National must be very afraid
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4:30 pm, September 1st, 2014 - 75 comments
Categories: john key, Judith Collins, national -
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Rawshark has continued his or her terrorism of the John Key government by a further dump of screenshots of emails.
Something interesting struck me about the latest dump which contains a series of emails which were collected in a folder called “Mark Hotchin”.
The emails are fascinating and justify Matt Nippert’s articles on the subject. But Judith Collins is not mentioned once in any of the emails, at least as far as I can see.
When the story was raised National obviously feared the worst and went looking for it. But I wonder if the Cathy Odgers email had not been released to National if they would have dumped Collins. From the look of the emails in the latest whaledump I do not think so. Although the behaviour is sleazy and worthy of a police prosecution there appeared to be no link to Collins in what was happening.
It probably would not have saved her. The Herald has just reported that Collins communicated with Slater via facebook about the impending release of the SFO SIS information concerning the Goff interview to Slater. Obviously she should be considered as a potential witness in the intelligence inquiry. You get the feeling that there is further information to come out about her and at some stage her tenure would have been untenable. Maybe Mike Smith is right and this particular email was a pretext for Key to get rid of Collins.
They must also be worrying if there is anything to directly leak Key to Slater.
But this does put National in a terrible bind. Either it anticipates what information is going to be released, proactively does something so that Key can show he is in charge, and potentially does more than it could have got away with once the actual information has been released. Or it waits for Whaledump and the media to break a story, loses control of the framing of the issue and looks disorganised and reactive.
It must be a real bugger knowing that there is someone selectively feeding information to the media who can then present the story in the worst possible light. This is the sort of thing that National through Slater has been doing for years. Karma really is a bitch sometimes.
The simple solution of course is to engage in ethical politics, not the sort of politics which is currently being broadcast to the nation leak by leak by leak.
Edit: took a bit of text out of a paragraph that did not make sense.
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- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...2 weeks ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...2 hours ago - Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...3 hours ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...4 hours ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...5 hours ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...6 hours ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...7 hours ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...1 day ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...1 day ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...1 day ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...4 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...4 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...4 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...5 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...5 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...5 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...5 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...5 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...5 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...6 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...6 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...6 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...6 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...6 days ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...6 days ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...6 days ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...6 days ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...1 week ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...1 week ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...1 week ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...1 week ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...1 week ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...1 week ago
- Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki
A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland
A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...1 week ago
- Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland
A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...1 week ago
- Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure
A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...1 week ago
- The documentary Killjoy captures the personal and the political of family violence and gender activi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Crozier-De Rosa, Professor in History, University of Wollongong Stan At 16, Kathryn Joy applied for a passport. To do this, they had to obtain their mother’s death certificate. After growing up in a house in which their father had killed ...34 mins ago - James Earl Jones has died – but as the voice of Darth Vader, he will live forever
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Golding, Associate Professor, Swinburne University of Technology It is difficult to imagine a world of pop culture villains without Darth Vader. The masked and cloaked figure now casts perhaps the longest shadow of any film character on popular culture. When Vader ...34 mins ago
- ‘There’s coal and there’s coal’ – Climate Minister defends opening up ...
"The coal we produce in New Zealand, in the South Island, isn't used to be burned at Huntly - it's used to put in your mobile phone that's right in front of you," Simon Watts says. ...40 mins ago - Gang, gun law changes ‘absolutely’ followed process – Luxon
The opposition is criticisng the government over two last-minute changes to legislation being added with little or no consultation. ...2 hours ago
- Are New Zealanders ‘sick and tired’ of spending on cycleways? Not according to this surv...
