McVicar’s homophobia

Written By: - Date published: 9:49 am, January 20th, 2013 - 90 comments
Categories: you couldn't make this shit up - Tags: ,

Remember the great crimewave that followed legalisation of homosexuality in the mid eighties?

Neither do I but Garth McVicar may remember otherwise. In his submission to the select committee on Louisa Wall’s marriage amendment bill, McVicar has declares

:

I see the marriage ammedment bill as being a further erosion of what
I consider to be esential basic values and morals that have stood the
test of time for centuries. Furthermore the bill represents a further
decay and erosion of the traditional family [mother & father] that
society has ben founded on. While many of the proponents of this bill
also decry the escalation of child abuse, domestic violence, violent
crime and corresponding prison population they fail [or choose to
ignore]to see the connection of the social demise caused by the
policies they promote and the outcomes.

While much good work has been done recently to reduce crime and
ensure better treatment of victims this bill has the abilty to
destroy that good work.
The marriage ammendment bill will not benefit society at all and will
ultimately have detremetal effect on crime at all levels.

Y’get that? All his good work will be undone by Teh Gayz! Frankly this submission is the work of a paranoid and perverse mind. But are we really surprised? This after all, is a man who came out in support of a child killer, and who may well be funded by private prison lobbyists.

It would be funny if it weren’t for the influence this creep has gained by exploiting crime victims families.

90 comments on “McVicar’s homophobia ”

  1. millsy 1

    Nasty, but predictable. I knew the guy was homophobic in some way, shape or form.

    The underlines the fact that Louisa Wall’s bill MUST pass. This is just like the 81 Springbok tour. The old order v. the new generation. If the bill fails, it is un-reconstructed bigoted, racist, homophobic neanderthals like McVicar, McCroskie, Rankin, the SPCS, Ken Orr, Laws, Prosser and the like who win, and they will have the confidence to seek to destory the rest of the social and sexual freedoms we enjoy, like abortion, divorce, the ability to consume alcohol in premises with the opposite sex, sex outside of marriage, women being able to vote, etc and so on. They want to turn this country into an Islamic-style theocracy like in Iran or Saudi Arabia.

  2. Dinosaur stuff.
    Party at mine on extinction day.

    Are his comments not hate speech?

    • Murray Olsen 2.1

      Everything McVicar says is hate speech. He hates a world where Maori can call Pakeha men by their christian names, where they can live in the same towns, and where they can look a Pakeha in the eye. He is nostalgic for a world where his type had status because of their skin colour and their ownership of a bit of land. He is a scum sucking dinosaur and I cannot understand why the media give him any prominence whatsoever. What worries me even more is that there are people below the age of 70 who agree with some or all of his views.

  3. QoT 3

    He has a point, you know. I do totally fail to see a connection between allowing loving couples to marry on an equal footing with other couples and raise children together in a loving, committed family unit … and the “erosion of the family”.

    I now invite responses from any hetero people who feel that their personal ability to love, commit, and raise children will be irrevocably damaged by the knowledge that Adam and Steve or Wilma and Betty are able to do the same thing.

    • kiwi_prometheus 3.1

      Why do you limit it to couples with no explanation of why? Aren’t you discriminating against consenting adults who want to be in a marriage with more than 2 participants or less that 2? If so, how does your definition of what marriage is justify your discrimination and violation of their ‘rights’, QoT?

      • QoT 3.1.1

        Still mimicking Family First’s talking points, k_p? Interesting.

        Maybe you could explain why exactly the same argument doesn’t work for the current situation. If I can legally marry one man, why not two?

        • kiwi_prometheus 3.1.1.1

          Still mimicking pro gay marriage talking points, QoT?

          “If I can legally marry one man, why not two?”

          Monogamy is a requisite in the current understanding of “marriage”, therefore no polygamy.

          • QoT 3.1.1.1.1

            Yes, k_p. Well done! So now you, as the person constantly talking about polygamy, have the burden of explaining why changing the gender portion of the legal definition of marriage automatically endangers the monogamy portion.

            (You might also like to have a word with the many cultures on this planet who do not include “monogamy” as a “requisite” of marriage).

