National’s diversity problem

Written By: - Date published: 9:03 am, April 30th, 2022 - 71 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, national, same old national, Simon Bridges - Tags:

National’s short list of candidates for the Tauranga seat has been released.  And it is clear that its gender and ethnic representation problems will be made worse after the selection process is completed.

From Kiri Gillespie at the Herald:

A city councillor turned real estate agent, a Tauranga Business Chamber boss, a council analyst and a financial crime investigator have all been shortlisted as potential National Party candidates for the Tauranga byelection.

Kelvin Clout, Matt Cowley, Tom Rutherford and Sam Uffindell are up for final selection. The successful candidate will fill the National Party Tauranga candidacy and contend the city’s upcoming byelection, prompted by the resignation of Simon Bridges.

National campaign chairman Todd McClay said all four men were strong contenders.

Clout, a Tauranga City councillor before the appointment of commissioners, is a real estate agent, Cowley has been chief executive of Tauranga Business Chamber for nearly three years, Rutherford is an analyst at Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and Uffindell heads the financial crime unit at Rabobank and is a local agribusiness owner.

My first impression was surely this is a wind up.  Surely National has at least one viable candidate in the area that is not male and pakeha.  Its short list is meant to contain up to five candidates, and there was a rumour that former MP Dan Bidois, who is Maori, was interested.  If so why did he not even make the shortlist.

My second impression is that this is no longer John Key’s National.  Under Key’s leadership National made a virtue of making its caucus appear diverse.  As I wrote in 2017:

[National has] made an art form of getting away from the old perception that they are a bunch of bigoted anti diversity conservatives. The loss in 2005 when Don Brash talked about Mainstream New Zealanders and confirmed that this group did not include people who were not white or born overseas showed how important the strategy is.

Since then National has been very careful to cultivate ethnic candidates and have sent them out to spread the word.  Candidates such as Melissa Lee, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Jian Yang, and Alfred Ngaro have done the job for National.

If you look at National’s list from [the 2014] election the strategy is clear.  Slots 31 to 34 were reserved for ethnic candidates.  Neo conservatives no longer care about race.  The only battle they are worried about is the battle between the top 1% and the rest of us.  Every other dividing line, gender, sexual preference or ethnic origin is irrelevant.

It is not as if Chris Luxon does not understand that National has a problem.  As reported shortly after he took over as leader:

Asked … if he was looking to achieve some ethnic diversity with his front-bench of 12 MPs, Luxon noted the caucus itself lacked ethnic diversity.

“Well look, I mean, the reality is, when you look at our caucus today it’s not ethnically diverse, right, and that’s because we got a much poorer result in the last election than we had planned,” Luxon said.

National won 23 fewer seats in Parliament in 2020 than 2017 and was left with a far less ethnically diverse set of MPs.

Indeed, the party is now overwhelmingly Pākehā, with just three MPs of Māori descent and one MP of Asian descent.

The National MPs who survived the election were largely in safe seats, whose members have typically picked white candidates. Simon Bridges was the only successful non-white electorate MP, out of 23 National electorate MPs.

It looks like after this selection, and presuming National wins, all of its electorate MPs will be pakeha.  And a startling opportunity to display a commitment to ethnic diversity has been lost.

71 comments on “National’s diversity problem ”

  1. Ad 1

    Seriously mate have you been to Tauranga? It's whiter than Wanaka.

    • lprent 1.1

      It may be now. It wasn't when I was going there 40 years ago. After all this was the electorate that put Winston Peters into parliament in 1984.

      Assuming that you are correct… You have to ask yourself what caused the diversity to leave?

      Or were they just swamped with diverse adverse importing themselves?

      • Belladonna 1.1.1

        Peters was pretty much elected by the Grey Brigade (the Nanas thought he was just lovely). Mostly white, middle-class and over 65+
        It's changed a bit – in that the boom in growth has brought a much younger age-bracket (30-50, rather than 66+) – but not exactly a bastion of cultural diversity.

        • lprent 1.1.1.1

          Back in 1984 ? When he was elected as the young National MP for Tauranga?

          I suspect you’re completely confused about your timelines.

