National HQ deleting YouTube comments?

Written By: - Date published: 10:25 am, November 28th, 2007 - 42 comments
Categories: national - Tags:

Just received this from a “concerned reader”:

Just wanted to know whether or not you have also been blocked by NZNats? This morning they have deleted all comments with a hint of an opposing view, with the exception of the ‘TaneStandard’ comment. It offends me that the National Party would post a video which endeavours to let the public know their leader, while censoring the public input about him.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

UPDATE: Looks like it’s true. National is selectively deleting comments and blocking YouTube users with contradictory views. Poor form.

42 comments on “National HQ deleting YouTube comments? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tane 1
    28 November 2007 at 10:32 am

    I had two comments up there, so they’ve deleted at least one of mine too.

  2. Benodic 2
    28 November 2007 at 10:35 am

    The dead giveaway is they’ve left up a comment that responds to Redbus but Redbus’ comments are nowhere to be found.

    I see they chose to leave up “You’ll make a great Prime Minister, John” and “GOT MY VOTE”.

    Free speech under attack, aye?

  3. Robinsod 3
    28 November 2007 at 10:40 am

    Ben – free speech is for those who can pay for it. Lefties shouldn’t be posting to a Nat youtube because that’s just bludging off their (very expensive) efforts. I say no dollar, no say. It’s only fair.

  4. The Double Standard 4
    28 November 2007 at 10:45 am

    Free speech doesn’t mean that anyone is required to provide you a platform. I wonder how far I’d get shouting abuse at a Labour event? (oh, right, until I get a megaphone to the head)

    I don’t understand why they don’t just block all comments though.

  5. r0b 5
    28 November 2007 at 10:46 am

    “I don’t understand why they don’t just block all comments though.”

    Think about it. It’ll come to you.

    (capthca: especially unjust)

  6. Sam Dixon 6
    28 November 2007 at 10:47 am

    National motto: Free speech, for the rich

  7. Susan Deare 7
    28 November 2007 at 10:50 am

    You’ll need at least $120,000 at your disposal for political advertising to post. Because as we all know based on National’s opposition to the Electoral Finance Bill; it’s all about giving their wealthy mates the microphone.

  8. Robinsod 8
    28 November 2007 at 10:55 am

    Come to think of it that means DPFDblStdClaws is bludging of the efforts of the Standard’s crew. Jeez DPFDblStdClaws why don’t you get your own site if you’re so concerned about what’s getting posted. Oh, that’s right you have…

    And agin – why use my witticism for your handle bro? Are you trying to make people think I’m your mate? (for the record I really really am so not).

    http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2007/11/little_may_stand.html#comment-360421

    I feel like I’m your dad. Eweugh!

  9. The Double Standard 9
    28 November 2007 at 10:55 am

    I tried to find any official Labour video content on youtube but nothing much showed up. Is there any? I’d like to leave some comments about Helen Clark rorting the taxpayer.

    Sambo – sad to see that your intelligent commenting ideals are slipping.

    How about these

    Labour Motto: John Key Sucks

    Labour Motto: Power at all costs

    Labour Motto: Blame the officials

    Labour Motto: EB Suck

  10. Tane 10
    28 November 2007 at 11:00 am

    TDS, there’s not a lot: http://youtube.com/user/nzlp

    Labour don’t appear to be too web-savvy, but I’m sure they’ll get their act together closer to the election. At least, I hope they do.

  11. Thomas 11
    28 November 2007 at 11:10 am

    Double standard/santaclaws/bigbruv/david
    There are others but you get the point
    You have complete freedom to post here
    Idon’t think anyone has been banned not like
    The bog eh David

    captacha: heckling difficlt

  12. The Double Standard 12
    28 November 2007 at 11:16 am

    “You have complete freedom to post here”

    Well, obviously. But I don’t regard it as a “right” that I should be able to post anything I want on anyones own blog or youtube or wherever. That is a decision for the site or content owner. Newspaper’d don’t have to print anything you send them. TVNZ doesn’t publish comments etc etc etc.

    If you want to conflate “free speech” with “I have the right to write comments on any public forum and you must publish them” then thats your choice. The two are not the same.

    And I seem to recall that KBB takes please in modifying comments to change the meaning. I guess that’s free speech for the blog owner, but a bit tough on the commenter aye?

    Does Jordan allow comments on all posts – I know he stopped that for a while. No comments on NRT – where’s your faux outrage in those cases?

    Kiwiblog is DPF’s baby. If you don’t like it, starting your own blog is fairly easy.

