Israel threatens sanctions against New Zealand

Written By: - Date published: 10:31 am, December 27th, 2016 - 132 comments
Categories: International, us politics - Tags: , ,

This story gets weirder and weirder.  Fresh from the humiliation of the Security Council deciding that Israel’s actions in building settlements on land it had prised away from Palestine during the 1967 six day war was illegal Israel has gone on the offensive.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is clearly not pleased.  All ambassadors of the 14 Security Council members were summonsed to a meeting on Christmas day to be formally reprimanded.   Senegal has had its aid suspended.  Further sanctions against New Zealand have been threatened.

Netanyahu has been quoted in the Guardian as follows:

Two countries with which we have diplomatic relations co-sponsored the resolution against us at the UN; therefore, I ordered yesterday that our ambassadors be recalled from Senegal and from New Zealand. I have ordered that all Israeli assistance to Senegal be halted, and there’s more to come.

Those who work with us will benefit because Israel has much to give to the countries of the world. But those who work against us will lose – because there will be a diplomatic and economic price for their actions against Israel.”

And the Obama administration has been subject to threats that Israel will release information to Donald Trump in an effort to discredit America’s semi principled decision to not veto the resolution which had the support of all other nations.  From the Times of Israel:

Confirming claims made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman a day earlier, Dermer said Israel has proof the White House drove the resolution, and will “present this evidence to the new administration through the appropriate channels.”

“If they want to share it with the American people, they are welcome to do it,” he said, sidestepping a question on why Israel would not release the information itself.

Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Netanyahu’s spokesman David Keyes said Arab sources, among others, had informed Jerusalem of President Barack Obama’s alleged involvement in advancing the resolution.

“We have ironclad information, frankly, that the Obama administration really helped push this resolution and helped craft it, from sources internationally and sources in the Arab world,” Keyes told the US media outlet.

So who is in the right and who is in the wrong?  I appreciate that many, many words have been thrown at this problem but I believe the answer is quite simple.  As pointed out by Bob Carr in the Sydney Morning Herald the relevant principle of International Law is quite clear, and his view is held by none other than Theodor Meron​, the chief legal adviser to the Israeli Government in 1967.  The principle is that a nation may not settle its citizens on land that it has gained by conquest to usurp the rights of the original residents.  And Carr details a history of further resettlement being used by Israel to undermine successive attempts to achieve peace.

If you want the source of the principle then read Article 49 of the Geneva Convention on the proteciton of Civilian Persons in Time of War.  This prohibits the forced removal of citizens from land gained by war, precisely the thing that is occurring in the settlement areas as Palestinians are shunted out of their homes to make way for Israeli Apartment blocks.  Fancy arguments to the contrary the applicable principle seems clear.

Threatening sanctions against member countries of the Security Council for pointing this out is Donald Trump quality petulance.  And no doubt they are hoping that the Donald’s ascension to the Presidency will mean they have a solid ally for their convention breaching behaviour.

Trump has already signalled how he will handle the middle east by his appointment of a hard right bankruptcy lawyer to be the next US Ambassador for Israel.  From the Sydney Morning Herald:

Last week, Trump named David Friedman – a New York bankruptcy lawyer who has given strong financial support and other backing to the Israeli settlement movement and has said Trump supports Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory – as his ambassador to Israel.

During the campaign, Trump also charged that Obama had helped promote terrorism by supporting “the ouster of a friendly regime in Egypt” – that of long-standing autocrat Hosni Mubarak – and more recently by failing to fully back the military government that overthrew Mubarak’s democratically elected replacement.

He has already upended decades of US policy by speaking directly with Taiwan’s leader, and he has spoken out regularly on events like this week’s terrorist attack in Germany. But his push to stop a UN resolution criticising Israel was more directly aimed at decisions still being made by his predecessor in his final days in office.

Combined with his pledge to move the US embassy to Jerusalem and his selection of a pro-settlement ambassador to Israel, Trump’s involvement Thursday signalled an intent to play an active role in Middle East peace issues by backing Israel’s right-wing coalition government.

So these are scary times.  Either International Law holds and prevents the worst excesses of human right abuse and international conflict or the barbarians win and anything can happen.  Stay tuned …

132 comments on “Israel threatens sanctions against New Zealand ”

  1. Carolyn_nth 1

    An interesting related article by Glenn Greenwald.

    While Netanyahu attacks Obama, it seems that, under Obama, the US government has given Israel billions of dollars aid, mainly for its military – making it the best armed country int he middle east – and one of the most technologically advance militaries in the world.. Meanwhile, 10% of US citizens have no health care coverage.

    • Draco T Bastard 1.1

      The US has been giving billions of dollars per year to Israel for decades and most of it has gone to their military.

  2. Draco T Bastard 2

    Either International Law holds and prevents the worst excesses of human right abuse and international conflict or the barbarians win and anything can happen.

    The barbarians have been winning for awhile. They think that they’ve got the rest of us pinned down and that they can do what they want.

    I believe that they’re about to find out that they were always wrong.

    • garibaldi 2.1

      Bring it on, all you Zionist pricks.

      • Red 2.1.1

        Not to mention you anti semetic pricks

        • WILD KATIPO 2.1.1.1

          Red.

          You’re an idiot.

          And a spreader of fallacies.

          A Zionist is not necessarily Semitic.

          Stop being a racist in you’re ignorance. And stop trying to pretend you didn’t know the difference. Even most of the Rabbi’s are dead against extreme Zionism.

          • weka 2.1.1.1.1

            and garibaldi didn’t say extreme Zionist pricks.

            How about we all try and not act out our aggressions here, and instead find a different way to interact. All things considered.

            • marty mars 2.1.1.1.1.1

              I sense that may be difficult for some.

              • weka

                true, and the ones that want to can try despite the difficulty (not sure what to do about the ones that don’t want to).

            • WILD KATIPO 2.1.1.1.1.2

              The connotations were there nonetheless.

              Red is equating ‘ Zionists’ with automatically being Jewish. And that is not the case. And that’s the problem with those who use that term as an emotive one. Usually knowing full well what reaction it will elicit.

              Most of those not so informed will fail to see the difference. However in Reds case, he/she would have known full well that any mention of Zionist conjures up the image of it being exclusively Jewish.

              Its time we all stopped with this patronizing perpetuation of fallacies and letting ourselves be sucker punched..

