Lowering his standards ever lower

Written By: - Date published: 5:17 pm, February 6th, 2009 - 59 comments
Categories: uncategorized - Tags:

Just when Farrar had made me happy, as I explain in this post, and had even been quite funny in his retort, he goes and reminds me I should never put anything past him.

Today, he’s attacking the welfare system by running a post about a invalid beneficiary who he reckons can’t be an invalid because she was up to wrestling with the Police and growling at them. Using all his medical expertise and a short Dompost article, Farrar concludes WINZ has stuffed up.

David, you know as well as I do that people with severe personality disorders or psychological conditions that mean they can’t work go on the invalids’ benefit. That looks to be the case with this woman. This woman’s actions were not right and I don’t defend them but WINZ is completely in the right in delivering income assistance to those who are unable to work.

Your dog-whistling is as disappointing as is it transparent. Still, got to throw some meat to the dogs every now and then, eh?

59 comments on “Lowering his standards ever lower ”

  1. SBlount 1

    Who doesn’t have a ‘severe personality disorder’?

    We’re all examples of something in a psychology textbook yet we’ve managed to build this country.

    We can’t pick and choose a world that fits our ‘psyche’ to live in, we have to deal with this one.

  2. Rex Widerstrom 2

    As I see it there’s two possible underlying narratives to this story.

    Kiwiblog’s – the woman is a parasite, capable of working, but who has – whether by by manipulatin or threats – convinced the system to hand her a large amount (over time, I mean) of taxpayers’ money so she can enjoy an indolent lifestyle and raise at least one, probably more, dangerous and destructive children.

    Or

    The Standard’s – the woman has a personality disorder or severe psychological condition which prevents her from successfully gaining, or holding down, a “normal” job. But rather than do anything practical to improve her situation or assist her to overcome this disorder, the system instead hands her a large amount of taxpayers’ money so she can enjoy an indolent lifestyle and raise at least one, probably more, dangerous and destructive children.

    Assuming you’re right, Steve, such people can be helped. In the 80s I worked for Morehu Social Services (which ran work skills programmes till the incoming National government decided they were a waste of time). There was a trainee who looked almost exactly like the woman in question, except her charms were added to by a glass eye that kept popping out whenever she lost her temper, which was often.

    All we could give her to do was to push a broom round the office but she came to work each day and did so with enthusiasm. It took a long time and a lot off effort (all of it government funded) to get her personality disorder under control but eventually it happened.

    When I last heard of her she had married, had a daughter, and was holding down a private sector job.

    And before you lay the blame for all this at the feet of 90s National government, Labour did nothing to restore those community-run training programs (which also doubled as a way to support organisations like Morehu and the Salvation Army) and scorned sheltered workshops as un-PC when they too offered such people some sort of productive life.

    So whatever speculation holds true – yours or DPF’s – there’s absolutely no excuse, IMHO, for this woman being allowed to lead the life she’s leading and the blame lays squarely at the feet of decades of politicians and public servants.

  3. ak 3

    Meat for the dogs? Flies around a flatulent pig’s arse works better for me (and v disappointed in one particular fly – I’ll put it down to temporary heat delirium…)

    Dunno why you go there at all except for the laxative effect – still, we should be grateful to have such skilled savants and diagnosticians among us: obviously vastly superior to the poor health professional who assessed the lady. An entire profile, life history and prognosis for the country from a single photograph – sheer brilliance.

    Farrar should go mainstream: “Sensing Bigotry: Dr Dave summons the underworld from beyond the pale” (R12: Lack of rational content may offend: not suitable for mature audiences)

    (Edit: just noticed your comment above, Rex: much better. Would dispute the contention that programmes have been significantly gutted – got any concrete suggestions as to what could be done better? Back when the cricket dies down)

  4. She anit starving that is for sure.

  5. David 5

    she is barking mad

  6. IrishBill 6

    “Who doesn’t have a ‘severe personality disorder’?”