            • kiwi_prometheus 3.1.1.1.1.1

              No QoT, the burden is YOURS.

              Geeze you really are squirming around aren’t you?

              “why changing the gender portion of the legal definition of marriage automatically endangers the monogamy portion.”

              You’re not “changing a portion”, you are redefining marriage that leaves no argument for monogamy or any other kind of limitation if you bother to actually consider what you are trying to do. How do you come to the belief that you are only changing a “portion”.

              That’s just bizarre but not surprising coming from a Feminist.

              “(You might also like to have a word with the many cultures on this planet who do not include “monogamy” as a “requisite” of marriage).”

              Not interested in your multicult crap, QofT.

              Go to the NZ public then and say “hey us gay marriage advocates are actually redefining marriage to allow for polygamy and even marrying yourself, but I’m sure you will all still give your whole hearted support to us because its all about the freedom to love who you want!”.

              Good luck.

              • QoT

                Dude, do you understand how much you pwn your own argument when you spend this much time whinging that marriage is a big special unique institution … and then dismiss all other cultures’ and historical periods’ alternative definitions as “multicult crap”?

                If I’m squirming it’s because it hurts to laugh this hard.

              • Pascal's bookie

                You’re not “changing a portion”, you are redefining marriage that leaves no argument for monogamy or any other kind of limitation if you bother to actually consider what you are trying to do. How do you come to the belief that you are only changing a “portion”.

                Err, read the legislation. It is changing a portion.

                Your argument, such as it is, is that any change made implies that any other change could be made.

                But so what? That has always been the case. The fact that a change has been proposed, and other changes made previously, confirm that. You’ve got nothing k-p. Nothing at all.

          • Populuxe1 3.1.1.1.2

            [IB: In case you missed it, you’ve been banned until next Saturday (26th) for accusing an author of lying]

          • xtasy 3.1.1.1.3

            kp – you appear to be “married” to a degenerate mindset.

        • kiwi_prometheus 3.1.1.2

          Please stop avoiding the question and answer it.

          Here I will put it to you again, QoT

          “Why do you limit [marriage ] to couples with no explanation of why?”

          • QoT 3.1.1.2.1

            Because that’s the law change on the table, k_p. Don’t you read newspapers?

            Sure, there’s a really interesting conversation to be had about family structure and alternative relationship styles, but the simple fact is this: you don’t give a fuck about alternative relationship structures. You’re exploiting them to derail the current moves towards marriage equality.

            You want to derail this entire societal debate away from the simple fact that there are loving, committed same-sex couples in this world who deserve the same legal recognition as two hetero flatmates getting hitched for the student allowance benefits.

            You’re only bringing up polygamy because your team’s previous arguments, i.e. “why can’t I marry my dog”, have been definitely laughed off stage.

            That’s why I’m not answering your piece of shit “question”, k_p. Because I’m not playing your sad little homophobic game.

            • kiwi_prometheus 3.1.1.2.1.1

              “That’s why I’m not answering your piece of shit “question”,”

              It’s a very straight forward philosophical question, QoT.

              You can’t give a reasoned, coherent reply, that’s why you aren’t answering it.

              Your argument is seriously flawed, unsalvageable. As a result it will damage/undermine the institution of marriage if it wins out.

              Therefore gay ‘marriage’ would be socially corrosive.

              • QoT

                I won’t answer a bias, derailing question … ergo gay marriage is socially corrosive.

                I fucking love how you think logic works.

              • fatty

                Therefore gay ‘marriage’ would be socially corrosive.

                Can you please detail possible corrosive outcomes to society?
                Just list them 1-5, from most corrosive to least…

                Didn’t think you could…lame again KP

              • xtasy

                “Socially corrosive” is a bad mentality and mob mentality, like some hating minority or other groups for gender and sexual orientation, looks, race, colour, culture, mindset, personal opinion, political views, dress habits and whatever else may come to mind.

                kp, you are constantly seeking to pick arguments with many here, just to create division and diversion from what really matters.

                Get a life, you apparently have none, as you come to a forum that largely disagrees with you, that does not share your views, and that apparently goes up your nose.

