Key to lay police complaint against debate worm

Written By: - Date published: 7:20 am, November 22nd, 2011 - 104 comments
Categories: election 2011, john key, phil goff - Tags: ,

The 2nd TV debate was a 2nd win for Goff. He was human and humane, visionary and realistic. Key made excuses for his poor record, tried to hide in detail, and cast a sullen eye to the future. The worm told the story. So did the Right’s reaction. But, next debate, ditch the ‘expert’ panelists. We don’t need these know-it-all do-nothings telling us how to think.

I mean a failed National Party candidate/racist loser (who, ironically, is leaving for Australia for higher wages) and the wife of the head of the country’s largest mining concern (who is very pro the privatisation of his company) – why do I need them to tell me what I’ve just seen? At least they didn’t have that awful, vacuous, Tory Clare Robinson – who will, no doubt, be inflicted on us again on Wednesday by TVNZ.

The undecideds controlling the worm loved Goff. Not because he mouthed empty the platitudes like Dunne did in 2002, giving the worm a bad rep, but because he talked about the real problems and offered real solutions. Key droned on making excuses and the worm fell and fell and fell.

The really interesting bit for me was at the start of the second question. Both Goff and Key went to start answering. Bit of crosstalk. Goff says ‘you go first John, and I’ll respond’. Worm shoots up. The received wisdom on these debates is not to show an ounce of weakness, never back down. But it turns out people like people who have good manners. And, in a funny way, if you’re the one who can wait for your turn, maybe you’re the one in the more powerful position.

This was a real coup for Goff because he exceeded expectations. The worm, especially the home worm, seemed tailor-made for Key’s style of catch-phrases and grins. I expected Key to go at this like a terrier.

Instead, he seemed tired, withdrawn. Like he had had enough. And longed for the days when he could just fire an upstart underling rather than go through this democracy thing. Even his opening address was tepid and half-hearted. The worm flat-lined.

Key was also off on NewstalkZB yesterday morning. Making flat, insulting ‘jokes’ to the host and several times commenting about wanting something from the ‘top-shelf’ rather than tea. Hosking walked all over him at will.

Leaves me wondering what National’s internals are saying, especially about people’s attitudes to Brand Key, after the tea tapes debacle.

Goff on the other hand was at his very best. Not over the top. Not overly negative. Statesman-like. In control. And in touch with what we care about. Prime Ministerial, even.

104 comments on “Key to lay police complaint against debate worm ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. ianmac 1
    22 November 2011 at 7:47 am

    Phil Goff = Prime Ministerial.

  2. Uturn 2
    22 November 2011 at 7:49 am

    If I was John Campbell, I would file a defamation suit against the WORM. The largest drop all night was during a point were Goff finished speaking and John Campbell moved the discussion topic. From a peak near the upper limit of the graph, it immediately plummeted by what looked like 80% of it’s hieght.

    Some say this was when the WORM was being switched from studio to home viewers… but we know better. The media has a bias against JC and had obviously infiltrated the at home audience. If we give him any attention, Duncan Garner will scream and scream. I suspect that if the WORM was powered by texts from CDMA network mobile phones, whenever Campbell spoke the WORM would have crawled up over the edge of the TV screen.

  3. mickysavage 3
    22 November 2011 at 8:16 am

    The role of senior media management in editorial decisions needs a good investigation.

    Campbell was an extraordinarily good host and obviously distressed at the choice of Paul Henry as a panelist. His gentle criticism of Henry’s declaring that Key had won was wonderfully good. His tweet later on also spoke volumes. It said:

    “CampbellLiveNZA clarification: The debate was a 3 News leaders debate. It was hosted by @JohnJCampbell but Campbell Live had no input into the panelists.”

    Why in a democracy are we letting these bastards tilt the playing field?

