Key booed by rugby crowd

Written By: - Date published: 3:21 pm, February 7th, 2016 - 81 comments
Categories: john key, Minister for Photo-ops - Tags: ,

Key refused to go to Waitangi on Friday (likes to talk, doesn’t like to listen).

On Saturday he went to the rugby and went grandstanding in front of the crowd (of course). But it didn’t go as planned. See the video here (15 seconds) – “quite loud boos from the Eden Park crowd” as Gower puts it.

He was also booed at Ratana.

This is going to give his handlers something to think about.

81 comments on “Key booed by rugby crowd ”

  1. Sam 1

    This is just lame. Key and National have always been disliked by RUGBY LEAGUE fans. There is a difference between a very working class and brown sport in rugby league and the much more elitist and whiter sport of rugby union.

    • simbit 1.1

      So he would be cheered at a Highlanders v Chiefs game? Not sure, and bet he isn’t either. They all go in the end…

    • Keith 1.2

      Nah, they know a wanker when they see one!

    • McFlock 1.3

      He’s always booed at league games, even after the endorsement of Sir Mad Butcher?

      That was almost a Waitangi-level reception as the poser did his wee promenade…

  2. whateva next? 2

    and Patrick Gower akshully reported it? wil Key resign over this, if he was thinking of it after the Tea Pot Tape saga, and talked about leaving when the polls indicate his shine is rubbing off (or teflon coat) well…..I am watching this space

    • Whispering Kate 2.1

      He could resign after this – his job is over with the TPPA signed, that’s what he was groomed and or singled out for all those years ago, a perfect mole for the US to sell us down the river so they could get hegmony in the Pacific as a counter against China. He has bigger prizes in store for him in payment for this job accomplished. Now all he wants a corporate tea towel for a flag and he will be in clover. He has said he would like to run for another term but knowing how he lies that could have been just spin – its a wonder he doesn’t get dizzy with it all.

    • Pascals bookie 2.2

      Hilariously, on the One News report you can see Gower get a slefie with the PM

      Still grab here with a link to the video, selfie grab is at about 2:25

      https://twitter.com/watershitdown/status/695846288403726336

      • miravox 2.2.1

        and on the topic of selfies – mr sleaze has not gone away. The woman getting a selfie with the PM seemed to have had a bit more up close and personal than she expected.

        • Jilly Bee 2.2.1.1

          My thoughts too miravox – I thought the PM was actually groping her – I was looking to where his hands may have connected. Sheesh, it was gross.

      • whateva next? 2.2.2

        I spotted him in the background straight way, bein a bro with his m8

  3. chris73 3

    Its finally the proof needed that Kiwis finally agree with the left that John Key is the devil!

    I fully expect that this will lead to National dropping in the polls and Labour triumphantly surging into the thirties

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1

      Once again, you demonstrate that the only tool in your box is bad faith.

      • chris73 3.1.1

        No no you misunderstand me. I really believe that John Key getting booed at the league nines is proof positive that the tide has turned, people now see John Key for what he is

        Its brilliant, this is the fillip the left have been looking for, in fact I wouldn’t be at surprised if theres going to be a coup in National soon because, as everyone knows, when you get booed at the league (which is the most tribal National supporters you could ever find) its all over

        I’m calling it now, the left will win the next election and it all started when John Key was booed at the league nines competition

  4. mac1 4

    When was a NZ Prime Minister last booed by a sizeable sports crowd, by the way?

    Googling of NZ PM’s being booed elicits references to Key’s being booed was by demonstrators at demonstrations (which might be expected), his being booed at last year’s gay pride day and the recent events. Was he booed at the World Cup at the award ceremony? No reference to be found of other NZ PM’s being booed though references for other PMs were cited for Abbott, as Australian PM, and the Turkish PM.

