I’m sorry, I’m out

Written By: - Date published: 2:00 pm, April 16th, 2011 - 68 comments
Categories: disaster, labour - Tags: ,

Every country that has ever sleepwalked from democracy to dictatorship has done it in the belief that it was taking extraordinary, temporary measures in response to an emergency. They all arrogantly believed that these circumstances were exceptional and normalcy would be restored, notwithstanding the lessons of the past. Our Parliament has shown exactly the same arrogance and dismaying ignorance.

Of course special legislation needed to be passed to create a rebuilding commission like the one that was created for Napier and Hastings in 1931. But CERA allows Brownlee to override nearly any law, take away any land, and demand any information. This is not the normal response to disaster in a democracy. It is a blueprint for dictatorship. There is no justification for this. There is nothing that makes this risk worth taking.

Labour should have said: ‘we want special legislation and a commission for Christchurch but this law is a naked power grab beyond any justification. We have been lied to repeatedly through out this process, so we do not feel we can trust Brownlee with these powers. If the following amendments are made (give amendments limiting the power to override legislation to only specified Acts, putting power in Commissioners’ hands not Brownlee’s, and establishing proper rights of appeal) we will vote for this law. Otherwise, in good conscience, and as representatives of the people of New Zealand entrusted by them to defend their democracy, we cannot.’

I don’t know why that didn’t happen.

And finally, lets look at the politics of the thing. A read of the media told you that the jourmos would have gotten behind Labour opposing CERA. All those articles about National’s abuse of Urgency were an open invitation for Labour to stand up against this attack on democracy.

Can you imagine National meekly signing over Parliament’s sovereignty to a minister, all the while complaining that the minister had lied to them and that the powers were unjustified? Of course not.

The millions of Kiwis who are suffering under National need a Labour worth voting for. Every time Labour lets itself be tripped up by petty squabbles, by indecision, by fear of standing up and defending its principles, it is we New Zealanders who lose. CERA is just one example.

I desperately, desperately want a Labour-led leftwing government at the end of this year. It fills me with dread to think what Christchurch and the rest of New Zealand will look like if National is allowed to plunder it for another three years. But I can’t go into battle for the Left’s ideals every day when our parliamentary representatives go and do this to us. I’m going to take a break from national-level politics and this blog, and get more involved in activism in my community, especially Transition Towns. I’m more and more convinced that communities can do a lot to ready themselves to weather the age of peak oil, and that strong communities are the guarantors of a sustainable and democratic society.

Ever since I was invited on board, I have been incredibly proud to be part of The Standard. It is, I really believe, the premier political news source in the country. It was before I joined and it will continue to be without me. Its strength is the community it represents. You make The Standard what it is. Through your readership, your comments, your guest posts, your tips and advice, and the high standards you demand of us.

It is up to you, dear reader, to take up The Standard now. Especially, those of you who know economics and stats. Send in your guest posts. Become an author. I need a break.

68 comments on “I’m sorry, I’m out ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Eddie 1
    16 April 2011 at 2:29 pm

    fair enough mate.
    after about a thousand posts in the past two years, i reckon you’ve earned it.
     
    captcha – thus
     

  2. ianmac 2
    16 April 2011 at 2:42 pm

    The battle is not yet lost Marty. “Your country needs you,” he growled pointing a fore-finger hopefully.
    The Labour leaders are not stupid and I can only imagine that they are picking their shots and lining up to run a campaign between now and November. After all the electorate has a short memory.
    I hope that when the election campaign does hot up, you find a bit of time to return after a bit of a rest. Thanks anyway.

  3. higherstandard 3
    16 April 2011 at 2:47 pm

    “I’m going to take a break from national-level politics and this blog, and get more involved in activism in my community, especially Transition Towns.”

    Good for you bud, better for the mind, better for the soul ……

  4. Olwyn 4
    16 April 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Have a good break Marty, I miss your meticulous work already. Labour’s compliance with CERA fills me with dread: I do not know whether they actually agree or whether TINA II is driving both main parties, with Labour consoling itself with the thought that it might be able to blunt some of the hard edges if elected.

