Just in: photo from David Farrar’s march

Written By: - Date published: 3:04 pm, November 21st, 2007 - 61 comments
Categories: dpf - Tags:

dpf_protest.jpg

From Kiwiblog:

Okay just got back from the march. Didn’t quite go as I envisioned. You see while I have promoted the march here, I’m not one of the organisers and my involvement was purely to stroll along at the back, and see how it goes. Not a large turnout (but around what I expected for a weekday in Wellington) and got to Parliament fairly quickly.

I heard what march there was got there fairly quickly too. Mainly rolled along by the prevailing wind.

So maybe the sky’s not falling after all Chicken Licken?

61 comments on “Just in: photo from David Farrar’s march ”

  1. Sam Dixon 1

    It pretty much looked exactly like that but with more signs referring to fascism.

  2. THE Weybridge Digger 2

    Pissed myself all_ your_base

  3. stop…i can’t laugh anymore it hurts too much.

  4. the sprout 4

    clearly the masses are outraged at this grevious threat to democracy.
    oh no that’s right, it’s only the corporate elite and their stooges who don’t like it.
    http://thesproutandthebean.wordpress.com/2007/11/21/outrage-concern-silence/

  5. Billy 5

    “…the corporate elite and their stooges…”

    Are you being a parody left-winger? Are trying to be Rick from the Young Ones?

  6. Brilliant photo-shopping effort. A genuine moment of high humour at the standard. It will stand as a diamond in the big turd that is the rest of your efforts at being funny. Well done.

  7. Seamonkey Madness 7

    Yes, have to admit it, nice humour.
    The tumbleweed rolling through adds to it nicely.

    Pity you didn’t PS in the YL contingent though. Heh. 😉

  8. milo 8

    Nice photo. Yeah, there weren’t many. But I was still proud to march.

    Oh, and it seems section 55B9(d) will ban TVNZ from broadcasting political advertisements next year. Gee, its such well drafted legislation, isn’t it?

  9. The Double Standard 9

    Yup, nearly as funny as this one from Scoop

    http://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/0711/2644f92d85ceb5be5613.jpeg

    Actually, it’s not that surprising that attendance is down in Wellington. After all, no-one who works for the state would risk their job by attending eh?

    Also odd that the hecklers were apparently masked. Maybe some of the Tuhoe stayed in town?

  10. Sam Dixon 10

    The counterprotesters were wearing John Key and Mr Burns masks to go with their satirical chants (money in politics, more more more was one I caught)… they took them off at Parliament and the joker who spoke gave his name.

    milo- drafting errors like that are really the fault of Crown Law who do the drafting.. it’ll be fixed in the readings, that’s one of the reasons we have subsequent readings.

  11. sam, shame on you. blaming fellow lawyers! that will get you baned from the friday biscuit club mate.

  12. THE Weybridge Digger 12

    No checked the link and the “standard’s” photo is funnier
    David you must feel like crap it must be like giving a party and no one turns up
    I hope there are some more planned the better news coverage the better

  13. The Double Standard 13

    I can’t help wondering how the war petition is going after all the outrage here? Last time I checked it was well behind the numbers wanting megadeath (or some other band) to visit NZ. I doubt it is higher than the numbers marching against the EFB.

  14. Lampie 14

    question- thats the Herald photo right? No wonder they didn’t have it on the website!

  15. Robinsod 15

    Bill you old sociopath – I see you’re back. Don’t you have puppies to torure or shotgun reviews to masturbate over? I’m surprised you’ve got the gall to post anywhere given your reputation. Oh and you see Whale can you ask him why the fuck he’s not suing me or the standard yet? It’s starting to look like he’s just a big lying fraidy cat.

  16. Robinsod 16

    Oh and DPF/Santa?dblstd – if you want to change teh topic how about we change it to the question of why you decided to use my wee joke as your new moniker. I mean it kinda looks like you’ve got a thing for me bro…

  17. tom-tom 17

    Beautiful – the march and the March Hare!

