National’s leadership problem

Written By: - Date published: 7:48 am, March 30th, 2021 - 42 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, Judith Collins, national, Parliament, same old national, uncategorized - Tags:

Call me biased but I cannot think of a time where National has been more messy.  It used to be a highly disciplined party.  Leaks were rare and were evidence of extreme factional tension.

This has been blown out of the water by events over the past couple of years.  Jami-Lee Ross did the country a favour by showing what was really happening in the background.

Judith Collins’ selection as leader was evidence of two things, no faction was in control and the leadership was seen as a poisoned chalice.  Leader of the Opposition is rightfully said to be the worst job in politics and being the leader of the opposition after receiving an electoral trashing must really suck.

The sharks are circling.  Last week Chris Luxon gave his maiden speech in Parliament and led up to the speech with some social media.  As much as you can from a twitter account that has 879 followers including me.

The speech itself was a finely crafted series of words that said essentially nothing.  It had a number of injections of Te Reo, celebrated diversity, talked about hard work, worried about how his electorate was underserved by public services, had the traditional working class reference to his Irish Miner ancestors, and celebrated family.  But it also talked about his work experience with a Multinational Corporation although he said that down to earth kiwis could be as good as “Oxbridge set from England, Ivy League – educated Americans, and born-confident Australians”.  Wrong answer Chris, they are better.

He paid homage to his class:

Over my career, I’ve come to believe more and more strongly that successful businesses have a critical responsibility to engage on the economic, the social, and the environmental issues a country faces. Making a difference to people’s daily lives is a shared responsibility between Government, community, and also business.

He celebrated his time at Air New Zealand and presented a tick box list of progressive achievements.  He said this:

In my time, Air New Zealand employed 12,500 people, and it represented a cross-section of New Zealand life. As CEO, I had the opportunity to get things done and demonstrate that a business could do well by doing good. For example, we decided that New Zealand’s shameful record on family violence was a workplace issue, not just a social issue, and so we introduced a three-week paid family violence leave policy for victims. The pay equity gap at Air New Zealand was reduced to zero, and we introduced a 26-week paid parental leave policy. Senior leadership team positions held by women went from 16 percent to 44 percent. We worked hard to grow career pathways and internships for young Māori and Pasifika. We worked hard to champion and mainstream te reo and tā moko. We earned Gender and Rainbow Tick certifications. Air New Zealand was also a foundation member of the Climate Leaders Coalition, and 100 percent of our company car fleet became fully electric—and that was over five years ago. When the business delivered superior commercial returns, we shared those profits with our employees through a company performance bonus. The principle was simple: when Air New Zealand did well, all our staff should do well too.”

He also addressed his faith, which has something of an Achilles heel.  He attends a fundamentalist church that did some weird stuff with its twitter feed when the spotlight was applied.  He said this:

It seems it has become acceptable to stereotype those who have a Christian faith in public life as being extreme; so I will say a little about my Christian faith. It has anchored me, given my life purpose, and shaped my values, and it puts me in the context of something bigger than myself. My faith has a strong influence on who I am and how I relate to people. I see Jesus showing compassion, tolerance, and care for others. He doesn’t judge, discriminate, or reject people; he loves unconditionally.

Through history, we have seen Christians making a huge difference by entering public life. Christian abolitionists fought against slavery; others educated the poor and challenged the rich to share their wealth and help others less fortunate. The world is a better place for Christians like William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King, and Kate Sheppard contributing to public life.

My faith is personal to me. It is not in itself a political agenda. I believe no religion should dictate to the State, and no politician should use the political platform they have to force their beliefs on others. As MPs, we serve the common cause of all New Zealanders; not one religion, not one group, not one interest. A person should not be elected because of their faith, nor should they be rejected because of it. Democracy thrives on diverse thinking and different world views.

Basically it was a well crafted concerted attempt to present him as a moderate centrist, and read like something John Key would have said with parts personalised to suit Luxon.

I have spent a bit of time on his speech because yesterday yet another leak further undermines National’s perception of unity.

The go to recipient of leaks, Tova O’Brien dropped yet another bombshell.  From Newshub:

Newshub can reveal yet more discord in the National Party, this time over fluoridation – in an extremely rare move, MPs voted down the leadership on a key health policy.

The Government has proposed making Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield responsible for fluoride in water to protect Kiwis and their kids’ teeth, rather than the region-by-region approach.

National’s leadership, Judith Collins and her deputy Dr Shane Reti wanted National to oppose the proposed changes, believing it to be an overreach. But the caucus disagreed and voted the leadership down.

