National is being utterly irresponsible

Written By: - Date published: 7:46 am, November 19th, 2021 - 58 comments
Categories: chris bishop, covid-19, health, Judith Collins, national, same old national - Tags:

Yesterday’s behaviour from the National Party reinforced why I should use every spare minute I have to make sure that Labour and the Greens should continue to form the Government.

Because in the middle of a pandemic where the numbers in hospital are increasing and a number of Kiwis have died from a virus that is spreading promising the loosening of current restrictions is the most irresponsible, stupid, foolhardy, idiotic, imbecile thing I could ever expect a political party to do.

The outbreak is finely poised.  Vaccination rates are high, much higher than many other western nations.  Auckland’s daily new case numbers has stabilized, at least for now.  Elsewhere in the country infections are popping up and making their way down Te Ika a Maui.  I fear that the virus may soon cement a base in Te Wai Pounamu.  Hopefully vaccination rates everywhere will be sufficient to see the incursion off, or at least minimise the damage it is causing.

Citizens of Tamaki Makaurau will, all going well, have the chance to travel elsewhere over Christmas.  The right is not absolute, people wishing to travel will need to either be double vaccinated, have a recent negative covid test, or be under the age of 12.  December 15 is the date set.

The rationale is clear.  For as long as possible we need to prevent the spread of Covid to the rest of the country so we can continue to get vaccination rates up.

So what is the most irresponsible thing that a major party could do?

How about saying to all Aucklanders that they should be allowed to travel and that there will be no checks on them?  So that they can spread the virus far and wide.

This is profoundly anti scientific and completely reckless.

We are still in a good position despite recent incursions.  But for an extended period of time there will need to be in place health measures to dampen down the spread.  Loosening restrictions will only invite an increase of cases.

National’s use of this issue for political gain is appalling and totally irresponsible.

58 comments on “National is being utterly irresponsible ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Patricia Bremner 1
    19 November 2021 at 8:08 am

    We could have expected that attitude Micky, as Judith Collins support for Matt King shows complete absorption with undermining the current Government effort.

  2. higherstandard 2
    19 November 2021 at 8:13 am

    Link to what National actually said ?

  3. Gezza 3
    19 November 2021 at 8:46 am

    What's this post about?

    I can't find any Press Release or see anything like this on the RNZ, Newshub, or The Herald websites?

    • Gezza 3.1
      19 November 2021 at 8:57 am

      Is his how Micky’s interpreting this Collins Press Release?
      …………………………..

      “Government’s Covid plan version 4.0 creates summer of chaos
      Judith Collins November 17, 2021

      Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister of a decision and an announcement that may happen in December is just the latest sign the Government has utterly lost the plot, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

      “This is an announcement that in two weeks’ time there will be an announcement on what the Cabinet will decide. This makes a total nonsense of the idea that we have to wait for public health advice to lift restrictions Aucklanders are currently forced to live under.

      “This is Government on the fly. Today’s bizarre and incomprehensible ‘plan’ will create a summer of chaos for all New Zealanders.

      “Every week that goes by, Kiwis are being flooded with new, confused and contradictory messaging.

      “It was less than four weeks ago the Prime Minister announced the 90 per cent DHB target. Now it has been abandoned.

      “It is clear that the DHB target was only ever about buying the Government time to get its vaccine certificate sorted.

      “If Aucklanders can travel on December 15, they should be able to travel today. Why should we need border checks?

      “The Prime Minister was unable to answer basic questions about how the new stop and search travel system would even work.

      “No idea how many cars police would be pulling over each day.

      “No idea whether people would need to provide photo ID alongside their vaccine certificate.

      “No idea if this would apply to 12-year-olds or just adults.

      “No idea if someone if someone is pulled over just south of Auckland, how will police know whether they have come from Huntly or Auckland?

      “We also hear today that areas with low vaccination will move to level red under the traffic light system. This is yet another criteria added to the traffic light system just weeks after it was announced.

      “This means that areas such as Gisborne or Taupo are now potentially going into tougher restrictions, with only a hundred fully vaccinated people allowed into bars.

      “Every region in New Zealand will now be trying to work out if it has high enough vaccination levels and if its bars and restaurants will be open for Christmas and New Year.

      “It is very hard to see how any of this is going to work.

      “Now, after four ludicrous plans, it’s absolutely clear the whole situation really is truly farcical.

      “National’s position is clear – once we reach 85 per cent double-vaccinated, or on December 1, whichever comes first, regional borders end.

