Murray McCully must go

Written By: - Date published: 12:17 pm, July 10th, 2014 - 65 comments
Categories: david cunliffe, feminism, john key, national - Tags: , ,

The next time the Herald or any other organisation is contemplating a New Zealander of the year award they should have Tania Billingsley at the top of their list.  She is the complainant in the Malaysian Diplomat assault with intent to rape case.  She has done something extraordinary.  She applied to have Court suppression of her name lifted and has then released one of the most damning critiques of rape culture and this Government’s handling of the issues surrounding the Malaysian diplomat that you will ever read.

The political implications surrounding this are undeniable.  After reading Tania’s statement you have to question if Murray McCully is fit to be a Minister.  John Key’s standing amongst women must have been severely damaged.  And after the lashing that some have given David Cunliffe for his recent expression of regret for men’s role in domestic violence you can probably imagine that David may be smiling just a bit on the inside today.

Tania’s comments about McCully are particularly scathing.

Murray McCully – not only has watching and reading his response to my attack been incredibly hurtful and frustrating, I have also felt embarrassed for him. Watching a grown man try to talk his way out of responsibility at what is effectively failure at his own job is a painful thing to see. I can’t believe his incapability to admit a mistake and try to fix it rather than pointing fingers at everyone else.

If he and Mr Key are so intent on pinning incompetence on a ministry official and solving this incompetence with job loss, then I’ll expect to see their resignations handed in any day. Genuinely I would like Mr McCully to take responsibility and resign, not just responsibility at the incompetent handling of the diplomatic immunity aspect, in which it was clear to me that my experience or wishes were not even a factor to consider, but also responsibility for his insensitive and embarrassing public reaction, which for me was so painful to hear.

And get this.  As at the time of TV3’s interview with Tania MFAT had still not formally apologised to her.  You would think that the first thing McCully could do was pick up the phone and ask Tania how she was and apologise for what is a mind numbingly display of ineptitude.

And McCully’s sins?  How about this for a selection:

  1. Overseeing a reorganisation of MFAT which appears to have crippled its ability to handle the country’s foreign relations effectively.
  2. Despite being told about the most serious incident involving a diplomat for many years failing to keep track of developments.
  3. Having a chief executive who did not know what was happening within his department.
  4. Blaming the staff and refusing to accept any responsibility.  If you are the Minister you should take responsibility for shortcomings, especially where your personal performance lapses contribute to the situation.
  5. Causing a diplomatic by the hurried release of papers for short term political protection.
  6. Completely lacking in sympathy and understanding for Tania.  FFS she is a New Zealand citizen who on the face of it has gone through a terrifying incident.  Our Government should be protecting our citizens not ignoring them.
  7. Failing to apologise appropriately.  Apologising by saying that you regret the distress caused to Tania does not cut it.  McCully should have signed the letter, not Allen.  And giving the letter over a month after details of the case were publicly disclosed suggests a regret that is very measured.

If you ever wanted proof that McCully and National are out of touch with the desires and expectations of ordinary New Zealanders this is it.  Murray McCully must go.

65 comments on “Murray McCully must go ”

  1. emergency mike 1

    Her comments about Key’s insincere demeanour are also telling. His ‘shrug shoulders-shake head-nothing we can do’ performance is pathetic. This is our leader?

    He is incapable of empathy, so situations like this are difficult for him, he’s not sure how to act. He doesn’t care about her and just wants it all to go away. And it shows. Nothing we can do, move on. Hey John, your sociopathy is showing.

    • David 1.1

      Totally agree, his mock look at contrition came across as insincerity which of course it was. I’m not sure why any of us are at all surprised by this now.

    • kenny 1.2

      Spot on!

    • JonL 1.3

      “He is incapable of empathy” – of course he is – he’s a psychopath, which has been clear for years. Not sure how to act – perhaps the job’s getting to him – pyschopaths are extremely good at acting – it’s how they get through life, why most people like them and refuse to believe they are anything other than the persona they project – even when they are destroying other peoples lives……….