    SBlount, you’ve been spending too much time in the blogosphere. On the other hand with a mental condition like that she could probably do whatever it is that sustains the bank accounts of posters on nominister.

    Rex, I agree that there is a failure to properly fund and run the mental health system, and have written on the issue in the past, but I take exception to your claim she is in receipt of “a large amount of taxpayers money”. The invalids benefit isn’t exactly living off the hog’s back.

    Brett, obesity is often a sign that a person isn’t able to access a healthy, balanced diet. Often due to poverty. Of course there are some people who are wealthy and obese (some of whom are bloggers). I’d suggest that that is a more likely an issue of personal responsibility.

  7. Borderline Personality disorder should not preclude you from working. However, the woman in question could have any number of conditions, such as asthma or depression, that might stop her working but leave her strong enough to assault police officers.

  8. SBlount 8

    “Brett, obesity is often a sign that a person isn’t able to access a healthy, balanced diet. Often due to poverty. Of course there are some people who are wealthy and obese (some of whom are bloggers). I’d suggest that that is a more likely an issue of personal responsibility.”

    Oh My God!

    The worst example of doublethink I’ve heard.

  9. Peter Burns 9

    Half of the local chapter of the mongrel mob are on the invalids benefit.
    They got a patched up doctor in their back pocket eh bro.

    To unstable to work, but excellent at swinging a machete when they don’t get their criminal way!

  10. lukas 10

    SP, for someone who has claimed many times that you never visit the “sewer” you seem to be very well versed in what is being published by DPF.

  11. SBlount 11

    MacDoctor

    Asthma stops you from earning a wage?!

    I have this disease like 1 in 3? other NZ’ers. Another 2 people in my immediate family have been hospitalized with it. We all have jobs.

    Is not working one of the best things you can do for depression?

  12. will 12

    Worst blog ever.. I will only read it three more times…………today

  13. Julie 13

    I concur Steve, I’m going to try to write something about this in the morning. Mind you sadly this thread includes some pretty awful comments too (not your fault).

  14. will 14

    Clearly you have no idea how debilitating depression and personality disorders can be… it is not even about if it is good for them, (when it often is not). Depending on the strength of disorder, some people simply cannot work, and even if they can, one look at a person like her would make an employer want to run the other way.

    Mental Illnesses make some people unemployable, lets make their lives worse by condemning them for it.

  15. Tim Ellis 15

    I partly agree with you SP, it is quite possible that this woman has a personality disorder which would make her legitimately on an invalid’s benefit. I don’t know where you got the information that she actually has a personality disorder, though. Is this the reason she’s on an invalid’s benefit? If so, how do you know this? Have you got access to her medical records and/or her WINZ benefit application?

    Her actions in the Court do sound a bit unhinged. Since the article states she was jailed for contempt, and there’s no evidence that any submissins were made by counsel to the effect that her actions were driven by a personality disorder, I think the onus is on you to establish that this is the case, and that this is the reason she’s on a benefit.

    Further reading of the DomPost article suggests that this woman was not “barking like a dog” due to some bizarre, random behaviour, but that rather it is a common show of support to Mongrel Mob members.

  16. Felix 16

    If anyone’s interested, I know the truth about this woman’s medical history and financial situation. And the truth is that it’s none of your fecking business.

    Seriously, you all look pathetic sitting in judgment on someone you know next to nothing about.

  17. ak 17

    Ur onto it will: salient behaviour demonstrated in this thread is the tendency for right-wingers to construct an entirely fictitious class of inferiors, ascribe membership thereof to anonymous individual victims based purely on appearance, all the while claiming to support the individual and the non-existence of class. Drearily predictable, incredibly damaging, and thankfully, like all glaring inconsistencies, doomed to extinction.

  18. SBlount 18

    “Clearly you have no idea how debilitating depression and personality disorders can be ”

    Yes I do.

    Clearly you have no idea about other peoples experience.