                Some never learn, I am afraid, so for your own well-being, take a “get a life pill” tonight.

  4. vto 5

    When I saw this in te paper this a.m. it induced cringe and head-shaking. He is off the planet. Rather timely in a tiny wee way given the recent bash I’ve had at this issue. But it highlights the difference in approach to the issue, imo.

    The approach suggested the last couple of days by me was imo positive to the hetero marriage group and neutral to the gay marriage group (all rights equal etc), whereas McVicar here is completely negative to the gay marriage group and neutral to the hetero marriage group. Hopefully the subtle but real difference is apparent.

    Anyways, to those who made the homophobia accusation, here is your real villain. And believe it or not I’m on your side. Society does not need neaderthals like this, but it has them like it has extremists at the ends of every political spectrum.

    Fight the good fight.

    Out. Summer is calling.

    • One Tāne Huna 5.1

      “the hetero marriage group”

      To be clear – you are referring to the group who want to have their own “hets only” definition of marriage, am I right?

      I think they’re a tiny minority (now you’ve excluded Garth McVicar perhaps you need a smaller phonebox) who don’t own the institution of marriage and therefore have no business demanding anything.

      I’ve yet to see any kind of rebuttal.

  5. muzza 6

    Don’t get caught up in the blatant distraction that is GM and his comments, which are timed/designed for emotive purposes, to keep the fires stoked!

    What is needed is to see GM and co as the *faces/mouths*, of those, who allow them the vehicles/platforms of public view.

    If anything, his comments are so ridiculous that perhaps some will begin to question his, and the SST’s operational function!

    • QoT 6.1

      Just checking, muzza, is this your actual opinion or part of your personal research project?

      • muzza 6.1.1

        Now, now Queenie, Felix and McFlock have branded me, so if you have faith in their conclusions, then you will be able to answer your own question, with confidence.

        http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-20012013/#comment-575834

        In case you missed my question above, take a look – It requires an urgent assessment, there could be innocent victims, digesting unnecessary amounts of self doubt/hatred while you deliver a verdict on the *abuse*!

        • QoT 6.1.1.1

          You’ve been branded by nothing but your own unequivocal statements made at another blog, muzza.

          • muzza 6.1.1.1.1

            I think you will find that is not entirely accurate QoT (yourself aside), there were explicit accusations of bigotry.

            My comments elsewhere have nothing to do with the accusations, which were made by Felix/McFlock, here, on The Standard!

            • QoT 6.1.1.1.1.1

              Well I guess you’ve got a cast-iron defence ready, muzza – your bigoted statements were probably just part of your social experiment, right?

            • felixviper 6.1.1.1.1.2

              muzza, the trouble you’ve run into is that as soon as you admitted that you’re here in the capacity of an experimenter, there’s absolutely no reason for anyone to take anything you say as an honest opinion.

              You made your bed, so you can lie in it (which it’s now quite reasonable to assume you’ve been doing all along.)

  6. mike e vipe e 7

    I thought he would have advocated for gay people to have their honeymoon in prison!

  7. Policy Parrot 8

    SST = Sexually Sentencing Types.

  8. Nick 9

    Garth McVicar is an idiot – I agree that the media shouldn’t give him oxygen on this or anything else he has to say.

    • Roy 9.1

      On the other hand, the media showing him up as an intolerant old bigot can only help to make more people realize that he should not be listened to on any subject, including sentencing of criminals.

  9. NickS 10

    Urge to verbally flense rising…

    And what’s worse, homosexuals are at higher risk of being the victims of crime due to homophobia, but hey, I guess teh gays can’t ever be the victims right?

    • Roy 10.1

      I’d hazard a guess that McVicar would not campaign for longer sentences for people who bash gays.

  10. NZ Femme 11

    I’m totes going shopping for matching balaclavas for me and my honey.

  11. PlanetOrphan 12

    Sounds like McVicar is repeating his Nazi Transgendered mothers’ , delusional lies.
    Hiding from his/her Nazi past ….. it’s amazing that the kids of those people can never face the truth.

    • xtasy 12.1

      McVicar plays the naughty Vicar at night, blowjob here and there, and in return, but keep it hush hush, please. Naughty Vicar, always in the confession box.

