Hosking, Henry and Media Bias

Written By: - Date published: 8:35 am, August 18th, 2015 - 187 comments
Categories: john key, Media, national, same old national, slippery, spin, Steven Joyce, twitter, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags: ,

Mike Hosking biased

John Key and National has always appeared to be on the leading edge of understanding and manipulating public opinion.  But it seems that something of a tsunami has erupted and Key’s most trusted media supporters are being denigrated for their bias.  And his judgment appears to be totally calculating and nothing to do with what is actually happening.

Yesterday Winston Peters raised the issue in this column where he said that Hosking was a “National Party Stooge” and he suggested that the cost of Hosking’s show should count against National’s electoral advertising.  His conclusion was that Mr Hosking’s jowls are up the Prime Minister’s cheeks.  Ouch.

The Labour Party and the Green Party chimed in.  Andrew Little said that Hosking made “no attempt at objectivity,” and  Shaw said it was pretty obvious that Hosking was biased and there was not any balancing voices with the same reach.

Raybon Kan summarises it very well in a single tweet:

The problem is the overwhelming sense of media bias you get from any interaction with current media.  For instance yesterday’s concerns about Hosking’s clear bias were met with this Stuff headline:

Hosking headline

Of course he would say that.  Can you imagine him agreeing with the suggestion that Hosking was biased?  But the poll suggests that Key is clearly on the wrong side of public opinion on this occasion.

Meanwhile National continue to do what they always do and attack the intelligent dissenting voices prepared to raise their heads above the parapet and say that things have to change.  This recent twitter exchange between Rod Oram and Steven Joyce shows clearly what happens when you criticise this Government.  Oram is one of the most thoughtful analytical commentators we have and Joyce views this analysis as evidence of bias just because Oram disagrees with what the Government is doing.

I expect Paul Henry to do what he does and attack every left wing progressive idea presented to him.  But I am still flummoxed that Television New Zealand, the state broadcaster, should choose to employ someone who does not have the decency to hide his clearly right wing views.

This is serious stuff.  It is all to do with our future and our democracy and the insistence of the right that they twist the rules so that they tilt the playing field to their favour so that they can retain as much power as possible.

There has to be a better way.  The State owned Television Channel insisting on some notion political balance would be a very good start.

Update:  Mike Hosking has responded in the Herald.  The article contains this passage:

He said any links between him being a National Party stooge and an article on dairy prices he wrote last week for the NZ Herald were non-existent.

“I didn’t even mention the National Party at all because the two issues are not related,” Hosking said.

He misses the point.  It is not that on the basis of one particular article there is evidence of his bias, it is because of a continuous mode of behaviour there is evidence of his bias.

187 comments on “Hosking, Henry and Media Bias ”

  1. Sacha 1

    The ‘state-owned’ thing is a red herring. All broadcasting licenses come with obligations. Media used to regard its civic role as the ‘4th estate’ as important. They also got legal protections and privileged access in exchange for holding the powerful to account on behalf of the public.

    If media owners and producers and editors no longer want to uphold professional standards around balance and truth, then let’s strip those privileges and protections. They can gather and publish their reckons like anyone else.

    • mickysavage 1.1

      Agreed Sacha. I mentioned Television New Zealand because if the Government cannot insist that the state owned television channel shows independence then there is no hope for any other channel.

      • tc 1.1.1

        Stop insisting and legislate to enshrine independance like the ABC/SBS in OZ, it fought a charter so don’t give it a choice and bend it to your will which is a weakness of labour who pussyfoot about expecting to be obeyed…wake up !

    • Draco T Bastard 1.2

      +1

      If all they’re going to do is gossip publicly then they should not have the protections extended to journalists as they aren’t journalists.

  2. Lanthanide 2

    Radio NZ’s new ‘drive-time’ show with John Campbell will be simulcast, I believe on the internet, like the Paul Henry morning radio show is by media works.

    I expect this is RadioNZ putting their toes into the water of their long-stated wish to set up a public TV station.

    Once the government changes, I expect this is something the left will support and throw money at.

    This is where TVNZ 7 ultimately could have gone. I suspect National knew this, and that is why they chose to shut the television station down – exercising their fascistic need to control the media under the veil of “commercial reality”.

    • tc 2.1

      Gut TVNZ and use that, good facilities across NZ (the ones not sold off to casinos etc) and you’d leave a channel delivering content via the transmission facilities currently used for TV1/TV2 so coro st emmerdale etc all stay and WTF is all that content gifted to SKY’s now defunct Heartland.

      TVNZ is a disgrace with and needs to be transformed into a useful public service rather than allowed to descend further into celebrity strip sex snooker darts on Ice reality TV schlock.

    • David H 2.2

      And now the Ghost of TVNZ7 could come back to haunt them. Now watch the funds get slashed from RNZ.

      • Pat 2.2.1

        you mean as opposed to the sinking lid on funding it is under?

        • Macro 2.2.1.1

          Yep that as well 🙁
          The sooner these do nothing, no good, fat arse, vandals are booted off the treasury benches, the better for us all.

    • Clemgeopin 2.3

      +1

      I have also wondered if there aren’t any wealthy individuals with integrity in New Zealand who could set up independent media/radio/television, not for profit or excessive profit nor for decimating a particular point of view, but purely to keep it completely independent, objective and investigative in the interest of having a free and fair fourth estate for the good of the people, the country and democracy.

      • Melanie Scott 2.3.1

        I have also wondered if there aren’t any wealthy individuals with integrity in New Zealand.

        • Clemgeopin 2.3.1.1

          Probably are….but may be more interested in some other worthy stuff like bird eating cats?

    • Gosman 2.4

      Then it will be the first to get cut when the right take back the Treasury benches. If you set up ideologically biased State controlled media don’t expect them to remain either independent or fully funded for very long.

