MSM: you supply the spin, we publish it

Written By: - Date published: 3:59 pm, December 22nd, 2009 - 80 comments
Categories: john key, Media, spin - Tags:

There’s a Youtube clip on Stuff of Key talking on The Edge. Presumably filmed by one of Key’s people. It’s run as headline news.

Yup. You got that right. It’s now news when Key appears for a soft interview on other media. Not the first time. A month or so ago Stuff ran his video diary as a news article. Unedited, uncommented on. Just ran it as news. The start of a worrying trend.

Can’t help but notice in 9 minutes of interview on The Edge Key doesn’t say a word about the quarter of a million Kiwis heading into Christmas without a job, or the record-length queues at the foodbanks. The whole thing is about how he’ll be swanning off to Hawaii for another two weeks’ holiday. That’s about seven weeks off since he became PM.

The Edge DJs are beside themselves when Key gives them a bottle of expensive plonk with his name on it. Armstrong and the other journos have also been all aflutter about their bottles. A journalist with any integrity would return it with a “thanks, but no thanks” note. But, apart from the lone political journo who turned down Key’s offer of a free Bledisloe Cup ticket earlier this year, it looks like those professional standards are long gone. Then the media cry when people say they’re biased.

All I want for Christmas is a fourth estate that believes in its duty and tries to fulfil it.

80 comments on “MSM: you supply the spin, we publish it ”

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  1. Con 1
    22 December 2009 at 4:35 pm

    In other news, “Methane increasing over New Zealand”. Coincidence? I think not.

  2. sk 2
    22 December 2009 at 4:41 pm

    The age of celebrity politicians .. . it started with Blair, and continues with JK but one example right now. History will portray them as clowns, but that doesn’t help us now . . .

  3. Scribe 3
    22 December 2009 at 4:49 pm

    Zetetic,

    This is news because we now have a PM is willing to show off his personality rather than act like a political machine. This is the sort of behaviour that makes John Key so popular with regular New Zealanders — that’s why you hate it.

    Sure, you’re a policy wonk and want this and that from Key, but you’re in the tiny minority. Hundreds of thousands of voting Kiwis sing along to Snoopy’s Christmas in the car; maybe John does too. Cool.

    • sk 3.1
      22 December 2009 at 4:53 pm

      Great, so where is an example of populism delivering great outcomes?

    • Tigger 3.2
      22 December 2009 at 4:55 pm

      Scribe, I’m all for Key showing off his personality so when he does that, let me know. What I see here is someone desperate to be liked, to be loved. So he puts on this ‘blokey man o’people’ voice to deliver lines that are obviously following a script (“don’t deny you’re off to Hawaii but tell them you’ll be working while you’re there…) and gives gifts so he can show how generous he is.

      And sorry if wanting Key to actually lead the country is asking too much. I thought that was his job.

    • Bright Red 3.3
      22 December 2009 at 4:58 pm

      actually, Helen Clark displayed heaps of personality. ZM once said they would spare the Christmas Turkey if she rang them up and pardoned it and she did. Just one example, similar to what Key did on the radio.

      But that wasn’t a news story, nor should it have been.

      deep down, I suspect you’re just happy not to have a woman in charge anymore, scribe. You never would make the accusations of being a ‘political machine’ etc against a man who attacked like Clark. And you wouldn’t be so loving of a woman who attacked like Key.

    • Zaphod Beeblebrox 3.4
      22 December 2009 at 5:05 pm

      Nice guys make lousy managers and leaders. They want to be liked too much.

    • Ron 3.5
      22 December 2009 at 6:15 pm

      You see, that is such a stupid comment on all sorts of levels.

      Apart from the dubious value in a PM “showing his personality” (is that not an oxymoron in Key’s case?) I am asuming you’re comparing this aspect of the job with Helen Clark’s.

      You know what? It’s not him – it’s the media’s response to him.

