Let’s get rid of these clowns

Written By: - Date published: 7:30 am, July 25th, 2017 - 46 comments
Categories: accountability, bill english, crime, drugs, election 2017, housing, national, paula bennett, Politics, same old national, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

John Key has gone onto what conservatives and neoliberals believe are bigger and better things. Leading your country and trying to make New Zealand a better place does not compare to having a more complete CV or the chance to take up lucrative directorships.

But the rest of them and the National Government are still in power and if you need to be persuaded why Aotearoa needs to get rid of them then the past week will provide plenty of examples why.

I detest their right wing view of the world, their belief that they and their ilk are somehow better than the rest of us, their conviction that greed and ignorance are somehow the best drivers for human beings to make complicated decisions about important stuff.

I really do hate this. It gets me out of bed in the morning and drives me to be politically active.

But not only do they follow a destructive philosophy they are also totally incompetent. As well as being selfish and venal and intellectually dishonest they are really bad at leading.

Exhibit one, in the midst of a housing crisis they have sat on their hands and done nothing.

Remember back in 2007 when John Key talked about the housing crisis, when he said “[w]e are facing a severe home affordability and ownership crisis. The crisis has reached dangerous levels in recent years and looks set to get worse”. Well hold my freaking beer because I am certain that many New Zealanders dream of getting back the housing market that we had in 2007.

What do we have now? Every day I walk Auckland’s streets and see fellow human beings who are living it rough because there is nowhere for them to live. People with jobs living in cars with their kids because they cannot afford better. Teachers and Nurses and Police Officers who will never own their own home in Auckland unless some miracle happens.

The problem appeared on steroids in 2011 and has kicked on ever since. Now it is an absolute disaster. I never thought that I would see this land be so foreign to so many of us.

And what does this Government do?

Mostly very little. Sell off Housing Corporation homes as if that will work.  Plan to build houses on graveyards and power substations and poll and focus group and then work out the minimum that is needed to appear to be concerned but to let the ponzi scheme that is our real estate market continue.

And they just don’t get it. They have no idea of the damage or the misery that is being caused.

Need proof?

Remember this is the party that claimed there was a crisis in 2007. They never intended doing anything about it. They were just looking for a club to bash Labour with.

And how about drugs?

There have been seven deaths in Auckland due to synthetic cannabis which is a bit of a misnomer.  The base is a sort of representative of cannabis but added to it has been a variety of drugs that do such things as turn kids into zombies, make them froth at the mouth, cause them to have life threatening effects.  And seven of them have died.

You would think that a conservative Government would get all law and order on it and pass urgent laws.  A radical government would decriminalise cannabis.  If you have reached the age of 55 years in New Zealand and have not tried it, if not on many occasions, then you have led a very sheltered life.

But what does this Government do?  Urges personal responsibility.  This does not work with sexual promiscuity.  It has never worked with drugs.  But when we strike a situation which demands government action it claims it can do nothing.

Here is Bill English’s response.  Marvel at how far he has abdicated the responsibility of actually being in control of the Police, of our laws, of Customs , of Health which generally Governments realise they lead.

Time for a change. This level of incompetence is ruining our country.

If you want to help Labour to change the Government you can volunteer here. If you want to help the Greens change the Government you can volunteer here.

46 comments on “Let’s get rid of these clowns ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tamati Tautuhi 1
    25 July 2017 at 8:23 am

    Sad situation with homeless dying on the streets of Auckland because of laced synthetic cannabis, in other countries it could be described as murder ?