  5. outofbed 5
    16 April 2011 at 3:06 pm

    Anyone else feel the same ?

    • Deadly_NZ 5.1
      16 April 2011 at 6:43 pm

      Yep but the Greens aint got the numbers, and probably never will.  And the fact they said they could work with the NATS, well yeah we all have seen what happened to the Maori party when it cosied up to them. Internal wrangling and implosion probably orchestrated by the NACTS.  and as bad as the labour party is they will have more numbers than the greens.  so I suppose that we are all hoping that the NACTS keep stepping on their Cranks and hand the election to the opposition.  Well here’s hoping

  6. prism 6
    16 April 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Marty G always comes up with incisive comment and some good stats and ‘decorations’ of informative graphs etc.   Very good to see and will be missed.
    Labour is limited by its groupthink that puts loyalty to the leaders before Labour ideals and vision if any, and before standing up for better policy to support the people of NZ    If only they weren’t like a scratch sports team out for a run. There are stakes to be fought for, the cup to win of a thriving NZ working for us all that we can be proud of.  There is nobility in going for principles in politics and not being mealy mouthed and just getting by.  Seems that Goff and King are second-raters looking for their time in the sun like UK Brown after Blair.

  7. tc 7
    16 April 2011 at 3:20 pm

    Spot on prism…..goff and king were next in line rather than deserving of the role as a clean break from Clark/Cullen was required that would’ve made a win in 2011 easily achievable.

    Saving grace for NZ is sideshow, blinglish, ayatolley etc are making a complete mess with no direction or talent…..goff needs a slap but has value whereas kings always been a liability IMO

    • prism 7.1
      16 April 2011 at 3:27 pm

      ayatolley  oh that’s so 😀
       
      antispam  wonderful

    • prism 7.2
      16 April 2011 at 6:45 pm

      tc – I like Goff occasionally but giving him a run in the team a

      • prism 7.2.1
        16 April 2011 at 6:54 pm

        Something happened to my comment so here is what I intended in the first.tc – I like Goff occasionally but giving the ‘juniors’ a chance to shine in the team and relegating some of the older players is justified in these difficult times. Thinking in sporting terms in this country might be the best way of explaining the solution.

        As for Shonkey he spends too much time running round the field waving to the crowd. And he dives too often, he’s performing but not the job, too much theatre and too little sweat-a.

  8. Herodotus 8
    16 April 2011 at 3:24 pm

    A beautiful song with a sting as a warning, even if it does relate to Spain and so dramatically dipicted in Guernica.
    But the abuse is not isolated to one spectrum of the political divide – as the Spanish civil war so unfortunately illustrated: Communists or Fascists 
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX8szNPgrEs

    • Armchair Critic 8.1
      16 April 2011 at 3:48 pm

      “…monuments put from pen to paper turns me into a gutless wonder…”
      Yeah, good on Marty G, it’s time for real action too.

  9. ianmac 9
    16 April 2011 at 3:35 pm

    “ayatolley” Yes. Wonder if the Principals Assoc. of NZ used it when they called on BOT to reject National Standards today?

  10. robertguyton 10
    16 April 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Marty – vote Green.
    You’ve done as Nandor has done and ‘gone to ground’.
    Flax-roots is the solar plexus of community <i>but</i> once you have trained as a political commenter/observer/activist you can’t just ‘take up the hoe’ and watch as the screws are tightened. I suggest you relax, rethink and regroup, then return revived.
    And vote Green. Hone recommends it to his nearest and dearest.

  11. todd 11
    16 April 2011 at 3:52 pm

    Your contribution will be missed Marty G. I must say though that the main 8 or so right wing bogs are rather inept at dealing with the left blogs of around twice that number 🙂 Feel free to tag back in at anytime.