    • Matthew Hooton 4.1

      I remember Bolger getting booed by the Eden Park crowd in the 1990s, at a rugby game. Can’t remember if it was before he won the 1993 and 1996 elections. Note that was a rugby crowd not a league crowd so probably worse for Bolger than this was for Key.

      • mac1 4.1.1

        Thanks, Matthew Hooton. You’re right. In 1996 Eden Park four minutes after the Blues beat Natal, Bolger was booed.

        The 1996 Budget had just been announced and Auckland MP Ross Robertson comments in the House, “Forty-eight hours after having this Budget delivered in this House ……….James Bolger was given the sort of roasting he deserved for failing to release the imagination of ordinary New Zealanders.”

        In a year he was gone, rolled by Shipley, for talking soft on poverty.

        The point is that it’s difficult to find instances of Kiwis booing the PM except at political rallies or demonstrations. When it happened to Bolger, he was soon given the boot. This booing by a sports crowd is indicative of something bigger than what words like ‘League, brown and working class.” can excuse.

        At the World Cup in 2011 Key was groaned at. Now he’s being booed at sports events, less than forty eight hours after announcing hypocritically that he won’t front up at Waitangi.

        Now, what will happen in 2017, vis-a-vis Bennett or Collins? Who will be the Queen maker as it was with Tony Ryall and Shipley? Is National going to try and have its first woman Prime Minister actually elected to the office?

        • North 4.1.1.1

          Thank you very much for your excellent fact check on Matthew’s bullshit there Mac1. God he’s such a bad little person, for a lie that’s not a lie…..sort of thing. Incorrigible !

      • red-blooded 4.1.2

        Why is it such a big deal that it was a rugby league event? The first commenters said, “This is just lame. Key and National have always been disliked by RUGBY LEAGUE fans. There is a difference between a very working class and brown sport in rugby league and the much more elitist and whiter sport of rugby union,” and now you comment in a similar way. Is it OK to have “brown” and “less elite” fans disaffected and booing? Is it “lame” to care about the opinions of these people?

        Yes, I know that this probably wasn’t Key’s usual voter base, and heaven forbid that non-brown elites should be offended: that really WOULD be something for Key to worry about, but I think it’s perfectly reasonable for people on this site to care about the people at this event who obviously felt so offended and disaffected with Key. After all, we need everyone who doesn’t identify with the direction of Key and co to care enough to organise and to get out and vote.

  5. “quite loud boos” indeed

    imo he would have been told and was expecting fawning claps – after all these are the people he is trying to reach as mrmiddle – alas as with TPPA signing, as with Waitangi the keyster’s advice is slipping, badly, for him – oh, yay

  6. Dazzer 6

    For goodness sake, what would Waitakere Man think about that. Someone at that Standard can’t even differentiate between rugby and league.

    Given that this was Helen Clark’s core constituency and she was a dedicated Warriors fan, it’s hardly surprising.

    • sabine 6.1

      Helen Clark? The Helen Clark that left the building 8 years ago, is the reason why Dear Leader was not handwaited on at a rugby game?

      Really?

      it’s Aunty Helens constituency? I thought it was the home of westy crap leopard print Pulls’her Bennefitt Paula Bennet, MP National Party?

      fucksake, can we have better National Bots. Maybe the National Party should increase the wage for its 101st Keyboard brigade. It feels like they are not pulling their weight? Wonder if they are gonna meet their KPI’s?

      • Dazzer 6.1.1

        FFS Stop showing a. your ignorance and b. how disconnected people here are from the real world.

        It’s a rugby league event, not a rugby event. If you don’t understand the difference constituencies between a rugby crowd and a league crowd, your parents shouldn’t let you on the interweb unsupervised.

        You don’t need to worry about people on the other side shooting at you when you’re knocking yourself out with friendly fire.

        No wonder the working class is deserting Labour.

        • sabine 6.1.1.1

          this working class labour supporter can’t give a flying fudge about men running after an oval ball. In fact i can’t think about a more boring game ……but yeah…..bwhahahahahahahahah youse funny dear.

