Key’s power price record

Written By: - Date published: 7:48 am, April 17th, 2013 - 78 comments
Categories: energy, privatisation - Tags:

Spooked by tomorrow’s joint announcement by Labour and the Greens on policy to cut power prices, National is trying to claim they have solved the problem. Get real. In the past year, household electricity prices rose an average of 5%, that’s over six times the rate of general inflation. In fact, power bills have outstripped general inflation every year under National. By my reckoning, the average power bill has risen 16%, or about $300 a year under Key.

This bullshit can’t go on. We can’t keep paying more and more and more for electricity, the bulk of which is produced with nearly no operating cost by hydrodams whose capital cost was recouped years ago.

And, with National halving the amount of revenue the Crown gets from electricity companies via its asset sales, the reasons for not acting are disappearing fast.

(The breakdown of electricity price increases is from Stats Infoshare, CPI)

78 comments on “Key’s power price record ”

  1. Colonial Viper 1

    The NZ government has supported a profit making market-led dividend providing model of electricity generation, transmission and profit making private sector electricity retail for quite some time now.

    Why should the private sector change their modus operandi from what successive NZ government financials have structured, supported and benefitted from? Now that private shareholders are picking up the generation assets, they’re simply going to be doing more of exactly the same, and asking for what is due to them.

    • Draco T Bastard 1.1

      Now that private shareholders are picking up the generation assets, they’re simply going to be doing more of exactly the same, and asking for what is due to them.

      And what the rest of the country (and the rest of the world) need to realise is that nothing is due them.

      • Macro_adder 1.1.1

        “And what the rest of the country (and the rest of the world) need to realise is that nothing is due them.”
        QFT

  2. vto 2

    The electricity reforms (based on current policy neoliberal privatisation type thinking) were meant to keep power prices down to a minimum.

    However they haven’t worked.

    The cost of producing electricity has risen diddly squat, while the retail price has gone through the roof.

    Just like deregulation of finance companies, it has failed.

    Just like deregulation of mine safety, it has failed.

    Just like deregulation of house construction, it has failed.

    when will these bozos accept they have failed?

    • Colonial Viper 2.1

      Yes, but both Cullen and English were/are fine with hundreds of millions of tax revenue and dividends from various power companies and power SOEs flowing into Treasury. Getting those sums of money doesn’t really smell like “failure”.

      • vto 2.1.1

        Well that is a prime indicator of where our system fails with a capital “F”.

        What the politicians see as failure or success should match up with the populace. The fact it doesn’t is the monumental failure.

        • Colonial Viper 2.1.1.1

          Correct.

          Virtually all of our politicians act from a world view of market confidence, orthodox economics and financial/capital goals first. Not citizens first.

          • Draco T Bastard 2.1.1.1.1

            +1

            And those orthodox economics inevitably fail as all the wealth ends up in the hands of the few and most people end up in poverty.

  3. Melb 3

    16% over four and a half years, is what, 3.5%/year? And that’s only your reckoning, rather than actual statistics.

    That’s a lot better than the increases of 70% between 1999-2008.

    • Lightly 3.1

      It’s the actual statistics. You can follow the source yourself.

      • Tom Gould 3.1.1

        Indeed, just because Key and his cronies keep saying ‘70%’ and the brain-dead chooks keep printing it, doesn’t make it so.

        Sadly, once Max Bradford and his arch-Tory cronies set up the so-called ‘electricity market’ there was really no going back. I seem to recall that Pete Hodgson tried to fix it up to give consumers a fair go, but failed. And remember that Bradford actually promised ‘lower power prices’ as the generators and wholesalers and retailers all competed against each other? Fat chance. Funny how his website claiming credit for the ‘reforms’ has now disappeared.

        • Melb 3.1.1.1

          Sorry, I was wrong. It’s 63%. As that number comes from Stats NZ I’d so that makes it so.

          http://i.imgur.com/7kiQwLR.png

          It doesn’t seem as though the Bradford reforms caused high prices until the Labour Govt hit upon the idea of jacking up them up as a profitable stealth tax. Grafic from the Otago Daily Times and Stats NZ.

          • Rob 3.1.1.1.1

            “This bullshit can’t go on.” I totally agree, Labour farmed the population of NZ in energy, slightly more than the current Govt has. People do not forget this.

  4. Alanz 4

    The power price increases actually feel worse this time round with less discretionary income left in the hand and other costs of living going up, eg food and fuel.

    Also, family, friends and neighbours are feeling more financial pressures with fewer working hours, less certainty at work, or no jobs 🙁

    Flying across the ditch is not such a promising option either as news from family and friends there sound less than sparkling.

