Labour Reshuffle

Written By: - Date published: 1:49 pm, February 25th, 2013 - 211 comments
Categories: labour - Tags:

Annette King, Phil Twyford, David Clark and Shane Jones to the front bench.

Moroney and Little promoted and given added responsibilities.

Mallard sent to the backbenches, where Cunliffe stays (although now with portfolios).

Hipkins to Education full-time.

They’re already in order here (although only first 20 are “ranked”, and if Clark is “front bench” the front bench now extends to 12…)

–

1 David Shearer – Leader; Security Intelligence Service; Science and Innovation
2 Grant Robertson – Deputy Leader; Employment, Skills and Training; Arts, Culture and Heritage
3 David Parker – Finance; Attorney-General
4 Jacinda Ardern – Social Development; Children; Assoc Arts Culture and Heritage
5 Clayton Cosgrove – SOEs; Commerce; Trade Negotiations; Assoc Finance
6 Annette King – Health
Pending final AG Report: Shane Jones – Regional Development; Forestry; Assoc Finance
8 Phil Twyford – Housing; Auckland Issues; Assoc Environment
9 Maryan Street – Environment; Disarmament and Arms Control; Assoc Foreign Affairs (ODA)
10 Chris Hipkins – Education; Senior Whip
11 Nanaia Mahuta – Youth Affairs; Māori Development; Assoc Education (Māori)
12 David Clark – Economic Development; Small Business
13 Sue Moroney – ACC; Early Childhood Education; Women’s Affairs
14 Su’a William Sio – Local Government; Pacific Island Affairs; Inter Faith Dialogue; Assoc Foreign Affairs
15 Phil Goff – Foreign Affairs & Trade; State Services; Defence
16 Darien Fenton – Junior Whip; Labour (incl Health and Safety); Immigration; Assoc Arts, Culture and Heritage
17 Damien O’Connor – Primary Industries; Food Safety
18 Clare Curran – Communications and IT; Broadcasting; Open Government; Assoc Economic Development
19 Andrew Little – Justice; Tourism
20 Megan Woods – Tertiary Education; Assoc Science and Innovation; Assoc Transport (Christchurch)

Remainder of Caucus listed by length of time in the House

Trevor Mallard – Shadow Leader of the House; Internal Affairs (incl Ministerial Services); Sport & Recreation; Assoc Finance
Lianne Dalziel – Canterbury Earthquake Recovery; Civil Defence & Emergency Management; Earthquake Commission; Associate Justice
Ruth Dyson – Conservation; Senior Citizens; Disability Issues; Land Information
David Cunliffe – Revenue; Fisheries; Assoc Finance
Parekura Horomia – Māori Affairs; Treaty Negotiations
Moana Mackey – Climate Change; Energy & Resources
Iain Lees-Galloway – Transport; Veterans’ Affairs; Assoc Health (Alcohol and Drugs)
Raymond Huo – Building & Construction; Statistics; Associate Ethnic Affairs
Rajen Prasad – Ethnic Affairs; Social Inclusion; Assoc Social Development
Kris Faafoi – Police; Corrections; Assoc Health (Aged Care)
Carol Beaumont – Consumer Rights & Standards; Associate Employment, Skills and Training
Louisa Wall – Community & Voluntary Sector; Assoc Health (Inequalities); Assoc Sport and Recreation
Rino Tirikatene – Customs; Assoc Māori Affairs
Ross Robertson – Assistant Speaker; Racing; Assoc Disarmament (Small Arms)

211 comments on “Labour Reshuffle ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. One Tāne Huna 1
    25 February 2013 at 1:56 pm

    Not too bad really. Cunliffe’s talents are under-utilised, though.

    • Bunji 1.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:17 pm

      With Revenue & Assoc Finance he’ll be right back into the tight 4 of finance (with Parker, Clark on Econ Dev & Cosgrove on SOEs/Commerce), even without a position.

      But interesting that he gets fisheries off Jones – a good sign that some of Jones’ defence of the Fishing Industry was going a bit far? Now if they could only stop him talking about the Greens as well…

      • Anne 1.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:12 pm

        With Revenue & Assoc Finance he’ll be right back into the tight 4 of finance (with Parker, Clark on Econ Dev & Cosgrove on SOEs/Commerce), even without a position.

        I think you might be dreaming Bunji. More likely they (2 of them anyway) will undermine or misconstrue just about every contribution he tries to make.

    • JBug 1.2
      25 February 2013 at 3:27 pm

      Dumb dumb dumb – This is neither merit-based nor putting our best foot forward. Need our best and our brightest on the front bench. Leaving people like Cunliffe and Louisa Wall languishing on the back bench is only proof that people are scared of him – not that they are keen for the LP to win in 2014. Doesn’t do anything to unify the party either…

    • dancerwaitakere 1.3
      25 February 2013 at 3:36 pm

      For fuck sake.

      I just listen to the press conference, Shearer said re: Parker that he has “led the debate on the transformation of our economy” and that “there is no-one in the parliament with the depth of understanding of the challenges we are facing [other than Parker].”

      What complete and utter bullshit.

      • JK 1.3.1
        25 February 2013 at 8:19 pm

        Agree dancerwaitakere. Its a real insult to Cunliffe for him to be made underling to the likes of Parker.

        • onsos 1.3.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 11:22 pm

          It’s a shame, because he has shown real talent and conviction, but Cunliffe’s position is of his making.

          He’ll be back. The party will bring him back into the fold.

          • xtasy 1.3.1.1.1
            26 February 2013 at 2:52 am

            “onsos” – excuse me, who is “the party” on your mind when saying this?

            • Tony 1.3.1.1.1.1
              26 February 2013 at 3:40 am

              Absolutely agree with onsos. Having interviewed David Cunliffe, it’s apparent he’s an intelligent man and a talented politician, but he is where he is because of his actions. What is most important right now is solidarity. Despite good intentions and intelligent debate, the notion of solidarity is definitely something many contributors on this website fail to understand or perhaps care about.

              • Colonial Viper …
                26 February 2013 at 7:07 am

                it’s apparent he’s an intelligent man and a talented politician, but he is where he is because of his actions.

                Yeah thanks for absolving the ABCs of their bullshit manufactured drama and knifing during and after Conference last year, what a great analysis from you.

                You may have conducted an interview, but you didn’t uncover much did you.

                Did Cunliffe foolishly leave his back exposed during Conference last year? Yes he did. But that’s probably because he didn’t expect the blade to be slipped in between the ribs by his caucus “mates”. What a rat ship.

  2. Pete 2
    25 February 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Good to see advancement for David Clark. He has made a mark in his first year. It’s a damn shame caucus is not mending fences and making use of Cunliffe’s talents.

    • Pete 2.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:17 pm

      It also seems to be a bit of a boys’ club, with only 35% of the top 20 being women. I think Louisa Wall should have had a nod for all her work on marriage equality.

    • JK 2.2
      25 February 2013 at 8:22 pm

      David Clark’s mark – as far as I can tell – is that he’s a numbers man. All his Red Alert blogs are about numbers. Where is the “people” instinct in that ? And putting him into economic development when he’s barely been in Parliament two years – that’s a laugh …… farcical …. if it wasn’t so sad. We’ve got a good economic development spokesman, and he’s been downgraded. And THAT is very sad. Bye bye Labour.

      • Blue 2.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 9:14 pm

        putting him into economic development when he’s barely been in Parliament two years

        David Shearer became the leader of the party after two and a half years in Parliament. Why let inexperience stand in your way?

        • Grassroots 2.2.1.1
          26 February 2013 at 6:52 pm

          This is really sad for Labour – cannot you see the mistake of putting David Shearer in the leadership role?

      • Bunji 2.2.2
        25 February 2013 at 11:12 pm

        David Clark’s numbers posts were because he was Revenue spokesperson. He’s a Presbyterian minister – there’s a fair amount of “people” instinct in that…

  3. DLHamiltonNZ 3
    25 February 2013 at 2:05 pm

    I’m just happy to see an attempt at renewal.

  4. r0b 4
    25 February 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Interesting!

    Mallard and Dalziel have allowed themselves to be shuffled down in the interests of renewal – bravo to them.

    I’m disappointed not to see Cunliffe back on the front bench (but I know that’s not how politics works in the “real world” – alas!)

    And just personally, congratulations to my MP David Clark – watch that man!

    All in all, not a bad job from Shearer.