  18. Billy 18

    “I’m surprised you’ve got the gall to post anywhere given your reputation.”

    Yet yesterday you were imploring Robert Owen to continue posting, despite having been caught out in duplicitous double-dealing.

    Care to explain?

  19. The Double Standard 19

    Robbo – please keep your vile homophobia in check. Nothing relevant to add to the debate as usual I see.

  20. Leftie 20

    When is Megadeth coming to New Zealand?

  21. Nih 21

    Just after John Key apologises.

  22. robinnome is not to blame for his vile outbursts, the “left attack blogging for beginners” only covered how to wind up D4J. I wonder if you talk to strangers that way face to face wee man? Due to your being able to type I suspect not. Unless you have one of those drumsticks taped to your head and you are typing from bed.
    I guess thread jacking here is about the only place left for you now.
    Anyway back to the topic, it was indeed the funniest pic I have seen on a left blog, I am sure DPF is also having a chuckle as well. He is quite able to laugh at himself. self deprecation is a trait commonly found everywhere but the left.

  23. Also, organising a march to protest against the govt in WELLINGTON was not the smartest proposition.
    The whole place is populated by civil servants who could not take part and spotty kids working retail.

  24. shreddakj 24

    Okay this isn’t even funny. You realise you have no sense of humour at all and this is…

    I can’t even begin to explain how pathetic and childish this is…

  25. Nih 25

    Meanwhile magnetic money continues to be funny no matter what.

  26. Leftie 26

    oh and shreddakj gallops in on his high horse.

  27. r0b 27

    Well well, today, DPF flexed his political muscle.

  28. milo 28

    I wouldn’t write off the marchers quite so quickly r0b. And I will believe that DPF is irrelevant the day that The Standard and Kiwiblogblog close down.

    Actually, that’s an interesting question. What do you call it without DPF. Blogblog? And maybe The Standard would have to start posting its own ideas, and discussing those?

    Heh heh.

  29. thomas 29

    I’m not sure what is funnier the pic or
    I am sure DPF is also having a chuckle as well. He is quite able to laugh at himself. self deprecation is a trait commonly found everywhere but the left.
    Mind you if you are from Barnsley that would explain a lot

  30. I missed the Robert Owen thing. What was that about? Is this the same Robert Owen who shared the same IP address as Robinsod?

  31. Gruela 32

    I actually saw DPF one night in a nightclub in wellington. He bowled up to a group of young ladies (none of whom could have been over 25) and introduced himself. If I’d had a camera phone I could have taken that exact same photo not 20 seconds later.

  32. Nih 33

    So if farrar isn’t over here posting endless tirades and abuse under various logins, who is? That’s why we invented the word crony. So we’d have something to describe a tool used to act when you don’t wish to be seen as acting yourself.

    You’d think a “hard core libertarian” would be against banning people, particularly on a pretext. RobertOwen was mystified as to why he was banned until farrar decided he’d called him a “fat cunt”. I personally doubt it.

    Farrar himself defends redbaiter’s far more vile abuse under the pretext of being a libertarian and believing in free speech.

    So basically boo hoo, only farrar’s cronies can act like juveniles with a list of swearwords to work through. Glad that’s settled.

  33. milo 34

    Nih. I read it. You’re wrong. DPF is right. Is was a particularly nasty piece of abusive ill wishing. Grow up.

  34. r0b 35

    I was expecting something – you know – larger.

  35. rogue_element 36

    Don’t know about you folks but I figure that pro-free speech protesters outnumbered Labour Party lackeys by about 50 to 1.

    Poor turnout by the left. What a pity. And after all those emails from LP HQ.

  36. Gruela 37

    Since when does pro-free speech equate to ‘whoever has the most money get to shout the loudest’? rorue, you’re a dick.

