Mayday Mayday, Worth’s bought it and I’m losing altitude – Groser out

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 1st, 2009 - 36 comments
Categories: corruption, economy, International, john key, national/act government, same old national - Tags: , , , , ,

Sqn Ldr Worth's spiffing Blenheim is about to go MIA

Sqn Ldr Dick 'Limpy' Worth: his jolly spiffing Blenheim is about to go MIA

Richard Worth, OBE, is now in very serious trouble having been snared in what looks like untruths about using his Ministerial portfolio to further the interests of a company he had a private commercial interest in. It’s pretty blatant and really Key won’t be able to get away with keeping him on for much longer.

The death knell was when a very nervous Minister made a Freudian slip in the House saying that he “had no erection” while trying to stammer the lame excuse that he “had no recollection”. With that one slip you could almost see the falling guillotine reflected in Key’s eyes as he smiled at Worth’s anguish. I felt sorry for Worth, watching the man implode as he realized the enormity of his slight but catastrophic slip. He did well to hold back the tears, so apparent was it that at that very moment a quite long and harmless, if not very illustrious, career had just ended. And still the troubles for Worth seem far from over as Eddie suggests.

Yes you should look worried mate

Yes you should look worried mate

Now Tim Groser, National’s Minister of Trade, has taken a serious hit. Groser was also a director of the Aviation training company that Worth’s involved with, but Groser at least resigned in January. Why he took so long to realize he was ethically bound to resign when elected in November is a bit of a mystery but fair enough, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on that one.

What’s now been revealed is that Groser “just remembered” last night he still has 2000 shares in Indian Overseas Group Ltd, a lobby group for Indo-New Zealand trade. I wish I had enough money where I could forget about 2000 shares of anything, but more importantly I wonder what other pesky details concerning obeying basic rules have he and his fellow ministers “forgetten”?

This kind of rubbish amateurism has the potential to tarnish New Zealand’s well deserved and invaluable  international reputation as a corruption free, largely ethical and responsible trading partner. A Minister that’s so lax with his personal finances that he can’t remember a few thousand shares here or there is simply not good enough. Particularly when he’s legally obliged to make sure he doesn’t have conflicts of interest like this.

Perhaps we need an audit of all ministers to make sure nobody else has “forgotten” anything? Surely our gallant, albeit tired, PM is all for Government transparency and accountability of the highest standards?

So far Key has done nothing but issue a reprimand as limp as Worth’s attempted defence. If he’s to avoid being labeled a two-faced hypocrite Key has to hold his ministers to the same standards he expected of Labour while it was in Government. The records are littered with Key calling for Labour ministers to be fired for far lesser offences. Reprimands in private are not enough to cleanse this, it’ll keep festering and eroding National’s already wobbly reputation on basic competence and trustworthiness.

Yet another ineffectual limp backwards for National.

36 comments on “Mayday Mayday, Worth’s bought it and I’m losing altitude – Groser out ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. monkey boy 1
    1 April 2009 at 7:05 am

    Ha Ha! But seriously, guys you have to tone it down. It’s getting harder and harder to gauge which day is April 1st.

  2. gingercrush 2
    1 April 2009 at 7:13 am

    Your post shows a clear misunderstanding of parliament and politics in general. Phil Goff was pathetic in the house yesterday and John Key got the better of him. Labour has not been able to make this a big issue. They’re clearly are still not up to being a opposition party.

    This kind of rubbish amateurism has the potential to tarnish New Zealand’s well deserved and invaluable international reputation as a corruption free, largely ethical and responsible trading partner.

    This cracked me up. Anyone remember Winston?

    Unless Goff is able to do something today which I find doubtful. This issue will be forgotten by Friday.

    • r0b 2.1
      1 April 2009 at 7:28 am

      My goodness – is this the same gingercrush who once so boldly wrote “when the National party does something wrong I’ll call them out”!

