Labour crushes election – now what?

Written By: - Date published: 8:58 am, October 18th, 2020 - 79 comments
Categories: greens, jacinda ardern, labour, national - Tags:

This is a truly remarkable result.  Not in my wildest dreams did I think that Labour would gain a majority.  I thought the good old kiwi habit of wanting to share the love around would prevent this from being achieved.

The electorate map is now a sea of red.  Can I claim bragging rights by pointing out that I predicted that National could go down to 25 electorate seats.  They ended up with 26 with Whangarei being, remarkably, still a possible loss.

I thought that Hamilton East, Hamilton West, Invercargill, Northcote, Otaki, and even Upper Harbour could be vulnerable.  Only Invercargill stayed blue.

In the most satisfying result Gerry Brownlee was defeated in Ilam.  Christchurch is now completely red.

The Greens also did well.  Chloe Swarbrick winning Auckland Central.  It seems that a more senior leadership role for her is just a matter of when.  The party gained 10 MPs.  This is especially significant given that it is the only support party to increase its MMP share in the following election in the country’s history.

I do hope they manage to get one more seat so that Steve Abel can make it.  He is just the sort of representative that we need in these times of climate change.

The big issue will be should Labour seek to govern alone or should they enter into a coalition or arrangement with the Greens or the Maori Party?

There is one problem.  The Maori Party seat is not in the bag yet and specials need to be counted.  Last election Tamati Coffey improved his majority by 418 votes after special votes were counted.  Rawiri Waititi’s current majority is 415.  This could be close.  I can’t see Labour wanting to negotiate any support agreement until the result is known.

The Green negotiation will be more complex.  My personal preference is that they enter into a formal coalition.  The Greens will give the Government much needed focus on climate change and transport.

Overall this election was a significant move to the left.  No pressure but Labour and the Greens have the mandate to achieve dramatic and fundamental change.

Micky Savage and the first Labour Government changed New Zealand for the better.

Jacinda Ardern and the sixth Labour and hopefully Green Government now have the mandate to do the same.

Let’s keep moving.

79 comments on “Labour crushes election – now what? ”

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  1. Tricledrown 1
    18 October 2020 at 9:03 am

    Collins fat shaming was the last straw she has to take personal responsibility for this disaster.

  2. James 2
    18 October 2020 at 9:04 am

    I rarely come on here anymore – mainly because it’s the same few people arguing the same things and well, it became very boring.

    but I thought I’d pop in and lose gracefully.

    As a National supporter last night hurt. But wasn’t surprised as the party really did bring this on its self.

    so what next? three years of rebuilding. Although it may take longer – our party is in a mess. I’m picking Mitchell for the next leader.

    Congratulations to Jacinda and team. I don’t like it but wish them the very best and hope they do good for NZ.

    • mickysavage 2.1
      18 October 2020 at 9:07 am

      Thanks James. If National sorts itself out it will be back. But it will have to become more urban liberal friendly.

      • Morrissey 2.1.1
        18 October 2020 at 9:35 am

        It will have to start supporting popular measures like…. oh, stopping massive farming operations from polluting our water, and supporting fair pay for workers….

    • RosieLee 2.2
      18 October 2020 at 9:09 am

      Mitchell's back story is just about on a par with Collins'.

    • Ad 2.3
      18 October 2020 at 9:21 am

      James it's great to have your voice here and you're not boring.

      There will be a lot of people really concerned about the policy ambition of a strong Labour-Green government.

      It's up to the PM and her leadership team to ensure they land this well without a note of triumphalism.

    • Morrissey 2.4
      18 October 2020 at 9:32 am

      I rarely come on here anymore…

      So where do you go now? Kiwiblog? Not the most upbeat place at the moment, one imagines. crying

    • weka 2.5
      18 October 2020 at 9:40 am

      nice one James.

    • Wensleydale 2.6
      18 October 2020 at 10:33 am

      There is honour in losing gracefully, James. We've all had to accept our fair share of dead rats over the years, and it's always disheartening. National will be back. Hopefully, their later incarnations will be considerably less unpleasant.