      • JanM 1.3.1

        I agree with you JonL and not many people seem to be aware of it. I’m not sure what it will take – something which seriously corners him and makes him lose his rag, maybe

        • emergency mike 1.3.1.1

          As I said above, the mask can slip in novel situations. But also, I’ve noticed that Key quickly gets nasty whenever he is directly challenged about something. He also reacts in a nearly knee-jerk way to anything which might threaten his image, he’s clearly an offensive is the best defense guy.

          If there is any natural justice in this world, there will come a day when Key will fall flat on his face for all to see.

      • emergency mike 1.3.2

        Psychopaths work from scripts that they have learned by watching how others react in particular situations, and they are good at acting, because their whole life is an act. But it’s in situations where normal people instinctively understand that empathy is called for that they can fail to appreciate the kind of act that is required. Thus they can be surprisingly dismissive about an emotionally charged situation in a ‘What’s the big deal’ way.

        Also in surprising or novel situations where they have no particular script, the mask can often slip. A good example is Key’s famous throat-slitting gesture. A guy attempts to commit suicide in the house, what does John Key do? He makes a throat-slitting gesture at Phil Goff. Not appropriate.

      • Once was Tim 1.3.3

        Check out Rinny Ryan’s RNZ NinetoNoon (the regular work-life-balanced regular gal without issyoos, and a spectacular leave entitlement – her/it that’s not the most egregious jonolistic offender – and with a C.V. to prove it) interview this morning on pyschopathy with Dr Dutton and Andy McNabb: On the mixing desk, the empathy feed is turned way down low. It’s even worse – the Gain Control is at zero, and the Foldback is absent. Maybe we just call the prick a sociopath and be done with it. Labels these days are easy to manipulate – just call the local spin doctor!

      • lurgee 1.3.4

        If he’s ‘very good at acting’ how has it been ‘clear for years’ – and what gives you the special insight that has eluded about half the voting public of New Zealand?

        The continual monstering of John Key – who is a man who I disagree with fundamentally on almost every issue, but whose fundamental decency I’ve never seen cause to question – is one of the more unpleasant things hereabouts. We’ll need to be able to hold some sort of moral high ground in the next three months, and treating John Key like Hannibal Lecter isn’t the way to do it. Play the ball, not the man, and all that.

        This place often has a faint whiff of the Whaleoil sewer about it.

        • JanM 1.3.4.1

          Psycopaths are very difficult to spot – it’s why they are so often successful. Some people are just better at identifying them than others, particularly if they’ve already suffered at the hands of one 🙂

          • Roy 1.3.4.1.1

            I agree with this. Once you’ve been a victim of a psychopath (e.g. a boss) you become sensitised to the telltale signs and start recognizing other psychopaths. Same goes for recognizing Narcissists. There is a remarkable sameness about the personality-disordered and once you have experienced one, you get good at recognizing others.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.3.4.2

          If he’s ‘very good at acting’ how has it been ‘clear for years’

          It wasn’t spotted through his acting but through the documented lies (H/T BLiP).

          and what gives you the special insight that has eluded about half the voting public of New Zealand?

          Education and studying humanity.

          Play the ball, not the man, and all that.

          See the part about documented lies?

          • lurgee 1.3.4.2.1

            Half the voting public are uneducated and incapable of seeing through his facade? Or perhaps, they are just less stupidly vindictive than some on the left.

            If Key has lied, fine. Critique the lies. But that wasn’t what I was referring to, as wel you know. It’s the tendency to sneer at Key himself, and denigrate him. Stupid names aren’t part of that (how stupidly, unfunnily convoluted is ‘Shonkey Python’ – WTF?) and taking poorly expressed phrases (“It’s been fun”) and exploiting them isn’t part of that.

            Targetting Key like that justifies the sewer tactics championed by Whaleoil. People called foul about the ridicule directed at Cunliffe for his own half baked “I’m sorry for being a man” comment. But we’re happy to jump on any slip or fumble by Key. Makes us look nasty, and desperate.

            And neither of those are election winning strategies.

            • dialey 1.3.4.2.1.1

              The name calling is only a response to the vicious attacks that have been made on Cunliffe for months. Pot/Kettle?

