Mountain Tui: ‘Corruption First’ Strikes Again – Is the National, ACT, and New Zealand Government in tobacco’s pocket?
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- Date published:
3:53 pm, July 18th, 2024 - 10 comments
Categories: chris bishop, Christopher Luxon, corruption, david seymour, nz first, taxpayers union, Tobacco -
Tags: Casey Costello, New Zealand First, winston peters
Cross posted from Mountain Tui‘s substack post.
There comes a point in all our lives when we must stop to say, “Enough is enough. We know what’s happening. We are not as stupid or as ignorant as you believe us to be. And making policies that kill or harm our people is not acceptable, Ministers.”
Plausible deniability has long been used by actors to deny the obvious.
“No, I was not having an affair. I was merely passing by late at night to give advice on pecuniary matters. Did you see us touching? How dare you suggest otherwise?”
The National, New Zealand First and ACT Government’s clear and persistent ties, and work, for the tobacco industry (and let’s be honest, anyone with deep enough pockets to entertain them – developers, miners, fossil fuel, and fisheries) has far exceeded the realms of reasonableness. It did a while ago. But they are not even trying to hide it, are they?
Six months ago, when I connected the clear and present dots between our government and Atlas Network – who are simply a front for a group of very rich people with interests in tobacco, fossil fuels, anti-climate and pro-right wing policies – I knew we were in for some trouble.
But never did I imagine they would be so carelessly corrupt about it all.
This is very obviously taking a leaf from the Tory and Republican playbooks – naturally, perhaps, as ‘think tanks’ are merely fronts for co-ordinated networks who share policies and strategies for each other to replicate.
Act as you will, but deny, obfuscate, and attack if need be. We have enough supporters to get away with this, so long as we can control the narrative, cultivate sufficient doubt, and lay out an excuse to do so.
And it’s true. Brexit, Trump, Tory success in the UK – showed this assessment was accurate.
This Government in NZ, I believe, is continued proof that they know they can do what they want – and get away with it.
Chris Bishop reveals it in this interview. Approximately:
Q: ‘What happens if you make a decision that causes unexpected and huge environmental destruction in our country?’ e.g. TTR who was invited by Chris Bishop for Fast-Track and wants to extract ~50 million tonnes of the seabed each year for 35 years. They would then discharge 45 million tonnes of sediment. Rejected by all our courts for over 10 years!
Approximate answer: ‘Oh well, if you don’t like it, just throw us out in three years. We are doing it anyway.’
Today, RNZ continued to earn their badge of journalism by pointing out that Casey Costello had quietly cut excise taxes on certain tobacco products by 50%.
Costello refused to be interviewed by RNZ, of course (the last time she got caught, she dodged all media and only fronted to Newstalk ZB for a soft ball chat), but was caught in a press conference in her other role as Associate Police Minister.
In that conference, she admitted:
This is the first time any New Zealand Government has ever lowered excise for tobacco in our history
How’s that for top marks, Costello?
She then explained it away as an attempt to help desperately addicted tobacco victims. Except, do we even need to go here to point out the inconsistencies. It’s tiring, National / New Zealand First / ACT.
She had already been told by her own Ministry –
“There is no evidence to support their use as a quit smoking tool. We do not recommend liberalising the way HTPs are promoted. This would likely compound existing concerns about youth uptake and addiction to nicotine products.“
Costello – and this Government – once again insults our intelligence, but more than that, disrespects any notion we are in a genuinely democratic system of government, and not one that’s simply been taken over by neo-liberal corporate interests.
RNZ reports:
“Philip Morris has lobbied for a cut to the excise tax on HTPs, telling the Tax Working Group in 2018 that the government should “establish a tax rate for heated tobacco products significantly below the tax rate” for tobacco.”
Casey is doing their bidding.
I had already covered Costello’s shenanigans last week on a more in-depth post where I pointed out Ministers from each Coalition Government party have now broken the law or lied to the public without contrition or consequence – Casey Costello Strikes Again
There has to be consequences to this type of unmitigated, in-sight, shameless corruption in our Government and country.