      • Morrissey 2.6.1
        18 October 2020 at 11:08 am

        Hopefully, their later incarnations will be considerably less unpleasant.

        Now there's an optimistic statement.

    • roy cartland 2.7
      18 October 2020 at 11:53 am

      National could start by becoming an actual "national" party, as in for the good of the whole nation, rather than winners and losers. I'd consider voting for them if they did.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 2.8
      18 October 2020 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks James – we must never forget that stunning victories like this are only possible because there is an opposition. Enjoy the game.

    • Sacha 2.9
      18 October 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Thank you.

  3. Tricledrown 3
    18 October 2020 at 9:07 am

    Magnanomous James

  4. Anker 4
    18 October 2020 at 9:26 am
    • Yes magnanimous James. I think we all know how you are feeling on today.

    mark Mitchell not taking too much responsibility for their own defeat.

    if anyone says that Jacinda got an advantage because of Covid I will scream! It wasn’t covid that got Labour re-elected. It was Jacinda and her teams response to covid that allowed kiwis to see their stunning competence

    • froggleblocks 4.1
      18 October 2020 at 11:51 am

      So what you're saying is that they got an advantage because of COVID.

      • Immigrant 4.1.1
        18 October 2020 at 7:56 pm

        How the government dealt with covid is what they picked the rewards for. Had they not achieved so well, this election would have had a very different outcome….because of covid.

        I suggest that a different government (just imagine Brownlee managing the border!) Would have suffered a huge loss because of covid. (if we'd even had an election)

        Nicky Kay (and others) going on and on about the reason her party lost so dramatically was a result of covid, is ridiculous and o, so simplistic.

  5. ScottGN 5
    18 October 2020 at 9:34 am

    Labour majority govt. C & S with the Greens and they get ministries outside cabinet.

    But that means some Labour ministers are going to have to step up real fast.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:17 pm

      Under present conditions if Labour form a government with the Greens then the Greens need ministers inside cabinet. And that would apply even if they're only associate ministers.

  6. Treetop 6
    18 October 2020 at 9:36 am

    The policies which align well with Labour and the Green Party will do well.

    The opposition need to start being realistic when it comes to being taken seriously so they are believable and relevant.

    I want to see some changes in the cabinet and for cabinet ministers to be more accessible for people with complex cases where the legislation is not fit for purpose.

  7. swordfish 7
    18 October 2020 at 9:53 am

    .
    Advance Vote … Vs … Election Day Vote

    Lab …… 51.0% ……………. 45.2%

    Green … 8.1% ……………… 6.4%

    (L+G) …. 59.1% ……………. 51.6%

    Nat …… 25.5% ……………. 30.3%

    ACT ……. 7.5% ………………. 9.3%

    (N+A) …. 33.0% ……………. 39.6%

    NZF ……. 2.3% ………………. 3.5%

    According to calculations conducted by my own fair hands.

  8. Cricklewood 8
    18 October 2020 at 10:16 am

    Let's see now how left this Labour party really is now Winston is out of the picture.

    Start unpicking Rogernomics?

    Unpick the Bradford reforms and nationalize electricity?

    Kick Ruthenasia for touch and restore benefits to a liveable amount?

    Proper tax reform?

    Now is the time and the mandate us clear.

  9. joe90 9
    18 October 2020 at 10:30 am

    Results in the true blue booths of south Taranaki and local knobs rocks shows just how unpopular Harete Hipango was in Whanganui.

    https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/statistics/pdf/62_ElectionDay.pdf

  10. Stuart Munro 10
    18 October 2020 at 10:58 am

    Well, if Labour were awaiting a mandate they've run out of excuses.

    Particularly pleased to see Chloe made it – gives the Greens a bit more heft.

    Even the resurgence of the Maori party is healthy – the issues dear to their constituency cannot be neglected with impunity.

    Smart transformation for a probably warmer post-Covid world looks like the job. Vanity projects like hydrogen are best shelved, and massive infrastructure concepts like Onslow need to be weighed very carefully – they're not a magic bullet.