      • Lanthanide 2.4.1

        You’re the only one who said it would be ideologically biased.

        All I want is journalism that isn’t biased and reports the facts. Clearly Hoskins doesn’t do either.

        • McFlock 2.4.1.1

          Funnily enough because Hosking is ideologically biased.

          And yet the nats don’t seem to have a problem at all with that.

          • Macro 2.4.1.1.1

            Yep it’s all sweet with them, so long as its biased in their favour; but they don’t want unbiased journalism, nor the reporting of the facts, because that would expose just how poor they were both in practice and in moral principles.

  3. tc 3

    Joyce V Oram…excellent display of arrogance up against serious questions all on social media goliath Twitter keep it up Stevie you are the gift that keeps giving.

    How’s that Nogopay going Stevie ?

  4. Rudi Can't Fail 4

    Attack the media, that’s going to work. Winston get one column in the rag, Hosking is on air 5 days a week speaking to thousands.
    Own goal for Winston as leader of the opposition.

    • tc 4.1

      Why not, expecting them to be fair hasn’t worked and the bias is so blatant they’ve exposed their arrogance and sense of entitlement to sunlight so shine on Winnie.

    • dukeofurl 4.2

      5 days a week ?, we wish it was only that.

      “In the past month, broadcaster Mike Hosking has been given a platform to voice his views 70 times across his Newstalk ZB show, his NZ Herald column and the television show Seven Sharp.

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/71189005/Had-enough-of-Mike-Hosking

    • Lanthanide 4.3

      For an ordinary politician, you might be right.

      But Winston has positioned himself into such a place that he can say these sorts of things about the media – and the public listen.

      It’s like the old saying – only Nixon could go to China.

  5. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 5

    But I am still flummoxed that Television New Zealand, the state broadcaster, should choose to employ someone who does not have the decency to hide his clearly right wing views.

    I remember you complaining about John Campbell on the basis of his bias as well. I remember you demanding he be taken off air.

    Oh, noes, that’s right, you did the opposite.

    • mickysavage 5.1

      Well apart from the fact that Campbell got stuck into Labour when it was in power, that he was employed by Mediaworks which is a private broadcaster and that it is the State Broadcaster’s job not to show preference for the Government I guess you have a point.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 5.1.1

        So, there are different standard of impartiality imposed depending on who your employer is? Interesting.

        • RJL 5.1.1.1

          @Fool

          Of course, there’s a difference in expectation between a journalist employed by a state broadcaster and a journalist employed by a private company. Just like there is a difference in expectations between a police officer and a private security guard.

          Also, National is the party of government. The main social point of political journalism is to investigate and question the statements and actions of the government. Acting instead as a propaganda relay for government is what state media does in totalitarian states.

          • Sacha 5.1.1.1.1

            I expect a journalist to uphold their professional standards and obligations no matter who they work for. If they believe they are some other creature instead like a ‘commentator’ then let’s stop treating them like journalists.

  6. hoom 6

    Great quote from Raybon, shame its true.

  7. Clean_power 8

    A feeling of deja vu after the demise of Mr Campbell, always biased towards the left?

    • mickysavage 8.1

      Remember those multiple times where Campbell got stuck into Labour? Remember the GE controversy of 2002?

      The last argument National has when their inappropriate behaviour is pointed out to them. The left does it too.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 8.1.1

        Yeah, he was complaining they weren’t left wing enough.

        • Puddleglum 8.1.1.1

          My take on Campbell’s journalistic behaviour is that he constantly takes those with power – e.g., a government, a corporation, etc. – to task when what they are doing seems to be harming ordinary people or over-riding them.

          I can understand why you would see that as being evidence of Campbell being emphatically ‘left wing’ since – for some reason I’ve never been able to understand – many right wingers appear always to side with those who have extraordinary status, power or wealth and vehemently defend their interests (i.e., the interests of the powerful) against the interests of ordinary people (who they often disparage as not having what it takes, being moaners and whingers, etc., etc.).

          Such right wingers remind me of those kids in the schoolyard who desperately seek to identify with the schoolyard bully and his or her power over others. It comes across as a kind of breathlessness in the presence of power and an unwavering, uncritical admiration for power and its exercise over others (unless its a left wing government that exercises its power over the already powerful, of course).

          I’ve never had that impulse in relation to power and would be very disappointed in myself if I ever did.

          I should add that some right wingers are not like that – but there does seem to be a lot who are. At least that’s my impression.

      • Enough is Enough 8.1.2

        Greg – Are you claiming Mike Hosking never criticises National?

    • dukeofurl 8.2

      Campbell always biased ?.

      When you are doing current affairs the government of the day gets a bashing, as did Helen Clarks- she famously called him a “sanctimonious little creep”

    • D'Esterre 8.3

      @Clean_power: “A feeling of deja vu after the demise of Mr Campbell, always biased towards the left?”

      You didn’t watch or listen to Campbell much – or maybe at all – did you? You wouldn’t make such a comment otherwise.

  8. Weepus beard 9

    Mike Hosking’s response was surprisingly weak.

    He denied being a journalist which was odd. By doing that I can only assume he wants to be known as an entertainer only. He also denied bias despite 75% of respondents in that stuff poll accusing him of the same.

    Also, proving the point made about his bias he clumsily targeted Andrew Little.

    Weak.

    • Charles 9.1

      Mike Hosking’s response was surprisingly weak.

      Not just mentally weak, but surprisingly stupid – he must be rattled. As I recall “the rules”, if your employer gives you a title that doesn’t directly reflect your job description, the thing you never ever do is go out into the public forum and tell everyone you aren’t what your title implies. It tends to make employer look stoopid, reduces your in/formal influence in clients minds, and is not forgiven. With so many other people eager for his level of media time, Hosking just signed his own obscurity/fade-out sentence.