        • te reo putake 6.1.1.2

          Weirdly, Dazzer, you’ve just spotted the mistake Key’s handler’s made. They thought there was no difference between rugby and league. Turns out league fans are a bit more in touch with real life and don’t mind letting Key know what they really think about him. It’s a great wake up call for someone used to being immune from criticism.

          PS, it’s also a cultural marker of how irrelevent rugby union is becoming in NZ. It’s not the national sport anymore, except we keep being told it is by advertisers and the media.

          • Dazzer 6.1.1.2.1

            @TRP not sure I am as weird as you think but I’ll take that as a compliment.

            I would be surprised if they thought they wouldn’t have considered they would get a reaction of sorts. As I said, it’s no secret that Helen was a mad Warriors fan and league in AK has always been a south Auckland stronghold. Interestingly, league was also traditionally exceptionally strong on the West Coast hence my comments re the links between league and Labour.

            Another interesting point too. I suspect rugby is still the national sport – as in the sport that has the strongest national support. I was flying out of Wellington at the time of the WC final and you would have been in no doubt that there was strong support for the game. That said, I agree that it is no longer the dominant cultural force it once was – and I think is some respects it’s actually helped rugby become less arrogant and more inclusive. For example, the last 10 years have marked a return to humility and respect as opposed to the arrogance and closed minds of the past.

            I suspect all politicians are used to getting criticism tho. You have to admire them all for putting up with BS that comes with the job. i couldn’t for one.

            • ropata 6.1.1.2.1.1

              “you have to admire them all”

              get off the grass mate.
              sucking up to the powerful is bad for the moral fibre.
              give them heaps

          • Reddelusion 6.1.1.2.2

            To be fair also saw key attracting a lot of positive attention and selfies

            • maui 6.1.1.2.2.1

              Well he is the PM, if people just ignored him then we really would be in trouble. I’m guessing too even the ozzie media put a positive spin on Abbott by showing selfies and handshakes.

        • ropata 6.1.1.3

          If you think a small oversight in a blog post is more significant than the fact that FJK was publicly booed and embarrassed then I am surprised, I guess that’s what you need to reinforce your cognitive bias huh?

        • miravox 6.1.1.4

          rugby league, rugby union… meh, pedant.

          • chris73 6.1.1.4.1

            Well in the context of John Key getting booed it is rather important, I mean John Key getting booed at the Rugby League = no big deal but John Key getting booed at an All Blacks test…well that’d mean something

            • Reddelusion 6.1.1.4.1.1

              Len brown was booed last time , go figure he was a darling albeit fallen angle of the left

              I think most politicians get booed at these events irrespective of left or right, sports is seen as escapism you don’t want to be reminded of politics

            • North 6.1.1.4.1.2

              Yeah, like that’ll happen when Richie gets a restraining order under the Harassment Act. For the stalking round the changing sheds. Like couldn’t happen otherwise. No one in ‘decent’ society would boo John. Eden Park wouldn’t. Hang on it was Eden Park ! “Honest John” as Fizzy Anus divines him. It couldn’t be people finally giving voice to their silent gut sense – “This guy’s a fuck’n’ fake ! Much closer to voting next time that person. Not gonna vote for the fake. Very possibly didn’t vote at all last time.

          • Dazzer 6.1.1.4.2

            Not at all. I am clearly surprised at how many hear don’t understand how entwined league and Labour have been. That many here think there’s no difference simply underlines my point. That it is someone from the other side of the fence pointing this out – more so.

            League’s stronghold in NZ has traditionally been south Auckland, parts of working class Chch, ditto wellington (especially Wainuiomata) and the West Coast.

            • miravox 6.1.1.4.2.1

              Rugby can be shorthand for league as well as union. Someone using that shorthand doesn’t deserve that pedantic abuse. Anywhere else in the world, except maybe South Africa, that would have passed with a touch of understanding.