    “Depending on the strength of disorder, some people simply cannot work”

    But not all people. This argument cannot be used to justify all situations in which it is claimed a person is unable to work, otherwise we’d all be on a sickness benefit.

  19. SBlount 19

    “If anyone’s interested, I know the truth about this woman’s medical history and financial situation. And the truth is that it’s none of your fecking business.

    Seriously, you all look pathetic sitting in judgment on someone you know next to nothing about.”

    Clearly people are interested, but we don’t know what you might know, and you aren’t telling us which may be fair enough.

    What is apparent here is that a person on an invalid benefit has shown herself to be physically capable in fighting off the police. A court has held her mentally and emotionally accountable for contempt of court. This would seem to be in contradiction to her status as an invalid benefit.

    “Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done’

    In this situation it is not apparent that justice is being done. And unless there is some clarification or assurance taxpayers will eventually remove the source of funds.

    In justifying the use of taxpayer money the burden of proof resides with the spender, not the provider of taxpayer money.

    I am not generally in favour of ‘beneficiary bashing’ because I currently have confidence that the people entrusted with overseeing benefits are doing their job. We will always have some degree of white collar crime, we just need to make it as hard as possible to get away with.

  20. DeeDub 20

    Farrar is just a fricking sicko…. and most of the sick-minded rightie posters defy their own humanity with some of the things they say. The same kind of people who would have been avid readers of Völkischer Beobachter and Der Stürmer in another time and place. Frightening, reactionary and it’s hard to believe I’m reading it all in NZ?!

  21. Felix 21

    What is apparent here is that a person on an invalid benefit has shown herself to be physically capable in fighting off the police.

    Nonsense. If she was capable of fighting off the police she wouldn’t have been arrested.

    A court has held her mentally and emotionally accountable for contempt of court. This would seem to be in contradiction to her status as an invalid benefit.

    The courts don’t make decisions on benefit entitlements. That is the job of Work & Income, based on information supplied by the person’s doctor and specialists. The court’s concern is that a person is mentally capable of understanding the charges brought against them. This has nothing to do with being fit for work.

    In justifying the use of taxpayer money the burden of proof resides with the spender, not the provider of taxpayer money.

    No-one has to prove anything to you. This is between the woman, her doctor and Work & Income. Idiots on the internet don’t come into it.

  22. SBlount 22

    DeeDub

    A 100% hypocritical statement.

  23. SBlount 23

    “decisions on benefit entitlements. That is the job of Work & Income”

    On behalf of the taxpayers.

    No-one has to prove anything to you. This is between the woman, her doctor and Work & Income. Idiots on the internet don’t come into it.”

    doctor = employee of the taxpayer

    Work & Income = taxpayers

    The spending of WINZ is accountable to the taxpayer and relies on the confidence of taxpayers to continue its function.

  24. Felix 24

    Yes, on behalf of. That means they do it because it’s not realistic to run every decision by you, me and the rest of the country.

    Do you really not understand that? Are you really that Thick? Are you Burt?

    You get to vote for governments who will promote the type of policies you support but you don’t get to run an inquisition on someone you saw on tv because you reckon you know better than everyone else.

    If you want to make operational decisions for a government department then get a job in one, work your way up and try to influence policy. Otherwise you’re just another moron on the internet bitching about things that you don’t understand.

  25. burt 25

    Love you too Felix. I wasn’t passing judgment on this woman and haven’t passed comment in this thread. You should seek professional help for your obsession with me. Perhaps you want to meet, shall we get a room?

  26. ak 26

    Thanks burt, and sorry to interrupt, but in the absence of a dedicated Waitangi Day thread, may I humbly suggest, to whomever may be in a position to pose it, that the following question be put to our Prime Minister?

    “Do you, John Key, as Prime Minister of New Zealand, wish to close the gaps between pakeha and maori with regards to life expectancy, incarceration rates, and educational achievement? And if so, what concrete steps will you take to achieve this?”

    Funny old world, innit burt: an admitted atheist, former Orewa One supporter leads prayers at Waitangi to the fawning of former “maori radicals”, just as a “nigra” assumes the mantle of world leader and chooses the path that will determine our fate.

