National’s litany of economic failure

Written By: - Date published: 1:30 pm, November 10th, 2013 - 132 comments
Categories: Economy - Tags:

I finally got up the courage to trawl through Tracy Watkins’ hagiography to John Key and found something interesting at the end. The Dom has made a table of main economic and fiscal measures comparing where they are now to where they were in 2008 and, crucially, where they were projected to be now in the forecasts Treasury made immediately after National came to power. It’s a list of National failure.

BY THE NUMBERS

Debt:

2008 $10.3b

The 2008 forecast for 2013: $29b

Actual 2013: $55b

The Budget:

2008: $5.6b surplus.

Forecast 2013: deficit $3.3b

Actual 2013: deficit $4.4b

Current account deficit:

2008: -7.8 per cent

Forecast 2013: -5 per cent

Actual 2013: -4.7 per cent (there has been a major methodology change to the CAD that has brought it lower)

Economic growth:

2008: -0.6 per cent

Forecast 2013: 3.1 per cent

Actual: 2013: 2.5

Unemployment:

2008: 4.3 per cent

Forecast 2013: 4.6 per cent

Actual 2013: 6.2 per cent

Economic rebalancing:

The gap between income from the tradeable sector and the non-tradables sector has widened since 2008.

 

—-

I’ve had a look at the December Economic and Fiscal Update 2008 that the Dom has used myself. Remember, it was written at the deepest point of  the Global Financial Crisis.

It projected growth over the past five years would have been 13%. Under National, it was just 5%.

132 comments on “National’s litany of economic failure ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. tamati 1
    10 November 2013 at 1:44 pm

    December 2008 wasn’t the deepest point in the GFC for New Zealand. The severity of the crises wasn’t truly felt and recognised until early 2010.

    • Draco T Bastard 1.1
      10 November 2013 at 3:13 pm

      [citation needed]

      • tamati 1.1.1
        10 November 2013 at 4:36 pm

        Seriously?

        Do I need to reference if I think the sun will rise tomorrow too? It’s common knowledge that the depth and breadth of the GFC wasn’t fully understood until late 2009/ early 2010. For the record

        -GDP contraction peaked in Q2, 2009 at -3.4%
        -We remained in recession until Q2, 2010

        • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1
          10 November 2013 at 4:46 pm

          When you go round making assertions like that, yes. The GFC was in 2007/8 and the world was, supposedly, coming out of it by late 2009 and we should have been as well especially considering how well the 5th Labour government left the books in.

          In fact, we’ve had RWNJs on here telling us the we entered recession before the rest of the world.

    • infused 1.2
      10 November 2013 at 4:05 pm

      Pretty much.

      • aerobubble 1.2.1
        11 November 2013 at 3:54 pm

        I disagree, obvious tarp mattered, and had the immediate effect on boards who are paid large salaries to look forward at the consequences. So sure in the media and public there is a lag, from lazy financial journalists, but your keen eyed forecaster would be factoring tarp into their outlooks immediately or be flushed out with the large exodus of financial workers globally.

        Its also one of the reasons I don’t trust Key, he could never get ahead of the GFC, and is unwilling to get ahead of the China slow down. We need our leaders to be held to account, yet the financial and other press just buys shit and so serves it up.

  2. QoT 2
    10 November 2013 at 1:47 pm

    With statistics like these I feel that a party (no, not Labour) could do very well campaigning on a platform of defunding Treasury. Or at least forcing them to register as a third party promoter for the purposes of election advertising.

    • Draco T Bastard 2.1
      10 November 2013 at 3:14 pm

      Treasury has become the most powerful of the government departments and it really does need to be declawed.

    • Dumrse 2.2
      10 November 2013 at 5:43 pm

      You need to careful what you wish for, the Govt is more likely to change the rules re party funding. And, make union subscription collection a job of the union, not the employer.

  3. Tat Loo (CV) 3
    10 November 2013 at 1:48 pm

    It’s not entirely clear whether this is a criticism of National, or of Treasury. Or of the rest of us who take Treasury forecasts seriously, when a dart board is just as good.

    edit QoT beat me to it.

  4. Ad 4
    10 November 2013 at 2:10 pm

    If unemployment dips below 6% Labour will not be able to run a credible attack about “economic mismanagement”. Labour will need a whole new attack approach.

    Labour tried appeals to economic nationalism re the asset sales and it was nowhere near enough in 2008.

    No one particularly the media should feel obliged to give John Key his due. But he wins. So they back him with money and votes.

    What Labour strategy will beat John Key? A presumption of a coalition simply isn’t enough.

    • Chocolate 4.1
      10 November 2013 at 2:35 pm

      That is a good question.
      National is already looking at handing out some election bribes to those not naturally of their voting constituency.
      Labour needs be ready and to think strategically, while being prepared to move tactically.

    • Naturesong 4.2
      10 November 2013 at 3:04 pm

      Given that Labour was MIA last election, and the last term and a half the Greens have been the only party performing their parliamentary role as “loyal opposition”, the next election looks like it will be properly contested.

      Over the past 18 months I’ve seen more and more people that I know to be apathetic to politics express a strong desire to get rid of “that slimy bastard” (my Mum, who never normally swears, calls him that!!).

      The election will be won on the ground, engaging with all the folks who have suffered under the current government’s legislation.
      Other things that opposition parties can run on are:
      – The not corrupt party – Chorus, Ruataniwha dam, Tiwai Point, Sky City
      – Education – National has done serious damage to our education system
      – New Zealand as an independant country, with it’s own foriegn policy
      – Housing – Restrict non-residents from buying existing stock, CGT, and building low cost housing
      – We’re not big brother, and we’ll stop spying on New Zealanders
      – Fixing the Police force – A strong Minister to force the police to enact the recommendations in the Bazley report. And refocus the Police on supporting communities. Changing the culture there might involve firing a fair amount of long serving members. Funding them properly. Reporting crime properly.
      – Regional Development – What if, instead of giving 30M of tacpayers money to Rio Tinto, they had invested that in Invercargill itself, promoting small business startups etc
      – Being able to swim in New Zealand rivers without getting sick, like when I was growing up
      – Being able collect shellfish from the coastline without having to check for algal bloom every time
      – Fixing the Health system – Not made news yet, but there’s trouble brewing there. There’s a siege mentality in DHB’s, staff are stretched past breaking.
      – Commitment to evidence based policy – that’d be a massive change
      – Revisiting the tax system, reducing GST, higher tax for top earners
      – Transport – Fix up existing roads that are in disrepair instead of pouring money into holiday highways. Commitment to Public Trasnport.
      – Reversing the massive power grab by Central Government and returning appropriate decision making back to elected councils.