      You’re not “calling them out” gc, you’re frantically covering for them…

      • gingercrush 2.1.1
        1 April 2009 at 7:36 am

        I said yesterday Labour had the potential to do something with this. But their performance in the House yesterday clearly showed they weren’t up to the task. They could have made National look very bad. The fact is Worth fucked up. Groser someone who you would think would be smarter than this also fucked up. No one is denying that. The problem is Labour hasn’t been convincing in this at all. Goff carried a holier-than-thou attitude yesterday and it didn’t work. Indeed he felt weak in Question Time yesterday and he should have been more aggressive.

        If you look at this carefully and try and be non-partisan about it. 1. It isn’t a sackable offense. 2. Labour was horrible at covering this yesterday. 3. Despite Worth having the weakest defense over this Labour still could not make much out of it.Such tasks would have been much better handled by Trevor Mallard but they decided for Goff and then Hodgson to tackle this. And It failed miserably.

          • gingercrush 2.1.1.1.1
            1 April 2009 at 8:02 am

            Um what is that meant to prove? You could take so many issues brought up in parliament most of which doesn’t have much relevance to anything and provide five links to such information. I never said it wasn’t serious. I said in my mind Labour wasn’t able to make much out of it. Hodgson did okay I don’t doubt that. Worth looked like an idiot. I don’t deny it. My point is Labour could have made this very serious and they were not able to do that.

            Labour’s job as opposition is to hold the government to account. But more importantly, have the ability to make the government look bad; identify issues in policies that are problematic and highlight issues where Ministers have acted incorrectly. This Worth affair could have become a big thing that not only gives Labour confidence again but highlights the government in a negative way . But instead of using it to their advantage. It only made them look soft. Typically Labour has Phil Goff ask two questions from the 12 allowed on issues to the Prime Minister. Yesterday he asked just one. The fact is Labour has done poorly on this issue when they could have made it a very serious issue.

            Labour has been far better with Nick Smith and they have been able to make him accountable.

          • r0b 2.1.1.1.2
            1 April 2009 at 8:12 am

            Um what is that meant to prove?

            That there has been a lot of attention paid by the media to this issue. That Worth is now a laughing stock. That your assessment of how effective Labour has been is somewhat “subjective”.

            You could take so many issues brought up in parliament most of which doesn’t have much relevance to anything and provide five links to such information

            No you couldn’t, don’t be silly. Four of those five links were to pieces published today, there has been far more over the week.

            Bye for now…

          • mickysavage 2.1.1.1.3
            1 April 2009 at 8:15 am

            Come on Ginger.

            Worth has been caught in the worst possible position. Key’s attempt to be Labour lite yet also claim that they would do things differently to show that National has changed for the better is wearing thin. It seems that the old born to rule mindset is as strong as ever.

            There is also this strong suspicion that one or more Ministers may have been profiting from their role as a Minister and this is just not on.

            You can dress it up as much as you want. Calling it a non sackable offence concedes that it is a scandal.

            And the only judge that matters is public opinion.

            If it had not ended already this is the start of the end of the honeymoon. All those bright eyed new National voters will now be becoming cynical about what they had been sucked into voting for.

    • Killinginthenameof 2.2
      1 April 2009 at 8:57 am

      Blah blah blah Winston Winston Winston. You guys do realise you only get to play that card once right? Are you sure you want to use it up now?

  3. The Sprout 3
    1 April 2009 at 7:20 am

    both completely hopeless defences of the actual issue gc.
    you’re not ‘managing’ their PR are you?
    like National, must… try… harder.

  4. gingercrush 4
    1 April 2009 at 7:25 am

    You’re not managing the left’s PR either. Phil Goff and Labour looked like a party of idiots. They did. They can’t ask questions without looking like idiots. This thing is getting little coverage. I’m listening to National Radio and there hasn’t even been a mention about it. Meaning its Labour that has lost this PR war. Goff got no coverage from TV One only Hodgson did. You’re losing the PR war its certainly not National.

  5. andy 5
    1 April 2009 at 7:57 am

    Dr Worth said in Parliament: “I am simply unaware of the truth of that statement. I do not believe it to be correct.”

    [snip]

    Mr Gupta and Mr Dhillon are also the remaining directors and shareholders of NZ Aviation, and are also fellow directors and shareholders of the Indian Overseas Group Ltd – the company with a similar name to the not-for-profit Indian Trade Group.