      • the pigman 9.1.1

        Mike Hosking dropped out of school without obtaining School Certificate.

        So from that perspective, his stupidity is not surprising at all.

        He’s a mindless talking head, supinely repeating the talking points of the Nacts with a large degree of wilful ignorance and a whole lot of unwarranted confidence and purpose.

        No surprises that the similarly weak-minded are utterly seduced.

    • infused 9.2

      stuff is about as reliable as the trademe forums.

      • Weepus beard 9.2.1

        75% is a staggering confirmation of Mike Hosking bias no matter what the platform.

        Mike himself told the 12% who voted that he is an outstanding journalist they were wrong because in his own words, he is not a journalist and never has been.

      • Tricledrown 9.2.2

        But its owned by Gina Reinhart and other billionaires how can a right wing wrag be so wrong.
        O sorry Confused real people gave honest answers.
        You would have closed down the survey or deliberately skewed the figures aye infused.

  9. “I didn’t even mention the National Party at all because the two issues are not related,” Hosking said.

    Many backing Hosking are on their usual chorus about left bias on National Radio.
    “The people on there don’t mention the Labour Party at all…” yet are firmly accused.

    Some of the weirdest comment unsurprisingly comes from David Farrar.

    They (Labour and Greens) want a media that agrees with them and they will publicly attack and denigrate people in the media who don’t agree with them. Opposition parties only wants [sic] media that agrees with them

    That’s a reflection of reality yet someone who works endlessly promoting the same sort of thing feigning angst about it, deserves a BIJULT Gold Medal Award. (Best Impression of a Jumped Up Little Twerp.)

    • Weepus beard 10.1

      Yeah, as usual Farrar completely and deliberately skirts the point which was a call from Peters, echoed by Little and Shaw, for objectivity from leading media outlets. Farrar has created the false impression that they argue for the silencing of voices who disagree with them.

  10. vto 11

    That display by Joyce was appalling.

    It was on the level of the most useless tro1ls that trundle around here from time to time…. boring, childish

  11. Matthew Hooton 12

    Worse than so-called bias is the sheer predictability of Hosking, Oram, Henry and (to a much lesser extent) John Campbell.

    • mickysavage 12.1

      Oram is one of the few analytical commentators NZ media has. And I have never seen him grease up to anyone. He digs into stories and says it the way he sees it.

      • Matthew Hooton 12.1.1

        What you mean is that you agree with him, and you know you always will.

        • mickysavage 12.1.1.1

          Reality has a left wing bias …

          But Oram goes deeply into issues and presents a number of layers to a story. Hosking and Henry are very shallow and have that really annoying approach on, for instance climate change, rubbishing 98% of scientific opinion without even explaining themselves.

          • Draco T Bastard 12.1.1.1.1

            I think you’ll find that they’re too ignorant to be able to explain themselves.

        • Anne 12.1.1.2

          Hooton… your malicious attack on Professor Jane Kelsey yesterday – RNZ political slot – was beyond disgraceful. Your own track record of bias and ignorance is such, that I don’t consider your opinions on anyone else to be of much worth.

          • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12.1.1.2.1

            How was it malicious? He simply pointed out that she has been against all free trade agreements. Out of which, New Zealand has done very well.

            • Anne 12.1.1.2.1.1

              Go back and listen again. He lied, and showed no respect for Professor Kelsey. One can oppose a person’s point of view without resorting to the kind of vitriolic language and tone that Hooton frequently uses on these occasions. Also, he’s a coward because he doesn’t do it to their faces.

              Note Kathryn Ryan’s heated response as she tried to shut him down. Media hosts (of quality) don’t do that without good cause.

              • gsays

                hi anne,
                the political discussion on rnz (from the left and from the right) used to be appointment listening for me when laila harre was involved.
                i recall before the last election when something was revealed (leaked?) and hooten was found to have been acting in a disgraceful manner or caught out telling porkies.
                laila harre let him know that it was not on.

                i have listened a few times to the current line up but it just sounds like from the right and an echo from the right.
                i have a lot of respect for the work mike williams does in prisons but he is not an effective advocate for the left (or at least the left as i see it).

                i reckon a few of the regulars from this blog would be better- tracey, colonial viper, clemgeopin for examples.

                as an aside i do remember the rant that martyn bradbury did that got him removed as a guest on the panel.

              • Realblue

                “One can oppose a persons point of view without the kind of vitriolic language….” The irony from Anne is staggering.

                • Anne

                  Yep. I will call out someone who is being an ass-hole but I don’t do malice mate. But I guess you don’t know the difference. 🙄

            • ianmac 12.1.1.2.1.2

              No. Jane Kelsey said that she supported Trade agreements that benefitted NZ as a trading nation. She went on to say that TPP opposition was not about trade so much as all the other issues like sovereignty and intellectual property. (About 5 chapters of TPP are about Trade. 15 are about non trade issues.)

              So Matthew deliberately misrepresented Jane and so have you GFFKaO.

              • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell

                She couldn’t remember ever having supported a free trade agreement, except maybe GATT.

              • Gosman

                I believe he stated that the interview Professor Kelsey gave with Guyon Espiner was very illuminating and highlighted she was basically against all Free Trade arrangements that NZ has signed (With the possible exception of GATT). If you disagree with that you might care to explain why the interview didn’t show this.

                • lprent

                  That is fine, we need the debate from all sides, and some of the best comes from people who oppose such deals. Certainly they tend not to swallow propaganda wholesale in the way that you and Guyon seem to.

                  The problem that National has is that people like me who have supported every trade deal since the 1970s don’t consider this to be a “trade” deal that benefits NZ, and oppose it.

                  Jane Kelsey has managed to convince a lot of people on this deal which she did not on others. But unfortunately that doesn’t seem to to convinced the munters like you and other arrogant gits that you need to actually provide some information that goes beyond the religious economic quackery that we usually see you munters parrot.

