Key avoiding Morning Report

Written By: - Date published: 7:15 am, June 4th, 2010 - 78 comments
Categories: john key, Media - Tags:

A couple of our readers mentioned it in different threads yesterday. Janice:

This morning, once again, our glorious yellow, lily livered chicken PM has refused a request for an interview on NatRad. His 2IC also refused. They don’t want to talk about their plans for Kiwibank because they are still trying to work out how they can convince us it is a good thing and not another broken promise. Also he can’t be seen to smile and wave on radio.

.. and snoozer

for the fifth time this year, Morning Report requested an interview with Key and he turned them down. Anderton took his place [edited link]

Key is avoiding Morning Report, and word is beginning to get around. Is it just lazyness caused by (until recently) stratospheric poll ratings? Or is he scared to front up? Either way it’s not a good look, and it’s an abdication of his responsibility as PM.

78 comments on “Key avoiding Morning Report ”

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  1. jcuknz 1
    4 June 2010 at 7:38 am

    It is his responsibility as PM to allow himself to be abused and talked over by the front people on Morning Report? Yeah Right. The world has turned up-side-down when people think this should happen.

    • exbrethren 1.1
      4 June 2010 at 7:44 am

      Quite right. Why should the trustworthy Key ever be questioned about his actions.

      I think we should let him get on with running the country and not subject him to any scrutiny.

      • Tigger 1.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 7:46 am

        Plunkett’s style is combatative. So what? I’ve been grilled by him on radio before. He’s not abusive, he’s tough. And fair. Key’s the PM. Man up.

        • Lew 1.1.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 7:52 am

          Tig, I think you missed the invisible [sarc] tags.

          L

          • Tigger 1.1.1.1.1
            4 June 2010 at 8:09 am

            Damn, getting all righteous for nothing!

            • prism 1.1.1.1.1.1
              4 June 2010 at 9:41 am

              It is the PMs responsibility to explain and if necessary defend with reasons, what he and his government are doing with the New Zealand body and polity. He isn’t a king with absolute rights or a dicatator with the same. He is acting in his position both for his supporters and for and with, the reluctant agreement of others, and PM\’s should explain their decisions.

              • Lew …
                4 June 2010 at 10:07 am

                … and if he doesn’t, he can be punished. But inasmuch as he’s prepared to risk the wrath of the journalistic establishment, the opposition, other stakeholders and the electorate, he’s perfectly within his rights to refuse to answer questions. Or to go about wearing a cape, for that matter.

                The trick is to make it not worth his while. I expect a few pencils are presently being sharpened with that in mind.

                L

                • Lanthanide …
                  4 June 2010 at 10:38 am

                  Should that say “can’t be punished”?

                  • Lew …
                    4 June 2010 at 10:42 am

                    Sorry. Poorly worded.

                    No, “can” is right. If he doesn’t front, he can be punished — ultimately by the electorate. That’s the difference between democracies and other systems of government. He can avoid being held to account all he likes, btu there are consequences for doing so. But such punishment doesn’t happen automatically: it has to be made to happen.

                    L

                    • prism …
                      4 June 2010 at 10:59 am

                      That comment he’s perfectly within his rights to refuse to answer questions is surely rather broad. We do have the right and responsibility to find out what’s going on and why. He should tell us and explain the value of what we might think are lousy decisions.
                      I guess it is easier to talk to arranged groups. I understand there is much testing opinions with focus groups and polling by phone, mo doubt it’s like practising your speech to a favourable audience. The focus groups are like the television series sampling, and that doesn’t result in getting quality programs.

                    • Lew …
                      4 June 2010 at 12:21 pm

                      Prism, not at all. There is a moral and a political responsibility to front the media as a matter of good management, but the only strictly enforceable requirement is for a few set-pieces a year. Any other statements he might make are strictly optional. Failing to make any (or being capricious about the topics and outlets to whom he speaks) brings its own reward.

                      L

              • jcuknz …
                4 June 2010 at 1:54 pm

                How he does it is up to him. If he declines to use the top radio show around that is his business. It is your right too to whinge about it 🙂

  2. Tigger 2
    4 June 2010 at 7:39 am

    He makes time for Breakfast and their soft-ball interviews… Not laziness. He just can’t face Sean Plunkett.

    Of course, Key can’t dodge everyone. Anyone else see Key on the TVNZ news last night? Jessica Mutch asked him Kiwibank questions and his answers were bordering on nonsensical. At the end he just stood there, staring at her with this glassy look in his eyes for at least five seconds in silence (an eternity in TV time, gave a ‘see ya’ exit line (delivered with a smirk) and scuttled off… Seen him do this several times in the past week.

    • exbrethren 2.1
      4 June 2010 at 8:00 am

      I reckon the journos are becoming sick of getting no proper answers and are just playing the tape to show what a vacuous grinning buffoon Captain Beaky is.