      ‘That’s something everyone can understand.’ ”
      ……………………..

      Why even pay any attention at all to this ridiculously woman? My da would call her “Silly as a two-bob watch!” And he’d be right.

    • mickysavage 3.2
      19 November 2021 at 9:24 am

      The graphic is something National released on twitter.

      • Gezza 3.2.1
        19 November 2021 at 10:02 am

        Oh, I see. I never visit Twitter. There be dragons there. 🐉

        (Actually it’s really just that I mostly post here on me 2011-release iPad2 & its latest version of Safari is “Not Supported” by the Twit People. )

    • NiandraGem 3.3
      19 November 2021 at 10:58 pm

      Stop being wilfully obtuse. Maybe you should stick to posting bird videos.

      • Gezza 3.3.1
        19 November 2021 at 11:30 pm

        I’m not being wilfully obtuse. God almighty, yet another hopeless mind-reader who thinks they know what other people really thinking.

        I have explained my puzzlement over Micky’s post. Micky has explained its origin.

        Maybe you should stick to watching my bird videos & not post comments, if that’s a sample of what your typical contributions amount to?

  4. Enough is Enough 4
    19 November 2021 at 8:53 am

    National is playing politics, but…what they are advocating for is essentially what is happening in 3 weeks in any case.

    When the Auckland border comes down the virus will appear in every town in New Zealand within days.

    • Tricledrown 4.1
      19 November 2021 at 9:55 am

      National are advocating what's happening in Ireland and Germany letting Covid get out of Control. Forcing future lockdowns closing of hospitalizations large gatherings.

      National don't give a flying fuck about our already overstretched health system or the highly educated health professionals who have cost the taxpayers $ billions to educate.

    • left_forward 4.2
      19 November 2021 at 10:43 am

      Has National expressed support for the traffic light system then?

      As far as I was aware, we've only heard that Judith finds it confusing and too hard to understand.

  5. Lukas 5
    19 November 2021 at 8:56 am

    Do you really believe there is a difference between what National want and what Labour are going to do other than the date? And that date is only two weeks apart.

    You seem to be doing what you accuse National of- opposing whatever the “other side” put up is your default position.

    • left_forward 5.1
      19 November 2021 at 9:48 am

      What?

      The Government projects a set of clear policy guidelines with their best, but sometimes flawed efforts to reduce the harm from this dangerous virus under very challenging circumstances. The opposition, in contrast, projects confusion and befuddlement when everyone, including their own constituents, need unified action.

      So yes, this opposition unthinkingly opposes during a time that requires them to act differently – i.e. with wisdom.

  6. Tiger Mountain 6
    19 November 2021 at 9:22 am

    Is “Merv” from Manurewa in a secret bunker somewhere producing these daily mood swing memos from NZ National?

    Hard to take Nats seriously on COVID matters since Mr Woodhouse’s “homeless man” and Ms Boag’s cavalier attitude to privacy, and now, Mr Bishflap’s weekly acrobatics. His flip flops on restrictions and testing could be amusing if worried, sick, and deceased New Zealanders were in anyway funny.

    Surely it is time for serious pundits to admit that National are not genuine in any way on the pandemic beyond political tactics to benefit their class. Leave your post up Micky!

  7. Bearded Git 7
    19 November 2021 at 9:55 am

    The Nats have missed a massive opportunity here. They could have supported almost everything Jacinda et al have done on a bipartisan basis while criticising the odd obvious error. This would have given them the look of a reasonable party with the interests of the country and wider community at heart.

    Instead they (and especially Chris Whinging Bishop) have carped on endlessly, cravenly supporting the narrow interests of the business elite. They will not be forgiven for this by the electorate. (But the Mike Hosking fan club will vote for them)

    • Brendan 7.1
      19 November 2021 at 11:14 am

      Nat voter here.

      If you want the Nat party to agree to what the Government is doing you invite them into the government. And then you modify policy to as such.

      But no such offer has been made as I am aware.

      And so we have the outcome we have now – they are saying what they might do if they were in government.

      Want to shut them down – start working with the Nat's like you did with housing.

      • Ad 7.1.1
        19 November 2021 at 11:31 am

        Demonstrably untrue.

        As National's leader said two weeks ago, "adversarial politics should be put aside in case of an emergency – and housing has become an emergency."

        So it was clear in the joint press conference that National could figure our how to form common interest with the government, in an emergency:

        “National sees the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill as a step forward. The changes it contains will allow New Zealanders to do more on their land without needing a resource consent, reducing the time, cost and complexity that too often greets those who want to build new dwellings.”