                  Right now I am of the opinion that if the current NZ executive signs this deal, then we should immediately drop out of it with a change of government. That is because it looks likely that it cost us a bundle for at least 10 years, and politically it is unlikely that any promises made about freeing up the trade we are interested in the future has a snowballs chance in hell of ever happening (ie US congress, Japanese diet, and Canadian parliament will block it).

                  It may be that a large part of the issue is the lack of transparency in this deal compared to any of the others that we have been involved in. But it doesn’t feel like it. It just looks like a crap deal.

                  Perhaps you (and Guyon) should deal with that rather than attacking the watchdog.

                  • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell

                    Must you call anyone who disagrees with you a “munter”? It doesn’t seem very polite. It doesn’t advance your position much. It makes it look like you’ve stepped out of 1983.

                    And, in Guyon’s defence, he’s allowed to (and should) asks questions. Asking the question doesn’t mean he agrees with the position the asking might imply to you. That’s what being a journalist is about.

                    You don’t seem to get much enjoyment out of this. Are you sure your heart’s in it?

                    • lprent

                      Because I think they are acting like a munter? I really can’t be bothered being polite about it.

                      After being ‘interviewed’ by Guyon once, that is exactly what I think he is. His journalism on that occasion (and presumably this one as well) wasn’t based around anything apart from his rather dated personal worldview. In my case it was some kind of picture of TS based on something someone told him in 2007/2008 and all his questions seemed to relate to that – they sounded exactly like the idiot trolls from then mindlessly repeating the propaganda from Farrar.

                      Similarly with Kelsey, rather than being informative, all he did was chase his own inherent ideas rather than those of who he was interviewing – which makes the interviews a total waste of time.

                      So why were you making such a BIG thing about his ‘interview’. Kelsey has always been quite open that she doesn’t trust bilateral trade deals. Also that she acts a detail seeking watchdog on any trade deal. So why did you think that this was significiant? Ignorance or because you were trying to run a meme? Why did bloody Guyon waste so much time pestering on something that she has stated many times?

                      If you don’t want me being irritable with you, then don’t act like a dumbarse.

                    • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell

                      The point, darling, is that Kelsey is going to be happy with exactly no trade deal of any kind on any terms whatever.

                      So, of course she doesn’t like it.

                      I don’t mind you being irritable, but I am concerned about what it’s doing to your health. Please assure me you are eating your vegetables and getting a solid eight hours a night. You know how I worry about you.

                    • lprent []

                      Whatever. An interesting way of avoiding discussion.

                    • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell

                      But that’s the problem, sweety. You’re not interested in discussion, just in throwing cheap insults from bygone eras and trying to convince everyone you are smarter than them.

                      xxx

                    • lprent []

                      I did discuss it. However you appear to have not read them. You didn’t deal with any points in my extensive replies.

                      I appear to be quite a lot smarter than you are on that basis. Or are you simply lazy? Or are you quite aware that you screwed the pooch in your first comment by trying to play some quite unarguable moronic memes?

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      I’ve been extremely skeptical of knee-jerk suspicion of the TPPA for ages. Seeing the investor state dispute resolution provisions changed that.

                      As Lprent says, this is a restraint of trade agreement. You don’t seem to be able to substantively address the issue.

                    • Anno1701

                      that just got a little freeeeeeeeeeeky didnt it !

                • Lloyd

                  Actually I believe Professor Kelsey said she was not against most of all the free trade agreements New Zealand had signed but was opposed to those parts of most of the agreements that took powers away from the New Zealand government. Sounded very patriotic and sensible to me.

            • lprent 12.1.1.2.1.3

              Which is the role of a watchdog. Why exactly is this divergence in this post?

          • Ffloyd 12.1.1.2.2

            Anne. Hooton yesterday was beyond appalling. He is rude, oafish, predictable and bloody boring. Arguing over your radio host is the worst of manners. I was very impressed with Kathryn Ryan for putting him in his place. He’s like a spoiled little child. No idea why he is still on.

        • Tricledrown 12.1.1.3

          Hooton your a bullying Bullshitter.
          I’ve been listening to Oram since he arrived in this country.
          Rod Oram does his research and is not frightened to call it as he see’s today he lambasted both National and Labour over Solid Energy’s demise.
          Lambasted Labour and National over their pathetic attempts at regional development.
          He has been very critical of the Dairy industries shortsightedness.
          For at least 12 years.
          If National were awake instead of putting all their eggs in the one basket.
          Dairying would be in much better health.
          Without good journalists like Oram we would just have utter Bullshit propaganda like you spew out , Mathew spoowton.

        • Paul 12.1.1.4

          Your attack on Jane Kelsey was shameful and says a lot about you as a person.

      • Mike 12.1.2

        Whether you agree or not you could not accuse Oram of political bias. The lack of financial journos with teeth and backbone to say it as it is without the spin doctoring that goes with the likes of Mathew is sad for us all. Keep it up Rod because the likes of you are basically just about alone in this wilderness of the so called financial journalist profession.

    • Pat 12.2

      there are a couple of very significant differences between Hosking/Henry and Campbell/Oram…the latters positions are generally well researched and supported by evidence….and the former are funded by those with vested interest.

    • Charles 12.3

      Campbell, Hosking, Oram, Henry… and Hooton. You forgot Hooten. Oh you are Hooton.

    • Blue Horsehoe 12.4

      Is it really Matthew Hooton, is that even the actors real name

      Perhaps he has a lacky to cruise the blogs using the name

      Pondering the life of a hollowed out lacky actor, paid up shill of the corporate crims

      Not even a good actor or liar. Just a shouty washed up coward using the same tired old lines

      Must be an empty existence Hooton

      [lprent: Yes it is really Matthew Hooten. I’ll leave this comment intact in, but you are getting way to close to the bounds of pointless abuse. Your second line had a point for a newbie on this site. But you can assume that we don’t like people doing impersonations of others and we check. The rest of the comment was just you being an idiot.