    Wake up, Harawira: you’re only there as ACT insurance: put the question now or forever rue our main chance.

  27. tsmithfield 27

    I personally know someone who has approached various doctors until he managed to find one who would sign off on him having depression for the purposes of obtaining a sickness benefit. For him this means none of that annoying job-hunting stuff. He fully acknowledges that he is quite capable of working but doesn’t want to. But he has someone in the medical establishment to back him up.

  28. AK,

    Even as a recent import here I can see it. Bloody hell, how did they do it? Getting someone who is reasonably smart like Hone to completely buy into JK’s schmarm.

    I was reading the stuff about him leading a prayer and was going WHAT? He is an admitted atheist from Jewish (If you believe in the Jews being a race perhaps this would be interesting for you to read because that is what a lot of Orthodox Jewish people thing of that one) descent and here he is leading a Christian prayer. How is that for Hypocrisy. I hope they remember that when they get shafted in the next three years.

    At least Helen Clark never stooped to that.

    It just goes to show you that John Key has absolutely no morals and is happy to give the punters what they want so he can screw’m good later.

  29. Peter Burns 29

    trev, how can John Key lower the standards any further as the vile Miss Clark and her delirious absolute power regime obliterated all known acceptable standards to the point where society has become devoid of accountability and respectability? Miss Clark should be in a cell.

    Your blame the Jews routine is so finger in the dyke boring crap. Do try and get a life you stupid tulip muncher.

  30. Ah, the old “you are a Jew hater” argument.

    No Peter, I have the greatest respect for Judaism and it’s adherents. The link I gave was to a group of people who live their life in love for their fellow human beings through the wisdom they find in the Torah. You can’t be more Jewish than that. They are the ones pointing out that Judaism is a religion and not a race and that the Torah is their guiding spiritual principle.

    I have the same respect for Maori who follow that principle of love and respect for their fellow humans through the wisdom they find in the Bible.

    If JK as a practising Jew had joined the Maori in a prayer to Jaweh as they had to God I would have thought that a beautiful thing and a powerful building of mutual Mana.

    I was merely pointing out that in the Wikipedia entry on JK, JK is quoted as saying that he goes to church a lot with the girls but that his attitude towards religion is easy and that he is technically a Jew because his mammy was.

    That is a close as saying “I don’t give a flying fuck about religion” in politicians language. Helen Clark said the same thing when she said I’m not a morning person as her reason not to attend the morning prayers but at least she wasn’t soiling the spirituality of the attending Maori with some fake prayer drivel. I find it insulting to those who for true spiritual reasons where there at that time.

    I’m glad to you being back to your old form Peter, I was beginning to miss the tulip muncher moniker. Funny how the “Jew” word no matter how innocently used triggered your racist bone.

    However to get back to the thread, the lack of compassion here is truly staggering. I don’t know the lady in question and to be quit honest my revulsion was triggered by her slug white belly bared on the photos. It triggered instant Oh Yuk feelings but a soon as I read the “on benefit” thing I was reminded of the way our MSM stigmatises and manipulates. Felix is right, we don’t know her and therefore we should not judge.

    That’s another one for ya Peter; “He who is without sin shall cast the first stone.”
    Are you without sins Peter?

  31. Peter Burns 31

    Dear Eve I sin everyday. Yes I feel better now as dad4justice but he is banned? To much bad sin I think? Whatever, I don’t give a flying f. Yes, you and felix are dam right, we should not judge. Give me that gavel judge and I”ll whack that soldiers ear off. Oops, silly me, must go and sin, then visit the loony bin.

    Rock on Jesus for I am sinner and the judge a binner.

    Love Adam xx

  32. higherstandard 32

    Eve

    I believe Key was asked to lead the prayers at Waitangi, he is not an atheist but in his own words “not a heavy believer” …….. the words and the temerity both he and Clark showed when asked the question on TV about belief has a lot to do, in my opinion, with people in this country being scared of admitting they believe in a God/higher power.