    The management of transitions is always challenging. Moving away from a dependence on commodity production and cheap third world labour, and real estate bubbles, to make creative use of our skills and assets. Planning sensible production strategies for a warmer drier climate might be a good investment, as would restoring rivers instead of greenwashing the status quo.

    Above all, avoid tragic compromises.

  11. WILD KATIPO 11
    18 October 2020 at 11:11 am

    Was indeed a spectacular win, I had a gut feeling it would go this way, including the Greens gaining around 9-10 seats and Chloe's amazing taking of Auckland Central. But now the work begins on that 'transformational' thing. Has this govt got the consensus and the spine to truly dismantle neo liberalism, – or even its most pernicious aspects? Will it risk forming a coalition purely so the Greens and / or the Maori party can fill the role of scapegoat that was left by NZ Firsts demise from parliament? And one can suspect, if this govt does not fulfill its promises, and merely extends its promises to hope 'sometime in the future',…it risks that being translated into a far less spectacular political appeal at the ballot box in 2023…

  12. Sanctuary 12
    18 October 2020 at 11:29 am

    My thoughts

    1/ the end of a style of dirty politics that began with Muldoon and ended with the total rejection of Collins

    2/ The end of the road for the credibility of huge swath of MSM punditry. Too many of the commentariat were shown up to be out of touch and out of time.

    3/ On the MSM in general were big losers. An obsession with horse race politics and gotchas was exposed as totally out of sync with the public mood they pretend to know and interpret. Their should be some serious re-thinking of the click bait driven race to the bottom, heavy on reckons media stytle but the problem then is the business model is no longer viable – so what else?

    4/ 85% or so turn out with on the day enrollment and easy voting means a youthquake most likely happened – Chloe is the best evidence of that but Jacinda surely benefited as well.

    5/ The neoliberal settlement is basically dead. National have to go away and update their policies for the 21st century and permanent austerity and a fetish on doing less with more to fund tax cuts is now no longer politically viable.

    • woodart 12.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:03 pm

      good post sanctuary. media need to learn they are there to REPORT the news, NOT make the news. good point about a youthquake. will be interesting to see the amount of young voters this election. think the nats have got huge problems going forward with very limited appeal to a changing ,more diverse population.after last night, there lineup is even more pale,stale and male.

      • roy cartland 12.1.1
        18 October 2020 at 12:15 pm

        Very good points, sanc. Given the youth quake possibility, they should factor this in to their progressive planning. Less need to try to please that fusty 'centre', as millennials (with millennial ideas on climate etc) will be a much more powerful voting bloc in 2023.

    • Draco T Bastard 12.2
      18 October 2020 at 12:27 pm

      …but the problem then is the business model is no longer viable – so what else?

      Capitalism has the answer – private style MSM dies with a whimper.

      Time to go back to state funded journalism that only reports the truth and the facts. No opinions, no entertainment – just the facts and the research.

      Let the private media try to get by on failing entertainment.

      The neoliberal settlement is basically dead.

      It would be nice if the new government acted on that fact but Labour has shown that neo-liberalism is embedded in its bones despite Ardern saying that capitalism failed.

    • Gabby 12.3
      18 October 2020 at 1:24 pm

      The Dirty Politickers will take the learnings that they have to lie bigger and smear harder, of course. If Hammish Proz and Democracymuck don't give themselves strokes at the exact same time I will be surprised.

    • newsense 12.4
      18 October 2020 at 3:12 pm

      Think 1, 2 and 5 are not on the money.

  13. Bazza64 13
    18 October 2020 at 11:45 am

    Well done to Jacinda & the team. Act also did well & got my vote, I would have voted for National but thought a lot of what David Seymour did re the euthanasia bill & ensuring we continue to have free speech is worth backing.

    It may be that without Labour needing the greens to pass legislation the new government may be slightly more centrist than if the greens were required. There was some talk of National supporters voting Labour as a strategic vote against the greens, but in reality I think most voters trusted Jacinda & liked the fact that she really connected with the people.

    Judith was just a bit too matronly for most people, but I had to agree with her comment about weight loss being a personal issue.