      Read the policy before I do more than just warn. ]

    • tc 12.5

      Include yourself in the predictability ranks Matty….anyone with a bag a cash and there you are rent a ranting and positioning as directed to.

      • emergency mike 12.5.1

        Matthew Hooton reckons forget about the so-called bias, it’s ‘predictability’ from political commentators that we should be moaning about. Thanks Matty, great thinks there.

        Remind me again, what exactly does your own brand of professional bullshittery contribute to society?

    • rhinocrates 12.6

      Hoots: Naltrexone, Antabuse. Talk to your GP about them. I swear by them – they’ve really helped me.* Drunkenness must be your only excuse for that appalling behaviour. You really need help before your do serious harm to yourself. I suggest Fluoxetine too.

      *For those interested, Naltrexone controls the cravings for alcohol, allowing new pathways to form and Antabuse ensures that if you have any alcohol, you’ll see it again very soon.

    • Stuart Munro 12.7

      Well actually the bias is pretty shocking.

      But it’s boring too – you’d think the right could afford a better class of sock puppet.

  12. vto 13

    Lordy, Hosking’s response is woeful ….

    Listens to Fed Farmer and Fonterra because they are “experts”… This describes his failings completely. He has no idea the gargantuan holes in his approach, as evidenced by this.

    He is blind to his blindness..

  13. Clean_power 14

    Does Rod Oram get disqualified for having once confessed to be an “admirer” of Helen Clark?

    • mickysavage 14.1

      Only if you want to write off the opinions of a significant part of the population.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 14.1.1

        As you appear quite willing to do in respect of the highest rating broadcaster in NZ.

        • vto 14.1.1.1

          Being the highest rating means diddly squat in the serious world…

          All it means is that Hosking is the toyota corolla of the media world… ha ha ha

          • Puckish Rogue 14.1.1.1.1

            Boring, reliable, efficient, trusted and NZs most popular car, yup VTO thats a bad thing to be compared to a corolla

          • Hami Shearlie 14.1.1.1.2

            Hosking is so bad he’s more like a Reliant Robin. He does often seem to be travelling on only 3 wheels in the brain department.

          • Tricledrown 14.1.1.1.3

            Highest ratings in a dwindling audience.
            More people are viewing online news free to air audiences are declining.
            Traditional broadcasting is loosing advertising income rapidly.
            TVNZ is no longer the profitable company it once was no doubt it will be sold off soon like state houses,landcorp farms ,solid energy etc.

    • Stephen 14.2

      According to Hooten, Oram gets disqualified because he can think for himself.

    • Charles 14.3

      No, but a journalist might raise a “Hosking eyebrow” at his methods of engaging Joyce via twitter. Journalists trying to be entertainers, entertainers trying to be shock-jocks, the whole thing is absurd.

    • miravox 14.4

      No.
      Hosking professed an admiration for Helen Clark too. I doubt anyone would suggest he has a left-wing bias.

      When you call for a person to get re-elected I think your colours are pretty well nailed and you’ve used your position to attempt to influence others.

  14. Phil Tate 15

    I’m more optimistic about the media situation given the response to Corbyn (http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/aug/17/jeremy-corbyns-appeal-is-enhanced-by-the-united-hostility-of-the-press?CMP=share_btn_tw). He’s had the kitchen sink chucked at him both by the notoriously biased UK press and opponents, but these sources have been discounted by his supporters and his campaign thrives. Indeed, the virulence of the attacks has underlined that his position as a real an alternative to the bland consensus espoused by his opponents and the sitting government.
    It shows that a strong message, well articulated by a voice who refuses to engage in personal attack, can achieve cut-through with sections of the electorate previously dismissed as dis-engaged. Both old style campaigning and new forms of social media have clearly worked hand in glove here, and it shows what’s possible.
    It seems many NZ TV commentators have increasingly come to view neutrality as either an irrelevance or career hinderance when faced with a dominant political agenda. Corbyn (and perhaps Sanders too) shows that this will merely accelerate their own irrelevance to the inevitable future debates defining what comes after the current broken economic model.
    The lesson for opposition voices is surely that the level of biased media noise is a direct reflection of an idea’s potential to overturn current political orthodoxy. Therefore, the louder, the better.

    • mickysavage 15.1

      I hope you are right about Corbyn. The problem is however that an ongoing assault by media will slowly but inevitably change public perception.

      • Phil Tate 15.1.1

        My optimism may be tempered with the knowledge that such a phenomena can go both ways.
        Trump demonstrates that a strong reactionary view, crudely stated, but which resonates with people’s anger can also break out of a biased media narrative. The irony here of course is that Fox has been instrumental in both stoking the base’s anger and supporting the political parody personified by Trump. Ailes now appears unable to control the very combination he created, with unfortunate results for the GOP.
        Let’s hope the broader American electorate retains its political senses.

      • Olwyn 15.1.2

        That varies. It worked against Cunliffe, who lacked both the time to establish himself and adequate caucus support, when he needed at least one of those things. It worked against Winston in 2008, but for him in the Northland bi-election. The media will change its ways when it finds it can no longer control the zeitgeist, and every time someone wins despite their onslaught, that day draws closer.

        • Colonial Viper 15.1.2.1

          People are literally switching off from the MSM now.

          Look at the Establishment’s confusion in the UK – the more Corbyn is villified by the MSM and various “very important” talking heads – the better he seems to do.

        • mickysavage 15.1.2.2

          Aye.

          You need stamina and a hide of steel to survive in politics.

  15. Tommo 16

    Mr Hooton once again demonstrating his boorish notions…The mans a shrill

  16. Colonial Viper 17

    When the NZ workforce was still highly unionised, the Left had a way of getting messages and notices directly into hundreds of thousands of ordinary Kiwi households.