    Good on him for treating the people there with respect and actually fronting up to lead the prayers and saying the following

    ‘Soon after the congregation was told the service was not a political service and that political arguments should stay at the lower Te Tii marae, Mr Key led the prayer.
    “As we gather here this morning on this most historic of sites at dawn, we can give thanks.
    “We give thanks to the fact that out country is still one of the most amazing places in the world to live, where our oceans are teeming with fish, where our land is arable and can deliver for our people, where we see opportunities for all New Zealanders and where we can live in peace.
    “We also give thanks for those who came and signed the treaty 169 years ago, those iwi leaders who showed two of the most important human characteristics – hope and courage.
    “The hope that they could deliver on the promise of New Zealand, the belief that New Zealand could go forward – two people, shared beliefs, shared values – and the courage to take a step that they couldn’t be sure would be right but that they hoped would deliver on the promise of our land.”

    I would have thought that this was a sentiment that everyone could agree with regardless of their religion, race or political leaning ……… sadly you have proven me wrong.

  33. andy 33

    My Reading of DPF is that when the Boss (john Key) does something that goes against the narrative he does not post about it till its off the front page (when key fell down the stairs he waited till ‘the hard man shook the hands of 120 people with broken arm’ meme was in the papers).

    In this example Waitangi was spun to be a National and Maori love fest. It did not go according to script, JK almost had a moment, he looked frightened for a brief moment and right fully so. This did not fit the National narrative of being Hard men and women.

    So today John Armstrong writes a column running the National hard man John Key line, this gives DPF the cover he needs to post.

    DPF’s post could have written itself and the comments were very predictable, why the surprise? He has admitted vie Whaleoil that he works in the research unit, its a classic misdirection.

  34. Felix 34

    Me too hs, I give Key his props on this.

    He’s not very religious but he can still take part in a religious ceremony. I think that’s perfectly appropriate – in fact I think it’s part of the job, really – he’s the PM for everyone, not just for people who happen to share his faith or lack thereof.

    It’s a good thing, in my opinion, that we don’t give politicians’ religious beliefs too much weight in this country.

  35. DeeDub 35

    SBlount, please explain why my statement was “100% hypocritical”?

    In my opinion the kind of uninformed bile spat out by most posters at KB is every bit as vile as the stuff I have read in the NS rags of the 30s and 40s – certainly just as loaded with violent/threatening language and ignorance..

    So to call my statement hypocritical you would have to be asserting that my statement was uninformed, violent, and hateful to a defenceless minority?? I don’t believe it was..

  36. Akldnut 36

    Felix you’re right to give Goober credit for being able to front up, and he handled the whole weekend quite well especially the idiots who attacked him (totally unecessary) but as far as being everyones PM!!! He’s as much my PM as is that bitch in England my Queen. I wouldn,t cross the road and piss on the pair of them if they were on fire. lol

  37. coge 37

    The people at Kiwiblog just don’t get it. This mongrel mob woman recieves state assistance to which she is rightfully entitled. These substantial & comprehensive benefits are abley provisioned through WINZ & HNZ. Now her sons accomodation & feeding requirements will be fully met by the Dept of Corrections. Thank goodness for tax funded state benefits.

    IrishBill: the “people” at Kiwiblog are a bunch of ignorant fanatics who have already made threats of violence against Steve for posting on this issue.

  38. higherstandard 38

    alkdnut

    Do you often cross the road to piss on people who are on fire?

    I would also note that –

    1. John Key is your Prime Minister just as Helen Clark was the Prime Minister for those odd people who had a pathological hatred of her.

    2. Calling the Queen of England a bitch is as offensive as making similar disparaging comments about the Maori King.

    3. You are a tool.

  39. IrishBill

    Ignorant fanatics????????

    Isn’t that slightly exaggerated?

