James Shaw: “This is an historic moment”

Written By: - Date published: 10:08 pm, October 19th, 2017 - 50 comments
Categories: election 2017, greens, MMP - Tags: ,

As always, it’s best to hear what the Greens have to say in their own words. This press conference from James Shaw is one of excitement at the prospect of the Greens having Ministerial roles and of being in a position to act and have influence on the issues that they campaigned strongly on. Shaw covers a lot of ground in the 15 minutes. On the Greens gaining Ministerial positions via a Confidence and Supply agreement,

This is an historic moment for the Green Party and for our movement. Because for the first time we are going to be probably in a position to have Ministerial control in the areas that are important to us and the areas that we campaigned on.

He’s talking about climate, rivers and ending poverty. Shaw also explains how and why a Confidence and Supply agreement works well for the Greens.

On MMP,

This is one of the things I think is fantastic about this particular arrangement. This government […] will be the first truly MMP government. And it actually has an enforced consensus because it requires all three of the parties to it to agree, to actually have consensus in order to be able to pass legislation. So one of the things I actually like about this agreement is that it forces us to work together more than has been the case in previous arrangements.

Got to love the Greens ability to make things work well.

For analysis of how a Confidence and Supply agreement can work and what’s in it for the Greens see Matthew Whitehead’s post here.

Press conference (starts at 3 mins):

 

Update:

The Green Party members have endorsed the deal. They went through a lengthy debate on the deal, the policies and positions involved, the risks and benefits.

James Shaw,

We’re all in.

…

We now know that we have the full support and backing of our party to go into government. They’ve got our back.

Details, including Ministerial portfolios, will be announced by Jacinda Ardern once Labour have worked through their process. The Green caucus also has to meet and make decisions about which MPs will have which roles. Shaw expects these to happen in the next few days.

Update:

https://twitter.com/MatthewRussellS/status/920956974455578624

Update:

More explanation from James Shaw on Morning Report on how the various deals will work,

50 comments on “James Shaw: “This is an historic moment” ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. UncookedSelachimorpha 1
    19 October 2017 at 10:27 pm

    This is a good outcome for the Greens, one of the better chances to achieve some policy goals, despite their lower party vote this time.

    I think (maybe naively) that there is some genuine common ground and respect among all three governing parties. Dirty rivers, child poverty, homelessness – all things denied and ignored by the outgoing lot, will get some serious attention.

    • Macro 1.1
      19 October 2017 at 10:34 pm

      Don’t forget the zero carbon emissions by 2050 – all 3 agree on that also.
      Putting the “acid” back on Govt (not just relying on the ETS) for the responsibility to achieve this is also a positive move.

  2. Carolyn_Nth 2
    19 October 2017 at 10:31 pm

    Maybe this is why some fireworks hve been going off in my neighbourhood tonight – historic moment.

    Portfolios for Eugenie Sage, Marama Davidson and/or Julie Anne Genter?

    • Macro 2.1
      19 October 2017 at 10:35 pm

      Don’t forget Jan Logie and James…

      • Carolyn_Nth 2.1.1
        19 October 2017 at 10:42 pm

        I think Shaw said he would be taking the under-secretary role – not sure what that is? No he didn’t say that was his role – I misread.

        So I would expect him to be minister for climate change.

        • Macro 2.1.1.1
          19 October 2017 at 10:44 pm

          Finance

          • Matthew Whitehead 2.1.1.1.1
            20 October 2017 at 7:10 am

            Finance isn’t a Green priority. With only 3 and a half ministers and no concessions on financial policy, I wouldn’t expect them to ask for even a finance under-secretary. Better to leave that to Labour and give themselves room to hold them to account if they’re unwilling to act.

            If he’s taking the under-secretary role, I would guess it relates to Climate Change or the environment.

            • corodale 2.1.1.1.1.1
              20 October 2017 at 10:13 pm

              agreed, green finance woul be the last wish. Nats would have offered in a sporting joke. Give to Winnie. Revote Would give mandate. but should be now if green is to gain wellest 15pc

              • Macro …
                21 October 2017 at 2:32 pm

                I don’t think you understand the ways of government…
                Governments cant’ do a thing without finance…
                James has a strong background in corporate finance – Jacinda would be foolish to let this strength go by, and I’m sure she would see the benefit for all (someone with a strong sense of social justice and need for action on environmental issues as part of the team to handle monetary affairs) and wanted James as an under- secretary of finance. And that I think is the way it panned out. It is a win for all.