              I’m also quite aware of the socio-political links of the sport. Unlike you, I wouldn’t be stupid enough to conclude there is not a large socio-political-economic crossover in the crowds but.

            • locus 6.1.1.4.2.2

              oh dear…. league equals Labour and working class….

              and this is what…. your 101 framing to suggest that booing a detested PM at a league match is therefore only left wing opinion…. ?

              and that what….. working class, or critics of the PM, or Labour supporters don’t go to All Black tests?

              patronising, judgemental and insulting…..

              • chris73

                Deny all you like but League has traditionally been strongest in working class areas whereas union (in NZ anyway) is more egalitarian

                Look at where League was strongest: on the West Coast with miners (not a lot of love for National there), South Auckland, working class suburbs of Christchurch and Wellington

                I would bet any amount of money that John Key would get more boos at a league test then he would at a union test or a NRL game vs a super game

                I realise that you would like the narrative to be John Key is unpopular everywhere but its really only among the left and the league also happens to be strongest among the left

                • swordfish

                  Key currently averaging 39% in Colmar Brunton and Reid Research Preferred PM Polls, lowest average since becoming PM. Well down on his heyday.

                  Put another way, more than 60% of New Zealanders do not favour Key as PM.

                  • chris73

                    I expect there’ll be a lift for Key in the next few polls so he’ll be back over 40 again and closer to 50 I’d expect

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      Fluffing Judith Collins and spreading for The Prime Minister all at the same time.

                      Never let it be said that Christopher is inflexible.

                    • swordfish

                      Unlikely, he’s been on a downward trajectory for quite some time now.

                      But, they do say that wishful thinking – particularly, it seems, among diehard Tories like your good self – can stimulate the reward response system in the ventral tegmental area of the brain. So, you know, for you Christopher it’s always gonna be a win-win situation.

                    • chris73

                      Well swordfish I guess I could make a comment about Labours wishful thinking, like wishing Andrew Little could take Labour back to the days of David Shearers popularity

                      Or wishing that Little was even close to John Key in popularity

                      Or wishing that the next poll will see National drop in popularity due to the TPPA and Waitangi

                      But something about wishing in one hand and crapping in the other springs to mind

                      So if 60% don’t want John Key how many don’t want Little or Peters or the Greens

                • red-blooded

                  You use the word “egalitarian” is a strangely counter-intuitive way in your comment above, Chris73. I’m pretty sure sweet little rich kids aren’t denied the opportunity to participate in league; it’s not like the costs are too high or the teams refuse to train them. If a group of people choose not to participate in something, that doesn’t make it unegalitarian. More people in NZ drink coffee than tea, but that doesn’t make it more egalitarian.
                  http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/graph/23006/coffee-and-tea-consumption

              • Dazzer

                Locus you miss my point on two levels. As a number have said, it’s little surprise that there was a larger element at Eden Park today who booed Key. TRP seemingly accepts this point – as the background I gave supports, there are very very strong historical links. So it’s not framing, patronising, judgemental, nor insulting.

                The broader point that I think a few will acknowledge but not openly is that it is telling how much many here reflect the new “activist” left rather than the traditional strengths. I can guarantee that no self respecting leaguie would tolerate the lack of delineation between league and rugby. it is less so in NZ but in Oz and England but it still exists.

                As i said, what is most stunning is that it’s a couple of RWNJ who are pointing this out.

                There is another analogy about the Bolsheviks and Menshiviks and in particular the origin and meaning of their names. However, I don’t get the feeling my entertaining and informative history lessons are being appreciated the way they should.

                • locus

                  you both avoided my observations on your framing …that the PM is only getting criticism from people you are trying to label as Labour and working class

                  and now you’re highlighting my points by continuing the framing and embellishing it with a remark that reveals how you set yourself above others

                  i thought i was pretty clear…

                  patronising, judgemental and insulting….