  2. idlegus 2

    sean plnkett called her brave & the govt lacklustre. someone rang & said ‘ rape culture in nz? the guy was malaysian!’. that was some incredible telly, was expecting mcullys head to roll today but i guess i hold pollys up to a higher standard than our pm.

  3. Zorr 4

    Being able to admit when you’re wrong seems to be impossible to anyone with blue blood… at least Hone can:
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10252967/Harawira-U-turn-in-diplomat-sex-case

    • Enough is Enough 4.1

      Hone should never have put himself in the position where he needed to apologise. What a tool. Why would he have ever said that?

      An apology that comes only after a media shit storm is wee bit insincere.

      • Bearded Git 4.1.1

        Hone was a bit off colour in that episode of Backbenches, perhaps because his office had been shot at a few hours before.

        BTW the episode last night with the youth politicians was excellent, even inspiring.

      • Colonial Viper 4.1.2

        Yeah but he fronted up. And it looks to me like Laila Harre gave him a bit of a kick in the shins on the way.

      • wtl 4.1.3

        Why would he have ever said that?

        People make mistakes.

      • Zorr 4.1.4

        That the apology is made is what matters.

        Ideally, yes, he would have never made those comments. He is living with his actions, has realized that they were wrong and has apologized unreservedly. If only some other people in positions of power could find it in them to do the same over this issue…

        Like… ya know… John Key or Murray McCully?

        • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1.4.1

          No he hasn’t. He’s apologised for some third party’s perceptions.

          • Zorr 4.1.4.1.1

            You’re right. I feel a bit dumb for trusting the media reporting without reading the text of what he said…

            Well… an apology is still an apology, right? >_<

            sigh Can I get off this planet now?

          • lurgee 4.1.4.1.2

            I think his original comment was aimed at the media fixation on the issue, rather than trying to downplay the significance of the issue itself. I think he was really commenting on how the media seems ready to expend a lot of ink on this story, which has a whiff of sex and power and corruption, while cheerfully ignoring the day to day apallingness of life for a lot of people in New Zealand. But it was poorly worded.

            Ideally, the media should be able to cover both, fully. That might mean not covering the Kardashians or showing 20 year old footage of Angelina Jolie on the phone, but we could probably live with that!

            • dimebag russell 4.1.4.1.2.1

              movie acting and celebrity is for the beautiful people.
              politics is for the ugly.
              and kweewee is very ugly.
              his demeanour and his utterances show that he is really not in command of this job and he never has been.
              without hootonboageytextorcrosby he wouldnt have a clue yet these people chose a manque to lead us.
              what did we do to deserve john key?

              • lurgee

                Don’t be an idiot. he’s a brilliant politician. Why do the left insist on making themselves look so utterly useless by proclaiming they’ve been thrashed, twice, by an douchebag, an idiot, a fool, a clueless moron. What does that say about the left?

  4. Paul 5

    Better than not apologising at all..

  5. Hagar 6

    Those calling for McCully to resign, be careful of what you wish for. Consider this….McCully resigns, but remains on as national list candidate, national put up a “weak” candidate in McCullys electorate, conservatives get 3% party vote, Colin Craig then wins the electorate seat by default, conservatives get 4 seats in the new parliament and supports the Tories, you got what you wished for… Or did you?

    • bad12 6.1

      You keep spreading this stupidity Hagar, National will gift the seat to Colon’s Conservatives irrespective of whether McCully remains a Minister or not,

      Trying to protect McCully through such fear-mongering is pretty stupid…

    • mickysavage 6.2

      Interesting comment. Some responses:

      1. People are asking for McCully to stand down as a Minister, not as an MP.
      2. I am not sure there is an upside for National. If McCully is sacked there will be an adverse political consequence which may wipe out the benefit of getting the Conservatives into Parliament.
      3. I am still not convinced that Craig would win and any sort of accommodation with him will also cause an adverse political consequence for National.
      • bad12 6.2.1

        Yep MS, the third of your reasons will be the one most worrying to the National Party with every indication that such a deal is un-liked by quite a swathe of its own voters,

        On paper it might look good having Colon’s Conservatives given an in with a likely 2.5-3% party vote but only if that doesn’t cause a mass exodus of the softer National vote…

      • Cancerman 6.2.2

        Agree with these comments.