          • corodale 2.1.1.1.2
            20 October 2017 at 10:09 pm

            Lab rats have a chiness boy, let hom breath the lead

        • weka 2.1.1.2
          19 October 2017 at 11:07 pm

          There’s an explanation of under-secretaries in the Matt Whitehead post.

          • Carolyn_Nth 2.1.1.2.1
            20 October 2017 at 11:03 am

            Ah, thanks. Sorry. I did read his post last night – but so much going on then. Under secretary does look like a role for relative novices.

            I do think as he suggests, it’ll be likely that the under secretary will be for child poverty, under the Minister of Social Development. i.e. that will go to Marama Davidson – excellent!

            • weka 2.1.1.2.1.1
              20 October 2017 at 11:58 am

              It was added in after the post went up, so might not have been there when you read it.

              Looking forward to all the detail in the next few days!

        • corodale 2.1.1.3
          20 October 2017 at 10:07 pm

          Minister for chemtrails? Shaw is too old for youth suiside.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 2.2
      19 October 2017 at 10:46 pm

      Fireworks celebrating – you in Epsom?

    • corodale 2.3
      20 October 2017 at 10:05 pm

      Eugenie, she’s the real deal. Save the others for next round.

  3. DoublePlusGood 3
    19 October 2017 at 10:35 pm

    The Greens have been incredibly magnanimous in this negotiations, given Winston’s infantile disgusting petulance in not being willing to form a three way coalition with NZ First, Labour and the Greens.

    • KD 3.1
      19 October 2017 at 11:18 pm

      I don’t read it that way at all. I think it is very clever, the Greens retain their independence, gain ministerial positions, are absolutely part of the coalition, they are happy! Winston saves face and gains great partners in the kind of government he wants to be an influential part of, he’s happy, and NZ1st did get more votes than the Greens, so fair dinkum. And Jacinda gets to be Prime Minister and that makes me happy!

      • garibaldi 3.1.1
        20 October 2017 at 10:16 am

        The Greens were on the brink of being wiped out and now have a considerable role in govt. I think this is a fantastic outcome and I am impressed at the conduct of Winston.

    • Matthew Whitehead 3.2
      19 October 2017 at 11:28 pm

      Well, it is the norm to date that negotiations have always been between the biggest party and bilateral with each potential support partner, so I wouldn’t immediately pin it all on Winston, it might equally have been down to Labour’s preference.

      I would have thought it would make more sense to have had three-way talks, too, but from Labour’s perspective, it actually makes their hand weaker because there are areas that NZF and the Greens agree that Labour doesn’t, and they could gang up on them more effectively in three-way talks.

  4. Psycho Milt 4
    19 October 2017 at 10:51 pm

    Every time I see him lately he comes across as the best leader in Parliament, and this was no exception. Ardern is good, but he’s better. Pity it’s not the Greens with the biggest vote share.

    • weka 4.1
      19 October 2017 at 11:09 pm

      I’m feeling like we really lucked out with him. He was the right choice for co-leader at the time and I thought he was good then but I had no idea he was this good. Lots of potential going forward.

      • Matthew Whitehead 4.1.1
        19 October 2017 at 11:25 pm

        Yeah, I always thought he was the right choice and a competent guy, but I had no idea how calm and resilient he was under pressure. Truly an amazing guy and we are lucky to have him, he is definitely living up to the standard set by the past co-leaders.

      • odysseus 4.1.2
        19 October 2017 at 11:37 pm

        Agreed

    • JC 4.2
      19 October 2017 at 11:29 pm

      James Shaw? Coi Leader. Yes indeed!

      A Legend!

  5. mosa 5
    19 October 2017 at 11:02 pm

    So pleased i supported the Greens at the election , they deserve to be in government and have influence finally.

    YEE HAAAA

  6. JC 6
    19 October 2017 at 11:25 pm

    Tumeke!!

    Lets support this Movement for Change!

    A Greener Future….

  7. odysseus 7
    19 October 2017 at 11:37 pm

    Chloe Swarbrick for MPI

    • Matthew Whitehead 7.1
      20 October 2017 at 7:20 am

      Chloe is too new and is really in a backbencher position. I wouldn’t expect anyone who isn’t already a veteran Green MP to be in consideration for ministerial or under-secretarial roles. (ie. not Golriz or Chlöe)

      I’d probably say that it’s also not likely to be Gareth Hughes, although I think he’s a good quality MP, because his areas of expertise aren’t the areas we’re likely to see strong enough concessions to the Greens for a ministerial position to be tenable. Marama Davidson, while she is my political crush and favoured new co-leader, may also arguably be too new for a ministerial position, in which case, we have our four candidates and it’s just a matter of who gets what, but there is an argument that given she has stormed up into number two on the list and is likely to be the next co-leader that she should be seriously considered despite her lack of experience compared to the other caucus members.