    • Deuto 3.1
      22 November 2011 at 9:04 am

      I quickly flipped through the comments on the TV3 site this morning and overwhelmingly these were higly negative at Henry’s inclusion on the panel. Many also stated that they would not be watching TV# on Sat night if he was also on then. This may be the reason for Campbell’s tweet; and hopefully TV3 senior management will take note of the comments re Henry.

    • Lanthanide 3.2
      22 November 2011 at 10:02 am

      Henry was completely and utterly out of place, his element and his depth.

      He later made some pro-Goff comments and I can’t help but think it was anything other than aping the other panellists and trying to ‘inject balance’ into his own performance.

  4. the sprout 4
    22 November 2011 at 8:28 am

    Agreed, Goff did a great job.
    Key on the other hand, looked shifty and smarmy.
    The worm has some taste.

  5. Tracey 5
    22 November 2011 at 8:28 am

    I don’t understand why it is so hard to get people capable of neutrally observing (if we need them at all), but paul Henry is hardly neutral?

    • Bored 5.1
      22 November 2011 at 2:55 pm

      Henry is a parody of a real person….fuck knows what turkeys like him do to get the jobs they have. Such a non entity.

  6. Olwyn 6
    22 November 2011 at 8:33 am

    It verges on parody: a panel consisting of a mining boss’s wife, an ex-National candidate & a National party shill is something you would have expected on that old TV show about Alan B’astard.

    • Colonial Viper 6.1
      22 November 2011 at 8:42 am

      I do believe that is more correctly spelt B’stard.

      • Roy 6.1.1
        22 November 2011 at 9:05 am

        I own the complete DVD collection of The New Statesman and yes, it is B’stard.

        My teenage sons and I have been quoting Alan B’stard a lot in this election run-up, and frequently expressing the view that Alan B’stard is preferable to John Key because while both are loathsome Tories, at least Alan is honest about his loathsome Tory opinions.

  7. aj 7
    22 November 2011 at 8:34 am

    A little way into the debate, after Goff had made some strong points in rebuttal to some of Key’s claims, Key virtually surrended the debate by saying ‘look we could bat numbers around here all night but….’
    I agree, he looked like he didn’t want to be there and Goff did.

    • the sprout 7.1
      22 November 2011 at 8:52 am

      Key started off very confident and bushy tailed though.
      But he surrendered after just a couple of whacks

      • queenstfarmer 7.1.1
        22 November 2011 at 10:06 am

        Really? I thought Phil opened excellently and John poorly, but John eventually recovered to finish on par with Phil. But because of his superior performance in the opening, it was a win to Phil.

        • felix 7.1.1.1
          22 November 2011 at 10:16 am

          Yeah I kinda saw it that way too q. Key seemed to spark up a bit at the end but too little too late, the damage was done.

          Just looked like a tired sad sack of shit for most of it tbh.

        • Bazar 7.1.1.2
          22 November 2011 at 3:50 pm

          Indeed, i think Goff opened well.

          But i also have to agree that while it was nice to listen to, it was just running commentary about hardships. There was no actual substance to it, other then a few shots.

          Which is why i think the worm was so positive to goff. Its hard to be negative when talking about poverty, and it was a good story. So rather then what a lot of right wingers want to believe, it probably was undecided voters controling the worm, not a left-wing conspiracy.

          Still it was a win to Goff on that.

          The later half however i felt key was at his best and Goff was just struggling to survive.
          Key performed very well on asset sales, and Goff got punished for not ruling out Peters as a partner.

          So it was a win to Key

          In the end i’m considering it a tie.
          But i’m left wondering if that actually is the case. Goff won on emotions, Key won on facts and figures.
          Which has the greatest and longest lasting impact on undecided voters?

          • felix 7.1.1.2.1
            22 November 2011 at 3:59 pm

            In what way was Goff talking about hardship not factual?

            Can you name some of these facts & figures you say Key presented?

