John Key’s Summer

Written By: - Date published: 8:53 am, December 22nd, 2012 - 131 comments
Categories: education, Judith Collins, Minister for Overseas Holidays, national, trade - Tags: ,

John Key will no doubt be spending a lot of his summer in Hawaii, dancing, clowning, and hoping to get an invite somewhere from Obama.  However, it looks like he will need to spend some time thinking about reshuffling his cabinet.

Nat cheerleader Tracy Watkins is not confident that parata will stay in her portfolio after the summer:

After Mr Key was forced to step in and save the situation, the pressure grew. She was taking a hammering from the Opposition and teacher unions, and the mounting list of blunders over teacher pay roll problems and Christchurch school closures was painting a picture of incompetence. She is understood to have become increasingly hardline in her view that heads should roll.

The likes of Cabinet hard woman Judith Collins would have fronted immediately and carried it off. But it is a sign of her colleagues’ increasing lack of confidence in Ms Parata that she was instead packed off on holiday and told to lay low.

Mr Key also refused to front, suggesting he is still weighing up his options for a Cabinet reshuffle in January and does not want to get backed too far into a corner over his support for Ms Parata retaining the education portfolio.

And in doing so, Watkins also manages to give Collins a vote of confidence over John Key.  The Audrey Young also weighs in on Parata, making her look like the embodiment of the Peter Principle: promoted above her current capabilities at the time.  However, Young reckons Parata will be given another chance:

She will be spending time with him and their two girls at home on the East Coast before getting back to work in Wellington well before the first cabinet meeting on January 23.

There will be plenty of speculation about whether she will keep education in the reshuffle due in February, following the election of the Speaker. Few people other than political opponents are calling for her head.

And the symbolism of John Key failing his highest ranking Maori MP when her major aim is to prevent Maori failure in education, is probably more than he is willing to face yet.

Highly respected Peter Hughes, formerly of the Ministry of Social Development is to be acting secretary, indicating that Parata will be given another chance to improve confidence in the sector.

Hughes is expected to identify problems in the ministry and address them, changing the culture if he has to. If Parata still has problems after that, then she will be blamed.

Meanwhile, it looks like Key will be happy to wave good-bye to  Tim Groser, having nominated him for a WTO job.  This won’t be decided until May next year.  however, it will be at a time when all eyes will be on the 2014 election, and presumably, Key will be hoping that Groser’s role in NZ selling off NZ, via the TPP, will be nearing its end.  See Gordon Campbell’s article on Groser and his projectile vomit dismissal of Kiwi interests.

131 comments on “John Key’s Summer ”

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  1. David Viperious H 1
    22 December 2012 at 9:59 am

    This must be why he is going back to Hawaii to get his circuits adjusted.

    John Armstrong offering an even more implausible excuse for Dunnokeyo’s year of hell.

    “National’s saving grace as governing party is that it isn’t hated. Not yet, anyway.
    That is largely down to the Prime Minister. However, he cannot afford another year when at times it seemed the real John Key had been captured by aliens and a robot surrogate with several circuits gone AWOL had been sent down to Earth as a replacement.”

    Keep trying John we all need a good laugh.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10855613

  2. The Al1en 2
    22 December 2012 at 10:07 am

    I always think of Key’s Hawaii hideout as his Scrooge McDuck money vault.
    Every morning after breakfast he goes for a swim through his wealth, pausing only to remove the doubloons caught in his bum crack and to adjust his pauper skin speedos.

    At least we’ll know where the last chopper out of town will be headed, when it takes off Saigon style from the top of his mates Sky tower.

    • Herodotus (CV Supporter) 2.1
      22 December 2012 at 10:23 am

      Something like this from Family Guy
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fyE6N4JQt0
      He also has a place in Omaha so he can keep up to date with the common working guy in Kiwiland.
      ps Thanks Novapay and Tallent(less)2 !!!

      • The Al1en 2.1.1
        22 December 2012 at 12:45 pm

        Indeed!

        Rather than send a sad fan mail to Letterman, and end up doing the top ten list I swear I’ve seen a guy in an ape suit do the week before, he should have asked for a guest slot on family guy as Quagmire’s twin.
        I’m sure there’s plenty of clips of Glen in his speedos sucking the life out of a well worn catchphrase. There may even be a three handed shake if you look hard enough.

        Edit a blue rosette onto him and 2014’s election ads just write themselves.

  3. Fisiani 3
    22 December 2012 at 2:08 pm

    There is such an abundance of talent on the National bench that any reshuffle will only enhance the Government. Given the prospect of unending deficits and unsustainable spending that National inherited in 2008 with the spiteful scorched earth policies of Cullen one can only call the turnaround achievements of the last four years as truly fantastic. Probably explains why National are polling so consistently high. There are now more people employed than ever before, less people claiming unemployment benefit, record low interest rates helping every mortgage payer and a multipronged recovery growth plan on target. Employers can now more easily take on staff and particularly take on teenagers. Have a Good Christmas and New Year. Keep up the good work of pushing the government to continuous improvement.

    • bad12 3.1
      22 December 2012 at 2:28 pm

      What and then you woke up to realize you were only dreaming, ‘a multi-pronged recovery growth plan’??? would you care to list the multi-prongs or is your pea brain too fried to achieve that…

      • Fisiani 3.1.1
        22 December 2012 at 2:40 pm

        With pleasure bad12 http://www.national.org.nz/policy.aspx
        The world will not end and the brighter future is yours as well.

        • Geoffcartwright 3.1.1.1
          22 December 2012 at 4:08 pm

          Irony that the major policy planks in the finance section from national are Carry overs from labour Helen and Cullen kiwi saver, nz super fund, lower govt debt ratios.
          So this is all what national can do…fissi you should thank us mate.