    Dr Worth had two fellow MPs on the delegation, Mr Bakshi and Invercargill MP Eric Roy.

    This is very messy!

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10564548

  6. Hilary 6
    1 April 2009 at 8:05 am

    Sorry thread highjack here but I am angry that National is apparently backtracking on its pre-election pledge to include Playcentre in the 20 hours free child care. Playcentre campaigned for National on this and congratulated them on their election win.
    But after all its only little kids, and so not newsworthy.

  7. gingercrush 7
    1 April 2009 at 8:41 am

    mickeysavage – Your post has merits and in isolation sounds great. But the problem is that when the government stuffs up as clearly happened here the opposition needs to do something about it. Goff failed completely. Hodgson wasn’t much better he was only helped that Worth is such a useless shit, him just speaking makes him look useless. The problem is how much longer will the media go over this issue. National Radio has dropped it. That isn’t a good sign. The newspapers will quickly get on with something else same goes for the tv media. Potentially Labour can still do something today. But it is going to be way better than their performance yesterday.

    • Tigger 7.1
      1 April 2009 at 8:48 am

      Enough digging around Worth’s role as ‘consultant’ to Simpson Grierson will give Labour some fresh dirt I’m sure.

  8. Steve Withers 8
    1 April 2009 at 8:48 am

    For a “law ‘n order” party, national seems to have a lot of trouble following the rules….or even knowing what they are.

    Maybe it is just incompetence, though Gerry Brownlee’s proven contempt for the rules as they might apply to National suggests it’s more along the lines of ignore than ignorant.

    This pack of bozos looks like imploding as times get tougher. Makes one wonder if Key is control, or driving from the rear, trying to keep the others in sight.

    Key’s “no secret agendas” line has already been blown sky high by the crony capitalists around him rushing to help their mates loot the state even as they borrow – on the taxpayer – to fund all the future profits of their buddies and (mainly foreign, it seems) corporate patrons. There aren’t many (if any) local NZ-based insurance companies going to benefit from National’s policies.

  9. jcuknz 9
    1 April 2009 at 9:07 am

    I think you folk are clutching at straws, very weak and flimsy straws at that, over this business.

    • big norm 9.1
      1 April 2009 at 10:02 am

      I’d very much like to know how much these shares that are apparently going to ruin tim groser are worth – “I wish I had enough money where I could forget about 2000 shares of anything” – if they turn out to be worth 20 cents each then the author of this article is going to look pretty dumb with this ‘rich prick’ style comment. Maybe the ‘investigative team’ at the standard could go look up the price of these shares?

      Then again if this investigation turns up as much information as mike williams’ trip to australia on his quest to destroy john keys image, well, it’s probably easier to write partisan hack nonsense like this article and not even bother with trying to get to the bottom of it.

      • Matthew Pilott 9.1.1
        1 April 2009 at 10:44 am

        Yes, big norm, the main thing with Conflict Of Interest is how much money you stand to make from it. It is nothing to do with the principle at all.

        As I understand if you make under $500 then you get a quick handshake from the PM, whereby the PM’s pinkie will stroke your palm in the Masonic fashion with no fewer than two (2) strokes.

        $501 to $1,250 will earn you a slight frown, and the right to maintain a ruffled brow for a period not exceeding one (1) day.

        $1,251 to $10,000 gets you a “reprimand”, the details of which shall be private and the consequences of which must pass a legal test for being “transitory and trifling”, subject to citizen referenda.

        $10,001 plus will generally include at least two (2) of the following acts: a “bollocking”, a “bullocking” (like the first, but involves bovine livestock), a “real bloody earful” or a “right royal dressing down” (strictly not in the presence of royalty).

        I hope this answers your idiotic question.

  10. DavidW 10
    1 April 2009 at 9:26 am

    Tigger
    So you mean that no MP of the governing party has a right to have any investments or connections be a patron or supporter of anything once they get elected? Bollocks

    Start if you will with Helen Clark and the ownership of multiple rental houses and then having input into legislation covering LAQC tax issues.