Let’s be clear though, this is not the work of some rogue Minister of Government.
When Casey Costello first got caught out, begging for clemency and reduced taxes for the tobacco industry in her Ministerial papers in February, and then lying about it to our national broadcaster, Prime Minister Luxon came out in her defence.
Paul Goldsmith came to her aid. David Seymour said the press was being precious and told right wing radio there was no “undue influence.” Chris Bishop, the lobbyist from Phillip Morris, likewise ignored it but said he thought caffeine was harmful like nicotine.
When Labour called for her resignation and asked her who wrote her Ministerial papers (spoiler: Casey says she still doesn’t know), Gerry Brownlee blocked Hipkins from pursuing the inquiry in Parliament!
Of course. As my other post outlined, they are all in on repeating tobacco lobbyist lines.
Is it any surprise?
We even have a Christian faith, Health Minister trying to dance around it and Cabinet Ministers looking appropriately prepared for the questions –
This time will be no different.
But it should.
It’s clear by now that this Government relies on their segments of popularity, and they only keep that through keeping the majority ignorant of the details.
The steady stream of reductivist actions, negatively impactful policies, anti-climate moves, and pro-donor/corporate dances, are only made possible through a media network that shields the obvious.
When Golriz stole a few dressses, she was hounded for a week. Stuff parked in front of her house to stake her out.
When ram raids were coming down last year, the media hyperventilated about it for a whole week, ignoring the trendline of ram raid decreases, that clearly peaked in 2022 and stabilised to its lows by September 2023.
Yet when this deeply entrenched, corrosive, corrupt-to-the-core business occurs, this Government knows – all they need to do is ride it out. All they have to do is throw out lines attacking Labour, based on their very successful attack strategy, painting Labour as backward, incompetent, wasteful, and racist. All they have to do is rely on a weakened media, and strong corporate media/think tank voices that back them to sow division – enough to keep them strong.
Make no mistake – when public perception and opinion is against the Coalition, they do move (think Premier house, cancer drugs, their reaction to the first 1News poll this year showing they’d be out of Government.) They are not as resilient, courageous, or principled as they pretend to be.
i.e. They are principled for their donors, but they are very afraid of electoral awareness.
Casey’s Ministerial Notes
This is a group effort and decision by ACT, New Zealand First and National – a true Coalition of common interests.
Michelle Obama once said, “When they go low, we go high.”
And that was a fine thing to say, but sometimes, it’s appropriate to point, laugh, and demand action.
Kiwis need to wake each other up to this truth.
PS If anyone is under the impression that Costello is cracking down on vaping in good faith, please read her Ministerial papers. She also appears to have a track record of protecting Philip Morris’s vaping products in particular. i.e Chris Bishop’s past employer.
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The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...3 days ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...3 days ago
- Green Party pays respects to Kiingi Tuuheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII, after he passed away earlier this morning. ...3 days ago - Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...3 days ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...3 days ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...3 days ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...4 days ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...4 days ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...4 days ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...4 days ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...4 days ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...4 days ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...5 days ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...5 days ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...6 days ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...6 days ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...6 days ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...7 days ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...1 week ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...1 week ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...1 week ago
- Govt Incarcerating our Mokopuna into a Failed System
Information released by the Minister for Children has revealed that almost 800 mokopuna Māori have been taken by the state this year, putting it on track for the largest displacement of tamariki Māori since the introduction of Section 7AA in 2019. “Oranga Tamariki is running a crusade against whakapapa Māori ...1 week ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins’ Speech to Local Government New Zealand
...1 week ago
- Release: Regional deals can’t leave ratepayers picking up the bill again
On the back of a patronising speech to local councils the Government has rushed out an announcement on regional and city deals that leaves out the crucial component – funding. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt in thrall to tobacco lobbyists
The National Government has put the interests of tobacco lobbyists ahead of New Zealanders and their health. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt overreach on councils an assault on local democracy