          • bad12 3.1.1.1.1
            22 December 2012 at 5:21 pm

            He really should stick His head back up His A/hole, trotting out National Party lies as an answer simply makes me want to tear Him a new one,

            I have the sneaky feeling that He is a National Party back-bencher tasked with waving the Party flag over here on the Standard, His whole modus operendi is of one who asks and answers the patsy questions one hears the back-bench ask of Ministers….

            • TighyRighty 3.1.1.1.1.1
              22 December 2012 at 5:24 pm

              Tolerance alive and well at the standard as usual. Violence is threatened in response to an opposing political view, what a discussion.

              [RL: Nope he would have been banned for that. Clearly he was speaking metaphorically. Besides fisiani is a troll and pretty much one big arsehole already.]

              • bad12 …
                22 December 2012 at 6:37 pm

                Tearing someone a new one is a relatively common expression, there is no violence expressed or implied especially as both of us are unknown to each other,

                I think petal you are being just a little too precious, perhaps i should have said ”it makes me want to put Him on the surgery list for major organ rectal replacement,

                Plus what RL said….

                • felixviper …
                  22 December 2012 at 6:48 pm

                  Somebody pointed out a while back that it’s essentially a rape metaphor. At the time I thought that was a weird interpretation as I’d never picked up on that connotation before.

                  However now I can’t imagine it being anything but a rape metaphor, and as such highly offensive, and I can’t remember what else I could have thought it to mean.

                  For what it’s worth.

                  • bad12 …
                    22 December 2012 at 7:01 pm

                    Me neither as far as the rape connotation, heard mostly as a kid especially when coming from a parent was usually a clear sign that we were in deep s**t,

                    Might have to have a little look online later and see if i can’t tease the origins of the expression out of Google…

                    • felixviper …
                      22 December 2012 at 7:21 pm

                      Just to be clear, I’m not saying I thought you were actually threatening violence on anyone. Even geniuses like UpTighty and Fisi have to think really hard to be able to pretend they thought that.

                      Just that I think the expression itself is offensive and I found it interesting is all.

                  • RedLogix …
                    22 December 2012 at 7:07 pm

                    I’m not here as the language police. If I attempted to moderate out every dodgy un-PC metaphor this place would vanish up it’s own fundamental in very short order.

                    In this case there was no incitement or claim of direct personal violence. It was obviously a metaphoric expression of anger and frustration.

                    And personally I’ve had it with fisiani pulling his faux-outrage stunt every time someone gets pissed with his absurdly sycophantic comments and trying to tell us how to run the site.

                    The permanent ban below is the culmination of many, many warnings.

                  • Napkins …
                    22 December 2012 at 7:15 pm

                    Tearing someone a new one = tearing them a new asshole = gaping gut wound.

                  • mike …
                    23 December 2012 at 2:59 am

                    felix, when I read what you said there I had exactly the same experience you describe. At first I thought “Really? How could it be a rape metaphor?” then a few seconds later something clicked and an image appeared in my brain that made me think “That’s how. How could it not be a rape metaphor?”

                    For what it’s worth your comment was worth something to me in that it reminded me how language can be distorted by common usage. (Oh and thanks for the imagery cuz!)

              • Fisiani …
                22 December 2012 at 6:42 pm

                And that from a moderator. No wonder the blogosphere calls it The Sewer. You do not have to let impotence turn into intolerance.

                [RL: You are indeed a sycophantic arsehole fisiani. It’s a creepy and low form of trolling that you’ve been warned repeatedly over several years to stop, but it’s made no difference. I have to note that it’s always those who have had the most rope who are the first to cry ‘censorship’ or ‘intolerance’.

                Nor do you ever add much value to the debate. Permanent ban.]

                • felixviper …
                  22 December 2012 at 6:51 pm

                  No, the blogosphere does not. That is a lie, fis.

                • bad12 …
                  22 December 2012 at 6:54 pm

                  Cannot you get anything right buckwheat, ‘the sewer’ is the place from whence you have obviously come and hence you should really consider going back to,

                  ‘The sewer’ is run by Blubber-boy if you need anymore of a clue,

                  Here’s another hint, when i asked for you to list for me this mythical ‘multi-pronged growth recovery strategy’ i wasn’t asking for a link to the NZSCUM Party’s website,

                  What i would have been happy with would have been a discussion in your own words of what you see as this ‘growth recovery strategy’ which could have lead to a rebuttal and ongoing discussion on the subject,

                  The fact that the only thing you could offer in reply was a link to the NZSCUM Party simply makes you a waste of pixels and as far as i can see a prime candidate for some dramatic rectal replacement surgery…

                • McFliper …
                  22 December 2012 at 9:14 pm

                  Wow – the National Party Pravda editor collected a permaban? ’tis indeed the season to be jolly 🙂

                • Lanthanide …
                  22 December 2012 at 10:50 pm

                  Thanks for the long-overdue ban, RL.

    • Lanthanide 3.2
      22 December 2012 at 4:46 pm

      “There is such an abundance of talent on the National bench that any reshuffle will only enhance the Government. ”
      Which means you think the government has a sub-optimal allocation at present.

      “Given the prospect of unending deficits and unsustainable spending that National inherited in 2008 with the spiteful scorched earth policies of Cullen one can only call the turnaround achievements of the last four years as truly fantastic.”
      If Labour had won the 2008 election they also would have changed the policy settings so as to turn around the economic projections.

      “Probably explains why National are polling so consistently high.”
      No, it doesn’t. Also they’re slipping, if you hadn’t noticed, and if an election were held now, there is serious doubt as to whether National would come out of it as the government.

      “There are now more people employed than ever before”
      Yeah, that’s what happens when the population grows.

      “less people claiming unemployment benefit”
      Actually that’s not true. Also the correct word is “fewer”.

      “record low interest rates helping every mortgage payer”
      The interest rates are low because the economy is not performing well.

      “a multipronged recovery growth plan on target”
      Which is why the deficit is larger than expected and treasury have downgraded their estimates for growth in the future and why the government had to do a last-minute petrol tax hike in order to just barely claim a surplus in the 2014/2015 financial year.