  2. esoteric pineapples 2
    25 July 2017 at 8:59 am

    The seven deaths seem to mean very little because the victims are from the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid

    • roadrage 2.1
      25 July 2017 at 9:57 am

      Housing, drugs, water, rivers, teacher numbers, mines inspectors, chch school closures, tourism,infrastructure… …the list of failure is indicative of a government that talks strong, but does little work. Housing them in motels! That would cost a conservative govt any mantle of competence. But the opposition is just as bad, Labour pays a tug of war over the center ground and so wont step off the line, locked into the same dried out sod of political discourse. Peters, dotage is showing, pushing for the regional vote he declares for immigration cuts! He is too cranky to be PM, and to notoriously uncommitted. As for Metria finish this sentence welfare nearly made me go on the game. Can someone please standup and say we do need small good govt, not no govt ACT or wrong lazy Nat govt, or flaky patchy NZF govt, but a governing philosophy. The only party that might have one, that does not engage in the center nick picking small steps, that isn’t allowed to articulate its obvious vision for nz as conservatives overpaid themselves hold the press to the central moronic game of tug of war. We all know party vote Green, then split vote on the constituency party. Why is only Epson allowed to split vote, why does Labour stick to double down and limiting its voters representation?

      And be warned a infirmed old view of the world, controlling just look at his party of MPs, says he is a bad choice for PM. English? What brighter future!

      • Bearded Git 2.1.1
        25 July 2017 at 1:41 pm

        gutting the RMA…tiny amounts of $$ for public transport compared with roads….power company and airline sell-offs…disturbingly high youth suicide stats (and farmers too)…

        • popexplosion 2.1.1.1
          26 July 2017 at 11:10 am

          Chasing dollars of benefit fraud while international corps pay no taxes. Catching benefit fraud and locking them up at considerably more cost in prison. Forcing entitled citizens from welfare and costing national more in poorer health, lower wage, colder damper… ..all to satisfy a need to distract how double dipton himself paid it back when caught but Mitiria gets called a criminal for having a friend sleep on the sofa allegedly helped pay the bills. When did getting assistance mean you could never engage your capitalist instincts and maximize your assets. Paid employees can have mate sleep over, hell there isnow a app for renting your sofa. How many more enterprising capitalist instincts have been snuffed out by whiny authoritarian National and ACT killers of economic ventures by beneficiaries as if they don’t have an equal right to engage in maimiuzing their wealth. Why does English hate the economic blood of poorest kiwis.

  3. Ad 3
    25 July 2017 at 9:10 am

    +100 Mickey.
    Good to feel it.

  4. marty mars 4
    25 July 2017 at 9:23 am

    Good post. This shows why Bill English is responsible for the inactivuty. His lack of personal qualities continues to dim the gnat bulb.

    Meanwhile people suffer. Bill hasn’t got any ideas apart from shear them – he is still a sheep farmer and we are the sheep.

  5. Tamati Tautuhi 5
    25 July 2017 at 9:26 am

    Doubt whether he was actually a sheep farmer, he grew up on a farm in Dipton and probably did some work on the farm during school and university holidays ?

  6. Philj 6
    25 July 2017 at 9:32 am

    These are not ‘Clowns’. They are not funny or entertaining. They are blinkered, callous, selfish and democracy destroyers.

  7. ianmac 7
    25 July 2017 at 9:41 am

    Time for a change but the change must be big and inspiring.

    • Jono 7.1
      25 July 2017 at 4:43 pm

      I agree Ianmac. We need big change in this country. Fairness needs to prevail with progressive ideas.

  8. adam 8
    25 July 2017 at 10:07 am

    I would argue it’s not radical at all to legalize cannabis.

    I’d argue that the radical, and even the right thing to do – would be to follow Portugal and stop treating drug users like criminals.

    It’s 14 years now http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/portugal-decriminalised-drugs-14-years-ago-and-now-hardly-anyone-dies-from-overdosing-10301780.html

    They have way less drug related deaths than us. They have a healthy population, and my friends who live there, call it the safest place to walk the streets at night, now that drugs are such a non-issue.

    • Bearded Git 8.1
      25 July 2017 at 1:44 pm

      agree but ganja is a side issue and distraction Adam…get the Lab/Gr bloc elected and I think you will see some action.

      BTW a vote for TOP is a vote wasted…as Millsy says below “TOP and NZF are not to be trusted”. Morgan is a neo-liberal in cat’s fur and hemp clothing

      • adam 8.1.1
        25 July 2017 at 6:14 pm

        I’ve been pretty consistent calling top, just another liberal party.