          • Belladonna 1.1.1.1.1

            Gotcha. Sorry about that. I was referring to when he stood as an independent and then for NZ First, in 1993.

            When he first stood for National in 1984, it was an absolutely safe National seat – they could have put a donkey in, during those FPP days and it would have been elected. [That's not an unkind cut at Peters, but some other candidates in 'safe' seats were lifelong backbenchers and 'yes' men for their party]

            Peters at that time, and fairly consistently subsequently, rejected 'race' as a basis for decision-making – and was an advocate for the best man for the job. He wasn't selected by Nat for Tauranga because he was Maori – but because he was one of the rising band of Young Nationals [somewhat ironically, considering his future career]

            • lprent 1.1.1.1.1.1

              He first stood for National in Northern Maori in 1978 (I think), He then stood fro Hunua. Tauranga was his third seat attempt fro National.

              Contrary to myth Tauranga wasn't a safe National seat until after MMP expanded the electorate outside the urban area.

              Have a look through https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tauranga_(New_Zealand_electorate)#1981_election

              In the 1981 election, Social Credit were just ~2200 behind National, and the Labour vote was 4338. National won with ~43%

              Winston did much better in 1984, But the opposition vote was split between pretty evenly between NZ Party, Labour, and Credit, and in combination was ~58%. He lot National votes – admitably in a very anti-National election.

              It wasn't until 1987 that Winston got a clear majority of ~53%, and in 1990 with ~66%.

              In the 1993 by-election, he (and I do mean he) got thumping victory of ~91%. On the other hand none of the major parties put up a candidate. The leading opposition candidate was from McGillicuddy serious. In actual 1993 election, he got 55%.

              The MMP electorate got quite a lot more National over time.

      • Ad 1.1.2

        Also Bridges part Maori

  2. Belladonna 2

    National playing to their base (candidates predominantly small/medium business and local); just as Labour has (Tinetti is a teacher and, again, a local)
    Tauranga is an …. unlikely … place to be looking for a 'diversity' candidate.

    Interesting about Bidois. He's fairly active on the local Facebook pages – makes me wonder if he's going to have another tilt at Northcote. Halbert is not at all secure if there is a significant drop in Labour support.

  3. Jester 3

    All this diversity BS makes me laugh. Get the best people for the position whether they be black, white, brown, male or female. Too much diversity and you end up with MP's like Poto Williams or Kelvin Davis who are clearly promoted beyond their means and not on merit.

    • pat 3.1

      Diversity is not a prerequisite for incompetence.

    • mac1 3.2

      'clearly promoted beyond their means and not on merit'."

      Jester, do you have a list of the evidence that you could show that 'clearly'?

      Ir is not enough evidence to show that for example Poto Williams has been attacked by National. Police/ law and order are bread and butter concerns for National. I'd expect such attacks.

      Was there substance for those attacks? If so, I'd like to see the stats, the evidence, that you say is so clear.

      The second issue with your comment that I note is about "Get the best people for the position whether they be black, white, brown, male or female." That bone needs to pointed at National. They can't even get the best people from the ranks of Pakeha males, as the locals here, National members included, will say about their latest do nothing MP in a safe electorate.

    • Descendant Of Smith 3.3

      Clearly the best people to represent white well off conservative capitalists are white (predominantly male) well off capitalists.

      I can see why the concept of diversity makes you laugh.

    • Puckish Rogue 3.4

      Hey now I can tell you that Corrections Officers hold Kelvin Davis in the highest of regards and we categorically deny any notion that he's a crim-loving, jumped up little fuck knuckle that has no idea of what he's doing (especially hiding him at question time) or that he brags (on Facebook posts) about lowering the prison population by releasing crims early or directing more crims do community service or detention etc etc

      We all thank our lucky stars we have someone like Kelvin Davis as our Corrections minister

      • Jester 3.4.1

        That's good to hear re: Kelvin. Many police do not hold Poto Williams as highly regarded.
        My opinion only, but I think Andrew Little would be better suited to Poto’s portfolio.

      • The Al1en 3.4.2

        Prison guards don't strike me as the most intelligent among us otherwise they wouldn't be prison guards.