    • Colonial Viper 4.1

      Stories of destitute and homeless Kiwis in Australia are increasing. It seems we are becoming a neglected underclass over there.

      In NZ…this is what energy poverty feels like, and perhaps half a million NZers experience it to a significant degree every Winter.

      Our country and our politicians seem fine with it though.

    • Plan B 4.2

      Agree that they feel worse. Because the actual numbers are getting bigger. A 16% rise on 100 is twice as big as a 16% rise on 50. So as the cost increases the percentage increase actually nakes it a lot worse. ‘We are the frogs in the pot on the stove’

      • Colonial Viper 4.2.1

        That’s the beauty of annualised exponential growth mate, embrace it.

      • ghostrider888 4.2.2

        good breakdown

        • Alanz 4.2.2.1

          oh how i yearn to earn directors’ fees like joan withers’

          > 50% rise
          $150k nom nom nom

          (and, shhhh, $85,000 pool ”for committee work” tee hee hee, thank you, john key, thank you, ryall)

          • ghostrider888 4.2.2.1.1

            urrggh, google and wiki just about made me sick; freakin’ unattractive and “defendent in law suit by shareholders against directors of failed Feltex. (are you trying to arm an assassin Alanz?)

  5. King Kong 5

    If this increase is finding its way into the Government coffers by way of dividends (so very important according to the “keep our assets” campaign) then it is just another tax. Considering how much you lefties like taxing people I cant see your problem with this.

    Surely more money to the state means there is more money for handouts to the idle and the baby factories that you seem to love so much.

    • Colonial Viper 5.1

      Better than having Australian shareholders suck up power company money for use in their own country.

      • King Kong 5.1.1

        Doesn’t the NZ Government still own 51% not to mention the massive chunk of dosh they get in one hit for selling the 49%?

        • Alanz 5.1.1.1

          handouts to the idle corporate rorters and baby factories of speculators

          ftfy

        • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.2

          Owning 51% of a good thing is somewhat shit compared to controlling 100% of it.

          • King Kong 5.1.1.2.1

            Depends how much you got for selling the 49%.

            • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.2.1.1

              Most NZers – nothing.

              The elite and the wealthy and the international money funds – I agree, its a great deal for them.

              • One Anonymous Knucklehead

                There’s nothing elite about wealth: that’s a false right wing frame.

                • Colonial Viper

                  I wouldn’t quite agree with you: this is a capitalist political economy that we are in. Therefore those who have the capital, control both the politics and the economy side of the equation.

                  But are they better human beings? Not likely.

              • King Kong

                Hang on a tick…I have been accosted every weekend in Cuba Mall by socially awkward Labour and Green supporters telling me that all NZers own these assets. Surely if we are selling “our” assets “we” get the money from the sale.

                • Alanz

                  “we”?

                  if we are talking within Natz circle, we need to take public money to give them to our cronies like Susan Devoy, Jackie Blue, Joan Withers, ….

            • Draco T Bastard 5.1.1.2.1.2

              Depends how much you got for selling the 49%.

              Not enough to offset the loss. There could never be enough or they wouldn’t be worth buying.

              • King Kong

                Maybe you should talk to some Bear Sterns stock holders about the risks of investing.
                What if a clean, unlimited, abundantly available power source is found in two months time. That would make the Nats look pretty shrewd.

                • Draco T Bastard

                  There’s no risk involved in buying the power companies as it’s something that the government cannot let fail – just like the banks.

                  And your “What if…” is a load of bollocks.

          • Rob 5.1.1.2.2

            Not for the power users if they are being farmed like they have been.

        • Plan B 5.1.1.3

          The government is trying to soak up the money it put into the economy but did not take out through taxation.Because it lowered the top tax rate.

        • felix 5.1.1.4

          “not to mention the massive chunk of dosh they get in one hit for selling the 49%”

          Yes monkey boy, and I know you trust the govt to spend that wisely…

          • King Kong 5.1.1.4.1

            You are talking to someone who thinks the Government should only be there to fund police, army, firemen and courts so spending it on anything else is a total waste.

            • ghostrider888 5.1.1.4.1.1

              and how much do they spend on the New Zealand Fire Service, oh wait, levies do.

            • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.4.1.2

              Where will the police, firemen, soldiers and judges learn to read and write?

              • King Kong

                With an education that their parents paid for.

                • One Anonymous Knucklehead

                  King Kong is right! That’s exactly what happens. There’s a pilot program going on right now in Somalia.

                • Colonial Viper

                  If you want police protection, or fire protection, surely then you should pay for that too, out of pocket, using competitive providers?

                  • Alanz

                    Maybe Shearer has good ideas for outsourcing to competitive private providers like Cosa Nostra, Chinese triads et al.