  8. Busman007 8
    22 November 2011 at 8:38 am

    One eyed is what i read here , Labour members exposed , smacks of desperation some of these postings

  9. infused 9
    22 November 2011 at 8:43 am

    he’s leaving for aussie because this country is so god damm pc.

    Remove the worm, it’s just a distraction.

    • Colonial Viper 9.1
      22 November 2011 at 8:46 am

      So he’s going to be shill for the One Nation Party? Personally I thought his new $1M pay package had something to do with it. Tory shills always get their corporate rewards.

    • Roy 9.2
      22 November 2011 at 9:17 am

      From your post, I have jsut learnt that “so god damm (sic) pc” is synonymous with “not racist enough”. Hmmm, thought so.

  10. mickysavage 10
    22 November 2011 at 8:47 am

    Good tweet that is doing the rounds:

    “John Key’s biggest cheerleader after the debate was Paul Henry and even he’s leaving NZ for higher wages.”

  11. Blue 11
    22 November 2011 at 8:54 am

    I love how the media just can’t bring themselves to admit that Goff won and that the audience loved him. They’re all trying to qualify the hell out of it, saying that the issues played more to Goff’s strengths, repeating DPF’s ridiculous claims about the studio audience being rigged etc.

    It’s like they won’t allow Phil to be popular or to be a winner.

    Time to wake up, fourth estate. The worm has turned, and no matter how much you try to shill for Key, he is on his way out. He’s been badly shaken by the ‘teapot tapes’ and has now retreated into a protective fantasy world where Kiwis support asset sales, he knows better than Aroha why she is leaving NZ, and the police have spare time on their hands.

  12. Tigger 12
    22 November 2011 at 8:54 am

    I want to laud the brillaint heading to this post. And I’m sure he would if he could.

    • Danielle Pattenden 12.1
      22 November 2011 at 10:18 am

      I got really confused by it … is it serious? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was

      • lprent 12.1.1
        22 November 2011 at 11:00 pm

        Nope. I think that Zet is angling for a sub-editors job at the granny herald. You know the ones – those that shunt a headline on to stories that bears no or a very tenuous relationship to the body of the story.

        But this post did have significiantly higher than usual page views. It made me read it when I saw it on the queue…

  13. Tigger 13
    22 November 2011 at 8:55 am

    I want to laud the brilliant heading to this post. And I’m sure he would if he could.

  14. dd 14
    22 November 2011 at 8:55 am

    I see the young nats are out in force on damage control duties this moring,

    Posting up a storm on stuff and NZherald.

    So much work to make our country so much worse. It’s quite tragic really.

  15. Rob 15
    22 November 2011 at 9:04 am

    What, as opposed to the left posting up a storm on the standard everyday in the misguided belief that this actually helps people.

    • felix 15.1
      22 November 2011 at 9:32 am

      Left?

      That’s not how you spell “National Party Research Unit”

      • Rob 15.1.1
        22 November 2011 at 9:35 am

        Yes well done Felix , you are correct, its not how you spell “National Party Research Unit”. You must have scored very well in your NCEA assesements

  16. Tombstone 16
    22 November 2011 at 9:06 am

    Agreed – Goff had Key on the ropes and the commentary after the debate was in my opinion pretty dsigraceful given the biased slant that made up the panel. Goff seemed more poised but also more determined to take the fight to John and he did a bloody good job of it. Key tried to answer to child poverty and high unemployment stats by playing the all too familiar deny deny deny game but it didn’t pay off. People know the score. They know the numbers are bad and they know John Key is ultimately the man who has been at the helm as those numbers have continued to stack up. John needs to man up and accept responsibilty like a real bloke and a real leader of integrity would. He hasn’t done that. He won’t do that. And that to me says it all. He’s a coward. Good riddance to him. Good on ya Goff!