Analysis - The transport minister's claim is not backed up by the facts, a survey shows. ...2 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill: Shane Reti urges people to ‘bring respect to this debate’
The health minister is worried about the tone and nature it might take in coming months as the controversial Treaty Principles Bill heads to Parliament. ...2 hours ago
- Why do I need to take some medicines with food?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mary Bushell, Clinical Associate Professor in Pharmacy, University of Canberra Ron Lach/Pexels Have you ever been instructed to take your medicine with food and wondered why? Perhaps you’ve wondered if you really need to? There are varied reasons, and sometimes complex ...2 hours ago
- Are New Zealanders ‘sick and tired’ of spending on cycleways? Not according to this survey
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Crawley, Teaching Fellow, School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Many more New Zealanders now choose to get around by bike than a few years ago. A Ministry ...2 hours ago
- The mystery of the killer bike lane
A chain of three cafes closed down and the owner blamed cycleways. But none of the cafes were anywhere near one. What is happening? Joel MacManus investigates. Last week, the people of Wellington reacted with shock to the news that Pandoro Panetteria would be closing its three cafe and bakery ...2 hours ago - ‘Out of line, out of order’: PM slams doctors for prioritising young Māori and Pasifika
"We have a very simple approach to healthcare which is based off need, not ethnicity or race," Christopher Luxon says after the government stepped in at Hawke's Bay . ...3 hours ago
- What’s the difference between MSG and table salt? A chemist explains
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathan Kilah, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, University of Tasmania Nenov Brothers Images/Shutterstock It’s dinner time. You’ve worked hard to prepare a nutritious and tasty meal. But after taking your first bite you feel something is missing. Perhaps you should have added ...3 hours ago
- Health Minister assured services safe at Rotorua ED despite patient death
Shane Reti said he was sorry to hear of the "very unfortunate episode" but would not comment on whether it showed a system in crisis. ...3 hours ago
- New Caledonia crisis: Another church burns, spate of attacks continues
ANALYSIS: By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Another church has been set alight in New Caledonia, confirming a trend of arson which has already destroyed five Catholic churches and missions over the past two months. The latest fire took place on Sunday evening at the iconic Saint ...3 hours ago
- New research suggests concussion risks can be outweighed by the benefits of playing sport
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Lennon, Conjoint Lecturer, UNSW Sydney Fotokostic/Shutterstock CTE: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It is the now popularised term that makes athletes, parents, sports administrators and insurers’ knuckles white with anxiety as sports codes struggle to come to grips with the risks ...3 hours ago
- Takeout Kids: Phitcha
Takeout Kids returns for season two. Meet Phitcha, of Akaroa’s La Thai Restaurant. Building on the success of its 2022 launch, Takeout Kids returns for a second season, following five tamariki and rangatahi growing up in the small businesses owned by their immigrant families. The latest season features ...3 hours ago
- Phitcha | Takeout Kids | The Spinoff
“I don’t know where I’m from… What do I put on there?” | Watch the full series: https://thespinoff.co.nz/videos/takeout-kids ✏️ Phitcha and her friends share shrimp noodles dropped off to school from her family’s Thai restaurant in Akaroa, where she also works at the weekend. Between video calls back home to ...3 hours ago
- State house tenants had no warning home was on a flood plain before big storm
Kelly Dey's state house tilted dangerously and flooded on the night of a major storm. She says she was assured it was safe. ...5 hours ago
- Revealed: What The Spinoff looked like the day it launched
Alex Casey looks back at the first day of The Spinoff, 10 years ago today. September 10 2014 was a huge day for headlines in Aotearoa. ‘Gummy bear penis shock’’ detailed the outrage in Dunedin around “a gummy baby with a penis” that had infiltrated a mixed lolly bag. A ...5 hours ago
- How an award-winning director went from carpenter to filmmaker
When you decide to follow your dreams, it helps to have some experts in your corner. In the first of a series talking to people who’ve retrained in a new career through Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, director Tom Webster tells Jihee Junn how tutors helped turn his cinematic vision ...5 hours ago
- Live: No way Treaty Principle Bill will get National’s support – Luxon
David Seymour's bill will now mention hapū and iwi, but the Prime Minister says no changes will make a difference. ...6 hours ago
- Where did all these dragonflies come from?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitlyn Forster, Associate Lecturer, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Boris Smokrovic / Unsplash If you’ve spent much time outdoors along the east coast of Australia in the past week, particularly near waterways, you’ve probably seen something quite ...6 hours ago