    The big shock was the rural areas that were always safe for National, so definitely a change in the wind.

    • Draco T Bastard 13.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:31 pm

      Judith was just a bit too matronly for most people

      Matronly:

      1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a matron; maturely dignified; stately.
      2. characteristic of or suitable for a matron.

      Yeah – no. Definitely does not apply to Collins.

      People are just sick of her Dirty Politics.

  14. WILD KATIPO 14
    18 October 2020 at 11:58 am

    @Sanctuary

    4/ 85% or so turn out with on the day enrollment and easy voting means a youthquake most likely happened – Chloe is the best evidence of that but Jacinda surely benefited as well.

    If it is true that a youthquake occurred that is wonderful news. That young people have been captured by not only Aderns magnetism and her party but also Chloe Swarbrick and the Greens. It was a magnificent thing to see Swarbricks controlled excitement last night and she demonstrated quite an assertive and insightful determination for the future. I think she will do Auckland Central, and the Greens exceedingly well.

    5/ The neoliberal settlement is basically dead. National have to go away and update their policies for the 21st century and permanent austerity and a fetish on doing less with more to fund tax cuts is now no longer politically viable.

    I sincerely hope you are right. But there will always be those who benefit from those conditions and will donate to ensure the neo liberal consensus is maintained. These are powerful lobby groups like the NZ Initiative who care not which party is in but only if their politico/ fiscal policy's are enacted. They are the 'sharks' circling the waters in the murky depths…

    I see the only way to dismantle neo liberalism is to do exactly what the 4th Labour govt and Douglas did, -in his view, – '' to keep moving quickly so any opposition has no chance of rallying''. Basically to keep any opposition off balance and ineffectual and basically again , – political Blitzkrieg. Ideally, now is the time, but … we will see.

    In fact, this massive win by Labour has now become their own publicly announced litmus test by which they will be judged on. If they don't perform in the manner expected and announced,.. we will indeed see just what the agenda really has been all along.

    • Draco T Bastard 14.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:43 pm

      Labour/Greens have the mandate (and it is a true mandate) to undo Rogernomics and start making NZ a place where everyone can prosper and not just the few at the top. And, yes, they need to act as fast as the 4th Labour government did in giving us Rogernomics.

      And that change needs to drop the focus on farming that and be a full, integrated, development of the economy across all sectors. Manufacturing from local resources to supply NZ with what it needs and a little extra for export. R&D to ensure ongoing improvements and an educational emphasis that supports the R&D.

      A massive development that sees the destruction of many jobs as they're replaced by automation but comes with a corresponding increase in jobs in education and R&D.

  15. Mika 15
    18 October 2020 at 12:18 pm

    I really want to see the Labour government take this incredible mandate and do something truly transformative. Health, housing, and poverty are all in desperate need of addressing. We need to grab this opportunity for substantive change without fear.

  16. swordfish 16
    18 October 2020 at 12:24 pm

    .
    A few Questions for you avant-garde Auckland Types with your fancy Post-modern Hairdos (if you'd be so kind as to reply at your earliest convenience)

    I'm thinking of looking at the geography of the Vote (incl the swing). Amongst other things, I want to break Auckland down into its constituent regions … (1) Central/City …… (2) East …… (3) West …… (4) South …… (5) North Shore.

    Q1: Where the hell does Panmure-Otahuhu go ? I've tentatively stuck it under Central/City … but seems a liitle bit East & a little bit South as well.

    Q2: Upper Harbour … North Shore or West ? … (have it under NS at moment)

    Q3: Whangaparaoa .. include in NS ? … otherwise would need to go under Upper NI Provincial

    Q4: Papakura = presumably South ? (given overwhelming majority of voters in this seat are located in southern extreme of Urban Auckland). But clearly larger rural component than other Auckland seats.

    Throw this parochial old Wellingtonian a friggin bone for Chrissakes ! Or I’ll have the Rozzers onto ya.

    • Draco T Bastard 16.1
      18 October 2020 at 1:13 pm

      Thinking about it, we probably need to move away from the compass directions and actually start referring to areas by their names as each area is more diverse than the four points of the compass allow.