  40. Peter Burns 40

    “IrishBill: the “people’ at Kiwiblog are a bunch of ignorant fanatics who have already made threats of violence against Steve for posting on this issue.”

    Has this thread become a police matter?

  41. DeeDub 41

    “…a couple of lone protesters..”

    Nice, John Armstrong…. nice.

  42. I have read the thread at kiwiblog and cant find one threat against Steve?

    (lprent: email? Some of the loons did that once to me. For some reason they didn’t like the backtrace)

  43. Akldnut 43

    HS
    I would if I had no water , but for those two and what they represent to me, extremely doublful.

    You can also note that –

    1. I’ve got nothing against Key as a man. Like I said – Its what he represents to me.

    2. She is the figurehead of an organisation/group/party/country (call it what you want) that have “Royally” screwed over my people and just about every other race they have ever come into contact with. Then I’ll call her a BITCH any time thanks.
    If Tuheitia Paki who I presume you’re referring to, had done that to my people which he hasn’t, then I’d be calling him a similar name! (BTW he’s not my king either)

    You might also note the LOL on the end of my entry – this means laughs out loud, obviously a light learted comment that is lost on you.

    3. You are a tool by taking it as you have.

  44. Peter Burns 44

    Steve – threats of violence should not be tolerated? Make a complaint to cops if you have the evidence? Surely, it’s your public duty to stamp out any anti social behaviour.This is a serious allegation you make.

  45. higherstandard 45

    BD

    Ignorant fanatics????????

    Isn’t that slightly exaggerated?

    Nope the blogs are full of them what IB has failed to acknowledge is there’s just as many here as at Kiwiblog – it is a worrying tendency that all blogs tend to put up with nutters to a greater degree if they come from the same political bent, while proceeding to attack anyone who’s perceived to come from the other side of the political tracks.

    C’est la vie … I’m feeling quite positive after yesterdays Waitangi celebrations I thought Key, Goff, Tuheitia Paki and their hosts at Waitangi and all involved (apart form a couple of dickheads) did the country proud.

    Alknnut

    You’ve got nothing against Key as man …… right OK … that’s why you feel it’s necessary to refer to him as goober etc etc.

    ……. and your assertions regarding the British as a people screwing over all and everyone they have come in contact with is also rather telling and pathetic.

    I repeat you are a complete spanner despite your protest otherwise you also appear to be a bigot – one would hope you are not representative of your people whoever they are ?

  46. So what was the threat about Steve made at kiwiblog? Because for the life of me, I cant find any threat over there.

  47. IrishBill 47

    HS, we run a tight ship here where threatening people gets you banned. Whether you are left or right. In fact I’ve currently got the ‘sod on a five week ban for personally abusing a right wing commenter.

  48. Felix 48

    Hi burt, ha ha I just found your comment from last night.

    I wasn’t addressing you, I was asking sblount if they were you. Sorry, I can see now that it wasn’t very clear.

    As for your kind offer, thanks but I think it would kill all the romance.

  49. Wow Felix,

    This is getting serious, you’re actually agreeing with HS on something.

    Tell you what gentlemen if in three years time JK and his new found Maori friends are still feel blissfully happy with each other I’ll eat humble pie. That would mean I judged John Key totally wrong and to be honest I sincerely hope I am.

    To me actions speak louder than words.

    Getting laws though parliament under urgency that will inevitably damage race relations and promote inequality will stand while beautiful words evaporate.

    But hey, if in three years time we all live better lives in harmony with one another I’ll happily concede.

    Who knows by than we might even invite those of other religions and backgrounds who have recently arrived such as out Muslim brothers and sisters and our Chinese Buddhist brothers and sisters to the same service to make this a truly all embracing and loving ecumenical congregation of all people races and creeds living in this country trying to get along and work towards a common future.

  50. travellerev:

    Dont forget our Jewish brothers and sisters.

  51. higherstandard 51

    Eve

    I don’t think there is anything prohibiting Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus etc attending the service at Waitangi.

