John Key threatens Human Rights Commission funding

Written By: - Date published: 3:03 pm, July 12th, 2013 - 76 comments
Categories: democracy under attack, Politics - Tags: ,

John Key morphing to muldoon

John Key does not seem to have a very high opinion of law.  He thinks that legal opinions are something that can shopped around for and if he does not like an opinion he just needs to go out and get another one.

The Human Rights Commission has found this out today.  It reported to the Government that the GCSB bill poses an unacceptable risk to rights of privacy.  In a press release Chief David Rutherford is quoted as saying:

“The Commission is concerned that the proposed Bills are wide-reaching without sufficient safeguards against abuse of power. There is inadequate oversight and inadequate provision for ensuring transparency and accountability. The Commission notes media reports that these issues are matters of discussion between some of the leaders of political parties in New Zealand.

“The Commission recognises that some level of surveillance is inevitable and justifiable from a human rights perspective in a democratic society. However, surveillance can be subject to human rights principles, protecting human rights and limiting them only when proportionate and justified and in accordance with the law.

“The right to privacy is fundamental in a democracy and reinforces other fundamental rights, such as rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. The proposed restrictions on the right to privacy are too general to be proportionate to the Bills’ objectives.

“We note that the Bills were introduced before the recent media exposure of the extent of mass surveillance by some States party to the Five Eyes arrangement. Public trust in Government intelligence agencies is at risk if surveillance activities aren’t being conducted appropriately and seen to be so.

“It is in the interests of our intelligence agencies to have appropriate transparency and accountability mechanisms in place to maintain public trust. We believe much of the public’s concerns could be alleviated if there was satisfactory oversight of surveillance powers and we propose an independent cross-party select committee to oversee intelligence agencies”.

One of the Commission’s statutory powers functions is to report to the Prime Minister on “the implications of any proposed legislation (including subordinate legislation) or proposed policy of the Government that the Commission considers may affect human rights”.  It can do this at any time.  When doing so it is not making a submission on a bill but exercising an important role of providing independent advice directly to the Prime Minister.

John Key has dismissed the Commission’s report and told the organisation to “pull its socks up” for not making a submission on time.  He has made a veiled threat about the HRC’s funding.  The Otago Daily Times contains the following:

“I think the Human Rights Commission actually should take a step back and ask themselves the question why they didn’t put a submission in on time. They are funded by the government and they were the only people that actually couldn’t make the deadline.”

He dismissed the commission’s concerns that there would be a lack of and oversight and accountability, and that the public’s trust in intelligence agencies would be further eroded.

“Actually the bill narrows the GCSB’s scope in its current form, it doesn’t extend it,” he said.

“I actually don’t think it was a very good submission at all and they need to pull their socks up. If they’re going to continue to be a government-funded organisation they should meet the deadline should everyone else.”

If Key’s understanding of the statutory powers that the Human Rights Commission has are indicative of his understanding of the GCSB bill our rights are in big trouble.

UPDATE:  I/S also covers this issue and eerily compares Key’s actions to that of Rob Muldoon.

UPDATE2:  David Rutherford has been interviewed on Checkpoint and stated that Key knew it was a Statutory Report and not a submission on the bill.  The link is here.  HT Bearded Git.

76 comments on “John Key threatens Human Rights Commission funding ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. handle 1
    12 July 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Key’s childish bullying is par for the course. He thinks rules do not apply to him. You have to wonder how he was brought up.

    • karol 1.1
      12 July 2013 at 3:42 pm

      Ah, sounds like laws of the rugby field – whatever you can get away with without the ref (or the TV cameras) noticing.

      • Saarbo 1.1.1
        12 July 2013 at 4:11 pm

        Yes, when he gets cornered he will fight dirty, I come across a few like him in my days in the Corporates, these people will do anything to win, not concerned about anything except for their themselves and their ego.

        The thing about Key is he’s not held accountable by the MSM so he has no fear…they are providing him with more power than he should have. Ugly.

        • North 1.1.1.1
          12 July 2013 at 5:20 pm

          Put aside domestic political banter and fun.

          Unquestionably this raises fundamental concern as to where New Zealand’s democracy and New Zealand’s citizens, already repeatedly molested by a runaway train of an executive, can be heading.