      “Employers can now more easily take on staff and particularly take on teenagers”
      Actually they can more easily get rid of staff. Nothing has changed to ease the hiring of workers.

      “Keep up the good work of pushing the government to continuous improvement.”
      I’m sure we’ll see the government of NZ improve the country significantly in the future, particularly after the next election.

    • David Viperious H 3.3
      22 December 2012 at 6:53 pm

      “There is such an abundance of talent on the National bench that any reshuffle will only enhance the Government.” You are fucking joking. If Shonkey goes, then the rest are about as appealing as having a leg amputated with out unaesthetic.

      “There are now more people employed than ever before” Are you completely demented?? Unemployment is at 7.3% the HIGHEST since the last time the NATS were in power.

      The reason National are polling consistently higher, is because the pollsters only ring landlines.

      There are less people collecting the UB. Yep because they have ALL gone to Australia.

      Jesus Fisi come up with something original.

    • xtasy 3.4
      22 December 2012 at 9:07 pm

      “There is such an abundance of talent on the National bench that any reshuffle will only enhance the Government.”

      Talent in the National government:

      John Key – smart alec part time talk back host, gangnam rapper, boardwalk sweetie, gay festival cheerleader, hole in the brain (memory) expert, deal breaker who forgets that the rule of law applies in NZ also, unlike in places where he would do great business anytime;

      Gerry Brownlee – democracy neutraliser, who brought in CERA to run Christchurch outside the Council bounds, land development advocate, who rushes into deals that are classed as illegal by the courts; wood-working teacher turned minister, who is sometimes great with words, but a real talent by insulting populations of friendly countries (e.g. Finland);

      Stephen Joyce – former media manager, deal breaker to get Mediaworks out of trouble with state generosity, hence walking a tight rope between legality and corruption, at the same time doing all to destroy public broadcasting competition to private media and broadcasting; full of ideology and smart talk, but often not quite in touch with real facts which he strongly dislikes;

      Paula Bennett – another law breaker, who willingly and intentionally leaks private details about individual beneficiaries who dared to criticise some of her policies; who got a wet bus ticket warning from the Human Rights Tribunal, and bluntly declared, she would do it again (breach privacy laws); who opened up the WINZ kiosks with great fanfare, but who wanted nothing to do with the evident privacy and system security issues exposed by a blogger and journalist; also full of contempt for the real needs of people she is supposed to look after, ignoring specialist advice and pushing welfare “reforms” that are according to legal and other experts not just illegal, they are highly ineffective, counter productive, unfair, punitive and will do nothing to resolve welfare issues; but at least she knows how to tell someone to “ZIP IT”, right?;

      Tony Ryall – admittedly a smart and effective minister and operator, but a bit high on propaganda, cutting funding for various mental health and other services already in huge crisis and need, yet constantly presenting the broken record of reductions of waiting lists for people needing “elective surgery”;

      Hekia Parata – another one “expert” and “talent” of sorts, highly glorified for “talent” before being put in charge of education, then stumbling from one major policy and other problem to another, thus having to flip flop and back-track on school class size policies, being totally out of touch with addressing school reconstruction and new planning in Christchurch, without properly consulting the school principals, teachers and parents, intending to close a special school for girls in Nelson, without taking consideration to safety issues, then being put into place by a High Court decision; having no real answers for the Novapay issues, that get worse again, after having persisted for months;

      Nick Smith – former minister for ACC, writing a reference for Bronwyn Pullar on ministerial letter head paper; prior to that highly in charge of “creative accounting” by turning somewhat healthy looking figures into supposed crisis figures, then going about to slash the complex claims lists, by getting hatchet doctors to make the (biased) decisions ACC prefers;

      Nathan Guy – minister for immigration, not being informed to know, that Sky City Casino was already making deals with Southern China Airlines and Immigration NZ, to fast track “high value clients” to get easy permits to get into NZ, so they can go straight to the casino gambling; also out of step repeatedly with what goes on in his ministry and departments; I have not heard him say anything on migrants working for less than the minimum wage;

      Phil Heatley – minister for housing, who has at times been telling half- and untruths about the true state of affairs within Housing NZ, is working with property speculators and developers, to sell off Housing NZ stock, to shift out the tenants (supposedly voluntarily) into smallish boxes to live in, to supposedly make room for new and “better” Housing; he also used the North Sea as a good example to “prove” that deap sea oil drilling is safe, but forgot, that the North Sea in Northern Europe is not even “deep sea” area (!);

      Amy Adams – one new minister for the environment, who praised the Rio summit on climate issues, but forgot, that it was a disastrous meeting, achieving much less than most had expected; also very selective on how to interpret achievements in environmental policy, which is found as easily as a needly in a hay-stack;

      Bill English – constantly telling us the economy is in good shape, while unemployment is at a 16 year high, growth for the last year has been corrected downward to 2 per cent, manufacturing is shrinking, and exports largely being more of the same (milk powder, baby formula, meat, raw logs, raw fish, fruit and a bit of this and that, hardly a “knowledge economy);

      Tim Groser – upsetting many friendly countries by snubbing their appeal to NZ to not just opt out of the Kyoto Protocol, as he has done; great man, recommendable for a WTO leadership post, as he is such a great “negotiator” (selling NZ interests out) and a superb “diplomat”, aye;

      and the list could go on, dear Fisiani and some like-minded!

      Yes, some of us are critical of the front bench and Shearer in Labour, but honestly, where is National’s “talent”, if I may ask.

      There may be a few experienced ones like Collins, Ryall and to a moderate degree English and Joyce (despite of their constant spinning and hypocrisy), but the rest are green behind their ears, more wannabe material, more suited for quick mince meat.

      Have a good night with your great Natzy “talent show” for tonight!