    • QoT 2.2
      4 June 2010 at 8:03 am

      I may still be in shock from that “Do you like my tie?” moment he had on Breakfast.

      • Jim Nald 2.2.1
        4 June 2010 at 12:10 pm

        Next time, interview the tie for clearer, more upfront answers.

        At least the tie would be seen for what it really is.

      • Irascible 2.2.2
        4 June 2010 at 5:55 pm

        I presume he got it for a snip? His off the cuff “jokiness” is certainly the stuff for the international media laugh at hicksville NZ reporting. Hardly, as the Herald reports, a boost in his reputation as a leader of a country.

    • vto 2.3
      4 June 2010 at 8:10 am

      Yes mr and mrs tigger, it was not a good look. Seems the teflon has been rubbed so much it has worn away to expose the shiny slippery surface below.

      • Zak Creedo 2.3.1
        4 June 2010 at 10:18 am

        nice one.. frypans with this teflon loss prob give you spotty omelets.. right!

    • Kevin Welsh 2.4
      4 June 2010 at 8:22 am

      “At the end he just stood there, staring at her with this glassy look in his eyes for at least five seconds in silence (an eternity in TV time, gave a ‘see ya’ exit line (delivered with a smirk) and scuttled off Seen him do this several times in the past week.”

      It was at that moment that I realised we had David Brent as a Prime Minister.

    • insider 2.5
      4 June 2010 at 10:24 am

      The staring in silence thing is a technique. Journalists (and job interviewers) try and get you to fill sound voids, almost guilt you into saying more than you might – Jessica might have been nodding solicitously encouraging him to say more – and the counter is don’t say anything else once you’ve said your key points. It’s jsut part of the game

      • Kevin Welsh 2.5.1
        4 June 2010 at 10:37 am

        I’m a big believer in the saying… “Sometimes it’s better to say nothing and look like an idiot, than open your mouth and remove all doubt”.

        This is the first time I have seen someone do both.

      • Bright Red 2.5.2
        4 June 2010 at 11:54 am

        It’s telling in itself when journos cut an article like that. usually they edit out pauses or let the interviewee reword their reply if it comes out funny. it’s a kindness but it maintains good relationships for the future.

        I hear the journos are getting really pissed off with Kevin Taylor’s stage management and Key’s unwillingness to front, so this is biting back. the message is: you need us, we can make you look good or bad.

        reminds me of when they turned against melissa lee, i think garner showed her full interview that time.

  3. really 3
    4 June 2010 at 8:03 am

    Whats the big deal, no-one listens to LabourFM anyway (except a rag tag of champagne socialists, civil servants, unionists and Labour party employees)

    • The Voice of Reason 3.1
      4 June 2010 at 8:08 am

      Half a million Kiwis listen in the average week, really. That’s a lot more than listen to you.

      • insider 3.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 10:19 am

        Is that cumulative or distinct listeners? ie is that 100k people listen five times a week or 500k listen at least once a week?

        • Lanthanide 3.1.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 10:40 am

          It’s daily. So 500k people listen 7 times a week.

          It is the most widely listened radio station in the country, I believe they have over 50% of all radio listeners at any one time, which leaves rather meagre pickings for the rest of the commercial operators.

          • really 3.1.1.1.1
            7 June 2010 at 6:48 pm

            Glad you are so well informed about labourfm listener numbers when labourfm themselves won’t publish ratings data.

            Liar liar pants on fire.

    • Billy Fish 3.2
      4 June 2010 at 9:52 am

      Plonker

    • Sam 3.3
      4 June 2010 at 11:40 am

      Tories don’t need research or to back anything up with actual figures. Back of the envelope bullshit is all that is required.

      Do us a favour and grow a brain before spouting your non-sensical shit. RNZ has the highest listenership of all radio stations, hence why your fuckbot mates in power are trying to shaft it. Can’t have people listening to ACTUAL news that has no advertisements, after all, what about the profit!?!

  4. pollywog 4
    4 June 2010 at 9:17 am

    captcha : crashing (and burning)

    says it all really.

  5. Lanthanide 5
    4 June 2010 at 9:54 am

    Rodney Hide should have standing orders with RadioNZ that any time Key declines an interview, they should ask him to front instead. Obviously not all topics would be appropriate for him, and others may be better (like Jim Anderton a few days ago), but it’d really help one-up Key.

  6. RedFred 6
    4 June 2010 at 9:57 am

    Typical neo-conservative media control tactic;

    1) underfund & ignore state broadcasting to decrease quality and ratings to increase public apathy.
    2) Sell off state broadcasting to “mum & dad” investors
    3) Share holding is then concentrated in larger private hands
    4) End of 4th estate and any serious media opposition to government agenda or activity.