It doesn’t bode well for Collins. It’s not a good day in the leadership office when your MPs override your decision on an important public health issue.

National MPs have told Newshub this is incredibly rare and almost unheard of.

One National MP said it’s even rare to have these votes in caucus, and that it shows indecisiveness and lack of belief from Collins.

Another National MP says she’s confused about what Collins stands for.

“There’s no way the party will go into 2023 with Collins as leader,” the MP said.

Remember, National’s caucus meetings are supposed to be top secret and impenetrable, but once against the caucus is leaking like a sieve.

Judith did not take it well.

https://twitter.com/nealejones/status/1376443892212457472

So there is nothing to worry about because some particular of what Tova said may not have been correct, not that multiple MPs were leaking to the media information from a Caucus meeting that may not have been correct.

The vultures are circling and Luxon is clearly putting his hand up.  Bridges has not given up.  Bishop clearly fancies his chances.  Even Chris Penk thinks he could give it a go.

But the caucus is clearly that fragmented Collins may survive.

At least for now.

42 comments on “National’s leadership problem ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Heather Tanguay 1
    30 March 2021 at 8:41 am

    How sad for Judith, all these nasty male sharks circling around. She is doing such à good job, best to leave her where she is.

  2. AB 2
    30 March 2021 at 9:31 am

    "I believe in tackling inequality and working to find that balance between encouraging and rewarding hard work and innovation, while always ensuring there is social mobility and a safety net."

    English translation:

    • It's bad when inequality becomes too extreme or too visible
    • But inequality is inevitable, even good, because it is a marker of superior effort, talent etc.
    • So I'm not going to change any of the structural drivers of inequality
    • The state's job is to provide minimal life support, not to enable full participation in society

    So no change. Same message – just a better-cut suit.

    • Incognito 2.1
      30 March 2021 at 9:41 am

      It reminds me of those arm wrestler caricatures with the over-developed right arm and the left one puny and weak.

    • Ad 2.2
      30 March 2021 at 9:47 am

      I believe the children are our future

      Teach them well and let them lead the way

      Show them all the beauty they posses inside

      (Sigh) Whitney for PM

    • Anne 2.3
      30 March 2021 at 10:23 am

      I believe in tackling inequality and working to find that balance between encouraging and rewarding hard work and innovation, while always ensuring there is social mobility and a safety net.

      I well remember the words of Roger Douglas at an inaugural ACT meeting in 1995 that I attended. It went something like this:

      I believe in tackling inequality and working to find that balance between encouraging and rewarding hard work and innovation, while always ensuring there is social mobility and a safety net.

      Beware those who come in sheep’s clothing bearing gifts.

    • KJT 2.4
      30 March 2021 at 10:07 pm

      Whenever someone says they support "equality of opportunity" ask them if their children attend the nearest State school.

  3. ghostwhowalksnz 3
    30 March 2021 at 10:08 am

    Remember this when Judith said things she later walked away from. This was 2018

    "Once things start getting under 35 per cent people start saying 'can we win?' And I know I am putting a mark up there which at some stage in the future, if I am successful this time, that people will say 'well, you set that mark.

    "Yep, let me set that mark."

  4. Stephen D 4
    30 March 2021 at 10:19 am

    I can see a Bridges/Luxon ticket and a Bishop/Willis ticket forming.

    My popcorn futures are looking good.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 4.1
      30 March 2021 at 12:41 pm

      Two 'beltway' liberals from Wellington with Bishop/Willis isnt going to work. Nor is two male christian conservatives.

      identity politics means they need urban/rural and male/female leadership.

      Willis got her job, after being a Beehive staffer, working for Muller at Fonterra.

      Collins tries to hide her background as a corporate tax lawyer in the same way English covered his real job; BA graduate working as a Treasury analyst in Wellington.

      • Stephen D 4.1.1
        30 March 2021 at 12:47 pm

        And given the factions within the party, the rural urban divide, the Christians V the Lions, forming a cohesive leadership team is going to take some doing.

        • woodart 4.1.1.1
          30 March 2021 at 12:58 pm

          yes, it looks like rural nat supporters are being left behind. thanks for your support, but bags of cash from suit wearers are worth three times as much,etc,etc.. maybe, in the spirit of reconcialation, a bridges, pugh ticket could be the go. a big city shifty suit wearer and a phucking useless rural stherner(his words ,not mine). all bases covered. mutual dislike,a nat tradition.