  5. VivaciousViper 5
    25 February 2013 at 2:18 pm

    I am absolutely astonished that Lianne Delziel has been thrown out of the top 20,she has
    been a strong fighter for those in Christchurch and has been very good in parliament arguing
    for the people of Christchurch.
    I always felt that David Clark has promise,so, he deserves his spot.
    The reshuffle is an opportunity missed to show the public,voters,members that there
    is a democratic bone in the labour leadership and you don’t have to lick someones boots
    to rise to the top.
    It is incredulous that the Shearer leadership is continuing on a path of the divide and rule
    style of politics, if ever there was a need for the labour leaderhsip to be inclusive and
    concillatory was now, however what labourites have got is a fingerlicking hope that the
    winds blow fair and the masses follow.

    Well they won’t, rest assured.

    • muzza 5.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:30 pm

      Perhaps its the bad smell that hangs around her with the Peter Ellis case, among other things. Arguing for the people of ChCh, perhaps depends who you speak with, and about what!

    • Matthew Whitehead 5.2
      25 February 2013 at 7:10 pm

      While I can’t go into specifics, and I don’t directly deal with ministerial/MP enquiries, I can definitely say that from an internal EQC perspective I’m very happy that Lianne has gotten all of the disaster and EQ-recovery related responsibilities, she takes them incredibly seriously and her office works directly with us just as hard as she does in parliament for Christchurch, and she clearly deserves to be in Cabinet especially given the importance of her responsibilities.

      While we’ve gotten good support from the current government in a lot of ways, I’d really like to see how things would function if she had responsibility for the recovery, and what CERA might be like.

    • xtasy 5.3
      26 February 2013 at 2:59 am

      Was it on National Radio or whatever, Christchurch is NOT well presented in the new line-up, and that is a REAL worry, given it is still the second largest city, and the major centre down south. Now is David Shearer Mt Albert and Auckland centric, perhaps?

  6. dancerwaitakere 6
    25 February 2013 at 2:20 pm

    So the top 10 is blindingly ABC, making Jacinda Ardern perhaps the most left wing out of the top 10.

    Does anyone really think this is going to be a great progressive Government come 2014?

    If they wanted some real renewal, lets see Moana instead of Maryan. Louisa instead of, well, anyone of the other 19 on the list above. In fact hasn’t Louisa been an MP now long enough to qualify her for leader. But no, a hard working MP sits in the ‘unranked’ backbenches.

    Not too bad? I say it’s actually bloody shit.

    • Anne 6.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:58 pm

      Yes.

      It looks to me like all those who supported Cunliffe 15 months ago have been shunted down to/or remain at… the bottom of the heap. And you call that political nous? No, it’s idiocy and indicates that David Shearer is an integral part of the vendetta that continues to be waged against a handful of colleagues by a bunch of Labour Finks.

      I was a strong suppporter of Shearer once. Now its gone.

      I see Fink 2 is no 10. (Fink 1 is 21)

      • David H 6.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:38 pm

        Yep Nothing to make me even think of reconsidering leaving Labour for the Greens and this vendetta against Cunliffe and his supporters has to stop. And there is also nothing to wake up the 800,000 that said fuck ’em last time maybe it will be 1.5 Million this time. Yep and Shonkey wins by default.

    • Murray Olsen 6.2
      25 February 2013 at 3:38 pm

      Prefacing her mild opposition to the most draconian of NAct’s welfare bashing with the honorific “Comrades” is all that I can see that makes Ardern even remotely left wing. “Comrades, we agree that there is a problem with benefit fraud but think the National approach is slightly harsh, even though we won’t promise to repeal this anti-worker law, comrades” is a satire of student politics, not a left-wing contribution.

      • Rogue Trooper 6.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:07 pm

        Yep

      • xtasy 6.2.2
        26 February 2013 at 3:04 am

        Murray Olsen: WELFARE is NOT a PRIORITY for Labour according to the re-shuffle! Full stop, basta, realisation with a hammer hitting head, brain, promptu, claro now. I expected nothing else, and that exposes the two facedness of the present Labour Party.

        If you are a beneficiary, left there in despair, you are out there, hung to dry, by Nats, and Labour will do fuck all for you and me!

  7. Socialist Paddy 7
    25 February 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Four of the top ten are bloody ex parliamentary staffers. When is the Labour Party going to look like one?

    • ad 7.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Our top Socialist performer Darien Fenton gets Labour issues. Robertson gets Employment. Clark gets Economic Devleopment. Take your pick who will electrify the economy to generate the 200,000 full time jobs it now needs.

      Mind you can’t do a worse job than National.

      • Rogue Trooper 7.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:10 pm

        might be an ohm or two of resistance, yet,
        David Clark 🙂
        Darien Fenton 🙂 (could be worse)
        Big Dave as an Assoc.:) 🙂 🙂
        and
        Iain Lees Galloway 🙂

      • Colonial Viper 7.1.2
        26 February 2013 at 6:56 am

        I like you ad but you are being so seriously optimistic.

        “Socialist performer”? Why don’t you read Red Rattler’s contributions on The Standard and learn a bit moe about what “socialism” is, then apply That Standard to Fenton et al and see how much “Socialist performance” we actually have here.

        FFS Ronald Reagan and Michael Cullen were fraking socialists under your scale.

  8. Peter 8
    25 February 2013 at 2:31 pm

    Yep. It appears that factional loyalty means more than ability in the modern day Labour caucus?

    And also, doesn’t Grant Robertson’s workload seem a bit too light?

  9. KhandallaViper 9
    25 February 2013 at 2:35 pm

    This is NOT Renewal.
    This is NOT prmoting on the basis of talent!
    This is NOT putting a line under the Leadership doubts!

    What message is in this line-up that moight connect to the 800,000 who did not even vote?
    What message is in here that would inspre a young person to join Labour?
    What in the shuffle puts us in a better position to win in 2014?

    Are we going to continue to faill to land strong sharp punches when Key’s defence is down, ala Sky City, Education, Christchurch and GCSB?
    Are we going to send a message to our activist that if they show impatience they will be igmored?
    Are we coing to continue doing the same thing, hoping for a different outcome?

    Shearer will have to do a lot better in his re-shuffle next February. A Lot Lot better.

    • Marty 9.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:59 pm

      Exactly. Another year wasted, as far as I can see.

      • 4wardthinking 9.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 8:42 pm

        Exactly – agree – this is a half way to nowhere reshuffle. It has promise but doesn’t deliver. Is not using the best talent in the House either. Cunliffe is underutilised in the House already as far as I can see- except that every time he does speak he trounces the hell out of his colleagues with the number of views on YouTube (if that’s anything to go by). Not even his mother could hit those kind of numbers going at it every day. Sheesh Shearer, wake up and smell the puppeteers! You are better that that, surely?!

        • xtasy 9.1.1.1
          26 February 2013 at 3:10 am

          Reading the new Central Leader edition and other news in Auckland, Cunliffe is resigned now to save trees in the Waitakere area that is part of his Titirangi and New Lynn electorate. I do not blame him. If you are rejected and rejected (I can tell some stories), you finally resign and escape into something little, that makes you feel better. What else can you choose. Next he will likely head off too, working for WTO, ILO, UN of whatever organisation, or the EU may find him inspiring to solve their probs. Hey, endless opportunities overseas, that is what 40 to 50 plus thousands of “patriotic” “Kiwis” realise each year, aye?!

  10. ad 10
    25 February 2013 at 2:39 pm

    In that top 10, Cosgrove, King, Hipkins and Twyford have the power the make decent hits on the government. But pound for pound, they need fresh blood at the 2014 election to really best the newly refreshed National bench.

    Pretty surprised that Transport is taken off Twyford and given to Ian Lees-Galloway. Twyford has done a good job on it, and it’s totally interrelated with the Housing portfolio. If you get Transport right, you can tilt the whole Auckland electorate. If you win Auckland, you can (now) win the country. Does this signal they are readying Juie-Ann Genter for Transport- I think so. Odd move.

    Really odd that Maori is outside the main portfolios, and can be “handled outside of the front bench”. With the decline fo the Maori party in the polls there is a great opportunity to reclaim mana with Maori right across the country; the whole privatisation of further national assets is going to require major engagement. Wrong move.

    Same with Christchurch rebuild. It’s where the majority of non- social welfare expenditure is going to go in the next decade from Government: it needed better oversight that this. Wrong move.

    I’m not convinced by Street at 9; I’m sure she’s a senior figure but her portfolios don’t warrant the position, and she has been utterly ineffective. Wrong move.

    Can’t understand the gift of Economic Development to David Clark. I can’t see him staring down any boardroom in any part of the top end of town. Jones – much as he is greasy – can do that. I have heard him called lazy and incoherent in Parliament. Clearly he has supporters.