      I had the opportunity to see Clark in action in several “soft” public environments. She was funny, intelligent, personable. The people there warmed to her and commented on how easy she was to talk to.

      The difference? She wasn’t followed around by fawning sycophants hanging on her very word so they could publish in the blogs.

      Then people like you Scribe, buy the media “story” and then treat it as reality.

  4. lukas 4
    22 December 2009 at 5:04 pm

    “Can’t help but notice in 9 minutes of interview on The Edge Key doesn’t say a word about the quarter of a million Kiwis heading into Christmas without a job, or the record-length queues at the foodbanks.”

    I can’t help but notice that The Edge is not a serious news driven station. They play music all day Zetic! They are not a current affairs or news station like RNZ, ZB or Live.

    • Bright Red 4.1
      22 December 2009 at 5:11 pm

      Key is asked to talk about his year in power. All he can talk about it the places he travelled to and makes some passing comment about the recession not being that bad.

  5. prism 5
    22 December 2009 at 5:22 pm

    Listened to a fellow called John Liddie? on Radio 97? rave on yesterday about how he cleaned up his flat and wanted to drop the rubbish off somewhere and tried to leave it outside a neighbour’s but someone caught them and they got into trouble and….
    If this is what the young public like then they lack any little grey cells inside their smooth-skinned faces. Hearing about Key going to Hawaii would probably be riveting after listening to the guy who repeated his little tale again. I was in a shop so was captive audience. I did complain but assistant said what I think must be general, that she just tunes out. So many places are full of music or wailing women being broadcast. I think Peter Ustinov called it wallpaper for the ears. What a load of S!!T.

  6. CrosbyTextor 6
    22 December 2009 at 5:42 pm

    = = = CLASSIFIED MEDIA INSTRUCTION = = =

    FROM: HQ

    TO: Prime Minister

    21 December 2009

    John

    We share your frustration at being bumped from the “Debate Of The Century” by the BBC but as you know we were unable to secure a promise from the corporation that no “difficult” questions would be asked concerning the environmental policies handed to you by us in November 2008 would be asked. We have been able to create an equally important and equivalent opportunity for you to appear in the media.

    While on air, please don’t mention that you will be holidaying in Hawaii, that your cutting anyone’s allowance, don’t describe the job as “fun”, try not to sound sleazy, don’t mention cutting anyone’s bonus, stay away from mentioning “after politics”, don’t make fun of the ordinary New Zealanders in the calander, bear in mind the dignity of your office, do not slag off the previous prime minister, and do not describe your wife as a Hobbit.

    Thanks.

    HQ

  7. BLiP 7
    22 December 2009 at 5:49 pm

    The man’s an embarrassment!

  8. mike 8
    22 December 2009 at 6:19 pm

    Lighten up you boring prats! Its Xmas ffs. Hels had a boring, childless existence that’s Xmas indulgence revolved around ‘Mr’ Davis having an egg-nog instead of a cuppa back in 05.

    JK lets his hair down and shows he’s human on a shock-jock show and somehow this is corrupting the 4th estate…. now thats a joke

    • Pascal's bookie 8.1
      22 December 2009 at 6:30 pm

      Fuck. If that’s letting his hair down the man is in desperate need of something a hell of a lot stronger than eggnog.

  9. Peter Wilson 9
    22 December 2009 at 6:26 pm

    I’m of two minds about this latest spin. I accept that our media is undeniably lazy, aside from a few notable journalists, who interestingly, seem to be pushed to the margins in reward for their hard work (former columnists from the Listener for example…). The Hollow Men proved that, both with Hager’s book and the fact that none of the mainstream media even bothered to publicise it, because it made them look bad. So, a lazy media can be taken as a given, and I don’t think it’s much better elsewhere either. Symptomatic perhaps of rundown newsrooms and under-staffing, rather than biased journos.

