National’s campaign of false equivalences

Written By: - Date published: 8:23 am, December 4th, 2014 - 102 comments
Categories: blogs, john key, national - Tags: , , , , ,

Yesterday, John Key gave us some advertising in the house. At question time about the Dirty Politics revelations that Jason Ede of his office had been writing blog posts that went up under Cameron Slater’s name at Whaleoil (see video in “Is John Key on the skids?” at about 1:48)

Megan Woods: Why has he (John Key) not asked for the drafts of the blog posts

John Key: I don’t think that it would achieve a hell of a lot, and more than if Mr Little was to go and ask how many people write anonymously or under pseudonyms on The Standard and all of those things. He might find some really amazing answers. But that again would be the pot calling the kettle black, wouldn’t it.

Quite an interesting weasel worded and completely meaningless answer (read it again – he doesn’t say anything).

It is also a false equivalence between the way that the blogs of right like Whaleoil and Kiwiblog operate, effectively as puppets of the National party, and the way that the blogs of the left largely operate, ours included.

Firstly. No-one writes on this site “anonymously”, they either use their own name or most likely write under a pseudonym.  If I felt so inclined I could figure out who they were if I really needed to. No-one else can, except possibly the GCSB or SIS by tapping the data streams.

The reason for pseudonyms is because of the behaviour of some of the arseholes in political debate like Cameron Slater or John Key or even some on our side of the political fence. We, like most political blogs, both allow and actively encourage people to write under pseudonyms.

There have been many instances over the years on this site and others of threats and actions of retribution being carried out against people because of them expressing their opinions. In the net retribution can come for something you wrote decades earlier that is still visible when you approach a job.

After more than 3 decades around the net and its predecessors, my advice and that of every just about other veteran of it, is to only put your name to your opinions on the net if you need to for your work (like journalists and politicians), or you are so far along in your career that it is hard to be attacked in it. Because if it is possible to be attacked, then somewhere on the net there are many nutters who will do so.

Secondly. Our site isn’t open slather. We can and do actively prevent some people from writing posts and comments on this site.

We don’t allow parliamentary staffers like Jason Ede to write our posts or to use our names and pseudonyms.

The infamous H-fee post back in 2008 is the single questionable instance out of more than 15 thousand posts and I’d love to find out who the political dickhead was who put that up on our site.  The authors of the time made damn sure that didn’t happen again. We also severely discourage politicians and staffers from writing on the site except under their own names.

Thirdly. We don’t allow criminal activities, assertions of fact without backing proof, violations of laws, encouragement of violence, or many of the other things. These are the things that have the irresponsible man-child Cameron Slater regularly being questioned by police or enquiries and appearing in front of courts. Something that I, thankfully, don’t have to do. They also get books written about you, something that is unlikely to happen about our volunteers to write posts and run this site.

As Danyl McLaughlin of Dimpost so perfectly said on twitter yesterday in response to Patrick Gower also running false equivalences (after I’d criticized one of his ex-colleagues for lying about this site “Scott Campbell: Liar on The Nation“*).

https://twitter.com/danylmc/status/539909091787685888

Indeed. He is referring to some passages in Dirty Politics where Cameron Slater was chortling in his obnoxiously irresponsible fashion about doing exactly that.

John Key is quite wrong. There is absolutely no equivalence between the way that we operate as a blog and the way that his puppeted blogs operate. It says more about how John Key thinks than it does about the way we operate.

 

 

* By the way, Scott Campbell has been unable to find any instances of posts or comments backing up his claim that this site was used by the beehive to attack him in 2008. Instead he is running diversions into the single H-fee post and vague statements that make it sound like he was sucked in by over-beers bullshit. He appears to me to be a complete arsehole of PR whose words are hard to distinguish from a typical fact free ‘Cameron Slater’  post.

102 comments on “National’s campaign of false equivalences ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. mickysavage 1
    4 December 2014 at 8:35 am

    Well said lprent.

    • weka 1.1
      4 December 2014 at 9:00 am

      +1. Excellent write up. It will be useful in the future too whenever anyone runs the ‘the standard does it too’ lines.

      • Bunji 1.1.1
        4 December 2014 at 11:00 am

        John Key will keep running those lines though. He knows that average Joe Punter doesn’t read blogs, and no journalist is going to set him right – they’re hardly fond of us (see Paddy Gower for a start).