        An aspirational position for mall security guards wanting better pay.

        • RedLogix 3.4.2.1

          Despite working in a high tech environment most of my life, I have also been alongside solid working people as well. (For instance a season in a shearing gang in West Otago in the 70's.)

          IQ is a fairly narrow measure of human capacity – it tells us how well a person can manipulate abstractions, and given that many professional and technical roles requite this ability, it has some utility. But is sure is not the whole story.

          But equally I have also encountered many, many men who earn a living mostly working physically who are whip smart, very capable and are no fools when it comes to seeing through human nature. The sort of person who has the grit to keep our prisons safe and functional most of the time. And work I am certain I would not last 10 minutes trying to do.

          • Puckish Rogue 3.4.2.1.1

            Actually you'd be fine, you've worked with many different people from all different walks of life.

            Thats a good start right there

          • The Al1en 3.4.2.1.2

            Don't worry, I was only only having a cheap laugh.

            Though with regards to iq being a measure of capacity, taking the human example out of it, to which I wholly agree with, and like those whip smart bs detectors, they'll be some very clever convicts who can suss out failure in the system and help hold a lid on things – Though of course I wouldn't want any of them doing surgery on me and I'd take a blowhard scalpel slicer any time, likewise while I input from the coal face is necessary to shape procedure, I wouldn't use it to shape policy around prevention or solutions to the social ills that cause them.

            I know PR is way right of me politically, and I accept that we'll never agree on many issues, but criticism about Kelvin Davis as minister from the cheerleader lauded for double bunking and containers, yeah, that's probably not going to work. 🙂

        • Puckish Rogue 3.4.2.2

          How many Corrections Officers have you met?

          • The Al1en 3.4.2.2.1

            I googled famous prison guards. Top hit from 40,600,000 results

            You might get a bit of reflective glory in number two. lol

            1. The Green Mile – Paul Edgecomb
            2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – Dementors
            3. The Longest Yard – Captain Knauer
            4. The Stanford Prison Experiment – Christopher Archer
            5. The Shawshank Redemption – Captain Hadley
    • mpledger 3.5

      Governing (and hence politics) is a team game. You want the best team. Sometimes the "best" candidate adds nothing to the team that isn't already there.

      The best team brings a diversity of views and ideas to the table, a diversity of skills, and can speak to a wide range of the electorate's views and needs.

  4. KJT 4

    A "Financial crime investigator" running for National.

    Delicious irony!

    They do say, “firemen are the most effective arsonists”.

    • Puckish Rogue 4.1

      Remind me again who was the only MP ever convicted of corruption and what party were they from

      • Blazer 4.1.1

        Field actually went to jail….convicted felon Sir Douglas Graham …however!

        • Puckish Rogue 4.1.1.1

          Make me a judge and I'll make sure all convicted fraudsters and such like go to prison

      • KJT 4.1.2

        Unfortunately some forms of corruption, are legal.

        Doesn't make it any less corrupt however.

  5. I know next to nothing about Poto Williams. But I have seen Kelvin fronting up on issues where he's articulated a less popular but more principled position.

    He has been elected to represent a Maori seat and I'm sure he has the confidence of the Maori caucus of which he is the convenor (in English). If he had to take the tiller of the whole whaka you can count on a steady hand despite the storms to come.

  6. Tiger Mountain 6

    Well it is Towel–wrong–gah…as Ad pointed out. My first impression from photo was–they are all in bloody real estate! with their standard “Harcourts Blue” suits.

    If people can actually vote for this variety of tosser in 2022 it really is on them! Which one sends dick pics, which one undermined a female candidate, which one does dirty tricks on social media? We shall find out soon enough I guess.

    • aj 6.1

      My first impression from photo was–they are all in bloody real estate!

      My reaction as well…

  7. Patricia Bremner 7

    Jester "In your opinion".

    The last 4 National leaders were/are lacking inclusiveness, and the cookie cutter types picked according to prescription are actually representative of their constituents. Tauranga has become 82% European.

    I could not agree more "Go for the best people"

    Unfortunately Goodfellow has made some right royal errors in past selections.