- Warm winters are waking snakes early. Here’s what that means for them and us
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Damian Lettoof, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Wildlife Ecotoxicology, CSIRO Chris Jolly For people in southeast Australia, springtime means soaking up the sun and getting our vitamin D levels back to baseline. But we’re not the only ones likely to be basking. ...6 hours ago
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As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a mother of three who owns her own business explains her DIY approach to almost everything. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female Age: 32 Ethnicity: NZ ...6 hours ago
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- New COVID vaccines may be coming to Australia. Here’s what to know about the JN.1 shots
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- From runways to film: the untold story of trailblazing First Nations fashion designer Stephen FitzGe...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treena Clark, Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney Larissa Behrendt (right) in a still from the film Jindalee Lady. Tracey Schramm, Author provided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article ...7 hours ago
- Health Minister Shane Reti intervenes to scrap Hawke’s Bay health policy targeting Māori and Pasi...
Young Māori and Pasifika in Hawke's Bay are no longer eligible on the basis of their ethnicity to receive some free healthcare services after the health minister demanded the policy be changed. ...7 hours ago
- ‘Disastrous’: Southland board chair belittles own council
The new chair of a troubled Southland board made statements about council finances, Māori land policy and "premature climate change modelling" prior to her appointment. ...7 hours ago
- New stormwater infrastructure is needed for Canadian cities to handle increased urban flooding
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mauricio Carvallo Aceves, PhD Candidate, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia Flooding in Montréal, and other Canadian cities, is becoming a more frequent occurrence. (Shutterstock) Urban flooding is increasingly concerning in Canada, where water drainage systems are at ...7 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill to now include specific mention of hapū and iwi
Cabinet has agreed on the outline of the Treaty Principles Bill that will be introduced to Parliament, with a change to include specific acknowledgement of the rights of hapū and iwi. ...8 hours ago
- Live: Political updates as debate continues over Treaty Principles Bill
The ACT party's Treaty Principles Bill will now include specific mention of hapū and iwi. ...8 hours ago
- Crowds, water guns and protests: could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to an overtourism backlash?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Errmann, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & International Business, Auckland University of Technology With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the strain. Bali is overwhelmed by waste ...8 hours ago
- NZ’s next climate target needs to be more ambitious, says diplomat
A former top climate diplomat says New Zealand is going to have to step up its game the next time sets a climate target. ...9 hours ago
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- The epic, thrilling, ridiculous story of The Spinoff’s first 10 years
Told in one crucial moment from every year, by The Spinoff’s founder Duncan Greive. The Spinoff Cover Story is our premier long-form feature offering, made with the generous support of our members. Read our other cover stories here. 2014: An accidental birth, in a corporate boardroom The Spinoff was never meant ...10 hours ago
- PM still hasn’t seen draft Treaty Principles Bill
Comment: The Prime Minister has a long-held position on the Treaty Principles Bill: he doesn’t like it, he won’t support it beyond the select committee stage, but this is “MMP in action”.As David Seymour’s controversial bill continues to steal the oxygen, Christopher Luxon is making no secret of the fact ...10 hours ago - Youth vaping is bad policy and bad politics
Opinion: Government’s vape policy is far broader than is necessary The post Youth vaping is bad policy and bad politics appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 10 September
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- Daily crossword, Tuesday 10 September
The post Daily crossword, Tuesday 10 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
Recapping the theories on Collins’ resignation
1. It’s a distraction, Collins will be found to not have been involved in the SFO affair, and Key will come out vindicated for not sacking her earlier, and will then be able to refocus the election back on Brand Key (Bill’s theory, not sure how that works with the timing of the inquiry)
2. The email was used as a way of getting rid of Collins because internal polling showed she was a liability.
3. The email was released by Key’s office because they were afraid that the story was bigger than it was and they wanted to stay ahead of it (their mistake, but you have to wonder what else they thought was going to come out).