        Labour, National announce sweeping housing density law, three-storey homes without consent | Stuff.co.nz

        In COVID National clearly has the capacity to form common approaches with the government, but instead plays raw politics.

      • bwaghorn 7.1.2
        19 November 2021 at 6:14 pm

        Haha hoho oh my. Surely you just.

        Maybe if national hadn't pissed on everything labour did from the fuckung word go labour might have given them a seat at the covid table ,

  8. Cricklewood 8
    19 November 2021 at 11:24 am

    Well Maori vax rates in the North are at 58 percent, given the vaxxed can carry and spread covid should be not be asking for everyone leaving Auckland to the North test negative prior to depature? Protect vulnerable populations etc etc… or are we sending them covid for xmas?

    • Alan 8.1
      19 November 2021 at 11:42 am

      um, they could go and get vaccinated….free, accessible, painless, you might even get a voucher.

      • Cricklewood 8.1.1
        19 November 2021 at 12:23 pm

        But they haven't so…. I guess you're saying tough shit im vaxxed I can go and do what I want…

        Reality is what is happening all over the world has made it clear that a bunch of other measures are needed to help keep a lid on delta vaxx alone doesnt cut it

        • Alan 8.1.1.1
          19 November 2021 at 1:08 pm

          If people will not accept very easy measures to help themselves, then ultimately it does become their problem.

          I am not saying tough shit, I am saying take advantage of the easily accessed solution – help yourself, stop blaming everyone else.

          How hard is that?

    • alwyn 8.2
      19 November 2021 at 11:47 am

      "are we sending them covid for xmas?"

      Labour are far more generous than that. They aren't just going to give a Christmas present to North Auckland. They are going to let the entire country have Covid for Christmas. Thank you Santa.

      • Enough is Enough 8.2.1
        19 November 2021 at 11:53 am

        Yeah but they are delaying it by two weeks from what National is proposing.

        Somehow one is following science, the other is "being utterly irresponsble"

        • Ed1 8.2.1.1
          19 November 2021 at 12:41 pm

          No police checks? I did not realise Labour were proposing to have no restrictions on movements, and presumably free movement for both vaccinated and unvaccinated – including no requirements for Vaccination certificates. Enough is indeed enough ; small differences can have a large effect on outcomes.

          • Enough is Enough 8.2.1.1.1
            19 November 2021 at 1:24 pm

            Do you seriously think the Police will check the vaccine status of every person leaving Auckland?

        • lprent 8.2.1.2
          19 November 2021 at 12:44 pm

          Yeah but they are delaying it by two weeks from what National is proposing.

          Not even close you complete idiot…

          To quote the scientific moron the dishonourable Judith Collins.

          “National’s position is clear – once we reach 85 per cent double-vaccinated, or on December 1, whichever comes first, regional borders end.

          ‘That’s something everyone can understand.’ ”

          What she means is that it is simple enough for her to understand. Simple for everyone else to understand as well – she doesn't want to take any precautions about the spread of covid-19.

          Look at what she says elsewhere in her press statement – she implies but carefully doesn't state (becasue she likes being a weasel) – that National wouldn't have police checks for people being double vaccinated.

          Probably that borders like entry to places like pubs would be unrestricted as well. – to make it easier for the hospo industry and for covid-19 to spread. Next she will be stating that that the vaccination docs are a waste of time – probably because she can't figure out how to work it on her phone (she was known to be a useless technophobe when she was a lawyer).

          Looks like National are just chasing the nutter vote – like you.

          Taking her at her word,

          • Enough is Enough 8.2.1.2.1
            19 November 2021 at 1:13 pm

            I have no idea why you would think National's position is supported by me?

            Nowhere have I even remotely advocated for the position they are taking.

            The 14 December date is artificial and has only been made so that Aucklanders can go to the bach for Christmas. It has nothing to do with public health.

          • Higherstandard 8.2.1.2.2
            19 November 2021 at 1:18 pm

            Bad week ?

      • bwaghorn 8.2.2
        19 November 2021 at 6:16 pm

        So alwyn you favour still keeping Auckland locked down ,or is it up?

  9. Ad 9
    19 November 2021 at 11:52 am

    Maori leaders in Northland are also being completely irresponsible.

    Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Northern iwi leaders condemn Auckland border call – 'you may as well send up body bags' – NZ Herald

    "The Māori leaders' forum in the North, Te Kahu o Taonui, raised its concerns in a statement.

    Ngāti Kahu chair Professor Mākere Mutu says it's not the responsibility of Te Kahu o Taonui to check vaccination statuses.

    "Te Tai Tokerau will not be the collateral damage – you might as well send body bags," she said.

    They should stop the bullshit moaning and issue a statement to all Northland unvaccinated Maori instead, along the lines of "take responsibility for yourselves and each other and get vaccinated and you have until December 15th".

    Stop the histrionics and blaming the government when all they have to do is get off their asses and get vaccinated, rather than worry about the 93%+ double vaccinated Aucklanders by December 15th.

    • left_forward 9.1
      19 November 2021 at 4:36 pm

      What patronising nonsense ad. Do you think that Northland Maori should all think the same and all be held accountable for each other's behaviour? Are you responsible for the behaviour of the members of your family, or your kind?

      Te Kahu o Taonui are legitimately expressing their concerns about the safety of their people.. they are not moaning.

      Do not presume they are not working hard to send out messages and increase vaccinations… the evidence of the impressive efforts by Northland Maori leaders suggests otherwise.

    • Sacha 9.2
      19 November 2021 at 8:39 pm

      all they have to do is get off their asses and get vaccinated

      Yep, must be laziness that's the problem. Same as in 1918. You'd think they would learn. Oh, roadblocks you say?

  10. Reality 10
    19 November 2021 at 11:58 am

    John Bishop is a sour bitter loser. He has all these critical things to say about our PM, but not a peep about Judith Collins' failing leadership and numerous shortcomings.

    There was nothing wrong with the PM being photographed in the APEC attire. She is the PM after all. It was great to see an attractive photo on the front page of the Dominion Post. We easily can recall "soft" photos of John Key mincing down a catwalk for example. And people are genuinely interested in little Neve snippets occasionally.

    Wonder what he would say about Judith Collins and Simon Bridges embarrassing themselves cavorting round the stage at their conference. In contrast, Jacinda has always conducted herself with dignity on all occasions.

    There seems to be a very intense jealousy from the Nats about Jacinda. And for Bishop to claim she has no skills to deal with tough times is ludicrous. She has had more tough times in her four years as PM than many other leaders in the past.

    • aj 10.1
      19 November 2021 at 6:57 pm

      I kept this quote from someone on twitter a few weeks ago. So true.

      There is certainly an enormous amount of antipathy among older men in conservative circles about Jacinda. Way beyond what any impartial analysis would indicate. I agree it is largely because of her personal characteristics, which enrage some beyond reason

  11. Pete 11
    19 November 2021 at 5:45 pm

    There are people like Mike Hosking telling the world that the Government has totally mishandled covid. There is the Groundswell group (with their next big protest coming up) telling the world that the Government has totally mishandled everything.

    So to salve the disgruntlement the Government should just butt out and let people get on. Because people need to be trusted and because we know people will act responsibly.

    "For an extended period of time there will need to be in place health measures to dampen down the spread." Well we'll do that won't we because we're appreciate the possible dire consequences?

    Bullshit. And when people act like people are wont to do and things are down the crapper the Groundswell mob will have something else to bitch about won't they. Of course it'll be the Government's fault

    • bwaghorn 11.1
      19 November 2021 at 6:22 pm

      Made the mistake of engaging with a frothy anti Jacinda type on facbook, (his 1st post said he’d debate with anyone) turnd instantly into personal abuse (his side only)with a few other terriers nipping at my flanks ,

      Makes me wonder why I've been here defending rural kiwis for fucking far to long.

  12. observer 12
    19 November 2021 at 7:30 pm

    There is no National party position on the Covid response any more.

    Any of us can point to a statement by one MP one day and then a different one from another MP the next day. Mandates, for or against? Vax passports, for or against? Police checks on the roads, for or against? Protests, for or against? You tell me.

    Some might think this is classic forked-tongue strategy, contradictory messages to different audiences, wink wink. It's an old trick as we all know.

    But in this case I think it's simply the deep divisions in the party and the collapse of caucus discipline. There isn't really any strategy at all, just a power play between leadership candidates. And they really don't care about the consequences for anybody outside their private club. Not even in a pandemic.

    • tc 12.1
      20 November 2021 at 8:36 am

      Nationals been consistent through covid. Whatever it takes to get back in.

      Score political points where possible, weasle words, it's all labours fault etc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

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

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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