    Mahuta did well to hang on at 11; with a new baby and not really firing all of 2012, can’t see her being ranked solely on merit. I guess still better bet than a retiring Horomia.

    Cosgrove has the main dish for this year: whether can can really re-heat the anti-asset sale campaign at all. It’s completely out of the public mind now. And it’s yet to be seen whether he can land clean hits on anything. But he has good rhetorical sparkle, which does count on tv and radio.

    Put a line under those to 10 names and ask: will this lift the polls into enabling us to believe in a change of government? Only the future of the country hangs on that.

    • JK 10.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:30 pm

      To Ad – Mahuta is there because she’s Ratana – and anyhow when you demote your top Maori player, you have to have someone else up close (No 11) to cover that spot otherwise it looks like an insult to Maori.
      Actually demoting Parekura IS an insult to Maori. Shearer doesn’t know what he’s doing .

      And rOB how can it be “not bad ” for Cunliffe to be made junior to Parker ?

      Nope – this is not a good line-up. Mr Shearer’s so-called mediation and negotiating powers are nowhere to be seen. He’s kept all the rightwingers on the front bench, he’s thrown a nod to Pacific Islanders and Women with Su’a and Sue, and he’s left many Labour activists without much to cling on to.

      Interesting vote in Dom Post’s poll on Shearer’s reshuffle – good 30%, not so good 30% and bad 30% – with over 1100 votes. (Note these are approximate only – couldn’t be bothered going back to check for exact figures).

      • ad 10.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:44 pm

        Any shift in any Maori placement is going to put Maori noses out of joint, every time. It’s the most nuanced territorial role in the country.

        However here’s another metric: which of the front bench could initaite and write bold policy?
        – King can, and has already with Housing
        – Parker can, and with Cunliffe’s assistance was good with CGT
        – Twyford can, particularly in Transport
        – Robertson is certainly a good policy facilitator

        Of course there are others, who have not been included.
        But is this the core of the brains of the outfit?

        Is that enough, or do we need a fresh brain injection in 2014 intake before storming the heights wth policy is possible?

        • Colonial Viper 10.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 4:00 pm

          Labour Housing and CGT were “bold” policies? I think that’s underselling what the concept of “bold” actually means.

        • xtasy 10.1.1.2
          26 February 2013 at 3:16 am

          Labour, like Nats have done all the time, are “re-marginalising” Maori voters, that is clear.

          They think they get away with it now, since the Maori Party lost it’s power and credit, and even Hone is struggling with family issues that grow over his head, and that start to stain his Mana Party. This is EVIL stuff. Add the open immigration policies that both Nats, ACT and Labour have promoted for years, and Maori will be on the tiny margin and fringe for good, lost and betrayed once and for all.

          I am still mystified that tangata whenua give any of these f-ing big parties any credit and let them get away with all this BS.

          Hone is far too sort, and Maori Party are losers and sell-out artists.

          Maybe Tame Iti will come up with a new “movement”, aye???

  11. Don't worry be happy 11
    25 February 2013 at 2:40 pm

    The only shuffle I want to see from Shearer is “off”….Call this leadership? It’s pathetic.

    • Polish Pride 11.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:02 pm

      Then perhaps you’d like to outline what leadership is and what it is that Labour needs to do to A with regard to policy in each area and B: win the next election.

      • AmaKiwi 11.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:26 pm

        Get a charismatic leader with brains.

        • Polish Pride 11.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 4:11 pm

          And isn’t it sad that this is all that is required to win an election in this day and age.
          Don’t worry about good policy just be charismatic (in fact you don’t even need the brains).

          • AmaKiwi 11.1.1.1.1
            25 February 2013 at 4:40 pm

            @ Polish Pride

            I don’t know your occupation is, but it is definitely NOT sales.

            Life has ALWAYS been about selling, whether it is a product, service, or policies.

            • Arfamo 11.1.1.1.1.1
              25 February 2013 at 7:28 pm

              The problem is voters are now just being sold a face. And too many bought it. But the face – the product – has caused a lot of damage,

            • Polish Pride 11.1.1.1.1.2
              25 February 2013 at 9:15 pm

              No not in sales. I’m in the business of fixing shit thats broken. Something politicians clearly don’t know the first thing about.

              What Arfamo said below is unfortunately exactly right

            • Polish Pride 11.1.1.1.1.3
              25 February 2013 at 9:17 pm

              And if you think life is about selling, sadly you don’t know the first thing of what ‘life’ is about.

              • AmaKiwi …
                25 February 2013 at 9:37 pm

                @ Polish Pride

                I simplified. My life is NOT about selling. But too often people think because they have a great service or product or do a great job the public should reward them. Sales is about 1) understanding people’s problems; 2) solving those problems.

                You can be a mystic or an artist or whatever and take great satisfaction in it, but don’t get angry that you are poor.

                Likewise, a party can have what they imagine to be brilliant policies but they must understand what people’s problems are and explain how they will solve those problems.

                • Arfamo …
                  25 February 2013 at 9:42 pm

                  Well so far “the face” party in government hasn’t solved any problems. Just created more.

                  • AmaKiwi …
                    26 February 2013 at 12:48 am

                    Their supporters would disagree.

                    • Tony …
                      26 February 2013 at 4:57 am

                      Their supporters would disagree because their supporters that are being looked after – not the general population. And who are you calling charismatic? John Key?? They guy is a JOKE. Most people I know who voted National voted for “change” rather than for JK – he really only appeals to white, mainstream, “sales” type people anyway. Selling stuff is for people who either A) love money or B) lack talent

                • Polish pride …
                  26 February 2013 at 9:40 am

                  A good product sells itself…

        • The Pink Postman 11.1.1.2
          26 February 2013 at 4:07 pm

          Hitler was,a charismatic leader and like it or not had brains . The worlds still recovering .
          Shearer is a decent understanding leader who I have no doubt will turn out to be an excellent
          Social Democratic Labour PM. Just keep watching the Standard.
          However instead of finding fault just work to get those none voter out who were the reason we now have this dreadful gang of Right Wing ant worker Tories.

  12. Freddie 12
    25 February 2013 at 2:40 pm

    National’s number 5 minister is CERA. the labour spokesperson is an unranked backbencher. notagoodlook.com

  13. js 13
    25 February 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Isn’t Lianne looking at the Christchurch mayoralty?

    • JK 13.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:20 pm

      to JS – Lianne said recently she wasn’t interested in the Ch’ch mayoralty. Maybe this is a not-so-subtle tip to get her to change her mind. I hope she doesn’t.

  14. Russell 14
    25 February 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Curran. Open Government. Snigger. How do Standard commenters and posters feel about that one?

    • Colonial Viper 14.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:51 pm

      Well I think she really embodies the heart, soul and values of open government and open debate. 😈

      • Rogue Trooper 14.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:13 pm

        🙂

      • The Al1en 14.1.2
        25 February 2013 at 5:53 pm

        “I think she really embodies the heart, soul and values of open government and open debate.”

        Did you mean

        I think she really thinks she embodies the heart, soul and values of open government and open debate.

        😉

        • Colonial Viper 14.1.2.1
          25 February 2013 at 7:44 pm

          Yes especially that lol

        • Rhinocrates 14.1.2.2
          26 February 2013 at 4:50 pm

          I had a manager like her once – she was so narcissistic that she was convinced that the was “quirky” and “outrageous” and that everyone loved her for it (rumour had it that she idolised Ruby Wax and wanted to be like her). She cost the organisation hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements to people she abused.

          That organisation, led by a former Labour cabinet minister, can’t fire her because they can’t afford the payout she’d demand.

          That’s irony for you. >:(

    • QoT 14.2
      25 February 2013 at 5:00 pm

      Mainly I continue to chortle/cry at the label – a cliche so cliched the first episode of Yes Minister was named after it. Thirty-three years ago.

      • Colonial Viper 14.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:16 pm

        lol I had actually forgotten that…

        • IrishBill 14.2.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 5:31 pm

          I should probably mention that she’s still trying to get the National council to put rules in place for members who blog and censures for those who are deemed to have blogged inappropriately.

          • QoT 14.2.1.1.1
            25 February 2013 at 5:42 pm

            *headdesk*

            • Anne 14.2.1.1.1.1
              25 February 2013 at 7:03 pm

              Aren’t right-wing, neo-fascist viewpoints in the Labour Party looked upon with horror or has that now changed?

              • QoT …
                25 February 2013 at 10:13 pm

                Clearly it’s different when it’s Curran doing it, because, you know, she believes in Open Government! So it can’t be authoritarian bullshit!