        So Key can keep saying “The Standard is just like Whale Oil, Labour is just like National with smear campaigns run out of their office” – and we can correct him, but we’re generally only talking to the already well-informed…

        Still: great post Lynn, and hopefully a few more will realise about John Key’s lies…

        • batweka 1.1.1.1
          4 December 2014 at 11:06 am

          Will Joe Punter be watching parliamentary tv though? 😉

          Gower obviously has a problem with comprehension, or separating his emotions from his day job, or maybe he’s just spinning a line. But I think there are other journos who understand what DP is and who will not buy the line that political blogging = DP.

          • Bunji 1.1.1.1.1
            4 December 2014 at 11:48 am

            The one thing people do watch en masse is TV news – and they have clips of those lines in parliament.

            But yes, Joe Punter is unlikely to watch ParliTV.

            Media pundits don’t like us because we’re free competition… but they do like it when we find them new stories / angles etc… They see us as parasites, feeding off their news stories, but I’m pretty sure it’s symbiotic… Hell, we even link to their stories and increase their readership…

            So maybe some smart journo who gets that will point out JK’s lies about us

        • Anne 1.1.1.2
          4 December 2014 at 11:20 am

          How about someone send a copy of lprent’s post to John Key, Steven Joyce, Wayne Eagleson and all the gallery journalists plus a special for Scott Campbell.

          Then sit back and watch what they do and say. And when people log in and discover how interesting TS is… hey presto – they’ve lost!

          • Bunji 1.1.1.2.1
            4 December 2014 at 11:51 am

            Yes, it awfully nice of John to do our advertising and push our readership… 😉

            If they do actually come to read then – all good!

    • adam 1.2
      4 December 2014 at 10:26 am

      Hear, hear.

  2. Tom Jackson 2
    4 December 2014 at 8:49 am

    Would be nice if Key could be asked in parliament who the supposed posters are. On the other hand, I’m worried that people will find out I’m Batman.

  3. vto 3
    4 December 2014 at 8:54 am

    Yes, well said mr prent, keep up the good work.

    Key’s response does surely highlight more about the way he thinks than anything about this site. In fact it highlights a significant and basic trait about right-wing ‘thinking’….

    …. they absolutely do think that everybody thinks the same way as themselves and have broadly the same guiding principles about life as them. Which of course is absolute tosh.

    Key is the epitome of this – it is all about ‘winning’, the means don’t matter, and those that don’t ‘make it’ are the creators of their own situation. Planet Key folks, its Planet Key ….. I’m the man … I got me 50 million … look on in wonder …. I am the man …..

    what a sorry specimen of a man

  4. ianmac 4
    4 December 2014 at 8:56 am

    Slater has a blog. Nasty stuff there.
    The Stanard has a blog. So it must be nasty too.
    A rooster has a comb.
    Key has a comb so Key must be a rooster. (With his tail feathers dragging in the mud.)

  5. Colonial Viper 5
    4 December 2014 at 9:00 am

    John Key is good with his lines. I do really appreciate him promoting The Standard to a much wider audience though. The quality of writing and comments here will keep many coming back. Thanks PM! 🙂

    • weka 5.1
      4 December 2014 at 9:06 am

      heh. Why bother with all the work Ad was suggesting when you can have the PM do the promotion for you?

  6. Sabine 6
    4 December 2014 at 9:04 am

    Someone should ask dear leader again

    “Why has he (John Key) not asked for the drafts of the blog posts” and again and again, until he answers the question.

    Now that would be fun too watch.

    I follow Daily Kos from the US, and i disagree with the “nom de plume’ stance. Write under your own name, always, and defend your own opinion.
    It is hard to say they do it too…when clearly they don’t .

    Quite a few of the front posters of Daily Kos started out with Net Names and now write under their own names. And quite a few of the democrats post on that site aswell under their own names. And why not. This page is for political discourse and that means every now and then someone should own up what they wrote. And that is where the difference lies, the owing up to – National does it not.

    • weka 6.1
      4 December 2014 at 9:17 am

      There are standard authors who used to use pseudonyms who use RL names now.

      You seem to have missed the point about pseudonyms though. For some people it’s just not safe. If they only had the option of using their RL names they wouldn’t be able to write. That would do far more damage to the political blogosphere than the perceived problems of pseudonymity.

      (there’s also the point that ts values content of a post, what it actually says, rather than who says it).