The Government’s move to enforce austerity measures on councils is an assault on local democracy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Christopher Luxon hangs councils out to dry
“The Government is ignoring its responsibilities to councils and setting up local elected officials to take the blame for its lack of action,” Labour local government spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must maintain Treaty provisions in Corrections Bill
The Green Party is calling on the Government to support its proposed amendments to leave Treaty provisions in the Corrections Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Submit: Tell National you care about climate action
We all know that climate change is here and already causing more extreme weather events that impact our lives, environment and economy. We need to work together with other countries to confront this global problem. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: New Zealand behind in workplace health and safety
New Zealand is falling behind our overseas counterparts when it comes to workplace health and safety a new report shows, yet the National Government is pushing ahead with cuts to the agency responsible for improving workplace safety. ...2 weeks ago
- Tribunal Scathes Government’s Anti-Tiriti Agenda
Today the Waitangi Tribunal issued a scathing report of the Government’s Treaty Principles Bill and Treaty Clause Review polices. The report described the government’s policy to whitewash Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a distortion of the language of the Treaty based on a false historical narrative. The Tribunal found no ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Minister blames family support services for her own incompetence
It’s been another frustrating week for our family support and prevention services who are still coming to grips with funding cuts and a Minister who is laying the blame at their feet. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Luxon to abandon Treaty Principles Bill following Waitangi Tribunal report
The Green Party is calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill following the Waitangi Tribunal’s scathing report on the proposed legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Luxon to abandon Treaty Principles Bill following Waitangi Tribunal report
The Green Party is calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill following the Waitangi Tribunal’s scathing report on the proposed legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Rising rents continue to inflict hardship on households
Statistics released today show that rents have increased at 4.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. This comes after last month’s 4.8 per cent hike compared to July last year. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National takes the knife to Nelson hospital
The Government is leaving one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions without the medical facility it desperately needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Add your voice: Save Whaikaha, the Ministry for Disabled People
Disabled people deserve to lead meaningful and dignified lives. They deserve a fully-fledged ministry that serves and advocates for them. ...3 weeks ago
- Turning rubber into resources
New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme is now fully operational with free collections starting today, says Environment Minister Penny Simmonds. “The first priority product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres marks a significant step toward addressing a long-standing issue for our country,” Ms Simmonds says. “Every year, New Zealand imports ...14 hours ago - New Zealand and Canada strengthen emergency management cooperation
An agreement signed on Thursday between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Public Safety Canada will strengthen international cooperation on emergency management matters says Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell. “With the frequency and severity of emergencies increasing globally, it’s important, now more than ever, that countries ...1 day ago
- 110km/h speed limit proposed from Orewa to Warkworth
Proposed speed limit increases of 110km/h on State Highway 1 from Orewa to Warkworth will mean faster journey times for Kiwis travelling between Auckland and Northland and has been welcomed by Transport Minister Simeon Brown. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the ...2 days ago
- He poroporoaki ki a Kīngi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII
Whekuwheku ana te whenua i te tāhekenga o roimata, haehae ana te manawa i te ngau o te aroha, hotuhotu ana te ngākau i te kaponga ōu e te kupenga a Taramainuku. Kei konei mātou, kua taka a roto i te rongotanga ake i te hinganga ōu. Ka tangihia tonutia ...2 days ago
- Waikato Regional Summit postponed
A Waikato Regional Growth Summit planned for next Tuesday in Hamilton has been postponed following the passing of Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “I join the many voices already that have expressed sorrow at this news and offer my condolences and aroha to ...2 days ago
- Sport & Rec Minister to attend Paralympics
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Paris to support the New Zealand Paralympic Team during the 2024 Paralympic Games – the first time a New Zealand Sport & Recreation Minister has ever attended a Paralympics. “The Paralympic Games are the third-largest sporting event in the world and ...2 days ago