    Labour destroyed those unions and those union work places, and now the Left has no way of reaching into most Kiwi households, unless it is via the filter, and the good graces of, corporate for-profit MSM.

    As the MSM defines what is acceptable in political and economic expression in NZ, the Left can only operate within the boundaries that it sets. In this way, the “Mainstream Media” fulfills its characterisation: it defines what is mainstream, and what is marginal (or radical) in political economic discourse.

  17. Anne 18

    It’s beginning to look like there is yet another loosely coordinated campaign of sleaze, gossip, innuendo, lies, set-ups, trumped up charges and general vilification by the political Right against opponents – and anyone who dares stand up to them. I mentioned Professor Jane Kelsey earlier on this post and there is a good and very recent example.

    “Dirty Politics Part 2” coming up in the not too distant future?

  18. Paul 19

    Keep the pressure up on Hoskings.

  19. Amanda Atkinson 20

    What a load of hogwash. There are just as many left bias media commentators. Whale oil says the media is left bias. This site says media is right bias. Both are just pure stupid statements. Mike Hosking and Paul Henry are right bias? Really? That is news? Wow I would never have guessed. Who cares what they think anyway? Why do left and right extremists, like those on here and whale oil think that us normal Kiwis listen to media personalities and are influenced by them? The media is the least trusted profession in NZ on the last survey, so there is your cast iron proof that most people don’t care what the media says. The only ones who care are the left and right extremists who get all up in arms when the media don’t conform to their narrow view of the world. Us out here in the real world, not blinded by ideology, guess what? We can think for ourselves and make up our own minds thanks very much. We don’t need left and right idiots trying to make out that we are influenced by right bias media like Mike Hosking and left bias media like John Campbell. Give us some credit. You lot do not have the sole claim to political intelligence. Fuxake, what a joke.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 20.1

      Who’s “we”? Is it getting crowded in there?

      • Amanda Atkinson 20.1.1

        “we”, are middle NZ, who happen to decide elections. Dis us all you want, but our votes chose the government, your vote, is irrelevant.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 20.1.1.1

          You don’t speak for anyone else no matter how many voices you hear. As for “dissing” people, are your other personalities hypocrites too?

          • Amanda Atkinson 20.1.1.1.1

            my point is standing up rather nicely here

            • Colonial Viper 20.1.1.1.1.1

              “Middle NZ”

              no such thing. Unless you mean the top quartile of NZers by income.

            • McFlock 20.1.1.1.1.2

              I’m pretty middle NZ by most socioeconomic standards.
              Stop pretending you speak for me. It makes me think you’re delusional. What are we, telepathically linked?

              Only a third or so of voteres voted for national. You’re part of the dumbest and most selfish third of the country.

              • One Anonymous Bloke

                I’m still trying to digest the notion of Winston Peters as a “left and right extremist” 😀

                • McFlock

                  The only reason winston would have a foot either side of a tory trool is so he can relieve himself 🙂

        • vto 20.1.1.2

          “you” are not middle New Zealand in fact “I am” so there….. sheesh

        • Paul 20.1.1.3

          If the extreme right wing faction of the ACT Party is ‘middle New Zealand’then you are indeed middle NZ.
          But it isn’t.
          And you’re not.

    • vto 20.2

      Speak for yourself Amanda Atkinson

      Don’t pretend that you speak for anyone else. Pretending that you speak for others kind of highlights the exact point that is being made ……

      • Amanda Atkinson 20.2.1

        not pretending, you just can’t handle the truth

        • vto 20.2.1.1

          you are full of shit

          • Amanda Atkinson 20.2.1.1.1

            Now the insults are flying. That equates to an epic fail, for you.

            [lprent: And you appear to be deliberately provoking them. Trolling irritates me.

            My usual response is to warn once, and then boot idiots trolling off the system. Stick with the level of your first comment in this thread. If someone challenges you on a point then answer them. After that you can add the extras. But if I see you using fuckwit troll avoidance techniques again, then you will be gone.

            BTW: don’t argue with this, I’m getting tired of fools – so just read the policy first and adjust your behaviour before trying to talk to me.. ]

    • infused 20.3

      I dont think people watch paul henry for his political views.. apart from the daily rip on len brown which is quite warranted.

    • Paul 20.4

      You are talking utter nonsense and you know it.

    • Puddleglum 20.5

      Us out here in the real world, not blinded by ideology, guess what? We can think for ourselves and make up our own minds thanks very much.

      A lot of the research on human beliefs, preferences, attitudes, decision making, etc. actually suggests that people’s sense that they ‘make up their own minds’ is a misleading and illusory belief.

      All of us – irrespective of factors such as intelligence, personality traits or the like – think in a way that is not independent of external influence. These influences are often (usually) ones that we are unaware of and certainly include ‘framing’ etc. provided by the media, peers in our social group, economic factors and interests and the like. (They often exert their influence via well-known cognitive biases, evolved cognitive ‘shortcuts’, that come to be exploited by these kinds of external factors.)

      I’m afraid the notion of the independent, sovereign, decision making individual promoted by the Enlightenment political project doesn’t seem to be the reality.

      I realise that many people – on both the left and right – don’t like this finding. But so far as the word means anything, it’s true.

      Of course, that doesn’t mean that it might not be socially and politically expedient to treat individual beliefs as if they arose out of nothing other than some disembodied and magical process within individuals that is hermetically sealed from external factors but I think it’s important to remember that, so far as we can tell, it’s not how people in reality come to have and express the beliefs, attitudes, etc. that they do.

      By the way, not having an ‘ideology’ – as you put it – doesn’t prevent these external factors from influencing what ‘middle New Zealanders’ happen to believe.