      Can I ask why you don’t comment under you RL identity?

      • Sabine 6.1.1
        4 December 2014 at 9:28 am

        i have not missed to point about pseudonyms or ‘nom de plume” it has been done since ever.
        In fact quite a few female writers wrote under the name of men in order to get published

        What I am saying is that it is easier to fight of allegations when one uses their own names.

        Sabine is my first name.

        • weka 6.1.1.1
          4 December 2014 at 9:35 am

          “What I am saying is that it is easier to fight of allegations when one uses their own names.”

          You’re wrong though, because if I had to use my RL name to fight allegations I wouldn’t be here at all. Saying RL ID is more valid than pseudonymity actually makes it harder to respond to allegations because you undermine the safety of the people that have to use pseudonyms.

          “Sabine is my first name.”

          Yeah, and weka is mine* 😉 But that’s not your RL ID. I’m not asking you to use your RL ID, I’m asking you why you don’t given the argument you are making here.

          *not really, my real name is Batman.

        • lprent 6.1.1.2
          4 December 2014 at 9:42 am

          It might be easier to fight allegations using your own FULL name (somehow I don’t think that a first name really cuts it with that).

          However based on the attacks on me and other authors and writers here, it might NOT be so easy to eat or have net access as it is to defend yourself with a full name.

          As an example. Soon after the site started, Cameron Slater did his very best to attack my employer on the basis that we were sharing a DNS cluster in a reciprocal primary/secondary manner. In his usual inept way, he happened to attack my previous employer.

          People have been fired from their jobs when their RL identities have become known.

          I always disclose my blogging and in particular what Slater has done and posted about doing when I change jobs. I get away with it because my skills are so much in demand. But I usually get a restriction about revealing who I work for. After all who wants an complete arsehole like Cameron Slater attacking you.

          • batweka 6.1.1.2.1
            4 December 2014 at 11:26 am

            There are other vulnerabilities too. Anyone is potentially a target for people like Slater irrespective of employment issues. They will go for whatever weakness they can find.

            Women on the net have particular vulnerabilities. The people who have a go at ts for being an abusive culture should go hang out in places online where women get routinely attacked in violent ways, ways that for some include danger in real life. This is true for other groups too (some of the transphobia and race hatred online is breathtaking).

            (Ts culture is often rude, and IMO there is too much meanness, but there are very clear boundaries around personally directed misogyny, homophobia, racism etc).

            Beneficiaries in NZ face particular challenges if they want to blog politically. Not only is there the danger of attack from people like Slater (and lesser minions), but WINZ can actively track people’s online activities and use that against them even where the beneficiary is not doing anything wrong.

            The list goes on. I have a friend that immigrated from Australia to NZ in fear of her life from her ex. In the past she had unlisted telephone numbers, wasn’t on the electoral roll, had to be very careful about giving out her address etc. I don’t know what she does now in the internet age, but it’s ludicrous to suggest that she could write about the politics of domestic violence under her real name.

            • Anne 6.1.1.2.1.1
              4 December 2014 at 11:49 am

              It’s the covert attacking which is the most insidious and can ultimately have a devastating effect on a person’s life. At least with the overt stuff the target knows the identity of the attacker and can respond if they so desire.

              This Lyn Freeman interview with a British journalist on Nine to Noon this morning is a case in point. Shocking stuff and it’s happened in NZ too!

              http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/20159785

            • lprent 6.1.1.2.1.2
              4 December 2014 at 12:06 pm

              It is important and especially in the misogynist and relatively bigoted area of political blogs.

              I keep a pretty close watch on various demographics where I have data. For instance from google analytics since March we have a reasonably accurate sample now of gender – which is what I tend to use a defacto indicator of the social health of the site.

              I don’t have “user” data for this. But sessions are when people start accessing the site to when they leave.

              The sample may have some biases because it is just the information from people who care to share it with google – about 45% of all those sessions on the site. But I suspect that the numbers make it pretty representative.

              (click for larger image)

              I’m not that happy with just 30% women in sessions (I’d have picked it as being a bit higher). But I’d be willing to bet that was one of the highest if not the highest amongst political blogs in NZ apart from the HandMirror. Certainly the numbers here would be higher than anywhere else. The environment in Whaleoil or even Kiwiblog isn’t exactly the place where most women would care to go.