4. It’s all a big right wing conspiracy to make Hooton have a meltdown and/or play all his cards, so they can finally take him out.
5. Key is really a reptile and we’ve all been brainwashed. The real story is going on behind the screen we can’t see.
I think its 1, 2, 3, and 5 together. 4 sounds a bit far fetched.
No. 2 – in the main.
Why did John Key not inform the citizens of this Country in 2011 when he attended a NAZI founded organisation called the Bilderberg group, in Europe?
This group is well known as one of the most secretive clandestine organisations globally, that specialises in weakening Governments with Black Ops special forces.
Below he was in attendance as John Key Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Attended by most the biggest industrial and richest elite globally their aim is to dominate the globe and control all activities.
http://twochurchesonly.com/supmat/03/most_influential/bilderberg_group/
list_of_bilderberg_attendees.pdf
List of Bilderberg participants 4
New Zealand
• John Key (2011-2012), Prime Minister of New Zealand
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Bilderberg
No Bilderberg meeting agenda has ever been made public. “It is the epitome of low-profile dark ops, a shadow government hidden in a doorway.” According to critics and close observers, it’s agenda is to weaken all world leadership but their own. It is also, according to a U.S. law called the Logan Act, [15] illegal:
Weka, that wasn’t really what I was saying at all. The first bit, (distraction and no involvement) yes. Then it’s all about hoping the media run off in the wrong direction (where he’s pointing to) so the heat comes off him, and so he can, post inquiry, somewhat bury Hager allegations by association, and (I guess he hopes) save his own sorry arse. And as I also said in the post I put up, I don’t think it will work. Regardless, I’d hate the media to get bogged down in the minutiae of a distraction; one that could play out in a way that would see Collins and Key get off the hook to some extent. Cactus, Whale and Hotchin ain’t going nowhere. They can wait.
Ok, I’m confused now, because that’s what I thought you were saying and I don’t see a huge difference between that and my off the cuff synposis above. My brain is overloaded though, so I should probably stop reading things for a while.
see post #10 below .. collins will need to houdini to escape these …
Time for a two track policy as the politicians & black ops are still doing unchecked.
Penny has laid a compliant to police today over Collins see at 13.
Woo Goode Penny,
Can we arrange to get someone to start a global corruption petition to use as backup?
We get someone to start a site using Global corruption as a theme but use our worst case in history in NZ as the lead charge?
That way we can hopefully get it to go viral?
Their is a site already setup where someone could piggy back a Global petition on that site, can you arrange it?
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/create.html
Regardless, Collins was an idiot and had to go anyway. I’m surprised Key didn’t boot her sooner.
What’s your theory on how Cameron Slater and Judith Collins came to be discussing confidential SIS information before its official release?
It’s because John Key told them, eh.
Who knows. But hey, why don’t we make up a ton of unsubstantiated theories to show off our superior intellect!
It was SIS information.
The avenues are either via the responsible minister, or via a security leak so bad (at best unauthorised leaks to a blogger by the intelligence services, at worst third-party spying -of an intelligence agency- to tip off the blogger) that the responsible minister should probably resign.
Whatever the precise avenue, there is no good excuse for a blogger to have knowledge of classified intelligence agency records.
snap
Don’t worry infused, you are safe.
Not Key but someone told Slater before he got the OIA release that the contents would harm Goff and enable Slater to boast that it would end Goff.
As for who tipped the wink to Slater. It needed to be someone who had seen a previously classified document (not declassified until after OIA received (is that right?), so someone with authority to view classified SIS material told Slater or someone with no authroity illegally obtained access to a classified document and leaked the details. Either scenario warranted a police investigation and Inquiry long before now.