    I suspect a number of the people up there were of these denominations or were atheists who really cares what religion or lack of they choose as long as they behave well to each other ?

  52. Akldnut 52

    HS
    My people are English & Maori and if I’m wrong with my comment “screwed over my people (meaning Maori) and just about every other race they have ever come into contact with.” then you could prove me wrong and I’d gladly retract it but I don’t think that will be happening.

    If by British you mean the British Crown as an entity then you’d be right on the nail but if you mean the people, then you’re way off the mark.

    As for being a bigott – now you really are being a dork.

    .

  53. Brett,

    I heard there was a Klesmer band playing during the festivities. I love Klesmer music.
    Beautiful, haunting and wickedly funny at times and great to dance to if you like the Jewish circular style of dancing (I did once and had a great time).

    HS,

    Yes, as far as behaving in public is concerned JK does it by the book. Open anger I have noticed is not the Pakeha Kiwi way. They always smile and behave in public while stabbing each other in the back. John Key did great yesterday: he smiled and told the punters what they wanted to hear. He did the backstabbing a while ago when he and his National mates pushed all their crap through during “Urgency”.

    And of course when we can’t hear him he says what he really means like how the tax payers are going to have to pay for the banksters and the hedgefunds gambling.

    Sucker

    Captcha: Washington voted. I wonder what he would have voted here in NZ?

  54. higherstandard 54

    Alkdnut

    You said “she is the figurehead of an organisation/group/party/country (call it what you want) that have “Royally’ screwed over my people and just about every other race they have ever come into contact with. Then I’ll call her a BITCH any time thanks.”

    You then state that you are English and Maori …. a kiwi let’s say.

    I think the majority of Maori would find it abhorrent that you would call the Queen of England a bitch, let’s leave aside the issue of you having an english heritage also and have chosen to lambast the figurehead (as you have called her) of that same country as a bitch ….. all in all rather an odd position to take especially the day after we’ve celebrated Waitangi day …………. I find your attitude and demeanour to be somewhat Mugabesque.

    Eve

    Nice to know that your opinion of the vast majority in this country (including yourself is so low)

    Making facile bigoted comments like that only serves to make you look even sillier than usual.

  55. I wonder what the good people of the hand mirror would think about you calling a woman a B***.

  56. There you go HS,

    Stabbing the back very politely. And no, I have a very high opinion about a lot of NZers and I am very happy with myself thank you.

    It’s when they go all huffy puffy hoity toity British in the so called “Civilised behaviour” department I get those oh puke feelings.

  57. higherstandard 57

    Eve …… does that make you a bilious bitcher ?

    Can you explain to me how I have stabbed you in the back after I commented

    ” facile bigoted comments like that only serves to make you look even sillier than usual.”

    in relation to your comment…

    “Open anger I have noticed is not the Pakeha Kiwi way. They always smile and behave in public while stabbing each other in the back. ”

    I suggest you go and have a chunder and then depart back to your alternate reality blog.

  58. Quoth the Raven 58

    You guys should put all those threatening emails into posts so the unbelieving right can see what some of their comrades can be like.

    [lprent: Kind of pointless – all it does is extend the knowledge about the ‘rules’ of harassment. There are all of those interesting rules about what is threatening. Ask Peter aka d4j about how many cell phone calls before vodaphone will treat threatening phone calls as a problem. My niece Rochelle got some calls from some interesting numbers. Such brave ‘people’…. ]

  59. Joe 59

    I loved g his standards ever lower at The Standard 2.02!

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    You got a fast carAnd I want a ticket to anywhereMaybe we make a dealMaybe together we can get somewhereAny place is betterYesterday’s newsletter, Trust In Me, on the report of abuse in state care, and by religious organisations, between 1950 and 2019, coupled with the hypocrisy of Christopher Luxon ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 hours ago
  • 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
    6 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
    19 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
    23 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
    1 day 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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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

  • 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
    18 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
    21 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
    21 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
    23 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

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  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

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  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

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  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

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  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

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  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

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  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

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