              • weka

                sure. And nevertheless, my point stands. What I saw was a sequence of people wanting to start hitting (and each no doubt feeling justified in that). Given the context I thought it made more sense to find other ways of engaging.

            • Red 2.1.1.1.1.3

              My point exactly, even though a bit to subtle for WK The use of “you” was not referring to garibaldi but highlighting the offensive nature of his point if in reverse I do know the difference Wk I lived in Israel for some time

          • HDCAFriendlyTroll 2.1.1.1.2

            So you think the Jewish people shouldn’t have a homeland?

            Ohhhkay.

            And what’s “extreme Zionism”? Is it Zionists who like really, really, really, want a Jewish homeland. You know, as opposed to those Zionists who just want a Jewish homeland like maybe, possibly?

            • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1.2.1

              So you think no-one will notice your pathetic strawman argument, dickhead?

              Ohhhkkaaayyy.

            • Draco T Bastard 2.1.1.1.2.2

              Why should they be allowed, and even encouraged, to steal another peoples homeland?

        • Henry Balfour 2.1.1.2

          Joos (and by this I refer to Ashekenazim) are not Semites. Sephardic Jews are Semites. And, moron, learn to spell “Semite”

          • WILD KATIPO 2.1.1.2.1

            ‘ (and by this I refer to Ashekenazim) ‘

            Originally immigrants and refugees from Kazakhstan / Khazars. Migrated from there and into East Europe after Byzantine Constantinople and the Russians defeated their kingdom in the 10th century AD.

            Became proselyte Jews around the time or soon after the sacking of Jerusalem by Titus 70 AD.

            Originally of Slavic origin.

            • GregJ 2.1.1.2.1.1

              The Khazar Theory of Ashkenazi ancestry is pretty much discredited now. Modern DNA testing and research shows Ashkenazi share substantial genetic ancestry derived from a common Ancient Middle Eastern founder population, and that Ashkenazi Jews have no genetic ancestry attributable to Khazars (who were a Turkic people not Slavs).

              Additionally the concept of a mass conversion of the Khazars to Judaism has a number of historiographical and polemical problems. The 9th Century Khazar Kingdom is not very well documented or understood.

              The theory was prominent in Soviet anti-semitism and It’s been adopted recently as a specific anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic crutch to discredit the concept of Jewish nationhood.

              I suggest you leave it well alone.

              • One Two

                i suggest you leave it well alone

                When attempting to shut down a thread using such words as “discredited”, providing links or citation of sorts would assist the case you try to make

                When you provide the citation , counters can be provided ‘discrediting’ yours…

                History. .. manufactured claptrap!

                • GregJ

                  I don’t really have to make a case, The scholarship consensus is pretty complete on it now (a bit like the consensus on climate change). I’m sure Wild Katipo can carry out their own research if they want to. Even a simple Google search will find a Wikipedia entry on the theory and the current state of research.

                  However I’ll give you a start:

                  Atzmon, Gil, Li Hao, Itsik Pe’er, Christopher Velez, Alexander Pearlman, Pier Francesco Palamara, Bernice Morrow, Eitan Friedman, Carole Oddoux, Edward Burns, and Harry Ostrer. 2010. “Abraham’s Children in the Genome Era: Major Jewish Diaspora Populations Comprise Distinct Genetic Clusters with Shared Middle Eastern Ancestry”. The American Journal of Human Genetics, 86: 850–859.

                  Behar, Doron M, Bayazit Yunusbayev, Mait Metspalu, Ene Metspalu, Saharon Rosset, Jüri Parik, Siiri Rootsi, Gyaneshwer Chaubey, Ildus Kutuev, Guennady Yudkovsky, Elza K. Khusnutdinova, Oleg Balanovsky, Ornella Semino, Luisa Pereira, David Comas, David Gurwitz, Batsheva Bonne-Tamir, Tudor Parfitt, Michael F. Hammer, Karl Skorecki1, and Richard Villems. 2010. “The genome-wide structure of the Jewish people”. Nature, 466: 238–242.

                  http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2012/08/ashkenazi-jews-are-probably-not-descended-from-the-khazars/#.WGNtulN959O

                  • One Two

                    “Pretty complete” , “Probably not”

                    Scholarship consensus…

                    Not at all convincing. Not even close

                    I suggest you leave it well alone if that’s the ‘strength’ of the position you’re tailgating on

                    • GregJ

                      Science eh? I understand why it’s probably difficult for you.

                      Oh and in the spirit of 2016…fuck off!

                  • One Two

                    It’s nothing to do with ‘science’ , but it’s not at all a suprise you believe to be

                    Your final sentence could well be in jest, I don’t know that one way or another

                    What it does confirm is you have no confidence in the premise of the retort to WK, as if that wasn’t emphatically clear

                    Statements such as “I don’t really need to make a case. ..” and the ” Scholarship consensus. ..” was an abdication on your part

                    The ‘appeal to (science) authority’ was feeble to tragic

                    May 2017 provide you with further learning opportunities and personal growth

                    • rubbish – the case was made and then evidence produced. You may disagree with that evidence or think the case hasn’t been sufficiently made but there was no abdication from greg at all. Passive aggressive is still aggressive 12 – it is you who needs to learn and try a bit of personal growth it may help your critical thinking a little.

                      And as for the qualifiers used that so infuriate you – lol get over yourself, they are a commonly used tool to reduce the ego and absolutist content of a statement and to show that whilst we think we know stuff there is still more stuff to know and we acknowledge that by ‘qualifiers’.

        • Morrissey 2.1.1.3

          You’re ignorant, Red.

    • AmaKiwi 2.2

      When the Israeli government calls in our ambassador for a dressing down, I would say, “The NZ government has condemned the policy of “Labensraum” since 1939, when it was Hitler’s rationale for taking Poland so the Germans could dispossess Poles and have more “living space.” Seventy-years on and we still condemn it.”

      When the Israeli government calls in the USA ambassador for a dressing down, I would say, “My country gives you $10.4 million USD every single day of the year and all you have to show for it is genocide. You are our p.r. nightmare.”

      • Wensleydale 2.2.1

        Either they don’t grasp the parallel, or the hypocrisy, or they’re just blinded by arrogance and the belief that they’ve been doing it for so long, no one really cares that much and it will all blow over once the next press release from the Kardashians comes out.

        At its most simplistic is the question – does a bad thing suddenly become less bad if the ethnic group perpetrating it happen to be Jewish? And does asking this question make one an anti-Semite?