    Go on with Philip Field employing immigrant labour while Associate Minister of Immigration

    Continue with Jeanette Fitsimmons having investments in a turbine company and having input into wind farm technology and campaigning against Project Aqua

    Shane Jones double dipping, I’d be surprised if Pete Hodgson has absolutely no remaining interest in his old vet practice (I don’t know but can’t be assed digging to be honest as it is such a non-issue)

  11. DavidW 11
    1 April 2009 at 9:29 am

    Oh and BTW Tigger. If you are looking for a “dirt digger” which seems to be an art refined by the left, I can put you in touch with Mike Williams. I’m sure he has a bit of time on his hands at the moment

  12. Observer 12
    1 April 2009 at 9:39 am

    correct

    The Winston cloud was raining on their potential parade

    -_-

    .

  13. gobsmacked 13
    1 April 2009 at 10:15 am

    Quick recap:

    “I did not speak as a Minister of any portfolio at any event or ceremony during my visit to India.” (Richard Worth, Hansard, yesterday)

    Below, a photograph of a press conference, given by Richard Worth during his visit to India. The banner says “Minister”.

    http://www.richardworth.co.nz/uploads/Minister2.JPG

  14. the sprout 14
    1 April 2009 at 10:31 am

    there must be some kind of “translation problem” with the Indian photograph 😉

  15. Tigger 15
    1 April 2009 at 11:06 am

    Wow, you right guys are really nervous about this Worth thing. What is there to find here?

    I think this thread has thrown some sensible light on the worth (no pun intended) of conflicts of interest in a financial sense. If there is larger financial gain then it will result in harsher penalities.

    No good quoting the past to me – I’ve never weighed in supporting Labour on this issue. I believe in a tough line on conflicts of interest – substitute Worth for Field and I’d be saying the same things. I do have an issue with MPs of any party getting salary from elsewhere, however. Not investment income – but salary (contractor or otherwise). You can argue that point with me but it’s just something I think isn’t a good look for them.

    Bottom line, it’s all about perception. Worth looks shonky and, erection quip as evidence, like a doofus. Key keeping him around looks like a silly management move.

  16. gingercrush 16
    1 April 2009 at 4:11 pm

    I see neither Phil Goff or Pete Hodgson asked questions in regard to this matter in the house today. Though Goff just spoke about it in the General Debate. Goff should have asked questions and its disturbing that he didn’t. A speech during General Debate simply doesn’t cut it and one can only conclude, that he didn’t have the confidence to ask questions about it.

    While Eddie seemed to think Labour had more on this subject in regards to Richard Worth. Why then did they not use the opportunity during question time to do it. It’s Question Time that tends to get media attention not what occurs during the General Debate.

    • the sprout 16.1
      1 April 2009 at 4:29 pm

      don’t be disappointed gc, too much other news today – it’ll keep.

      and Worth is already a dead man walking.

      • mickysavage 16.1.1
        1 April 2009 at 4:56 pm

        These things tend to snowball.

        Just wait for a few more days to pass and more information will start to pop up. If Worth was stupid enough to put a commercial plug into a ministerial speech then he may have done it more than once. The Simpson Grierson stuff may also start to develop.

        The member for Epsom may not experience another election (spelt with an “r”?)

        • gingercrush 16.1.1.1
          1 April 2009 at 5:12 pm

          I fully expect him to be gone as a Minister when the cabinet experiences some type of shake up just before the election. And I think him, David Carter, Maurice Williamson and a few others in National will be expected to either resign by the end of this term or will be pushed promptly to backbencher status. And David Bennett can kiss goodbye to whatever chances he had in cabinet with that awful display today.

  17. gingercrush 17
    1 April 2009 at 4:41 pm

    I disagree. Labour needs to keep the momentum. Yes they wanted to talk about tax Since in the bigger picture that is of far more importance. That is fair enough. But if that want this to keep going they need to ask questions about it. If not Phil Goff (who of course was asking questions about tax cuts) then Phil Hodgson at least should have asked some questions. See Labour always asks questions of Nick Smith, they have been able to keep that momentum up. Thus every question time, there are always questions targeting Nick Smith and it works. That is why Labour should have had questions on this issue today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
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  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
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