      Xtasy

    • peterlepaysan 3.5
      22 December 2012 at 9:14 pm

      Do you remember when JK and the Nats (sounds like a fifties pop band) promised matching oz wages etc etc?

      Key must have been right (never left) according to immigration stats more and more kiwis are coming back from oz. Probably due to the high wages and vast job opportunites offered by a 1950’s pop band.

      Given that success he deserves a holiday in his homeland.

    • Curran's Viper 3.6
      23 December 2012 at 12:24 pm

      Don’t knock optimism in the face of adversity.

      http://www.talent2.com/home
      http://www.talent2.com/en_au?c=Australia
      http://www.talent2.com/en_uk?c=United%20Kingdom

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/7980254/Talent2-stands-behind-Novopay-system

      http://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/talent2-CK
      [Talent2 boss – we’re losing money on Novopay]

      http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mergers-acquisitions/talent2-investors-face-tough-choice-over-privatisation/story-fn91vdzj-1226375592500
      [Talent2 investors face tough choice over privatisation]

      http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/talent2-faces-financial-penalties-if-novopay-not-fixed-wednesday-%E2%80%93-key-ck-132169
      [Talent2 faces financial penalties if Novopay not fixed by Wednesday – Key]

      http://www.3news.co.nz/Talent2-system-at-NZ-Post-also-failed/tabid/423/articleID/277866/Default.aspx
      [Talent2 system at NZ Post also failed]

      http://www.talent2.com/media/3327/ASX%20Announcement%2023%20September%2011%20-%20Business%20Review.pdf
      [Talent2 is the leading Human Resources Business Process Outsourcing. (HR BPO) … In a challenging period for the global economy, Talent2’s robust business ]

      http://blogs.wsj.com/dealjournalaustralia/2012/05/28/allegis-morgan-banks-to-takeover-talent2/
      [“Allegis, Morgan & Banks to Acquire Talent2”]

      err .. Morgan & Banks created ‘Talent2’, Allegis web site is currently crashing..

      http://www.gulftalent.com/home/Talent2-jobs-2.html

      http://www.3news.co.nz/Talent2-picked-before-NZ-payroll-providers-for-Novopay/tabid/817/articleID/277413/Default.aspx
      [Talent2 picked before NZ payroll providers for Novopay]

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8000686/Transpower-payroll-switch-delayed

      http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1211/S00382/statement-from-hon-john-banks-re-talent2.htm
      [Statement from Hon John Banks re: Talent2]

      http://www.leadingcompany.com.au/strategy/seven-good-reasons-to-go-from-public-to-private/201205281222
      [Talent2: Seven good reasons to go from public to private]

      http://www.afr.com/tags;jsessionid=E3521E96DB82DED64F07DC6DC0EC0BCF?tag=C_TALENT2%20INTERNATIONAL%20LIMITED-TWO
      [Headlines include
      ‘A murky email trail’
      ‘Goldman says Talent2 offer is in line’
      ‘Recruiters take jobs shock in their stride’
      ‘More jobs but white-collar recruiters’ blues remain’
      ‘Talent2 slides into red as clients defer hiring’
      ‘Chairman stocks up on Talent2’
      ‘Talent2 half-year result ‘disappointing’: CEO’
      ‘Talent2 International (TWO)
      ..
      A recent market update from recruitment and human resources group Talent2 sent its shares into a nosedive, as EBITDA for the six months to December 31 is expected to be significantly below that achieved a year ago.’
      ‘Another recruiter under pressure’
      ‘Talent2 sees its future in Asia growth’
      ‘Tough conditions prevail despite Talent2 profit boost’ ]

      .. is there a pattern here ?

  4. The Al1en 4
    22 December 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Ignore those living in poverty at your peril, knob head.
    Every one of them with a vote, given real hope and genuine social security, could easily form a voting block this country has never seen.

    Whoever taps the vast number of disenfranchised, trumps the spin doctoring of National and Labour, and ensures true representation for those left, outside the narrowing middle so much policy from blue/red is aimed clearly at.
    National could never win them, Labour take them for granted and regardless, every voter deserves better than than they’re currently getting.

    • aerobubble 4.1
      22 December 2012 at 3:24 pm

      Labour have yet to explain why its vote collapsed. For sure, Key on scrapped back in and the Greens scored big. But sill there’s the collapse of Labour’s vote, why???

      • bad12 4.1.1
        22 December 2012 at 5:23 pm

        They had no election bribes like tax cuts for the rich to offer the electorate…

        • Populuxe1 4.1.1.1
          23 December 2012 at 9:35 pm

          Except that the rich are in the minority and thus election bribes for the poor would make more sense. Logic fail on your part methinks.

          • McFliper 4.1.1.1.1
            23 December 2012 at 9:51 pm

            the best bribe is one that people think they received, but never actually did…

          • Crimson Nile 4.1.1.1.2
            23 December 2012 at 10:34 pm

            “Except that the rich are in the minority and thus election bribes for the poor would make more sense. Logic fail on your part methinks.”

            Except that the most reliable turnout on Election Day comes from the middle class and the wealthy. But you already knew that.

          • bad12 4.1.1.1.3
            23 December 2012 at 11:25 pm

            Except that the election bribes were extended also to the middle class who by always voting for the highest bidder in an election contest empower the rich to be so…

  5. Tiresias 5
    22 December 2012 at 3:56 pm

    While I would be hard-pressed to find the common decency to throw a rope to a drowning John Key I suspect one thing he has in spades is a sense of nobless oblige – it’s more often found in those who believe they have become one of the nobs than in one born to it and will express itself in a display of loyalty to those in the immediate circle who kow-tow to them or otherwise stroke that sense of entitlement they aspire to regardless of their actual abilites or worth . Hence his loyalty to his minions as long as they display loyalty to him, because ultimately that’s all that matters.