        • AmaKiwi 2.2.1.1

          @ Wensleydale

          Any Israeli will tell you Israel can NEVER afford to lose a war, because they will be obliterated by their neighbors.

          I suspect that all Israelis know someday they will lose a war. It may not be in their lifetime but it will almost surely happen.

          So the question becomes, “How to prevent all future wars?” I have no surefire answer but as an optimist who believes peace is always possible, I think their government’s policies are increasing the likelihood of more wars.

          Some Israelis would agree with me, but they are not in control of their government because fear is a more powerful emotion than trust.

          • WILD KATIPO 2.2.1.1.2

            As a side note to all this Machiavellian maneuvering , Erdogan of Turkey has publicly stated he intends to head a 10 nation caliphate. And he has the backing already of many those diverse nations. If that comes into being we would now have a new power bloc – one that Israel and the West cannot ignore.

            Therefore some sort of peace deal would need to be brokered. Rather convenient don’t you think ?,… sacrifice a few more thousand Palestinian lives and agitate a bit more using ISIS as the tool to do so ? … the Wests oil reserves and military strategic regional influence assured ? Hegelian dialectics at work here ?

            One reason that Turkey is favored among those 10 nations is because it has a state of the art military machine. It also somewhat enjoys cordial relations with the U.N nations and isn’t exactly always on good terms with Russia. A body such as that would suit certain among the West very nicely indeed.

            According to one clip Adrian Thornton posted ( comment 6 ) on this page Clinton didn’t seemed particularly interested in ‘ peace’ at all … one then has to ask the question …why?

            What was the real motives going on here…

          • victor 2.2.1.1.3

            Ama Kiwi – You may be right, – Israel one day will lose a war and will be obliterated, – but you conveniently forgot to also mention that while being obliterated by their neighbors Israel shall obliterate the neighbors.
            Never again holocaust will happen to jews only!!!

      • hemebond 2.2.2

        +1

  3. Gristle 3

    Oh no! Israeli Government withdraws Christmas from countries who voted for the UN resolution as part of sanctions.

  4. BM 4

    The rapture.

    It’s a shame that this horse shit invented by an English preacher in the 1800’s has such an influence in US middle east policy.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Nelson_Darby

    • BM 4.1

      Just to add it’s a shame this horse shit had such an influence on UK foreign policy.

      http://www.plymouthbrethren.com/balfour.htm

    • Its a shame the Clinton foundation was funneling money from Saudi Arabia for arms deals. 80 billion’s worth in one deal alone. The largest arms deals in history apparently . And where did those arms go to?

      They were then distributed to ISIS.

      Why?… because like Saudi Arabia, ISIS are Sunny Muslims – not Shi’ite’s .

      And Shi’ite’s are considered heretics by the Sunny ISIS and deserve the death penalty.

      Israel and Saudi Arabia are quite chummy with the USA. And the USA remembers them in their Christmas cards because the USA likes to be chummy with Saudi Arabia because of its oil reserves. And also an ally with which to extend its military influence from in the region against Russia.

      The USA also likes to be chummy with its resident Jewish population because from out of that demographic , a significant number are Zionists bankers, politicians and advisers – and involved in the entertainment industry thus influencing popular opinion and the news-media.

      And the neo cons feel they have to be chummy with them because another extreme Zionist globalist called Lord Rothchild who controls the financial operations of the City of London to a large extent also owns the Federal Reserve Bank in the USA.

      So you see, BM ,… its a little more involved than your simplistic comments would try to have us believe,… and that is why I wrote it out so even a child could understand…

      • marty mars 4.2.1

        Is there some sort of conspiracy or hidden agenda and if yes, what is it?

          • marty mars 4.2.1.1.1

            It’s okay to say you don’t know – how could you unless you were part of it.

            • WILD KATIPO 4.2.1.1.1.1

              I assume your not unable to work it out for yourself . Therefore , look up some more data on the issue on your own volition. There’s plenty of it there to keep you busy for a long time.

              Unless you believe all political , military and banking systems operate in a complete and absolute vacuum , independent of each other , totally oblivious to what their colleagues are about , and that all is simply a monstrous collection of random events that just happens to land in an organized fashion in the form of treaty’s, peace summits , – and all without any ulterior motives or duplicity.

              Sure wish I was that confident in our local or world leaders.

              • I tend to believe the idiot fuckup selfish theory rather than the big intertwinned conspiracy theory – which I have heard many times in many different ways and from many angles. Just wondered which iteration you subscribed to. But happy to forget it ☺

                • Make of it what you will , … but here is what George Bush Sr had to say…

                  • BM

                    So the UN is a front for the NWO.?

                    Do you think Helen Clark knows this? or is she part of the NWO as well?

                    • joe90

                      It’s the Juice!.

                    • I would suspect that Clark was right in behind the trend – at least broadly. She certainly had no qualms in presenting the soft face of neo liberalism. So she doesn’t come up squeaky clean either. Clark seemed slightly disdainful of Israel and the USA, … but she was still happy to be embedded in established political orders . Ok with Afghanistan , not so with Iraq.

                      There is a certain amount of latitude given on local and regional issues. That is part of the accepted ‘ democratic principle ‘ . Lange did the same with the anti nuclear issue. But broadly speaking , there is certainly an unseen line that even govts do not dare cross. And that has to do with certain accepted tenets within the broad church of western democracies.

                      Particularly if they are U.N members.

                      The other is the very international banking / financial institutions itself. We see the lower echelons get burned ie : the footsoldier ranks… they are the expendable tiers ,… eg , those directly responsible for the 2008 crash … but we never see those who have the enormous wealth and political clout to influence whole nations , those that finance and topple regimes , those that can withdraw credit and either create a famine or avoid it.

                      And its no use saying these individuals do not exist. They do , and are still human individuals that can be named. And you will find them in many world organizations .

              • Red

                Same argument the creationist use against evolution, doesn’t work their either

      • BM 4.2.2

        Lol, you’re a crazy old Mofo.

  5. Sabine 5

    oh dear.
    let’s clutch our pearls in anticipation.

  6. Adrian Thornton 6

    I hope they do sanction us, that would be quite a conversation piece for the smoko room, and dinner table, it would be a good thing for Kiwis to be forced into having open and frank discussions around Israelis appalling behavior in Palestine.

    I am sure Israel will find a freind in Trump, though if you want to see some real scary rhetoric around Israel check this out….. Palestinians probably dodged a bullet there?