  12. Jenny 12
    16 April 2011 at 4:04 pm
    Marty, speaking for myself, (and many others I am sure), I will miss your reading and analysis of current events and political and economic trends. With your attention to detail and careful fact checking, sometimes backed up with revealing tables, you have often laid bare seemingly complex matters, exposing the deliberate obfuscation and even the downright lies of the right.

    Marty, glad to hear that you are staying involved in political activism. 
    On your proven track record any future project that you give your energies to, will be the greater for it.

    I especially would like to hear your take on the Transition Towns movement.

    As the saying goes, “Thinking globally, acting locally”

    Going by this maxim, I am sure that you are not abandoning the macro level issues completely. 

    Be lucky e hoa.

     

  13. Pete 13
    16 April 2011 at 4:08 pm

    I’ve been reading The Standard for 6 months or so and I’ve always considered Marty’s work to be very informative. Thankyou for your efforts.

  14. Steve Withers 14
    16 April 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Have a good rest from it all, MartyG….whether the rest is a day, a week or a decade. 

    Been there.

  15. Dean Reynolds 15
    16 April 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Marty – I can understand your reaction, but you are one of the most insightful commentators I’ve ever encountered. I’ve printed & kept  your tables & graphs because they’re so precise & well reasoned. You’ll be sorely missed from The Standard – any chance of a return before the election, once you’ve re-charged your batteries? If not, the Left will be the poorer for your absence.

  16. Lanthanide 16
    16 April 2011 at 4:50 pm

    Will be very sad to see you go, Marty. The amount of effort you’ve put into collecting data and creating graphs, with analysis, is simply staggering. We’ll all be worse off without them.

  17. Tanz 17
    16 April 2011 at 4:54 pm

    It’s them against us. All a bit EFA isn’t it, all a bit 2008 Big Brothers/sisters equals both the incumbent and the Opposition. Demoralising.

  18. Key selling off NZ 18
    16 April 2011 at 4:55 pm

    Vote for the greens if you are sick of real politik and spinelessness Marty. The Labour Party under Goff has no backbone, just neoliberal pragmatism. Until he goes and the party gets nerves of steel, you will see a lot more rhetoric without substance.

  19. Transition Aotearoa 19
    16 April 2011 at 4:58 pm

    As many an exMP has said, the real parliament – the place where real leadership happens is on the parliament of the streets. See you there Marty.

  20. RedLogix 20
    16 April 2011 at 5:17 pm

    Marty.  I can well understand your reaction. It’s pretty much how I feel almost all of the time… indeed these day’s I can barely conceal my cynicism and contempt of what is passing for the political and media scene in this country. I’ve been willing to wait for Goff to turn the metaphorical corner for a long time now; but this completely wrong vote confirms for me that he’s not ever going to.
     
    But there is no doubt you have inspired me with your posts that have not been not afraid to let the numbers tell the story. Almost all the media these days make the patronising assumption that their entire audience is functionally innumerate and run a mile screaming if they are presented with even the most elementary graph.  By contrast Marty you have lifted the game in a way few other public intellectuals in this country have been able to.

    Which is all on top of a prodigous output that has left me amazed, week in, week out.
     
    My sincere thanks. And very best wishes.
     
    PS.. it’s a total coincidence that I’ve just managed to put up the first post of my own in ages, although I suspect if The Standard were to rely wholly on my contributions, it would fast save on Lynn’s bandwidth indeed.
     
    There are plenty of regulars here whose comments tell me that they are more than capable of putting up quality posts. It does not need to be an onerous duty; if a dozen or so of us were making three to four new articles month in addition to the existing core of loyal authors… there would be no shortage of diverse and intersting material.

  21. Benjamin B. 21
    16 April 2011 at 6:00 pm

    You always got tough pieces of information across in a very concise and easy to understand way. Thanks for all your posts. Hope you’re back one day.

  22. toad 22
    16 April 2011 at 6:13 pm

    Thanks for all you have done here MartyG.  I’ll miss your contributions, and especially the wonderful charts you have produced to help explain economic issues simply.