  13. Matthew Pilott 13
    28 November 2007 at 11:23 am

    Teh Duoble Satndard: got some National ones

    national for better healthcare: Tax Cuts
    national for strong international relations: Tax Cuts
    national for better education: tax cuts
    national for robust infrastructure: tax cuts
    national for The Policy That You Find Important (it doesn’t matter which): tax cuts

    I don’t suppose you read the comments at just left or NRT before they were stopped (LF’s got them back up, mostly), TDS? Last I heard, free speech didn’t cover outright abuse, don’t tell me they changed that? So there’s your ‘faux outrage’

  14. Debbie 14
    28 November 2007 at 12:54 pm

    The National party are showing their true colours again by deleting comments made by voters about Keys promotional material, the very same people they are asking to invite them to govern in 2008. In a real democracy people should be able to participate in the political process without the need for a hefty bank balance. National on one hand stifles debate on their Key video but on the other hand crows about free speech in relation to the EFB. The Bill simply attempts to introduce a more even playing field for all New Zealanders where elections cant be bought by those with vast resources and wealth.

  15. Robinsod 15
    28 November 2007 at 12:54 pm

    DPFDblStdClaws – Once more – why use my witticism for your handle bro?

    http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2007/11/little_may_stand.html#comment-360421

    I’ve been asking you this for three weeks now and you still won’t answer. Surely it’s a simple question. What’s wrong boy?

  16. Thomas 16
    28 November 2007 at 2:17 pm

    NRT took the decision to ban ALL comments rather then face the criticism that the Nats are facing
    by selectively banning people
    Interestingly Davis agrees
    I don’t understand why they don’t just block all comments though.
    David on the other hand does selectively ban people
    And nearly always adds comments to Tane post

    Tane has the hypocrite rattled

  17. Thomas 17
    28 November 2007 at 2:18 pm

    Interestingly David agrees
    whoops

  18. the sprout 18
    28 November 2007 at 3:27 pm

    National’s theirtube behaviour is in keeping with this Slane cartoon though

    http://kiwiblogblog.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/free-speech-for-the-rich/

  19. r0b 19
    28 November 2007 at 3:36 pm

    It’s starting to look like a well established pattern. Ban lefties on KB (National party blog). Ban comments on youtube (National party account). Shout down and harass a single speaker addressing a rally (National party supporters).

    Is this a model of free speech National style? You can have all the free speech you like as long as you don’t try to use it?

  20. Gruela 20
    28 November 2007 at 3:41 pm

    There’s one place you can’t ban any counter-argument, and that’s on TV debates. Don’t tell me I’m the only one looking forward to seeing JK nestled in amongst HC, WP, JF, RH and TT next year, looking like a startled possum in the glare of the cameras. Spontaneous and effective argument and John Key just don’t go together in my head.

    Seriously, I can’t wait. It’s going to be hilarious.

  21. the sprout 21
    28 November 2007 at 3:46 pm

    that’s right Rob, a bit like their views on Maori rights under the Treaty.

  22. The Double Standard 22
    28 November 2007 at 3:46 pm

    “In a real democracy people should be able to participate in the political process without the need for a hefty bank balance.”

    You seem to be participating fine Debs, but, once again, free speech doesn’t give you a ‘right’ to a platform. How is deleting comments related to $$$? I guess you are just promoting Teh Party line once again – its OK for Labour to suppress dissent through legislation, but lets the Nats delete a few comments on Youtube and its the end of democracy? Wot a larf.

  23. Thomas 23
    28 November 2007 at 3:47 pm

    Gruela
    National haven’t got anything to say so they attack / ban people who do or point it out

    Helen will make mincemeat of him
    I agree

  24. Camryn 24
    28 November 2007 at 3:49 pm

    rOb – The guy at the Wellington protest did get heckled by some, but he was given a chance at the microphone.

    All – This whole comment deletion thing is just poor ‘handling’ of internet PR. As TDS said, you EITHER allow comments on a forum you’re willing to monitor and argue back OR you ban them in any situations where you aren’t. Selective removal of comments is poor form. You all know it’s just bad etiquette from someone at National who’s not very net savvy. Stop trying to beat it up into some kind of overall stance or style re: free speech.

    If you have to jump on this kind of trivial nonsense and try to make it a big deal then you mustn’t be too flush with ideas of what to post on, or you just like being childish.

  25. The Double Standard 25
    28 November 2007 at 3:54 pm

    Spout

    Here’s a link to more Slane ‘toons.

    http://slaneseditorialcartoons.blogspot.com/

    I particularly like the one where Helen has shot poor Mickey

  26. Lampie 26
    28 November 2007 at 3:54 pm

    its OK for Labour to suppress dissent through legislation, but lets the Nats delete a few comments on Youtube and its the end of democracy? Wot a larf.

    If the Nats are doing that, then they ARE living up to your name!

  27. r0b 27
    28 November 2007 at 4:09 pm

    “rOb – The guy at the Wellington protest did get heckled by some, but he was given a chance at the microphone”

    Call me cynical, but there are two interpretations of the organisers calling for a speaker from the counter protest. (1) The really wanted to hear what the counter protesters had to say. That doesn’t really fit well with the fact that they then shouted him down and made no attempt to listen. (2) The hoped to show up and ridicule the counter protest if no one was brave enough to speak, they had their bluff called when a speaker appeared. Which fits rather nicely with the fact that they then shouted him down, so as not to let him actually be heard.

    “Selective removal of comments is poor form.”

    Well we agree on that. Please head on over to KB and inform DPF.