    This is pretty good too…
    http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=17559

    • Cyber security ? water security ?…. haven’t we heard all that before in the recent past?

      We had our own home grown version in the North Island perhaps… but that just may be drawing a long bow….

      But the loss of our civil rights with the 5 eyes network sure aint.

      Just ask either Nicky Hager or Rodney Hide…

      • WILD KATIPO 6.1.1

        ‘ Hegelian dialectic, usually presented in a threefold manner, was stated by Heinrich Moritz Chalybäus as comprising three dialectical stages of development: a thesis, giving rise to its reaction, an antithesis, which contradicts or negates the thesis, and the tension between the two being resolved by means of a synthesis. ‘

        So , create a problem , ie: war and an opposing force , – then offer a solution.

        Voila ! easy manipulation when the world cries for piece. And the people who created those conditions get to control us, gain vast wealth and embed themselves as a ruling elite.

        Pretty old game. Been going on for century’s.

    • Red 6.2

      I am more appalled about Arab violence against each other

  7. Jenny 7

    “Israel threatens sanctions against New Zealand”

    MICKYSAVAGE

    In its ongoing campaign to disopossess the Palestiniasn, new levels of absurdity are reached, when Israel opens up new front against New Zealand.

      • garibaldi 8.1.1

        Don’t question the Zionists. We are not allowed to rock the boat.

        • WILD KATIPO 8.1.1.1

          Nothing happens in a vacuum.

          Its been said in many ways ‘ we ignore the lessons of history at our peril ‘. Too easy to deny it when we cant be bothered or it goes against our own cherished viewpoints. And that goes for the ‘ Left ‘ and the ‘Right’ . Lets see what happens with this latest threat of sanctions by Israel . Maybe it will serve to make Trump even more pro Likud party. Hard to say.

        • Anne 8.1.1.2

          What a sad state of affairs. I had Jewish relatives (on my mother’s side although she was not Jewish) in England and I lived with them for a year about 40 years ago. Through them I met a lot of Jewish people and found them delightful and full of fun. They practised their religious beliefs in their daily lives and it seemed to me they were always celebrating some religious event of one sort or another. It was a source of fascination for me. There was never any hint of fanaticism so I am sure they were not – or perhaps became – Zionists.

          It’s a shame that these fanatics have brought so much hatred and violence to the world in the name of the Jewish race.

          Now I’ve rocked the boat!

          • WILD KATIPO 8.1.1.2.1

            No you haven’t rocked the boat – as that’s the truth. Its not the common folk ,- as it is in all country’s ,… its the small number of maniacs who work their way into power that are the problem.

            I’m actually pro the state of Israel, but not the manner in which certain leaders of theirs are taking the country. And a lot of the leaders of other country’s in supporting their genocidal tendencies and justifying it.

            Then again – the other lot ( surrounding country’s ) haven’t been exactly friendly and all open arms towards Israel as well. They all share in the blame. That whole idea of ‘ driving Israel into the sea’ wasn’t particularly welcoming.

  8. Sacha 9

    https://www.brookings.edu/blog/markaz/2016/12/26/whats-new-and-whats-not-in-the-u-n-resolution-on-israeli-settlements/#pq=TbQk0Q

    None of this—the determination of “occupation,” the inclusion of East Jerusalem, the U.S. abstention—was actually new. But two things were: the involvement of Donald Trump, not yet in office, in the process of tabling the resolution; and the sense that this was not merely a condemnation of Israeli settlements, nor an attempt to promote a two-state solution, but an attempt to prevent the worst of the no-solution reality.

  9. Sacha 10

    NZ representative not welcome.

    New Zealand’s ambassador is “not able to visit Israel for the time being”, MFAT said in a statement.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11773528

  10. Sacha 11

    some Israeli pundits are unamused ..

    The New Zealanders, do-gooders with a very dim understanding of what they have wrought, can be forgiven such folly. The Obama administration has no such excuses.

    http://besacenter.org/perspectives-papers/389-lerman-unscr-2334-a-disservice-to-the-cause-of-peace/

  11. McFlock 12

    I feel sorry for any entities that depend on Israel for a chunk of their income stream, but it was the right call to make by this government.

    Although, correction, I suspect included in those entities are ones associated with a slater (and, given their comment stream, a weta), so not too sorry for all of them…

  12. Gavin 13

    WHAT A FOOLISH THING NEW ZEALAND HAS DONE

    This morning I woke up to the news that New Zealand had pushed for the Two State resolution to proceed despite Egypts withdrawal just yesterday at the behest of Israel and President elect Donald Trump.

    Furthermore New Zealand went on to vote against Israel which now aligns us with the Palestinians against Israel. This does not bode well for us as a country and nation, as New Zealand has now taken a clear stand against Israel (God’s inheritance).

    We know from ancient history and as recorded in the Bible that Israel is a nation that belongs to the Jewish people who were given the land of Israel by God. The Palestinians are the direct descendants of the Philistines which were the arch enemies of the Jews. You recall the epic show down between David and Goliath who was a Philistine. It was Philistine against Israel, a huge force against a very small army yet God took it down then and destroyed the Philistines with one blow.

    We are at the same juncture today where the UN is siding with Palestine (check your history, Palestine was the ancient Philistines) against Israel, do you think it will be any different today that God will standby and allow the nations to split up His people’s inheritance. With NZ voting against Israel today, it brings us face to face against the direct will of God. We already had one warning which was the recent earthquake (the UN vote determines to split Jerusalem at the hand of man) which consequently splits our land (earthquake) by the hand of God as a warning. Further actions to divide Jerusalem will cause our land to be divided by divine supernatural events of God (I urge you to watch for these signs as they are a marker on each decision made by a government or country that decides action against Israel. As a side note think about the proximity of the last earthquake to the internal decision to vote against Israel, its the same day that John Kerry met with Murray McCully that we had the earthquake, then if NZ continues on this path you will see a close pattern of judgements to these decisions). Watch for more land dividing judgements (either by earthquakes and/or internal civil divisions) if NZ remain hellbent on siding against Israel and God (The God of Isaac, Jacob and Abraham).

    Watch this:

    God is going to bring judgment to those who try to divide Jerusalem:

    “… there will I deal with and execute judgment upon them for their treatment of My people and of My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations and because they have divided My land.” [Joel 3:2]

    The current resolution NZ has crafted and pushed for demands that we as a country are demanding that Israel divide her land with her sworn enemies that continue to attack her. As seen above this is God’s heritage and any man or nation that stands against Israel will fall into the hands of the Living God, make no mistake God takes vengance against his enemies.