              I am heartened with the %new being higher than males and while the bounce rate is higher as well, some number crunching shows that we are picking up female readers faster than male. So hopefully at some point it’d get more equal.

              From the similarity of pages read and session duration, it looks like women like our content about as much as the guys.

              Needless to say I keep an eye on these kinds of numbers. For me they are the ‘canary in the coalmine’ about how the blog is doing. I’d much sooner lose page views and sessions than I would start losing female readers.

              • Lanthanide …
                4 December 2014 at 12:39 pm

                “The environment in Whaleoil or even Kiwiblog isn’t exactly the place where most women would care to go.”

                I can’t tell if this statement is sexist or not.

                • Tracey …
                  4 December 2014 at 12:48 pm

                  I havent been there for years. I found it a very unsettling place to be and the “attitude” by some to women and others was pretty offputting.

                • lprent …
                  4 December 2014 at 1:44 pm

                  Well I’m not interested in going there myself more than I have to. It is all about probabilities….

                  I am quite sexist. I like being a male. However I also come from a family that is (too put it mildly) pretty damn assertive from all genders and from an early age – run by a gen 2 feminist and her stroppy over-achieving husband. We’re great believers in making sure that everyone can do everything. Which is why rocky became a programmer, why we all can sew, why we all use tools, why I am the cook at home, and why I know how to clean thoroughly.

                  However there are some pretty distinctive gender behavioral differences. The spectrum of probable behaviors overlap a lot, but there are some probabilities that seem to be gender specific outside of nurture.

                  For instance I really can’t be bothered cleaning and tidying up much myself. Whereas after adolescence virtually every women I know seems (to me) to be obsessed with it. And so few of them seem to be come truly obsessive computer gamers in the mid 30s when you have the time and money to really get serious about it.

                  I also find find a pretty strong differentiation in male/female tolerance to online forum behaviour. I try to strike a balance here in the overlap area between shoving excitement and meaningful dialogue, and being tolerant of behaviors that are not mine (usually in a sarcastic manner).

                  • adam …
                    4 December 2014 at 11:00 pm

                    Liking being a male is not being sexist. Liking the systems that give men power over women – that’s sexist.

                    And if no else says – thanks for keeping the creepy off the standard.

            • lprent 6.1.1.2.1.3
              4 December 2014 at 12:15 pm

              BTW: The age distribution is also interesting.

              Remarkably even. Most sites I have looked at have some pretty skewed profiles.

              • greywarshark …
                4 December 2014 at 7:50 pm

                The knowledge about brain development puts 25 as the general time of maturity. Look at the stats above. And most of the stages of growing up have happened by 25, time then to look at the world with some discernment.

            • greywarshark 6.1.1.2.1.4
              4 December 2014 at 9:51 pm

              The writer of the Millenium Trilogy Stieg Larson and his partner couldn’t get married because there would have been too much publicity and publically available information, their address etc. There was a period when there were a lot of hate attacks going on there. I don’t think they could register a car because of the need to keep their address secret. When he died his partner couldn’t inherit because she wasn’t legally related to him.

              There are real pressures on people who become the focus of sick minds. The ability to live in society ultimately relies on trust and respect for the other. Women who hook up with men who don’t have respect for other’s rights and who become infuriated with their partner can harass and stalk them until they murder them. When a person channels their hostility at another it can be fierce and unpleasantly wounding, if not deadly.

    • Lanthanide 6.2
      4 December 2014 at 12:33 pm

      He did actually answer the question, before he went on to ramble and rant:

      “I don’t think that it would achieve a hell of a lot”.

  7. coaster 7
    4 December 2014 at 9:10 am

    Key sounds alot like my kids when you’re find one doing something wrong (that they know is wrong) the standard comment is”but they did it first” often you find out they didnt do it at all.

  8. Tracey 8
    4 December 2014 at 12:46 pm

    the problem is Key will win by dropping the standards name.

    Gower probably considers the standard is nasty because he gets called names. He and others either didnt read DP or didnt understand it. The criticisms of Slater and his behaviour is NOT about name calling. If Gower doesnt get the difference between name calling and

    Receiving money to pretend you wrote something
    Colluding with those in power to misuse the OIA and SIS
    Using an ex prostitute to try and find dirt on people you dont like
    Deliberately posting mistruths to further ms collins or anyone elses agenda
    The PM refusing to cut off the person who does all of the above

    He deserves to be called on it. Some self awareness on his part is probably too much to ask?

