Luxon, the idiot for whom ignorance is bliss
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- Date published:
12:45 pm, June 12th, 2023 - 29 comments
Categories: capital gains, Christopher Luxon, climate change, Economy, Environment, farming, national, Politics, tax -
Tags: GMO, jack tame, Q&A
Last night I watched Christopher Luxon in a interview with Jack Tame on Q&A from youtube. My takeaway from it was that I don’t want this fool anywhere near actual policy. Even worse was that was in the question of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), A topic that I agree with the position he was (possibly) trying to articulate. Chris Luxon looked he’d never even looked at the various debate about GMOs in NZ or any of the objections that have been raised. That same blissful ignorance covered every other topic raised about his parties policies and the downstream effects.
My impression was that he’d run head-long into a poorly controlled experiment seeking possible profits without even looking at the policy boundaries or the costs of downstream consequences. He appeared to be owned by his talking points and had no knowledge of the implications apart from the bright $$$ signs that someone had sold him. He looked like a complete ignorant sucker.
He wasn’t aware of the documented issues with GMO cross-contamination. Apparently wasn’t aware of the current techniques being used for GMOs in the field like the issues with Monsanto and roundup. Seemed to think that restricting NZ to a organic section of 5% of the world market was limiting which indicated that he he was unable to deal with very large numbers.
Hie performance over the whole interview was that of avoiding answering direct questions about the implications of Nationals’s announced policies on genetic engineering, climate change emissions, and the effect of not having capital gains taxes on productivity in NZ. I think that he spent at least half of the time in evasive behaviour and repetition of slogans.
Floundering on the questions about timing of climate change actions in agriculture showed a clear mis-understanding of the effect on the taxation by levies by the rest of NZ by the farmer intransigence.
It was the performance of a ignorant rather than of someone who knew even basic details on what he was talking about. Could I trust this limited fool in charge of my government – clearly not. He’d screw up because he didn’t know enough to know what he didn’t know. Watch this pathetic performance and you will see what I mean.
My positions of genetic engineering have been pretty clear from the 1990s. My first degree was in Earth Sciences and I understand this country well both from its geomorpology through to its biologicals and its farming sector. Genetic Engineering (GE) is something that we should be working with in this country and finding where we could productively use it. But we need to do it safely
We are a nation overrun with pests and living with the consequences of geomorphing our landscape from forests into grasslands. The techniques like CRISPR and the genetic mapping of genes have gotten cleaner and more precise. Most of that research has shown just how complex the interactions between environment, genes, transcriptions and proteins are – and how little we know. But also how productive even minor tweaks can be.
However it is a process that should be done very carefully and with consideration of unintended consequences. Our short history shows the downstream consequences of unfettered alien introductions from the scars on my youthful hands from pulling out acres of wild roses on a farm to the ravages of flooding in the Esk Valley this year after widespread clear felling in the past and recently.
Luxon gives me no feeling of confidence that he has even thought about basics like this. Instead he gives me the impression that anyone he’d appoint to oversight would be as gormlessly ignorant as he is about being careful about what we do as a nation. According to Luxons answers they would be tasked largely with the short-term economic benefits to the participants a single low profit, largely stagnant , large economic sector. How exactly this would profit all of the citizens of NZ was unstated, as was who would carry the costs of any screwups.
The same applies to Luxon’s attitudes on getting the farming industry to pick up their much delayed share of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) burden. Why should every other industry and person carry the ETS levy burden that we currently carry and increasingly would carry for farming? What other industry or citizen was allowed to set their own rules for how they’d like to be involved?
As far as I can see Luxon’s policy is to just dither yet again, and allow the farming community to avoid dealing with the problem because there are a few loudmouth idiots in their electorate committees.
It isn’t like farming is that profitable for NZ. It has very low employment and profit margins compared to something like tourism. Employs less people and is probably way less profitable than the ever burgeoning export tech industry that I work in.
Economically most of the added value in farming appears to get siphoned offshore by interest payments of capital. Most of the reason for that appears to be driven by speculative pricing on farming land – the same reason that I didn’t go into farming as a career 45 years ago.
Wasting capital into property speculation is a nett non-productive use of resources. Yet Luxon was evading about capital gains tax on his own property portfolio and his personal interests in not having capital gains tests, even those as easy as the brightline test. He seems to confuse his own personal interests with those of our nation.
That is if he even understood the point of the questions. Something that I am unconvinced that he did.