    • Molly 16.2
      18 October 2020 at 3:31 pm

      Replied on the other post, but after reading DTB's comment agree with him that the division is probably unnecessary.

    • Mad Plumber 16.3
      18 October 2020 at 5:49 pm

      The other thing to dug into would be where the votes came from in Rangitata obviously a large part would have come from the farming community.

  17. Just Is 17
    18 October 2020 at 2:20 pm

    I found Seymours interview with Tova Obrien a bit unusual, he claimed 10% of his support was from disenfranchised Labour voters, I don't have any faith in his mathematic ability when you consider his percentage of the vote coupled with National you end up with 37%, what you would have expected from National alone.

    Act have simply recieved Nats votes, for obvious reasons.

    The most interesting outcome for me was the fact that in all seats won by National, the voters in each electorate chose Labour in a majority for the party vote, that must have hurt, both Pakatanga and Botany had a huge majority for Labour in the party vote but the candidates won the seats.

    Sad to see Winstons lot go by the wayside, I feel it was semi self inflicted, when you complain about the efforts of a Govt that you were a part of, voters become confused about what they stand for which resulted in low support them.

    • Treetop 17.1
      18 October 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Now that Seymour has a caucus, I gave it some thought on his party leadership being challenged in a couple of years. Interesting times ahead for Act and a laugh or two along the way for an unprecedented number of new MPs in a political party.

    • Andre 17.2
      18 October 2020 at 4:59 pm

      … in all seats won by National, the voters in each electorate chose Labour in a majority for the party vote …

      Not quite. National won the party vote in Epsom handily, and just squeaked out party vote wins in Taranaki, Waikato, Tamaki. In these last three the margins are just a few dozen to a few hundred, small enough it's not inconceivable that specials will flip one or more to Labour.

  18. newsense 18
    18 October 2020 at 3:16 pm

    Lot of talking about not taking the new votes for granted.

    Very important to not take your volunteers, members and long standing voters for granted either or they won't turn up to help you next time. Many Labour voters still remember the 80s and have been patient, but new votes gleaned from National shouldn't be given as a reason to sit still.

    You have to lead and take them with you, not leave us behind.

    • RedBaronCV 18.1
      18 October 2020 at 3:46 pm

      Yep – looks like around 10% have come across from righter pastures – but that still leaves about 50% further over on the left.
      So there is now no excuse for not taking bolder action.

      My list would be:

      -moving the inequality lever back with a focus on higher taxes and employment laws

      -repurposing government welfare payments by cutting costs like power and rents – so house building and electricity market reforms.

  19. RedBaronCV 19
    18 October 2020 at 3:49 pm

    And we could all look at any other organisations we belong to and challenge any narratives that belong to the neo lib era. And make sure that they are prioritising training our young etc.

  20. veutoviper 20
    18 October 2020 at 4:19 pm

    The Green negotiation will be more complex. My personal preference is that they enter into a formal coalition. The Greens will give the Government much needed focus on climate change and transport.

    Micky, that may be your preference, but having watched Ardern's press conference this afternoon after her meeting with a number of her main Cabinet colleagues, I suspect that there may well be no formal negotiations with the Greens re coalition or any other form of agreement.

    Ardern made it very clear that she intends to form a Government within the next 2 – 3 weeks before the final results are known as Labour has a clear mandate to do so and she has discussed this with the GG. While she has had a quick talk with the Green leaders and will talk to them further in the next week, she was pretty clear IMO that Labour will be firmly in control of the makeup of the new Government and its direction, policies etc.

    Here is the link to the video of the press conference, but it does not actually start until 15 minutes in, and JA's part runs until about 33 mins when she hands over to Chris Hipkins to answer questions re the new community case of Covid-19 who tested positive yesterday.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/428621/government-will-be-formed-within-the-next-two-to-three-weeks-jacinda-ardern

    • weka 20.1
      18 October 2020 at 6:37 pm

      if Labour intend to not negotiate with the Greens, why not form govt this week?

      • Mika 20.1.1
        18 October 2020 at 7:10 pm

        "if Labour intend to not negotiate with the Greens, why not form govt this week?"