          It’s appalling that a prime minister should maintain and blithely express that the Human Rights Commission, a statutorily established institution part of the fabric of our governance, is an errant wing of his personal feifdom, misbehaving its way to “correction”. An institution which according to barely veiled threat of funding starvation might well, at personal whim, be rendered nugatory.

          “Give me no grief ……..or else !”

          No, of course it won’t happen quite like that. What will happen is those statutorily charged with seeing to the Commission’s statutory functions will be publicly defamed and abused as have many already. Followed by the appoinment of a Fletcher or a Devoy. Net result ? The same.

          Let’s pray like hell that the CEO of SkyCity or the founder of Blue Chip or Sir Botox Bloody Banks or some Merrill Lynch tennis buddy aren’t contemplating a new and handsomely remunerative career path !

          Going for gold !

          Ceaucescu.

          • weka 1.1.1.1.1
            12 July 2013 at 6:21 pm

            “Unquestionably this raises fundamental concern as to where New Zealand’s democracy and New Zealand’s citizens, already repeatedly molested by a runaway train of an executive, can be heading.”

            Completely agree North. We’re now at the point where NACT are saying fuck of NZ, we will do what we want. NZ is being governed, it’s owned.

            How long until the sleepy hobbits rise?

        • georgecom 1.1.1.2
          12 July 2013 at 5:52 pm

          Yes, he gets dirty. He doesn’t like people disagreeing with him and then the “nice man John Key” veil slips and the nasty stuff starts.

          In addition, rather than discuss the contents of the report which he doesn’t like, Key makes up a reason to attack the author of the report. The man gets rucked rather than the ball played.

          How many times can people remember Key getting snipey when opposed?

          I can think of the union opposition to him in 2010 when he gopt all petulent and cost us $20 million over the hobbit dispute.

      • Bob 1.1.2
        12 July 2013 at 10:12 pm

        SPOILT BRAT, He was thrown up!!

  2. Waffler 2
    12 July 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Key doesn’t like our current human rights and is shopping around for some more.

  3. emergency mike 3
    12 July 2013 at 3:46 pm

    Anyone else concerned that our PM is talking about the Human Rights Commision as if they are his opponent instead of an advisory asset?

    Or that he is having a go at them about not putting in a submission instead of addressing their criticisms?

    Or the pure doublespeak of “Actually the bill narrows the GCSB’s scope in its current form, it doesn’t extend it”?

    Or the ‘If they’re going to continue to be a government-funded organisation…’ just casually put on the table.

    “The commission also recommended:…

    * Human rights training for all members of New Zealand’s intelligence services.”

    lawls.

  4. Rogue Trooper 4
    12 July 2013 at 3:47 pm

    “if you’re a dreamer come in
    if you’re a dreamer, a wisher, a liar
    A hoper, a prayer, a magic-bean-buyer
    If you’re a pretender come sit by my fire
    for we have some flax-golden tales to spin
    Come in!
    Come in!
    – Shel Silverstein
    (better Grab Your Socks).

  5. Veutoviper 5
    12 July 2013 at 3:57 pm

    “If Key’s understanding of the statutory powers that the Human Rights Commission has are indicative of his understanding of the GCSB bill our rights are in big trouble.”

    Absolutely agree, MS – but Key does not bother with the processes etc of the law if it does not suit his case.

    Similarly,some of the MSM have ignored, or are ignorant, of the fact that the HRC report is not a submission, but a direct report to the PM as provided for in the HRC legislation.

    The Herald mentions this, as does Andrea Vance’s article on Stuff

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10897315

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8911648/Spy-agencies-probe-needed-Human-Rights-Commission

    However, neither TV3 news and RNZ news mention this, thereby leaving their reports to give the impression that the HRC missed the submission deadline in line with Key’s remarks.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/GCSB-oversight-inadequate-HRC-says/tabid/1607/articleID/304736/Default.aspx

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/214344/key-hits-back-at-human-rights-commission-over-gcsb-bill

    Pedantry aside, as I commented on the “Long Reach” post under the 8 thread, IMO the very unsubtle threat in Key’s statement re government funding is a further indication that the continuation of organisations such as the HRC are possibly under threat from this government, as indicated by recent appointments such as Dame Devoy.

    PS – I/S on NRT is also worth reading on this subject

    http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-human-rights-commission-on-spy-bill.html

    • Veutoviper 5.1
      12 July 2013 at 4:17 pm

      The link to the Stuff article included in my comment at 5 above is still working, as is the link to the RNZ news one.