  12. tracey 13

    i think this will damage his so called victim crusade in the minds of average kiwis. does this mean he wldnt campaign for a victim.og gay bashing… or would he assist the defence with provocation arguments?

  13. kiwi_prometheus 14

    Gay ‘marriage’ is socially corrosive.

    In your revision of the definition of marriage you lot a destroying it.

    As I’ve pointed out before, what argument do you have to stop polygamy, brother marrying sister or grand ma and her grand daughter?

    After all according to you lot its all about consenting loving adults asserting their rights.

    One nutter on here gives polygamy the thumbs up. I watched a university student of philosophy acknowledge that yes it is acceptable for an individual to marry them-self according to the pro gay marriage argument, though she thought it would be a bit of a joke – but then gay ‘marriage’ is a joke.

    Of course none of you can give a reasoned response.

    That’s why you need and love McVicar – you can wail, sob, beat your chests, pull your hair, scream “FUCKING BIGOT!” – make yourselves out to be the righteous defenders of good – demonise anyone who isn’t “On board”.

    All to hide the fact your concept of marriage is a philosophical car wreck.

    • Descendant Of Sssmith 14.1

      You mean if we don’t support a Catholic / Anglican / Presbyterian definition of marriage there’s something wrong with us.

      I’m quite comfortable with broader definitions of marriage than that – in simple terms it’s a public declaration of commitment that also engenders some legal rights.

      That’s hardly a philosophical car wreck.

      To try and pretend that a Christian-like definition is the only acceptable one for a modern multi-cultural world is nonsense.

      Marriage existed before Christianity and the Anglican Church for example predominantly rose out of a need by those in power to re-define the definition of marriage away from what it formally was – even though it was quite common for royalty to have mistresses.

      Here’s some examples of different marriage customs:

      http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ATLAS_EN/html/marriage_in_non_western_societ.html

      While in general you can argue that New Zealand society was significantly based upon thinking gained from a Western Christian ethic some aspects of that have been found wanting ( e.g. the right to beat your wife and children for discipline) and many other parts of our society have come from non-religious thinking and in some cases from standing up to the abusive power of religious leaders.

      The religious bigots, like you label McVicar ( I have no idea if he is religious and it’s a long time since someone’s name indicated their profession – otherwise I’d be shoeing horses) would have us remain in a frozen time warp of stupidity – no different from the Taliban or those who think mountains are ancestors or spirits whatever part of the world they come from.

      Remove the religion out of marriage and there’s no reason why two men or woman can’t marry each other any more than there was no reason I couldn’t marry my wife when I don’t have a religious bone in my body.

      Of course the religious bigotry that abounds should be objecting to that too or is my marriage somehow acceptable even though I think god is a crock of superstitious shite.

      • RedLogix 14.1.1

        Indeed if there is one thing more remarkable than anything else in human society it is the enormous range of forms families can and do take.

        Personally I’m one of those ‘nutters’ kp refers to … I’ve very little time for the institution of marriage as defined in traditional terms. What we’ve learnt in the last few decades about human sexuality and genetics, strongly suggests that the idea of lifelong, single partner heterosexual monogamy is a very poor idea indeed.

        Personally I can see the next century marked by a lot more flexibility around family structures.

        • kiwi_prometheus 14.1.1.1

          Its all ready incredibly flexible.

          High divorce rates, kids not being raised in a stable home with their biological father and mother.

          What a mess, and you obviously think it is ‘absolutely fabulous’.

          • TightyRighty 14.1.1.1.1

            You believe though that a loving couple, consenting adults, should not be allowed to marry? What about the same legal rights as a normally married couple even if it isn’t “marriage” by the same name?

        • kiwi_prometheus 14.1.1.2

          “What we’ve learnt in the last few decades about human sexuality and genetics, strongly suggests that the idea of lifelong, single partner heterosexual monogamy is a very poor idea indeed.”

          [ citation needed ]

          • QoT 14.1.1.2.1

            *snort* Oh, someone thinks he’s clever. But you’d do a damn sight better demand other people’s credentials if you weren’t constantly shooting off without providing any of your own.