        I read situation more about waiting to see if the Maori Party are in or not, rather than around the Greens.

  21. mikesh 21
    18 October 2020 at 6:48 pm

    I wondered if their might be any appetite in the new parliament for amending the electoral act to lower the threshold. Since it requires a 75% majority in favour National could, holding 35 seats, block such a move, but would they. In 2023 they may need support from ACT, who could fall below 5%.

    I can't see anyone wanting to change the 'coat tails' provision; or wating to get rid of overhangs.

    • Incognito 21.1
      18 October 2020 at 7:09 pm

      On the current provisional result, it would make no difference even if the threshold was 3% and the same applies to 2017. The Candidate vote is essentially FPP so as long as one beats the other candidate(s) by one vote one gains a seat. Personally, I think this is inconsistent and it should be changed.

      • mikesh 21.1.1
        18 October 2020 at 9:30 pm

        A 3% threshold may well have brought about different results in 2017 and 2020.

        • Incognito 21.1.1.1
          18 October 2020 at 9:31 pm

          How do you work that?

          • hanswurst 21.1.1.1.1
            18 October 2020 at 9:56 pm

            Probably by reasoning that some voters probably saw, for instance, NZ First on 2.5%, and concluded that a vote for them would be wasted. Such a voter might well think differently if the threshold were 3%.

            • Incognito 21.1.1.1.1.1
              18 October 2020 at 10:04 pm

              In other words, a shift of votes towards minor parties? That would be a good thing IMO. As it stands, we’ll have only five parties in Parliament, and possibly only four, which will be dominated by Labour. In addition, we’re likely to end up with a single-party Government for three years.

    • froggleblocks 21.2
      18 October 2020 at 8:45 pm

      Just make it a binding referenda. Difficult for National to argue against that.

  22. Stuart Munro 22
    18 October 2020 at 7:42 pm

    Cullen has come out with a 'let's do nothing' recommendation no mandate to scare the centre. Odd, since little things like mandates have never troubled neolib Labour at all.

    • greywarshark 22.1
      18 October 2020 at 9:44 pm

      What a disgraceful POV from Sir Michael Cullen. And Geiringer’s view is no doubt strictly legal. But when you are thinking about law-makers then you have to allow some flexibility. Everyone knows you can’t stand in the street yelling out the amendments needed or you’ll just scare the horses. After introducing neolib Labour can’t go all coy and say it wouldn’t be right not to stick strictly to what we said. Do it while you can, you ,,, write your own description!

      KCMG – Can either mean "Knight Cross of the Order of St. Micheal and St. George" or
      "Kindly Call Me God"

      (From "Yes, Minister")
      Bernard Woolley: In the service, CMG stands for Call Me God. And KCMG for Kindly Call Me God.
      Hacker: What does GCMG stand for?
      Bernard: God Calls Me God.       https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=KCMG

      One of the things that we need to do is to limit the number of times that pollies can stand so that they don't start building their own comfort into their action plans. It's not what about the children, it's what about the citizens who give you power and you don't even try to use it on their behalf.

      • Stuart Munro 22.1.1
        18 October 2020 at 10:53 pm

        Korean presidents get one term. They have to do it now – no second chances. Partly in response to Park's extended term – but in fact a very healthy rule.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 23.1
      18 October 2020 at 9:14 pm

      100%.

      I know a few new / young voters who love Ardern and voted Labour, and they honestly thought Labour will alleviate poverty and lessen inequality etc. Most of them were completely unaware of any actual Labour policy, or of Labour's complete rejection of policies to address inequality such as the Wealth Tax etc. These same voters are actually supportive of things like wealth taxes too!

      I hope Labour will deliver better than their apparent policies and beliefs – you can't address poverty, disadvantage and inequality…..without actually doing something about them.

      Ardern and co handled the Mosque murders and Covid 19 admirably – and that is a good reason to give them a vote. But they are certainly not promising to materially alter poverty and disadvantage in NZ, so far as I can see.