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The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...1 week ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...1 week ago
- Green Party pays respects to Kiingi Tuuheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII, after he passed away earlier this morning. ...1 week ago
- Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...1 week ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...1 week ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...1 week ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...1 week ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt Incarcerating our Mokopuna into a Failed System
Information released by the Minister for Children has revealed that almost 800 mokopuna Māori have been taken by the state this year, putting it on track for the largest displacement of tamariki Māori since the introduction of Section 7AA in 2019. “Oranga Tamariki is running a crusade against whakapapa Māori ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins’ Speech to Local Government New Zealand
...2 weeks ago
- Release: Regional deals can’t leave ratepayers picking up the bill again
On the back of a patronising speech to local councils the Government has rushed out an announcement on regional and city deals that leaves out the crucial component – funding. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt in thrall to tobacco lobbyists
The National Government has put the interests of tobacco lobbyists ahead of New Zealanders and their health. ...2 weeks ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...2 days ago - Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...2 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...2 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...2 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...3 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...3 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...3 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...3 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...3 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...3 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...4 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...4 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...4 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...4 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...5 days ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...5 days ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...5 days ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...5 days ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...5 days ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...5 days ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...5 days ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...5 days ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...6 days ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...6 days ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...6 days ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...6 days ago
- Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki
A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...6 days ago
- Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland
A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...6 days ago
- Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland
A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...6 days ago
- Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure
A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...6 days ago
- Government delivering reliable roads for Manawatū-Whanganui
A record $1.6 billion for transport investment in Manawatū-Whanganui through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s importance as a strategic freight hub that boosts economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. ...6 days ago
- Restoring connections in Hawke’s Bay
A record $657 million for transport investment in the Hawke’s Bay through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support recovery from cyclone damage and build greater resilience into the network to support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that ...6 days ago
- Transport resilience a priority for Gisborne
A record $255 million for transport investment in Gisborne through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and restore the cyclone-damaged network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With $255 million of investment over the next three years, we are committed to making sure that every transport ...6 days ago
- Prioritising growth and reduced travel times in Canterbury
A record $1.8 billion for transport investment Canterbury through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Christchurch is the economic powerhouse of the South Island, and transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and ...6 days ago
- Supporting growth and freight in the Bay of Plenty
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Bay of Plenty through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of ...6 days ago
- Getting transport back on track in Auckland
A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will deliver the infrastructure our rapidly growing region needs to support economic growth and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Aucklanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, phantoms projects, ...6 days ago
- Record investment to get transport back on track
A record $32.9 billion investment in New Zealand’s transport network through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more reliable and efficient transport network that boosts economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, ...6 days ago
- Consultation is open on gambling harm strategy
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed the start of Gambling Harm Awareness Week by encouraging New Zealanders to have their say on the next three-year strategy to prevent and minimise gambling harm. “While many New Zealanders enjoy gambling as a pastime without issue, the statistics are clear that ...6 days ago
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- Treasurer distances himself from his former boss’ Reserve Bank attack
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Treasurer Jim Chalmers has distanced himself from the strident attack his one-time boss Wayne Swan launched on the Reserve Bank, which the former treasurer accused of “putting economic dogma over rational decision-making”. Swan, who is ...56 mins ago - Open letter to TVNZ – stop the bias, report fairly on the Israeli war on Palestine
OPEN LETTER: Our Action Station Dear TVNZ, We are deeply concerned with the misleading nature of the journalism presented in your recent coverage of the escalating crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. By focusing on specific language and framing, while leaving out the necessary context of international law, the ...3 hours ago