  17. vto 17
    22 November 2011 at 9:07 am

    Chris Trotter wrote a good column in the Press this morning, basically saying that for many of the Key supporters to now question their faith and belief in Key is nigh on impossible. It challenges their own belief in their judgment etc (an entirely natural human reaction). And so to protect themselves and their own assessment of their judgment the fronts are constructed and blinkers attached…. go the young nats ha ha

    • ianmac 17.1
      22 November 2011 at 10:59 am

      vto. Can’t find the Chris Trotter column. Link?

    • mike 17.2
      22 November 2011 at 1:24 pm

      Yep, it’s called cognitive dissonance. They can’t back down now because that’s admitting that they got conned, that their judgement is faulty. That’s too painful to believe so they cling to the alternative and defend their man to the hilt. That’s why we get the National fans on this blog who will never admit they are wrong even when their arguments are reduced to absurdity, as often happens.

      The sociopathic politician understands this implicitly. He doesn’t need everyone to fall for it, just enough. The rest can jump up and down and call him what they like, he knows those under his spell won’t listen because of cognitive dissonance, poisoning the well, and other propoganda manipulation techniques (e.g. lying). In fact the complaints of others may increase the solidarity of his support, due to cognitive dissonance.

  18. Pete George 18
    22 November 2011 at 9:12 am

    The worm controversy is a major distraction, not just during the debate but now it distracts from Goff getting attention for his generally confident and accomplished performance in the debate.

  19. Ron 19
    22 November 2011 at 9:17 am

    Why was Plunket not used as an interviewer. Is it true that National Strategists refsued to allow Key to appear if Plunket was used?

  20. Dv 20
    22 November 2011 at 9:19 am

    Fromstuff.
    The studio audience was choosen by Roy Morgan to spread across age etc.

    • Vicky32 20.1
      22 November 2011 at 5:39 pm

      “The studio audience was choosen by Roy Morgan to spread across age etc.”

      And I have just heard a trailer for an item on 3 News asking “But was the studio audience really undecided?” (That’s Key’s excuse I gather)

  21. Maggie May 21
    22 November 2011 at 9:32 am

    Keys voice was flatlining as if he was reading or reciting just about everything he said.

    It is very obvious that he is still been told what to say and he is having trying to pretend sincerity while trying to remember what to say.

    John Key looked uncomfortable while Phil Goff looked quite comfortable and in control.

    Thank you Phil you give me hope for the future.

  22. Share Investor 22
    22 November 2011 at 9:47 am

    Trevor Mallard’s opinion on his leader on Twitter this morning:

    [deleted]

    [lprent: For those who are interested, the actual post is about a twitter comment with nothing in it. The idiot who left this comment makes a great todo about it. Since there isn’t an explanation here to allow people to make up their mind if they want to follow the link (like mine), I consider that this is just a stupid link-whore and I zapped the link.

    Of course Trevor is a busy guy at present. Far busier than I, and I leave half written and badly edited comments all over the place. This idiot just wrote a post that looks like one of those comments. ]

  23. tsmithfield 23
    22 November 2011 at 10:18 am

    There is a fundamental problem for Goff:

    1. He needs the Greens as a coalition partner.
    2. He desperately needs NZ first to make 5%.

    The problem is that if Goff performs strongly, he is likely to weaken the Greens support by attracting support back to Labour from the Greens. Also, and more problematic is that he is likely to draw support back from NZ First, reducing the likelihood that they will pass 5%.

    • Lanthanide 23.1
      22 November 2011 at 10:53 am

      Um, it doesn’t really matter who gets the votes out of Labour or the Greens, because to be government they have to be a coalition. If Greens get 17 MPs and Labour gets 33 is not really any different than the Greens getting 11 and Labour getting 39.

    • felix 23.2
      22 November 2011 at 1:30 pm

      I love how righties pretend that Winston’s votes come from Labour.

  24. dd 24
    22 November 2011 at 10:18 am

    I almost sense blood.

    I reckon the swing could be on. It’s going down to the wire I reckon.