        As for side issue, well that may be for you, and that is your opinion. But you know 7 people died?

        As someone who suffers because it is illegal, I don’t think it is a side issue at all.

        What I’d give to have a hemp poultice, or even a nice cup of tea, then I might be able to sleep again.

        I don’t think disability and health issues are a side issue, but there seems to be many, who think they are.

        • Bearded Git 8.1.1.1
          26 July 2017 at 9:57 am

          Ah sorry when you say “legalize cannabis” it appears you are talking about medicinal cannabis. I agree with you entirely that this should be legalized. Hope everyone else has seen through TOP like you.

  9. roadrage 9
    25 July 2017 at 10:12 am

    Dipton. Wasn’t there a crisis? English paid back money he over claimed? Did be have a headache over where to live? Did not have to take in strangers to pay the rent English, but did have to pay back monies. Was English consider going on the game to make ends meet? And just have to over claim instead?

    Were the tired of the they are so soft for not considering sleeping with National, that the took out the dagger and launched a strike against English. I mean seriously do you actually believe a politician actual did do something wrong they claimed to. Really a Green party leader reàlly didn’t know she could have friends over who helped with the costs, no, middle class uni educated person could not figure out the limits of what was correct. Sorry but I don’t believe for one moment that she did anything wrong. This was all contrasting Englishs’ record double dipton payback.

  10. millsy 10
    25 July 2017 at 10:15 am

    Come election time, I will probably be holding my nose and voting Green, thanks to their policy to give benefits a boost. If you think that Labour is too centrist, then I suggest you do the same, TOP and NZF are not to be trusted. Lifting the living standards of the bottom of the heap will pay dividends in the long run, the wealth ‘Trickling up”. It will also lead to higher wages, secure work, and improved well being among people, as people are less financially stressed.

    • popexplosion 10.1
      25 July 2017 at 10:52 am

      Grens are leftwing in the sense that they believe govt has a role. But if you mean they are left wing coz of some alignment with the former USSR, that’ll be a hoot. Being for good government ain’t leftwing many libertarians like myself have no problem with doses of socialism. I mean if you want pure uSSR then vote ACT they strongly believe in socialism, for the richest, for boardrooms, capitalism is for the poorest. ACT is thgemost leftwing party,founded by the hangover of socialism Douglas who successfully sold socialism to the fiscal elite.

      • McFlock 10.1.1
        25 July 2017 at 12:44 pm

        dude, stop doing the synthicannabis.

        • popexplosion 10.1.1.1
          26 July 2017 at 11:40 am

          Everyone knows that neolibs were funded by the former USSR to undermine capitalism. Discuss.

          • McFlock 10.1.1.1.1
            26 July 2017 at 3:06 pm

            Evereyone know that libertarians are to Rand what emos are to goths: more pretentious versions that ignore the more disturbing aspects of their parent. Discuss.

  11. popexplosion 11
    25 July 2017 at 10:47 am

    OH yeah Nat’s so dumb they can’t even ask their social dept a simple question. How any people have paid back benefit as they had friends staying over helping toward the cost. Geez they could have poured so much water on her claim to be righteous sticking it to the man. NO! Unless it was double dipton English paying back over claimed tax payer money!

  12. Anne 12
    25 July 2017 at 11:05 am

    And they just don’t get it. They have no idea of the damage or the misery that is being caused.

    They do get it mickysavage.

    I’ve never mentioned this before because I didn’t want it to be to be wrongly interpreted, but I actually “joined” the other side for a short period of time. For specific reasons, I wanted to find out how they tick. That’s another story.

    The first thing I discovered is there is virtually no discussions/debates on policy issues or problems facing the country as a whole. All such discussions take place behind closed doors and are presented to the rank and file as ‘a fait accompli’. If an individual rank and file member dares to offer up an alternative opinion (as I did) you are quickly shut down.

    The second thing I discovered is that social issues are rarely raised except in the context of an announced policy decision. Once again nobody questions the veracity of the decision or whether they are correct.