          • Colonial Viper 14.2.1.1.2
            25 February 2013 at 7:48 pm

            Slow learners in that caucus 😈

          • Lanthanide 14.2.1.1.3
            25 February 2013 at 8:23 pm

            Wow, really?

            Does she realise membership is voluntary?

            • Socialist Paddy 14.2.1.1.3.1
              25 February 2013 at 9:24 pm

              Does she fecking realise that she owes a duty to her members to represent the best interests of the Labour Party and that they do not owe her an obligation of preserving her privilege.

              Time for someone to put their hand up for Dunedin South.

              • Colonial Viper …
                25 February 2013 at 9:47 pm

                A 4,200 majority to Curran. If a sitting Cabinet Minister decided to stand in that seat, that majority may start looking very very thin 😈

      • Matthew Whitehead 14.2.2
        25 February 2013 at 8:16 pm

        I’d settle for cliché. The way she does open government it’s bloody newspeak.

        That said, she does the admirable job of not completely sucking in the IT portfolio. It’s so easy to do so incredibly badly that I think that actually does deserve praise, even though she doesn’t really *get* IT entirely.

  15. AmaKiwi 15
    25 February 2013 at 3:24 pm

    “Mr Shearer said his decisions were based on choosing the best person for each job.”

    Except Shearer is not the best person to be leader.

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      25 February 2013 at 4:29 pm

      Major reshuffles like this must be run on the ability of capability and merit. The only relevant metric in choosing who goes where on the field is the winning strength of the team going into 2014.

      The shame is, I don’t think that this is what has happened here.

    • Tony 15.2
      26 February 2013 at 4:58 am

      Dude, you’re obviously a tory, so why do you care? Or are you just here to try and stir things up…?

      • Matthew Whitehead 15.2.1
        26 February 2013 at 10:45 am

        Tories are allowed to care about how a Labour government would be run, too, just as long as they aren’t concern trolling. The same way we give a hoot about which National MPs are ministers and cabinet members- because we want competent people in important jobs, even if we don’t agree with them.

  16. Michael 16
    25 February 2013 at 3:25 pm

    ACC taken from a heavyweight (albeit down towards the bottom of the ranking) who knew something about the portfolio and given to a lightweight who knows little and probably cares even less. Ardern’s promotion could be seen as realization that welfare matters to Labour’s base but, OTOH, was probably for packaging reasons. I think Clark and Parker will work well together (they have before) but a shame Cunliffe remains outside. King didn’t do Ryall any damage in health last time; little chance she will do so this time round, either. Labour needs to have someone understudying Goff in Foreign Affairs and Defence; he won’t be there forever, while the Nats have screwed up both portfolios (thanks to McCully and Maestro Coleman).

  17. Alex 17
    25 February 2013 at 3:42 pm

    I find it incredibly hard to care about reshuffles generally, though I would just like to ask one pertinent question. Have any frontbenchers been matched with portfolios that reflect their careers before they entered parliament? If not, why not?

    • Colonial Viper 17.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:55 pm

      What if your career before Parliament was Parliament?

      Will Labour be able to show the electorate that it has what it takes to be different and to deliver, and hence to turn out the 800,000 who did not vote in 2011.

      18 months and counting down, to the next elections.

      • Skinny 17.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 4:48 pm

        Viper the Nats are doing the job for Labour r.e the hundreds of thousands of non engaged non voters. With all the nasty welfare/ privacy/ youth/ education etc policies the slackers will come out to vote national out. Should be a good contest between Labour & Greens as to who gets the huge party votes on offer.

  18. pollywog 18
    25 February 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Fa’afoi gets Police and Corrections?

    Nigga puhlease!…just cos he prolly got a few cuzzies on the inside don’t mean he knows shit about jack.

    Crushers gotta be pissing herself laughing thinking how this chump is gonna try keep her honest.

    • Skinny 18.1
      25 February 2013 at 4:36 pm

      Polly you have had too many crackers! Chris is a top guy in my books but I won’t be justifying that to you.

      Little should have got ACC ( scheming Sue?… I nod my head in disbelief) & associate employment Robbie needs a hand with all the jobs he has.

  19. tc 19
    25 February 2013 at 4:26 pm

    Congratulations to DS on making his first significant moves toward making labour an even smaller party in 2014.

    The old guard is expectedly featured, loose cannons (jones) and non performers (Curran etc) not demoted and obvious matches not made (Twyford keeping transport to go with housing, Little getting employment or similar) and DC being thrown a bone attached to some minders.

    The ‘peter principle’ in action as expected, the hollowen and advsiers like Hoots etc will be very pleased.

    • Socialist Paddy 19.1
      25 February 2013 at 9:32 pm

      Aye. It is almost as if ABC are setting Shearer up by making him make the divisions in Caucus even more stark. Cunliffe supporters are almost all demoted and Shearer supporters or those whose support he bought off are promoted.

      What is the bet that Robertson within the next 12 months stages a coup “in the interests of the party”. Shame he did not think about the interests of the party 15 months ago.

      And don’t get me started on Shane Jones. I bet he touted himself to both sides to get himself the biggest advantage.

      • tc 19.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 9:41 pm

        Relying on Jones to be an effective member of the team sums it up for me.

        The man’s never been anything but a loud mouthed, rude, self serving lazy ineffective member of both gov’t and opposition. In a word untrustworthy.

        • Socialist Paddy 19.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 9:49 pm

          Aye. The fecker is as much a socialist as I am a Monarchist. He is Labour’s version of Peter Dunne but without the social graces.

          He has done nothing for the party. Yet he has so much power?

          It is time for the members to take their party back from the careerists and timeservers and psychopaths.

  20. the sprout 20
    25 February 2013 at 4:38 pm

    Precisely the post of bullshit you can reliably expect from the ABCers ruling the Labour caucus.
    Talentless, divisive, myopic.
    A triumph of self-interest over duty – Roger Douglas would be proud.

  21. Annette King 21
    25 February 2013 at 4:42 pm

    For your information Michael I have never been up against Ryall . I left health in 2005. Two ministers followed me who were against Ryall as opposition spokesperson- Pete Hodgson and David Cunliffe.

    • David 21.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:31 pm

      I would say I wish you the best of luck Annette, but you don’t need it, you have a wealth of experience to draw on. It would be good to see some hits on Ryall, he’s got more teflon than DuPont. I am hoping that the people who don’t seem to match up to the portfolios ( I don’t need to elaborate, plenty of people already have) are in preparation for handing some portfolios to the greens. I have faith, I haven’t written off Labour in the least, but if you leave the greens in the lurch again, I will be getting on my soapbox.

    • George D 21.2
      25 February 2013 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks Annette. I look forward to you engaging the health sector against the mendacious Ryall.

    • VivaciousViper 21.3
      25 February 2013 at 6:46 pm

      @ Annette, great to see you engaging with us, you apply yourself well in the house,strong
      and articulate and i have often thought you would make a good leader.
      I have no faith in Shearer, would you consider the leadership at all ?

    • hush minx 21.4
      25 February 2013 at 9:29 pm

      It will be interesting to see you in action Annette, given your extensive experience in the portfolio, which I think dates back to opposition in the 1990s? But I am curious about how you choose to engage with commentators here. I seem to recall one of the previous times you came on there was a series of questions that you didn’t get back to.? From my experience watching stuff, I think one of the most important aspects of real engagement in this social media space is the art of following and replying. Of course we’re happy to know your reading but the next step would be cool too…

    • Rupert Snodgrass (stupid banned troll) 21.5
      25 February 2013 at 9:46 pm

      Full Moons.

      And teenaged boys.

    • Michael 21.6
      25 February 2013 at 10:17 pm

      I stand corrected, Annette. Go get him. May I suggest that a pledge by Labour to restore DHB cuts to Disability Support Services (in real terms, no faffing about with “details” that undermine the entire pledge – cf “income related” [sic] rents for HNZ tenants) and cancellation of contracts awarded to foreign loss-leaders, with no compensation, would be an excellent way for you to begin your new role.

    • xtasy 21.7
      26 February 2013 at 3:33 am

      Annette, I hope you will read the emails that a mate of mine sent to you and Ardern, re “Rising to the Challenge”, the NatACT agenda for mental health and addiction services for the coming 5 years!

      NO extra money, NO extra care that can be measured, NO support of relevance, much of lies, lies and more lies by a Nat led government, so now come you, in your new portfolio, being the “old” one, and on which I congratulate you, and which I picked correctly as being given back to you.