  5. greywarshark 5
    30 March 2021 at 11:06 am

    Looking at the image – perhaps it is an important point that Chris Luxon has bigger teeth than Judith Collins; 'All the better to bite you my dear' said the Big Bad Wolf, wolfishly.

  6. Adrian 6
    30 March 2021 at 11:35 am

    Really, does anyone think that Luxton has the "look " that appeals to anyone other than the managerial class? . They have already tried one, or more to the point, he tried himself , and look how well that turned out.

    • AB 6.1
      30 March 2021 at 12:05 pm

      Yes – interesting point. Did Muller poison the well for Luxon? Was Muller just bad at a thing that can be done effectively – or is that thing itself now old hat, the political equivalent of an Alison Holst recipe?

      • Stuart Munro 6.1.1
        30 March 2021 at 1:08 pm

        The latter I think – but though celery in casseroles is a creeping horror akin to The League of Bald-headed Men, Alison's muffins are still respectable.

    • Phil 6.2
      30 March 2021 at 3:25 pm

      does anyone think that Luxton has the "look " that appeals to anyone other than the managerial class?

      Our entire history of PM's is a bunch of dour managerial looking old men, with an occasional turn to a woman or someone with a bit of pep (but never both, that would be far too libertine for our sensibilities). Nobody in this country really gives a fuck what our PM looks like.

    • mac1 6.3
      30 March 2021 at 5:05 pm

      I just don't get the whole shaven head thing. To me it's a vanity display which is not a good look for a politician – either don't like being bald and/or going grey. Dyeing hair doesn't always work for ageing men as the discrepancy between hair colour and facial ageing can be too great.

      • Anne 6.3.1
        30 March 2021 at 6:48 pm

        "To me it's a vanity display…"

        Think so. He's going bald so he's gone for the shaven head look.

        They must have to shave their heads at least once a week. How come you never see bits of sticking plaster on their scalp?

  7. Stuart Munro 7
    30 March 2021 at 11:59 am

    It's interesting that fluoridation should have garnered support among such a conservative group. Or perhaps the Gnats have finally learned: Don't clash with Dr Ash. Should have been Judith making that call though – bad reflexes at work there.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 7.1
      30 March 2021 at 12:30 pm

      The Bill was Nationals left over from 2016 or so. It might be all the speeches made in favour back then would make them look like hypocrites now when they favoured it anyway. Plus they would just be point scoring in trying to make it a 'government compulsion' thing when they were really doing a flip flop

  8. Chris T 8
    30 March 2021 at 2:03 pm

    While it is funny to watch the desperate calls for there to be a leadership collapse in the opposition, no one is seriously going to want to take the job with Covid going on and Ardern's free daily party political broadcast every day she wants it.

    That and she has already hinted she is timing "The wedding day" perfectly for when that dies down as the worlds biggest "I have saved you all citizens!" t-shirt to wear for any leader who wasn't too thick to block their borders, just following basic medical advice.

    It is the biggest poison chalice job since Labour coming up to the 2017 election.

    I can't see the Nats having as much blind luck as Labour did when they threw Ardern in there in desperation because no one else wanted the job.

    • Anne 8.1
      30 March 2021 at 2:32 pm

      I can't see the Nats having as much blind luck as Labour did when they threw Ardern in there in desperation because no one else wanted the job.

      You have re-written history there Chris T.

      It is on multiple records that Andrew Little mulled over the bad polls with nary a word to anyone and came to the conclusion Jacinda Ardern would be able to garner the votes in a way he couldn't. So he stepped down in favour of her and their caucus (to whom it came as much of a surprise as everyone else) approved of the change.

      https://www.newsroom.co.nz/jacinda-ardern-new-labour-leader

    • McFlock 8.2
      30 March 2021 at 3:25 pm

      National isn't in the doldrums because Labour saved lives.

      National is in the doldrums because not many people think the nats, in the same position, would have saved lives.

    • Muttonbird 8.3
      30 March 2021 at 6:47 pm

      It's not 'blind luck'. JA is a once in a lifetime leader, and proof of that is she is celebrated both here (first outright majority under MMP), and abroad (her image projected on the Burj Khalifa).

      The Nats won't have the 'blind luck' because you make your own luck, and by definition they can't attract or manufacture anyone like Jacinda Ardern.

  9. Tiger Mountain 9
    30 March 2021 at 2:25 pm

    Rather “Key-reepy” photo at top.
    Fortunately perhaps, Luxo’ has no pony for Judith to pull…

    Seriously though…Mr Luxon is a timely reminder of why we have a longstanding and varied separation of Church and State in this country.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 9.1
      30 March 2021 at 4:47 pm

      This his exact words

      I believe no religion should dictate to the state and no politician should use the political platform they have to force their beliefs on others."