      There’s more than enough to go on.

      However, since Cunliffe has become leader, there has been a constant refrain from the press that he’s arrogant, making stuff up as he goes along, doesn’t have the support of his collougues or is unable to lead them etc. Expect to see the press to get even more shrill over the next year.

      • MrSmith 4.2.1
        11 November 2013 at 8:27 am

        All this “it will be won on the ground” repetition is old hat, yes there is a place for it but really Labour need to campaign through the screen you are looking at right now and I think Cunliffe is young enough and smart enough to realize that.

        And Treasury need a complete overhaul or maybe it might be better to crush them and start from scratch.

        • Francis 4.2.1.1
          11 November 2013 at 12:01 pm

          The two certainly aren’t mutually exclusive. I doubt that David Cunliffe will simply decide not to attend the media debates, not to comment on issues when asked by the media, or not to utilise election advertising. But the fact is that the media is no friend of the Left. This is shown by the fact that John Key is still under the so-called “honeymoon” period, while David Cunliffe has been under attack by the media since the first time he contested the Labour Party leadership.

          That’s where I would argue strongly for delivering the Labour Party message in person, where it cannot be warped and pulled apart by the media (while National gains no such criticism, or to a much lesser extent). That’s why there is a real strong focus on energising the Labour Party membership, who will be the ones delivering this message in-person.

          I agree also that there needs to be much more involvement by the Labour Party via online means, since it is a really good way of portraying direct messages, without being manipulated by the MSM, and without needing the time and resources to undertake them in person. However, many New Zealanders either do not have internet access, or do not use it very often at all. Those people will need to have the in-person communication, unfortunately.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.2
          11 November 2013 at 2:00 pm

          really Labour need to campaign through the screen you are looking at right now

          Presently sitting in my in box:
          Annette King
          Shane Jones
          Jacinda Adern
          Moana Mackey
          Grant Robertson
          Phil Twyford

      • Rogue Trooper 4.2.2
        11 November 2013 at 11:41 am

        a comprehensive tune-up Naturesong

    • Tat Loo (CV) 4.3
      10 November 2013 at 3:27 pm

      What Labour strategy will beat John Key?

      A government in waiting with a vision of the future, one with a willingness to deal with economic and environmental megatrends that National doesn’t have.

      If unemployment dips below 6% Labour will not be able to run a credible attack about “economic mismanagement”. Labour will need a whole new attack approach.

      You are right Labour needs to be prepared for this. The short answer is: it’s not just the quantity of jobs which National has failed at. It’s the poor quality of those jobs – including the low rates of pay given to workers.

      • Foreign Waka 4.3.1
        10 November 2013 at 7:45 pm

        Labour need to do its own findings, i.e. how many of those additional jobs are positioned in Christchurch with the rebuild? This has nothing to do with economic growth and even the international commentators know that. In fact without Christchurch NZ is pretty much stagnant as it has no new revenue streams other than selling the family silver.
        How many of these “new” jobs are temporary, contract based and/or part time (zero hour?)
        How much of the wealth generated in NZ stays with the wage earners in NZ? How does this bode with other countries – and please don’t add third world economies with human rights records. We are not stupid.
        What are the plans for future alignment of education and economic growth? Is there a measure what work needs to be done, what services offered, how many people will enter the country, the education system, the workforce and what the connected need for a functioning infrastructure is? How does this bode with environmental issues and sustainability?
        I hear a lot of rhetoric and political attacks but what about the “get on with it” attitude? So many highly paid “professionals” so little to show for it.

        • Tat Loo (CV) 4.3.1.1
          10 November 2013 at 7:53 pm

          So many highly paid “professionals” so little to show for it.

          Yep. Look at what the First Labour Government achieved by, as you say, simply getting on with it.

      • David H 4.3.2
        11 November 2013 at 8:19 am

        “What Labour strategy will beat John Key?”

        Solid Policy properly costed.
        Good social Policy.
        A ready to win party, that shows it’s a credible alternative to the Status Quo.
        A party that communicates with it’s voters and the non voters.
        An engaging leader.
        The ability to win over the swing voter.

        And then if you win. Don’t backtrack on promises you made, don’t screw over the little man who is looking at you to try to repair some of that, which was taken away, under this Government

      • JonL 4.3.3
        11 November 2013 at 11:56 am

        “If unemployment dips below 6% Labour will not be able to run a credible attack about “economic mismanagement”. Labour will need a whole new attack approach. ”

        So look out for some “inventive” approaches to unemployment measuring from the Nats…..as has happened in the USA…….

  5. Tigger 5
    10 November 2013 at 2:12 pm

    To me, the information is less interesting than how it was presented. Dumped at the bottom of a long piece that looks like it was pulled from various different articles – it can only be described as a ‘grab-bag’ (I’m surprised no one thought to add a recipe for their aunt’s chicken quiche). It is easy to miss this. I certainly did the first time I read this.

    And it is buried below that cloying piece that trumpets Key is ‘living the dream’.

    Why present ‘analysis’ like this? To further your own delusion that you are doing a great job of being thorough and unbiased in political reporting.

    • Ad 5.1
      10 November 2013 at 3:18 pm

      What Key is doing well that Cunliffe is completely missing is soft media profile. It’s what leadership feels like to most citizens. Cunliffe may possibly win just by pursuing the 800,000 that did not vote last time. Big maybe.

      But IMHO that is exceedingly risky if he does not get his picture on Women’s Weekly, Fish and Game magazine, New Idea, 1ZB, Sky sports commentaries etc.

      Political Man cannot live by policy alone. Key’s team get this. Cunliffe feels like the suit and tie guy trying to win off political set pieces that preach largely to the converted.

      So Key has seduced Tracey Watkins and a bunch of the others. Figure it out Labour team and start seducing. You won’t win hearts and minds feeding us dry policy weetbix every morning.

      • Tat Loo (CV) 5.1.1
        10 November 2013 at 5:15 pm

        +1

        Political Man cannot live by policy alone.