    • Jim Nald 6.1
      4 June 2010 at 12:13 pm

      Frankly, I say to you guys – you go out and create your 5th estate.
      44ukk the 4th.

  7. Zaphod Beeblebrox 7
    4 June 2010 at 9:57 am

    What’s the point of interviewing him anyway- he’s totally unintelligible most of the time. All you get is a mish-mash of ‘maybes’, ‘in the fullness of time’, ‘at the end of the day’, ‘we’ll be looking at that in due course’ and that’s on a good day. That’s when he’s not trying to discuss the Afganistanian situation or being totally incomprehensible which he seems to be most of the time.

    • Lanthanide 7.1
      4 June 2010 at 10:42 am

      So the point is to indicate the New Zealand public that that is what he is like, all of the time.

      • Zaphod Beeblebrox 7.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 4:48 pm

        I don’t know what he is like when he is not giving the cryptic pollie-speak. I just wish he would be more clear about what he means sometimes.

  8. tsmithfield 8
    4 June 2010 at 10:09 am

    Actually, he already does front a lot on the media. He appears regularly on The Breakfast Show, 3ZB, and Radio Live with Willy and JT. On Radio Live he tends to get a bit of a grilling from Willy who is definitely not a National Party hack.

    It is quite common for Key to be accused of being a “do nothing” MP. If you also want him to be appearing with every media outlet that makes a request, then he definitely won’t have much time to do anything else.

    • Bill 8.1
      4 June 2010 at 10:15 am

      And I do a lot of reading to keep myself informed. I read cornflake packets, shampoo bottles, and the ‘Womans Weekly’. The Womans Weekly has pictures and lots of words that are sometimes a little challenging.

      If you want me to read everything then I definitely won’t have much time to do anything else.

    • Galeandra 8.2
      4 June 2010 at 12:19 pm

      ecctually.

  9. Zak Creedo 9
    4 June 2010 at 10:10 am

    Key avoiding.. YOU WISH !!

    the spread here between combative redfred and laid-out really kind of gives this thing away.

    When the issue is why should anybody duck the national radio station..?

  10. Anne 10
    4 June 2010 at 10:30 am

    He’s been on the back foot for some time now and his spin meisters don’t trust him to handle substantive interviews without mucking up. He’s been advised to avoid interviewers like Plunkett and Robinson and to stick with TV sound-bites and the awful Paul Henry.

    Lanthanide has the right idea. Every time he declines to be interviewed, they should invite an appropriate opposition member to fill the slot.

    • True Blue 10.1
      4 June 2010 at 11:19 am

      There lies the problem we do not have an appropriate opposition member to fill the spot.

    • Jim Nald 10.2
      4 June 2010 at 11:26 am

      That’s true. The msm should invite the appropriate opp member to comment, whether there is a cabinet minister to speak up and especially if there isn’t such a cabinet minister fronting up. I’ll email the particular radio/tv (and newspaper) to ask why there isn’t an approp opp member’s comment or participation next time I notice the omission.

      • Anne 10.2.1
        4 June 2010 at 12:54 pm

        @ Jim Nald.
        Good on you. I will do it too if I catch up with it. By opposition I mean ALL the left leaning parties including the Maori Party- sans Tariana of course. It just needs to be someone who has a high profile in the subject matter to be discussed. Eg. Phil Twyford re- Auckland Super City.

        • Jim Nald 10.2.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 1:56 pm

          Just occurred to me … and this is for anyone who can help who is reading this …

          Can someone post a list of email addresses for the editors, editorial room, producers, what-not of various tv & radio stations?

          Say, compile in an Excel sheet?

          That way, each of us can have a ready list ready at hand to consult for a specific email address to send a message (eg asking whether or why a particular MP or a certain relevant person has not been interviewed).

  11. Sanctuary 11
    4 June 2010 at 10:40 am

    A lot of the media were furious over the level of manipulation that went on over Key’s trip to Afghanistan. The media love to have their ego stroked and to be flattered, but they hate having their collective noses rubbed in it by a media comms team playing favourites.

    Since then I have noticed a move away from the fawning sycophancy he was getting in all media to a distinctly cooler reception in some. The crazy thing is Sean Plunkett usually behaved like an over-awed schoolgirl editor of a high school paper when he interviewed Key. By continually turning down interviews with Plunkett, when the awful day finally dawns when Key has to appear (which he will, sooner or later) Plunkett will make a point of giving him a hard time.

  12. Blue 12
    4 June 2010 at 10:45 am

    I strongly suspect the reason Key doesn’t go on Morning Report is that he doesn’t need to.

    There’s more risk than benefit for him at this stage of the game. The media honeymoon has actually started to wear off, and most interviewers are now more interested in tripping him up than gushing adoringly over him. Plus, radio plays to his weaknesses (sloppy diction, gratingly irritating voice) whereas on TV he can smile and wave.