                  • King Kong

                    You are right about fire but Government needs to be in the business of upholding the laws of the land.

                    • geoff

                      Why? Couldn’t private enterprise do a better job than government at that too?

                    • King Kong

                      I think we have all watched enough Sci Fi movies to know that private police forces never work out that well.

                    • Draco T Bastard

                      Amazingly enough, we’ve also had privatisation rammed down our throats to know that that doesn’t work out to well either, i.e, government subsidies to Telecom for UFB.

                • Draco T Bastard

                  Yeah, that would be the education that most people had before government funded compulsory education was brought in because the factory owners needed better educated workers.

            • ghostrider888 5.1.1.4.1.3

              Fire!

            • felix 5.1.1.4.1.4

              “You are talking to someone who thinks the Government should only be there to fund police, army, firemen and courts so spending it on anything else is a total waste.”

              Then I’m talking to a hypocrite.

              Now get the fuck off our telecommunications network, bludger.

              • mac1

                And the roads, King Kong. Don’t walk on the footpaths, either. Keep out of the P/parks and Reserves. Hope you don’t pick up a bug from a sick and unscreened visitor. Hope you can pay for your own sicknesses. Pay (fully) for your own children’s education. Hope you aren’t a farmer at the risk of imported plant disease and pests.

                I hope you can trust your builder. Your butcher. Your restaurant. Your supermarket.

                And finally, that piece of real estate in which we all end up?

                The horror! Mac’s Cemeteries. RIP. Rest In Payment.

                • King Kong

                  I pay for all this stuff now, I just have a bunch of numpties in Government making the spending decisions for me.

                  • mac1

                    But, would you pay for it if you didn’t have to to? Remember, it’s you who wants state involvement restricted to four areas. I questioned, and you have swiftly sidestepped, as to what you would do in such a minimalist state-involved society in terms of all those areas that I itemised..

                    Remember also that you just might have private enterprise numpties, as you call them, in charge of all this stuff- and the record of private enterprise is not necessarily all that good when it comes to safety and all the other reasons as to why we ask the State to step in and act in the common good.

                    I’ve just finished reading a Llargas novel on Sir Roger Casement which covered individual conscience and action with regard to Amazonia and the Congo under unfettered, unsupervised corporate control pre-WW1. Not a pretty sight for private enterprise ‘control’.

              • King Kong

                So to avoid hypocracy yourself I guess you don’t shop at any of the major supermarkets or chain stores due to their participation in the neo liberal capitalist crusade.

                • felix

                  That would be true if I were saying that the state ought to own everything.

                  But I’m not, so it isn’t, and you can try again.

  6. Adrian 6

    I’m under the impression that about 10-15 years ago world accounting practices ( led by the big accounting companies or “crooks”) changed the way things like assets were valued, i.e NZ dams while paid for decades ago at a fraction of current costs, were to be valued at replacement value in the current tax year, and depreciation etc to reflect this. Brilliant tax reduction tactic. Therefore power prices rose to get the books to balance. Am I right or just blinded by a totally rational hatred of accountants and money market manipulators?

    • Draco T Bastard 6.1

      No, I suspect that you’re right. It’s a system designed to benefit the few and so making things look more expensive than they are can increase profits for those few. Those profits, of course, come from everyone else.

    • prism 6.2

      Adrian
      I had thought that was happening in another area that I am concerned about. Rental housing. While commercial shops have their rent regularly updated on the basis of certain criteria like more traffic past, renters are needing a home as a basic requirement. Yet renting is a business and tenants will have their rent put up on the basis of current valuation, often without having any money being expended on maintenance, remedial work, or improvements.

    • DH 6.3

      Yeah, NZ adopted IFRS. (International Financial Reporting Standard) It requires assets to be on the books at “fair value” rather than depreciated or replacement value, which gives the beancounters more leeway on how they set the values.

      Mighty River, Meridian and Genesis between them have revalued their assets upwards a total of 8.25 billion dollars. They need around a 7% return on equity (8% for borrowed money) so that’s an extra $600 million profit they’re making out of us mugs.

      • Ed 6.3.1

        Tehre was comment at the time that the erason for some of the sales between power companies (all govt owned) was purely to ‘set’ a market price which would increase the deemed capital values of the companies assets. Since it was a sale between two companies owned by the govrment, there was no real “market” determination, but it did then ‘justify’ increasing the price of electricity to get a desired ‘return on equity”. Cynical, yes, but that is what we expect from National.

        • Colonial Viper 6.3.1.1

          Justifications for rentier capitalism

          Don’t just blame National, Labour was quite happy with a corporate for-profit SOE structure sucking money out of communities into Treasury.