- Making it easier to verify your identity online
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is making it easier to verify your identity online by rolling out RealMe Identity Verification Service [RealMe] access to an additional seven private sector organisations. “The Government is now expanding this service to further organisations including financial service companies and ...3 days ago
- New approach to mental health calls welcomed
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Police Minister Mark Mitchell have welcomed the announcement by Health NZ and NZ Police on their transition to a stronger mental health-led response for those requiring crisis mental health support. Health NZ and NZ Police have announced that from November 2024 agencies will streamline ...3 days ago
- Government’s condolences on passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII
Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters has expressed the Government’s condolences on the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of the King, and we express sympathies and prayers to the Kingitanga family and Tainui people. “Kīngi ...3 days ago
- Bill strengthening Firearm Prohibition Orders passes
An important milestone in the Coalition Government’s commitment to restoring law and order was reached with the passing of the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill today, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “The Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill was part of this Government’s 100-day plan and committed ...3 days ago
- Bill to strengthen the economy passes first reading
The Government continues to introduce measures that will strengthen the economy and ensure New Zealand businesses and individuals have a more secure future, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency Response, and Remedial Measures) Bill, which passed its first reading today, proposes several measures aimed ...3 days ago
- Speech to Building Nations 2024 – Modernising New Zealand’s PPP Model
INTRODUCTION What an honour to be running the anchor leg of this incredible conference, and to be able to update you on some of the work I’ve had the privilege of doing across two of the best portfolios for a civil engineer – Infrastructure and RMA Reform. New Zealand’s infrastructure ...3 days ago
- Victims to benefit from Remote Participation Bill
Court participants, particularly victims, will benefit from the passing of a bill today that will enable greater use of audio and audiovisual technology in court proceedings, Courts Minister Nicole McKee says. The Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill which makes targeted amendments to the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 and ...3 days ago
- Minister appoints new chair and members to Water Services Authority
Minister of Local Government Simeon Brown has announced new appointments to the Board of the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (the Authority), including a new chair, and has reappointed two members of the Authority’s Māori Advisory Group for a further three-year term. Former Watercare chief executive Raveen Jaduram is ...4 days ago
- Refreshed health research to drive better outcomes
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says updated guidance provided to the Health Research Council (HRC) means future projects will have an increased focus on Government priorities and improved health for New Zealanders when being considered for funding. The refreshed guidance for applicants is included in the two HRC funding opportunities ...4 days ago
- Government to update parking penalties
The Government will be cracking down on people who misuse car parks for disabled people, ensuring towage fees do not leave tow-truck operators out of pocket, and adjusting parking fines for inflation, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston and Transport Minister Simeon Brown say. “Increasing penalties for people who misuse mobility ...4 days ago
- New board appointments for RNZ & TVNZ
Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith is announcing new appointments to the RNZ and TVNZ Boards. “I am delighted to appoint Brent Impey, Gracie MacKinlay and Mads Moller to the RNZ Board, and John Fellet to the TVNZ Board,” says Mr Goldsmith. “These appointments will bring new experience and a ...4 days ago
- Revenue Action Plan to support delivering infrastructure sooner
The Government has announced a Revenue Action Plan to enable a clear infrastructure pipeline that delivers the critical transport infrastructure our country needs sooner, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the Government. With New Zealand facing a prolonged ...4 days ago
- New Zealand, China hold high-level climate change talks
Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu is departing New Zealand today after the Fifth Ministerial Climate Change Dialogue between New Zealand and China, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “China is an important climate partner for New Zealand, and vital to global efforts to reduce the impacts of ...4 days ago
- Mental health service to support over 130 schools
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says the rollout of mental health support to primary and intermediate school pupils in Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti regions will continue. “The Government has committed sustainable funding to the phased rollout of Mana Ake, which will grow to $3.7 million a year by 2026/27. ...4 days ago
- Mineral stocktake shows opportunities for growth