    What that means then is that’s the political reality – lazy media, and the sheer easiness of getting shallow spin stories onto the front page. National then has obviously worked this out and has mastered it, to its own electoral advantage. Having a guy like Key makes it easier, but there will be a solid strategy behind this.

    It’s harder for Labour, earnest and serious, and not historically inclined to take that approach. But still, a prudent Labour Party would recognise that reality and plan their media strategy around it. Which basically means writing the articles for the journos, slipping them by the editors etc, and couching everything in friendly sound bites. That doesn’t mean dumbing down the policy, but it does mean recognising media realities, however crap they are. It’s either that or develop alternative means of disseminating information, which bypass the mainstream media. And for the middle classes, that doesn’t yet include blogs like this one.

  10. TB 10
    22 December 2009 at 7:29 pm

    I remember the first couple of xmas’s Helen Clark was PM she did xmas good-will cameos of the likes of ZM to show she was cool & hip and a lot of Labour people I know were raving about it….. so when a National PM does it its some sort of sisniter “Crosby-Textor Plot”… WTF. This is what all politicians do when they are popular…. Don’t worry, although National will win the next election, about six months into the next term the main stream population will start realising that “this lot are just a bunch of self serving politicians just like the last lot, I’ll never vote National again” and labour will starting to become popular again. like spring follows winter the cycle continues…..

  11. Cam 11
    22 December 2009 at 9:19 pm

    This guy is real life David Brent. Why do so many people just eat this crap up?

    • GFraser 11.1
      23 December 2009 at 10:27 am

      Cam, you just hit the nail on the head!
      You can see the future, nightclub appearances dressed up as Austin Powers with failed Big Brother contestants 🙂

  12. George.com 12
    22 December 2009 at 10:14 pm

    I wonder why many people think Key is more show than substance.

  13. Zetetic 13
    22 December 2009 at 10:40 pm

    sigh. the problem isn’t with the apparence on The Edge. It’s with the fawning coverage of it on stuff.

    • BLiP 13.1
      22 December 2009 at 10:45 pm

      Painful, ain’t it? I sometimes wonder if the trolls do actually understand the point of most posts and are simply playing at distraction to avoid discussion or are really just *that* thick. A mixture of both, I suspect.

    • sk 13.2
      22 December 2009 at 10:48 pm

      But it is the appearance on The Edge. It was so cringe-worthy. He talks down to NZ’ers and no one notices. He is off to Hawaii, and tells the rest of us losers to enjoy NZ. He disses those kiwis heading off to their campsites. You just have to wonder when we will wake from our trance. That show was just appalling . . . .

      • Zetetic 13.2.1
        23 December 2009 at 12:00 am

        yeah. he’s a dick. I’m not arguing.

        You’re right that no-one notices his attitude through the laffs.

        My problem was with the fawning though. Not that the Edge gave a soft interview.

        • Scribe 13.2.1.1
          23 December 2009 at 8:43 am

          Z,

          I’d hardly call Stuff’s coverage of Key’s appearance on The Edge “fawning”. It looks like a fairly straightforward retelling of the events that took place. That’s kinda what journalism is.

          Please point to the parts of the story that are “fawning” and post them here. Thanks.

          • Bright Red 13.2.1.1.1
            23 December 2009 at 10:52 am

            Why would you cover it at all? It’s fawning just to replay and celebrate a soft interview given to him by another media outlet.

    • lukas 13.3
      23 December 2009 at 8:22 am

      what, you want them to lay into him for making an appearance on The Edge and not discussing the hard hitting points of politics for the day?

      I suggest your vile hatred of JK clouds your judgment somewhat Zetetic, perhaps you should stick with your tried and true posts about how much NZ sucks?

      • BLiP 13.3.1
        23 December 2009 at 10:43 am

        What point studying “communications” to diploma level when you can’t even recognise propaganda when its pointed out to you?