    But, as others have pointed out here, we still do have an effective left Opposition.  It is called the Green Party – albeit with a hiccup over the first Canterbury Enabling Act.

    The Green MPs got a real bollocking from the party membership, including me, over that.  And with the Green list ranking democratically determined by the membership on a one member – one vote basis, sitting Green MPs were effectively on notice that any repeat of that unfortunate performance may well see them demoted to unelectable positions behind other candidates.

    It is a pity that Labour doesn’t have a democratic list ranking process like the Greens do.  If they did, their MPs too may be more accountable to their membership.

  23. MrSmith 23
    16 April 2011 at 6:15 pm

    Sorry to here your packing it in. The Standads loss will be some-ones gain, and good luck for the future Marty you have made a difference.

  24. illuminatedtiger 24
    16 April 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Yeah fuck you Labour. Your support for CERA and the Copyright Ammendment Bill has shaken me too. You shall not be receiving my vote this year.

    PS: Your willingness to censor criticism from your supporters on Red Alert is noted.

    • Deadly_NZ 24.1
      16 April 2011 at 6:52 pm

      Yeah I got banned for telling trevor mallard he was useless in the house as he had only stepped up 3 times in about a fortnite result banned for god knows how long. and when they unban me I will then Accuse the whole top of the labour list as being incompetent,  should get me banned for life.  Just for telling the truth they are F&^%ing Useless!   And they are the reason that this country will be raped and pillaged for the next 4 years, lets hope that makes them happy.

      • illuminatedtiger 24.1.1
        16 April 2011 at 7:43 pm

        That sort of loutish behaviour would warrant a ban. All I did was tell them that if they didn’t make repealing the changes made to the Copyright Amendment Act an election issue I would be voting for someone who would.

      • Lanthanide 24.1.2
        17 April 2011 at 10:02 am

        Consider it from their perspective. The blog is their creation, their work, and you’re invited to it. You show up and start swearing at them.

        It’s no different from someone inviting you into their home, and then you swear at them there. Do you think they’ll let you stay there, or show you the door?

        Constructive criticism != insulting.

        • Deadly_NZ 24.1.2.1
          18 April 2011 at 3:31 pm

          I did not swear at them I just told them a few home truth’s like they were useless and lazy in the house and that Mallard had not even said anything to a topic of the day. and I told them that they would lose the election because of the fact that the whole of NZ thinks they are a joke..  And they are. I am sorry to say.

  25. Carol 25
    16 April 2011 at 6:31 pm

    I will miss your posts, marty.  Hope the local activism goes well for you.  i too am EXTREMELY p**sed at the Labour Party voting for CERA & the copyright law.  I will again be voting Green, but Labour’s position doesn’t help with the much needed opposition to this disgraceful, brutal, undemocratic and elitist government. The Greens have been a bit weak lately, but I’m hoping they will pick up after voting against those 2 bills this week.  I would never vote for Winstone, but is there no one else who will stand up and make a clear and blunt message of the evils of NAct?

  26. Drakula 26
    16 April 2011 at 7:02 pm

    Marty I will miss your posts and I know how you feel, betrayal is a hard kick in the guts.

     I am dealing with it on the local level when the Selwyn District Council has just decided to build a 14million ++++ swimming pool and charge rate payers extra for earthquake damage. GO FIGURE?????????

    I will back Toad 100% because I was really fucked off when they (Green MP’s) voted the 1st CERRA, but now I have just down voted a couple of MP’s and I think that they are getting the message.

    So it is really important for any party to have an internal democracy with a constitution.

    I hate to say it i think the Labour Party left it’s principles out the door long ago and it is about time the Greens take the lead in the next government.

    If the Greens do an about turn then there is no other alternative but a revolution!!!!!!!

  27. Rex Widerstrom 27
    16 April 2011 at 7:06 pm

    Tell me, how out of so much
    waking and sleeping
    came the music of your mind,
    the words I’ve grown accustomed to,

    your thoughts, long shadows
    blue lines and red, crossing
    crossing and recrossing on the page.

