definitely would not be seen with a woman other than his wife.

      Other spending could have been with someone else, but this particular instance is above board.

  8. luva 8
    26 February 2010 at 8:59 am

    It is depressing that this government is looking like they will have the same strike rate as the last sorry bunch.

    They obviously don’t have a corrupt minister amongst them like a certain TPF. But I am dissapointed that my high hopes for them in this area are not being realised.

    • r0b 8.1
      26 February 2010 at 9:31 am

      They obviously don’t have a corrupt minister amongst them like a certain TPF

      Mmmmm, yes, obviously.

      • luva 8.1.1
        27 February 2010 at 1:36 am

        r0b

        When was a National minister or former National minister questioned by the authorities in respect of corruption, charged in respect of corruption or convicted of corruption?

  9. pollywog 9
    26 February 2010 at 9:03 am

    Yup, marital impropriety and tearful confession. That’s always good for a laugh. Let’s fookin ave it !

  10. Anne 10
    26 February 2010 at 9:37 am

    I say MARTY G is bang on!
    It makes sense. Note that as soon as questions became tricky the minders removed Heatley. Scared he would contradict the agreed version of events? Of course. The mess is more an indictment of John Key and his sloppy management style. But of course Jo and Mary Bloggs would have watched him on TV last night and thought… gosh, he’s a good man isn’ he.

  11. Craig Glen Eden 11
    26 February 2010 at 9:53 am

    I’m sorry but I don’t believe that he resigned over two bottles of wine being classified as food and beverages.
    This is also not some new standard otherwise Key has no cabinet.They are covering for sure.

    Heatley is acting as far as I am concerned, I mean seriously all those emotions and heart felt expressions of “I am really sorry please please for give me”
    For what, maybe for driving dangerously maiming or killing ( manslaughter) someone, sexual indiscretion, or He is not coping in the job and he needs to resign because someone close to him is dying or his marriage is on the rocks would all be reasons that you would go, Ok fair enough he should be sorry or ok poor blokes under a lot of personal and work stress, so needs a brake.

    I don’t buy this, Heatley either knows far worse is going to be exposed or there is something else they need a distraction for.

  12. coolas 12
    26 February 2010 at 10:07 am

    ‘Error in judgement’ seems the catch phrase for Heatly. And no doubt a few more errors will emerge. But if his sloppy use of c/cards is indicative of his work ethic the guy must have been muffing his portfolio’s and the emotional wreck we saw on TV is a man way stressed and out of his depth.

    Makes me wonder how well supported he was. Seems he didn’t talk to Key before resigning. Strange. Helen was a micro-manager calling her Ministers on a daily basis (except Cullen). Is Key so macro Ministers are running alone? If so I reckon Heatly just couldn’t cope with both the job and the lifestyle a Crown Minister assumes.

    He was close to a melt-down, knew it, and got out before the shit hit the fan.

    • Pascal's bookie 12.1
      26 February 2010 at 10:16 am

      Makes me wonder how well supported he was.

      NBR (private bin pge 43) says Heatley went for a chat with Gerry on Wed.

      Gerry was “less than sympathetic to his cabinet colleague blubbering”.

      • coolas 12.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 10:40 am

        Thanks Pascal. Makes more sense than the 2 bottles. So strengthens the reason Heatly resigned was because he was on the brink of a meltdown and unsupported by colleagues; Key too busy taking photo ops, English unapproachable, and Gerry unsympathetic.

  13. Brett Dale 13
    26 February 2010 at 10:29 am

    Where is the story of Phil Goff spending 70 Thousand dollars on limos?

  14. Lanthanide 14
    26 February 2010 at 10:31 am

    According to Matthew Hooten on the radio this morning, there are 2 aspects that should be considered:

    1. It seems he continued using his CC in a bad way, even after being warned and told to stop. So continued errors is a bit more embarassing here. Contrast with Brownlee who only had the single $150 lunch to reimburse. Also Hooten said that Brownlee’s lunch was for ‘his whole staff’, which sounds like at least 6-7 people, so $150 isn’t an amazingly expensive amount for that many people.

    2. Heatly may have wanted to avoid the spotlight from the media and the opposition for the next couple of months, who would bring this up repeatedly. By resigning (and being re-appointed by Key pending AG report), he can avoid all of this, and in the long-run come out looking better than his peers.

  15. Akldnut 15
    26 February 2010 at 10:31 am

    He chose the wrong vocation, with sensitivity like that he should have been a family crisis phone operator

    I don’t buy into the pathetic line thats being used, they’re treating the public like idiots which is nothing unusual for this govt. They’re just following on from the precedent they set at the last election by putting it over on Joe public with spin.