        Yep a classic Labour trap thinking that policy is the most important tool in winning elections. National with their corporate PR/marketing resources know better. It’s not the sausage which makes the sale, it is the sizzle.

        Makes me worry about this report saying that Cunliffe turned down a regular spot on the Farming Show and instead, Russel Norman will be on.

        http://homepaddock.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/cunliffe-chickens-out-norman-steps-in/

      • Zorr 5.1.2
        10 November 2013 at 5:33 pm

        I actually find this to be completely incorrect for our current situation.

        It is nice if your morning cereal comes all frosted and sweet but all too often you have a bowl or two and then you’re over it. Without any substance it doesn’t last

        As much as Cunliffe might be more policy focused than John Key, he is no Phil Goff and it definitely sounds like he’s trying to be the political leader that we need.

        The big *if* is only *if* the economy improves… on what fucking planet? Planet Key? Because that’s the only place their current economic strategies would actually work. If the status quo remains for the next year, I’m expecting a very merry red 2014 Xmas

        • Ad 5.1.2.1
          10 November 2013 at 6:07 pm

          The “fucking planet” that the economy described is on is called the media. Pop up to the actual post and read the actual point of it: the media are letting John Key off the economic reality. This is supposed to be news after 5 years?

          Expect all you like. We will get reams of this wall to wall happy John Key coverage unless Labour do something even more persuasive than he is being. At the moment they are not.

          • Zorr 5.1.2.1.1
            10 November 2013 at 6:15 pm

            The thing that I actually see happening is that what the media produces is becoming less and less representative of the reality that people spend their daily lives in and, therefore, they are becoming turned off to it. Puff pieces like this one are self-reinforcing for all readers currently because those who like John Key get to feel good about him for a bit and those who dislike him get a further example of how disconnected he is from reality.

            No matter what economic planet the media lives on, if unemployment remains where it is (or worsens) in our economic reality, I would put money on the Nats not surviving. It is a long road to the election but the discontent is very high and becoming very vocal.

            I read the piece yesterday and posted it to Open Mike Ad. It can be safely assumed I read large swathes of it in between vomiting sessions.

            • Ad 5.1.2.1.1.1
              10 November 2013 at 6:59 pm

              Try the 3 News poll tonight.

              MSM reality is still the predominant reality.
              Cunliffe owned the conference, and his Preferred Prime Minister stakes versus Key have not moved one iota. Key has slipped a little, but Cunliffe is not yet within even 30 points.

              Re the unemployment numbers: Labour better have another strategy other than attacking that, because if that slips, on the current strategy Labour are toast.

              • Zorr …
                10 November 2013 at 8:25 pm

                “Preferred PM” is possibly the worst polling metric ever invented

                ’nuff said

                And Labour aren’t just attacking on employment. They are attacking on asset sales, “trickle down” economics, anti-democratic actions by Nact, housing shortages… etc

                Those are just from the top of my head and I’m pretty sure there are many more that others can add

              • David H …
                11 November 2013 at 8:26 am

                Yeah we had the love fest between Key and English on Sunday morning. Really had to look for a bucket on that one.

                Key on TV one this morning
                Norman on TV one this Morning’
                Labour still asleep?

      • Saarbo 5.1.3
        10 November 2013 at 8:16 pm

        I think you are probably right Ad…unfortunately.

  6. Chooky 6
    10 November 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Ad +1…good comments

  7. infused 7
    10 November 2013 at 4:07 pm

    List of failures? Maybe if Labour was in power.

    Watch next year (economy, not the election), it’s going to be a cracker.

  8. red blooded 8
    10 November 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Cunliffe definitely needs to try to up his media profile. Plenty of radio time (including guest spots not related to politics, like picking songs for the Saturday morning nat rad show, or live talkback), “Family man” stuff, spots on 7 Days, Backbenchers…etc). He can’t afford to leave it too close to the election or it will look desperate. Plus, I haven’t seen much of him on shows like “The Nation” or “Q&A”. He needs to follow on from the “new boy in town” early stuff and get his identity cemented in people’s minds as a man at ease with the leadership role.

    He’s bloody good on policy and in formal interview situations; it would just be good to have a more rounded view of him established so that he’s ready to go next year and people have a warm view of him.

    • David H 8.1
      11 November 2013 at 8:28 am

      That means he needs a media secretary that gets all forms of the media. Labour have to get up on technology.

  9. Philgwellington Wellington 9
    10 November 2013 at 7:03 pm

    Xox
    Is this what we have come to? Weetbix and soft sell, in the vacuous media. What I take from this is the media is king, regardless of who is in Government. Sure big business supports the Nats, but Labour has to smooch the crap media, just the same. Ironic, but it is in a Labour’s self interest to establish a, truly independent quality public broadcaster. It had the opportunity and failed. Get it together, learn to speak out of both sides of your mouth, win the election and do the right thing all New Zealanders, especially those at the bottom.
    Labour, are you up to it?

  10. Chooky 10
    10 November 2013 at 7:42 pm

    What is needed is …a table thumping , soap box stumping Socialist John A Lee who speaks to the people via every form of media….Cunliffe can do it!

    (….it is just that the media has been preoccupied and swamped with the Auckland sex scene for the last few weeks…..)

    Also maybe this is the calm before the storm….Cunliffe is resting up and getting ready for the big 2014 war…… conserving his energy……working on his strategies…before he talks to vested interest groups like farmer lobbys ( I always thought it was smart he didnt go to Hooton Possums Xmas dos…unlike Shearer who was in boots and all …and he didnt go to to the Auckland casino hospitality dos…unlike some of his more thoughtless colleagues)

    …..maybe Cunliffe is keeping his gun powder dry for Election Year

    …..getting all his cannon balls together

    ….getting the cannons all oiled and greased

    ……lining them up on deck ready to go

    … …placement and strategy and timing is everything in winning war…lets hope he has good intelligence sources and networks and advisers

  11. Steve Withers 11
    10 November 2013 at 8:03 pm

    National are firm in their belief that government can’t run the economy properly. They are failing to understand that THEY can’t do it properly. Labour was doing a pretty good job under Helen Clark.

  12. Draco T Bastard 12
    10 November 2013 at 8:26 pm

    Chorus, the Commerce Commission, and the Common Good

    It would appear that the criteria for government intervention is very simple; privatise the profits and socialize the losses. Profits before people in other words. The government is only prepared to intervene if company profits are threatened. Massive job losses, starvation wages, and consumers paying over the odds don’t warrant any action other than a bit of hand wringing and a plaintive, “we wish there was something we could do but there isn’t”.