John Key – all your bases are belong to us.
You have no chance to survive make your time
Glad there are other people to read this stuff and sum it all up. It’s getting hard to keep up with it all. Cheers.
You musy be getting to close to that smart meter microwave UHF frequency
Those meters are known to cause lowered IQ confusion and derange your thinking capacity.
Try sleeping away from the wall where outside the meter is mounted.
If Key had acted against Collins due to anything contained within ‘Dirty Politics’, then his long running denial that it contains anything of substance would have fallen over. Then he would have been more or less bound to accept that other allegations contained in the book were credible.
The problem is that he had to dump Collins. (Was it 70%+ in opinion polls saying she had to go?)
The solution then, is to ‘dump’ her (temporarily…he most definitely did not rule her out of cabinet at some future date) on the pretext that she may have been involved in something very specific and serious that is not contained in the book. Better, something that comes from emails by the same person as in the book. This way he gets to mollify public concern (to a degree), get her out of the picture with regards the media and, later, to slam everything in ‘Dirty Politics’ as conspiratorial crap off the back of her not being involved in some serious shit to do with the SFO etc…. that he always knew she had no dealings in.
The whole thing is a feint, a dummy pass….call it what you will.
Bill’s theory has a lot of credibility. Key hopes that the Collins issue can now go away until after the election. Then later when the inquiry finds no evidence linking Collins, Key can say, “See, I told you that Hager book was BS. Welcome back to cabinet Judith.”
In this scenario Collins still thinks she can be PM, she just has to wait a bit longer than planned.
Hager thinks that Whaledump is about done. I hope he’s wrong. If not it’s up to our journos now to dig for the truth about Key, Ede, and Slater. God help us. I hope Dotcom’s got something on the 15th.
do you have a ref for where Nicky Hager said that, pse E.M. ?
and see #10 below .. interesting Rawshark is dealing privately with Herald on some of this.
He said it on a TVNZ interview this morning. http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/national-has-more-questions-answer-hager-video-6068458
jeeesh, relax already capt panic pants, the inquiries, investigations, reverberations, the culture shock hasnt even started – this things to play out over years, jeeesh, the 15th is just … just…even more and yet theres already enough that will destroy Keys legacy – watch Hollow Men again
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/the-hollow-men-2008
– Brash ran ran the two track playbook first,…and his sucksessor?
or even check what this psycho does to sausages – its – criminal
http://www.mediaworks.co.nz/At-Home-with-the-Leaders-John-and-Bronagh-Key/tabid/495/articleID/2065/Default.aspx
who does that?
I agree. He thinks she willbe cleared by the Inquiry SO he has said she’s out for now (mollify the polls and gets he and she re-elected and doesn’t piss off her strong faction too much) and then when she is cleared she is back in Cabinet (but certainly not as Minister of Justice or Police or Corrections).
Cathy Odgers is ACT aligned and wanted Nats in to get David Seymour in and prolly hoped that any spill from nats would go to ACT, cos she doesn’t think having 17% of your MPs convicted of crimes of deceit is a bad thing.
Isn’t the Herald story by David Fisher about Goff about the SIS, not the SFO?
[Yep my bad now corrected]
Collins and Slater discussing information it was illegal for either of them to have. Who told them?
it really IS that simple. Labour? Greens? Mana? Dunne (he of the family morals)? Peters? start putting it THAT simply.
Mr Slater and Ms Collins are discussing information which at that time was CLASSIFIED
https://www.facebook.com/judithcollinsmp/photos/a.561250000619424.1073741827.559020010842423/561249600619464/?type=1&theater
Can someone provide a caption for this?
Stain spreading into minority ethnic community.
It’s pretty obvious that Hager was telling the truth (well duh!) when he said he hadn’t published everything.
National will wish he had by the time Rawshark is finished with them.
snigger
Rawshark is drawing them into her/his net bit by bit.