          • RedLogix 14.1.1.2.2

            At this point I could introduce some interesting ideas; but I doubt kp would read any of them.

            the critical factor in such cases is the emotional cost of admitting that the decision to buy the stock, adopt the belief system, or make whatever other mistake is at issue, was in fact a mistake. The more painful it is to make that admission, the more forcefully most people will turn away from the necessity to do so, and it’s safe to assume that they’ll embrace the most consummate malarkey if doing so allows them to insist to themselves that the mistake wasn’t a mistake after all.

            http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/the-road-down-from-empire.html

            Personally kp I’m a fairly vanilla and boring old white male het, whose been a one partner at a time sort of bloke all my life. But looking back I’m not all that convinced it was the best thing I could have done with my life, and the evidence I can see about me … as you can see for yourself kp… there is plenty of evidence that the ‘standard monogamous nuclear family’ model is fraught with failures.

            Do I have a set of ready-made answers? No. But I do have a bunch of questions and a curious mind.

      • kiwi_prometheus 14.1.2

        “You mean if we don’t support a Catholic / Anglican / Presbyterian definition of marriage there’s something wrong with us.”

        Why do you assume that all opposition is religious in nature? I’ve put it to you that the pro gay marriage argument allows a free for all – that’s a philosophical argument not a theological one.

        “I’m quite comfortable with broader definitions of marriage than that – in simple terms it’s a public declaration of commitment that also engenders some legal rights.”

        So you give polygamy 2 thumbs up? Along with someone marrying themself? Or Grandma marrying her grand daughter?

        Your definition of marriage certainly allows for it.

        “That’s hardly a philosophical car wreck.”

        Yes it is – it makes a complete nonsense of the concept of marriage.

        Funny how the pro gay movement gets enraged and defensive when opponents claim polygamy will be allowed next. Because they know the public would reject them if they declared it was all sweet.

        But here is another pro gay marriage number seemly giving the thumbs up to all kinds of bizarre arrangements as “marriage”.

        • RedLogix 14.1.2.1

          You’re strawman construction crew is going to be demanding double time…

          A cursory examination of the huge range of family structures found in the thousands of various cultures in the world show that people are remarkably adaptable … while at the same time are quite sensible about avoiding breeding with excessively close relatives.

          • kiwi_prometheus 14.1.2.1.1

            So you are all for polygamy and grandma marrying grand daughter?

            “avoiding breeding with excessively close relatives”

            Why do you believe marriage must necessarily involve a sex act?

            You lot claim defining heterosexual sex as the only type acceptable to marriage is descriminating towards gays.

            So you want to be more ‘inclusive’, redefine marriage to include homosexual sex acts.

            But what about people who don’t want to have sex at all but want to get married. Surely that is discrimination, a violation of their right to get married?

            So remove sex from the definition of marriage all together.

            • RedLogix 14.1.2.1.1.1

              So you are all for polygamy and grandma marrying grand daughter?

              Polygamy is defined as one male, multiple females and reflects a power structure not a family one. There are other forms of polyandry and polyamory that are equally possible. None of these are impossible, indeed there is every reason to think humans evolved for millions of years using a multi-male, multi-female mating system .. as do our closest genetic relatives the two chimpanzee species.

              As I’ve said before, the vast majority of human societies seem to have also followed an instinct to avoid having sex with their very close relatives. No-one here is suggesting anything different and it’s an utter strawman of the worst kind to keep bringing it up.

              Why do you believe marriage must necessarily involve a sex act?

              What you are now talking about is a form of relationship that is more about friendship, property management and social form. Marriage can of course be completely asexual … but in that case why are you concerned about the sexuality of the couple?

            • felixviper 14.1.2.1.1.2

              “Why do you believe marriage must necessarily involve a sex act?”

              RL has already addressed this, but I think I should remind everyone that a few months ago k_p’s primary argument against gay marriage was that marriage was all about procreation.

              btw, he never did answer my question “where do babies come from?” but I assure him the answer isn’t “marriage.”

      • xtasy 14.1.3

        I met a fair few “Christians” – and honestly very many were just out-right bigots and hypocrites.