    That says it perfectly. Government fucks up by accepting Chorus’ tender and then looks set to bail-out Chorus at our expense. If anything proves Nationals’ inability to manage the economy that would be it.

    • photonz 12.1
      11 November 2013 at 12:29 am

      It’s the Commerce Commission that’s stuffed up. They’ve given Chorus a price that has ZERO to do with what it costs actually costs Chorus to run their network.

      All they did was take a price from a different network in a different country with different rules and a different market. The assessment is so silly that fluctuations in exchange rates from a country on the other side of the planet, which are totally irrelevant, have been one of the main factors in the Commerce Commission working out what Chorus should charge.

      In fact the Commerce Commission have breached the Telecomunications Act 2001, as they have failed to take account the fact that Chorus is building a new network – they are legally required to do this under the act, but haven’t.

      The act requires that the Commerce Commission take into account expensive capital expenditure on new technologies that will benefit the country as a whole. In addition the fibre network is an upgrade from copper – not some completely different market. When fibre gets 1000 new customers, copper gets 1000 fewer customers.

      So as people transfer to fibre, the cost per customer to run the old copper network goes UP – not down.

      • Tat Loo (CV) 12.1.1
        11 November 2013 at 12:59 am

        Few are going to leave the old copper network.

        Because Chorus can’t get its fibre one cheap enough to be competitive. That’s why they’re asking the Government for handouts. According to free market philosophy, if Chorus isn’t competitive, it shouldn’t be bailed out and should sink or swim on its own merits.

        It’s the Commerce Commission that’s stuffed up. They’ve given Chorus a price that has ZERO to do with what it costs actually costs Chorus to run their network.

        Chorus crying has nothing to do with cost of running the network. It has everything to do with their annoyance at facing reduced profits for their shareholders.

        If they don’t want to do the work, they can feel free to walk from the contract and the Govt can complete it as a public works, at cost, no mark up, way cheaper for all NZers.

        • photonz 12.1.1.1
          11 November 2013 at 11:03 am

          Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers paying billions for something they will never use would be “way cheaper for all NZers.”?

          If you have a think about what you say, rather that simply spouting a cultish anti-buisiness line, you won’t come up with such silly statements.

          If the taxpayer foots the bill, it will be way dearer for those people who don’t get fibre, as they’ve subsidise those who do.

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 12.1.1.1.1
            11 November 2013 at 11:15 am

            You should tell Farrar and Hooten how you’ve uncovered the truth about the Commerce Commission. I’m sure they’ll withdraw their public criticism of Chorus on your say so, and when I say sure, I mean convinced, 100% certain, yes indeedy.

            Oh, no, wait, this just in, it turns out you have less than zero credibility. Never mind.

            • photonz 12.1.1.1.1.1
              11 November 2013 at 11:28 am

              What line do you expect Hooten to have ?????….he is being paid to be a mouthpiece for the consumer groups.

              The Commerce Commission will now legally be forced, for the very first time, to look at what it actually costs Chorus to provide broadband.

              Rather than the rediculous situation of some random price from some country that where the main factor in their costings is an irrelevant exchange rate of a random foreign currency,….. but NOT even the slightest input of what it actually costs to run a network in NZ.

              • KJT …
                11 November 2013 at 11:39 am

                Photo. Chorus contracted to roll out fibre for a price. Now it is going to make less profit than they expected they want us, copper users, to subsidise it.

                How many of your customers allow you to increase your prices after the contract is signed and in progress.

                It has happened to me, and probably most contractors. Something changes after you start and you cannot make as much as you expected, or even a loss. Normally you just have to wear it.

                • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                  11 November 2013 at 12:03 pm

                  Forced? By you?

                  *ridiculous!*

                  The only judicial review in the pipeline is the one initiated by Callplus against Amy Adams. Keep dreaming.

                  • photonz …
                    11 November 2013 at 12:38 pm

                    Duh!!!!

                    “Chorus will force the Commerce Commission to go back to the drawing board to work out broadband charges..” from

                    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11151998

                    • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                      11 November 2013 at 1:06 pm

                      ” …it was Chorus’ right under the law to ask for this review. This can take years to complete …If the FPP process was not complete by December next year, yesterday’s price cuts would still come into effect…”

                      Who does the review? The Commerce Commission.

                      I can see that working out exactly as you predict, no, sorry, just can’t maintain a straight face any longer 😆

                      Chorus knew the rules when they (under)bid for the contract. The underbid was noted at the time. Now they’re cap-in-hand to the National Party (you’d hesitate to call it a government) looking for some Socialist bailout.

                      Your attempted defence of this is risible because if it weren’t for the fact that Dear Leader is up to his shonky neck in the deal you’d be howling along with Hooten and Farrar.

                      My guess is you’ve got skin in the game.

                • photonz …
                  11 November 2013 at 12:22 pm

                  The price the Commerce Commission has come up with has nothing to do with what it costs Chorus to supply the service – nothing at all.

                  In fact they haven’t even acted lawfully coming up with it. The are required by law (Telecommunications Act 2001) to take account of expensive capital upgrades when setting prices.

                  They totally to do this – totally failed – and instead picked a price from the other side of the planet and said Chorus should charge that.

                  Already that price is wrong because currency rates have changed since last week.

                  That the price is reflective of an irrelevant exchange rate with random foreign currency, but not with what it costs Chorus to provide the service, shows just how ridiculous their figure is.

                  The would have had a better chance of coming up with the correct figure if they’d picked random figures out of a hat.

                  • photonz …
                    11 November 2013 at 1:37 pm

                    Knucklehead says “My guess is you’ve got skin in the game.”

                    Just like 2 million kiwis with Kiwisaver accounts.

                    The irony is that we’ve got politicians on the left saying we need to invest more in NZ rather than overseas.

                    Then they show their plans to screw investors in NZ infrastructure, which leads to more and more financial advice NOT to invest in NZ, particularly if there is a likelihood of a Labour/Greens govt.

                    • Tat Loo (CV) …
                      11 November 2013 at 1:44 pm

                      Then they show their plans to screw investors in NZ infrastructure, which leads to more and more financial advice NOT to invest in NZ, particularly if there is a likelihood of a Labour/Greens govt.