      In fact in some ways, having a well worked out, self-reflective and critical ideology may provide a useful counter to many of these external influences.

      • mickysavage 20.5.1

        Way too deep for Amanda I am afraid Pg.

        • Puddleglum 20.5.1.1

          Maybe mickysavage – although I don’t think it’s all that deep.

          I just have problems writing things in a plain and simple way … mea culpa 🙂

          • Pat 20.5.1.1.1

            and borne out by the shift of “middle NZ” (and other electorates) to the right since the 80s

      • Incognito 20.5.2

        I am glad you brought this up.

        ”No man is an island”

        We don’t use our free will (to create) because we’re not (yet) aware; we (instinctively) react, we copy (parrot), we follow, we obey …

        Through history many have pointed this out, in various ways; the Socratic Method is effective but cumbersome and potentially lethal. There’s fast thinking (biases & heuristics) and then there’s slow thinking (Kahneman et al.).

        Echo Chambers and Group Thinking are insidious, especially nowadays with the increasing reach (24/7) of the Internet. However, it is becoming more and more clear that we cannot rely anymore on the MSM for impartial reporting let alone for stimulation of critical thinking and challenging of mainstream views (perhaps this always has been an oxymoron?); MSM has succumbed to the same insidious forces and has become one itself (it crossed over to The Dark Side). The Public Intellectuals have not fallen silent but they are being crowded out by reverberating noise.

        It doesn’t have to be like this …

      • One Anonymous Bloke 20.5.3

        Well said Puddleglum.

    • the pigman 20.6

      Hi Cathy – how’s biz going being holed up somewhere in the South Pacific? Hope Jason comes to visit.

      Do they do cufflinks in Timbuktu? AA would make for a great monogram.

    • mickysavage 20.7

      The good people here are not left extremists. And if you do not think that Henry and Hosking are right wingers you need to recalibrate your understanding of politics.

      And don’t compare us to commentators on Slater’s site. The difference is stark. Amongst other things the people involved in this site have never smeared or threatened innocent people.

      There is a complete lack of trust in the media because there is a complete lack of balance. Hosking can stay. We just ask that a left wing equivalent like Robert Reid or Deborah Russell get given a similar opportunity on the State broadcaster.

      • adam 20.7.1

        *Cough*

        I’m a left wing extremist Mickysavage.

        I have no qualms in being called a Christian anarchist.

        I think we have moved so far to the right, even moderates like yourself, and many here are seen as extreme by some.

        I think we have moved so far right, that social democracy is now a revolutionary position.

        I think we have moved so far to the right, that the people who call themselves the centre, are actually hard right.

        And finally, I think we have moved so far to the right, having morals, and the ability to think – makes you, an enemy of the state.

        • JeevesPOnzi 20.7.1.1

          I think being a Christian makes you an enemy of reality.
          Wake up to your delusions, let the Truth into your brain – live your life.

  20. Aaron 21

    I hope Hosking stays exactly where he is and gets even more visibly biased, because at the moment it’s all laid out for people to see – as the poll indicated

    If we make too much noise he’ll get replaced by someone who is a bit brighter and better at hiding their bias – kind of like Bush getting replaced by Obama, everyone thought things were going to change…

    • tc 21.1

      Nope Hoskins, Henry and co aren’t going anywhere no matter what they do as it’s a numbers game with radio rantland and commercial TV crucial outlets to sway the swinging sheeple, especially if Shonkys not fronting the 2017 GE for the hollowmen.

      Tony Vietch is an example of boys club membership.

  21. G C 22

    If people keep tuning into Seven Sharp, more Mike Hoskings they will get. TV is tragic anyway and I can’t believe people still watch it. I don’t even watch Parliament TV – I just stream it live!

    The Government are tragic with their GST on Netflix and clearly are up Spark’s backside. As if GST will make a difference to Spark’s ‘Lightbox’ (s#$^box) subscriptions ha ha haha har

    #NationalOutOfTouch

  22. dukeofurl 23

    Looking at the Big Hs opinion piece in the herald today

    Proof concern about Asian investment is simply racism

    He digs – very shallow- into a KPMG report about OIA results for ONE YEAR

    http://www.kpmg.com/nz/en/issuesandinsights/articlespublications/press-releases/pages/foreign-direct-investment-nz-trends-insights.aspx

    Interesting to note one of KPMG caveats, Australia has no requirement to get OIA approval ( and wont appear on the list) if price is under $477m

    Another is Canada had two large transactions which boosted their share, no data for their share over 5 years say .

    USA has nearly 46% of the land by area acquired.

    WE can see why Hosking does not claim to be a journalist as he cherry picks a limited survey on one years data.

    Cuts to another theme about house buying in Auckland which is not connected but luckily matches views of the PM and his ministers.

    This is the sort of ghostwritten stuff the PMs office sends out to people like Hosking all the time. He just reuses it as though it was all his own work and cleverly says he has no connection to ‘National Party’ . Of course not Mike, you get all your stuff from the PMs office, like they did with whaleoil, like they did with kiwiblog and like they do with other fellow travellors

    • Puddleglum 23.1

      What struck me about the KPMG report were two things.

      First, I’m sure that it was explained (on Morning Report citing KPMG) that the report was carried out out of ‘curiosity’?? Seems an odd thing to motivate a major corporate to research and write a report that, presumably, cost something to generate. (Do shareholders approve of the company going hither and thither, spending money, just because someone is ‘curious’?).

      Second, it was linked to the concerns expressed in the media and by the public over Chinese-based buyer activity in the Auckland housing market (presumably this is what made someone at KPMG ‘curious’ to do more research). Yet, of course, it had nothing to do with the Auckland housing market.

      Another strange thing was that the main reporting of it on Morning Report was quite a detailed analysis that made clear all the points that showed its limitations (especially in relation to its exclusion of the housing market).