    • QoT 14.2

      Gay ‘marriage’ is socially corrosive.

      [citation needed]

    • The Al1en 14.3

      I did ask the other day and I’ll ask again, if having multiple partners were legal, would you object to homosexual polygamy, and if so, on what grounds?

    • Populuxe1 14.4

      “Gay ‘marriage’ is socially corrosive.”

      Capitalism is socially corrosive: true. People used to say mixed race marriages were socially corrosive, as it turned this is false. As is your statement.

      “In your revision of the definition of marriage you lot a destroying it.”

      That’s like saying no longer treating wives as chattels or getting rid of prima noctu, and outlawing concubinage destroyed marriage. Hollywood divorces have inflicted more damage on marriage than gay marriage ever possibly could.

      “As I’ve pointed out before, what argument do you have to stop polygamy, brother marrying sister or grand ma and her grand daughter?”

      Straw man and slippery slope fallacy in one. The number of people who want polygamous or polyandrous marriages is so slight as to be irrelevant. And generally speaking incest is generally frowned upon because consanguineous relationships often lead to genetically damaged children.

      “After all according to you lot its all about consenting loving adults asserting their rights.”

      Yes it is.

      One nutter on here gives polygamy the thumbs up. I watched a university student of philosophy acknowledge that yes it is acceptable for an individual to marry them-self according to the pro gay marriage argument, though she thought it would be a bit of a joke – but then gay ‘marriage’ is a joke.

      Of course none of you can give a reasoned response.

      That’s why you need and love McVicar – you can wail, sob, beat your chests, pull your hair, scream “FUCKING BIGOT!” – make yourselves out to be the righteous defenders of good – demonise anyone who isn’t “On board”.

      All to hide the fact your concept of marriage is a philosophical car wreck.

    • Copperhead 14.5

      Im sorry Mr Prometheus, but own goal again, the only chest beating going on is by cavemen like you who are afraid of teh big bad gays. Get out of the house and join the 21st century.

      Edit, this was directed at kp above, not sure how it got here

  14. Galeandra 15

    peanut hammer

    • kiwi_prometheus 15.1

      Is that for the pro gay marriage and polygamists on here?

      • locus 15.1.1

        Oh bravo kp, but I do rather think it was directed at the many rational well reasoned comments that have taken apart your feeble and unpleasant rhetoric

      • xtasy 15.1.2

        NO, it seems to be a “hammer” meant to hit the top of your skull to re-arrange some braincells in need to have a reality check, perhaps, I only presume, it is well-meant too by the way.

  15. Dr Terry 16

    Marriage, I thought, was based upon “love”, and is there a difference if it happens to concern a gay couple? Clearly, McVicar is, then, opposed in this instance to such loving relationship. (I am sure there is no shortage of real evils for him to oppose with such ardent vigour!).

    How much do people know about this man? He is a long-time Hawkes Bay farmer whose formal education stopped at the age of 16. He has no qualifications in law. psychology, or criminology. He is not a “beast with horns”, but a quite pleasant fellow (“decent bloke”), a man of good old “family values” (which are so often questionable!) who possesses “natural intelligence” which does not spare him from delusional ideas. He is (God spare us!) undoubtedly “well-meaning”, (just misguided).

    He founded the Sensible Sentencing Trust in 2001, promoting harsher court sentences and penal policies in the belief that this will reduce crime, popularising the notion throughout the country. A number of commentators have pointed out the close connection with the National and ACT parties on (punitive) policies of law and order. McVicar acknowledges a “close regular contact with Don Brash, and the SST often works with the Christian Right.

    Professor John Pratt of Victoria University says SST leads to the puruit of penal policies to win votes rather than reduce crime or promote justice”. A recent commentator wrote, “What Mr McVicar stands for isn’t really clear, but it certainly has nothing to do with justice”. CJ Shian Elias has stated that she believes NZ has developed “a pervasive culture of blame”.

    Enlightened justice reformer Kim Workman of “Rethinking Crime and Punishment” offers a more evidence-based approach to criminal justice in NZ (with analyses of the social context and causes of criminal activity). He says, “Victims become trapped in their grief by the SST and are unable to ever reach peace. These victims are being filled with this retributive agenda from McVicar and from politicians trying to oust one another to be tough on crime. It’s just alienating and full of hate.”