                      Those “investors” are only interested in extracting profits out from our communities and exporting that money to their overseas shareholders.

                      We can provide our own capital for necessary projects, without that wealth extraction.

                      Just like 2 million kiwis with Kiwisaver accounts.

                      Meh. Kiwisaver providers are supposed to act as fiduciaries.

                      If they put their clients money in risky investments, that is a real problem.

                      Perhaps the way to go is a government Kiwisaver scheme like they have in advanced countries, which helps cut down on the profits extracted by the financial sector.

                    • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                      11 November 2013 at 1:57 pm

                      You’re transparent.

                      Chorus underbid for the job and now they want shareholders to have a government bailout rather than take a bath. If they can’t fulfil their contractual obligations there is a queue of companies who can.

                      The fact that the government let this crew on board makes Dear Leader look bad even though he was kissing babies at the time. Let Double Dipton run the show, what could possibly go wrong?

                      Got another small-business homily, empty vessel?

                    • photonz …
                      11 November 2013 at 2:22 pm

                      Knucklehead says “If they can’t fulfil their contractual obligations there is a queue of companies who can.”

                      Chorus – our largest network company by far, may not be large enough to borrow the money without breaking it’s debt limits.

                      So that either means a foreign company building and owning the network.

                      Or lots of smaller NZ companies, which as with the other 30% of the networks, is costing you, the taxpayer, considerably MORE per house to build the network.

                      So you either want a foreign company to build and own it, or a smaller Kiwi company that will cost the taxpayer much more.

                      That’s really dumb .

                    • McFlock …
                      11 November 2013 at 2:33 pm

                      Or lots of smaller NZ companies, which as with the other 30% of the networks, is costing you, the taxpayer, considerably MORE per house to build the network.

                      You assume that the chorus sticker price is the full cost of their part of the rollout.

                      The other 30% of companies that tendered based their price around the actual cost of building the network.

                      Chorus underbid, hoping that the difference would be made up by their high copper fees for a captive market.

                      Now they either need to borrow money, get a govt bailout, or continue to charge exorbitant prices for copper.

                      Regardless of whether NZers subsidise the broadband construction via high copper use fees or just a bailout from the nats, we still pay much more than the Chorus sticker price. It’s the equivalent of cheap credit with lots of hidden fees.

                      But you refuse to admit the obvious game of silly bugger chorus are playing.
                      That’s really, really dumb.

                    • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                      11 November 2013 at 2:34 pm

                      Not so dumb you didn’t fall straight into the pit I dug for you: I’m glad you have finally admitted that you think Chorus are too big to fail, and note that you are arguing against foreign investment, in direct contradiction to Dear Leader.

                      Tying yourself up in knots trying to defend the National Party’s ever shifting “position”, chump.

                    • Tat Loo (CV) …
                      11 November 2013 at 2:39 pm

                      Chorus – our largest network company by far, may not be large enough to borrow the money without breaking it’s debt limits.

                      Chorus “OUR” company? WTF? It mostly belongs to Australian investors mate.

                      BTW if it had retained some monies to reinvest in its own business instead of dishing every last dollar out in shareholder dividends, it wouldn’t need to be going cap in hand to the banksters.

                    • Rogue Trooper …
                      11 November 2013 at 2:47 pm

                      Solution anyone? 😉

                    • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                      11 November 2013 at 2:55 pm

                      “Chorus “OUR” company?”

                      Perhaps Photonz is being aspirational.

                      I don’t think it’s such a bad idea myself.

                      1. Reject Chorus’ whining.
                      2. Watch as their share price plummets.
                      3. Acquire a controlling stake at a firesale price.
                      4. Rename it to Kiwifibre.

                      Isn’t that what Gordon would do?

                    • photonz …
                      11 November 2013 at 3:56 pm

                      Tat Loo says “Chorus “OUR” company? WTF? It mostly belongs to Australian investors mate.”

                      “Latest statistics showed that 55% of shareholders were New Zealanders” from

                      http://www.odt.co.nz/news/business/263786/ownership-take-please-chorus-chief

                      Tat Loo says “BTW if it had retained some monies to reinvest in its own business instead of dishing every last dollar out in shareholder dividends”

                      Wrong again. Chorus puts the majority of it’s earnings into the fibre project – only a third is paid out in dividends.

                      Tat – you’re going to keep looking ignorant if you keep spouting off in a unquestioning cultish fashion.

                      Best look at the information BEFORE you decide on the answer.

                    • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                      11 November 2013 at 4:02 pm

                      The right answer is “too big to fail”, eh?

          • Draco T Bastard 12.1.1.1.2
            11 November 2013 at 2:14 pm

            Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers paying billions for something they will never use would be “way cheaper for all NZers.”?

            Please point out the “hundreds of thousands” of taxpayers presently not using the telecommunications network.

            BTW, Yes, it would be cheaper. Remember taxpayers are already paying half of of the billions required. Chorus wants us to pay more so that they get higher profits.

            If the taxpayer foots the bill, it will be way dearer for those people who don’t get fibre, as they’ve subsidise those who do.

            Actually, that would be a load of bollocks. If the taxpayer was going to foot the entire bill then the first thing that would have to happen is that the entire telecommunications network got renationalised. The rate that people would get copper would be at the Commissions rate. The rate for fibre would then be slightly higher but still significantly less than whet Telecom wants to charge – no dead weight loss of profit you see.

            • photonz 12.1.1.1.2.1
              11 November 2013 at 3:37 pm

              1/ The fibre network will never reach a quarter of 2 million current copper connections. Why should they pay for fibre if they’ll never get to use it?

              2/ Wrong – While taxpayer are subsidising some smaller companies, the difference with the 70% Chorus is building is the taxpayer input is a LOAN – not a grant – it has to ALL be paid back.

              3/ It’s totally false that Chorus have asked to be paid more – they haven’t. All they want is to be able to charge enough for access to their network that allows than to upgrade old copper technology to fibre before it becomes obsolete.

              Just like power companies do. Just like mobile companies to. Just like every company does.

              If no company is ever allowed use profits from older technology to upgrade, there would never be any upgrades of anything, anywhere. You’d lock NZ into the dark ages.

              • Draco T Bastard …
                11 November 2013 at 3:56 pm

                The fibre network will never reach a quarter of 2 million current copper connections.