PM is cocky tonight, guess he wont be sleeping to well with all the stuff ahead plus someone snitching on his dealings ?
How does “sir” rawshank sound?
How does Sir Fucking Awesome Rawshark sound.
More seriously, give Nicky Hager the knighthood, for services to the realm.
New Zealand Order of Merit
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/titular-honours-be-reinstated
Hager – Nobel for humanity
and watch him refuse it 😉
replace the honours system if left wins govt seats, and make Hager a great living NZer (dump Phillip of mountbatten) and watch the spittle form at the sides of the “right’s” mouths as John doesnt get knighted… altho he will ask his good gal pal (Liz) directly I am sure, well get David C to ask her for him.
Rawshark has new dump to the Herald only; published at 4.25
Damning Collins, poor wee daisy.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11317385
Denial from Collins on Twitter.
Well of course she has no ‘records’ – she deleted them.
Collins should be staying quiet. That she’s not speaks volumes. About her state of mind. Her guilt. Her isolation (she’s clearly out of National’s control).
Good point. Didn’t WO go through his FB after the hack and delete a load of stuff?
Get Karol to invite Judith for a cup of tea in Epsom, maybe she will spill all?
As Minister of Justice (former) and former high standing law Society Representative Ms Collins has an easy option to sort all of this out. Surrender all her IT devices to an independant and supervised IT specialist. Let them go through everything, including retrieving deleted stuff and tell us if she is telling the truth. She won’t mind will she?
“Nothing to hide, nothing to fear” after all 😉
This denial from Collins is troubling.
[Collins] said she had ” no record of any Facebook conversations” with Slater. “Cameron has advised me that he has now gone through all his Facebook conversations and there are none with me. I am now considering lodging a complaint to Police regarding what I believe to be forgeries.”
Hager, Dirty Politics pg 45: “[Collins and Slater] talked often by phone, and in the evenings and weekends they chatted via Facebook’.
Now, who do you believe?
I believe Judith Collins has no record because she destroyed evidence.
Good to see they are focusing on that OIA request. That be the Big Red Button. This other stuff that Collins isn’t involved in, absolutely serious as it is, isn’t party political material. It needs to be separated out entirely.
What are the chance that SIS are trying to figure out who Rawshark is and find him? Odds?
how do we know its him or her?
He was referred to by Nicky Hager as a “he”.
GCSB
Why did Cathy Odgers send that letter/email to the beehive?
It was either a heads up for Key or it was utu. I’m inclined to go with the former and if it was, then there was likely more people involved in the decision to send it to the ‘PM’s Office’ than just Odgers.
I’d say Key/ Nats were desperate to get some control back over the issue (which they didnt have as the emails were being dripfed, and they were fearful about what was out there), and put out a call to those involved (including Cactus) to go and look for any awful emails that Rawshark might be holding. This one- the smoking gun as Cactus called it- was retrieved and proferred, and they acted. Would it have been more devastating if it had come out a week closer to the election, after further denials from Key etc. Dunno. The simpler answer that they wanted an excuse to get rid of Collins and asked for help? could be.
Hissy fit?
Interesting question Kenny. Maybe she is Whaledump or Rawshark or knows who that person is.
Can’t decide whether to 😆 or 🙄
FYI today I have emailed the Auckland District Commander, Michael Clement, making a formal complaint to Police against former Minister of Justice Judith Collins for alleged violations of s. 116 and s. 105 of the NZ Crimes Act 1961.
The evidence upon which I am relying to support this complaint is the same evidence upon which Prime Minister John Key was purportedly relying to remove Judith Collins from her Ministerial responsibilities.
Penny Bright
Good work, Penny. Always appreciate you plugging away for democracy – goodness know it needs people fighting for it at the moment.
Woo Goode Penny,
Can we arrange to get someone to start a global corruption petition to use as backup?
We get someone to start a site using Global corruption as a theme but use our worst case in history in NZ as the lead charge?