      If that’s the case, there’d be some tricky organizational politics to sort out who gets what- I think probably the best thing to do is to admit Marama should get a bit more experience under her belt before considering being a minister, even though her wisdom and tenacity suggest she would do very well, and she has the mana within the party for them to do it. It would also mean that if she does win the co-leader position, she can take some of the slack off James as he handles his ministerial responsibilities. There are definite advantages to having one co-leader firmly outside the new Government.

  8. Draco T Bastard 8
    19 October 2017 at 11:46 pm

    From the email:

    We will have Green Party Ministers and Associate Ministers who will be at the heart of good green change in our priority areas. The portfolio areas will be revealed in the coming day.

    The policy gains include:

    * Significant climate action, with a shift towards a net zero carbon emissions economy by 2050. The specific focuses will be on: transport, energy, primary industries. The establishment of an Independent Climate Commission. Support for a shift in farming to more sustainable land use.
    * Overhaul the welfare system, ensure access to entitlements, remove excessive sanctions and review Working For Families so that everyone has a standard of living and income that enables them to live in dignity
    * Significant increase in the Conservation budget
    * Improve water quality and prioritise achieving healthy rivers, lakes and aquifers with stronger regulatory instruments, funding for freshwater enhancement and winding down Government support for irrigation
    * Free counselling for under-25s and access to mental health services and support for everyone
    * Access to education for children with special needs and learning difficulties
    * Substantial progress in this parliamentary term to eliminating the gender pay gap in the public service
    * Reduction in the number of students living in hardship
    * Review, and adequately fund and support, the family re-unification scheme for refugees.
    * Increase funding for alcohol and drug addiction services and ensure drug use is treated as a health issue, and have a referendum on legalising the personal use of cannabis at, or by, the 2020 general election.

    Sounds good to me.

  9. Wayne_2 9
    20 October 2017 at 12:05 am

    Should be Shaw or Peters as PM.
    I’m happy, but Ardern is some [r0b: I think we can do without the stupid sexist insults thanks].

  10. Stuart Munro 10
    20 October 2017 at 12:07 am

    Good work here – and I must acknowledge from Labour too, who seem to have laid the base for a coalition that can endure. Winston may get a chance to make good on his policy promises – and that wouldn’t be bad either.

    • weka 10.1
      20 October 2017 at 12:19 am

      +1

      Shaw praises Labour and Ardern for how they handled the negotiations and worked with each party separately but with respect for them so no surprises. Very good start.

  11. WILD KATIPO 11
    20 October 2017 at 1:21 am

    Wonderful stuff , Weka,…

    … ” This is one of the things I think is fantastic about this particular arrangement. This government […] will be the first truly MMP government. And it actually has an enforced consensus because it requires all three of the parties to it to agree, to actually have consensus in order to be able to pass legislation. So one of the things I actually like about this agreement is that it forces us to work together more than has been the case in previous arrangements ” …

    This is what it is all about , – mutual cooperation for the benefit of all.

    Anything less is a degraded , compromised position.

    Its prison without walls.

    Now originally , I suspected Mr Shaw ,… but saw he was a true heart when he stood by Metiria. And Metiria told it how it is. I suspected him originally because I thought he was a closet Blue – Green. I was so wrong. And when Labour was down ,… I was going to vote Labour , ( induced as it were originally by excitement over David Cunliffes speech … I saw something was changing within Labour ) And Andrew Little was a gracious leader. A good leader , a person of great depth and wisdom and team building ,… but was not a natural born leader for direct capturing of the public imagination. But a vital leader nonetheless.

    Then along came Jacinda, … yet it was heave – to for the Greens as they were struggling at the time . I am so glad I party voted Green 🙂 No regrets. I’ve never felt so empowered as I do now with my vote .

    Being raised in the wops I have an affinity for the Greens. That ‘wilderness’ is my spiritual home. Its my place. Its everyone’s place. Romanization = Urbanization and that = flabbiness of sorts. Easily controlled with debt servitude. Despicable to my mind. I like wild and free. Despite playing the game and being contemptuous of it at the same time.