      That goes in line with the NatACT “welfare policies”, now before Parliament, about which your party has only offered “moderate” criticism, but hey, was it not the additional “health spend”, that was to make it all “work” and get sick and disabled into some form of work again???

      I look forward for your delivery of attacks and more, to the “rile” bastard on the other side!

      Your last chance this may be, to put your stamp on NZ politics to change for the better.

    • Anne 21.8
      26 February 2013 at 12:46 pm

      For your information Annette King I don’t think the Labour Party has an ounce of moral fibre left in its body. I started out my work career as a school dental nurse too, and I’ve followed your political career with much interest. I’ve been involved with the Labour Party in some form or another since the early 1970s and yes… I know where a few bodies are buried. Not yours I hasten to add – have to cover oneself these days with the paranoid mutterings coming from the third floor of Bowen House.

      So, what do we have now?

      A leader who thinks its smart politics to dump on anyone who didn’t vote for him in Dec 2011, and who continues to punish them. Pathetic. Now we know the real reason why Charles Chauval quit the nest. Perhaps Labour’s most fiercely intelligent legal mind too. And don’t anyone throw in the rejoinder he has denied it because he has no choice but to do so.

      A fellow called Chris Hipkins who calls a colleague a Fink… and then proves to be the one who is the Fink. The parliamentary leadership arranges for him to spy on the counting of a caucus “secret ballot” so he could leak the results to them… who voted what way etc. Pathetic.

      Another fellow called Trevor Mallard who has been leaking like a sieve to the media for how long? The past four years? Pathetic.

      But wait… they get rewarded. Yes, we all know Mallard’s demotion is a Clayton’s demotion..

      I could go on but I won’t… no wonder Labour is a divided mess, and the current parliamentary leadership team (official and unofficial) must take the vast bulk of the blame.

  22. AmaKiwi 22
    25 February 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Tomorrow I send in my LP membership renewal form . . . shredded.

    • George D 22.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:48 pm

      Go on then, you’ve been promising this for a while.

    • xtasy 22.2
      26 February 2013 at 3:38 am

      Always be mindful of the environment, recycle, re-use and have a safe wipe of your bottom if that saves water, other paper or whatever other resource that could be wasted instead. You are hero if you can do this AK, you are worthy, indeed.

  23. NoseViper (The Nose knows) 23
    25 February 2013 at 4:56 pm

    I think Jane Clifton was having a ‘go’ at TS when on Jim Mora’s Panel. She made some veiled remarks about certain bloggers being paranoid?, or something about the present leadership driving the decisions, and said that Annette King was very popular. Some people just can’t get beyond treating politics as a sporting contest, where picking the next winner is merely a talking point.

    • Anne 23.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:56 pm

      I think Jane Clifton was having a ‘go’ at TS when on Jim Mora’s Panel. She made some veiled remarks about certain bloggers being paranoid?

      Aha… now that is interesting!

      • hush minx 23.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 9:22 pm

        Well she probably hears more of the anti ts perspective than the pro to be fair… might help if she read it?

    • Puddleglum 23.2
      25 February 2013 at 6:34 pm

      I heard that too.

      I thought it a bit unwise for her to comment about suggestions by a few “fear and loathing prone people who tend to write on a few blogs” that people like King, Mallard and Goff are “evil people in control of the Labour Party“. She apparently found the suggestions ridiculous.

      Such a comment goes beyond political commentary and starts to look like personally defending particular politicians by going out of her way to ridicule their critics. The hesitant delivery suggests that she was aware that she was treading a fine line.

      Podcast is here

      The comment is about 19mins 40s into the tape for those interested.

      • jbug 23.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 8:56 pm

        I’m not sure Jane Clifton is in a very informed position to determine just how many people are represented on this blog – certinaly quite a few more than her “mate” in Parliament would probably like to admit?

        • KhandallaViper 23.2.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 9:48 pm

          Mora is a CRAP WEAK twit.
          The interview remonds me how much the innner wellington crowd id seperated form teh rest of NZ.

          List to it in full. BORING middle class salaried smug gits

    • xtasy 23.3
      27 February 2013 at 12:52 am

      NoseViper:

      “I think Jane Clifton was having a ‘go’ at TS when on Jim Mora’s Panel. She made some veiled remarks about certain bloggers being paranoid?”

      Yes, I get paranoid every time I have to think about what the hell goes on in NZ. I am not alone though!

  24. Craig Glen viper 24
    25 February 2013 at 5:03 pm

    ( Shaking head shaking head) We Labour are screwed, National could easily get a third term. Being a Labour member is like being a Liverpool support, aint won shit for a long time and isnt likely to win in the foreseeable future.

    • Colonial Viper 24.1
      25 February 2013 at 6:22 pm

      3 Tory terms is fairly common though, historically.

      And Labour only need to get 31% or 32% on E-day to take the Treasury benches. (Although Winnie would have to co-operate…)

  25. gobsmacked 25
    25 February 2013 at 5:16 pm

    David Shearer on Annette King: “She was voted 3rd most sexiest woman in Parliament” (speaking on Newstalk ZB).

    And it’s a prepared line, coz he’s just repeated it on Radio Live with Duncan Garner.

    Memo to David: ask Phil Goff about Liz Hurley. This really doesn’t work.

    • RedBaronCV 25.1
      25 February 2013 at 8:50 pm

      Nice bit of disrespect there for a senior politician. Hope Annette reads out the sexiest men list. Remind me again – how many women vote labour –

    • Arfamo 25.2
      25 February 2013 at 8:54 pm

      Please tell me he didn’t really say “most sexiest”. If he can’t even handle basic grammar what the hell is he any good at?

    • QoT 25.3
      25 February 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Also, even ignoring the sexist wank, it’s a piss-weak deflection from the fact that King is many things, but hardly a fresh new face to bring a fresh new approach to healthcare.

      • Ennui in Requiem 25.3.1
        26 February 2013 at 4:52 pm

        Fekk I hate agreeing with you, but it is such B Grade sexist wank. What sort of crass pillock would make such a pathetic statement? More to the point what sort of pathetic political party would allow this bunch of nonentities to parade as MPs? I am so bored with Labour.

  26. talavera 26
    25 February 2013 at 5:22 pm

    Imagine what would happen if Graham Henry/Richie McCaw left one of their star players on the bench during a key game – we would think they were idiots. I cannot think of any clearer sign of fearful and weak leadership than what Shearer has just done re: Cunliffe.

    If you want to win, field your strongest team – make the most of the talent you have.

    I’ve been a LP member in the past, but there’s no way I’d consider getting involved again while Shearer’s at the helm.

    • gobsmacked 26.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Shearer was asked by Larry Williams if Cunliffe was going to roll him: Shearer replied “Bring it on”.

      He made it clear he was joking but by then my head was already on the desk …

      • talavera 26.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 6:17 pm

        Sounds a bit like his recent comments that there is ‘absolutely’ room for homophobic views in the Labour Party. He has an unfortunate way of opening his mouth and thinking later – something that usually rules out a political career for most other people. The ABC crowd seem to be blind to this.

        If Shearer insists on staying around, please at least someone get him some media training!

        • felixviper 26.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 7:32 pm

          Too late for training talavera. The game is on. The ball is in play.

          He fumbles, he drops, he scores another own goal.

        • Arfamo 26.1.1.2
          25 February 2013 at 7:45 pm

          He’s had media training!! He just doesn’t have the nouse to apply it intelligently. They obviously told him he needs to sound tougerh so now he responds to media prods like a chest-beating gorilla and it just doesn’t work.

          • Arfamo 26.1.1.2.1
            25 February 2013 at 7:47 pm

            *tougher. Gawd. When will the edit function be fixed.

            • hush minx 26.1.1.2.1.1
              25 February 2013 at 9:32 pm

              Actually I think he’s had lots of media training and on an ongoing basis. Is goods to see that he has improved, though I guess you could argue it’s off a low base!

              • Socialist Paddy …
                25 February 2013 at 9:38 pm

                Aye I no longer cross my fingers hoping that he does not make a complete tosspot of himself and I am confident that he will be barely adequate.

                But FFS is this what we are allowed to expect? What other miraculous qualities does he bring to the job that allows us to ignore his rather large inadequacies?

                • Colonial Viper …
                  25 February 2013 at 9:41 pm

                  He can talk down an AK74 pointed to his face and save millions of people. Also something about being able to successfully negotiate with terrorists and rebels?