- Census will now include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government has shifted again on the 2026 census, now saying it will include questions on both sexual orientation and gender identity. In its latest iteration, the government announced on Sunday the census ...4 hours ago
- New Zealand takes another step towards US space operations
Analysis - Space has rapidly become more hostile for geopolitical reasons, but what are the threats, and what is New Zealand doing to assess them? ...6 hours ago - Business case to replace NZDF’s Boeing 757s in the works, as repair costs skyrocket
The planes have been plagued by multiple breakdowns, in one case nearly derailing a prime ministerial trade mission. ...8 hours ago
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“Anticipation is growing. The warriors are ready. They’re preparing themselves. The paddlers are already on their waka,” Scotty Morrison, alongside veteran journalist Tini Molyneux, told viewers from the banks of the Waikato River. It was Thursday, and the body of Kiingi Tuheitia was being escorted to the barge to take ...10 hours ago
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Some media queried how the $33b national transport plan will be funded. Others highlighted aspects that barely dent the budget. ...13 hours ago
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Orient ExpressHot air balloon Number OneIs prepared by the Royal Hot Air Balloon ForceFor Prime Balloonist, King Luxon,And his trade delegation to the Orient.But lo! With a splutter and a puffHot air balloon Number One folds in on itselfAnd deflates onto the field.King Luxon sighs and books a ticketOn a ...16 hours ago - Mike Joy on his memoir and butting heads with Sir John Key
The scientist whose work prompted Sir John Key in 2011 to compare academics to lawyers says it was a "surreal" and "scary" time. ...1 day ago
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The inquiry was completed months ago, but the minister of education is still weighing up its recommendations. ...1 day ago
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Further regulation of the supermarket sector may hit a snag in the form of David Seymour, who is mounting strong opposition to any such move. ...2 days ago
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Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. The Paralympic Games end tomorrow after nearly two weeks of incredible athletic feats. On a purely results basis, New Zealand hasn’t done that well. As of writing (Friday), we’re yet to win a gold medal and are placed 61st out of 74 ...2 days ago - ‘I wish I’d never thought of it’: The Blue Monkey on Suzanne Paul’s back
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Shanti Mathias visits and ranks the crème de la crème of Auckland’s secondhand bookshops. From Ponsonby to Grafton to Devonport to Parnell, Auckland has some lovely secondhand bookshops, many of which are huge and deserve to be browsed for hours, embracing the way that all bookstores, but especially secondhand bookstores, ...2 days ago
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Skimmed Alive, Earl Gravy or Peanut Safari, there’s nothing like making someone a cup of tea exactly how they like it. The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members. ‘Corrie climax sparks power surge.’ That was ...2 days ago
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Damian Alexander and Shelton Woolright of Blindspott share their perfect weekend playlist. Few embody the “west is best” mindset as well as Blindspott. So, it’s probably a good thing the bogan rockers will be able to let their West Auckland sensibilities loose as a part of a supergroup comprised of ...2 days ago
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It’s been a brutal year for New Zealand television, with the demise of Three’s Newshub news operation, costing 300-odd jobs; and the canning of TVNZ’s highly rated Fair Go, Sunday and Late News programmes.It’s also been announced the long-running soap Shortland Street will be cut to three nights a week, ...2 days ago
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MONDAYGreat news for the nation! In a gesture that I know will resonate with ordinary Kiwis who look to the Prime Minister as an example of someone who can deliver a set of deliverables that will take root and come to pass, I have sold one of my nine or ...2 days ago
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“See that car, ow?” A lime-green Beetle puttered into the distance, barely making the speed limit. “Lady in the front winked at me. Almost crossed the centre line she was so lost in my eyes.”“Bro, that’s the lifeguard. She’s seventy.”Māui shrugged his shoulders. “My swag crosses generational lines. What can ...2 days ago
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The government is making a poor economic move with its plan to import natural gas according to Saul Griffith, renewable energy advocate and former climate advisor to Joe Biden. Saul Griffith is an author, inventor, scientist and co-founder of Rewiring America. A few years back he managed to convince ...2 days ago
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Brazilians Newton Santos and Nubia Chiarelli had been fighting to get their case reviewed since 2021. ...2 days ago
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The council's strongly worded resolution also called on the CEO to explore the legal implications of not holding a binding poll as required. ...2 days ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Environmental Physics, University of Canterbury NASA via Getty Images At this time of year, as the sun rises over Antarctica, a “hole” opens up in Earth’s ozone layer. The ozone layer is a vital planetary boundary ...2 days ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Thousands of amazing athletes have competed in the Paralympics Games over the past 64 years. But who are the greatest of these Paralympians? And how would you decide? ...2 days ago
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Yes, there is constant deflection, a superficial smattering of "Talking points".
I have often talked of his micro expressions and his body language.
At times he appeared to be holding down anger and bile when his glib generalisations "Scientists say" "Put in place a Regulator" "Falling behind" were questioned or challenged.
Jack caused him to sink into his seat, squirm and fall back on his "examples" all with no real depth. He is no debater, rather more like an old fashioned record needle, stuck in its groove, repeating repeating………
He sure isn't the second coming of key, key put up no policy ,and just plain lied about gst, luxon isn't honest or clever enough to back his own policies.
An appropriate moniker might be "chatbot Luxon". His obscure "chat" never deals with the question asked. Very frustrating.
I enjoyed that…he looked like he was about to explode. As usual no actual answers beyond the soundbites.
