Key called again on bullying tactics
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- Date published:
5:14 pm, August 9th, 2013 - 43 comments
Categories: john key, Spying -
Tags: bradley ambrose, bullying, GCSB, jon stephenson, mike joy, Spying
John Key is a bully who uses the powers of his office inappropriately. Every now and then someone calls him on it – Mike Joy, Jon Stephenson, Andrea Vance and Bradley Ambrose being examples. Now it is the turn of Law Society member Rodney Harrison QC to stand up:
Lawyer hits back at PM’s attack
A top lawyer has branded Prime Minister John Key’s attack on the Law Society over its comments about new spying laws as “desperate.”
Key appeared to question the society’s impartiality after its strong criticism of the proposed Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) bill after Auckland barrister Rodney Harrison QC spoke out on the legislation on behalf of the society.
Key told a Newstalk ZB talkshow this morning that “the person that ran the case . . . one of the people involved” was “Zaoui’s lawyer”, a reference to Harrison who was lead counsel for Algerian refugee politician Ahmed Zaoui in 2002. Zaoui spent time in Auckland prisons after he was branded a national security threat when he applied for refugee status in New Zealand.
“There’s lots of different agendas out there – I’m not going to second guess them,” Key added.
Harrison today said Key’s remarks were “a bit of a desperate jibe, really”.
“I think he hoped to achieve a similar response from ill-informed listeners as he hoped to achieve by his reference to al Qaeda networks operating in New Zealand,” he said.
“It’s just trying to scare people into thinking there’s a problem. “And, personally, I do find it a bit offensive to be judged by reference to the clients I’ve had. …
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- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...17 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...5 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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- Vanuatu quake: Warnings as bad weather threat looms for Port Vila
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Rodney Harrison was not comfortable with injustice and he fought hard against the Clark government to get some measure of justice for Ahmed Zouai. He was bothered that the lies of torturers and murderers were used by the SIS to besmirch an innocent.
If he’s the sort of person Key uses to cast aspersions, I have found one more reason to not be comfortable with Key. I am very, very bothered. Just how low is Key when the curtain comes fully back? Does he make WhaleSpew look like a bleeding heart Marxist?
‘
And here we see John Key demonstrating the classic National Ltd™ kneejerk response when dealing with an inconvenient truth . . .
. . . as well as seeking to denigrate the source of the truth, such Tory basics help ease the chronic personal cognitive dissonance exacerbated when forced to even consider, let alone examine, their core belief system. Many Tories, particularly those in leadership roles, are not even aware they are using TORY 101. This is because their belief system is installed at a young age and informs even the adult that leadership is defined, achieved, and maintained by those best able to shove others around the playground and steal lunch off the weak, especially those not from here.
BLip
The not being aware bit is so true..and the most concerning.The mafia are/ were not aware that they were/are the mafia.
He can’t bear to be crossed and cannot take criticism. Full of himself. How dare anyone stand up to him- especially when deep down he knows they’re right and he’s wrong. It should be remembered all bullies are cowards when it come to the crunch and it will… in the not too distant future. Then watch him run for cover as fast as his little legs can carry him – all the way to Hawaii.
He can’t bear to be crossed and cannot take criticism.
Yep, that’s my perception.
Key thinks that it is a slight on a lawyer’s character to defend someone who was not a terrorist.
Come on, John, it’s not like Zaoui did anything as shitty as forex trading his own country into bankruptcy.
“Key told a Newstalk ZB talkshow this morning”
Hoskings or Smith?
Smith.
I assume Smith asked Key difficult and challenging questions about the loss of our Civil Rights, his government spying on Peters, Vance and Ambrose, the army spying on Stephenson etc.
Or was it a love fest?
I’d guess the most challenging question would’ve been “what’s wrong with those bloody lefties and why won’t they just stfu?”
A love fest for sure. Newstalk ZB is for ignorant louts, the intellectually challenged and the modern day version of the 1930s brown shirts. Radio host Leighton Smith and John Key fit nicely into the mould.
From Wikipedia…. Smith, ,”always starts his show with a monologue of a few minutes discussing his thoughts on recent events ……is an avid right-winger, an advocate of social authoritarianism and a denier of anthropogenic global warming. ”
Ignorant host feeding a gullible audience.
Right on the button Paul.
And who pays the fiddlers tune?
The 1%
Hey its just radio retard…we all know that
Oh for Aunt Daisy – she’d have given him a run for his money. She’d probably also given him a thrill. (The smell of mothballs up the back passage and all that).
