Mark Richardson wants to be a Nat MP

Written By: - Date published: 8:17 am, June 14th, 2019 - 102 comments
Categories: broadcasting, making shit up, Media, national, sport, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

So Mark Richardson thinks he may have a future career, from overpaid TV personality to overpaid public representative.

And he claims that he has finally picked a side, although to most of us it appears that his decision was made some time ago.

From Stuff:

“I love the competitive nature of politics and, maybe because I was a sportsman, that’s what sits well with me,” he says. 

“I’ve picked a side, I’m part of a team and you want to win and, for some reason, I love that part of the game. But it’s a game with very serious consequences, you never have to forget.”

That ‘team’ is the National Party, of which Richardson is a vocal supporter. However, he does softly chuckle in apparent agreement when it’s suggested his side could use him on the pitch right about now. 

But with his career in broadcasting still, “Going quite well,” as he modestly frames it, joining the parliamentary ranks now and giving up his work in media is “Out of the question”.

“I’m not yet prepared to walk away from that,” he says. “Maybe that’ll be my retirement gig – three years in Parliament, being a backbencher and being a pain in the ass and trying to set the record for how many times I get kicked out of Parliament.” 

So Mark promises to bring his innate talents as a batsman, so magnificent that his teammates chose for him the nickname Rigor as in Rigor mortis, to our house of representatives. I can hardly wait.

I think he will want to somehow wind back this event:

I do not think he will succeed.  The level of boorish stupidity he showed on that occasion was too much to be undone …

102 comments on “Mark Richardson wants to be a Nat MP ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Chris T 1
    14 June 2019 at 8:19 am

    It is pretty funny how much he winds people up tbf.

    • lprent 1.1
      14 June 2019 at 9:56 am

      Well – boring stupid misogynist fuckwits who drone about things that they don’t understand tend to do that.

      Particularly those ones without a sense of humour who seem to think that they're funny.

      It goes around – you seem to get that reaction as well… I wonder why?

      • Chris T 1.1.1
        14 June 2019 at 10:09 am

        Amanda Gillies is there to even things out

        • lprent 1.1.1.1
          14 June 2019 at 10:32 am

          Who? …. looks up the net. Urrgh – several saccharine self-promotional puff pieces later.

          Remember that I find our commercial radio and TV pretty repugnant – and that is even before I hear / see the adverts. So I seldom get exposed to the dribbling of such idiots unless they manage to handle a keyboard and write something. I can read a whole lot faster than waiting for the endless tedium of broadcast style media to slowly present information.

          But I have to say that she looks like a fine candidate as well for the Nats as well.

          It really is kind of hard for me (as a hard working computer programmer) to see what else most sports people and radio presenters are good for after they become unemployable in their role as advertising magnets.

          Sometimes they make it as PR. But if that doesn’t work out, then becoming National candidates seems like a good career move for personable parasites.

          • McFlock 1.1.1.1.1
            14 June 2019 at 12:42 pm

            But they have to be personable parasites, as Hosking and Henry discovered

          • JohnSelway 1.1.1.1.2
            14 June 2019 at 5:05 pm

            Oh, you're a computer programmer?

            I'm glad you said because it isn't like you've ever said that before.

            (BTW – you need better epitaphs. Almost every comment is "fuckwits" and "dickheads")

            • Incognito 1.1.1.1.2.1
              14 June 2019 at 5:20 pm

              Lynn’s comments are only meant to be read by you. I thought that was rather obvious.

            • Psycho Milt 1.1.1.1.2.2
              14 June 2019 at 5:34 pm

              I've often wondered if "fuckwit" or "dickhead" will be my epitaph. Not wondered enough to do anything to ensure it won't be, mind you.

              • McFlock …
                14 June 2019 at 5:43 pm

                I'm trying to think of something pithy like:

                Here I lie, in the only deep hole I didn't dig for myself.

                Knowing my luck I'll come up with the exact right one, but drop dead before I can tell anyone. ISTR something similar almost happened to the guy who first decyphered the rosetta stone – ran so far to tell his brother than he had a stroke just as he got there. Took weeks to recover enough to say what he'd done.