                • ropata

                  FFS mate everyone knows the difference between league and union, your pedantry and silly finger wagging adds nothing

                  • s y d

                    look, he got booed by the crowd and had to retreat to the corporate box for anyone to give him the time of day.
                    Even then a lot the punters in the background had a good smirk.
                    the guys a total fake.

                • North

                  Even if you’re right Dazzer…..people are now doing it ! Didn’t happen before, even in places where obviously he was a fish out of water. Like Election 2014 in South Auckland. Where incredibly he smarmed in then started yelling “Polys Love Me !” Accompanied by his fiapalagi Sam and Alfred, embarrassed.

                  I’d like to see some links to verify that Helen Clark was serially booed at sports events. I doubt she ever visited the Remuera Northern Slopes Croquet Club (est. 1894).

  7. Rodel 7

    Gower couldn’t help finish with “It happened to Helen Clark as well”. has to placate his media master or he won’t get interviews.

  8. North 8

    Predicted yesterday that Shaun Johnson would be Key’s next sporting hero target. Was wrong. Joseph Parker the man. Cringe to see Key doing the ‘street greet’ with the said.

    • Reddelusion 8.1

      Jealousy, let it go, people just like the guy and he is not the monster you portray or want him to be , build a bridge

      • sabine 8.1.1

        if he is that good, than people would applaud and not boo him. As for bridges, would they be one or two laned ones? I think the National Party and its Leader have a few issues with bridges especially in Northland.

        • chris73 8.1.1.1

          Don’t worry about it Uncle Winnies going to sort those bridges out

          • McFlock 8.1.1.1.1

            Yep.
            It takes other parties to make good on the promises of the National party: bridges, economic management, home ownership…

            • chris73 8.1.1.1.1.1

              Yet Nationals looking good for a fourth (and dare I say fifth…) term so the publics still not buying what they left are selling

              • McFlock

                🙄

                Yep – gravitas, dignitas, integritas: none of it counts as long as you can con a third of the electorate /sarc

          • sabine 8.1.1.1.2

            Well considering that National did sweet fuck all up north other than produce a law and order man under name suppression, one can understand why Northlanders would rather have Winston Peters work for them.

        • Reddelusion 8.1.1.2

          Sabine most politicians of any persuasion get booed at these events , simply for interfering in thier day out, it’s simply part of the fun like a Mexican wave, I would not read to much into it or raise your hopes it is the demise of honest John

          • mac1 8.1.1.2.1

            If you google booing of politicians at events, reddelusion, as I did for another thread’s discussion, (above at 4.1.1) you will find very little mention. I’d have to call you on your assertion, there.

      • Skinny 8.1.2

        The Tories are in a jam over selling Kiwis out to corporations.

        Easy enough to setup a fantastic Friday special for each and everyone of their MP’s. A chorus of booing and chants not a problem, all waving the current New Zealand flag. Yes another string to the bow. 🙂

      • North 8.1.3

        As a resident of the North and a beneficiary of the promise of ten bridges win or lose the ball is in the court of your friends Delusion. Foolish of you to introduce the word.

  9. NZSage 9

    And at the end of that report dutiful Gower sticks to the National script of “Labour did it too”.

    That’s the first time I’ve watched a report by the new TV3 “Newshub”. Clearly nothing has changed and it’s still same old Gower garbage and crap TV3 news coverage.

  10. Grim 10

    National in damage control, flooding social media with their meat-puppets,

    without fail whenever something slips through their media control.

  11. SaveOurNix 11

    If the Prime Minister was to be introduced at an All Blacks match this year, it will be interesting what the crowd reaction will be then. I was at the Rugby World Cup final in Auckland back in 2011 and when Key was introduced at the post-match presentation, he got a rousing reception from the crowd. After hearing that response, I thought to myself that Phil Goff was toast- given that the general election was just around the corner at that time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    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

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