    In short, they make an across the board conscious effort to remain ignorant of the social consequences of their actions. That is why they operate in the manner they do. They pay public lip service to the concept of democracy, but do not practice it within their party’s ranks.

    These ‘observations’ took place 20 years ago now, but I doubt anything has changed.

    • mickysavage 12.1
      25 July 2017 at 11:51 am

      Thanks Anne

      You should think of a guest post on your experience!

    • Bearded Git 12.2
      25 July 2017 at 1:51 pm

      wow careful Anne the Nats tar and feather spies

      • Anne 12.2.1
        25 July 2017 at 4:39 pm

        I’ve been around this site for 8+ years and I chose to stay incognito in part for that reason. However I figure there’s enough water under the bridge to be more open about it. So there’s no ambiguity… it was the ACT Party not National.

        I will give a guest post consideration ms but at this stage it may not be until after the election. I actually met some good people in those early ACT years but then the red-necks and hard-right gained control. I’m sure the good ones would be long gone now.

    • ianmac 12.3
      25 July 2017 at 4:20 pm

      Anne maybe you have identified why there are so many people disconnected. “The “rules” leave me out of it so I will ignore it all,” so say many.
      It may also be why National is famous for not taking political risks and stick to the status quo.
      Even more important for the Left to be brave and innovative.

      • Anne 12.3.1
        25 July 2017 at 5:02 pm

        Yes, the disconnected have lost their ability to be heard so don’t bother to vote anymore. A good example was the swift decision by Paula Bennett to axe the extra tertiary education allowance for beneficiaries. In other words, a conscious decision was made to isolate the solo mums etc. from ever being able to better themselves. They became ‘disconnected’ and probably don’t vote. And of course what is so despicable about that action… it is how Bennett got her big start in life.

        It’s up to Labour and the Greens to step into the breach which both parties seem to be trying to do. However they are not getting the media leverage they should be getting. I wonder why???

  13. tc 13
    25 July 2017 at 11:29 am

    Top post mickey. Little should quote key’s 2007 bs about housing in the tv debate.

    Let the undecided watch blinglush lie his ass off, anything less would be bats to bash him with as they’ve wilfully created the housing situation.

    state houses being flogged is a cruel and vicious move they need to own.

    • Bearded Git 13.1
      25 July 2017 at 1:55 pm

      @tc “Little should quote key’s 2007 bs about housing in the tv debate.”

      You are so so right….this alone could sway the 2-3% needed to win the election

  14. McFlock 14
    25 July 2017 at 12:46 pm

    Agree entirely.
    These idiots are killing people with their incompetence. The sooner they’re gone, the better.

  15. Bill 15
    25 July 2017 at 2:35 pm

    An open letter apparently. And pretty much chimes with the sentiments of this post. Enjoy 🙂

  16. One Two 16
    25 July 2017 at 2:50 pm

    Good post. Passionate and heartfelt

    It is unfathomable to most, the level of damage being done by government, and parliament as a whole

    As unfathomable as the number of voters who continue providing oxygen for the fire

    None of the above!

  17. Incognito 17
    25 July 2017 at 8:27 pm

    I really enjoyed this post.

    It’s one of those rare moments when hate gets channelled into doing something positive because often it is a destructive force.

  18. Keepcalmcarryon 18
    25 July 2017 at 10:59 pm

    I would love to see a labour campaign ad made up of all the bullshit National and ACT quotes that have proven a mockery.
    Who could argue with it?

    • tc 18.1
      26 July 2017 at 6:59 am

      That requires an approach labour seem incapable of so nact continue with the bs knowing they’ve a clear run with it.

  19. LivinInTheBay 19
    26 July 2017 at 1:26 pm

    A big barrier to construction is the RMA. Every party in parliament other than Act and the Maori Party objected to getting it changed.

    So having a go at National for not being able to make meaningful changes means you should also have a go at Labour, the Greens and Winston First.

  20. Tanz 20
    27 July 2017 at 5:16 pm

    I’m putting my money on the clowns, they will win hands down, both this time and next. Records are going to be set.

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    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

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

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    28 mins ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
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  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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