      The RNZ News one has now been updated to include the fact that the HRC report is a report under their legislation – and not a late submission as Key has said.

      EDIT – this was supposed to have been a reply to 8 below.

      • coolas 5.1.1
        12 July 2013 at 9:09 pm

        Well put.

        Key’s chiding HRC for not ‘submitting’ in time, displays his ignorance of roles and processes, and his ‘funding’ threat is bullying, corporate style: ‘Careful, or we’ll call in the loan.’

        This odious man is slowly poisoning the body politic by devaluing the institutions that safeguard our freedoms. Devoy’s appointment as RRC was designed to diminish the role. She’s a total airhead: ‘Watching Winston’ but thinks Ads stereotyping PI’s is acceptable.

        The GCSB bill is a dangerous erosion of the right to privacy. And why the fuck aren’t the MSM doing their job here.

        Yep, well said, thanks for the links

  6. Tanz 6
    12 July 2013 at 3:57 pm

    The hand of government – John Key. Can’t we take on Switzerland’s type of government, where there is no one person in charge? Key has too much power, and when things do not go his way, he simply changes laws or withdraws funding etc. Imagine working for him – I bet he is not the smiley faced cheery bloke he tries to be in public;

  7. Tanz 7
    12 July 2013 at 3:57 pm

    The hand of government – John Key. Can’t we take on Switzerland’s type of government, where there is no one person in charge? Key has too much power, and when things do not go his way, he simply changes laws or withdraws funding etc. Imagine working for him – I bet he is not the smiley faced cheery bloke he tries to be in public;

  8. Appleboy 8
    12 July 2013 at 4:08 pm

    After hearing this story about 2.00pm on national Radio, I just noticed it has disappeared on the 4pm news. It has also disappeared off stuff from what I can see. What on earth is happening? Someone pulled this story, and instead the 4pm news carried a story on john key and an ASEAN trade announcement.

    p.s Just found the story on Stuff – written by Andrea Vance, and upped at 1.30pm. At 4.00 – gone! There with a search, but nowhere near the front page .

    Seriously – what the*&^^%%$#@

    • RedLogix 8.1
      12 July 2013 at 4:18 pm

      Remember the ‘throat cutting’ moment?

      • RedLogix 8.1.1
        12 July 2013 at 4:23 pm

        Although it’s still up on Granny Herald oddly enough:

        http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10897315

        • muzza 8.1.1.1
          12 July 2013 at 6:58 pm

          In case it disappears from digital – scuze the paste, I hope this get left for the record.

          Human Rights Commission: GCSB bill ‘inadequate’ – National – NZ Herald News

          The Government’s controversial legislation extending the GCSB’s powers to spy on New Zealanders lacks sufficient checks against abuse of power or adequate transparency and accountability, the Human Rights Commission says.

          But Prime Minister John Key has hit back, saying the commission’s report is a poor piece of work that was submitted late, and it needed to do better if it was to continue to receive taxpayer funding.

          The commission this morning released a report to Mr Key on the Government Communications Security Bureau and Related Legislation Amendment Bill, the Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Bill and broader human rights matters regarding surveillance.

          “The Commission is concerned that the proposed bills are wide-reaching without sufficient safeguards against abuse of power. There is inadequate oversight and inadequate provision for ensuring transparency and accountability”, chief commissioner David Rutherford said.

          Mr Rutherford said the commission had employed its rarely used ability to issue a report directly to the Prime Minister, “due to the seriousness of the proposed bills’ measures and the need for proper oversight of the surveillance activities of intelligence agencies”.

          With recent media exposure of the extent of mass surveillance by some of the GCSB’s (Government Communications Security Bureau) partners in the Five Eyes international intelligence sharing arrangement, public trust in intelligence agencies was at risk if surveillance activities weren’t seen to conducted appropriately.

          “We believe much of the public’s concerns could be alleviated if there was satisfactory oversight of surveillance powers and we propose an independent cross-party select committee to oversee intelligence agencies,” the commission said.

          But Mr Key dismissed the commission’s concerns and criticised the quality of their work.

          “I think the Human Rights Commission actually should take a step back and ask themselves the question why they failed to put a submission in on time. They are funded by the Government and they were the only people that couldn’t actually make the deadline.”