    My theory is that he could see the writing on the wall and didn’t want to be on the front line when the public realises that is this government is full of bullshit and gives them the sack next year.

    OK rant finished.

  16. Brett Dale 16
    26 February 2010 at 10:40 am

    Lanthanide:

    Thanks for the link.

    Very suprised that the open and always honest and never bias writers of the standard, arent screaming for Goff to resign.

    Heck a Politican in a position of power ripping off the tax payer, is their worst nightmare, oh hang on its their guy so they will shut up and say nothing.

    • lprent 16.1
      26 February 2010 at 10:52 am

      Just so long as John Key resigns for the SAME reason. His bill for limos was much the same…

      Brett – don’t be such a fool. There are people doing the business of governing the country (including the PM and the leader of the opposition) who require transport around a lot of different cities. They need to be driven because that allows them time to read the volumes of material that gets shunted at them all of the time or do phone calls.

      The real story here is that the cost of those limo’s is too damn high. Taxi’s look a lot cheaper.

      • chris 16.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 2:46 pm

        DPF makes a salient point on this today though. the “cost” is mainly for accounting reasons rather than actual cost.

        • lprent 16.1.1.1
          26 February 2010 at 3:01 pm

          Yeah, but presumably the ‘prices’ are based on something.

          1. some kind of cost accounting basis related to the cost of running the service

          2. costs of alternative ways of running the service.

          Otherwise it really makes little sense to have a nominal charge..

    • Armchair Critic 16.2
      26 February 2010 at 10:55 am

      Or it could it be that no one can point to how the spending was outside the rules? Stretching that point, maybe that is because the spending wasn’t outside the rules and was actually part of his role as leader of the opposition.
      Or maybe you know something that no one else does, in which case you should put up the evidence.

  17. Anne 17
    26 February 2010 at 10:42 am

    This whole debacle comes across like a scene from “The Godfather”.
    And the wingnuts claimed that HC and co. were control freaks. They were pussies compared to this lot! 😀

  18. Brett Dale 18
    26 February 2010 at 11:23 am

    Iprent.

    7O Thousand dollars in three months on Limos?

    If this was a National MP you would be furious, so would all your posters here.

    You guys try to say here that you have a high standard unlike the bias press, but your just as bad.

    Its one standard for one group of MP’s and one for another.

    He should of taxied.

    • Lanthanide 18.1
      26 February 2010 at 11:45 am

      You should try reading the article a bit more closely before you make such rash pronouncements:

      “Mr Key’s VIP car bill for the last three months of 2009 paid by Ministerial Services was $56,769”
      “The total for all ministers was $707,851.”

      Also the correct phrase is “should have”.

      • lprent 18.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 11:56 am

        I don’t think that he read the article… He was making a story.

        • Lanthanide 18.1.1.1
          26 February 2010 at 12:01 pm

          Actually now that I’d re-read his post, it is completely full of grammatical errors, not just “should of”.

          I wonder if he realises that he is only making himself look stupid?

        • Kevin Welsh 18.1.1.2
          26 February 2010 at 1:18 pm

          Don’t worry lp, Brett’s speciality is making up stories.

    • the sprout 18.2
      26 February 2010 at 11:48 am

      So why do you reckon Heatley resigned Bretty?
      Covering up for something much worse maybe?
      Will other National ministers hold themselves to such high standards you reckon Bretty?

  19. weizguy 19
    26 February 2010 at 11:52 am

    Did Key Taxi when he was leader of the opposition? If not, why should Goff?

  20. Herodotus 20
    26 February 2010 at 12:13 pm

    I am concerned that with this new regime and the disclosure “we” are being side tracted to wwhat are minor issues (If what is stated by all to be true) Does this not display our immaturity to some matters. I am sure that in the past things like this occurred but we the public remainded unaware. If there is something more sinister then fine to continue this. I will be surprised if this goes on much longer what actions taken by Lab will be exposed and we will be feed a continual diet of crap we all will be infected with Leptospira. Which will just allow all to sit back and condem the other side for their behaviour of justify our actions by they did it as well.
    Perhaps this was planned to divert us from minor issues as ACC or some other bill just passed?

  21. Doug 21
    26 February 2010 at 12:43 pm

    Phil Heatley’s expenses pale into Insignificants compared to Phil Goff’s $89,454 spend for no gain in the polls.

    [lprent: Link? That is a figure that I haven’t seen yet. ]

  22. Seti 22
    26 February 2010 at 1:04 pm

    Goff’s limo bill equates to approx $780 per day…every day…including weekends…for three months.

    What a disgrace!