    With the wheels falling off his expectation that success as Prime Minister would fall into his lap and his ‘Golden Boy’ image becoming increasingly tarnished expect him to draw further and further into ‘Planet Key’ and see ever more of him gazing skyward with his hands over his ears chanting “la-la-la, can’t hear you,” as the awkward questions and criticisms mount.

    • Lanthanide 5.1
      22 December 2012 at 4:48 pm

      “I suspect one thing he has in spades is a sense of nobless oblige”
      Erm, I really don’t think so.

      An easy way to have shown it would have been a tax levy imposed on high income earners (of which he is one) to help fund the CHCH rebuild. Instead it’s just coming out of general taxation.

    • felixviper 5.2
      22 December 2012 at 5:50 pm

      I agree with Lanth, Key only seems interested in sucking up to those richer and more powerful than himself.

      ps I think it’s “noblesse”, or in Key’s case possibly “knobless” 😉

      • mike 5.2.1
        23 December 2012 at 3:51 am

        “Key only seems interested in sucking up to those richer and more powerful than himself.”

        I’m reminded of Dr Robert Hare’s Snakes in Suits on corporate psychopaths. He said they generally divide others in three groups. Those below them, who they ignore or treat with contempt, toying and fucking with them for amusement. Those on the same level, who are to be manipulated, used, and stabbed in the back in whatever way is most useful for their own advancement. And those above them for whom they slip into full blown ‘I wanna be your golf buddy and the godfather of your children’ ass-kissing mode.

        Then I was reminded that I once read an online bio of John Key where it was written that at the age of 10 (I think) he told his mum that he wanted to learn how to play golf. Not because he liked golf, but because that’s where business deals get done. This was put forth as indicative of his being a child prodigy money guy. I just found it disturbing. (I had a quick look but can’t find the link.)

  6. George D 6
    22 December 2012 at 5:34 pm

    So, assuming in the next six months Parata is demoted and Groser leaves: who replaces them?

    • karol 6.1
      22 December 2012 at 6:12 pm

      Well, I think Groser s a list MP, so maybe Paul Foster-Bell? Nat 2011 list:

      http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36978

      As for replacements. I don’t know. They don’t have that many good performers.

      Nat MPs:

      http://www.national.org.nz/MPList.aspx

      Current cabinet

      http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/cabinet/ministers/ministerial-list

      • felixviper 6.1.1
        22 December 2012 at 6:39 pm

        Don’t make the mistake of thinking any promotions will be based on merit. They will be based solely on the image National wants to project in the 2014-or-sooner election.

        Expect useless dead-weights like Nikki “passionate about being passionate” Kaye and Mike “did I mention I used to be a policeman” Sabin to find themselves in over their empty heads.

        Also Nick Smith is back in. Such is the depth of talent.

        • felixviper 6.1.1.1
          22 December 2012 at 7:44 pm

          Oh also I forgot to mention the most likely scenario: All their portfolios go to Joyce.

        • Anne 6.1.1.2
          22 December 2012 at 8:24 pm

          Expect useless dead-weights like Nikki “passionate about being passionate” Kaye…

          Goodness me. I heard Mike Williams on the last Radio NZ political slot of the year make reference to her as being worthy of promotion. He also thought Nick Smith should return to Cabinet. Sure I heard right.

          Mind you, I’ve heard Williams say some surprising things in recent times. Spends too much time with right wingers (Boag, Hooton and co.) and he’s been captured by them? Or, maybe he likes to be associated with whoever happen to be part of the the current political movers and shakers? Bit of both I reckon.

          • felixviper 6.1.1.2.1
            22 December 2012 at 8:28 pm

            I reckon you might be right.

          • karol 6.1.1.2.2
            22 December 2012 at 8:54 pm

            Those choices all sound like a recipe for further disasters. Key has given the education portfolio to one novice after another – they get chewed up and spat out. So if Kaye was given it, any promise her career had, she can wave bye-bye to.

            And Nick Smith? So tainted they’re giving him another go? Should make for an interesting year.

            • bad12 6.1.1.2.2.1
              22 December 2012 at 9:04 pm

              Talking of Nick Smith, i had the dinner ruining moment earlier tonight thinking what a hoot it would be if Slippery nailed Him by the arms into the Speakers chair,

              It would make Parliament TV a must watch, the surge of power that is alleged to have fried the better parts of Nick’s inner cranial cavity after Doctor Dullard, Don Brash, made Nick his Deputy would be insignificant in comparison,

              it is rumored that Nick upon His elevation to Deputy under Dullard immediately began stalking the corridors barking orders at MP’s, even the Labour ones…

            • Lanthanide 6.1.1.2.2.2
              23 December 2012 at 10:50 am

              Nah, just because they’ve given it to novices that have over-reached themselves and fucked up royally, doesn’t mean another novice will do the same. Be pretty easy just to sit there and do nothing.

      • outofbed 6.1.2
        22 December 2012 at 7:00 pm

        Paul Foster-Bell
        Hm Thats the guy who added the “bell” to the end of his name whilst in UK
        He is in fact a bellend so probably quite apt

        • felixviper 6.1.2.1
          22 December 2012 at 7:33 pm

          lols, from what I’ve seen of him he seems a very thoughtful and considerate human being, in spite of his obvious philosophical failings.

          I do suspect though that he was selected because he looks a bit like Grant Robertson and the Nats figured they might pick up a few apolitical voters in the confusion.

          I don’t know if he’s at all suited to politics. He probably ought to be working for a charitable trust or something.

  7. bad12 7
    22 December 2012 at 7:22 pm

    As far as Slippery’s summer goes i bet He is cursing the fact that His little scheme to give the ‘arch plotter’ Maurice Williamson a kick sideways into the Speakers chair failed abysmally,

    Most of them, hah most of, the whole unsavory pack of them would have fallen over in slobbering delight at being offered the Speakers role,

    Maurice tho wasn’t having a bar of it, obviously He hasn’t finished painting the target on the back of a fast failing Prime Minister yet,

    Better add Maurice’s name to the list of contenders once they decide to put the knife into Slippery…

  8. vto 8
    22 December 2012 at 8:30 pm

    I wouldn’t want John Key’s summer. From what I’ve seen he looks very boring. Worked in a bank, worked in a bank, went to parliament, planked, went on the rock FM, did the gangnam style

    • felixviper 8.1
      22 December 2012 at 8:46 pm

      Met the queen. Don’t forget met the queen.