A new report on New Zealand’s mineral endowment identifies prospects for development, enabling a strategic and considered approach to growing the country’s resources sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The report, done by GNS Science as part of the draft Minerals Strategy for New Zealand, brings together extensive research, geological, geochemical ...4 days ago
- Next steps to clean-up the East Coast
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced the establishment of the ‘Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group’ to expedite wood clean-up in Tairāwhiti and help implement best practice for forestry. “This is an important next step to ensure the on-going clean-up of wood and mitigation of future risk across the Tairāwhiti region,” ...5 days ago
- Scope of Significant Natural Areas review revealed
The Government has decided the scope of a review that will consider how significant natural areas (SNAs) should be identified, assessed and managed, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. In May, the Government introduced a Bill that proposes to suspend requirements for councils to identify new SNAs to provide ...5 days ago
- New radio network for first responders
The Coalition Government today welcomed the launch of a new national radio network that will provide emergency responders with the modern, resilient, secure radio communications technology they need, says Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden. The first component of the Public Safety ...5 days ago
- Chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force appointed
Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced Commodore Garin Golding, Brigadier Rose King and Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb as the chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force respectively. “These accomplished leaders are the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) most senior officers in their service, bringing a wealth of experience and ...5 days ago
- Speech to Building Nations 2024
Introduction and acknowledgements Good morning, everyone. I am very excited to see so many people here ready to improve the way New Zealand delivers infrastructure. Can I say a quick thank you to Nick and the team at Infrastructure New Zealand for organising this great conference, as well as the ...5 days ago
- National Infrastructure Plan to provide a 30-year roadmap
The 30-year National Infrastructure Plan will ensure greater stability of infrastructure priorities to help New Zealand plan for, fund and deliver important projects, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “National campaigned on developing a 30-year national infrastructure plan, and I am pleased to outline our progress toward delivering it in Government. ...5 days ago
- 1 December start for National Infrastructure Agency
The Government’s new National Infrastructure Agency will be established this year, unlocking access to more capital for infrastructure and strengthening the Government’s private finance and commercial capability, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “From 1 December, Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) will be repurposed to be the new National Infrastructure Agency (NIA).” ...5 days ago
- New Zealand, Tonga renew Partnership
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku met today in the margins of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga. “New Zealand and Tonga have a close, long-standing relationship, underpinned by strong people-to-people ties, our shared love of sport, and our commitment to a safe and ...5 days ago
- Action plan to get more people into employment
Supporting more people into work so they can lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Employment Action Plan. “Our economy is stronger when more people are in work and a well-performing labour market is critical for giving New Zealanders more ...5 days ago
- Red tape cut for marine farm consents
The aquaculture industry, exports and the economy, will benefit from the passing of a bill today that will extend existing coastal permits for marine farms by 20 years, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Bill has passed ...5 days ago
- Local Water Done Well bill passes
Parliament’s passing of legislation setting out the Government’s Local Water Done Well preliminary arrangements for new water services has been welcomed by Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “Councils and voters resoundingly rejected Labour’s expensive and bureaucratic Three Waters, which wasted $1.2 billion on stripping local communities’ control of water assets, while ...5 days ago
- Fishing levies cut to provide industry relief
Levies paid by the fishing industry have been cut to help support the sector to increase its value to New Zealand through exports and jobs, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The industry pays an annual Fisheries and Conservation Services Levy to the Government to cover a range of ...5 days ago
- First 110km/h speed limit proposed for South Island
Proposed speed limit increases to 110km/h on State Highway 1/76 Christchurch Southern Motorway to Rolleston will mean faster journey times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Christchurch from the south and has been welcomed by Transport Minister Simeon Brown. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of ...6 days ago
- Speech to the Aviation Industry Association Conference
Introduction Good morning. Thank you, Simon, for that warm introduction, and thank you to the Aviation Industry Association for inviting me to speak today at your annual conference.I’d like to begin by acknowledging Ashok Poduval, President of the Aviation Industry Association, and Simon Wallace, the Association’s Chief Executive. The work you ...6 days ago