                Then we have a problem as fibre should be rolled out to every house/residence in the country.

                It’s totally false that Chorus have asked to be paid more – they haven’t.

                There’s a reason why Chorus is regulated – it’s because of its monopoly position. Allowed to go their own way, as Telecom was for so long, and they will overcharge us again.

                If no company is ever allowed use profits from older technology to upgrade, there would never be any upgrades of anything, anywhere.

                I’m quite aware of that. It’s also why Chorus should not be allowed to charge any more than the regulated amount. They had the income and paid it out in dividends rather than upgrading the network. Basically, we’ve already paid for the upgrade but we just didn’t get it. This is what happens under private monopolies – theft.

                It also comes back to your 1/ If Chorus gets to charge more so as to subsidise the installation of fibre then fibre would need to be rolled out to every home and not just the 500, 000 that you mentioned. Of course, this government did promise it across 75% of houses which is a hell of a lot more than that.

                Basically, Telecom should never have been sold or deregulated because, amazingly enough, that’s how they were working prior to the sale. It’s how we now have digital exchanges and fibre across the country. Since the sale, re-investment in the network declined from 100% of surplus to ~15% which wasn’t enough to keep up with what needed to happen (it’s barely above maintenance). The other 85% went out on dividends proving the dead-weight loss of profit.

                • photonz …
                  11 November 2013 at 4:31 pm

                  Draco says “Then we have a problem as fibre should be rolled out to every house/residence in the country.”

                  Why? Current cost is $3000 per house – AVERAGE.

                  Remote areas can cost $20,000 and even several times that, PER house.

                  You really think that’s a good idea?

                  Draco says “They had the income and paid it out in dividends rather than upgrading the network.”:

                  Total nonsense.

                  Chorus put twice as much into the new network than they pay out.

                  Why does everyone here keep making up bullshit when they obviously are totally ignorant of what they’re talking about?

                  Draco says “basically, Telecom should never have been sold or deregulated because…”

                  You’re a few decades too late to be winging about that. If you’re so anti profits, you should emigrate to that leftist paradise – North Korea.

                  Draco says “It’s also why Chorus should not be allowed to charge any more than the regulated amount. ”

                  The “regulated amount” is a figure pulled out of the sky that bears no relation to what it costs Chorus to run their network – none at all.

                  • Rogue Trooper …
                    11 November 2013 at 4:33 pm

                    everyone you say.

                  • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                    11 November 2013 at 4:36 pm

                    Never “too late” too revisit previous mistakes. Never too late to start rounding up lowlife scum people who suggest exile for their political opponents and packing them off to North Korea either.

                  • McFlock …
                    11 November 2013 at 5:20 pm

                    Draco says “They had the income and paid it out in dividends rather than upgrading the network.”:

                    Total nonsense.

                    Chorus put twice as much into the new network than they pay out.

                    Lol
                    So of the funds available for new network development, a full third is diverted into shareholder dividends?

                    Seems to support DTB’s assertion…

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    11 November 2013 at 6:33 pm

                    Total nonsense.

                    Chorus put twice as much into the new network than they pay out.

                    Chorus didn’t magically spring into existence. There was a before and that was Telecom with better than a href=”http://www.greens.org.nz/misc-documents/table-sales-proceeds-and-foregone-dividends-resulting-sale-bnz-telecom-and-contact”>$17b in dividends paid out.

                    You’re a few decades too late to be winging about that.

                    It was a fuckup that’s cost us billions of dollars and I’m going to keep pointing that out until we get a government that accepts reality and renationalises.

                    The “regulated amount” is a figure pulled out of the sky that bears no relation to what it costs Chorus to run their network – none at all.

                    You don’t actually know that though, do you?

                    • photonz …
                      12 November 2013 at 12:46 am

                      Draco says ‘You don’t actually know that though, do you?”

                      Of course I do – anybody who has any interest in the case knows that.

                      The Commerce Commission used the price of a copper network on the far side of the globe, in a different country, in a different market, with different regulations, and a different economy.

                      Then they took the current exchange rate for a currency that has plummeted, changed it to NZ$, can came up with a price.

                      None of which has anything to do with
                      1/ what the Chorus network is worth
                      2/ what it costs to run
                      3/ what it is costing to replace.

                      Under the Telecommunications Act 2001, comcom are LEGALLY REQUIRED to take account of expensive capital upgrades to new technology when setting prices.

                      They failed to do that as well.

                    • Tat Loo (CV) …
                      12 November 2013 at 12:52 am

                      You’re sure that this has nothing to do with Chorus’s incompetent bid which was far too low, and now needs bailing out to the tune of several hundred million dollars?

  13. SPC 13
    10 November 2013 at 8:32 pm

    The GFC hit in late 2008, the extent of the economic impact only became known in 2009 and 2010. There was also the earthquake. This makes placing the blame on National for failure to reach forecasts a tough sell.

    National will get more traction claiming to have managed us through a difficult period.

    Labour should focus on those left behind by National, – in the centre there will be plenty of swing votes available: first home buyers locked out of the market (because the government did not support new building in the 2008-2013 period and their continued opposition to state led solutions), those unable to continue with study for their masters degree, and those who will be unable to buy UFB (or retain Sky packages) as their mortgage rates rise with the “economic recovery”.

  14. photonz 14
    11 November 2013 at 12:03 am

    Has there ever been a sillier comparison?

    Economic conditions after half a decade of the country spending 15% MORE then we earned EVERY year, compared to the end of five years of global financial crisis.

    If you want a comparison that is not totally meaningless, compare us to every other first world country.

    When it comes to debt, growth, unemployment etc, NZ is better than the vast majority of other countries.

  15. Tracey 15
    11 November 2013 at 6:25 am

    But only above greece on percentage of wages required for accomodation and not much better on disposable income.

    so success for whom is the labour greens mantra..

    photo on the thread where you were bemoaning the time you pay your employees to “do nothing” . I asked what you earn from all sources taking into account income maximisation methods. Would appreciate an honest answer.

    • photonz 15.1
      11 November 2013 at 12:01 pm

      Here’s the 50 most expensive places to live – I can’t seem to find any NZ cities in there, but plenty in Australia..
      http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-worlds-50-most-expensive-cities-20120612-207lr.html.