      Yet, this morning, the RNZ news headlines about Andrew Little’s response and Susie Ferguson’s intro to her interview with Little used phrases like “despite a report showing Canadians are the biggest overseas investors in New Zealand” Little stands by his comments on the Auckland housing market and that “Andrew Little says the KPMG figures don’t include residential property sales” – as if the latter was only his claim when, in fact, the KPMG report itself and the reporting of it on Morning Report made this clear.

      Quite misleading framing of the interview I thought.

      It came across sounding as if Andrew Little was being a King Canute against incontrovertible evidence from a report that had proved him wrong.

      Yet their own reporting of the report had made clear that there was no connection between his comments on Auckland housing and the report. Why, then, even interview him in that kind of framing?

      It’s as if they hadn’t thought clearly about the facts of the matter but had simply conflated ‘report on foreign investment shows Chinese weren’t the biggest investors’ and ‘Andrew Little said something about overseas Chinese investors in Auckland residential property’ and somehow came up with ‘therefore we must ask him about whether he still stands by his comments‘.

      Why not similarly interview him over whether or not he stands by those same comments given that the All Blacks won the Bledisloe Cup over the weekend? Makes as much sense.

      Bogglingly poor analysis and lack of clear thinking on RNZ’s part in this instance.

      • weston 23.1.1

        rnzs news is absolutely no different to any other msm news much as we might like it to be .its maddening to hve the same so called news repeated all through the day and night also .apart from the interviews and the generally informative stuff the place is run like a regular comercial station complete with background jingles bells and whistles .therefore its no supprize that there appears to be a deliberate muddying of the waters arround the apparent contradiction between what rnz thinks and what it sayes via the news i guess after all its a state broardcaster.it still sucks though

  23. Rolf 24

    That is how all dictatorships worked throughout history, and most of them were on the surface democracies. I am thinking on The Third Reich and the Soviet Union in more recent times. What they do is just like Key and national, remove all critics in the media and put their own people there to pay tribute to what they do. Critics as investigating journalists and media journalists as Campbell are sent off, and the politicians send in their loyal mates to manage.

    • Draco T Bastard 24.1

      +1

    • David 24.2

      John Campbell is in the gulag is he?

    • Neil 24.3

      You’ve hit the nail right on the head.

    • mickysavage 24.4

      Aye.

      Sanctuary said this at Dimpost:

      “As someone else said, our broadcast news and current affairs media at the moment looks like something Putin would recognise, only it all happened without a single journalist disappearing.”

      • Puddleglum 24.4.1

        Reminds me of a report on the Media Lens site years ago.

        Soviet journalists who had reported the USSR action in Afghanistan visited the U.S. after the Soviet Union collapsed and heard the U.S. media discussing Iraq (I think).

        Their comment was words to the effect that ‘Your state propaganda is so much better than in the old Soviet Union. You get all the media to follow the party line and you don’t even have gulags.’

  24. millsy 25

    I still think that Amanda Aktinson is Monique Angel/Watson – PG’s soulmate.

    • lprent 25.1

      Speculation on identities is dangerous if I am in moderation mode.

    • the pigman 25.2

      Thanks millsy, I was trying to remember the previous handle of that D&D-loving “centrist” concern troll that would always get particularly nasty when she got on the wines 😉

      AA is pretty obviously a pseudonym for the new sock puppet to step into that hackneyed role – a little digging makes that clear.

  25. Keith 26

    Wow, what an impotent embarrassing comeback by Joyce! You can see him thinking “Dear God this guy knows the Emperor has no clothes”!

    • maui 26.1

      Wow from me too, I was most impressed with Oram taking it to Joyce. I didn’t know he could do that and so directly.

      • mickysavage 26.1.1

        Yep he would run a million miles normally because he is the consummate financial commentator. Rule one is do not scare anyone. The fact he responded means he thinks things are really bad …

  26. Red Blooded 27

    Jeremy Wells impersonation sounds more Like Mike than the Gelled One himself. Sometimes he just nails him perfectly.
    http://www.hauraki.co.nz/listen/radio-hauraki-audio-vault/jeremy-wells-like-mike-hosking-rant-winston-peters-vs-the-prime-ministers-cheeks-me/

  27. johnm 28

    Hoskins is an intellectual moron. Listening to his ignorant dumbed down rubbish is just plain revolting: I don’t ever.

    • Matthew Hooton 28.1

      If you don’t ever listen to it, how do you know it is ignorant, dumbed down rubbish? How have you experienced the revulsion of which you write? How could you know he is an intellectual moron? C’mon, admit it – you secretly do listen don’t you?

  28. Paul 29

    Hoskins represents all that has gone wrong with New Zealand.
    If you like Hosking you support his despicable view of the world.

  29. Neil 30

    Hosking should change his name to “Laces” because he is that far up Keys arse all you see is his shoe laces.

  30. keyman 31

    just boycott these national party stooges boycott tv3 tvnz and the herald why listen to the key propaganda

  31. keyman 32

    if you get a chance go to one rods presentations there very good

  32. Tricledrown 33

    Free to air TV needs to be boycotted their is f/all worth watching.

  33. save NZ 35

    At least some commentators still have Balls.

    Interesting exchange between Oram and Joyce.

    The Nats want to shut down any debate on the economy and bully any commentators into the party line, of silence or butt check admiration.

    Of the later apparently Sesame ST has higher ratings than Paul Henry. I guess make Hay while the sun shines out of the Nats Ass, even if the rating show that nobody is watching.

Recent Posts

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 hour ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    3 hours ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    4 hours ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    4 hours ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    4 hours ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    4 hours ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    4 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    4 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    4 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    4 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    10 hours ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    12 hours ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    13 hours ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    14 hours ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    16 hours ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    17 hours ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    17 hours ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    21 hours ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    23 hours ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    1 day ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    4 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    4 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T20:17:38+00:00