        • lukas 13.3.1.1
          23 December 2009 at 10:59 am

          BLiP, what point studying anything can you not recognise an entertainment show? Not everything is about the evil Mr Key out to get you BLiP

          • BLiP 13.3.1.1.1
            23 December 2009 at 11:29 am

            *sigh*

            Its not about the radio show, its about the coverage of the radio show, geddit? Odd then, don’t you think, that an “entertainment show”, recorded by the Goober’s own PR staff, is getting front page virtual felatio from the print media?

            • lukas 13.3.1.1.1.1
              23 December 2009 at 11:44 am

              BLiP, I suggest you get out more if you seriously think that there is an issue here. Go find a friend for Christmas

              • BLiP …
                23 December 2009 at 12:04 pm

                Where did you study “communications” – Disneyland?

              • lukas …
                23 December 2009 at 1:15 pm

                oh BLiP, you try so hard… kind of cute and sad at the same time really.

                Do you still think mining the conservation estate is comparable to the death of a child?

              • BLiP …
                23 December 2009 at 1:20 pm

                going to be kicking in any public hospital emergency department windows this Christmas?

              • lukas …
                23 December 2009 at 1:35 pm

                seriously bud, you are like a broken record playing the same sick tune over and over. I guess that is a yes to the question about mining and the death of a child then?

  14. Ben 14
    23 December 2009 at 2:06 am

    VERY dangerous direction for New Zealand to head in. Ah, it’s bloody late, I can’t possibly assess and source right now. But look up early Reagan archival footage, very telling on this issue, because it was the great transition. By the time Bush got here, this was the “normal” way for the media to act. But Reagan was the first (then Thatcher), setting the style of monkey-see-monkey-do journalism, prepared all the way back to Roosevelt. Which was a whole different world, and the scene for the great struggle for which way the media battle would go. Factual journalism, and public invovlement on Roosevelt’s side, Public Relations and celebritism (a.k.a the attitude of I concern myself with characters, hopes, and values, and am thus excluded from matters of policy, and decisionmaking) on the side of Business. Very revealing history.

    And very unsettling to see it take placein New Zealand.

  15. J Mex 15
    23 December 2009 at 10:26 am

    Just heard a radio station discussing their interview with Phil Goff this morning (which I missed):

    Paraphrasing:

    Announcer 1: And a thanks to our special guest earlier this morning, Phill Goff
    Announcer 2: (Snoring noises)

    Announcer 1: What did Phil Goff want for Christmas again?
    Announcer 2: Um,…World peace, equality for the rich and the poor… [drifts off]
    Announcer 1: A trip to Hawaii? For John Key to get stung by a jellyfish?
    Announcer 2: I wish he’d said something like that. I’m not sure if Phil Goff should be Prime Minister or a boy’s brigade leader.
    Announcer 1: Yes, but we thank him for coming in anyway…

    I’m sure we can all imagine how that interview went.

  16. Tim Ellis 16
    23 December 2009 at 11:13 am

    There seems to be two schools of thought on Mr Key.

    The first is that he’s a dishonest, “money trading”, shallow, evil man who is the puppet of some nefarious international conspiracy.

    The second is that he’s a nice, intelligent, friendly guy that people will relate to.

    According to Roy Morgan, if you’re in the first camp, only a very small minority agree with you. Still I suppose it’s better that you vent your rage before christmas online rather than at your families.

    • Tigger 16.1
      23 December 2009 at 11:28 am

      Actually, there’s a third school of thought – that he’s an embarrassing, smug douchebag. There’s probably some other schools too. And some pre-schools. A day care. University. Polytech. Maybe even kohanga reo.

      • BLiP 16.1.1
        23 December 2009 at 11:32 am

        And a fourth school of thought that he is a bored multi-millionaire playing at politics to amuse himself because it “seemed like a fun thing to do”.

      • Tim Ellis 16.1.2
        23 December 2009 at 12:24 pm

        That third school of thought has even fewer students than the Labour Party at 27.5 percent in the last roy morgan poll Tigger.