    The worst that can happen is that Plunket makes mincemeat out of him on air and he comes off looking stupid, arrogant and untrustworthy. Just what he needs when the poll ratings are starting to fall.

    Best to avoid the whole thing. After all, if he doesn’t go on Morning Report, what consequences will there be for him? None.

    • Lew 12.1
      4 June 2010 at 10:47 am

      I guess you figure that becoming known as the PM who can’t stand the heat is a chance he’s willing to take. I’m not so sure. Hell hath no fury like a journo scorned. Behold how they turned on Clark, and Peters, and Brash, and tremble.

      L

      • Blue 12.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 11:01 am

        The honeymoon hasn’t worn off *that* much.

        At this point the media probably don’t give a rat’s if Key doesn’t talk to Morning Report, just as long as he’s still talking to them.

        • Lew 12.1.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 11:08 am

          Not yet, no. And the point is to prevent it doing so.

          I don’t really agree that not talking to MR would be ok as long as he’s talking to other media. MR (and Checkpoint) is the country’s news of record, accorded more credibility than any of the paper or TV bulletins, and attracts a larger audience than any of those — except for One News, which is about the same or slightly more.

          And FTFA, it was a One News political reporter whose questions Key brushed off last night, as well, so he’s not even talking to the rest of the media.

          Not to say that he’s in dire straits — just that this is not asustainable strategy. He needs to be able to front the bad and the indifferent as as well as the good.

          L

          • Blue 12.1.1.1.1
            4 June 2010 at 11:17 am

            After all the times Key’s avoided giving a straight answer, said he couldn’t remember, or directly contradicted himself without even blinking and the media has just rolled over and accepted it every time, I can’t share your faith in their supposed ability to hold him to account.

            • Lew 12.1.1.1.1.1
              4 June 2010 at 11:22 am

              Don’t you remember the early oughties, Blue?

              L

            • uke 12.1.1.1.1.2
              4 June 2010 at 11:30 am

              All that Sean needs to do is ask (if he ever gets to interview Key again):

              Why have you turned down so many MR requests for interviews – while continuing to give other media the opportunity?

  13. kriswgtn 13
    4 June 2010 at 10:59 am

    Nzers can smirk as they tick the box in 2011 to vote him and his clowns out of office

    He doesnt like being asked tough questions and when he remarked re Andy Haden I just about choked– there wasnt NO diff between what Haden said and donkeys remark over Tuhoe

    but then racism appears to be okay in this country– as long as it hasnt anything to do with jews and Nazis uniforms

    Hone
    Haden
    Key
    Holmes

    See a pattern???

  14. randal 14
    4 June 2010 at 11:42 am

    maybe if he offers them all a bottle of jaykay whine before the show perhaps?

  15. windy.city.struggler 15
    4 June 2010 at 3:32 pm

    For better or worse, Key’s professional formation
    has included trading currency on a computer screen and managing a trading floor. He has not developed social confidence or intellectual breadth through interacting with a broad range of people and information sources. He is, if you like, a product of our times.

    I don’t like his politics, but neither do I like personal attacks. He strikes me as a guy who is aware of his limitations and is happy to be guided by National Party media strategists. He is growing in the role and doing things he would not have done when he won the election.

    But who is pulling the strings ? Rogue billionaires trying to fashion us in their image as a bolt-hole during prolonged economic contraction in the northern hemisphere ?

  16. Craig Glen Eden 16
    4 June 2010 at 4:46 pm

    Key is weak he has always been the great pretender. Voters cant say that they were not warned by Helen concerning just what John was all about (your nose is growing John).
    It will be interesting to have an election fought on policy and not on presidential smile and wave journalism. I live in hope!
    If National was smart they would leave Kiwi bank alone but I suspect Keys mates really want it to go to make their existing operations even more profitable.
    Time will tell but I suspect rank and file Nats would be happy for it to stay, but sadly thats not the hollow mens agenda, sell sell sell.

  17. kriswgtn 17
    4 June 2010 at 6:22 pm

    And kiwirail getting a major upgrade , this after Nacts had lambasted labour for buying it– why why why

    I bet they gonna sell it down the line– if they get in 2011- within 6 months of the upgrade

    They have a lot of gall to even think theyre going to get in next year..

    The thing that pisses me off is that THEY the govt doesnt own kiwirail==

    WE the taxpayers do

  18. Savant 18
    4 June 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Why would he expose himself to a professional like Plunkett when he can get a soft spot on TV from the lazy Henry.

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    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • At a time of media turmoil, Melissa had nothing to proclaim as Minister – and now she has been dem...
    Buzz from the Beehive   Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
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    1 week ago

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