      As for income, I’m the lowest paid in my company, like a lot of small business owners. We don’t get paid for holidays, sick days, stats, or tea breaks.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 15.1.1
        11 November 2013 at 12:06 pm

        Yet another wingnut with a fucked business model seeking to smear their incompetence all over everyone else.

        • photonz 15.1.1.1
          11 November 2013 at 12:14 pm

          Yet another extremist who thinks abuse is intelligent debate.

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 15.1.1.1.1
            11 November 2013 at 12:23 pm

            I’ll rephrase. Charging your time at such a low rate that you cannot afford to pay yourself a salary (including holidays etc.) is a bad business model, and yet you have the temerity to lecture others about what you imagine is their lack of understanding of the issues involved.

            Stick around. You might learn something.

            • photonz 15.1.1.1.1.1
              11 November 2013 at 12:44 pm

              My business is very cyclic so I have good years and years where I don’t earn much. When that happens I my work still takes me on overseas travel, and I have income from investments, so it doesn’t bother me a great deal.

              • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                11 November 2013 at 12:52 pm

                One moment they’re a typical struggling small business owner who takes no holidays, the next they have investment income and overseas travel so it doesn’t bother them a great deal.

                The insincerity is strong in this one.

                • photonz …
                  11 November 2013 at 1:51 pm

                  You obviously missed the original point, which was employing anyone, means paying
                  – 4 weeks holiday
                  – 1.5 weeks sick pay (average taken in NZ each year)
                  – 2.2 weeks statutory holidays.
                  – 4 weeks of time in tea breaks.
                  (nearly 12 weeks total per year for zero work done)

                  And paying them even if it means dipping into your own savings, or not taking a wage yourself when cashflow is down..

                  The left want to continually make it harder and harder for small businesses to take on new employees.

                  And if they make it harder, any it’s patently obvious that FEWER new staff will be taken on.

                  Merely the other side of the coin – you can make it harder to take on new staff, or easier.

                  But if you make it harder you can’t complain about the unemployment rate.

                  • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                    11 November 2013 at 2:07 pm

                    Oh get a clue. Per capita GDP is always higher when the Left run the country. If they make it so hard to hire, how come the lowest unemployment in NZ history was in 2007?

                    Stop mindlessly parroting rote-learned drivel and think for yourself.

                    Whining about employment law when NZ is routinely acknowledged as one of the most business friendly countries in the world gives rise to the suspicion that your problems arise from your level of competence rather than the environment.

                    We need better wingnuts.

                    • photonz …
                      11 November 2013 at 5:53 pm

                      Knucklehead asks “how come the lowest unemployment in NZ history was in 2007?”

                      Because the country as a whole spend 15% MORE than it earned, year after year after year.

                      In a very short time under Labour we went from having $60m mortgage debt to $160m.

                      We had a spending party of $100b, then realised we had exactly the SAME houses we had before, but owed an extra $100b in debt.

                      If we did the same now, we’d have low unemployment, a booming economy, then another bust.

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    11 November 2013 at 2:34 pm

                    (nearly 12 weeks total per year for zero work done)

                    Well then I suggest you buy some robots which can work 100% of the time.

                    Now, I really do suggest you work out how much it would cost to get contractors in to do the same work because they will be charging more than employees due to having to cover their own downtime (when they don’t have work to go to) as well as their holidays (overseas of course), sick pay, tea breaks, and administrative expenses.

                    You’re like most RWNJ employers. You want something but you never want to actually pay for it.

                  • Tat Loo (CV) …
                    11 November 2013 at 3:11 pm

                    – 4 weeks of time in tea breaks.

                    Do you give your workers 20 minutes off paid for morning tea break, and 20 minutes off paid for afternoon tea break?

                    No wonder you can’t make any money!

      • Rogue Trooper 15.1.2
        11 November 2013 at 12:35 pm

        “I can hide in you
        In your chestnut hair
        I’ll confide in you
        Whisper in your ear
        When the earth is ripe
        All the worms wake up
        In their stars and stripes
        And their swastikas
        There’s a cure in sight
        Set your soul at ease
        For the red and white
        And the Blue disease”

        “…got you on the handycam fits in my hand…”

  16. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 16
    11 November 2013 at 11:25 am

    And the stupid fuckers in Treasury couldn’t even forecast an earthquake. Does their incompetence know no depths?

    • KJT 16.1
      11 November 2013 at 11:46 am

      They may have had more luck with earthquake forecasting than their economic forecasting.

      Still waiting for the brighter future treasury promised if we adopted Rogernomics.

      The only consistent thing about treasury forecasting is how wrong they have been .

      • photonz 16.1.1
        11 November 2013 at 12:09 pm

        Since Rogernomics, (using 1985 as a base)
        – prices have gone up 173%.
        – wages have gone up 235%.

        http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/monetary_policy/inflation_calculator/

        • Tat Loo (CV) 16.1.1.1
          11 November 2013 at 12:19 pm

          Hey keep repeating it mate, just lets every one know how disconnected you are from the reality that the majority of NZers are living through.

          • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 16.1.1.1.1
            11 November 2013 at 12:37 pm

            Yeah, photonz, fuck off with your statistics proving things that don’t suit Tat Loo. This must be stopped.

            • Draco T Bastard 16.1.1.1.1.1
              11 November 2013 at 2:36 pm

              He linked to an inflation calculator, not any statistics. This would indicate that he has NFI WTF he’s talking about.

              Considering that you believed his lies would indicate that you, also, have NFI WTF you’re talking about.

              • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell …
                11 November 2013 at 3:03 pm

                I know. It’s tricky, isn’t it. But some of us managed to use this calculator thing to produce the actual statistics cited by photonz.

                Personally, I think it is all witchcraft. For the same reason, I never let my photograph be taken in case the photographer is stealing my soul.

                • Tat Loo (CV) …
                  11 November 2013 at 3:07 pm

                  Au contraire. I really hope John Key bases his election campaign on how much better off people are now day to day, in his brighter future under a National Government.

              • McFlock …
                11 November 2013 at 3:52 pm

                I’m somewhat intrigued – the treasury calculator refers to “wages”, but the QES seems to bundle “wages and salaries”.

                I mean, we know MP’s salaries have increased, and managers’ are through the roof, but everyone else?