      • lurgee 6.2.3

        I think the upside is that if the left shriek and howl for McCully to resign, and nothing happens, they look marginal, deluded and unimportant.

        The even bigger upside is if there turns out to be some back story to this incident that we don’t know about yet and suddenly the left ends up looking stupid and hysterical. Because that’s what’s happened with pretty much every other crisis thus far …

    • Te Reo Putake 6.3

      The question is whether McCully should resign as minister, not as an MP. Though, of course, he’s fatally wounded now anyway. He’ll do as he’s told and if the Nats decide to cede his seat to Colin Craig, there is nothing he can do about it. But I don’t think it’s going to hurt NZ if he joins the long, long list of Key’s sacked ministers and MP’s two months before the election. It’d be a nice reminder of what a low standard Key has when he employs people in the first place.

  6. Tracey 7

    anyone who thinks this isnt about nz rape culture because the accused is malaysian, is part of the problem. re read the victi6ns view of how mr mccully and mr key dealt with this publicly for a clue.

    • finbar 7.1

      Yes Tracey.both Key and Mc Cully,handled this with no concern for the victim, and further, both lied to the public about knowlledge of this incident.And now to rub salt into the wound, the terms of refrence of the departmental investigation into this matter excludes Mc Cully,and his action along with the P.M.to be exempt,so by that it would appear that they have a patsy in mind, further it is being suggested that the enquiry will be held after the election.

      As an aside,yet important.If the person accused of this alledged offence came from a lower socio economic circumstance or welfare dependent,the charge would be one of the more sentence serious home invation and attempted Rape, and no bail would be forthcoming.Rather than the lesser sentence charge of burgulary and rape.Also the police and their prosecution service are knee deep is this cess pool,of international political skulldugery.

  7. One Anonymous Bloke 8

    Number 7. on the list… bloody awful thing to read, that the head of our diplomatic ‘service’, not content, apparently, with the great steaming mountain of callous incompetence (or worse, sympathy for the alleged offender), goes on to issue a Clayton’s apology and this the third of three public apologies before a single one has reached the complainant.

    I feel sorry to be a man right now.

  8. CnrJoe 9

    MCCULLY is proof that the choices of cabinet minister material are frikken limited for Mr Keys.

  9. Draco T Bastard 10

    And giving the letter over a month after details of the case were publicly disclosed suggests a regret that is very measured.

    Get real, it tells us that the regret is non-existent.

  10. dimebag russell 11

    time for mccully to go.
    he has been hanging round for far too long that he does not know right from wrong.

  11. James Thrace 12

    May 2014

    Rumours start surfacing about Colon Craig standing in East Coast Bays.
    McCully essentially states – not over his dead body
    Malaysian sex fiend leaves Brooklyn abode to unsuccessfully rape some PYT.
    McCully finds out about it
    MFAT screws up somehow, somewhere (still not clear)
    Nothing is said about MSFATRPYT

    June 2014

    Colon Craig annouces he is going to run in East Coast Bays
    McCully states no, not until someone says something to him
    Donghua Liu is presented by the NZ National Party Pravda Herald as a “Look, Labour can’t be trusted” fait accompli
    NZ National Party Pravda Herald falls flat on its face when it cant be proven that Liu donated anything of worth to Labour (much less donated to Labour more than the $20k+ donated to National)

    July

    Malaysian sex fiend attempted rape case raised in the media
    McCully under Fire
    Colon “I’m still here” Craig, Standing for Something, in East Coast Bays
    Donghua Liu story essentially disappears
    Tania Billingsley – Key doesn’t care, McCully is incompetent.

    I’m sorry, but the timeline kinda stinks of haddock. Much as I detest National, is this a stitch up in ECB to get rid of Muzza?

    McCully is notorious for his Machiavellian tendencies, so his alleged incompetency smacks of interference from another hand. It’s not quite believable that McCully dropped the ball given his predilection for the appearance of all things (acceptance of rape culture within the National Party aside).