    Now by NZ pushing for this, has placed New Zealand and its people directly in danger at the hand of God. We are cautioned as to which side we choose, as it is a choice and you have cast a lot in favour against Israel and Gods inheritance.

    Now you have a choice this day, so chose wisely: Are You for God or against God.

    On the current path McCully exposes us to direct judgements from The Father on the land of New Zealand and its people through many and diverse natural and supernatural disaster. If you ignore this message then you do so at your own peril and that of our country and its people as God will judge us and protect Israel and she will not be divided despite your or anyone’s best efforts.

    We as NZ need to reconsider our politically correct actions in what seems to be the right path and move to align yourself and New Zealand to the direct wishes of God our Father and the inheritance He has given to Israel.

    As a child of God, a Christian I am only too aware that these last days are filled with many worldwide events that concern us, but if we are in His hands, we are safe and protected. I urge you now to change course in the direction and favor of Israel (thus standing with God), you don’t want to fall into the hands of the Living God. If we continue on the current path against Israel then we as a nation can expect further judgements from God’s hand against our land and our people. Choose wisely.

    For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance [Deuteronomy 32:9]

    This message is provided with no ill will or intent but in the love of Jesus Christ and His mercy for us all as a warning.

    Let it be known to all I STAND FOR ISRAEL AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, JACOB AND ABRAHAM.

    If we change course now and repent of our actions, our God is merciful and will have compassion on us and we will not share in the coming nations judgements.

    Remember Belshazzar [Daniel 5: 22 – 31]

    [Looks like Gavin is doing a bit of cutting and pasting – MS]

    • Muttonbird 13.1

      Good post. That’s the most lucid and direct argument I’ve seen yet from our pro-settlement crowd.

      Literally, that Israelis are superior, which is the very definition of supremacist and racist speech.

      • Sacha 13.1.1

        Bit confused how them Philistines were “destroyed” yet have descendants nowadays. Still, I guess magical realism is like that as a genre.

    • Malconz 13.2

      Brilliant stuff Gav. I’m with you – we should definitely let the musing of Bronze Age nomads wandering around a miserable patch of sand govern our actions in 2017. FFS whenever in history was God “merciful”? You are seriously deluded, my friend.

    • North 13.3

      Looks like Gavin is a bit of a Brian Tamaki. “Away with thee Sodom/Palestinians/the whole world !”

    • The Fairy Godmother 13.4

      This is an excellent short film explaining the violent history of Palestine. I think it is totally ridiculous to think anyone has a claim on this land because of what happened thousands of years ago.

      http://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/this-land-is-mine/

    • Wensleydale 13.5

      I wonder if Murray McCully knows that the magical wizard who lives in the sky is going to smite him for his insolence. I reckon you should send him an e-mail, Gav.

    • McFlock 13.6

      Belshazzar?

      Sounds like Sharon from south Dunedin is being informed that somebody is at the door: “Bell, Shazza!”

      I don’t have a problem with what bible-thumpers do in the privacy of their own homes, but it’s their lifestyle choice. There’s no need to do it in public. Kids might see.

  13. Andre 14

    An interesting opinion piece on the Chump’s pick for ambassador to Israel.

    http://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/22/opinions/trumps-israel-pick-ruins-obama-legacy-hassan/index.html

  14. One Anonymous Bloke 15

    Oh noes! Now we won’t be able to have shit paintings and over-priced cosmetics pushed on the gullible anymore!

    I guess they won’t be wanting our passports either.

    • keepcalmcarryon 15.1

      haha was thinking the same. Im not buying the wife that uzi for christmas now.
      F#ckers were knicking our passports not that long ago, they have no respect for anyone else – look how bibi treated Obama going behind his back on the US visit.
      All countries should cut all ties and aid to israel, start some real sanctions and end the israeli appartheid.
      Shame it’ll never happen with (Jewish) Israeli interests running america.

  15. simonm 16

    Please Israel, boycott NZ and give us another Christmas present after the fantastic UN Security Council resolution.

    I’m proud of the legacy of brave people in this country who stood up against apartheid in South Africa, and I would be delighted if we began a new legacy of standing up to Israeli apartheid against the Palestinian people.

  16. ron 17

    We have not seen NZ offering homes and land free to Palestinians that want to free themselves and start afresh bringing Islam and with it many mosques to NZ slowly destabilising the country to the point of civil war with their demands and “rights” as other refugees from the Middle East have done to the rest of Europe I am sure Israel would be happy to pay all costs of one way transportation! When we see this in the world press then people might begin to take notice of this hot air.

  17. JOHN IRVING 18

    Nz should have sanctioned Israel for using nz passports to carry out their spying activities.

  18. Katipo 19

    Perhaps this is all a Netanyahu diversion…
    “Report: Netanyahu to be investigated for bribery, fraudPolice ask A-G to turn months-long secret inquiry into full-blown investigation as new documents come to light….”
    http://www.timesofisrael.com/report-netanyahu-to-be-investigated-for-bribery-fraud/

  19. Happy Camper 20

    You final comment is a joke ” the worst excesses of human rights abuse and international conflict” …Really? What a total bunch of garbage, maybe you should look in the mirror, or look around the globe? The Palestinian’s don’t want peace because war & demonizing Israel pay’s so much better. There was no peace before the settlements, there’s no peace in Gaza after the Israeli’s they gave that land away, and they’ll be no peace in the West bank until the Palestinian’s get leaders who aren’t entirely corrupt. They’ve been offered their own country several times before, but they’ve chosen war, they want the destruction of Israel, not coexistence.
    Do some research on your articles, seriously!

    • simonm 20.1

      Oops! You seem to have landed on the wrong website, “Happy Wanker.” The one you’re looking for is http://www.whaleoil.co.nz. They’ll be much more amenable to your point of view.

      Knock yourself out!

    • framu 20.2

      “demonizing Israel pay’s so much better”

      I know, right! – Those bloody palestinians and their buildings of gold and rocket cars!

  20. Wayne 21

    So what will Israel actually do to New Zealand?

    They could close down their mission in NZ. They could permanently prevent the NZ Ambassador from visiting. Overall this is less than formal breaking of diplomatic relations, but many of Israel’s friends (and many Israeli’s) would see it as excessive.