        • Tigger 16.1.2.1
          23 December 2009 at 3:18 pm

          This just in, Anne Tolley has closed the second school of thought. Typically closing a school would be done only after consultation and for good reason but Tolley decided to forget any sense of fairness, justice and common sense and close it anyway. Bummer.

  17. The Voice of Reason 17
    23 December 2009 at 11:28 am

    There seems to be two schools of thought on Mr Ellis.

    The first is that he’s a dishonest, “money trading’, shallow, evil man who is the puppet of some nefarious international conspiracy.

    The second is that he’s a nice, intelligent, friendly guy that people will relate to.

    According to Mr Ellis, if you’re in the second camp, only a very small minority agree with you, but he is pleased that the sham is working at all.

    • J Mex 17.1
      23 December 2009 at 11:47 am

      If only John Key had an honest unmanufactured image. He should take a leaf out of that nice sheep carrying, triumph riding, campground staying bloke, Phil Goff.

      ?

      Often these type of blog discussions remind me of a bunch of young schoolkids arguing that WWF is full of fake sham wrestlers and that only the WWE is the real deal. Alongside another group arguing the opposite.

  18. Tim 18
    23 December 2009 at 11:32 am

    Actually Mr Ellis, more accurately the general perception of Mr Key is that he is a non-committal, do-nothing though friendly and rather irrelevant ‘shop assistant’ kind of guy.

    After the 100th ‘have a nice day’ one actually wishes we had a Prime Minister who actually ‘did’ something.

    Something… like a real solution to the leaky homes fiasco that was triggered by the former National government in the 1990s deregulating the building industry safeguards.

    Dont you think?

    • Tim Ellis 18.1
      23 December 2009 at 12:26 pm

      Hi Tim,

      If you think that is the general impression of Mr Key, perhaps there are some poll results you might want to look at.

      As for the leaky homes fiasco, this would be the same leaky homes crisis that Helen Clark said was a beat up, and which she criticised the Herald for “banging on” about it.

      After nine years of Labour Government, it is a little bit disingenuous to blame Mr Key for the problem.

      • Pascal's bookie 18.1.1
        23 December 2009 at 12:38 pm

        “it is a little bit disingenuous to blame Mr Key for the problem.”

        He didn’t do that Tim, stop lying.

        Still I suppose it’s better that you lie about that here than about your age in some other chatroom.

        • Tim Ellis 18.1.1.1
          23 December 2009 at 12:50 pm

          I hope you’re not as angry next year as you’ve been this year PB. Perhaps you’ll get beyond the first two stages of grief, denial and anger, and start to focus on how to deal with Labour no longer being in government.

      • sk 18.1.2
        23 December 2009 at 12:38 pm

        Mr Ellis

        On the day that we hear that Chris Liddell is being given the job of saving the US auto industry, we have this tape of JK acting the idiot. Sure he is a fantastic guy to have a beer with, and he is still popular according to the polls, but we hoped for so much more.

        The only thought in his head about his year as PM is all the great trips he has had, such as going to Copenhagen for a bacon buttie. . .

        If this is as good as it gets from our leaders . .. .

        NZ is surely capable of more . . .

        • Tim Ellis 18.1.2.1
          23 December 2009 at 12:58 pm

          sk, just in case you didn’t know, the edge is not a serious news programme.

          For somebody who was a big supporter of Helen Clark, who famously preferred to see Shrek the Sheep rather than meet people on the hikoi for the foreshore and seabed bill, you seem to be very angry that Mr Key would do anything entertaining around Christmas time.

          • sk 18.1.2.1.1
            23 December 2009 at 1:03 pm

            Who says I was a supporter of HC? No argument from me on Shrek. (And thanks for explaining the bit on the Edge, at least I am young enough to listen to the Edge, which from the sounds of it you are not).

            It is not the entertaining, it was the cringe-making performance and the way he talks down to NZ’ers, and what it says about how he sees his responsibility as NZ PM.