    Todd MacClay is hardly likely to do better in my opinion. It is hard to find anything he has done for Rotorua.
    Oh the Mayor included him in opening many of her projects.
    Apart from Todd telling us “Housing the out of town homeless was ruining Rotorua City” shades of “Bottomfeeders” He seems to have followed Paul East who would turn up for the "photo" op while presenting a cheque.

  8. Patricia Bremner 8

    In her defence Poto Williams has had an ever changing role during the Pandemic, as the Police helped with road checks and various incidents at hotels involving selfish people who would not isolate or lockdown.

    The idea of supporting prisoners in the community has meant a greater work load.

    The promise of extra recruits, training in community work and having revolving teams to mitigate the force getting covid all factors.

    Many people became fractious or downright anti during the two years so again further causes of stresses and actions by the Police dealing with incidents and protests.

    The arrival of 501s from Australia, their gang formation and clashes here further stresses the situation.

    We are seeing children aping their elders and creating havoc. A very difficult situation.

    Poto Williams is attacked by misogynists and right wingers as "hopeless". This is how they operate, in sneaky cruel ways. Some don't even bother to hide, emboldened by their fellows.

    • Anne 8.1

      Hi Patricia,
      Years ago, I went through something not un-similar to what I suspect is happening to Poto Williams. In short, a couple of haters ganged up on me. They played some very nasty tricks on me, set me up to take the blame for things they were responsible for, and made false claims. They caused others to become antagonistic towards me. Over time it sapped my confidence and self-esteem and it took me a long time to recover.

      I think this is what is happening to Poto Williams. She seems to be having difficulty communicating with the media and this will be, at the least in part, because she is terrified that anything she says (or does) will be misconstrued and turned back on her. She may well be a competent minister but the public only sees the verbal public stumbling and the right wingers snap it up as evidence of her supposed incompetence.

      It's not just misogyny. It is raw hatred and malice – not unlike what Jacinda Ardern is experiencing – which we have come to expect from that portion of the right wing community that Cameron Slater and Co. once represented.

      • Patricia Bremner 8.1.1

        Very true Anne. It is soul destroying stuff and probably why the Nats can't get many willing to front that. I had personal experience of 7 years of misogyny at work. Rising above it takes real willpower as it does shake self belief badly. Imagine having to work with someone like Woodhouse with his toilet seat gags!!

  9. Oh for goodness sake, of course its more diverse. I can see a couple of short guys and two taller guys. What more can you ask for? /s

    • Tiger Mountain 9.1

      Always a challenge getting good candidates for any party I guess, the natzos born to rule attitude perhaps makes their blunders more obvious.

      A few years back in Northland electorate Mike Sabin was chosen over a local farmer Mark Tan. I thought typical, ex copper, disgraced even within the force via his transfers, chosen over an allegedly modern farmer. Of course Mr Tan later washed up as Principal of Kaitaia Abundant Life Christian School, and took a long sabbatical which included the Convoy Wellington occupation of Parliament because he was anti vaccination.

      So really it is the tory mindset and world view that is the natzos problem–it is very difficult for them to attract or select candidates that truly exist in 2022.

    • mac1 9.2

      Your comment put me in me of Malvina Reynold's song, "Little Boxes".

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUwUp-D_VV0 Pete Seeger's verison

      "There's a green one and a pink one and a blue one and a yellow one and they're all made out of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same,"

      • bad politics baby 9.2.1

        Great song, there's a great documentary of her floating about, & the new Karen Dalton one too which would be up any Malvina Reynolds fan alley.

  10. Chris T 10

    Pretty weird post, The National dude they will probably replace is Maori.

    Must be Horrifying though given Labour's massive diversity putting a white lady with an Italian last name.

    How diverse of them.

  11. tsmithfield 11

    The fact that diversity in appointments is even a topic of discussion suggests problems at a much more fundamental level that haven't been solved.

    I see appointments on the basis of diversity, if it compromises selection of the best candidate for the role, as undermining the effectiveness of the role. The way I see it, appointments on the basis of diversity are merely window dressing or a band-aid that show that the fundamental problems still exist and haven't been resolved.