    • Skinny 8.1
      4 December 2014 at 3:53 pm

      Gower isn’t that bad, it’s Garner that puts him up to many of the antic’s against the Left, Labour especially, DG holds a long grudge against many of their MP’s who were stonewalling him when they were in Govt. I’ve teamed up with the both of them to do the odd number on sitting duck Right MP’s who are fair game for a crack if any damaging info passes my way. One thing i’ve learnt about Gower is he is all about the ratings game.

      • Tracey 8.1.1
        4 December 2014 at 7:03 pm

        gower considers TS is nasty the way WO is nasty. he has comprehension problems at the least.

        garner doesnt pull gowers strings. gower is a big little boy.

    • batweka 8.2
      4 December 2014 at 7:17 pm

      That’s a good summarising list Tracey. I’d add

      Doxing (publishing people’s real life names and addresses etc online against their will/without their permission). Ts’s policy prohibits this, Slater endorses it.

      (of course people like Gower who think there is something wrong with pseudonyms probably won’t see the issue or understand why the difference is important).

    • marty mars 8.3
      4 December 2014 at 7:40 pm

      Good analysis Tracey, I agree with you.

      gower and his mates don’t actually read The Standard they just repeat the lines they have heard. That is why those of us you hang here find their claims ludicrous. Some people have lost their ability to think for themselves and a lot of them are in our media.

  9. Tom Gould 9
    4 December 2014 at 12:49 pm

    This simply illustrates that that the chooks, first and foremost, protect each other, even if it means lying. But as Key said, everything is ‘contestable’ so there are no lies and there is no truth.

  10. CATMAN 10
    4 December 2014 at 1:57 pm

    but but but what about LABOUR’s campaign of false equivalences???

    Like when they made that CAKE?? It’s the same thing, right??

  11. BLiP 11
    4 December 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Wise words well said. Thanks lprent.

    I’ve been wondering why John Key and Scott Campbell are so keen to display their difficult relationship with the truth and drunken yobbo approach to public dialogue. The false equivalence approach to minimising their own behavior makes as much sense as anything else. Given that the bulk of voting New Zealanders love being lied to, the “they do it too” distraction will be a great joke plus provide some comfort for the inherent cognitive dissonance supporting the National Ltd Cult Of John Key generates. Quite clever, really.

    Personally, I’m grateful for the ability to post here and keep my meatspace identity separate. There was a time when my job would have been at risk if my employer knew my political beliefs. Not such an issue now but, still, best to keep my options open “going forward”. What concerns me these days is the fact that John, Scott and their like are just as likely to attack those I am close to if I should ever piss them off sufficiently. It means nothing to them that an innocent relative or colleague should suffer a public kicking from their Dirty Politics Machine if it means silencing the genuine target. Welcome to John Key’s brighter future.

  12. Olwyn 12
    4 December 2014 at 3:09 pm

    I think that many right wingers, very likely including John Key, simply can’t get their head around the idea that the reason for the site is the discussion of left wing ideas and values – they appear to think that it must have some underhand strategic aim, or otherwise it wouldn’t be worth maintaining. This becomes visible when controversies erupt, like Shearer’s roof painter speech and so on, when they come sniffing around looking for hidden connections. Matthew Hooton and most of the journalists appear to get it now, but for some of them there is only a point if there is a concerted effort to look conversational while actually trying to pull political strings.

    • greywarshark 12.1
      4 December 2014 at 6:34 pm

      That is interesting Olwyn.
      Your point –
      the idea that the reason for the site is the discussion of left wing ideas and values – they appear to think that it must have some underhand strategic aim,

      is I think my reason for getting twinges about ideas of expanding the horizons for the blog to etch out a position of influence in the political scene. I think this sort of ambition might swamp the honest ideas that get tossed around and polished up here.

      • Olwyn 12.1.1
        4 December 2014 at 6:45 pm

        Yes, I said something similar at the time it was being discussed. While I am OK with broadening the range of authors, etc, I would not like to see The Standard lose its freshness and honesty.

  13. Zolan 13
    4 December 2014 at 3:52 pm

    At the time I thought Key was flinging the false equivalence out of desperation, and even he was embarrassed (or at least uneasy) about resorting to such a weak display. The Standard is merely the least conspicuously absurd target available.

    I expected it to be glossed away by the MSM, and am amazed they are so far gone as to give it traction.