- A ‘Beneficiaries-First’ approach to employment
New targets will see a greater proportion of MSD’s spending on employment programmes go towards supporting people on Jobseeker benefits, rather than non-beneficiaries. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston has today outlined the Government’s employment investment framework, which will guide how the $1.1 billion available for MSD’s employment support ...6 days ago
- Phase 2 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says the Government has finalised the detailed terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons. “These terms of reference reflect the decision taken by the Government in June to establish Phase 2 of the Royal Commission. Both the ...6 days ago
- Next steps on Electrifying New Zealand
The Government will progress a series of reforms to make it easier and cheaper to consent, build and maintain renewable electricity generation as well as electricity distribution and transmission, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simeon Brown. “New Zealand has an exciting future powered by clean and ...6 days ago
- Urgent action taken to bolster energy security
Cabinet has moved quickly to approve a raft of actions to address the serious risk to New Zealand’s energy security and affordability, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Resources Minister Shane Jones say.Cabinet has committed to: Act with urgency to reverse the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, with legislation ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister to visit Malaysia and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea (Korea) next week, accompanied by a senior business delegation. “Malaysia and Korea are both strong partners for New Zealand on the world stage, crucial to our prosperity and security. I look forward to meeting with my counterparts ...6 days ago
- ‘Out of date’ charter school documents removed from website ahead of policy announcement
The Greens are questioning the timing of the removal of documents about past charter school efforts, but David Seymour says that's gotcha politics. ...8 hours ago - Marine consents change to bring security to aquaculture sector, but environmental concerns remain
Mussel farmer Johnny Arbuckle is among those welcoming the new law: "The certainty behind it is just huge." ...11 hours ago
- Is Iran’s anti-Israel and American rhetoric all bark and no bite?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor of the Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Acting Director the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University On August 27, Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, told the newly elected president, ...15 hours ago - Petitioner reveals NZ First’s original fast track bill, with hidden projects
The House - Petitions often touch on very human stories, or on tricky philosophical issues. This week, one threw explosive new information into an already contentious debate. ...18 hours ago
- Dad Astra: My father, the moon and me
When I got the call to say my dad was on his final breaths, the moment felt personal yet framed in a very specific genre. My father was a moon man. He wasn’t an astronaut. He didn’t have the right stuff for that. No, he marketed the moon to Americans ...19 hours ago - ‘They are us’ loses its lustre
Opinion: A claim recently hit headlines that Wellington City Council wanted the capital’s six mosques to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer across town. The claim was included in a pamphlet produced by lobby group Better Wellington and came to light after the city’s posties refused to deliver the pamphlet, ...20 hours ago - An Ode to .. to the Minister of Cutting Red Tape, Seymour of the Grand Scissors
In a small, badly lit room in a large grey buildingSits a middle aged lady by the name of Bev,In charge of keeping count of band aidsIn the hospitals of the nation.Hovering over her shoulder and noting her hourly outputIs an Assistant Watcher of Back Office Band Aid CountersObserving both ...20 hours ago
- Breaking news: It’s still winter
It’s the first day of September, meaning thousands of New Zealanders will mistakenly assume it’s also the first day of spring. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith sets the record straight. Across the nation, millions of New Zealanders will be waking up this morning with a renewed sense of wonder, a sprinkling of hope ...21 hours ago
- Is New Zealand pulling its weight on climate change in the Pacific?
Analysis - The question has been left lingering after the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum, with Aotearoa taking a back seat on a climate and disaster resilience fund and a new report pointing the finger. ...1 day ago
- Sovereignty debate sees major parties weighing in for first time
The question of whether Māori ceded sovereignty has seen major parties taking stronger positions on the topic than ever before. ...2 days ago
- Seismic echoes reveal a mysterious ‘donut’ inside Earth’s core
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hrvoje Tkalčić, Professor, Head of Geophysics, Director of Warramunga Array, Australian National University Rost9 / Shutterstock About 2,890 kilometres beneath our feet lies a gigantic ball of liquid metal: our planet’s core. Scientists like me use the seismic waves created by ...2 days ago
- Parliament’s environment watchdog slams government’s climate plan: ‘A massive gamb...