    – Joan McBreen

    Strewth, another bloke’s moved me to quote poetry. I’d better… ahh… have a beer and go shear some sheep 😉

    Damnit Marty, one of the reasons I read blogs is to learn something, yet rarely do I come close. And not because I’m a genius, alas. Your posts almost always contained something worth finding a spare synapse to store away.

    But I quite understand. You either refocus, or you grow old railing against the slow encroachment of the tsunami of stupid. And take it from me, the latter’s no fun.

  29. QoT 29
    16 April 2011 at 7:22 pm

    You’ll be really missed, Marty.  There are obviously plenty of things you and I don’t agree on but your breakdowns and explanations of scary economic stuff have been fucking invaluable.
     
    But there’s a feminist/social justice maxim:  “Self-care is a radical act”.  You don’t owe us, much less Labour, any more pieces of your mental spoons than you’re willing to give.

  30. IrishBill 30
    16 April 2011 at 7:24 pm

    It’s sad to see you go bro.

  31. ChrisH 31
    16 April 2011 at 7:29 pm

    Marty – Sorely to be missed indeed, but you are right to recharge. It’s easy to get burned out in NZ battling the “Tsunami of Stupid” (Rex on 27) and you don’t want to be the next person that happens to. This kind of race has to be a relay.

  32. belladonna 32
    16 April 2011 at 9:15 pm

    Surely Labour should be concerned when their supporters are bailing out in droves.  It makes me so sad.

    • Tanz 32.1
      17 April 2011 at 2:27 pm

      No, it doesn’t seem so. Seen the latest post re this on Red Alert? As if Labour ever listens to the members, the voters, or the general public. We know best, even if National lies to us.

      Leaving in droves, alright.

  33. lprent 33
    16 April 2011 at 9:23 pm

    ditto to r0b’s comment at 28 but I can understand the feelings of not only having at the NAct’s innate daftness, but also pushing at the parliamentary Labour parties outright sluggishness…

    That is going to be a hell of hole to fill. http://thestandard.org.nz/author/Marty-G/ (now I know how to fix that pesky author link in the theme). But as you say, the site isn’t dependent on any single person (not even me – I have backups on the tech as well). The joys of having a coop.. And remember that like previous authors you keep your login access – so you can write here again if you ever feel the urge.

    922 (&) posts since your first on May 13th 2009 http://thestandard.org.nz/author/Marty-G/page/30/ (30 pages of mostly* excellent posts). Many of which concentrated on the numerical analysis that the left desperately needs to undermine some of the outright billshit that the politicians of the right like to feed the credulous journo’s and their other lazy supporters. I’m sure we’re going to keep referring to these for some time to come.

    Still, this does leave room for more posts from others in election year. So keep those guest posts incoming. 

    Coincidentally, I just bumped ChrisH from guest posting to contributor (#) yesterday – I was tired my having to put his steady stream of posts up on site. Now he can do it himself.

    * no-one writing blog posts is perfect. 

    # If anyone is interested in the differences. Contributors can edit their posts but not publish or schedule them. This means that their editor mentors can check that they don’t have any obvious flaws (like missing links, paragraphs in heading3, etc) in the posts before publishing them. When we’re sure that they can do that, then we make them an author who can schedule and moderate their posts. The few editors can modify others posts and have more moderation facilities. 

    & Which makes you the person with the highest number of published posts on the site.

  34. felix 34
    16 April 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Like everyone else I’m sorry to see you go,
    like everyone else I understand why you have to,
    and like everyone else I wish you well and hope you come back sometime.
     
    Thanks for all your work, I’ve learned a lot.

  35. rosy 35
    16 April 2011 at 10:43 pm

    I looked forward to your reading your posts and appreciated your timely take-downs of NAct rubbish. If any people will be cheering to see you go it will be them and that would mean job well done. From me, thank you.