          Is anyone surprised that after having left the Key in the ignition like that, the Nats came along in the next government and drove off with our assets.

        • DH 6.3.1.2

          “Tehre was comment at the time that the erason for some of the sales between power companies (all govt owned) was purely to ‘set’ a market price”

          That’s possible but they already do set the book values and report it in the balance sheets. It’s probably more likely Bill English was just grabbing some extra tax to make his books look better. Asset revaluations are taxable but the tax is deferred until the asset is sold. Mighty River alone has $900 million in deferred tax. When Genesis bought the dams etc off Meridian I’d think that Meridian would have had to pay the deferred tax on the revaluations of those assets. Doesn’t affect the equity so the Govt gets more tax revenue and there’s no change in the book values.

  7. Plan B 7

    I simply do not know what the fuss is all about. We only use imported electricity in our home anyway. We would not be seen dead using that local stuff. It just isn’t the same is it. Really good quality European electricity is so much better. We enjoy our appliances so much more now we use imported electricity. We often fly to Sydney for the weekend and pick up some Australian Duty Free electricity at the airport before we fly home. Oh and last time we were staying in our timeshare in Hawaii we brought back some US electricity in our hand luggage, straight through customs, no one seemed to care and it was so much cheaper!

  8. infused 8

    So from kiwiblog:

    The history of electricity cost increases in NZ, according to Stats NZ is:

    4th Labour Govt – 98.7% or 16.4% a year
    4th National Govt – 47.5% or 5.3% a year
    5th Labour Govt – 63.7% or 7.1% a year
    5th National Govt – 16.2% or 4.1% a year

    Why was it ok then? Why is it suddenly bad now?

    • Colonial Viper 8.1

      You’re correct, this is just the end stages of a decades long neoliberal market led gang bashing.

    • Mike Smith 8.2

      The commenters on Farrar’s Kiwiblog post put some useful context around these raw numbers – inflation running at 17% in the 1980’s, and privatisation of Contact in the late nineties. I think the same old blame-shift is starting to run out of steam

      • Rob 8.2.1

        The issue that steams people up is that the title of this post is “Key’s power price record”. Everybody (except it seems the author) knows that the current farming of energy users was in place well before this Govt came about, and that people have very litle faith in labours ability and conviction to do anything about if they are to be re- elected.

  9. Draco T Bastard 9

    Green Party Press Release

    The low headline Consumer Price Index change hides significant rises in electricity prices, the Green Party said today.

    Statistics New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows that electricity prices were up 5.2 percent for the March year, meaning prices have risen 18.8 percent since National took office.

    • prism 9.1

      DTB
      Yes that’s a point – I think that the inflation index is averaged out isn’t it? So that can mean that a shortage or glut of cabbages can affect the food part, and obscure the energy part. (Cabbage availability did affect the CPI one year – way back.)

      • DH 9.1.1

        “Yes that’s a point – I think that the inflation index is averaged out isn’t it? ”

        They use a weighted average format. Electricity is part of the Housing and household utilities group and has an individual weighting of 3.5. Translated that roughly means a 10% increase in power prices would add 0.35 to the CPI.

        The CPI is a terrible measure of inflation for households because they spread it across all types of households to get broad inflation rather than targeted. Rent for example has a weighting of 7.85 and no-one spends only 7.85% of their income on rent.

  10. aerobubble 10

    Under Labour electricity price went up 70%+ at a time of interest rates hitting? 10%?
    Under National electricity prices have gone up 20% in a time of deflation….

    Key spin.

  11. Green machine UpandComer 11

    As the Dompost editorial stated, Labour has absolutely no credibility on power prices – they were much much higher under Labour, always.

    Further, the Green’s policies will push power prices through the roof.

    CPI is way down, the economy is doing pretty well.

    I really hope the snivellers keep banging on about what colour the phone was that Key used to maybe call a directory 🙂 keep up with the negative pettiness, that’s always a real vote winner and is about all Labour is good for these days 🙂

    • Colonial Viper 11.1

      CPI is way down, the economy is doing pretty well.

      price increases are down because unemployment is high, few are spending money, and the same high dollar which gives you cheap iPhones is crushing our export jobs sector.

      Your analysis is plain sad, actually.

      Further, the Green’s policies will push power prices through the roof.

      National’s will push them higher, and give the difference to foreign shareholders.

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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    18 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 ...
    20 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 ...
    20 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 ...
    20 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, ...
    20 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 ...
    20 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 ...
    20 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 ...
    20 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 ...
    21 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 ...
    21 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
    1 day 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. ...
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep 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 thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats 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. Heres 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. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen 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 ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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, ...
    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, ...
    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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    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
    16 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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
    3 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 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
    3 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
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