          “Actually the bill narrows the GCSB’s scope in its current form, it doesn’t extend it,” he said.

          “I actually don’t think it was a very good submission at all, and they need to pull their socks up. If they’re going to continue to be a government-funded organisation they should meet the deadlines like everyone else did.”

          Commission spokesman Gilbert Wong said Mr Rutherford’s report was not a submission, but the Prime Minister’s comments pointed to another misgiving the commission had about the legislation.

          The commission could have made a submission, “but there was quite a short period for people to prepare their submissions … we did seek an extension but that wasn’t granted.”

          “Our position is that the details of how to do so and when this was to occur were not readily available, and the time for making submissions on such important and technical legislation was unreasonably short.”

          The commission was exercising its statutory ability to directly report to the Prime Minister for only the fourth time since 1993, “because of the seriousness of the proposed bills and to allow for more time to consider the bill’s impact.”

          “It’s not something we use lightly but we feel this is something important.”

          Labour Leader David Shearer welcomed the fact the commission had “underlined what we have always wanted, which is a full and independent inquiry”.

          The need for that was now urgent, given the speed with which the legislation was being advanced, and “because I think it will restore public confidence in our intelligence agencies, which at the moment is pretty low.”

          Mr Shearer also said it was “pretty worrying” that with the commission having come out with a view Mr Key didn’t like, “there’s then a threat about having its funding pulled”.

          The commission also recommended:

          * Stronger accountability and oversight mechanisms, including Parliamentary oversight from a cross-party select committee, in addition to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.

          * Amending the bills in line with the submissions of the New Zealand Law Society and the Legislation Advisory Committee.

          * Taking into account the submissions of internet New Zealand, particularly as they relate to human rights.

          * Human rights training for all members of New Zealand’s intelligence services.

    • Veutoviper 8.2
      12 July 2013 at 4:18 pm

      See my comment at 5.1 above which was supposed to have been a reply to you but somehow ended up as a reply to myself!

  9. Peter 9
    12 July 2013 at 4:30 pm

    Surely even Key’s most ardent supporters have figured out by now that people do not figure in his thinking. At most he thinks of them as voters, a necessary evil.

  10. Mary 10
    12 July 2013 at 4:45 pm

    Decimating the HRC must be on the agenda. Key was on the look out for an excuse to issue the promise via a warning but jumped the gun. The announcement’s on its way. What a prick.

  11. Colonial Viper 11
    12 July 2013 at 5:05 pm

    Key was made to sound like a dickhead on National Radio. Hey National Radio, you better stick to your guns, because if you let the HRC get bullied by Emperor Key, you might not be right next on the list, but you will definitely be on there.

  12. Bearded Git 12
    12 July 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Mary Wilson has just crucified Key’s reaction to the HRC report (not submission!) by talking to David Rutherford of the HRC on Checkpoint. Well worth a listen.

    • emergency mike 13.1
      12 July 2013 at 5:56 pm

      Wilson: “So he [John Key] would have been well aware of your explanation that this is a particular report, it’s not a submission in the sense of the other submissions?”

      Rutherford: “Correct.”

      Translation: John Key is making shit up, again. One more for Blip’s list.

    • North 13.2
      12 July 2013 at 6:20 pm

      Go Mary Wilson ! You telegenic by chance ?

      Campbell……..where are you ?

      Potty Boy Gower………whadya gotta say about this one ? No anger summoned up mine Potty ?

      Seems ShonKey Python either doesn’t know his arse from his elbow (distinction submission/statutory report) or, (defame/abuse) he’s falsely badmouthing the Commission. Advisedly so. In other words, fucking lying !

      Potty Boy……..my shiny new flat screen implores that you not derail its expectation of its owner predeceasing. Give no hint of personal anger over the Commission’s alleged tardiness.

      Hang on…….(gulp)…….”owner”…….that’s me.

  14. Appleboy 14
    12 July 2013 at 5:46 pm

    The Human Rights Commission should issue a press release saying to key “you know we know”…..

    seriously, what about some bright spark here creating a parody press release from the Human Rights Commission with “Mr Key…you know we know….”

  15. Appleboy 15
    12 July 2013 at 5:51 pm

    Isn’t it amazing. Instead of acknowledging a report by the Human Rights Commission, lies outright and criticises them for making a late submission when he knows damn well it’s a report not a submission.