                • In Vino …
                  14 June 2019 at 7:07 pm

                  Surely John Selway meant epithets, not epittaths?

                  Good replies, though.

                  • McFlock …
                    14 June 2019 at 9:39 pm

                    I suspect you are correct – but given we don't know for sure, John's comment critical is of an hypothetical epithetical quality…

            • lprent 1.1.1.1.2.3
              15 June 2019 at 10:13 am

              So dipshit – why would you think I care what you think?

              You seem to have the same level of coherence in your thinking as Mark Richardson or those puff-pieces about Amanda whatever. Not to mention you don’t seem to have any life experience that you find worth mentioning here. It makes it hard to be bothered by anything you write about.

              In fact it seems to make you a bit of a null-entity. Have you thought about a career in radio or trying to be an National MP?

      • Al 1.1.2
        16 June 2019 at 8:46 am

        Beautifully put Iprent – was thinking about the stupidity of the previous post and your post put things well into perspective – thanks for the laugh – now back to work!

  2. Irascible 2
    14 June 2019 at 8:31 am

    His ambition to set a record for the number of times he is booted out of The House certainly shows the public that he is a total and complete fool.

  3. Sabine 3
    14 June 2019 at 8:33 am

    Well, he is about as National as is Simon No Bridges and Paula Benefit. Swarmy, noisy, shouty even, but nothing to say really.

  4. Rapunzel 4
    14 June 2019 at 8:34 am

    Good – another example, if the public actually needed any more, of the flippant self-interest of National Party politics – times move on and with friends anything like Crosby Textor or other similar neanderthal advice or opinion who needs enemies?

  5. dv 5
    14 June 2019 at 8:37 am

    Electorate or List?

  6. Sabine 6
    14 June 2019 at 8:42 am

    Mind tho, the image used in this post would make for an awesome billboard.

  7. Sanctuary 7
    14 June 2019 at 8:42 am

    What, a bigoted, well off, white middle aged media blowhard wants to be a National MP?

    Pretty crowded in the media market for that MO I guess, what with Hosking and Larry Williams and Duncan Garner all blowing harder than a fat dad after the annual school egg and spoon race. I suppose old rigor is banking an insurance policy against the ratings knife?

    And how will we be able to discern him from all the other bigoted, well off, white middle aged blowhards in their caucus?

    I guess they just have to dump one of those Chinese MPs they promised the Chinese Communist Party they'd put on the list.

    I hope Mark Richardson can make up the cash difference to the party coffers!

    • Rapunzel 7.1
      14 June 2019 at 8:53 am

      Mind you the pickings might be a bit lean, they'll be taking all-comers I reckon pre election selection next year.

      Can anyone see Bridges staying on when he finally gets dumped? As for his prospects then, ooer. He's lost 50% of the years of experience in the legal sector and I can't see him interviewing well – imagine it a became leader of what became a laughing stock and opening labelled staff as "f'n" useless as well as being open to bribes in the selling off of positions.

      Mind you JLR might be a free agent by then and as he did all Bridges PR there might be a case for the old team to get together again.

      • Dukeofurl 7.1.1
        14 June 2019 at 10:06 am

        Not at all.

        They dont want him.

        hes not going to bring voters to national who arent already there.

        getting a winnable list spot is out of the question, as those are generally captains picks aiming at cultural diversity ( or fund raising)

    • WILD KATIPO 7.2
      14 June 2019 at 8:07 pm

      ROFL ! @ Sanctuary !

      Nice one !

  8. Gosman 8
    14 June 2019 at 9:18 am

    Why is this any different to any other television personality wanting to become an MP? There are multiple examples across the political spectrum of this.

    • workingman 8.1
      14 June 2019 at 9:28 am

      Not sure gossie. I would have thought that MS would by now be trumpeting the achievements of the COL in all areas.

      Can't find any perhaps?

    • woodart 8.2
      14 June 2019 at 9:40 am

      possibly because he is already a wannabe. average sportsperson leveraging one career to start another, now trying to leverage into yet another. at least paul henry did actually have some skills in broadcasting before he tried the jump.