    The question for me is, why is diversity even a consideration? That is, given a free and fair selection process, why are not sufficient numbers of diverse candidates who are also the best candidates coming through the selection process? If that were happening, then diverse candidates would naturally be selected to roles in sufficient numbers and we would not be having this conversation.

    Thus, I see this "diversity badge" as a bit of a facade that political parties like to display to make themselves feel good and righteousness more than anything else.

    But if it becomes an excuse not to answer the more fundamental question, and take steps to resolve issues at that deeper level, then the result can only be weaker, less effective teams if it means that team effectiveness is being sacrificed at the alter of PC political correctness.

    • Descendant Of Smith 11.1

      Nonsense. Diversity brings different perspectives which in a fast and changing world means that different solutions can be proffered and considered. This has nothing to do with being PC (which is predominantly a meaningless disparaging term used by the right to reject ideas they don't agree with) .

      Most of modern society is organised around division of labour – we can't all be expected to know everything about everything. A white middleclass European living in Epsom is not likely to know or bring an understanding of Maori concepts or have ever regularly been on a marae. A Pacific Island MP will often bring knowledge and experience of racism that will be important in considering legislation.

      Then there is the issue of visibility and engagement in the political system by voters who need to see themselves in parliament. We want voters to be engaged in democracy – not see it as something for those people who don't look like me.

      There is really no such thing as "the best person for the job". The notion that there is is delusional. There are always lots of choices influenced not only by skill and knowledge but personal connection, timing and a range of other reasons. There is always lots of change during a parliamentary term that will mean different ideas are needed – the pandemic has shown that with quite different skill-sets needed at all levels than pre-pandemic.

      There may be good reasons for putting in someone who might not be the best now but strategically will be really good in the future (succession planning) or retaining someone to pass on their institutional knowledge to those coming through.

      Business is starting to understand this as well.

      https://hbr.org/2016/11/why-diverse-teams-are-smarter?referral=03759

      "In a study published in Innovation: Management, Policy & Practice, the authors analyzed levels of gender diversity in research and development teams from 4,277 companies in Spain. Using statistical models, they found that companies with more women were more likely to introduce radical new innovations into the market over a two-year period."

      BTW "alter of PC political correctness" is quite unintentionally funny.

      • tsmithfield 11.1.1

        I don't disagree with you. And sometimes aspects of diversity may help the performance of a particular role, and therefore is a legitimate consideration in filling roles.

        This works where there are candidates of equivalent ability in other respects. Where it doesn't work is where the perceived need for diversity results in clearly suboptimal candidates being selected over significantly more competent candidates for the sake of diversity.

        This is where I think the quest for diversity can be problematic and indicates problems that need to be solved at a much more fundamental level as I pointed to in my first post.

        • Descendant Of Smith 11.1.1.1

          "This works where there are candidates of equivalent ability in other respects."

          Why do they need to be equivalent in other respects?

          That makes no real sense if you are wanting a diverse workforce and places diversity as a sub-optimal requirement. Competency not equivalency should be the benchmark – you can't measure equivalency in any real sense and different perspectives are never equivalent.

          In any recruitment process competencies are always weighted. There is no reason at all diversity shouldn't simply be given a higher weighting.

    • Ad 11.2

      Case in point: the Green Party MPs.

      You can mush all theirs CVs together with glue still not form more than one decent Minister.

    • Sacha 11.3

      The fact that diversity in appointments is even a topic of discussion suggests problems at a much more fundamental level that haven't been solved.

      Quite. Mediocre white men from connected families getting preferential treatment should have ended ages ago.

  12. Puckish Rogue 12

    Bit late for an April Fools Day post isn't it?

  13. Ad 13

    Sam Uffindell is an excellent asset for National and I can easily see him slotting into an Associate Finance or Revenue Minister role within his banking and anti-fraud background. Rabobank's loss is a shared gain for National.

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    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 StepbyStep 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 thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats 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. Heres 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. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen 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 ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    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 ...
    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, ...
    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, ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    2 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 ...
    4 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to 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
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    4 days ago
  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days 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
    15 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
    17 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    21 hours ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day 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
    4 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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