    It’s staggering. The arrogance is riding so high he can’t even see how his comments appear, let alone see the risk of being exposed for lying AND making threats to a politically independent body.

    Can’t wait to hear how Farrar and Whaleoil spin this own goal???????

    • Anne 15.1
      12 July 2013 at 6:02 pm

      Can’t wait to hear how Farrar and Whaleoil spin this own goal????

      Both have ignored it thus far. Farrar is still blathering on about the 2nd Labour coup that never was… courtesy of Duncan Garner. Whaleoil is desperately trying to pin something – anything – on to Labour.

      • RedLogix 15.1.1
        12 July 2013 at 6:04 pm

        Neither of them need to say anything. The MSM will let the news cycle roll and this too will drop down the memory hole.

        • karol 15.1.1.1
          12 July 2013 at 6:11 pm

          Yeah, TV3 News tonight is more concerned with crime and sports.

          • Bearded Git 15.1.1.1.1
            12 July 2013 at 9:08 pm

            The female reporter on TV3 tonight, when referring to the HRC, said something like “meanwhile those submitters that did get their submissions in on time” implying that the HRC was both a submitter and incompetent. Wrong on both counts. Not really good enough.

      • Rogue Trooper 15.1.2
        12 July 2013 at 6:40 pm

        That would be Duncan Garner, schlock Jockeying for position.

    • emergency mike 15.2
      12 July 2013 at 6:07 pm

      Yep if we had an efficient opposition Mr Key would be apologizing to the HRC within 24 hours. My money’s on Key pulling another brain fade over this one if anyone actually bothers to call him out: “Report? Submission? I’m only a kiwi-jokey-blokey-kiwi bloke after all! Anyone could get that mixed up, lot on my plate ‘n all.”

      He could even make a funny funny joke about it and sheepishly pull his own socks up for Paddy’s camera. Good times.

    • yeshe 15.3
      12 July 2013 at 6:11 pm

      Key is each day, more and more, an out of control disparaging megalomaniac; maybe he is on stress meds of some kind. certainly makes me think so. Can you help us out here, Bronagh ??

  16. North 16
    12 July 2013 at 6:27 pm

    David Shearer – “The Prime Minister is not telling the truth !”

    Nah – too simple !

    • Anne 16.1
      12 July 2013 at 7:18 pm

      Too weak. Given the facts of the case David Shearer would have been perfectly safe in calling him a liar, but even in that circumstance he still didn’t have the nous to do it.

      -1 for David Shearer.

      • Anne 16.1.1
        12 July 2013 at 7:45 pm

        Actually I take that -1 back. Just seen the TV1 news clip. Shearer delivered the soundbite well “He is out of line” which is all he was given time to say.

  17. vto 17
    12 July 2013 at 6:30 pm

    Key is makng a habit of being a schoolboy. I think it suits him.

  18. tc 18
    12 July 2013 at 7:10 pm

    Key can and does as he pleases with his media mates never calling him to account along with an opposition imploding. Its why he does because of the shit hes gotten away with so far makes him believe he is politically untouchable.

    • Anne 18.1
      12 July 2013 at 7:23 pm

      Problem is tc it’s not actually working any more. Campbell Live has called him out on it and he knows there’s lots more to come. The pressure is getting to him at last. Hence the school boy paddies. Can’t hack not getting his own way. Diddums to Key!

      • RedLogix 18.1.1
        12 July 2013 at 7:47 pm

        I wonder Anne. How many times has Key pulled this kind of shit already … the grotesque tea-pot saga leaps to mind … and it didn’t dent his popularity one jot? As the Herald cartoonist so aptly captured it yesterday, it’s become a one boat race.

        • Rogue Trooper 18.1.1.1
          12 July 2013 at 7:55 pm

          single sculls

        • Anne 18.1.1.2
          12 July 2013 at 8:44 pm

          I think Redlogix (or should it be hope) that the cumulative effect is starting to set in and Mr & Mrs Punter are beginning to wonder “what’s going on?” I seem to remember the teapot saga did dent Key’s popularity a bit but not enough to cause the Nats to lose the election. I agree it’s going to take time because lets be honest…the punters a very thick when it comes to politics.

          • Rogue Trooper 18.1.1.2.1
            12 July 2013 at 10:34 pm

            however, been thinking, with this online opinion sampling direct to MSM, Campbell Live, etc, people may feel they have discharged their political duty, cos’ the garbage just keeps on coming from National, Dunne and Banks (dogs not withstanding).