      • Cricklewood 8.2.1
        14 June 2019 at 6:27 pm

        Pretty fucken good test opener if you ask me. Not the most talented but jeez very strong mentally to play within the limit of his talent as he did.

        Avg of 44 is right up there world wide for test opening bats.

    • mac1 8.3
      14 June 2019 at 9:46 am

      Gosman, I wanted to say this, too, but I couldn't actually name names, especially across the spectrum. Who in your thinking are the television personalities wanting to be MPs especially across the spectrum? I thought of Maggie Barry and Lockwood Smith straight away. Who else?

    • Timeforacupoftea 8.4
      14 June 2019 at 12:54 pm

      My Husband is a coal miner would be make the list on the National Pardy

  9. mac1 9
    14 June 2019 at 9:25 am

    I'd like to see an intelligent discussion of the qualities required to be 1. a successful shock jock radio host aka media 'personality' or a successful sportsman; and 2. a successful MP, Cabinet Minister, PM.

    I ask this because my gut feeling is that the qualities required might be incompatible in a large degree except in the issue of getting elected where fame, verbal skills, publicity flair, looks and charm are assets.

    Is there more even than the qualities needed for my MP's current advertising- "Let's Talk- I'm Listening"?

    • mauī 9.1
      14 June 2019 at 10:16 am

      Richardson was successful in sport because of his extremely dogged and negative approach that sought to nullify the opposition. Probably ok if you're playing a game with minor consequences or if your name is Bridges. But when people's welfare is on the line, an approach that is morally disgusting.

      • Cricklewood 9.1.1
        14 June 2019 at 6:38 pm

        Got no idea about cricket do ya… He made the best of his talent and ended up with an avg amongst the very bestand better still knew when to call it quits. Now that's something politicians across the spectrum could learn from.

        • mauī 9.1.1.1
          17 June 2019 at 1:57 pm

          Looking back now an average among NZ's best at the time isn't much to crow about in an era of underperforming kiwi batsmen. Calling him world class would be a stretch. Had a below par strike rate for an opener and had a fairly short career really. Flem played almost 3 times as many tests and managed a slightly lower 40+ avg.

    • mac1 9.2
      14 June 2019 at 11:24 am

      This 2015 RNZ article would be a good starter for why TV personalities go into politics.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/289254/why-tv-personalities-get-into-politics

  10. Peter 10
    14 June 2019 at 9:30 am

    He would fly in in Botany or somewhere similar.

    • woodart 10.1
      14 June 2019 at 9:49 am

      think most of the nth shore seats have already been sold by the natz. the money has been used to pay off eminem.

  11. Stuart Munro. 11
    14 June 2019 at 9:31 am

    Given the dearth of talent he could probably lead them. But he is not by any stretch of the imagination going to improve the governance either of National or of NZ. Which would have him self-disqualify – were he not an odious, self-serving gobshite.

  12. Jimmy 12
    14 June 2019 at 9:38 am

    He may as well stand for National. He makes no secret of the party he supports so good luck to him as I cant see he will do National much good.

    Mike Hosking may as well stand for National too.

    • woodart 12.1
      14 June 2019 at 10:54 am

      if a smarmy gits party starts, they could be poster boi's

    • Dukeofurl 12.2
      15 June 2019 at 11:48 am

      National has plenty of 'really rich' older white guys waiting in the wings – its a log jam.

      Richardson isnt really rich , thats his schtick. being a presenter means he really doesnt have higher level business skills and yes he comes across well on TV , but he doesnt have anything to say other than pre scripted lines. These sort of shows do a lot prep trying making it look 'natural'

      In reality National party finds it more worthwhile to target younger more diverse candidates with real skills

      Dan Bidois, Agnes Loheni , Paulo Garcia are examples of people they have gone after.

      The wannabes ? They are knew deep in those in their safe electorates

  13. ianmac 13
    14 June 2019 at 9:41 am

    For National to select him would show just how low National needs to go in order to fill the List.

  14. higherstandard 14
    14 June 2019 at 10:00 am

    Nice trolling from Rigor, judging by the post and comments it's had the desired effect.