    Clear favourites are still obviously National but the Key factor is getting broken down. Goff just has to keep preforming at this level. Key just looked tired and flat. I think the teapot saga has taken a lot out of him.

    Go the underdogs!

    • Hami Shearlie 24.1
      22 November 2011 at 11:32 pm

      Sickly looking John, it’s obvious he has tannin poisoning from all that Epsom Tea! What he needs to do is have a massive dose of Epsom salts – or another meeting with Banksie – they both have the same effect!

      • mik e 24.1.1
        22 November 2011 at 11:45 pm

        He will have to have another cup of something with Banks if the polls don’t look good.
        otherwise its cigars and whisky with winnie for second term maybe he could become ACTS leader if he doesn’t make it over the line thats where the has beens end up

  25. Olwyn 25
    22 November 2011 at 10:22 am

    The “narrative” that PR & media shills have been so keen to control may yet take a Mills & Boon turn, with NZ as the beautiful, talented maiden, harbouring a secret sorrow, Key as the Lothario who almost seduces her, and Goff as the decent guy who loved her all along, whom she has overlooked up until the last two or three pages.

  26. randal 26
    22 November 2011 at 10:54 am

    Good onya Phil.
    about time somebody took the little geek kweewee down a peg or two.
    as for him calling the cops he seems to be doing it all the time.
    whats the matter with him?

  27. marsman 27
    22 November 2011 at 11:03 am

    Love the pic of John Key in Stuff showing the worm going down and Key looking shifty.

  28. Brooklyn 28
    22 November 2011 at 11:06 am

    Yeah, Goff did well but he coulda done better on the bit about coalition partners. I like Brian Gould’s line on RNZ this morning… more or less “stinks but you gotta play the cards dealt to you”. More plausible than anything beginning with “I trust Winston Peters…”. Why the Nats keeping ACT on life support doesn’t resonate the same I don’t know.

  29. ghostwhowalksnz 29
    22 November 2011 at 11:11 am

    Farrogoblog is very silent on any national supporters that may have go onto the panel

    Yet within a short time of the worm finishing he has a copy of the email sent out for volunteers to come into the ‘worm ‘ studio panel.

    probably they got one or two supporters on board as well – but kept quie about it.

    • fmacskasy 29.1
      23 November 2011 at 1:16 am

      Farrar’s blog piece on the worm and so-called activist-infiltrators into the audience was pathetic, laughable, but mostly creepy.

      The guy is now tracking down individuals and compiling dossiers on them, Stasi-style?

      Bizarre.

      The right wing sink to an all time new low.

  30. Uturn 30
    22 November 2011 at 12:03 pm

    Pretty sure that the media aren’t prejudice agianst Goff or Key or Labour/National or anyone else. They are running to a convoluted reactionary pattern that defers first to who provides the best entertainment (they then push that person for good or bad) and second, who matches the internal etiquette of their organisations.

    The only way Key could be said to have “won” last night is because he played the sneering bored manager toward Goff. Everyone knows, the person who has valid points to make, who can prove the manager wrong – in a corporate environment – loses. The media personnel will simply be reflecting part of their professional environment: If they back Key, even though he lost logically, it is a reflection of professional Stocklholm Syndrome.

    I wanted it to be easy, for them simply to be bias one way or the other, but they seem to hate everyone equally, then themselves, then refind objectivity in short bursts, then hate the alternative of what they just endorsed.

  31. tsmithfield 31
    22 November 2011 at 12:27 pm

    If people here seriously believe Goff is going to win, then you should be shorting Key to win on Ipredict at the moment. That is at 92% still. Alternatively you could buy Goff to win for a similar return. Either way, you stand to make approx 9 x your investment if it goes your way with minimal risk.

    In fact, I have 20 bucks on Key to lose, so if, in the unlikely event Key does lose, at least I pick up some cash. So, either way I can have some cause to be happy.