          • BLiP 18.1.2.1.2
            23 December 2009 at 1:04 pm

            That’s your idea of entertainment? Sad.

            BTW – the point of the post, as has been repeatedly pointed out on this thread, is not the radio show, its the fawning media falling over themselves to make The Goober seem at least part-normal. Geddit?

  19. Tim Ellis 19
    23 December 2009 at 1:32 pm

    It seems the people who dislike Mr Key going to Hawaii for Christmas were quite comfortable with Ms Clark climbing mountains in Africa for her Christmas. What a small minded, joyless bunch you are.

    • sk 19.1
      23 December 2009 at 1:38 pm

      Ms Clark also spent a lot of time in the mountains of NZ. While Mr Key thinks that is fine activity for us (along with camping), it clearly isn’t for him.

      There is just a sense, that when he is done with being PM (notice on that point, he could not name one PM who quit while ahead; what about David Lange or Harold Wilson?), he is out of here.

      There is also a sense – that he is happy to confirm – that the highlight for him is foreign, not domestic, policy. But the required game changer is needed in domestic policy .. .

      • Tim Ellis 19.1.1
        23 December 2009 at 1:58 pm

        Who knows what Mr Key will do when he’s no longer PM sk. It looks from the polls like he’s going to remain PM for the next few years at least. But as you say it is possible that he might be out of here straight away. He might follow Ms Clark’s example and get a job at the UN.

        • sk 19.1.1.1
          23 December 2009 at 2:21 pm

          A depressing thought .. . .I keep coming back to that bacon buttie, as the highlight of Copenhagen. JK had no idea the significance of what was happening around him. Read this . ..

          http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/22/copenhagen-climate-change-mark-lynas

          • Tim Ellis 19.1.1.1.1
            23 December 2009 at 2:24 pm

            In case you didn’t notice sk, Copenhagen was a failure. About the only constructive thing to come from it was Mr Key’s announcement of the science investment group.

            • sk 19.1.1.1.1.1
              23 December 2009 at 2:31 pm

              You missed the point .. . .If China is positioning itself as such, Mr Key flying around the world humming “we are the happy happy people” is not going to defend NZ’s interests. I wonder what the Chinese made of Mr Key’s tape. Hardly evidence that he is a serious player . ..

              • gitmo …
                23 December 2009 at 2:44 pm

                Ummmmm the Chinese leadership don’t give a fuck about Key or NZ or anyone or anything outside of China unless there’s something of benefit in it for them, this is why any global carbon trading ETS scheme is doomed even if the Chinese sign up to it they’ll lie and obfuscate about their figures.

              • Tim Ellis …
                23 December 2009 at 2:44 pm

                That’s true sk, all of the Chinese websites are reporting how the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party are pouring over every detail of Mr Key’s performance on the Edge.

              • sk …
                23 December 2009 at 3:20 pm

                Mr Ellis, you may jest . .. .

              • Bill …
                23 December 2009 at 4:25 pm

                “Ummmmm the Chinese leadership don’t give a fuck about Key or NZ or anyone or anything outside of China unless there’s something of benefit in it for them, this is why any global carbon trading ETS scheme is doomed even if the Chinese sign up to it they’ll lie and obfuscate about their figures.”

                Unlike those nice honest western leaders who never lie about anything or obfuscate on any matter……ever.

                White is right and yellow is peril, eh?

              • gitmo …
                23 December 2009 at 4:32 pm

                UMM Bill shouldn’t you be having a afternoon nap in the old age home ?

                If it’s a choice between the western governments and China I’ll take the western governments thanks very much….. but feel free to make your case how the Chinese government is better or no worse than govts in the west.

              • Bill …
                23 December 2009 at 4:54 pm

                It’s not about which government is better or which government you’d rather have in control.

                It’s about your bald assertion that the Chinese government would lie and obfuscate; it’s about that assertion being based on an implicit assumption that ‘ours’ wouldn’t.