    • MickeyBoyle 14.1
      14 June 2019 at 12:22 pm

      Exactly, he's been saying the same thing since the AM show began, it's never going to happen. Richardson knows that it winds certain people up, and looking at some of the responses, he's correct again.

    • Rapunzel 14.2
      14 June 2019 at 12:39 pm

      Trolling? He's hinted at it so many times and been ignored so he had to spell it, that's not trolling it's attention seeking – gives everyone a laugh though.

  15. Tiger Mountain 15
    14 June 2019 at 10:07 am

    Another “don’t you know who I am…” style Nat crawler, preaching self reliance while being a gouging neo rentier…

  16. KJT 16
    14 June 2019 at 10:09 am

    He would raise the intelligence level of both broadcasting, and, the National caucus, by moving.

    Hat tip to Muldoon.

  17. AB 17
    14 June 2019 at 10:09 am

    Friday riddle:

    If Simon told Jamie that one Chinese is worth two Indians, how many Mark Richardsons is Virat Kohli worth?

  18. Drowsy M. Kram 18
    14 June 2019 at 10:16 am

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/106405772/the-carefully-managed-brand-of-mark-richardson

    Maybe Richardson considered the political 'successes' of the Donald (US president), and Boris (UK Prime Minister in waiting), and thought "Why not, my ego is big enough."

    Best not underestimate the political power of ego; fortunately a little muddo, dildo, eggo or milko can temporarily deflate an enlarged ego.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/treaty-of-waitangi/news/article.cfm?c_id=350&objectid=3547561
    Mud thrown at Brash at marae

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12007600
    Steven Joyce's Greatest Hits – the dildo incident, egg head and red-face

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48441185
    Australia's 'Egg Boy' gives donations to NZ attack survivors

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/112870487/brexiteer-nigel-farage-splattered-in-milkshake-attack

  19. roy cartland 19
    14 June 2019 at 10:28 am

    He used to be on that sports show with Hayley Holt and that other guy, who would tear him out every night. He's nowhere near quick-witted enough, he'd get eaten alive.

    He's perfect.

  20. marty mars 20
    14 June 2019 at 10:44 am

    Yes yes yes – get the parachute ready – the NEW gnat leader is upon us – he raises the bar from the current mob – he is smarter than them all, he has that smile where his eyes don't smile, better than jude or paula, he has idiotic cut through and some minor 3rd rate name recognition – he is confident based upon his inane stupidity, privilege and general belief in his own bullshit. He is PERFECT.

  21. Michael Smythe 21
    14 June 2019 at 11:02 am

    Being only focused on winning – with no thoughts about what to do next – makes him absolute Nat material. But he won't fit the culture of this caucus because their approach to winning is to make the other side lose – when "Rigor's" spin bowling skills declined he concentrated on batting.

  22. Naki man 22
    14 June 2019 at 11:10 am

    I can't believe how young Jacinda looked in 2017, her job must be very stressful, she looks twenty years older now

    • AB 22.1
      14 June 2019 at 11:16 am

      Awww, how sweet, you big empathetic softie!

      On the other hand – I absolutely can believe how identical your bad faith comments in 2019 look just like your bad faith comments since forever. Obviously not enough stress going on in the 'Naki.

    • Gabby 22.2
      14 June 2019 at 11:46 am

      She must be working for a living Nasti Man.

      • Naki man 22.2.1
        14 June 2019 at 1:27 pm

        "She must be working for a living Nasti Man"

        To true Grubby, It's a shame she waited until 2017 to start.

    • Cinny 22.3
      14 June 2019 at 12:59 pm

      It's called parenting, look around at any new parent. And being a new parent and the mum of a nation would absolutely be hard work. Personally I think she is doing an amazing job.

  23. Adrian 23
    14 June 2019 at 11:14 am

    He was called Rigor because of his lack of sprinting speed in the field. As a batsman he was world class and almost the perfect opener.

    A little bit of unbiased research would show that Richardson has a quality sadly missing in almost all politicians. He does not take himself seriously and allows himself to be the fall-guy in most situations.