    They could end the growing scientific and business relationship (which I largely initiated in 2009).

    They could ban 100th commemorations in 20167 at Berbesheeba of the NZ Mounted Infantry.

    Hard to see them doing more, in fact they won’t even do most these things. While Israel is annoyed with New Zealand, they know further steps such as withdrawing their consent to NZ being part of the Sinai mission would start to look like a complete severance of diplomatic relations with NZ. That would be would out of line with their general approach to diplomacy. I can’t see Israel choosing to permanently rupturing relations with New Zealand.

    So in my view the issue will blow over.

    I noted John Bolton was suggesting the US should also take action against New Zealand. I can’t see that happening unless the Trump administration is more stupid than I imagine.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 21.1

      As a Five-Eyes sycophantic ride-along, does NZ have any practical way to decouple from Trump’s centre-right foreign policy clusterfuck when it starts?

      Or don’t we actually control the hardware?

    • Sacha 21.2

      I read that Bolton was falling from favour because his moustache offended Chump’s aesthetic sense. Still a relevant player, you reckon?

    • Gristle 21.3

      I shortlisted two suppliers for the supply of some IT gear. One is from an Israeli company and the other is from another in the USA. Not much between them in terms of price, delivery, performance and support: basically the same.

      So I decided to apply my own sanctions here and choosing Cisco. And with that the Israeli economy has lost out near on $15,000. Not much, but it’s a consequence of their government’s current approach.

  21. Wayne 22

    One Anonymous Bloke,

    As far as I can see the big issue for New Zealand (and Australia) with the Trump administration will be China. We won’t want to get caught up in disputes caused by excessive actions from Washington.

    New Zealand has its own very good relationship with China, and we will not want to see that imperilled. I am sure that many of the United States friends in the Asia Pacific will ensure that that Washington gets that message.

    On TPP, I think that should still be advanced even if Washington is not part of it. The other 11 nations have enough in it to make it worth advancing, even though the US was the strategic prize. The 11 nations can also adapt TPP to make it more attractive to China. That alone will signal to Washington we are not in their thrall, and that Washington will pay a price if it steps back from commitments it has made. Many of the TPP nations had to pay a political cost to get it through, including NZ (but not Australia where it barely created a ripple), with Labour abandoning it’s bilateral commitment to free trade. So therefore we want something out of it.

    As for John Bolton, well if Washington is stupid enough to impose sanctions, it will certainly encourage NZ to strengthen the China (and India) relationships.

    At some point the Trump Administration will appreciate that it cannot piss of all its partners and expect that they will not do anything.

    • You’re a bit ‘ in through the back door ‘ with the TTPA , aren’t you mate ?

      Nice try though.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 22.2

      Indeed. So, my question is, in the event that New Zealand wanted to deny access to the material we currently steal as part of the Five Eyes network, is there a practical way to achieve that?

      What in your view might trigger such action? How many obedience tests have you failed?

    • Draco T Bastard 22.3

      New Zealand has its own very good relationship with China, and we will not want to see that imperilled.

      I’m quite happy for it to be imperilled. Just make sure that it’s us that’s withdrawing from the relationship because of their actions. And, yes, their actions do support such an action by NZ. So do the actions of the US.

      We should not be maintaining and deepening relations with such callous nations.

  22. Dave Scott 23

    Simple.
    Israel is a terrorist nation founded on terrorism and murder with terrorist organisations that predate any palestinian organisations in the mid east.

    It is also a criminal and morally corrupt nation.
    Even its own Theodor Meron​, the chief legal adviser to the Israeli Government in 1967 said so.

    They now wish to threaten sanctions but say the rest of the world observing BDS principles against it are not ‘kosher’.

    And they base this all on what?

    A claim that some sky god made them special?

  23. Wayne 24

    OAB,

    I would have thought it pretty reasonable to keep tabs on people with terrorist inclinations, and to prevent other countries (notably China) from hacking our systems. Because that is what Five Eyes mostly does. So it is not “stealing.” Terrorists have no rights to keep their communications secret.

    You will be aware that the Five Eyes co-operation continued during the anti-nuclear standoff during the 1980’s. So it has to be an extremely high threshold before you would back out of Five Eyes. The relationship between NZ and its partners is far more enduring than any particular administration. In fact long term alliances are predicated on the basis that administrations come and go but the shared interests sit at a much deeper level of common values and assumptions. It is not just the US, but also Australia, the UK and Canada. I cannot foresee any likely circumstances that would cause NZ to have a deep rupture with any of these nations. In extremis they are the very nations that we count on.

    Now of course I know you don’t buy into any of that. Nether does the Green Party. But the likely leading parties in reasonably foreseeable administrations (National, Labour and NZF) all accept the premise and underlying purpose of Five Eyes, though particular people within these parties will have varying degrees of enthusiasm.

    • Morrissey 24.1

      When you employ the word “terrorists”, I presume you are exempting the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Turkey and Saudi Arabia?

      • Draco T Bastard 24.1.1

        Yeah, the fact that the US also happens to be a rogue terrorist nation is certainly grounds for dropping all relations with them.

        • Morrissey 24.1.1.1

          … the US also happens to be a rogue terrorist nation…

          As are the U.K., France, Israel, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

    • Draco T Bastard 24.2

      In fact long term alliances are predicated on the basis that administrations come and go but the shared interests sit at a much deeper level of common values and assumptions.

      The problem being that those common values and assumptions don’t seem to exist. NZ is against invading other countries while the US/UK is most definitely for doing so.

      I cannot foresee any likely circumstances that would cause NZ to have a deep rupture with any of these nations.

      I can. Where a couple of nations use lies and deceit to justify invasion of an innocent country.

      • Morrissey 24.2.1

        After Auckland was attacked by terrorists in July 1985, Wayne’s friends and colleagues in the National Party were less than useless in sticking up for us against the French.

        • Draco T Bastard 24.2.1.1

          IIRC, National didn’t even want to take the fuckers to court over that state terrorism.

          National has a habit of kowtowing to power and we see it here everyday from their supporters.

      • Wayne 24.2.2

        Draco,

        I presume you are talking about the Iraq war.

        While NZ did not agree with invasion NZ, or more accurately Helen Clark as PM, did not see this as a reason to abandon Five Eyes and all that goes with it. She knew the relationships were way more important and enduring than the issues of Iraq.