    (I Nom de Planets)

  14. Neil 14
    4 December 2014 at 4:13 pm

    Excellent post Lprent & totally agree with you. Last year Yahoo NZ closed down comments because of the extreme nastiness of some of the comments & those comments were predominantly from right wing supporters. If you look on other sites like tv3 & NZ herald you will see a lot of nastiness in the comments & they are mostly right wing supporters making them, what amazes me is these websites have codes of conduct for making comments, yet it seems almost impossible to get them to do anything about inappropriate comments. I was targeted by right wing supporters on a website last year & ended up having to get lawyers involved to get these people to stop making false allegations about me.

  15. Murray Rawshark 15
    4 December 2014 at 6:15 pm

    “or you are so far along in your career that it is hard to be attacked in it.”
    That’d be me. Still producing, but counting down to retirement and not looking for either promotion or a new job.
    I thought about a handle, but decided not to, even though I use one on other sites. Bumbler blocked me from Facebook because I agreed he was an idiot, so I’m not going to use my name on TDB, for example.
    Anyway, I’m so far left compared to most Kiwis that I know maybe only 20% of what I say will be taken seriously. I’m relaxed about that.

  16. Ad 16
    4 December 2014 at 7:29 pm

    I just love that attitude to code-names. From Key’s behavior in politicizing the SIS, and his avowed use of black ops operators, I believe the SIS will seek to crack as many of our code names as they want and add them to personalized data files on us as individuals.

    I believe we are a threat to this kind of government.
    Code-names are a first necessary protection.

    I particularly like the way TS lives up to its name. That is exceedingly rare.

    There’s been some commentary recently about being too hard on newbies. I believe there’s a point there, but it’s nothing to do with moderation and far more about regular commenters backing off a bit and giving the new ones sufficient rope for the n00bs to be hung with later. Patience can be fun in this respect. n00bie-friendliness and gender-friendliness are culturally similar re tolerances to rudeness, if I may be so bold.

  17. NZJester 17
    4 December 2014 at 7:50 pm

    Some of you claim to be Batman, but just who are the villains.
    Bane:
    He claims to be an oily wale, but his power comes from the venom he uses.
    The Riddler:
    Who says one thing and claims what he said meant something totally different.
    The Key to that answer should be obvious

  18. emergency mike 18
    4 December 2014 at 8:33 pm

    wtf is wrong with Patrick Gower? Evidence that The Standard is the left’s WO? John Key saying so? Scott Campbell saying so and looking like an idiot when called on it? Did I miss something?

    Evidence that WO is National’s WO? A recently vindicated book, a ministerial resignation, John Key’s har har weasel words on the matter. Wake up dickhead, you are a spin repeater.

    • Ad 18.1
      4 December 2014 at 9:06 pm

      Expect more as The Standard slips into the MSM media frame as the natural Digital Opposition.

      In fact, get used to it – it’s a compliment.

      • b waghorn 18.1.1
        4 December 2014 at 9:29 pm

        They say no publicity is bad publicity.

      • batweka 18.1.2
        4 December 2014 at 10:36 pm

        I agree Ad, it pays to be mindful of what’s going to happen next.

      • emergency mike 18.1.3
        4 December 2014 at 10:59 pm

        “Expect more as The Standard slips into the MSM media frame as the natural Digital Opposition.

        In fact, get used to it – it’s a compliment.”

        Sure I’d agree with that if I was talking about John Key’s mutterings about The Standard. I had the weird idea that Gower was a journalist.

    • David H 18.2
      5 December 2014 at 1:31 pm

      Gowers the Flashy showman with the “look at me Look at me,” When you need to watch those shadowy figures in the background.