The government says it is on track to meet climate targets, but that is 'based on optimistic assumptions', Simon Upton says. ...2 days ago
- Flash fiction: The end of the beginning, by Jenna Heller
It was new ice. Solid at the edges. Thin in the middle. Nicholas slid around the perimeter in his snow boots. Venturing in a little bit, and in a little more. “It’s fine,” he called out. Then hurried back to put his skates on, tightening and double-knotting the laces. “It’s ...2 days ago
- The Secret Diary of .. party leaders on the Test Match
Christopher LuxonCan the ABs beat the Boks in South Africa on Sunday?Okay well this is one question that I am happy to answer and I will give it to you straight from the hip with no shillying nor any shallying for that matter because it’s an important issue and like ...2 days ago
- London’s calling, but fewer Kiwis are picking up
When Ruth Jackson went to London in 1989, she found work as a PA to a professor of psychiatry at a teaching hospital. It wasn’t in her field, but it still gave her skills she could take home – including how to use a computer.Hugo Stewart – who spoke to ...2 days ago
- The Weekend: An attempt to create an etiquette guide for New Zealand
Madeleine Chapman introduces a new Spinoff series on etiquette. I love rules. In such an enduring and intense way that I am now actually trying to love them less. To me, rules provide necessary parameters within which I can live my life however I like. No matter the situation, if ...2 days ago
- ‘You can keep your track pants on’: The scene that haunts Leon Wadham
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star conquers one interview series to rule them all. Before his role in The Rings of Power, the closest Leon Wadham came to Middle Earth was when he was a student in Wellington, and the Hobbit himself showed up to a ...2 days ago
- ‘A determinedly single woman and a fiercely singular artist’: The paintings of A Lois White
A new book called Modern Women: Flight of Time, edited by Julia Waite, is a survey of the women artists who have shaped the development of modern art in Aotearoa. In this excerpt, Stuart McKenzie talks about his obsession with A Lois White. When I moved to Wellington in 1988 ...2 days ago
- Podcast: Does accounting hold the key to climate action?
Plenty of companies are making a lot of noise about sustainability efforts, but is it all just talk? This week on When the Facts Change, Bernard Hickey looks into a little-known but crucial area of climate change reporting that might hold the key to keeping companies accountable for their climate ...2 days ago
- The Spinoff Essay: Remembering Norman Kirk, New Zealand’s great internationalist
Fifty years ago today, prime minister Norman Kirk died unexpectedly. Anti-apartheid activist Trevor Richards considers his legacy. The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members. Saturday, 31 August 1974. I had been out at a party ...2 days ago
- ‘The most glorious arrangement of all time’: Revulva’s perfect weekend playlist
Phoebe Johnson of the nu-wave, nu-jazz ensemble Revulva shares her perfect weekend playlist. “Sassy, satirical, and a bit unhinged”: that’s how Revulva (yes, as in vagina) front woman Phoebe Johnson describes the ensemble’s latest release, ‘Beep Beep’. “The music video especially, is like an uncanny home video tape you’d find ...2 days ago
- Anne Salmond: What’s the matter with the Treaty Principles Bill
Comment: A mature, thoughtful conversation about Te Tiriti o Waitangi would be timely, but the Act party should not lead it. At the last election, it was the only party to propose a referendum on this subject, and 91.6 percent of the electorate did not support them. It had no ...2 days ago
- China spat threatens Pacific calm
Comment: After a burst of morning rain on Friday, the clouds lifted and the sun shone in Nuku’alofa for the final day of the Pacific Islands Forum summit.The weather was in some respects a fitting metaphor for the week as a whole.Mere days out from the annual leaders’ meeting, there ...2 days ago
- Boilover in schools’ netball
Howick College have made school history by winning Auckland schools netball’s top grade for the first time, defeating reigning champs Avondale in a tight final.Howick and Avondale had dominated the Premier 1 grade, which is sponsored by Shakespeare Orthodontics, this season – both racking up 10 wins and fighting out ...2 days ago
- US urges NZ to invest more in armed forces for policing Pacific
The US and Australia have encouraged New Zealand to invest more in its arm forces, especially in patrolling and policing the wide waters of the Pacific. US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell talked with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sides of the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga this ...2 days ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Reserve Bank’s Andrew Hauser says don’t read too much for Austra...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Inflation remains top of mind as the Reserve Bank of Australia continues to keep interest rates on hold at a time when the United States Federal Reserve signals that it will start cutting rates. ...2 days ago
- Technology has helped para athletes compete for decades. But it can also create an unfair advantage