      • greywarshark 23.1.2
        18 October 2020 at 9:33 pm

        PM Ardern seems so trustworthy and caring – the young ones haven't been disillusioned yet. If PM Jacinda can't get anything done by the end of the first year she ought to resign. It's a waste of time her carrying on putting her health and her parenthood at risk otherwise. She will have done her great achievement by winning twice, and then could leave or threaten to, if Labour wants to sit on its fat bum and not atone for its infantile rush to embrace Treasury's cold dogma.

        But a bustling on with the necessary policies putting people at the centre and rational ideas would mend some holes in belief. Srategy plans that have at the top of the page –

        * What is it we want to achieve, and what is the quickest and cheapest way to start a difference?

        * Can we get a monitoring group of citizens from varied and experienced, knowledgable backgro

        * What will make the most difference, and what are the next two lines that would support the first, and make it even more effective? That sort of 'outcome-based' practical grassroots approach would please those concerned I would think.

  24. Peter 24
    18 October 2020 at 9:40 pm

    For the average punter was it about a 'significant move to the left?'

    I would have thought that for most it was from relief at the Covid handling, the fact that Judith was seen as a bitch, that being 'trusted with the economy and Hooton' was a joke, that on further reflection the Christchurch rebuild and longstanding cock-ups was too much, that some MPs like some Hamilton ones were dorks, that the 'team' they were in was strong and ready one not a rabble, and so on. And the Ardern factor.

    Next time around could it possibly be that merely having a number of those things different there is a parallel significant move to the right?

  25. Jackel 25
    18 October 2020 at 10:16 pm

    We on the left should know the deal. Without a serious reworking of capitalism, risky for a small nation like NZ to undertake, the structural inequality embedded within society that we seek to remove will remain. Short of this all that can be done is various redistributive policies and attempts to reach ever receding emissions targets. Transformation, real change and delivery, I wouldn't hold your breath.

  26. Naomi 26
    18 October 2020 at 11:08 pm

    If Labour intends on becoming a watered-down, slightly kinder centrist party determined to pacify those soft National voters at the expense of its left-wing base, then their biggest opposition in 2021-2023 could well be people like myself.

    Labour truly pissed me off during their campaign by outright rejecting (again) both the CGT and the Greens' wealth tax, which are essential to stop the property speculation madness, increase revenue for public services, and redistribute income to the poorest 50% of Kiwis, who collectively own only 2% of the nation's wealth.

    It's a weak excuse to claim there is insufficient support for such a tax – things have moved on since 2020, and now even mainstream economists are arguing strongly in favour of it.

    So for the first time in my life, I gave my party vote to the Greens in a bid to keep Labour honest and progressive, and I'm certainly not regretting that decision this morning. Perhaps other Labour supporters will regret that they didn't tack further left.

    • Mack 26.1
      19 October 2020 at 2:50 am

      Exactly Naomi, we need to get rid of those dumb, reactionary, fat, ugly, filthy rich, cigar huffing, mysoginist, capitalist pigs. oh yes. WHITE capitalist pigs.

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    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 hours 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 hours 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
    3 hours 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
    5 hours 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
    6 hours 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
    8 hours 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
    15 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    23 hours 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
    23 hours 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
    23 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, 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?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • In Whose Best Interests?
    On The Spot: The question Q+A host, Jack Tame, put to the Workplace & Safety Minister, Act’s Brooke van Velden, was disarmingly simple: “Are income tax cuts right now in the best interests of lowering inflation?”JACK TAME has tested another MP on his Sunday morning current affairs show, Q+A. Minister for Workplace ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Don’t Question, Don’t Complain.
    It has to start somewhereIt has to start sometimeWhat better place than here?What better time than now?So it turns out that I owe you all an apology.It seems that all of the terrible things this government is doing, impacting the lives of many, aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ per se. Those things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 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 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    19 hours 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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    20 hours 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
    22 hours 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 - ...
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    22 hours 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 ...
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    1 day 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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    1 day 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 ...
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    1 day 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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    2 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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    2 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
    2 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    2 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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    3 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
    3 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 ...
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    3 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 ...
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    3 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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
    5 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 ...
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    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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