    [lprent: And you’ve also calculated what John Keys daily cost is? ]

  23. Bill 23
    26 February 2010 at 1:24 pm

    Couldn’t help but notice Heatley says he failed to live up to his own standards (twice)…not that he failed to live up to the standards expected of him by the government.

    So we can assume that his standards would represent a bar being a tad high for his thieving and rorting cabinet colleagues. Not that he wants to drop them in it, their standards are theirs. So out comes the desperate wine excuse and an unnecessary auditors report in the making that will keep the press from asking any questions during the time it takes for everything to be quietly forgotten.

  24. Brett Dale 24
    26 February 2010 at 1:34 pm

    So you guys are okay with Goff’s limo bill.

    • Lanthanide 24.1
      26 February 2010 at 2:04 pm

      It does seem a bit high.

      However your point is that no one has posted an article on The Standard about it because it was ‘our man’ who did it, and if any of National’s ministers had done the same, we’d be jumping up and down.

      Turns out that Key spent almost as much as Goff did, and the total for all ministers is 700k. As there is no post on The Standard about this issue as yet, it is clear that your claim is in fact, wrong.

      • Seti 24.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 2:14 pm

        Goff spent 22% more than Key. You would think with the number of official engagements the PM is expected to attend it would be the other way round, and then some.

        If Goff is a true socialist he would have caught the bus.

        • Lanthanide 24.1.1.1
          26 February 2010 at 2:45 pm

          Actually Key probably spends more time in the beehive than Goff would, and he probably also spent more time on holiday in Hawaii.

          • Adders 24.1.1.1.1
            26 February 2010 at 3:04 pm

            John Key also spent more on VIP cars when he was Leader of the Opposition than the Prime Minister at the time Helen Clark did.

  25. Brett Dale 25
    26 February 2010 at 1:36 pm

    wizeguy:

    Im not sure about what mode of Transport Key used?

    Howe can Goff claim any credibility when he limoed everywhere.

    He SHOULD HAVE used a Taxi.

    • Bright Red 25.1
      26 February 2010 at 2:23 pm

      brett. They’re not limos. They’re the Crown BMWs that ministers and the leader of the opposition have for use in their official duties.

  26. Brett Dale 26
    26 February 2010 at 1:39 pm

    the sprout:

    Heatly resigned because he was corrupt, it wasnt an accident he knew what he was doing and he got caught.

    There may be more to it, there may not be.

    I’m guessing Goff will just giggle his corruption off.

    His fanbase of course will forgive him.

    • Bright Red 26.1
      26 February 2010 at 2:22 pm

      Brett. there is no corruption in using the vip cars to do your job.

      You can’t confuse amount of spending with legitimacy of spending.

      Moreover, the increase in Goff’s VIP car costs is due to back charges for a change in costing that took place in the previous quarter.

  27. sean14 27
    26 February 2010 at 2:02 pm

    If he drowns he’s not a witch!

  28. Brett Dale 28
    26 February 2010 at 2:15 pm

    sean14:

    That makes sense?

    • Bright Red 28.1
      26 February 2010 at 2:20 pm

      it’s monty python, brett

      • Outofbed 28.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 2:27 pm

        Sir Bedevere: No, no. What else floats in water?
        Peasant 1: Bread.
        Peasant 2: Apples.
        Peasant 3: Very small rocks.
        Peasant 1: Cider.
        Peasant 2: Gravy.
        Peasant 3: Cherries.
        Peasant 1: Mud.
        Peasant 2: Churches.
        Peasant 3: Lead! Lead!
        King Arthur: A Duck.
        Sir Bedevere: …Exactly. So, logically…
        Peasant 1: If she weighed the same as a duck… she’s made of wood.
        Sir Bedevere: And therefore…
        Peasant 2: …A witch!

    • Puddleglum 28.2
      26 February 2010 at 2:48 pm

      Hi Brett,

      In keeping with the non-partisan, politically neutral spirit you profess, I’d like to ask if you post a similar number of comments on Kiwiblog, or some other politically right-leaning blog, to the effect that they don’t post stories critical of National and Act New Zealand MPs’ behaviour and restrict themselves to highlighting the failings of Labour and Green MPs? If not, why not? (Before you answer, I’d advise you to think carefully about the line of argumentation I’m using within these questions. You might recognise it.)

  29. BLiP 29
    26 February 2010 at 2:26 pm

    Definitely something fishy: there one minute – gone the next.

    Perhaps he just simply was an incompetent bestr shuffled off to the sidelines to obscure news of yet another chunk of New Zealand’s 100% Pure brand going down the toilet?

  30. Brett Dale 30
    26 February 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Bright Red:

    Sorry my IQ is less than 175 so I dont get Monty Python.