        Now you may be prepared to effectively become a neutral nation and leave Five Eyes, which by the way also means leaving the ANZAc relationship. But in my view that would be reckless in the extreme. Enduring international relationships are not a matter of gestures that are the equivalent of the indulgences of student politics. Now I know you are years past your time as a student, but it seems that your politics have not moved on.

        But fortunately those who actually exercise power, whether Left or Right, have tempered their views with pragmatism and an awareness of their nation’s history.

        • Draco T Bastard 24.2.2.1

          She knew the relationships were way more important and enduring than the issues of Iraq.

          Maintaining relationships with immoral nations such as the US/UK not what a moral nation does.

          But fortunately those who actually exercise power, whether Left or Right, have tempered their views with pragmatism and an awareness of their nation’s history.

          Ah, the excuse of pragmatism to justify continued immoral actions.

      • Wayne 24.2.3

        Draco,
        You will be well aware that Helen Clark did not think the Iraq invasion justified NZ completely leaving Five Eyes and effectively becoming a neutral nation, and in the process also destroying the ANZAC relationship. That was because she is not stupid.
        Any person becoming PM or getting a senior position knows that they have moved beyond the indulgences of student politics. They are aware of the history of their nation, what they campaigned on and their obligations to the future of their country. In essence each administration only has the role of a trustee.
        So while you might think it easy and also sensible for NZ to completely break with the past, and become in essence a neutral nation any serous politician knows that would be ridiculous.
        I would also note that is why so many think Meteria Turei could never be trusted with any portfolio that had significant foreign policy dimensions. But as co leader of the Greens many of her foreign policy pronouncements seem not to have moved beyond student union politics.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 24.3

      I would have thought it pretty reasonable to keep tabs on people with terrorist inclinations, and to prevent other countries (notably China) from hacking our systems. Because that is what Five Eyes mostly does…

      Would you? That’s nice.

      My question regards the parts that aren’t included in your “mostly”, and relates to stealing. I note you failed to answer it.

      You don’t know I don’t “buy into it”, Wayne, because I’m a Green voter. I realise that you righties slavishly agree with everything your leaders say, even when they change their statements overnight. I’m not so fatally handicapped. My frequent references to Sun Tsu (especially chapter 13) might have clued you into that. Oh well.

      Let’s say your centre-right Dear Leader allows Bannon to start interning Jews without trial. I’m picking you’d pause before passing that obedience test. Not for Muslims, obviously, but I’m keen to hear what your threshold is.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 24.3.1

        I’ll be more specific, Wayne:

        “What if” President Trump makes good on his promise to you right wingers and starts interning people without trial. Do you think that would be sufficient grounds for New Zealand withholding access to information we gather steal as a consequence of our position in the network?

        If not, what would it take?

    • “The relationship between NZ and its partners is far more enduring than any particular administration.”

      I have this apparently odd idea that the democratically elected government decides policy in sovereign states.

      • Wayne 24.4.1

        Laurel,

        You are obviously right, but any govt has regard for the context of their country. In short they know they don’t have a clean slate for policy.

        If a govt has not explicitly campaigned to say withdraw from Five Eyes or to get out of the western alliance (these being both big things and not just things on which the govt can act as it pleases), then the govt can’t just withdraw. The govt would not have a democratic mandate to do so.

        Sorry for the delay in the reply. I was not in email range.

  24. Morrissey 25

    This is an excellent Israeli site, tracking and documenting what is perhaps the world’s most flagrant and shameless regime of terror….

    http://www.btselem.org/

  25. Anne 26

    Netanyahu declares war on NZ.

    http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/87981623/israel-warned-new-zealand-that-un-resolution-was-declaration-of-war–report

    What is the world coming to with Hanson declaring war on vegemite and Netty boy declaring war on lil ol NZ at the bottom of the world.

  26. joe90 27

    Netanyahu painted himself into a corner.

    Way back in March 2014, President Obama told Jeffrey Goldberg that his message to Netanyahu was that time was running out.

    When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House tomorrow, President Barack Obama will tell him that his country could face a bleak future — one of international isolation and demographic disaster — if he refuses to endorse a U.S.-drafted framework agreement for peace with the Palestinians. Obama will warn Netanyahu that time is running out for Israel as a Jewish-majority democracy. And the president will make the case that Netanyahu, alone among Israelis, has the strength and political credibility to lead his people away from the precipice.

    Since then, Netanyahu made the decision to dig in his heels and keep heading toward that bleak future Obama warned him about. That is why Martin is right, Netanyahu brought this on himself. But this isn’t about a personal pique the President has with the Israeli Prime Minister. It is about – just as he noted with the Cuban embargo – when something isn’t working, it’s time to try something different. This administration did everything they could think of to pressure both Israel and the Palestinians to the negotiating table to work towards a two-state solution. It didn’t work. The final step was to allow passage of this U.N. resolution.

    http://washingtonmonthly.com/2016/12/27/what-you-havent-heard-about-the-security-council-resolution/

    • Draco T Bastard 27.1

      I would have had more respect if the US had voted for the resolution. As it is they’re trying to have it both ways. Trying to make it look like they’re holding Israel to account while not actually doing anything.

      • joe90 27.1.1

        I disagree.

        Netanyahu’s alignment with Trump is fast driving a wedge between his government and liberal/progressive US Jews and IMO, an aye vote could well have softened their view.

  27. David Isecke 28

    “This story gets weirder and weirder. Fresh from the humiliation of the Security Council deciding that Israel’s actions in building settlements on land it had prised away from Palestine during the 1967 six day war was illegal Israel has gone on the offensive.”

    Right from the start, a lie. Israel took the land from Jordan, not Palestine. After Jordan attacked, following years of funding terrorist attacks from that territory into Israel’s armistice area, I might add. Jordan has since, in the 80s, ceded all claim to the West Bank. Which hardly meant a thing since Jordan had no right to that land from the start, and had unilaterally occupied it.

    You can have your own point of view, but not your own facts, Mickey Savage. There has never been a nation called Palestine. And to say that was Judea and Samaria land obtained by “conquest”, failing to mention that was won as Israel was defending herself against annihilationist enemies, is a further dishonesty.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 28.1

      Displacing civilians from land you’ve won by conquest is a war crime.

      The rest of your brittle rhetoric amounts to “he did it too!” It says something about you.

    • Anne 28.2

      Good to see Netanyahu govt. apologists are reading this post.