    • felix 31.1
      22 November 2011 at 1:34 pm

      Most people simply aren’t interested in that smutty little pokies bar.

      • tsmithfield 31.1.1
        22 November 2011 at 5:51 pm

        Code for: To scared to put your money where your mouth/keyboard is.

        • felix 31.1.1.1
          22 November 2011 at 6:30 pm

          Code for better things to do with my money than gamble it like a $30 whore.

          • tsmithfield 31.1.1.1.1
            22 November 2011 at 9:24 pm

            Umm, thats not a very nice thing about the noble profession of prostitution that is enshrined in our legislation now. I would have thought the moderators would have picked you up for some sort of pc crime there.

  32. Lanthanide 32
    22 November 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Article on stuff with an interview of the Roy Morgan organiser, who says that it wasn’t rigged although was slightly Labour-leaning:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/campaign-trail/6011632/Debate-worm-was-not-rigged

    Audience members were put into coloured-categories depending on their party of preference and Roy Morgan could see how they were voting.

    “With John Key, the audience was quite polarised almost all the time he was speaking, whereas Phil Goff managed on a couple of occasions to actually draw National Party-leaning people towards his point of view on a couple of occasions.

    • felix 32.1
      22 November 2011 at 1:40 pm

      And that’s the point right there: if both debaters were anywhere near equally convincing then a slightly Labour-leaning audience might be expected to show a slight preference for what Phil was saying.

      But there was nothing slight about the results. That was a slaughter.

    • Uturn 32.2
      22 November 2011 at 2:13 pm

      “… Phil Goff managed on a couple of occasions to actually draw National Party-leaning people towards his point of view …”

      Those people were deep-cover Labour Party agents. Most of them were in disguise, relying on fake moustaches and glasses. The cover was almost blown when Paul Henry was heard to exclaim “Is that a moustache on a lady?!”

      Luckily, Therese Arseneau broke his line of thought by pointing out no one uses the word ladies anymore and Paul returned to dreaming of tables for one at Melbourne’s finest eating establishments.

  33. Mark 33
    22 November 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Forget the ‘worm’ & the right wing argument that 3 of the 65 studio audience might have been labour party supporters. Any unbiased person watching could see that Phil Goff won the debate hands down. What the public of NZ needs to know is why TV3 had the audacity to have 3 (of the 3) known right wing biased commentators as panellists on what was supposed to have been an important fair unbiased political debate. How can we have true democracy in this country when we have this sort of indoctrination by the media

  34. PaulB 34
    22 November 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Paul Henry – Lost one of the safest blue ribbon seats (Wairarapa) to a transvestite (Gorgina Byers). Says a lot about what voters actually think of him.

  35. Rodel 35
    22 November 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Keith Holyoake said ..”call me Kiwi.”

    After last night our present PM should say …”call me Turkey.”

  36. adriank 36
    22 November 2011 at 2:35 pm

    As someone who studied under Therese Arseneau at the University of Canterbury, she’s certainly not as hard right as people here are implying… as a lecturer I found her left-leaning on most issues. As a commentator she was a breath of fresh air compared to the past National candidate and future National candidate she was on the panel with last night

    • lprent 36.1
      22 November 2011 at 9:18 pm

      Agreed. I tend to find her talking about the frigging obvious most of the time. But that is more to do with the media and the political education of the audience than anything else. But I don’t find her particularly biased. Just very suburban….

  37. rod 37
    22 November 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Since when has Paul Henry become a political expert? He’s just another right wing brown noser, always was, always will be.

  38. dan1 38
    22 November 2011 at 5:33 pm

    If Henry is on TV3, I will not be tuning in on Saturday night.
    I hear Maori TV was excellent last night. That is a very viable option.

  39. I dreamed a dream 39
    22 November 2011 at 8:37 pm

    I am still convinced that Labour will lose the Election regardless of how favourable the worm was to Phill Goff and how Phil has been peforming.