    I like and always have liked NZ First for their balanced nationalism. I like the Greens for their protection of the environment and – lately as I’ve discovered , – their social conscience. And Labour for their traditional role as being the ‘ workers party’. Its taken 33 years for me to get over their treachery , however. But they have arrived ,.. and can only heal up from here on in. If they continue to self monitor and give no more room to the far right neo liberal factions…

    It has taken a long time for the Greens , and this is their moment as well as others. They have earned it. It is high time they have direct influence in how this country runs. They have much to offer. They have influenced much and offered equally through the years and that influence has been noted. Now it is formalized. As so it should be.

    Me ?… I like the wild free nomads, … who were / are not afraid to take on the invasive influence of the imperialist dollar in its incursions into their way of life,… I will always side with them … the battle of Teutoburg Forest against the Romans , the Sioux against the might of the US cavalry, or the Maori with the Taiaha in their hearts fighting the British Empire … are famous examples,… of a people that may have been subjugated but for a time,… but through long fought for tenacity ,… became victoriously resurgent.

    This is a good time to be alive as a human being .

    Traditional Lakota/Dakota Sundance Songs 3/6 – YouTube
    Video for Traditional Lakota/Dakota Sundance Songs 3/6▶ 4:23

  12. One Anonymous Bloke 12
    20 October 2017 at 6:43 am

    Green ministers is the best news of this election.

  13. Eco maori 13
    20 October 2017 at 6:48 am

    Many thanks to Jamie Shaw and the Green for seizing this opportunity to save our mother earth

  14. cleangreen 14
    20 October 2017 at 8:05 am

    Well done greens as we all need to pull together to change NZ back again as “clean & green.

  15. Ad 15
    20 October 2017 at 9:31 am

    I was impressed with the process Shaw used to gain ratification., and with his leadership in deploying it.

    There were a lot of ways that the ratification process could have held up a government forming, at which point the Greens would have been sizzling on the public griddle as the media turned the heat up to full.

    He didn’t get unanimous ratification – there were 3 votes against – but the system was fast and secure and delivered a strong internal mandating result.

    • Anne 15.1
      20 October 2017 at 10:53 am

      There’s always a handful of eccentrics and stirrers whose sole purpose in life is to oppose everything that the the other 99% agree with. Labour hasthem… National has them and so have the Greens.

      Anyone old enough remember Clarke Titman? He was a highly vocal member of the National Party and he was – by their own calculation – as nutty as a fruit cake. But he was great copy for the “press” of the 1970s and early 1980s.

      • weka 15.1.1
        20 October 2017 at 11:55 am

        The Greens value dissent. I don’t see those 3-ish votes as a problem or a sign of pathological opposition and there’s nothing wrong with them having voted against, it actually makes the party and their position stronger.

        • Macro 15.1.1.1
          20 October 2017 at 4:47 pm

          Exactly – like Nicaragua initially abstaining from the Paris Climate Agreement because it didn’t go far enough – they are quite right to express these concerns – and they are real. The questions being asked I would imagine were not ones of wanting to hold back – but wanting more. Had the vote been more generous to the Greens that might have been a possibility – but one has to accept the reality of a much lower backing for Green policy than we would have liked.

  16. Kevin 16
    20 October 2017 at 10:13 am

    Was nice to wake up this morning on Anniversary weekend, here in Hawkes Bay, with a genuine feeling of hope for the future of this great little country. Over-the-moon that The Greens finally have a seat at the big table and will be in a position to help steer a new course for New Zealand.

    Time to mow the lawns and take the girls to the park. Have a good day everyone.

  17. Bearded Git 17
    20 October 2017 at 11:11 am

    james shaw saved the Greens from meltdown with his calm demeanour during the election campaign..he will make a fantastic minister.

  18. Bob 18
    20 October 2017 at 11:42 am

    James Shaw is a champion of the future, and a great diplomat to boot.
    Go the new Coalition !!!!
    #letsdothis

  19. NewsFlash 19
    20 October 2017 at 4:55 pm

    The foundation stones have been laid for a strong Green presence in the future, the voters will have a real opportunity to see the Greens coming of age, the next election will hopefully see a larger share of the vote and hence a stronger position in Government, this really is a wonderful victory for the trifecta of parties and the NZ public.

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  • 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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 ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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 ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    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 ...
    Bowalley Road
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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
    1 day 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

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