    It is reported that 50 international studies involving over 300,000 offenders concluded “None of the analyses found imprisonment reduced recidivism . . . Longer sentences were associated with an increase in offending” (a view ignored by SST).

    McVicar produced a book for which he employed a ghost-writer, Michael Larson (whose name appears not on the cover). He happily confesses “I haven’t read the whole book through” (though we must charitably suppose him literate).

    Now in full grandiosity McVicar presumes, with absolutely no evidence, to connect gay-marriage with criminal conduct. What will come next??

    • kiwi_prometheus 16.1

      “Kim Workman of “Rethinking Crime and Punishment” offers a more evidence-based approach…

      …He says, “Victims become trapped in their grief by the SST and are unable to ever reach peace. These victims are being filled with this retributive agenda from McVicar and from politicians trying to oust one another to be tough on crime. It’s just alienating and full of hate.””

      Excuse me, but where is the evidence for the above personal opinion?

    • QoT 16.2

      Don’t forget, Dr Terry, he’s also a blatant hypocrite. Longer sentences! Harsher penalties! Oh, wait, not for white businessmen who get “frustrated” and stab other people to death, that’s different.

  16. To tell the truth I am fed up to the teeth with McVicar and his Fascist monkeys. I ask again where the hell does he get his money.Has he ever worked for a living ?

  17. millsy 18

    KP should piss off to Saudi Arabia. Im getting tired of people like him who thinks that people should be dictated to about why they should marry, sleep with etc and when.

    And what is wrong with polyamory? Not for everyone, but it seems that those that pratice it do all right. Same with open marriages and swinging.

    His foot must get tired of kicking down all those bedroom doors all the time.

  18. He is fairly old, hope this dinosaur pops off soon. Hopefully he takes a few evangelicals with him.

  19. karol 20

    Interesting post by LudditeJourno on her past encounter with Mr SensibleSentencing. I guess McV’s criminality-inducing-gaydar isn’t that good.

  20. Populuxe1 21

    Why are all my comments going into moderation?

    [lprent: you’re listed as having a week ban. Presumably from Irish. ]

  21. xtasy 23

    So the growth in crime is to be blamed on gays or homosexuals being “an erosion” to society???

    Whoa!?

    I actually stated my views on Wall’s bill before, and I do not see the bill as a high priority. I feel the present arrangement under the law is sufficient, but I am otherwise not affected and not too concerned about the bill as such.

    What pisses me off though is, that some go on about all this being some “threat” to society.

    There are a heck of a really serious threats of causing harm in society. I see no harm being committed by homosexuals, who generally obey the law as heterosexuals.

    Any person disputing that is an IDIOT, a BIGOT perhaps, or any other kind of extreme, possibly FASCIST bastard, that should the hell shut up and not get any bloody media attention.

    Sadly we have a shit media, tending to give too much attention for all kinds of jerks, but real issues are not looked at, not reported about, not even noticed, so the society continues to be dumbed down, which is really bloody incredible, in an age where the internet is meant to provide for more freedom and information.

    Please prick my skin with a pin, so I know I am awake and in the real world, I am starting to think this is just another endless nightmare.

  22. in a way, main stream media have done the right thing and reported mcvicar’s remarks, give him enough rope and he will hang himself( and that would be poetic justice!!!)

  23. McFlock 25

    Lol
    SST are disowning his comments.
    I wonder if that’s genuine, or whether garth is putting on another hat to disown whet he said without a hat?

  24. PlanetOrphan 26

    Time to start the “I’m Married to a Maggot” campaign …..

    Everyone in NZ who is Married to a Maggot is Welcomed by the GAY community.

    Change your life for the better today
    Divorce the Maggot and live free !!

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 27

    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 27 were:1. The Minister for Ford Rangers strikes againTransport Minister Simeon Brown was again the busiest of the Cabinet ministers this week, announcing an ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    30 mins ago
  • Ticket To Anywhere

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

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    18 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 day ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    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

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T00:56:36+00:00