Luxon is boring, spouts his talking points in a rote way. It's as if his "hand holders" are talking to him via an earpiece. A potential PM should have some personality and dynamism surely. And to plan to give himself an $18,000 a year tax cut says it all about his concern for lesser well off people.
But . . . but . . . he was personally picked by John Key . . . so there must be some redeeming features about him, surely, apart from being very rich?
Isn't the redeeming feature is he's no longer CEO of airnz ?
This is his next job and I’m sure others are lined up should it not work out.
Nope that's pretty much it. But…he is so rich that he has no idea how much his property is worth…so therefore he is REALLY rich which makes him the most qualified.
While I wasn't impressed by Chris Luxon, I was reasonably impressed by Jack Tame. First time I have actually watched him in a interview. Mostly I have just seen snippets in other peoples feeds.
He was asking the kinds of questions about Chris Luxon and National's policies I was interested in knowing about. Scanned a couple of other interviews as well with various people from parties. Looks like he does good research
The reason that this is the first time I have watched him – mostly because my broadcast TV essentially stopped in 2012. The adverts were irritating plus the utter banality of what was available – including on current affairs. I couldn't afford the waste of time.
I mostly switched to net access content via streaming and subscription print news on the net. These days mostly offshore + a donation to stuff + BusinessDesk (which I am tossing up on now).
'These days mostly offshore + a donation to stuff + BusinessDesk (which I am tossing up on now).'
Best be careful with your heart condition.
That really isn't a problem. It was 12.5 years ago. Thank you for your concern. /sarc
During the lock downs, I had a TIA while biking which could have been related. Could also have just been due to getting older.
That got traced back to a clot floating in the heart ventricle. The meds got adjusted with a non-rat-poison anti-coagulant and a better mix. Seems to have worked – the clot had disappeared on the last scan.
Dentistry seems like much more of an issue right now. Those old fillings from the mid-1970s have been causing issues. After losing couple of teeth to them causing cracked molars, I'm getting them removed and crowned. Expensive.
Looking towards issues that may happen in a (hopefully much deferred) eventual retirement.
He appears to be a product of a narrow education that has been further narrowed and calcified by years in business – then a sense of his own superiority layered on top due to his personal financial success. Weird and astonishing.
A good critique. If I were a schoolteacher I'd award it 10/10 – even made me feel I'd been too benign in my early appraisal of that interview yesterday morning. Kiwis like a good keen man so I get why he blends simple with eager. I did notice those instances of floundering – which he covered by trying to talk as fast as Jack.
Like I wrote yesterday, the rubber will hit the road when specifics enter the discourse. Keeping it all abstract principles won't work on the farm. He will encounter the devil in the details, who will arm-wrestle him vigorously…
Leaving aside your supply of mixed aphorisms… 😈
That is what the public televised debates and in-depth interviews are meant to do. Pretty sure that Chippy or Shaw or even Seymour won't have problems expressing and explaining their policies plus dealing with the reasons behind them. Peters is a past and probably present master.
But I suspect that National will want to keep Luxon away from any close exposure. He simply doesn't appear to have studied National's policies or the reasons for their points of policy balance. It makes him deeply unconvincing – even when I agree with the policy.
Haven't seen Davidson or the Te Pāti Māori leaders so I can't comment on how I perceive their abilities.
I don't know Lprent I found those aphorisms/mixed metaphors from Dennis Frank rather good, very evocative if you imagine the devil as a Jack in the Box jumping out very scarily from a box of details. And being the devil he would have the ability to shapeshift so he comprised mainly a huge arm-wrestling arm jumping out.
The in depth questioning is one way to tame the inadequate, or in this case expose Christopher the Unready.
At times I thought I was watching a re-run of Clarke and Dawe or the Two Ronnies.
If John Clarke were alive today he would have a field day with Luxon his persona and general political incompetence. It would be incredibly funny and we would all be the richer for it…..
https://www.google.co.nz/search?tbm=vid&q=clarke+and+dawe+episodes&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwib2b_Tnb3_AhUJlFYBHd77BwoQ8ccDegQIEBAH&biw=1707&bih=844&dpr=1.13#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:f6e1c710,vid:dAxIiG_ugRw
Luxon's comments today should become as infamous as "haters and wreckers", still remembered many years later … so, will he get yet another free pass?