      Weasel words ? As religious leaders all the time traipse up to parliament to tell them what to do, or even from the pulpit.

      The more interesting bit is a politicians beliefs and 'forcing' on others. Does he really only mean 'the father, son and holy spirit ' type of beliefs. Which of course they couldnt do , make people change their faith or lack of one.

      As for various religious based decisions , cant imagine him not wanting to abolish abortion say.

      And when people looked in what the Upper Room congregation was hearing at their sermons, the online presence was wiped pretty quickly and even Wayback has been cleansed

      https://thestandard.org.nz/nationals-fundamentals/

      For Luxton to make rapid progess withing the party he will have to use his business skills to become a fund raiser extrodinaire ( the main thing they all believe in and what pushed Bridges and Collins to the top.

      Wealthy christians arent going to receptive to wishy washy 'no changing of current laws' in return for their big payouts. Remember the Taxpayers Union pursuit of Collin Craig was mostly about stopping the donation flood he was getting from rich Christians.

  10. Chris 10
    30 March 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Collins has a habit of taking selfies with her opponents, posting them on the net pretending they're her mates in the belief people don't see what she's doing.

  11. Muttonbird 11
    30 March 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Four leaders in one year. They have until May 22 to achieve it!

  13. peter sim 13
    30 March 2021 at 9:53 pm
    • National's "problem" is one all parties face. The demographic voting population has altered.
    • The so so called 'Boomers" (a media smear) have the luxury of retirement and reflection. Their attitudes, opinions, and voting patterns can change.

      • OBTW some of them die.

    • My interpretation is .any one born after 1945 / 46 (a boomer and not a large australian marsupial.necessarily.
    • douglas ,prebble, moore, sacrificed nz to the fresh water friedman primary school free market policies.
    • National's problem is everyone's problem.
    • Covid and climate change alters everything.
    • OBTW has anyone noticed our racial, cultural mix has changed considerably in the past/last 50 years?
    • What the voting public prefer happens at election time.
    • The under 40 year old vote matters.
    • The youngsters are well informed.
    • Crusher is not a good vibe.
    • Selling arms via air nz is not a "good look:" , a la bill english (a treasury stooge).
    • Sorry this is getting boring.
  14. peter sim 14
    30 March 2021 at 10:04 pm
    • National's "problem" is one all parties face. The demographic voting population has altered.
    • The so so called 'Boomers" (a media smear) have the luxury of retirement and reflection. Their attitudes, opinions, and voting patterns can change.
    • My interpretation is .any one born after 1945 / 46 (a boomer and not a large australian marsupial.necessarily.
    • douglas ,prebble, moore, sacrificed nz to the fresh water friedman primary school free market policies.
    • National's problem is everyone's problem.
    • Covid and climate change alters everything.
    • OBTW has anyone noticed our racial, cultural mix has changed considerably in the past/last 50 years?
    • What the voting public prefer happens at election time.
    • The under 40 year old vote matters.
    • The youngsters are well informed.
    • Crusher is not a good vibe.
    • Selling arms via air nz is not a "good look:" , a la bill english (a treasury stooge).
    • Sorry this is getting boring.
  15. Jenny how to get there 15
    31 March 2021 at 6:06 am

    National haven't got a leadership problem, they've got a policy problem.

    They haven't got any.

    And changing leaders will not improve that.

    Scrub that, National do have one major policy – open the borders, open the borders, open the borders.

    This has been National's policy from the first lockdown till now.

    The trouble is, apart from the tourist industry leaders and the importers of bonded migrant labour it has proved highly unpopular.

    • tc 15.1
      31 March 2021 at 5:09 pm

      National default policy is wealth transfer from public to private.

      Socialise losses, privatise profit. Ask coleman/ryall, not that you'll get a truthful response, over what they did to our health system.
      With electricity was more obvious with shonky fronting the selloff.

  16. Policy Parrot 16
    31 March 2021 at 1:55 pm

    Luxon isn't the Key analogue. He is the Brash analogue – a radical wrapped up in a nice presentable package. The difference is that Brash was an economic conservative whereas Luxon is a social conservative.

    If he becomes leader, he might rebuild some of National's support but he won't be PM. That is more likely to go to Luxon's successor.

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    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
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    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

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, 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?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 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
    6 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
    8 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
    9 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
    9 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
    10 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
    10 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
    12 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
    24 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
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