    • karol 12.1

      And I’m sure Tania Billingsley is just a Nat-CC plant, there to help them when needed?!
      🙄

    • lprent 12.2

      Incredible…..

      How much of a fool you appear to be….

      For a starter, the incident all took place in early May. At that point I seem to remember that Crazy Craig was eying up Williamson’s electorate.

      Haven’t you ever heard of a timeline? Or Occam’s razor.

    • blue leopard 12.3

      I’ve been bothered by this too James Thrace. There is something odd about the timing of all this. I can’t fathom that McCully would deliberately ignore this very important and sensitive issue yet the timing is so odd with respect to East Coast Bays, and as you say McCully has a reputation of being cunning, that it is difficult not to wonder if there is some underhand connection in there somewhere.

      • Colonial Viper 12.3.1

        Joyce and his crowd is looking to take out Cabinet rival McCully. Remember they all keep dirt on each other – it is the timing of if and when it is used which is critical. In this case, doing so facilitates the one and only National road to victory: Colin Craig winning East Coast Bays.

        McCully has to stay in his seat.

        • blue leopard 12.3.1.1

          I don’t understand (not rhetorical!) – are you saying ‘McCully has to stay in his seat’ from the perspective of that being better for getting a left-wing government?

          • Colonial Viper 12.3.1.1.1

            Yes. Getting rid of McCully now will be a quick feel good scalp, but his ongoing presence in the National Cabinet will be far more damaging to them throughout the campaign.

    • blue leopard 12.4

      I’ve been bothered by this too James Thrace. There is something odd about the timing of all this. I can’t fathom that McCully would deliberately ignore this very important and sensitive issue yet the timing is so odd with respect to East Coast Bays, and as you say McCully has a reputation of being cunning, that it is difficult not to wonder if there is some underhand connection in there somewhere.

    • blue leopard 12.5

      I’ve been bothered by this too James Thrace. There is something odd about the timing of all this. I can’t fathom that McCully would deliberately ignore this very important and sensitive issue yet the timing is so odd with respect to East Coast Bays, and as you say McCully has a reputation of being cunning, that it is difficult not to wonder if there is some underhand connection in there somewhere.

  12. emergency mike 13

    And the Herald headline on their web front page – Diplomat case: Harawira’s ‘big mistake’.

  13. Shorts 14

    McCully’s response or lack of is easy to understand…. Refer rape culture. The woman is secondary to any other concern…. Cue Hone’s ill thought out response…

    While there are political ramifications and opportunities the discussion of such here and everywhere is very distasteful.

  14. tc 15

    Oh look the dark lords are having a turf war.

    Like collins, blinglish, brownlee etc muzza knows far too much and needs to be kept within the fold, any sinecures they toss his way could be unwound by a new govt so why not stay and tough it out.

    please stay muzza the good folk of nz need to be reminded of those higher standards you represent.

  15. Cancerman 16

    Funny that Goff or King never resigned over the cover up in the Darren Hughes affair?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 16.1

      Labour did it too? Did that excuse work for you in Primary School?

    • dv 16.2

      I seem to recall the “Hughes affair” was a beat up
      The police investigated and did not press charges.

      Also Hughes resigned.

  16. SPC 17

    According to some there is no longer expectation of accountability from the Minister when their ministry fails to perform – see Armstrong’s defence of McCully in the Herald today.

  17. dimebag russell 18

    has mccully gone yet?
    if not why not?

  18. Tanz 19

    McCully is not the crim here though, is he.

  19. Tanz 20

    McCully is not the crim here though, is he.

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    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    17 hours ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    17 hours ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    18 hours ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    19 hours ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    19 hours ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    19 hours ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    19 hours ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    19 hours ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    20 hours ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    23 hours ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    23 hours ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    24 hours ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    1 day ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    1 day ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 day ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    1 day ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    3 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    3 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    3 days ago
  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    3 days ago
  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    4 days ago
  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    5 days ago
  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    5 days ago
  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    6 days ago
  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago
  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    6 days ago
  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago
  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
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    4 days ago
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