    “If you have to jump on this kind of trivial nonsense”

    It’s, you know, the topic of the thread. And if you think free speech is trivial nonsense, well, apparently you have found your home on the Right.

  28. The Double Standard 28
    28 November 2007 at 4:13 pm

    Once again for the morons – free speech does not mean you have a right to use some elses platform to make that speech. Sheesh, what about the “free speech” of the idiot that posted the comment here than Tane deleted a couple of weeks ago?

    http://bp2.blogger.com/_RgmZt4svm00/RvmwoxlMV8I/AAAAAAAAAGM/_JxJZ29EE1k/s1600-h/dirt_lo.jpg

  29. Tane 29
    28 November 2007 at 4:14 pm

    When was that TDS? You mean the guy who posted under his partner’s handle and asked to have his comment deleted? That’s a pretty low smear mate, even for you.

  30. r0b 30
    28 November 2007 at 4:19 pm

    “Once again for the morons – free speech does not mean you have a right to use some elses platform to make that speech”

    So free speech is decided by the owners of the media is it then TDS? Free speech for the rich it is. You masses with no platform – tough luck.

  31. The Double Standard 31
    28 November 2007 at 4:25 pm

    Well, actually, I was thinking of the one related to possible defamation action. Maybe you just edited that one instead of deleting it? Anyway, the point is not so much that you took action, but that even this place doesn’t provide a wide-open say-anything location – there is no free speech obligation operating.

    Those who are posting comments on youtube are perfectly able to stand outside the beehive and say whatever they like. After 1 Jan they will not be completely free to do even that.

  32. Gruela 32
    28 November 2007 at 4:33 pm

    Double Standard

    “After 1 Jan they will not be completely free to do even that.”

    How so? What happens on Jan. 1? Am I missing something?

  33. Tane 33
    28 November 2007 at 4:36 pm

    TDS, you’ve raised an interesting point. Free speech is not absolute. It’s about allowing free debate and expression within acceptable democratic bounds. One of those bounds is defamation. On that count, we’ve done nothing wrong.

    Selectively deleting comments that you don’t agree with is not an acceptable democratic limit on free speech – it’s a sign of someone who can’t handle dissent.

  34. Thomas 34
    28 November 2007 at 5:24 pm

    Once again for the morons – free speech does not mean you have a right to use some elses platform to make that speech.

    But if one know that “someone else’s platform”
    Is being economical with the truth and displaying rank hypocrisy and then portrays them self as a
    “independant political commentator.
    Then I think we have a moral obligation to keep them in check

  35. The Double Standard 35
    28 November 2007 at 5:36 pm

    Thomas

    Are you talking about Chris Trotter? Don’t be shy man, tell us what you really think!

  36. Camryn 36
    28 November 2007 at 5:53 pm

    r0b –

    “It’s, you know, the topic of the thread.”

    I was commenting on the topic of the thread.

    “And if you think free speech is trivial nonsense, well, apparently you have found your home on the Right.”

    No, I think this thread is trivial nonsense. I didn’t say free speech is trivial nonsense. There’s no relation because removing YouTube comments from your own video is not a violation of free speech. It’s just dumb.

    Since you think it’s OK to read false meaning into other people’s comments and then ‘defeat’ the words that you put into their mouth, well, apparently you have found your home on the Left.

  37. r0b 37
    28 November 2007 at 6:24 pm

    “Since you think it’s OK to read false meaning into other people’s comments and then ‘defeat’ the words that you put into their mouth, well, apparently you have found your home on the Left.”

    Tee hee! Fair cop. I try to be good, but I don’t always succeed.

    I still think the topic of this thread is perfectly fair enough though.

  38. Lampie 38
    28 November 2007 at 6:36 pm

    Once again for the morons – free speech does not mean you have a right to use some elses platform to make that speech

    So Youtube is a National party platform? So the National party has the right to bar public comment in a public domain???? Their website yes, someone eles website, no.

    Sounds like double standards.

  39. thomas 39
    28 November 2007 at 6:53 pm

    Thomas

    Are you talking about Chris Trotter? Don’t be shy man, tell us what you really think

    You know I’m talking about you Farrar

  40. illuminatedtiger 40
    28 November 2007 at 10:48 pm

    A vote for National is a vote for censorship.

  41. Lee C 41
    29 November 2007 at 8:38 am

    “Selectively deleting comments that you don’t agree with is not an acceptable democratic limit on free speech – it’s a sign of someone who can’t handle dissent.”

    So you’ve come over to the anti-EFB camp at last, Tane? Well done!

    Othersise it’s a Very Double Standard?

    Heard about the rumours about Government instructions to TV3 on what they can and can’t report? Next year it will be all legal and above board, though. God I love transparency.

  42. Colaca 42
    29 November 2007 at 12:13 pm

    Gruela

    “”After 1 Jan they will not be completely free to do even that.”

    How so? What happens on Jan. 1? Am I missing something?”

    You really have been asleep, haven’t you.

    Kill The Bill.

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    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    49 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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