  19. Yes 19
    12 July 2013 at 7:57 pm

    There is nothing wrong with the proposed bill.

    • mickysavage 19.1
      12 July 2013 at 10:13 pm

      Can’t you do better than this Yes? The response against Key’s ill informed threat where he accuses the HRC of not understanding the law but then clearly showing that he does not understand the law is pretty overwhelming. Can’t you mount a better argument than this?

    • North 19.2
      12 July 2013 at 11:36 pm

      Yes above…….hahahahahahahahahahahaha.

      Such a powerful promotion of the bill…….hahahahahahahahahahaha !

  20. North 20
    12 July 2013 at 7:57 pm

    11,000 respondents Campbell Live. 85% “No” to GCSB Bill……..15% “Yes”.

    “I disagree ! Look, I’ll take you to Langley, Virginia, USA. Everyone there agrees with me, Warners in Hollywood too, akshilly”.

    (Langley, Virginia, USA – headquarters of the CIA).

    Prime Poncey Shonk Minster Circus, sorry for my tardiness with this “submission/report/comment/oh fuck what is it ? whatever”.

    Anyway it’s all Norman Kirk’s fault. And that bloody Bill Sutch. Always knew those too were up to no good. Forgive me Mine Emperor, My Fibbing Facileness. If there must be a cut let it be to my bennie not my throat…….pleeease.

  21. aj 21
    12 July 2013 at 8:06 pm

    As much Joyce’s grubby mitts over this as anyone else. Peas in a pod though.

  23. AmaKiwi 23
    12 July 2013 at 9:43 pm

    I can’t wait until Key gets pumped off. Then Judith “Crusher” Collins will be our PM.

    They are very different. Key wants to beat his opponents. Collins wants to destroy them.

    “A Brighter Future.”

    Yeah, right.

    • Colonial Viper 23.1
      12 July 2013 at 9:47 pm

      Not a chance in hell Labour will stand back and give the wickedness of Crusher Collins a chance at being PM in 2014. The red team will take National down like a sack of potatoes tossed off the back of a truck.

      Uh, uh, probably, ur, I think, ummmm right?

  24. Jackal 24
    12 July 2013 at 9:50 pm

    In light of recent events, I think The Standard should allow the word F@SCIST to be used without moderation.

  25. BrucetheMoose 25
    13 July 2013 at 12:44 am

    In typical Key fashion, he attacks and ridicules those who challenge him and his policies, calling the opinions raised by the HRC as “poor”, yet doesn’t back up his claims. In typical fashion, the wimpy media/journalists fail to challenge his comments. All the television media want nowadays is emotive story bites with no substance. Grow some journalistic teeth and ask WHY for cripes sake!

    • the pigman 25.1
      13 July 2013 at 1:03 am

      .. and miss that future opportunity to become Simon Bridges’ press secretary? Eckshully no..

      • North 25.1.1
        13 July 2013 at 4:25 am

        Pigman @ 25.1……….you got it in one.

        Potty Gower Judy bound ?

        Now that’s a picture !

  26. Veutoviper 26
    13 July 2013 at 7:29 am

    The HRC’s excellent press release on their report issued at 10.55am yesterday is well worth reading.

    It makes it very clear as to why they did a report – not a submission in the first two paragraphs.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1307/S00135/human-rights-commission-report-on-security-and-intelligence.htm

    And for a satirical take – Scott at his best.

    http://www.imperatorfish.com/2013/07/human-rights-commission-to-be-put-out.html

    PS – hats off to the TS for the Feeds column. It is an great source for keeping up with other blogs etc

    EDIT – Adam Bennett in the Herald is “on the case” this morning – “Watchdog repel’s PM’s attack”.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10897564

  27. Robert Glennie 27
    13 July 2013 at 4:38 pm

    Kia Ora

    Mr Key would not be pleased to note that in investigating my complaint to the Human Rights Commission about the Crown Mineral Amendments (Crown Land and Permitting)Bill, the Human Rights Commission found Mr Simon Bridges’ amendments to have breached human rights law.

    Rob

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    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    9 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    11 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    12 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    13 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    15 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    16 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    17 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    21 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    22 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    24 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

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

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
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  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
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  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
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  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
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  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
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  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
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    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
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  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
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    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
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