  37. thomas 38

    Gruela
    exact same photo not 20 seconds later.
    That was also really funny

  38. rogue_element 39

    Have you noticed that people won’t listen to those who shout?

    People aren’t stupid. They didn’t let large pro-National advertising (the EB stuff) sway them last time.

    I say let the dicks spend their money. I choose not to listen and to vote for what I believe.

  39. Gruela 40

    rogue
    you may choose to vote for what u believe, but u can’t deny that your choice is influenced by what u see and hear. With unrestricted election advertising, this means that those with the most money have the biggest say on the outcome of the election. try and say it isn’t so.

  40. Gruela you are quite right… And the next election will be won by the party spending the most money just like last time…. Ohh hang on a minute ACT have only two seats!

  41. Nih 42

    Nih. I read it. You’re wrong. DPF is right. Is was a particularly nasty piece of abusive ill wishing. Grow up.

    So because you saw something I didn’t, I have to “grow up”? You people seem damn keen to reveal someone’s true identity. We call everyone DPF because, frankly, it’s fucking funny. Given the same situation you jackoffs work to take choice out of everyone else’s hands. Your lot has worked impossibly hard to ensure someone doesn’t have a voice.

    I still don’t see redbaiter getting banned for prompting anyone he thinks is ‘left’ to kill themselves. I don’t see you calling him to task. Worse, he’s only one dozens. Look to your own crowd before admonishing me and mine.

    Yeah, me and mine. Because the more you assholes act like dipshits over your prized political views, the more I’m forced to rethink my view of national in general. Thank god none of you are polluting Act for me.

  42. Gruela 43

    I’ve just gotten back from some years in Europe and can someone please tell me when Helen Clark was taken over by the Central Spirit? When I left I loved her cause she had balls bigger than the MacKenzie Country, but now she seems to be a shell, (occupied by the hermit crab of expediency.) Next thing I’ll be hearing that she’s been having late night whiskey’s with Winston, has moved to Te Kuiti and has 18 kids. Also, how can we make fun of the Americans for voting in GWB, when we’ve gone back to John Banks? WTF has happened to my country?!?

  43. burt 44

    That’s a very funny picture. Who says the left have no humour!
    Well done.

  44. thomas 45

    Santa visits Wellington

  45. burt 46

    Gruela

    I think the satire from the McGillicuddy Serious Party with their GREAT LEAP BACKWARDS© was on the money in 1999.

    40,000 people ran away last year. Thankyou for coming back, the recipients of middle class welfare need your tax dollars.

  46. Gruela 47

    burt
    I don’t see it as welfare. I see it as investing in my community, and I like living in a community where I can sit on my deck in the afternoon, sipping a G’n’T and hearing the laughs and screams from the playground at the local primary school. I don’t know any of those kids, I may never meet any of them, but I appreciate that some of my ‘middle class welfare’ went towards that sound of laughter and fun in the warm spring sunshine. I really don’t mind contributing towards the education of random Kiwi kids, or the hip operations for Kiwi oldies in Southland or the East Coast, or WINZ workers in South Auckland. I’m not starving, I have a roof over my head, and at the end of the day I want to live in a society where people look out for each other. That includes financially as well.

  47. burt 48

    Gruela

    Perhaps you have missed the detail while you were away that welfare extends to people earning up to $120K now and the rich bastard top tax threshold is still $60K as set in 1999.

    If you are well aware of this and still have the same views as you express then that’s all good. You have chosen a good time to move back to NZ.

  48. Gruela 49

    Obviously this is a good time to move back, so I can put up counter arguments to posts like yours, burt.
    You make it sound like there’s people on $120k somehow getting housing subsidies or community service cards. As I understand it, to be getting welfare, (or state assistance, as it could equally be termed, or how about social security?), you’d have to have about 6 kids, and even then you’d still only be getting a fraction of the amount that the guy working at the local supermarket would be getting. Do his kids not count as much as the lawyer’s kids? I think they do.