  31. Brett Dale 31
    26 February 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Bright Red:

    He used Limo’s for pete’s sake instead of using taxis, which would of saved Tax payer dollars.

    70 thousand dollars in three months????

    That’s outrageous!!!

    But no one here seems to care, because hes one of your guys.

    • Lanthanide 31.1
      26 February 2010 at 2:48 pm

      He used Limo\’s for pete’s sake instead of using taxis, which would of saved Tax payer dollars.

      56 thousand dollars in three months????

      That’s outrageous!!!

      But you don’t seem to care, because hes one of your guys.

      • RedLogix 31.1.1
        26 February 2010 at 8:13 pm

        What of course everyone is overlooking is that these costs are of course internal charge out rates. I’d be surprised if the real costs approach anywhere near these numbers (but I’m open to being convinced otherwise). Is someone in Parliamentary Services using this service as a cash-cow to cross-subsidise something else under-budgeted?

        Knowing a bit about how PS operates I’d speculate there was something a little hokey going on here.

    • Tongue 31.2
      26 February 2010 at 11:21 pm

      Correct me if I’m way out of line, but arent the ‘Limos’ are owned by the Govt? And are ‘leased’ out to Ministers only in theory? The only real cost of the limo’s is the drivers salary and fuel.
      Its a money-go-round. $70,000 in limo costs paid by the Govt, for limos already owned by the Govt?

  32. winston smith 32
    26 February 2010 at 2:33 pm

    it’s monty python, brett

    Eyupp… much like this website.

    I see the left is still struggling with the concepts of ministerial responsibility and integrity.

    [lprent: Apparently so is Heatley. Brownlee and others appear to wonder what the fuss is about from troughing it at the taxpayers expense. If you’re going to write something then I suggest that you actually say something rather than some stupid lines. It makes you look even thicker than you probably actually are. Looks like you’ll be staying in moderation for a while. You seem to be a slow learner. ]

  33. notTim 33
    26 February 2010 at 2:41 pm

    hey brett, run away back to your national party kiwibog, your diversion here is getting boring and predictable. Why not send over your colleague ‘dad-with-4-personalities’ instead, at least he is ‘funny’..

    [lprent: I’ve never seen Brett or a personality like him in my excursions reading at KB. He doesn’t seem the type. I suspect you are mistaken. ]

  34. Lew 34
    26 February 2010 at 2:47 pm

    I think the proof that Brett doesn’t read the Bog is in the fact that he has absolutely no freaking idea that the $70k quoted for Goff’s limo services is a nominal internal-charge sunk-cost figure only — as David has made crystal clear and even the most misinformed Bogster knows.

    L

  35. Brett Dale 35
    26 February 2010 at 2:49 pm

    Ive voted Labour all my life, except for the last election. Im a huge fan of Obama, (a lefty)

    My views are always centre left.

    One thing I hate is hypocrites.

    I said it many times this site is like Faux News, you critize politicans on one side for certain behaviour, but let the guys on your side, slide by.

    Just once I would like to see some honesty, I anit holding my breath though.

    BTW: I dont post at kiwiblog and have no idea who dad-with-4-personalities is.

  36. the pinkpostman 36
    26 February 2010 at 3:08 pm

    The whole Heatley affair stinks of something very bad.
    The immediate resignation makes one wonder what he did not want bought out. The swift Tory sleaze machines quick reaction trying to put Goff in a bad situation spells out that something big is being covered up.Both Key and Brownlee look very uncomfortable over this strange episode .
    The other aspect of all this is how much longer are the public going to accept this governments sleazy actions. We’ve had rent rorts , share ownership cover ups ,” The Worth” affair ,on and on it goes , how much longer can smilling Key fool the people .

  37. SD 37
    26 February 2010 at 3:27 pm

    The headlines are saying it now. “Heatly repeatedly warned about spending” so there must be more to it. More spending.

    It’s sad that there are still some politicians out there that have that “If I keep quiet then hopefuly no one will find out, but when they do I just plead ignorance” mentality.

    I agree with some commentators on this page that it most likely goes back through previous governments too, not just this lot.

  38. Roger Wakefield 38
    28 February 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Question: Do Heatley’s high standards only kick in when he’s caught out? Or does his moral compass need boxing?

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  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    1 day ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    1 day ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    1 day ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    1 day ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    2 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
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    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
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    2 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
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    2 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
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    3 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
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    3 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
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    3 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
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    3 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
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    3 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
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    3 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
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    4 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
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    4 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
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    4 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
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    4 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
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    4 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
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    5 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
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    5 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
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    6 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
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    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
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    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
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    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
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    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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