    A CGW " ïnterview "with Stephen Fleming is a case in point, while attempting to interview SF, he is excoriated by Fleming and all his abilities and foibles laid bare. They are good mates actually. That Richardson is up for this on TV is rare among the TV "personalities "as they are almost exclusifly the most vain glorious bunch of vacuous self-important boofheads about.

    I suspect Richardson has a bit more depth than is generally assumed.

    • AB 23.1
      14 June 2019 at 11:28 am

      Everbody has more depth than is generally assumed. So saying this about Richardson doesn't amount to much. It has very little to do with individuals.The issue with Richardson is that he has aligned himself with an economic ideology of aggressive self-seeking and devil take the hindmost. He is therefore toxic to the possibility of a society worth living in.

      • jingyang 23.1.1
        15 June 2019 at 2:04 am

        @A.B – not necessarily. It is entirely possible (and in Richardson's case highly likely) to waste a lot of time with some people looking for depth that isn't there to find in the first place. One of my ex-s come to mind…

    • Rapunzel 23.2
      14 June 2019 at 12:40 pm

      Depth? He's fathomed most of them.

  24. Gabby 24
    14 June 2019 at 11:47 am

    Why would the gnatsies pay for what they're getting for free?

    • bwaghorn 24.1
      14 June 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Are you sure hes free?? He certainly seems to be right up to play running nationals lines and lies on the sm show.

      It's a shame garners is such a thick motron or he'd call him on it.

  25. MickeyBoyle 25
    14 June 2019 at 12:24 pm

    People need to relax, he's taking the piss. Learn to take a joke before you try to deplatform a guy for a differing opinion.

    • I feel love 25.1
      14 June 2019 at 12:46 pm

      Everyone is taking the piss, out of Richardson, so what's your point?

      • Adrian 25.1.1
        14 June 2019 at 1:08 pm

        That he sets himself up for having the piss taken out of him, Therefore the ego is nowhere near as large as you assume, Don't confuse the act with the actor.
        Look at his statement on Pike River re-entry and spending time talking with the homeless before you write him off.

    • mauī 25.2
      14 June 2019 at 1:14 pm

      Right wing comedians are the big thing these days, jokes about sexism and climate are especially popular…

      • bewildered 25.2.1
        14 June 2019 at 7:56 pm

        Cant you just a be a comedian, does everything in life have to be badged rightwing leftwing On your logic Richardson was a right wing opening batsman I assume by your handle you are a left wing Maori vs just a Maori, is a left wing Maori better than a centre right Maori, see how pathetic this badging sounds This constant identity badging at a cultural levels means simply more division and less people of different political persuasion interacting outside of political bs

  26. Puckish Rogue 26
    14 June 2019 at 12:53 pm

    Selecting my openers for a NZ XI I'd give Richardson the nod over Wright (although I concede Wright faced tougher bowling) and Sutcliffe (because I never watched him play) in partnering up with Turner

  27. Wayne 27
    14 June 2019 at 12:54 pm

    He seems to think of it as a retirement job. That is what he has actually said. Well, no-one will pick him on that basis.

    He is not really someone for the list, so that means if he really wants to be an MP, he will have to go into a competitive selection for an electorate seat and then win that selection.

    The members of the relevant electorate organisation will only select someone if they think he/she is really serious, and has potential to be a Cabinet Minister.

    I am sure Mark will be told all this.

    I would also add that he is already at the upper age band for selection as a new candidate.

    But MickeyBoyle might be right, it is all a bit of a joke to wind people up. Which he seems to be doing.

  28. Cinny 28
    14 June 2019 at 12:54 pm

    He's a sport presenter and should stick to that on Morning TV, it's embarrassing how much he promotes his wanna be career. Biased as commentary from him and shameful self promotion.

    Meanwhile on the other network we find absolute professionalism from Hayley Holt, sure she stood for the Greens last election but you don't see or hear her going on and on about it.

    At a guess ratings are plummeting for Newshub and climbing for Breakfast.

    • infused 28.1
      14 June 2019 at 2:51 pm

      they aren't. breakfast is a weak show.