    • bad12 8.2
      22 December 2012 at 8:46 pm

      What you see is simply an evolving ‘smile’n’wave of the previous Parliamentary term, Slippery is simply trying to add a personality to combat the dead-eyed psycho look that He occasionally gets caught exhibiting,

      What He looks like with such posturing is (a) a trading floor burn out who put out to pasture is now trying to recapture the lost years of youth, (b) a bloke who’s house got burgled one night and the perps left the closet door open and He has just come to realize He can come out now, (c) a proper prize winning ‘f**k-wit laboring under the fallacy that His poncing about like the ‘dancing queen’ is somehow amusing and makes Him look like a ‘fun’ Prime Minister instead of the village idiots twin brother,

      (d), All of the above…

      • felixviper 8.2.1
        22 December 2012 at 9:03 pm

        I also think he’s fallen victim to believing his own bullshit. His recent comment about how his job involves “entertaining thousands of people” was a glimpse behind the dead eyes that too few have picked up on.

        I think when he goes on the radio he believes he’s there because he has a talent for radio.

        I think he believes the All Blacks were talking to him during the world cup because he knows a lot about sports.

        I think when he went on Letterman he believed his stand-up comedy skills were relevant.

        I think when he high-fives schoolgirls he believes they think he’s attractive, like a pop star.

        I think he genuinely does not understand that he is invited to do these things because the Prime Minister arsing around is considered amusing by some.

        He’s just like David Brent in so many ways.

        • bad12 8.2.1.1
          22 December 2012 at 9:14 pm

          You mean like turning the Office of the Prime Minister into a parody of a Crusty the Clown skit…

        • mike 8.2.1.2
          23 December 2012 at 3:31 am

          Spot on felix, it’s almost like in his first term he was doing his best to be that jokey laidback everykiwi, and in the last year or so he’s decided that, akshully, he’s really good at it.

          Cue various cringeworthy behaviours in varying social situations. Kind of like the sociopath who will say and do whatever they think will ingratiate themselves best with whatever audience they happen to be with.

  9. xtasy 9
    22 December 2012 at 9:58 pm

    I just got confirmed that Obama will be spending Christmas on Hawaii himself also!

    That is where he grew up for many years. So it is is “home”.

    Now, would Key not have known this, maybe a BBQ is opportune, to have a chat about how to get rid of Dotcom, more swiftly, perhaps have a lesson learned from Mossad, have special elite troops come here, and take him out and away in the dark of night, before the lawyers and courts have any chance to react?!

    That would solve a problem for Key and his agencies, it would solve a problem for Obama, the FBI, Biden and the Hollywood film studios.

    I am intrigued, I am worried, this is interesting stuff that is going on!

  10. tc 10
    22 December 2012 at 10:21 pm

    I find it a stretch to far for my imagination that Key does any such thing.

    He will front whatever changes the hollowmen and advisers make but to think he actually thinks this type of stuff through and makes the calls….yeah right.

    He’s just a front man puppet biding time for a return to some serious coin in banskta land.

  11. TheContrarian 11
    22 December 2012 at 11:19 pm

    I have always found this weird obsession of The Standard to deride Key because he holidays in Hawaii (as if it really fucking mattered what someone does with their holiday – is he not allowed?) to be fairly juvenile.

    There are many, many things to pin on Key but holidaying in Hawaii? Who gives a fuck? And if you do, why?

    But, shit, I am going to collect ban for referring to The Standard as a single entity and prentice hates it when people waste his time thinking that a machine has thoughts.

    • McFliper 11.1
      22 December 2012 at 11:49 pm

      It illustrates a number of things about inequality, kicking the ladder away, plutocracy, Key’s lack of sense to holiday overseas while minister of tourism, and the fact that Key, like you, either fails to notice the message it sends or simply doesn’t give a fuck that it makes him look like a dickhead.

      • TheContrarian 11.1.1
        23 December 2012 at 12:02 am

        Yeah, I recall Helen Clark spending her summers hiking in Kenya, France etc etc.

        Yeah “but she wasn’t minister of tourism” you might say…as if it makes a meaningful difference.

        We all get holidays, and we can do what we want with them.

        • felixviper 11.1.1.1
          23 December 2012 at 12:10 am

          “…and the fact that Key, like you, either fails to notice the message it sends or simply doesn’t give a fuck…”

          Beautifully illustrated.

          • TheContrarian 11.1.1.1.1
            23 December 2012 at 12:15 am

            Beautifully illustrated? More like stupidly vomited like a worthless drunk with shit for brains and an empty wallet.

            Don’t even fucking pretend that if your man/woman were in power and holidayed overseas you’d still give a fuck. Lying, hypocritical pricks that you are.

            Come on, sweet stuff, you wouldn’t lie to me now would you?

            (EDIT: I can’t honestly call you a liar – haven’t seen you do that yet so I’ll retract it. Hypocrite yes, liar no.)

            • McFliper 11.1.1.1.1.1
              23 December 2012 at 12:24 am

              Can’t speak for anyone else, but if my chosen party were in power the pm/minister for tourism wouldn’t holiday in overseas mansions while (and this is the important bit, fuckbrain) while giving a figurative kick in the nuts to every poor person in the country every single day of the year.

              • TheContrarian …
                23 December 2012 at 12:30 am

                Boo, how dare he holiday IN A MANSION! What a fucking asshole!