    • Hami Shearlie 26.2
      25 February 2013 at 6:06 pm

      Totally agree, talavera! The biggest idiot and worst leader that Labour have ever had is Shearer. The most arrogant EVER!! What kind of man would stand for the leadership, lose 9 out of 10 debates and STILL put himself forward?? They’ve given Cunliffe some portfolios to use his great intelligence and innovative thinking, yet have made sure he’s in the background so he can’t get any publicity or credit!! The ABC crowd are very used to the big fat salaries (some have been there since the 1980’s) and don’t want a leader who will shake things up – it’s all about keeping big salaries, and safeguarding personal advancement, much more important than the Labour Party membership and the general public who are suffering!!

      • Paul 26.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 7:53 pm

        Maybe some people wanted a ineffective Labour leader…or at least one who would not break the neo-liberal grip on this country if she/he won. Tony Blair was supported by business in the UK because he was never going to undo the Thatcherite revolution. The Labour right are too compromised by the events of the 1980s…after all, it was a cabal of them that ushered in NZ’s own revolution which turned it from an egalitarian society to the free market dog it remains today.

      • centro 26.2.2
        25 February 2013 at 9:49 pm

        I think the argument that the old guard are only there for the salaries isn’t the reason they stay. Politicians of their experience and stature would most likely get far higher paying jobs if they left. I think they just really believe in the direction the party is going which we may not all agree with but you can’t fault them for doing what they believe is best for the country.

        • Socialist Paddy 26.2.2.1
          25 February 2013 at 9:51 pm

          But they are proved wrong repeatedly. They do not have any principles and they cannot gain ascendancy in the opinion polls.

          They are double losers. They should feck off and let the next generation take over.

        • Colonial Viper 26.2.2.2
          25 February 2013 at 10:01 pm

          Politicians of their experience and stature would most likely get far higher paying jobs if they left.

          Please name 4 organisations which you believe would offer (or have offered) ex Labour Government ministers jobs paying $250K pa or more.

    • Ennui in Requiem 26.3
      26 February 2013 at 5:00 pm

      No talavera: ever heard on 10 man rugby? You play a bunch of forwards who have no subtelty, just bash and crash, plus a first five and half back whose instruction is to kick the ball. The other 5 backs are mere spectators, their job is to not offer anything that looks like flair or is risky. Labours list are entirely capable of the stodgy game plan, it requires little IQ, attempts nothing.

      The end result is the opposition lose because they try something and get shut down by the negativity, Labours 10 men win by one point, the crowd is bored and go home unhappy. They lose their fan base and produce far less than meets the eyes. Sad really.

  27. Coronial Typer 27
    25 February 2013 at 5:23 pm

    So if merit had been the sole criteria, which of the new Top Ten would be there?

    – Shearer? Wouldn’t make the top 20.
    – Robertson? Practically silent outside the beltway.
    – Parker? Hasn’t landed so much as a jab on Joyce.
    – Ardern. Has sustained good profile, without major damage onto Bennett.
    – Cosgrove? Hasn’t focused the anti- asset sale petition project, and should have made far stronger SOE hits. Maybe top 20.
    – King. Labour’s only standout policy in 5 years.
    – Jones? Should have had a slow public rehabilitation, nor pre-emptied public release of A-G report. Also wouldn’t make the top 20.
    – Twyford. Strong performer. One to unquestionably deserves the place, on merit.
    – Street? So risibly weak that should no longer be in Parliament.
    – Hipkins Great hits, but so’s a Piniata. Maybe top 10 as a growth prospect.

    Instead we get yet another slow revenge play, like Hannibal salting the fields before the Romans arrive.

    The best chance of beating National as a Labour team is to have your best performers ranked in the highest place. Not this.

    Anyone game to rank what a purely merit-based shadow Cabinet top 10 would look like?

  28. ad 28
    25 February 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Ok so here is the counterfactual, run as if (my version of) merit was the sole criteria. My version being that this would be the best bunch and best grouping from what we have in Labour now for changing the government. With attractive policy groupings.

    1. King. Leader, SIS.

    2. Cunliffe. Finance, Economic Development, Savings and Public Capital, SOE’s.

    3. Ardern Poverty Alleviation (replacing Social Welfare), Children

    4. Parker. Science and Innovation, Commerce, Attorney General, Justice

    5. Dalziell. Health, Senior Citizens, Superannuation

    6. Twyford. Housing, Transport, Auckland, Regional Development, Canterbury Rebuild

    7. Robertson. Environment, Conservation, Climate Change, Primary Industries, Food Safety

    8. Mahuta. Treaty settlements, Maori, Constitutional Reform, Internal Affairs

    9. Goff. Trade, Defence, Disarmament, State Services, Immigration

    10. Hipkins. Education, Tertiary Education, Maori Education

    • Colonial Viper 28.1
      25 February 2013 at 6:28 pm

      Finance is too big to have anything else substantial in there apart from maybe Savings and Public Capital which may be complementary.

      I reckon GFC part two is going to start up in earnest sometime during 2014 or 2015…who ya gonna call???

    • xtasy 28.2
      27 February 2013 at 12:58 am

      Re Ardern: What the hell is she doing?

      On Tuesday (yesterday, 26.02.) the Nats used staged questions to ask Bennett on the “success” of “reforms” in welfare, so she “sold” her “Future Focus” crap, as if it was the best selling item in town.

      Ardern, like on hundreds of other cases, sat there, never bothered to raise any “supplementary question”.

      She recently “profiled” herself in Auckland’s Central Leader paper, showing off with people from BAMA, a beneficiary advocacy service in Mt Albert. So what the f*** has Ardern done to help beneficiaries, or to raise their concerns, I ask? NADA!

      She should not have kept the social welfare portfolio, but then also, who else in Labour’s caucus would bother?

      • Ad 28.2.1
        27 February 2013 at 10:50 pm

        re: Robertson, curiously mute on Nick Smith’s decision to “call in” the proposed toll road to Fiordland, and also the monorail. Politicising what should be a full and independent hearing with full media and public scrutiny is simply wrong. Robertson should have shouted that out hard. There’s a surprising number of blue-greens in English’s electorate who would have welcomed the political support about their opposition to these projects.

        When Nick Smith assents the monorail (as we know he will), will Twyford or anyone else break out with a rendition of the Simpsons’ “Monorail Song”, just as Brownlee did to Twyford about Auckland’s City Rail Link?

  29. The Al1en 29
    25 February 2013 at 5:55 pm

    No game changer.

    Go back to your constituencies and prepare for government 😆

  30. Robert Atack 30
    25 February 2013 at 6:21 pm

    You can see very clearly that ‘the wankers’ are taking the most serious issues seriously …………….

    Moana Mackey – Climate Change; Energy & Resources

    Not knocking Moana, (I’m sure she is as inept as any of them) But the 2 main ‘issues’ we face don’t even get in the top 20, let alone #1
    WASF

  31. VivaciousViper 31
    25 February 2013 at 6:59 pm

    Here’s a new theme in answer to the ABC’s
    ‘ABS ‘ Anyone But Shearer’.
    There is ABS brakes,(i think), well they need to be applied and soon.

  32. Tim 32
    25 February 2013 at 7:28 pm

    “Labour Reshuffle”:
    a mediocre start that demonstrates some awareness of the life-long Labour voter’s pissed-offness. There’s till time before the next election to demonstrate that egos aren’t trumping representation.
    Not YET enough for a change though in my (and probably about 30 others in family & friends) to give a party vote to a left alternative (OTHER than Labour) even though they may reluctantly support a Labour electorate candidate (Robertson).

    The least worst option is no longer Labour especially when there are options where alternative political parties have shown a repeated commitment to principle, unlike Labour who demonstrate a paranoia towards highly intelligent, logical and rational candidates with ideas and a commitment that isn’t based on a sense of entitlement resulting from longevity as politicians.

    There’s time, but brinksmanship with the voter is not a good idea. For us – it’s no longer about opting out – but opting back in! as there is with many others.

    Best outcome – bovver boy at the back, but its a crying shame there’s not an over-ambitious, insipid little prick placed as doorman standing just behind the back bench.

  33. felixviper 33
    25 February 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Shit team.

    Sorry but there it is. It’s the reserves and the golden oldies.

    It’s like if the Nats put Collins and Ryall on the back bench and gave the top jobs to Aaron Gilmore and Tau.