  49. r0b 50

    “I’ve just gotten back from some years in Europe”

    Hi Gruela. I left Muldoon’s NZ, did my time in Thatcher’s England, and returned home to Roger Douglas’ (and David Lange’s) NZ. What a long, strange trip that was!

    “and can someone please tell me when Helen Clark was taken over by the Central Spirit? When I left I loved her cause she had balls bigger than the MacKenzie Country, but now she seems to be a shell”

    Please don’t worry about HC and her government. Give it some time to settle back in here, and you’ll find that the Labour government has the same heart and soul as it always had. What has changed is the pragmatics of MMP in the current parliament, and the extraordinarily virulent nature of the attacks on Labour which have followed their third consecutive election victory.

    But look past the politics to the achievements: unemployment is at record lows, the minimum wage has increased hugely, household incomes have increased, fewer are on benefits, crime rates are down, industrial action is down, the economy is strong and growing, the environment is taken seriously, there are many initiatives to support families, we are making provision for future retirements, the list goes on and on. Labour is still delivering to the people.

  50. Peak Oil Conspiracy 51

    Sam Dixon:


    milo- drafting errors like that are really the fault of Crown Law who do the drafting.. it’ll be fixed in the readings, that’s one of the reasons we have subsequent readings.

    Your law credentials have been letting you down in recent times. You’ve never heard of the Parliamentary Counsel Office?

  51. Gruela 52

    rob
    I’ll agree with what you’re saying, but so many of positive trends have little to do with Labour, especially the economic aspects. (I think, anyway) And the environment? Bah ha ha! When you’ve been living in Europe, coming back here to the laissez-faire attitude Kiwis take to their natural surroundings is astounding. Friend, I hate to break it to you, but we are BIG polluters, and the only changes to this I see coming from Labour are cosmetic.

    My intended point, however, was that the big HC seems to have lost her mojo. Her spark. Her passion. She doesn’t lead anymore. She seems scared to put her foot down on any position. Dare I say it, she’s become a bureaucrat. A civil servant. Grey.

  52. r0b 53

    “I’ll agree with what you’re saying, but so many of positive trends have little to do with Labour, especially the economic aspects.”

    For some things we can’t know for sure how much of the benefits are specifically as a result of a Labour government. For other things we can be pretty sure – raising the minimum wage, the Cullen fund, KiwiSaver, working for families – those aren’t just good economic luck, they are Labour values in action.

    “the environment? Bah ha ha! When you’ve been living in Europe, coming back here to the laissez-faire attitude Kiwis take to their natural surroundings is astounding. Friend, I hate to break it to you, but we are BIG polluters, and the only changes to this I see coming from Labour are cosmetic.”

    I agree entirely about our poor environmental record. I don’t agree that Labour’s only changes are cosmetic – the new carbon trading system seems to be somewhat world-leading. However, yes, Labour could and should be doing more in this area I feel.

    “My intended point, however, was that the big HC seems to have lost her mojo. Her spark. Her passion. She doesn’t lead anymore. She seems scared to put her foot down on any position. Dare I say it, she’s become a bureaucrat. A civil servant. Grey.”

    Nobody who saw Helen’s speech to the Labour Party conference (or the one before that, or the one before that…) would have this sense of worry. Helen leads all right. I think (just guessing) that it’s a deliberate party policy to keep her lowish profile between election campaigns. My prediction – look out for Helen Clark in 2008.

    Anyway Gruela, pleasure chatting to you, welcome to The Standard. Hope you’ll be sticking round a while. Goodnight…

    captcha: social leadership – you can’t make this stuff up.

  53. milo 54

    Nih: “Grow up” was a step too far. Sorry, I take it back.

  54. Visitor 55

    Some Friday fun – a late report on the Auckland march (which now looks set to be fondly remembered as the high point of the Great Popular Uprising)

    http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/11/sound-of-suburbs.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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
    18 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
    21 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
    21 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
    24 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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