      There has been an enormous amount of compassion for the Jewish people throughout the world – especially since the Holocaust. But your extreme-right wing Israeli government is rapidly using it up. If they continue with this policy of war and genocide against anyone who dares to stand up to them then there will be no sympathy and compassion left!

    • swordfish 28.3

      ” After Jordan attacked, following years of funding terrorist attacks from that territory into Israel’s armistice area, I might add.”

      After Jordan attacked ???

      Love your dutiful regurgitation of long-discredited Israeli propaganda, old son, but let’s put your Hasbara aside for just a moment and head on back to reality for a moment, shall we …

      Like it or not, the June 1967 War was a war of aggression by Israel, which struck first.

      Israel launched its offensive at the precise moment that Egypt was entering a very promising peace initiative brokered by Washington. The US made it abundantly clear that they expected the initiative to be successful. A close look at the record of peace diplomacy over the immediate weeks running up to Israel’s June 1967 attack makes it crystal clear that Israel had refused each and every one of the initiatives and offers made by the US and the UN, while Egypt had accepted not just some but all of them.

      Make no mistake: Israel badly wanted that War and they’d spent the previous 5 years doing all they could to provoke it (copiously attested to by everyone from UN observers, US politicians through to Israeli soldiers involved in these operations (spilling the beans years later in memoirs) and right on through to Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Dayan himself (a man known for his candour – much to the embarrassment of Israel’s official apologists and propagandists).

      Apart from wanting to give Nassar a bloody nose (and hence re-establish Israel’s dominance and hegemony in the region), Israeli leaders had long coveted the West Bank, East Jerusalem and (to a lesser extent) Gaza. The overriding objective of Zionism (as it came to be practised in pre-Israeli state Palestine) had always been to militarily carve out an enlarged Greater ( Eretz ) Israel, ethnically-cleansed of as many of its Palestinian inhabitants as possible. Hence, the invasion and (now 50 year) brutal Occupation of the Palestinian Territories represented the fulfilment of the Zionist dream.

      In terms f the build-up t the Six Day War – which yu (repeating the Official Israeli line despite all the copiously-detailed, widely-sourced evidence to the contrary)
      attribute t a surprise attac frm Jrdan following years of funding terrorist attacks …

      I’ll start by pointing out that, at the close of the 1948 War, the Armistice agreement stipulated the creation of demilitarised zones along the common Israeli-Syrian border.

      All of the independent eyewitnesses and observers on the ground in these DMZs in the early-to-mid 60s, made it clear that (to use the words of the UN’s then Chief of Staff in the Middle East, Odd Bull) “The status quo was all the time being altered by Israel in her favour” with whole Arab villages in the DMZs demolished and their inhabitants ethnically-cleansed.

      As then Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Dayan revealed in an interview that caused a massive stir in Israel at the time “I know how at least 80 percent of all the incidents there started…We would send a tractor to plow in the demilitarized area, … if they (the Syrians) did not start shooting, we would inform the tractor to progress farther until the Syrians, in the end, would get nervous and would shoot. And then we would use guns, and later, even the airforce, and that is how it went. We thought we could change the lines of the ceasefire accords by military actions that were less than a war. That is, to seize some territory and hold it until the enemy despairs and gives it to us.”

      These illegal, highly-aggressive and largely successful Israeli Land-grabs are at the heart of the escalation that ultimately led to them launching the June 1967 Six Day War.

      They encompassed the massive Israeli attack on the Jordanian village of Samu in November 1966, increasingly seen as the turning-point that led to war. These staged provocations to illegally alter the border also directly provoked a serious aerial battle in April 1967 in which Israel shot down a series of Syrian planes. That major engagement, in turn, led numerous leading Israeli officials to call for massive retaliation, with the Israeli Cabinet reportedly deciding in early May that a full Israeli attack on Syria was inevitable. (This at a time when (as the documentary evidence now shows) both Israeli and US Intelligence Agencies as well as leading officials from both Countries were privately reporting that Israel’s security situation was just fine, if not steadily improving, and that Israel would win a quick and easy victory no matter who initiated hostilities).

      The fact is: Israel was desperately seeking a useful pretext that would allow them to attack Syria. Israeli elites had been contemplating an invasion and ultimate annexation of Sinai, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Golan Heights for many years and meticulously planning for it for at least a decade..

  28. DJKA 29

    This misses the point of Israel’s anger. If the UN wants to condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank, that’s one thing. This resolution goes much further. Jerusalem is not “occupied territory;” it is the capital of Israel. This resolution officially denies that fact.

    East Jerusalem was occupied by Jordan for less than twenty years. Then Israel took it over in the 1967 war. The original partition plan made it international territory, but we know what happened with that (hint: Someone other than Israel refused to accept it).

    Unlike Gaza and the WB, the city became part of the country. Now, one can argue that that was unlawful, but the fact remains that the city of Jerusalem is not the same as Gaza and the West Bank. Lumping them together is what has the Israelis ticked off. If you read Netanyahu’s statement, this is very clear.

    • mickysavage 29.1

      And this misses the point of the resolution. If historical grievances were excepted from the rules most of the world’s surface would not be covered by International Law.

      And if your concern is Jerusalem then why is Israel so intent on destroying the Gaza strip? If it wanted peace with Palestine it would make sure that this area at least was viable.

    • swordfish 29.2

      “Unlike Gaza and the WB, the city became part of the country. Now, one can argue that that was unlawful, but the fact remains that the city of Jerusalem is not the same as Gaza and the West Bank. Lumping them together is what has the Israelis ticked off.”

      became part of the country” ??? … Hilarious !!! … the Hasbara’s becoming increasingly desperate. East Jerusalem just sort of “joined” Israel by some sort of vague, natural, holistic process of osmosis, did it ? I mean, this is as weak as dishwater, you’re insulting our collective intelligence.

      But, then, you’re well aware of that, aren’t you, my disingenuous chum. The fact that you’ve been forced to concede that it “was unlawful” says it all.

      Israel has certainly attempted to annex all of Jerusalem (along with ethnically-cleansing its Palestinian citizens through residential and resource apartheid) – but no-one, not even its Superpower sponsor the US, recognises this gross violation of International Law. (although there are, of course, troubling reports that Trump may change that long-term, cast-iron US position).

      All of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza constitute sovereign Palestinian land, illegally occupied by Israel according to International Law. It’s been reiterated time and again in all the leading UN forums and by the International Court of Justice.

      If you and other banal Israeli apologists don’t like it … tough.

  29. Pat 30

    “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

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    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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