  34. Truelabour 34
    25 February 2013 at 8:07 pm

    There are so many issues that stand out from this reshuffle but I’ve selected just three to highlight:
    1. Maryan loses Health because she didn’t scored hits against Ryall. Lets look back a few years. Straight after the 2008 election, Ruth Dyson is the Health Spokesperson. She loses the portfolio because she wasn’t deemed effective in the role (Ruth demoted). The porfolio is given to Grant Robertson. He doesn’t score any hits either but he continues on a trajectory of being promoted and now Maryan is demoted for under performing (how convenient that underperformance is ignored in some instances)
    2. Chris Hipkins is promoted in to the education spokesperson role because according to his caucus mates (the same ones who would have been put the resources behind him to get the publicity that he did get) he performed well while Mahuta was on maternity leave. In the ‘real’ world, if someone was seconded in to a role because a woman went on maternity leave, you couldn’t just dispense of her because you felt that her replacement had done a better job. But hey – who are we to hold the Labour Party to good employment law. It’s important to keep in mind here that the leadership never truly backed Mahuta as the education spokesperson – in fact I think it is fair to say that she was pretty much set up to fail (well done labour).
    3. Louisa Wall gets her marriage equality members bill up and does a stellar job of fronting the issue (the greens could have so easily run this issue) and yet, she doesn’t feature in the list of MPs promoted….?

    It’s this kind of thing that leaves a Labour voter shaking their head in dismay. You just want the party to GENUINELY get their shit together. One of Labours fundamental principles is ‘fairness’ but that doesn’t seem to factor in to labour caucus practice.

    • Arfamo 34.1
      25 February 2013 at 8:40 pm

      The only way Shearer is going to get any traction before the next election is probably for this crew to all now get their noses to the grindstone, get their media performances polished, and for him to let them front on all portfolio-related issues. He is a media disaster. If Labour are stuck with him, maybe he needs to rebrand himself completely as someone with a different style of political management, someone who will put together policy and manage that process, and then just direct and back his shadow cabinet. He should stop trying to match Key by mimicking his style and being the principal spokesperson. He can’t sell himself as an anti-Key. It doesn’t work. He’s not a “quick on his feet” thinker and that’s painfully obvious. The less he says, the wiser he sounds.

  35. RedBaronCV 35
    25 February 2013 at 8:58 pm

    At the very least you’d think self interest would click in.
    DC on the front bench would have dragged in a few more votes and brought a prime ministerial salary closer.
    Some how Shearer doesn’t have the perspective. This country has been in some sort of recession (high unemployment) for the bulk of the last 30 years, right wing induced, and he goes ” wages haven’t moved much since 2009.” Actually they haven’t moved much since 1989.

    • Arfamo 35.1
      25 February 2013 at 9:06 pm

      I agree. My fear is Labour under Shearer is going to turn out to be really only National-lite, fiddling at the margins, essentially maintaining the new right economic approach of the last 30 years. I’m looking for the party that has a better plan than simply a continuation these divisive and economically corrosive policies.

  36. saarbo 36
    25 February 2013 at 9:21 pm

    I recently went to a Labour party branch meeting, what a joke. I have concluded that Labour is in a mess. There is no way that this party could run an affective government when it cant even run its own party. I come back feeling disillusioned with Labour, so will join the Green Party.

    But realistically we are not going to have a strong left government in New Zealand without a strong Labour Party, certainly in the short term anyway. That is why the polls are not budging, even though National cant put a foot right. Danyl McLaughlan has hit it on the head “I’ve seen people on Twitter wondering how anyone could still support National, but if you think about the Shearer-led Labour/Greens/New Zealand First alternative, it’s hard to imagine that being anything other than a short-lived disaster. Centrist support for National seems very sensible from that perspective.”.

    If this Labour party do fail in 2014 then there needs to be a massive clean out and re build, personally I believe that is probably the best path for New Zealand long term.

  37. Truelabour 37
    25 February 2013 at 9:24 pm

    A shadow cabinet based on four things – merit, rejuvenation, public appeal and ability to perform with the portfolio:

    1. David Cunliffe (Economic Development and Revenue)
    – Whether the caucus likes it or not, DC is the best one to lead labour at this time. He’s smart and can speak competently to a range of issues. He’s also got much more public appeal than DS. The public need to believe that the the leader of the labour party can be the leader of the country.
    2. Andrew Little (Deputy leader – Employment Skills Training, Labour)
    – This is his area of expertise and it is what could win Labour the next election
    3. David Parker (Finance)
    – Only because if DC is in the leadership role there DP is the only other person really equipped to take on this portfolio
    4. Jacinda Ardern (Health, Arts Culture and Heritage)
    – Unfortunately she’s not ‘street’ enough to take on Paula. No one else has made a dent in Ryall but she works hard and will try to get him from every angle – it’s definitely worth a try. Auckland Central = Arts and JA hangs in those circles so makes sense that she also holds this.
    5. Grant Robertson (Environment and SOE’s)
    – He’s got more connections in the public sector than any other labour MP and has his hand on the pulse when it comes to SOE’s. The environment is something that could be a strength of his.
    6. Louisa Wall (Social Development, Children)
    – She’s tough and is like a dog with a bone when it comes to these types of issues. She could take it to Paula
    7. Sue Moroney (Education and tertiary)
    – Hardworking and knows the issues
    8. Phil Twyford (Housing, Auckland Issues and Transport)
    – Housing and transport are two major auckland issues. He’s competent and can cover these three things well.
    9. Lianne Dalziel (Justice, Attorney General, Earthquake recovery)
    – She has been under utilised. One of the most competent labour MPs. Should be acknowledged for being so.
    10.Nanaia Mahuta (Maori Development, Youth, Associate Education)
    – She seems to have resigned herself from having lost education but shouldn’t be under estimated. Give her these jobs for now but when labour wins the next election, she could take on any of the other big portfolios

    Note – when you look at the above line up you see a good mix of the two different camps. Its a unifying arrangement but one that works and doesn’t compromise Labour being able to put it’s best foot forward in the major portfolio areas. This is the stuff that could win Labour the 2014 election.

    • KhandallaViper 37.1
      25 February 2013 at 9:33 pm

      Spot on….nearly but not inspired..

      “Grant Robertson (Environment and SOE’s)
      – He’s got more connections in the public sector than any other labour MP and has his hand on the pulse when it comes to SOE’s. The environment is something that could be a strength of his.”

      The lad only knows planet government. He has not had a breath of air outside on the beltway.

    • xtasy 37.2
      26 February 2013 at 3:50 am

      It is largely dream stuff agenda but then again:

      “6. Louisa Wall (Social Development, Children)
      – She’s tough and is like a dog with a bone when it comes to these types of issues. She could take it to Paula”

      Now that could be addressing issues I face daily, but Ardern is to me like a useless opportunist with a lifestyle she chose to “live” politics, to “further” her later “career”, and while she only shows the odd bit of appearance (Central Leader on “BAMA”, Auckland, 20.02.13), she does FUCK ALL for the ordinary beneficiary, of whom I happen to presently be one of.

      Thank you Jacinda, you need to bloody learn and get the smell of sweat, stench and despair into your nostrils, before you even think of representing us!

      I see and hear NOTHING that you have done for us since you have been social security spokesperson. How the f-ing hell does anybody in a party like yours get such a “job”, if I may ask? Is this a put your name in the pot and we will draw the winner kind of game?

      Never to vote Labour ever again, for sure, thanks!

  38. KhandallaViper 38
    25 February 2013 at 9:29 pm

    Clare Curran has not delivered in her Telco role: she failed to analyse and challenge the Telecom Chorus split.
    Clare Curran has not delivered to the Labour organisation: she failed to deliver a basic blog site; coals to Eskimos.
    Clare Curran has not delivered to the people of Dunedin. see her poor performance here
    http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/Electorates/e/6/f/DBHOH_Lib_EP_DunedinSouth_TOC_1-Dunedin-South-Electorate-Profile.htm
    (that puts her in the same league as King, Robertson, Hipkins and Mallard- a de-facto wellinton clique member)

    clare curran HAS delivered loyalty to Shearer.

    she is a winner….

  39. Jenny 39
    25 February 2013 at 9:41 pm

    A pretty comprehensive list of portfolios and responsibilities.

    But no shadow cabinet MP is named as responsible for Climate Change Issues.

    Even the National Party makes a front row MP responsible for Climate Change.

    At number 14 Hon. Tim Groser, Minister of Trade, Minister for Climate Change Issues.

    This exposes the Labour Party as a CCI party.

    The Labour Party under David Shearer leadership, is actively ignoring climate change. And hoping for a deal, the Greens are falling into line.

    That the Labour Party can get away with this, is only because of the connivance and agreement of the parliamentary Green Party leadership.

    The only front bench Labour MP who actively spoke out against climate change has been demoted and silenced.