  36. mickysavage 36
    17 April 2011 at 8:03 am

    Kia ora MartyG.

    I have always enjoyed your posts. You and I/S are the two most analytical, perceptive and principled bloggers I know.

    I wish that my party (Labour) did not vote for CERRA. If people want to know why they did the process went something like this:

    1. The Christchurch MPs who live in the thick of it think that emergency legislation is an absolute must.
    2. They live in areas where people are just coping and surviving day to day and do not want to argue about the niceties of constitutional principle.  They just want their politicians to get on with the job of rebuilding. The MPs wished to respect the view of their citizens.
    3. The rest of the caucus deferred to their world view.

    This is not an apology, just a description of how it came to be. The Nats sensed this and I suspect loaded the legislation as much as they could with stuff that Labour hated. It was the ultimate dead frog. Hearing Brownlee gloat at the beginning of the third reading of the bill was for me one of the most obnoxious things I have heard in Parliament.  

    I think however that more than ever a Labour Green government is required.  You can bet that if they were in charge urgency would not have been abused and the more draconian elements would have been trimmed.

    All the best and I hope you recharge your batteries and return to blogging.

    Kia ora.
     

  37. nadis 37
    17 April 2011 at 10:06 am

    Yes of course Mickey, it’s Nationals fault, not the spinelessness and expediency of politicians in general, and Labour who have it particularly bad right now.
    This was the ultimate free option for Labour, and for them not to realize that fact, really makes you wonder at the nous of the leadership and their advisors.
    The reality is CERRA was gonna pass.  Labour could have thundered on about how wrong it was and what should be improved, but rolled over like day old puppies.
    I typically vote right and will again this year – but I’d love to see some effective opposition and accountability on issues like CERRA, the tuhoe no jury trials, internet policy and financial regulation.
    Effective opposition makes Government better (left or right).
     
     

  38. nadis 38
    17 April 2011 at 10:12 am

    And on the issue of media bias.  I really dont see it.
    I think what we are seeing is a response by the media and people in the street to labour’s grey-ness.  People don’t care.
    Nobody is owed media coverage, you have to earn it.  I am asked for comment occasionally in various media, mostly print.  I was taught very quickly to say something relevant, interesting and sound-bitey.  No point being grey – the media won’t come back.  It is not an equal opportunity game.

    • todd 38.1
      17 April 2011 at 3:52 pm

      People earn media coverage… as in an exchange of funds like that seen with the Mediaworks con. It’s relevant that a one sided argument is particularly disgraceful when it has been achieved through a bribe.
       
      Each side of an argument deserves as much time as the other. I believe the public is rather sick and tired of the propaganda machine and media bias. Those with enough brains to see it for what it is, have resorted to other means of information dissemination, such as blogging.
       
      Being that there are around twice as many left blogs as there are right blogs should tell you something.

      • Draco T Bastard 38.1.1
        17 April 2011 at 3:59 pm

        Each side of an argument deserves as much time as the other.

        Incorrect. When one side of the “argument” is pure delusion and can be proven incorrect with empirical evidence then it deserves, and should get, no time at all. This applies to 90% of what NACT say.

        • todd 38.1.1.1
          17 April 2011 at 4:12 pm

          However in a democracy each side of the argument should be allowed as much time as the other, no matter how deluded the debaters might be.
           
          We currently have a disproportionate amount of delusional/incorrect information and a lop sided debate in mainstream media in favour of Nact and their business interests.

          • Draco T Bastard 38.1.1.1.1
            17 April 2011 at 4:25 pm

            The only reason why the “debate” about climate change is still going on is because the delusional climate change deniers were reported with the same  amount, if not more, time and respect as the scientists. The same is true of what NACT say.

            • todd 38.1.1.1.1.1
              17 April 2011 at 4:45 pm

              Yep! The dynamic as it exists is definitely in favour of financial interests. However everybody gets a vote and as such a denialist argument is relevant. It only becomes an issue when there is no argument to refute a delusional debate, which is what we all should be concerned with in New Zealand.
               