    I have been impressed by Goff in the campaign. Whereas before I thought there needs to be a new leader after the election, I am now convinced that Goff has proven himself and should actually remain the Labour leader to fight 2014.

    He’s definitely Prime Ministerial material and if he stays on he’ll be the Prime Minister come 2014 (if not earlier).

    Remember Graham Henry who was successful at his second tilt at the Cup? Labour should do the same and give Goff a second chance. In my opinion, Phil has proven himself to deserve another chance.

    • Maggie May 39.1
      23 November 2011 at 12:17 am

      Oh ye of little faith, or are you a nasty nat, either way I think you are quite wrong, well on one thing anyway.

      Phil Goff will be Prime Minister next week and he will stay the leader bringing a team together and be Prime Minister again in 2014 as well, that second statement is where you are right.

      • Colonial Viper 39.1.1
        23 November 2011 at 12:36 am

        For Goff to be PM, Labour is going to need at least 35% in the polls.

        AND the Greens will have to score at least 9% (and I don’t think they will break above 10%) and NZ1 has to get in as well and provide confidence and supply. Which Winston has said that he will not. Mana might on a long shot come in with 2 seats but thats it and Goff has promised not to work with them.

        If Labour come in at just 30% or 31% in the polls, National will lead, and NZ will get the right wing Government that it has voted for.

        A National win is still the most likely outcome, but it is also certainly not the guaranteed one.

      • I dreamed a dream 39.1.2
        23 November 2011 at 12:53 pm

        Maggie, I commend you on your great faith that Phil Goff will be PM this Saturday. In fact, I’d be very happy to be proven wrong.

        A nasty nat I am definitely not! Whatever gave you that idea? But a Labour supporter who is a realist, that’s what I am.

        I maintain that on the balance of probability, National will much more likely to cobble together a government even if the result is close. Even in the highly unlikely event that Labour can cobble together a government after Saturday, what’s the price? It will likely be a pretty lame-duck government that may not even last a whole term with longer term negative consequences. If the results are close, it may be better for the Left that National leads a lame-duck unstable government that will cause Kiwis to comprehensively throw them out at the next election (whether snap or 2014).

        Also, bear in mind that in the end a National-led government may not have the real courage to sell our assets anyway, if there are massive protests against asset sales. Remember how the public scared them off from mining in conservation land? If I am not mistaken, the public is even more against asset sales than mining, so will a National government even have the courage to sell assets in face of public protest?

        But Maggie, I hope you are right and that I am wrong this Saturday, that Phil will be PM. I am still not hopeful though.

        • Maggie May 39.1.2.1
          23 November 2011 at 2:45 pm

          I am considering giving my list vote to Mana because if John Key wins we are going to need a strong radical activist base and I don’t mind saying I will be on of those activists protesting to keep our assetts.

    • mike 39.2
      23 November 2011 at 12:26 am

      Goff has grown into this role big time.

  40. ScottGN 40
    22 November 2011 at 11:15 pm

    As a no TV household I have been watching Bomber’s excellent ipredict Election 2011 programme on the computer the day after it happens. So you can imagine my amusement when I tuned in tonight to hear Hooten’s comment last night that the worm was going to be kinder to Key!

  41. mik e 41
    22 November 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Wheels falling off Nationals cake walk to vicTory
    Headline Mankey visits Winton Last week .
    This week Winston just another broken promise!

  42. dd 42
    23 November 2011 at 8:17 am

    Still the nats are polling high.

    I sense a change of attitudes in the people i’m talking to though. A lot of nats voters thinking of changing

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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 hours ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 hours ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 hours ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 hours ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 hours ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 hours ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    10 hours ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    19 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    20 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    21 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    23 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
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    1 day ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
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    1 day ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
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    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
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    1 day ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
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    1 day ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
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    1 day ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
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    2 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
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    2 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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    2 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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    3 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
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    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
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    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
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    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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