  19. Cave Johnson 19
    4 December 2014 at 10:45 pm

    One of the reasons that it’s so easy for the right to brand TS as nasty is the name-calling that goes on here. Name-calling isn’t really a very substantial sin in itself, but it does take a pretty thick-skinned righty to express any political thoughts here, so it’s not a very inclusive place from that point of view.
    .
    The policy says “What we’re not prepared to accept are pointless personal attacks, or tone or language that has the effect of excluding others.”
    .
    Some examples of the kinds of comments that pepper the site (these are not moderation comments by the way, even though some commenters seem to see themselves in that role) :
    .
    “[name], why don’t you just fuck off.”
    .
    “Fuck off.”
    .
    “Seriously, it would save everyone so much trouble if you just fucked off and started working on your martyrdom post now.”
    .
    “If you can’t be bothered engaging in debate here with even some level of integrity, why don’t you just fuck off.”
    .
    “Now fuck off troll.”
    .
    “Such a cocktease! ‘cept without the tease part.”
    .
    “Long, long, long, very, very, very, slow, slow, slow, clap, clap, clap for [abusive version of name] x 3. The Wind-Up Boy. The Shadow. The Lunatic. The Odour. The Tarnish. Off to SlaterPorn Ya Mad Fuck. Ya remind me of Madame Ceacescu near the end !”
    .
    “fuck off, tosser.”
    .
    “This issue doesn’t concern you, [name]. Your opinions on it have no value.
    Fuck off back to the sewer, there’s a good trool.”
    .
    “Oh fuck off [name].”
    .

    • adam 19.1
      4 December 2014 at 11:16 pm

      I would suggest Cave; that if you had seen some of the comments that did get moderated, these responses to some points, were to be expected.

      Whilst I’m personally not a fan of bad language; (fubar and Tory scum – aside) it is a exercise in frustration, when a troll uses troll tactics to get under peoples skin, and divert a conversation string. I’m personally quite forgiving about a passionate response – if it carries on to a sustained personal attack – you will see the moderators jump in.

      It’s politics, not tiddlywinks. And the left has passion, it’s a huge asset – but sometimes, it can be the motivation behind people saying stupid things.

    • emergency mike 19.2
      5 December 2014 at 12:17 am

      “Name-calling isn’t really a very substantial sin in itself, but it does take a pretty thick-skinned righty to express any political thoughts here, so it’s not a very inclusive place from that point of view.”

      Rubbish. If any RWer was to come here and respectfully offer a reasoned argument for their position on some matter or other, I for one am confident they would be treated respectfully. I’ve seen it happen, rare as it is.

      But the usual RW commenter here is nearly always sarcastic, taunting, baiting, or outright tr0lling from their first comment in a given thread. They get what they deserve.

      Anyone who thinks this place is ‘nasty’ because tr0lls get told to fuck off hasn’t read much of what goes on here, and doesn’t understand the value of it.

      I haven’t myself noticed ‘the right’ using this particular point against us myself Cave. I mean, it’s not like someone’s gone and made a big out of context list of all the instances of swearing here and then commented that people at The Standard swear at people a lot. Oh wait…

      • Ad 19.2.1
        5 December 2014 at 6:39 am

        Agree re argument. But:

        Problem with being called The Standard is you have to have some.

        The MSM won’t treat us equally – we have to be better.

    • Colonial Rawshark 19.3
      5 December 2014 at 1:11 am

      Cave Johnson: LOL. Go away. You delicate little flower.

    • Tracey 19.4
      5 December 2014 at 5:41 pm

      if you find that bad whatever you do stay away from the comments section of kiwiblog and all of WO

      fuck is just a word… as common today as bugger used to be.

      the homophobia and misogyny at those sites is creepy

    • Tracey 19.5
      5 December 2014 at 5:59 pm

      it is the continuation of the deliberate deception that saying fuck off makes TS the same as KB and WO and the equating by gower and others of that aspect of DP.

      if the nuances are too subtle for you consider CVs advice below

  20. Manuka AOR 20
    5 December 2014 at 9:31 am

    Re: Patrick Gower’s twitter comment, “Your blog is nasty just like your mates on the Right”. Don’t know about the “mates on the Right” bit – TS is not known for having too many of those…

    But the “Nasty”…
    It is possible that a comment of mine contributed to Paddy’s reaction. On 22/11 I wrote on TS that “I thought the most vicious attempted attack so far was Gower’s: “It is the great union robbery – the unions have stolen Labour’s leadership.” ” http://thestandard.org.nz/81-knowing-your-position/#comment-928988.

    I linked to his article that was headlining on the 3News site: http://www.3news.co.nz/opinion/opinion-unions-rip-off-labour-leadership-2014111910

    • Colonial Viper 20.1
      5 December 2014 at 6:02 pm

      That would mean that Gower reads The Standard ha!!! (and like all the other political journos, of course he does)

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 hours ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 hours ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 hours ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 hours ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 hours ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    8 hours ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    10 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    10 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    17 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    19 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    20 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    21 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    23 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    24 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-20T03:12:02+00:00