That way we can hopefully get it to go viral?
Their is a site already setup where someone could piggy back a Global petition on that site, can you arrange it?
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/create.html
Did you see the petition I linked to in Open Mike?
It’s not quite what you are suggesting but just in case you didn’t see it I will link to it here too (hope that is o.k with the moderators)
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Governor_General_of_New_Zealand_Investigate_all_the_allegations_of_corruption_in_the_National_government/?cLtGlib
Thanks BL Yes avaaz is another good site.
Can we get our IT folks to promote a citizens petition to force a Royal Commission too? We need so many to force one by demonstrating public will for a full independent commission?
xox
Thank goodness for bloggers and hackers to expose the corruptocracy of Kiwi MSM and the present government. Bless em.
However, poll results suggest that Nat support is so far largely undented. Key has been a hugely polarizing influence in NZ politics and so far this issue has just polarized people more. I’m not sure even a smoking gun would be enough to deter his supporters – he is their champion. They won’t cut left although maybe some will drift to ACT, Conservative, or NZF. Disarray on the right does not necessarily mean more votes for the left.
I recently heard from someone who has been working with poor people in Spain and Italy that even under the conditions of austerity, people are not as wretched there as they are in New Zealand. Key’s government has created a deeply divided society, and I think a lot of middle class people fear that any attempt to address this will cost them. They feel bad about it, but cannot get much past wringing their hands, putting a packet of weetbix into the food bank collection and voting for the status quo. At the same time, the people who have drawn the short straw are getting more politicised, and last election, when Key was at the height of his popularity, the right won by a whisker. So much depends on this election, but it is very hard to see how it will go.
Colmar had him shedding 2% and labour gaining 2%. And remember that as an historical guide Nats shed up to 5% on election day from poll results and labour gains about 3% (Greens lose about 1-2%)
It would help if folks vote sensibly and strategically in the Helensville electorate and all possible parties encourage their members and supporters to give me their ELECTORATE vote and focus on their PARTY vote – so I can take John Key’s Helensville seat off him.
How can YOU help make this happen?
Penny Bright
They stick to Key like dog poo on your shoe heel. Is it total greed or total stupidity among Nats supporters?
Put something in the water penny!
stop people from voting!
have bogus voting papers in each booth!
good luck with that penny
how big is his majority!
you would be better trying the reverse and get some National Party list voters to change their vote !
If every electorate had a small change that would change govt!
you would be better off trying to change Epsom or Ohariu!
(I don’t expect you to answer that, Penny, lol)
The fact is that I polled 4th in the Auckland 2013 Mayoral campaign with 11,723 votes.
The Helensville electorate fits within the boundaries of the Auckland not-so ‘Supercity for the 99%’ .
Many Helensville folk whom I have met HATE the Auckland ‘Supercity’ and a number have told me that they voted for me.
Going out and about in the electorate, I’m getting a very positive response from most folk I’m meeting and it was a KING hit finally getting to speak as an Independent candidate at the meeting held at the Kumeu Baptist Church on 11 August 2014.
History has already been made with the resignation from Parliament of dodgy John Banks, the resignation of Minister of Corruption Judith Collins, so why can’t the trifecta be won with my taking of him the seat of shonky John Key ?
I’m GOING FOR IT and I need YOUR help!
Most important is WORD of mouth / email / text.
It’s time to get the proven anti- corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog INSIDE the House, asking the stinking HARD questions no one else does under Parliamentary privilege!
Cheers!
Her Warship 😉
How will the election go? Who would’ve picked 7 – 1 to. Germany v Brasil. This election could be a rout. It’s really a test of this countries collective wisdom. Here’s hoping ….
Anyone noticed how John Key’s shrill voice is starting to sound linguistically similar to David Farrar? Same nasal inflections, consonant blurring and vowel imperfections. Is it the same panic response or is it a DNA thing?