              It appears that the denialists are all but dead, if the google allerts on climate change are anything to go by. I hate to think of how much damage their funded argument has done though.

  39. LynW 39
    17 April 2011 at 10:37 am

    Will miss your posts MartyG. Always so very therapeutic for me to read at a time when I am so disheartened by what is happening to NZ. After the last election I felt such disappointment and anger that fellow NZrs could vote in a party piggybacking on most of Labour’s policies but ‘lead’ by a hollow money man who was marketed so skillfully. Finding the Standard with you and the other contributors was a lifesaver! Please know how very much your articles have been appreciated and have helped me personally to be even more sure of where I stand on so many important issues. Thank you MartyG and also thanks to the other contributors who will carry on.

  40. Anne 40
    17 April 2011 at 4:35 pm

    I couldn’t agree more about the therapeutic nature of The Standard LynW. There have been times when it has helped me to maintain my sanity. The anger at what this govt. is doing to our country is hard to bear at times.

    May I add my disppointment at your decision to ‘have a break” MartyG. It’s understandable, but I will so miss your informed and insightful commentary. Let’s hope you see your way clear to coming back in the not too distant future.

  41. ak 41
    17 April 2011 at 5:13 pm

    Relax and enjoy your break Marty, you most thoroughly deserve it.  You’ve contributed magnificently and your sterling work has been inspirational and informative to many thousands, some of whom will now valiantly attempt to rise to the incredible er.. standard that you have set.   A pity I don’t know your real name, it would forever be up there in lights in this and I suspect many other households.  All the very best to you and your loved ones son, in whatever you do.  

  42. Jim Nald 42
    18 April 2011 at 12:42 am

    Thank you very much, MartyG.
    Your posts have educated and informed me.
    Your analysis have taken my thinking and understanding up a few notches.
    Of course, people have to take time out from time to time. And others will benefit from your new commitments.
    But I hope that you are, in effect, taking an open-ended period of sabbatical from The Standard and general blogging.
    Hope to see you around at some stage in the future, and a guest post .. or two, now and then.
    Thanks again and take care.

  43. Gary 43
    18 April 2011 at 11:36 am

    Please come back closer to the election, we’ll be needing all the help we can get on this one!
     

  44. fermionic_interference 44
    18 April 2011 at 9:34 pm

    Many thanks for your tireless efforts and quality analysis of our political environment Marty.

    You are appreciated and will missed 

    Ake Ake Kia Kaha

    Forever and ever be strong

  45. the sprout 45
    19 April 2011 at 9:31 am

    a sorry loss for the left and the Standard – you’ve been an amazingly prolific contributor of well researched material, but i certainly understand.
    best wishes Marty, hope you return soon

    • joe90 46.1
      4 May 2011 at 4:08 pm

      And that clown has an arms license!.

    • Pascal's bookie 46.2
      4 May 2011 at 5:54 pm

      Good lord. Mg and SPs writing styles were chalk and cheese.

      Seriously, go back and read some SP posts.

  47. Colonial Viper 47
    4 May 2011 at 5:50 pm

    yep do your magic in your local community Marty G, it’s great that they will now have the benefit of your energy, intelligence and presence as we have had the benefit of it ourselves for so long now. We will miss you.

    And to Labour: time to stand up so there isn’t an inch of daylight between you and your principles, and generate a serious ruckus.

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    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. ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 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
    6 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
    7 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
    9 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
    10 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
    11 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
    14 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
    15 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
    15 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
    16 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
    17 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
    17 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    18 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    21 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step 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 third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s 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. Here‘s 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. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen 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 Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    23 hours 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    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 ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, 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?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    5 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
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  • 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 ...
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    12 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
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  • 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 ...
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    13 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
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  • 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 ...
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    14 hours ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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    16 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Government focused on getting people into work
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    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 ...
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  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
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    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
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    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
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    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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
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    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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  • 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 ...
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    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 ...
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  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
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