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Cairney, Professor and Head of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences; Director, The Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies, The University of Queensland The Paralympic Games, now a major global event, has a history rooted in rehabilitation. The first official ...2 days ago
- What is eastern equine encephalitis? Two mosquito researchers explain what’s behind the latest out...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Webb, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney Blue jays are an important host of eastern equine encephalitis virus in the United States. Mathew Schwartz/Unsplash Health authorities in the United States are issuing warnings and closing public parks ...2 days ago
- The Paralympics can be an economic boon for host cities – and leave a unique legacy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Holmes, Professor, School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University The mega-event glow continues in Paris, with the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games now well underway. Some 4,400 athletes will take to the world stage to compete across 22 different sports. The ...2 days ago
- PM Christopher Luxon visits Tongan communities to showcase investments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has spent time with communities in Tonga after the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum wrapped up. ...2 days ago
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But why is Costello doing it so blatantly, there has to be a motivation that is more than ideology ? Can there be many if any that work for Big Tobacco just because they think everyone would be better off being a gasper, I don’t think so, I think they are there because it pays well, so again why Costello, it’s hard to think of it as merely appeasing an old employer or ideology and now she is already paid very very well so it must be favours or money, big money and secret. Can it really be corruption ?. Follow the money, a very hard job no doubt because it won’t be crossing those bloodied hands in this country, it will be banked in Switzerland or Bermuda or any number of places. I never thought that politics in NZ would stoop to this.
The best person to answer that is Mr X from Oliver Stone's JFKk move (based on a real person, btw):
“Well that's the real question, isn't it? Why? The how and the who is just scenery for the public… Keeps 'em guessing like some kind of parlor game, prevents em from asking the most important question, why? …Who benefited? Who has the power to cover it up? Who?”
When health practitioners and others urgently asked this Government to declare their links to the tobacco industry earlier in the year, they ignored it.
Taxpayers Union is backed by big tobacco. A co-founder of TPU was Chris Bishop's father. Nicola Willis came from New Zealand Initiative, another Atlas Network partner. There's more.
WTF !?
I'm certain of that !
Yea Ol' Casey has a real problem answering questions. From RNZ in particular…but any really. That needs to be addressed. Cmon Opposition,shine a very bright light on her and her cancerous cronies !
To paraphrase the old Nixon tshirt…"would you buy a used anything from NACT1 ? "
"‘Corruption First’ Strikes Again – Is The National, ACT, And New Zealand Government In Tobacco’s Pocket?"
Clearly, yes.
To state or opine otherwise is to demonstrate a disconnect with reality.
I have to admit that I had never even heard of "heated tobacco" so I did some investigating.
It appears that apart from the lack of second hand smoke, it is just as addictive and dangerous as normal smoking and because it can be easily flavoured, it is just ripe for marketing to kids and young people.
For the tobacco companies to market the use of heated tobacco as a safer alternative to smoking shows them in their true light.
Just like filtered cigarettes, mentholated cigarettes, low-tar cigarettes were all meant to be ‘safer’ than predecessors. Each was proven to effectively have the same addictive behaviours and same chances of injuring and killing the addicted – all for profit.
I don’t expect anything to be different with vaping nicotine, or now heated tobacco products.
The only question in my mind is just how corrupt is NZ First and/or Casey Costello?
WTF is wrong with this government. And how many scandals will the public and the MSM continue to ignore, while shitting themselves over the Green Party?
It’s still ‘poison’: Australia maintains its permanent prohibition of heated tobacco
Its not a government its a coalition of assorted paybacks from the dead rats consumed to gain power.
They dont care how obvious it looks taking a leaf from the tory playbook.
No one is acting against them. They have no fear of the average punter. They know they can do anything, and what, a few will moan on web pages, maybe go on a march, or the like.
Any talk to financially cripple this government, or the system by working people is not even discussed.
Talk to withdraw ones labour is effectively illegal.
Any form of protest apart from the sanctioned kind, is demonised.
We have a main stream press in the hands of the criminally spinless.
And quite frankly, we are getting what we deserve for being siloed into polite conversation.