    It all points to a terrible and corrupt Obama/Romney type three way electoral stitch up in 2014. Where it is agreed by all three major parties not to challenge, or defy the powerful fossil fuel lobby.

    • xtasy 39.1
      26 February 2013 at 3:57 am

      Jenny – It is ignoring that and welfare, for sure. But they may be intent on handing the difficult portfolios to the likely Green Party coalition or support members. They will likely give them the difficult ones, so to ruin them, same as National is rubbishing the Maori Party, as Labour earlier rubbished the Alliance, as others did all the same before.

      The agenda is clear, set the agenda, challenge, hand difficult jobs to the weak and small, yet needed parties, and in the end, they will try to look better, and hope for more votes. Simple, really.

      • Jenny 39.1.1
        27 February 2013 at 6:57 pm

        Jenny – It is ignoring that and welfare, for sure. But they may be intent on handing the difficult portfolios to the likely Green Party coalition or support members.

        xtasy

        In this list Climate Change is not a portfolio anymore.

        The Labour Party in deliberately downgrading of Climate Change so that it is no longer a portfolio.

        Ensures that whoever is awarded it, will be powerless to do anything.

        How ugly, how corrupt, how tragic.

  40. Benjamin B. 40
    25 February 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Conservation, *who*? I am totally unable to find a single connection between Ruth Dyson and conservation. Instead I found a drink driving thing. Is that all that Labour has? Really? Even Kate Wilkinson was more of a conservationist.

    • Colonial Viper 40.1
      25 February 2013 at 10:29 pm

      Nick Smith a very strong Conservation Minister. Unfortunately I do not believe that Dyson will be able to touch him.

      • Benjamin B. 40.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 11:52 pm

        Yeps he’s strong in a way that nobody needs… except the ‘business’ ‘community’ who celebrates him as the ‘new mining czar’, i.e. ork: http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/nick-smith-new-mining-czar-ck-126120

        And he probably has all sorts of tricks up his sleeves, so Ruth Dyson is presumably no match for him.

        This is certainly not a way to get conservationists’ votes.

        • Colonial Viper 40.1.1.1
          26 February 2013 at 12:25 am

          And you think putting Dyson in that portfolio is a serious alternative for winning Green votes?

          I’ll put it another way. National aren’t interested in winning votes of Labour. They’re looking at winning the Blue-Greens back off the Greens.

    • xtasy 40.2
      26 February 2013 at 3:58 am

      Benjamin B.: Get honest, the most “conserving” substance that exists is ALCOHOL, right!

  41. peterlepaysan 41
    25 February 2013 at 10:19 pm

    This “reshuffle” is going make all those non voters turn out and vote for the LP at the next general election?

    I do not think so.

    All those non voters are looking for is a a party that cares about what matters to them, not Wall Street morally bankrupt wheeling dealing Gordon Gecko economic ideology.

    Caucus cabals need very deep war chests to manipulate their membership.

    The LP is bankrupt. The membership is revolting (what is new?) but are a shadow of what once was.

    Shearer has the singular misfortune of being the right person in the right place at the right time to oversee the LP demise.

    Until the LP caucus realises that there is actually an electorate out there, and it matters, the NZLP is doomed to failure.

    Sigh!

    • xtasy 41.1
      26 February 2013 at 4:09 am

      Let me repeat this again:

      It is time for a NEW Left Party to form and take off, the time could and should never be better. Those that honestly have ideas, answers and care for the average NZ workers and non workers, they deserve much better than this shit presented by a lying Labour Party that does not even represent workers and disenfranchised. It is trying to become a middle of the road win all votes party, to compete with a National Party under Key that did the same in 2008.

      Shearer and Labour leaders need their bloody heads read to present this hopeless line up and crap to the public.

      I say again, to all those that do NOT bloody GET IT.

      Labour is finished, lost and gone, and think out, create, found and start a truly left of centre, social democratic, or socialist, democratically minded, resolute, dedicated, firm and bloody HONEST LEFT PARTY, thanks.

      I hate repeating myself, I mean bloody well.

  42. Ed 42
    25 February 2013 at 11:17 pm

    Overall it seems to me a compromise all around, which is really what I would have expected. It has some moves that may well be a signal for either an improved performance or further reduced responsibilities. I can’t get very excited about order other than those seated in the front row whose smiling faces should strike fear into the current government; it includes a welcome return to responsibilities for Cunliffe, and effectively a challenge to him to shine in those areas. Too much is made of personality and not enough of policies and commitments. Lets hope we see some commitments to reverse some of the more stupid / egregious of Nationals errors, while also outlining each time the principles behind such decisions. I am pleased that maternity leave is being treated seriously; I hope that Nanaia Mahuta returns in due course with added perspectives and benefits from the ability to take a slightly different perspective for a while.

    There may well be further changes closer tot he election, but the priority in the next period will be bedding down, with the help of membership, the detail behind the principles the party holds, and the priorities for what looks like yet another disaster economy to be inherited by a Labour government.

  43. the pigman 43
    26 February 2013 at 1:53 am

    Fuck “bedding down”, that is all caucus-apologists have been saying for the last 18 months. It has been an abject failure.

    Meanwhile Trevor Mallard is making a song and dance on his facebook page (in case anyone cared) and is at pains to highlight that his demotion was all about his plans to be Speaker after the next election… *shudder*… while his annointed successor continues in the patsy job of shooting holes in Parata and presumably preparing for another round of flipping out at DC on television after DS loses 2014.

    gg Labour.

    • xtasy 43.1
      26 February 2013 at 4:13 am

      Drunk on his new “partner” and re-invigorated sex life, on past “fame”, arrogance, ignorance, stupidity or whatever, that is where you assign certain persons to the gutter, the toilet, the street theatre, the asylum or whatever. They surely have no more place in charge.

  44. xtasy 44
    26 February 2013 at 6:36 am

    No more of we ask, we say, we need, weseek, we may, we think and all that, WE WANT and WE NEED that must be the bloody message, dear David, dig it, hear it, earn it and deliver it, thank you!

    Labour says, stands for, and Labour IS, demands, bla bla and bla, I want to hear that, no drivel, mediocre chat talk and the likes.

    Maybe, maybe, maybe one day, one night and all the rest, stand your ground thank you.

  45. RobertM 45
    26 February 2013 at 2:46 pm

    Magnificent. Shearer has shown great courage. Lianne Dalziel has been too flaky and her support of Edward Malarky and Selmans fanatical anti alcohol and anti joy campaign was a bit too far. People are meant to have a life of pleasure and joy not to slave for Bridges $550 min wage. As a middle class wastrel, its half of what I can barely survive on twice that.
    David Parker and the support finance team of Cunliffe, Cosgrove and Shane Jones is immensely strong. I’m a fan of Cunliffe and Jones and believe there centrists who will try and take NZ forward with none of the extremity of Prebble and the former member for St Albans and deputy leader

    • Colonial Viper 45.1
      26 February 2013 at 2:51 pm

      “take NZ forward” to where???

      Why was Dalziel singled out as flaky and not…a dozen and a half other Labour MPs who weren’t Cunliffe supporters but far more flaky?

      Magnificent. Shearer has shown great courage.

      Yeah the AK74 thing very boring and irrelevant

  46. Hami Shearlie 46
    26 February 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I just saw David Cunliffe speaking in Parliament!! Talking eloquently on child-support with no notes. A very engaging and clever man – It just confirms why he should be Labour’s leader every time he speaks. David Shearer – Look in the mirror and realise you are NOT and will NEVER BE a viable leader for the Labour Party!! And make the caucus look in the same mirror!!

    • Grassroots 46.1
      26 February 2013 at 7:44 pm

      +1

      • xtasy 46.1.1
        27 February 2013 at 1:06 am

        Hah, yes, to me David Shearer looks like an unwashed, smelly, wet towel, and I met a fair few faces like him, generally all unappealing.

        And Labour put his face on their front website 10-fold. It is like selling smelly socks to the sensitive, choosy buyers. Horrific, really, so what the hell is making those in majority in caucus tick, one wonders. It cannot be common sense and intelligence.

        Ghastly all this, I am sorry, I have given up some time ago anyway. There are and will be other options.

  47. Caleb 47
    1 March 2013 at 12:49 pm

    http://cutyourhair.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/where-is-christchurch-in-the-labour-reshuffle/ This is a shameless plug for my own blog, where I’ve noted promotions, demotions, regions and factions/cliques… on the latter I’m not too confident, so anyone who cares to can please feel free to correct me or fill out my information.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    18 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    23 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T00:15:21+00:00