                Hey now look man – I agree there is a lot of shit to complain about when it comes to National and Key…they don’t have a good record for sure. But your impotent rage about him holidaying in Hawaii…in a fucking mansion no less! is childish, envious, lame, stupid, dumb and smacking of a guy with fuck all else to do but complain about it because he ain’t there and never will be.

                Were you this upset when Clark went hiking overseas in the summer? No you weren’t…because she did Milford once.

                • felixviper …
                  23 December 2012 at 12:37 am

                  Why are you pretending it’s about holidaying in Hawaii, TC? You must be missing well over half of what is being said to you.

                  • TheContrarian …
                    23 December 2012 at 12:38 am

                    More like a fifth I would have thought

                    • felixviper …
                      23 December 2012 at 12:40 am

                      So let me know when you’ve read the rest.

                      It’ll be obvious, because you will have stopped pretending that what bothers people is the simple one-dimensional occurrence of a man having a holiday.

                • McFliper …
                  23 December 2012 at 12:39 am

                  Well fuck me, I said it was the important bit and put it in emphasis tags and it still didn’t show up on your radar. Do us all a favour and don’t get a job as an air traffic controller.

                • KJT …
                  23 December 2012 at 10:13 am

                  Don’t you see what is wrong with NZ millionaires spending their excessive tax cuts, which were supposed to stimulate the NZ economy (Joke), on Hawaii holidays.

            • felixviper 11.1.1.1.1.2
              23 December 2012 at 12:28 am

              I don’t see what you’re disagreeing with here. McFliper said you either didn’t notice the message it sends or you didn’t give a fuck.

              You said “as if it makes a meaningful difference.”

              Which is another way of saying you either don’t perceive a difference or you do perceive a difference but you don’t consider it important, which is another way of saying you don’t give a fuck.

              See? We’re all saying the same thing.

              All of that also applies to “We all get holidays, and we can do what we want with them.”

              You don’t give a fuck what Key does with his holidays. Good for you. I do, because I think it sends a message, which you either don’t perceive or don’t give a fuck about.

              Which is exactly what McFliper said in the first place.

              I genuinely don’t see which bit is making you angry.

              • TheContrarian …
                23 December 2012 at 12:33 am

                ” I do, because I think it sends a message, which you either don’t perceive or don’t give a fuck about”

                So you were really upset when Helen Clark went hiking in Kenya over her holiday? I bet you moaned and slammed your fist on the table with anger.

                • felixviper …
                  23 December 2012 at 12:37 am

                  Why would that bother me, TC?

                  • TheContrarian …
                    23 December 2012 at 12:40 am

                    Merry christmas Felix. Chat soon snookims.

                    • felixviper …
                      23 December 2012 at 12:43 am

                      Ah I see. Another conversation where you embarrass yourself into a corner and then run away screaming that it’s all beneath you.

                      Enjoy your holidays.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      23 December 2012 at 12:45 am

                      Indeed, I’m crying and wetting my pants.

                    • felixviper …
                      23 December 2012 at 1:16 am

                      No, you’re just pretending the discussion is beneath you in a hopelessly transparent display of bravado, despite your comments still being on the page for all to see.

                      As usual.

                      Boring.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      23 December 2012 at 8:38 am

                      Na, I was really pissed. It was fun, thanks for playing.

                    • felixviper …
                      23 December 2012 at 12:27 pm

                      Well now that you’re sober, feel free to point out the part that causes you so much trouble in McFliper’s statement that you either don’t notice or don’t give a fuck about the message Key is sending.

              • Populuxe1 …
                23 December 2012 at 1:49 pm

                “You don’t give a fuck what Key does with his holidays. Good for you. I do, because I think it sends a message, which you either don’t perceive or don’t give a fuck about.”

                That is as ridiculous as some Muslim cleric (and the Iowa Supreme Court, apparently) demanding women wear burkas and stay locked up at home because they might give the menfolk impure thoughts. Get the fuck over your bitter self. The important thing is how National is fucking up, not where a politician chooses to take their holidays.

                • felixviper …
                  24 December 2012 at 3:01 pm

                  I want you to re-read what you said there and then go sit in the corner and think about what you’ve done.

        • McFliper 11.1.1.2
          23 December 2012 at 12:20 am

          She also went tramping in Fiordland. And yes, it does matter if the minister of tourism holidays overseas. It’s like bill gates using an iphone.

          • TheContrarian 11.1.1.2.1
            23 December 2012 at 12:27 am

            Puerile and childish much? What are you, fucking 12 years old? Jesus man, I thought you were an adult.

            • Napkins 11.1.1.2.1.1
              23 December 2012 at 12:31 am

              The aristocracy may leisurely take in the sights, smells and tastes of far away lands, confident that their holdings at home are being carefully tended to day to day by their serfs.

            • felixviper 11.1.1.2.1.2
              23 December 2012 at 12:31 am

              You’ll sleep much better if you just accept that from time to time, in your life, there will be conversations occurring around you that you don’t understand.

            • McFliper 11.1.1.2.1.3
              23 December 2012 at 12:46 am

              Does Bill Gates use an iPhone?
              Did Rob Fyfe travel on QANTAS?
              Did Steve Jobs use Vista? (okay, that one’s a straw man. Nobody used Vista, Vista used them.)

              It’s basic fucking branding. If the person in charge doesn’t use the product they sell, it’s a freaking goldmine for their competitors.

              Oh, shit, sorry guys. I forgot cont’s alter-ego is MEGATROLL: moron of the universe, with superpower “nananana not listening”! Difficult to tell which personality he’s putting forward at times.

        • karol 11.1.1.3
          23 December 2012 at 7:07 am

          As I recall, Clark also did a fair bit of tramping in the NZ Southern Alps.

          • lprent 11.1.1.3.1
            23 December 2012 at 7:24 am

            And cross country skiing.

            • Dv 11.1.1.3.1.1
              23 December 2012 at 7:56 am

              LPent
              Look at the comment 12 below. Para 4.