      • Cinny 28.1.1
        15 June 2019 at 9:00 am

        Over the first three weeks Campbell co-hosted the programme, the audience reach of 25-54 year olds never dipped below 220,000. Its competitor the AM Show, never scored above 205,000 for that same age bracket.

    • Bewildered 28.2
      14 June 2019 at 5:04 pm

      Haley’s presents ok re auto cue but she is a bit vacuous or stunned opossum in headlights when she needs to go off script or interview Both breakfast shows are appalling Sky Au is a far better watch

      • Cinny 28.2.1
        15 June 2019 at 9:07 am

        Australian media is some of the most suppressed in the western world. But hey Belwildered if that's where you get your news, it probably explains a whole lot about your outlook.

        “”Australia’s defamation laws are among the most onerous in the western world and journalists in Australia are bound by restrictions which are inexplicable to those in other countries, where free speech protections are designed to enforce the public’s right to know,” Mr Murphy said in a statement.”

        https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6103837/media-freedom-in-decline-union-survey/?cs=14231

        • Dukeofurl 28.2.1.1
          15 June 2019 at 11:39 am

          Thats absurd – 'some of the most supressed'

          Defamation is often about saying things that arent true but most cases dont involve media at all

          https://inforrm.org/2019/01/04/top-10-defamation-cases-of-2018-a-selection-suneet-sharma/

          Heres a summary.

          Does Alan Jones telling big fat lies and then his station making a payout really 'supression'

          Court considered the defamatory statements to be of the highest seriousness, implicating the four Wagner’s in multiple deaths. An award of $3.7m in damages was made in total, with each of the claimants receiving a substantial award of aggravated damages due to Jones “vicious and spiteful” conduct.

  29. McFlock 29
    14 June 2019 at 1:00 pm

    Oh, I reckon he'd be a pretty typical nat MP. He's certainly got the entitlement complex going on. Not only does he assume he'll get selected for parliament, he assumes he'll break records.

  30. infused 30
    14 June 2019 at 2:51 pm

    it was known months ago. he actually wants to lead national btw.

  31. Michelle Gray 31
    14 June 2019 at 3:38 pm

    he can take simons place he might poll higher

  32. Hanswurst 32
    14 June 2019 at 6:40 pm

    Meh. Richardson was one of the best opening batsmen NZ has ever had. The nickname "Rigor" stuck because he and his team mates had a sense of humour. He is a good sports commentator and a naturally funny guy, who would probably be completely unsuited to any sort of serious politics.

    I would also point out that c this is not the first time he has casually mused and an interview about being a National MP, and doesn't read even vaguely like any kind of concrete ambition. Nor is it terribly remarkable that a gifted sporting personality holds since dickhead political views.

  33. Exkiwiforces 33
    14 June 2019 at 9:34 pm

    I’m off to the Boxing Test this yr and here is my banner for the Test.

    Vote 1 for

    Rigor for

    NZ Greens

    just need his tweeter handle

  34. peterlepaysan 34
    14 June 2019 at 11:03 pm

    Poor prick clearly feels neglected and needs attention. Please God let the Natz use him as a candidate. Ngaro and Seymour might be miffed by being marginalised.

  35. Rae 35
    15 June 2019 at 8:26 am

    If he, for a millisecond, was thinking of going into politics because he saw a need for some good to be done (even if it is his idea of it), then he would not be waiting for a more "convenient" time. Doing something worthwhile almost never happens at a convenient time.

    Just cements the notion that he is only into anything for one thing, and one thing alone. We all know what that is.

  36. patricia bremner 36
    15 June 2019 at 8:45 am

    When a "white rich old guy " holds up a sign of self promotion… well…. LMFAO.

  38. Matthew Whitehead 38
    16 June 2019 at 4:51 pm

    I think usually a personality is a requisite of being a TV personality. He's more of an outrage machine, so probably perfect for the modern nats.

  39. JustMe 39
    23 June 2019 at 9:26 am

    The main reason why I don't bother watching TV3 News is because there is Mark Richardson.

    Cannot stand the twerp. Perhaps too many hits by balls to his head have affected his mind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
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