(links provided if and when the media catch up with it …)
For example:
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/06/christopher-luxon-calls-new-zealand-very-negative-wet-whiney-inward-looking.html
Shh, the media aren’t interested, it’s happening, conflicts of interest are those who earn $1300, not those who earn millions…
What appalling comments from Luxon. He is the one forever moaning and being negative and whinging. As for NZ being wet, yes there has been wet weather. Is he not aware of climate change. The mind boggles at what comes out of his mouth. He gets more unlikable by the day.
I managed six minutes of Luxon in the Q&A link and can't be bothered with any more. He is great with his talking points and that's about it.
I feel we do not take enough advantage of our status as a remote island nation. That successive governments have lacked the courage and vision to encourage organics.
Everything Luxon was spouting was in favour of Big Ag. As lprent alluded to, with GE crops comes a higher dependence on sprays, chemicals and other corporate witchcraft.
I don't know who or how good the regulator was 23 years ago, but they failed.
Seeds of distrust anyone?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seeds_of_Distrust
I may have to revisit the clip and hear him defend his landlordiness.
Negativity is something we expect from National, but Chris Luxon seems to be taking it to extremes. He is starting to sound like someone who would find something to moan about if he won Lotto Powerball.
Notice how David Seymour is pitching himself as the positive partner for the Nats. You might not like ACT's policies (I don't) but at least they offer argument, not just contradiction. (Monty Python).
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132301337/christopher-luxon-calls-nz-a-very-negative-wet-whiny-inwardlooking-country
Touche.
My impression is that when Luxon talks about GE he only thinks about or in terms of farming and even then in a narrow blinkered way.
I came across this: Human and Agriculture Gene Editing: Regulations and Index
https://crispr-gene-editing-regs-tracker.geneticliteracyproject.org/
Clearly, not all GE is a direct or indirect threat to the environment.
This whole interview looks to be a hit jog attempt by Jack Tame who unfortunately made bad property decisions he's lost money on. Chris made money so I would rather he ran the country.🤣🤣
[lprent: This got put into moderation until I had time to deal with it because it made an assertion of a fact without any support. This is a common mistake of stupid trolls like you who seem to thing that if you know something then everyone else does. Because without context, we assume that you have pulled your ‘fact’ straight out of of your arsehole.
If you want to troll with assertions of fact, then follow our policies and the general rule of law in NZ. Link to your source or give some context to the facts that you are asserting. Otherwise stick to expressing your opinion. I have no particular interest in having to go to court to defend you being an idiot lying because you were too incompetent or too lazy to provide a link or explanation.
I am presuming that you are referring to this show / article which is mostly pointing out that he thought he’d made the right decision about his property decision. Something that was clearly too subtle a point to penetrate your simplistic views of basic economics. ]
I suspect that you completely and utterly missed the point that Jack Tame (and I) were making. That is a common mistake made by indiscriminate narcissist fan-fools like yourself who exclusively worship at the alter of others personal self-interest at the exclusion of all other considerations
Chris Luxon is trying for the role of being the leader of our government. This is a role where he would be have to be representing the interests of all of our voting population and implicitly those who are too young to vote.
How he manages to enrich himself has little relevance to the skill-sets required to figure out how to enrich all of our citizens, something that he has no track record in being able to achieve. He only entered parliament in 2020 after a by-election in Botany. He appears to have had no experience in any kind of political or public service before resigning as manager of Air NZ in June 2019 and “hinted at a possible career with the National Party”. His wikipedia entry is revealing in a complete absence of any public service prior to 2020 apart from being on the board of Tourism NZ while he was representing the interests of Air NZ, where he was the manager at the time.
What Jack Tame was pointing out was a probable conflict of interest between the probable personal benefits to Chris Luxon of the National parties proposed policy and those of the citizens that he would be representing. In effect the policy changes would enrich himself through removing taxation of interest payments as a landlord and the lack of capital gains tax.
These are taxation benefits that are not available to available to the majority of those he wishes to represent. They are either living in their own home and are paying tax on interest before mortgage payments or renting and helping landlords make untaxed capitals gains.
There is a clear conflict of interest between the personal interests of Chris Luxon (and the small minority of landlords with investment properties) the policies that he and his party are planning to enrich with their taxation policies, at the expense of the majority of taxpayers without invent properties and people renting.
Essentially having a gift for enriching ones self is no guarantee of being able to enrich the country. That Luxon clearly in that interview didn’t want to address that issue is a worry about his personal interests corrupting his ability to enrich us all.
You guys a definitely a bunch of lefties,can you honestly say our country new Zealand is being governed properly, nearly every indicator is bad ,do you think we can carry on like we are honestly