              • Viper73 …
                23 December 2012 at 8:57 am

                Let me explain it for everyone here: John Key bad, Helen Clark good

                Whatever John Key does is…bad, whatever Helen Clark does is…good

                John uses his getaway in Hawaii which he paid for out of his own pocket = bad
                Helen goes on overseas trips paid for out of her own pocket = good

                There has everyone got it?

    • infused 11.2
      24 December 2012 at 10:51 am

      Last bit made me lol.

  12. xtasy 12
    23 December 2012 at 2:17 am

    All those acing in “good faith” be prepared for disillusionments>

    NZ government is surveilling a lot of what goes on on the web and so forth. It is all controlled.

    So you may believe in freedom and the likes, it is a JOKE.

    I am going to commit suicide soon, because it was the government that lied to me, betrayed me and treated me with total contempt, being a WINZ client with suicidal tendencies and more serious health issues.

    They have been cheating most sick and disabled for years, using biased designated doctors of their choices.

    It is like at ACC, they have their hatchet doctors, and that is why many were denied health related benefits for hears. I cannot talk or say more, as my days are numbered, I have even received indirect death threats. Do stand up all sick and disabled, you are being treated with contempt by WINZ and ACC! The fight has just started, take a stand and NEVER give in to this corrupt, rotten system we have in NZ.

    [RL: I have emailed you.]

    • karol 12.1
      23 December 2012 at 8:21 am

      xtasy, I always value your comments, and the information you have provided about your experiences and research on ACC, WINZ, etc. I’m sorry to hear of how difficult things are for you. I hope you are feeling a little better today.

    • Napkins 12.2
      23 December 2012 at 8:42 am

      Stay with us man, its a hard road but don’t give the bastards the satisfaction. There will be a great levelling.

    • Viper73 12.3
      23 December 2012 at 9:01 am

      [RL: Deleted and banned for one month.]

      • Te Reo Putake 12.3.1
        23 December 2012 at 9:12 am

        Good call, RL.

        Xtasy, I hope things look better this morning. As you say, the fight has just started. Don’t stop now!

        Kia kaha, comrade.

    • Geoffcartwright 12.4
      23 December 2012 at 9:10 am

      From the internationale let us never be divided, let no one die alone, together we can face the terror. We will rise united and strong to free us from the suffering, let no walls or borders divide us, together we are strong.
      Rise my man and face the terror, we need you on the barricades.

      • belladonna 12.4.1
        23 December 2012 at 9:39 am

        I feel your pain xtasy. Have you tried the obvious support networks like Sallies, counselling,
        beneficiaries advisory support, your MP (let them know the reality of how life is for some).
        Take a day at a time and get angry not depressed when you can. My thoughts are with you.

    • veutoviper 12.5
      23 December 2012 at 9:48 am

      Xtasy

      You are not alone, you are very much valued by a lot of us here.

      Kia Kaha

      RL – thanks for action re V73.

    • mike 12.6
      23 December 2012 at 3:43 pm

      I also value your comments xtasy.

    • RedLogix 12.7
      24 December 2012 at 7:51 pm

      [Update: Xtasy has replied to me in private. He or she is ok. No need for details; anyone with a mature experience of life can readily understand and empathise.]

  13. karol 13
    23 December 2012 at 8:22 am

    And it seems there’s another nail in Parata’s Cabinet portfolio coffin today, with this report on Stuff:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/8113019/Parata-in-privacy-storm-over-class-size-criticism

    Education Minister Hekia Parata has been rapped over the knuckles by the Privacy Commissioner for going over the head of a teacher who had written to her, and replying to the school board instead of the letter-writer.

    The revelation of the commissioner’s investigation comes two weeks after Parata apologised for bungling the response to a letter written by the school principal, after a 13-year-old pupil committed murder.

    • Lanthanide 13.1
      23 December 2012 at 11:01 am

      Pretty sure that’s old news that the media is reheating for some more controversy. The dates would certainly agree. I’m pretty sure I heard about this several months ago. Maybe the new bit is just that the privacy commissioner has released a ruling on it. Even so, I think if it were some other minister it wouldn’t have been reported, or would have been reported in much less detail / prominence.

      Or perhaps Parata has just done it again.

      It seems like the MSM is really putting the boot in on novopay as well.

  14. infused 14
    24 December 2012 at 7:05 pm

    What a cluster fuck this place is. Crying about Key holidaying overseas. Jesus christ. Good luck in 2014. I thought you would have learnt buy now. Obviously not.

    • karol 14.1
      24 December 2012 at 7:20 pm

      Actually, this post is about Key having to spend his summer contemplating whEther or not to demote Parata, and when and who he will bring into cabinet to replace Tim Groser.

      • infused 14.1.1
        24 December 2012 at 8:11 pm

        You’d think otherwise having his holiday mentioned 30 times in this thread.

        • RedLogix 14.1.1.1
          24 December 2012 at 8:36 pm

          I dunno … the right thought it ok to bang on for about a decade or so about aspects of Helen Clark’s private life.

          So when John Key who is the Minister of Tourism never actually tours in his own country … do us a favour and breath through your nose while it’s mentioned a few times.

  15. The Al1en 15
    24 December 2012 at 8:23 pm

    Is the taxpayer burdened in any way by the leader of the country fucking off to his money pit by having to pay airfares, extra security costs, flying ministerial red boxes out, that sort of thing?

    If they are, then as well as Key getting a grand a week in tax cuts on investments he’s not allowed by law to play with, he’s found another way to cost a shit load for a shit load of nothing in return.

  16. AC 16
    5 January 2013 at 8:24 pm

    Performance Pay for Politicians starting with a salary equivalent to the minimum wage. Apparently there are no other influences that have a considerable negative impact on a child’s learning except the quality of the teacher. I’m sure there is no other factor to take into consideration except for the quality of our politicians when it comes to our poor unemployment rate etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    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

  • 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
    23 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 ...
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