                It’s about naive racism at best and cynical racism at worst

              • gitmo …
                23 December 2009 at 5:18 pm

                Bill are you completely fucking retarded ?

                How do you get from

                “Ummmmm the Chinese leadership don’t give a fuck about Key or NZ or anyone or anything outside of China unless there’s something of benefit in it for them, this is why any global carbon trading ETS scheme is doomed even if the Chinese sign up to it they’ll lie and obfuscate about their figures.”

                To

                “It’s about your bald assertion that the Chinese government would lie and obfuscate; it’s about that assertion being based on an implicit assumption that ‘ours’ wouldn’t.”

                “It’s about naive racism at best and cynical racism at worst”

                There’s no implicit assumption that our government present or past or future doesn’t lie ….. I think they lie all the time. Fact China is the biggest CO2 emitter in the world. Fact they are far more concerned about their economy and face than reducing CO2 emissions. Fact that they are are a government that’s well known to bend the truth and fabricate data.

                Don’t accuse me of being a racist again please you fucktard.

              • Bill …
                23 December 2009 at 5:47 pm

                There’s no implicit assumption that our government present or past or future doesn’t lie ..Yes there is. Otherwise you would not have stated that a trading scheme was doomed because of the characteristics you highlight but assign to the Chinese and only the Chinese….I think they lie all the time. No you don’t. You apparently think they would be honest on issues related to an ETS for oneFact China is the biggest CO2 emitter in the world. true.Fact they are far more concerned about their economy and face than reducing CO2 emissions.That’s not a fact. Merely an opinion. Again, why single out China? The same can equally be said of European countries and of the US and Canada plus a whole pile of others Fact that they are are a government that’s well known to bend the truth and fabricate data. WMD, War on Terror/Drugs and so on and so on

                Don’t accuse me of being a racist again please you fucktard.

                What would you term it Gitmo? You do see how I get from your initial comment to my response don’t you? You follow the logic, yes?

              • gitmo …
                23 December 2009 at 6:27 pm

                Bill I don’t know how anyone can follow your logic you’re a class war relic and self loathing whitey.

              • Bill …
                23 December 2009 at 7:08 pm

                Jeez Gitmo.

                I thought the mapping out of my thought process as a reaction to your comments on this thread was fairly explicit. If you care to pinpoint which part you find hard to follow I’ll endeavour to make it clearer for you.

                But Gitmo. In return, you care to explain how you came to your conclusions based on our exchange in this thread, ’cause I can’t see any sign of logic whatsoever?

          • Bill 19.1.1.1.2
            23 December 2009 at 4:10 pm

            @sk

            That article screams desperation…is he being serious, or expect to be taken seriously contending that the US had “put serious cuts on the table for the first time (17% below 2005 levels by 2020), and was obviously prepared to up its offer.”

            Really? A (whatwasit…3%? ) reduction on 1990 levels is serious when the science demands 50%? And as they were ‘obviously’ prepared to up the offer, we know what the upped offer was and the conditions surrounding it. Right? Oops. Apparently not. How strange.

            Then again, perhaps I missed the intentional irony of that link appearing in a thread titled “MSM: you supply the spin, we publish it.”

            Mr Mark omnipresent Lynas’s interpretation is a clear country mile distant from anything actually said in any of the reproduced conference speeches, but strangely reflective of the spin being attempted by Messrs Brown and Obama.

      • Scribe 19.1.2
        23 December 2009 at 4:18 pm

        There is just a sense, that when he is done with being PM …. he is out of here.

        Hmmm, kinda like Miss Clark?

        I wonder if John will increase donations to whatever organisation he wants to work for next in order to grease up the appointment committee…

  20. sk 20
    23 December 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Mr Ellis

    You may jest . .. but Mr Key is the jester

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    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    2 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    3 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    3 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    3 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    3 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
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    3 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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