This guy really does have to be NZ’s worst Prime Minister EVER
I didn’t listen, but I did follow the snark on twitter.
Hatin’ Leighton Smith……..the redneck Tea Partyist who really really really really believes he’s massively intelligent………whose every sheep marble is a pearl. The very sort fascistic oligarchy loves to bits.
…and yet every time Radio NZ ask for an interview or comment they are turned away. He doesn’t want the more thoughtful listeners to hear him answering what are usually actually pretty tame questions.
I think it’s a disgrace that our PM treats our state broadcaster with such disdain.
Not just our broadcaster, but the people of New Zealand.
Reckon that Pablo over at KP should tell everyone what he really thinks and stop sugar coating it so much:
http://www.kiwipolitico.com/2013/08/note-to-john-key-zaoui-was-innocent/
Snivelling weasel.
What an apt description.
And lower than a toilet bowl licker.
+1 Pascal’s Bookie
Zaoui seems to be a very fine man.
Are you so certain about? Since we so naively let him, he’s masterminded numerous successful and devatstating plots against us decent folk. He blew up the big L and P bottle in Paeroa, put garlic in every pavlova, burned Weta Workshop to the ground, created nanotechnology that turned all Buzzy Bees into sawdust, he organised his terrorist cells to paint all Holden Commodores a very unmanly pink!
smile…he is a lovely man
concerted official duplicity and malice.
By Clark and Goff, I have to note. “Labour” needs to start showing some consistency and responsibility to have any credibility.
Key should be banned from Newstalk ZB and More FM for abusing the privilege of apathetic radio stations…and our intelligence.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/q71/998445_336437066491079_947712949_n.jpg
can we really blame the puppet though ?
Chris Finlayson first mentioned the Rodney Harrison / Ahmed Zaoui connection in the House on Tuesday night during the GCSB debate, when he also claimed that a number of lawyers were unhappy with the Law Society’s submission.
I suppose zero is a number.
Well Chrissy QC (hahaha!)……….if there are a number of lawyers unhappy with the Law Society submission let’s have the number and the names. Or would that be to churlishly invade THEIR elegant privacy ? Yikes ! Can’t do that ! (Clutch pearls and look mortified).
Enough of your devious bitch throwaway lines Chrissy QC. Elitist natter engaged in those wells of democracy the Wellington Club, the Northern Club and similar, does not impress……..
I just wish that Rodney Harrison and Key had a chance to debate the issue. Harrison would wipe the floor with Key and then apologise for the debate being so one sided …
Happy to buy a ticket to see that ! And I’ll buy you one too, micky !
so will Key now attempt to bully Austin Forbes QC who penned the latest Law Society statement which again slated the GCSB bill as remaining “flawed” and for use of SOP without public chance to comment?
http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/gcsb-bill-remains-flawed-despite-proposed-changes/5/163550
Key is our Nixon… where are our Woodward and Bernstein? Certainly not Garner and Espiner, nor Rat-boy! Look at them – so determined to look like heroes, so unwilling to be even remotely brave.
He is a bully – but the thing that amuses and disappoints me is that he’s also a wimp – and that makes him a coward.
His bullying is only possible because of his position – earned in ill-gotten gain fashion.
The day will come when the trappings and baubles leave him, when there is no DPS, and it’ll probably be a time when he’s tucked up in Hawaii or behind a secure pin-numbered fence and when there’s not a great deal left of Nu Zull.
Sir John Key will die fat, happy, in his own bed and at an advanced age.
That’s how the system works.
Where are the right wing nutters to defend this crass crap from their hero?
They don’t realise some people view it as a bad thing that needs defending or minimising.
Bully is such an apt description. The bully mouth: the ugly Key pie hole mashing maniacally like a demented thoroughbred’s vagina. Bulk and physical intimidation no longer acceptable; the subtle ability to denigrate and intimidate orally assuming paramount current cachet. The recent “He’s completely wrong – as usual” delivered re Winnie with aplomb and casual grin a classic example. “The smiling assassin” a vainglorious misnomer for a weak, sneering bully. The essential currency of kiwi CEOs and political appointees: interminable, impenetrable bullshit laced with razors. Utterly merciless bullshitting bullies, 100% putrid, most preferred by circus audiences everywhere.
Sounds like the little Emperor’s crown has slipped or maybe it just never fitted all that well to start with.