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  11 November 2013 at 4:01 pm

                  Yep and that’s why we the actual statistics broken down into professions/trades and deciles. That way we’d be able to determine who’s better off and who’s worse off. Other statistics I’ve seen show that the lower deciles are worse off while the top decile is better off. everyone in between has stagnated.

                  • photonz …
                    11 November 2013 at 5:25 pm

                    It very easy to calculate the bottom end.

                    Minimum wage has gone up 96% since 1999. ($7 to $13.75)

                    CPI Inflation which includes housing and rents has gone up 43% since 1999.

                    And in case you can’t work it out, a 96% wage increase is much bigger than a 43% inflation increase.

                    • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                      11 November 2013 at 5:34 pm

                      And every time the minimum wage went up, unemployment went down. Don’t forget to deny that part.

                      I note you have just debunked the standard model which postulates an inflationary effect of minimum wage increases.

                    • Tat Loo (CV) …
                      11 November 2013 at 5:35 pm

                      CPI Inflation which includes housing and rents has gone up 43% since 1999.

                      So Auckland rents and house prices have only gone up 43% in the last 14 years?

                      Maybe you should live in the real world mate like the 60% of NZers who are struggling day to day with minimal net worth and low income.

                    • photonz …
                      11 November 2013 at 5:47 pm

                      tat says “So Auckland rents and house prices have only gone up 43% in the last 14 years?”

                      Duh!!!! The CPI is not 100% housing.

                    • Tat Loo (CV) …
                      11 November 2013 at 5:50 pm

                      Apparently; it’s also not representative of the loss of income share of minimum wage workers compared to the rest of the economy.

                    • McFlock …
                      11 November 2013 at 6:20 pm

                      Oh, you’re excluding all the poor people!

                      Lol. I was trying to figure out what you weren’t counting, and then I realised that Treasury are basically only including the people lucky enough to have a job, while they have a job, and pretending that it refers to all NZers – hence the fudging of “salaries and wages” down to “wages”.

                      As for the minimum wage thing, does CPI have a different shopping basket for what poor people can afford, or is it one generic basket across all SES levels?

                      Because I know for a fact that I lived better on the dole 20 years ago than some of my relatives do now – and it wasn’t comfortable by any means even then.

                    • KJT …
                      11 November 2013 at 6:36 pm

                      What Photo won’t tell you.

                      http://www.alternet.org/media/no-class-warfare-please-were-americans?page=0%2C1

                      “average US income rose 6 percent from 2009 through 2012, that was almost entirely absorbed by the top 1 percent of earners, whose incomes leaped by 31 percent during that time.”

                      In NZ it was 17% to the top income earners last financial year.
                      Every one else had nil or less than 2.2% wage increases.

                      Looks like we are well on the path to emulating the failed State that is the USA.

                    • KJT …
                      11 November 2013 at 6:38 pm

                      And they now have to foot the bill for a whole lot of things that the State used to pay for.

                      The CPI is the rise in average prices over a basket of goods. It does not reflect expenses which did not exist years ago.

                      The advent of “user pays” has put a lot of extra expenses onto low income people.

            • Tracey 16.1.1.1.1.2
              11 November 2013 at 2:47 pm

              He hasnt disproved oecd findings tho. We are second bottom to greece and below average on disposable income. Put those two together and the average and below average punter is struggling. Still the pm gives himself 8/10 so nothing to see here.

    • Rogue Trooper 16.2
      11 November 2013 at 11:49 am

      are you tearing into fissures G.

  17. Natwest 17
    11 November 2013 at 1:36 pm

    Latest BNZ Confidence Survey – record high, with 65.7% of respondents (businesses and inviduals) very optomistic of how the economy is tracking.

    There goes next years election hopes for Labour.

    You can bang on about doom and gloom – but you can’t hide the fact from the majority that the country is performing exceedingly well.

    Labour & Cunliffe are going to have to come with something a little more economically savy than KiwiAssure, and “yeah nah” politics, because it ain’t cutting the mustard with mainstream NZ.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 17.1
      11 November 2013 at 3:11 pm

      As all the opinion polls show, oh, no, wait.

      Business confidence is high because they’re sure things can’t get any worse. They’re wrong: Double Dipton has another twelve months in him.

    • Ad 17.2
      11 November 2013 at 3:59 pm

      Confidence surveys are pretty fickle and can change with the weather.

      So can of course Preferred Prime Minister polls.

      The one I particularly watch for is the unemployment and underemployment figures, and the freight figures that accurately predict the GDP numbers.

      It’s their accumulated total that worries.

      I am OK to hold my breath while National continue to slip slowly in the polls, but as I have commented yesterday, if a series of those headline numbers start turning positive for National, it will be totally insufficient for Labour to presume it can win solely on the presumption that the 800,000 who did not vote last time will vote this time.

      We should definitely hold Key to account. But we should also hold David Cunliffe to account.

  18. Tracey 18
    11 November 2013 at 2:23 pm

    Hmmmm photo

    you are the first small business owner I know of that earns less than everyone else in tge company. Despite your railing against the living wage you are already paying everyone who works for you more than 18 bucks an hour. I know this because you cannot take overseas trips once a year have investment property and a mortgage on the living wage.

    • photonz 18.1
      11 November 2013 at 5:12 pm

      It’s VERY common for small business owners to have low earnings. The average income for photographers in NZ is $33,000.

      It’s well know that 50% of small businesses fail within five years. Less well known, is that by 8 years 75% have failed. Actually, just looked at stats on business.govt.nz and they say 70% fail in five years.

      “Only 25% of business owners actually receive a decent salary from their business, and only 5% actually are able to make significant drawings on top of this.” from

      http://www.mybusinessfinance.co.nz/blog/edward-mckee-wright-the-financier/Edward-McKee-Wright-Blog-1/

      Personally, I thought it would be higher than that, but many business owners I know only earn a reasonable wage by working 80 hours a week.

      • Tat Loo (CV) 18.1.1
        11 November 2013 at 5:18 pm

        So all the SMEs and local manufacturers are closing down, yet a dozen large corporates are extracting a couple of hundy million out of the economy a week, and shipping the money overseas.

        And here you are fighting to keep power prices and broadband prices high for small bsuiness owners.

        Interesting.

        • photonz 18.1.1.1
          11 November 2013 at 5:41 pm

          The dilema the left has is they hate foreign ownership, but if Kiwis invest in new tech (Chorus) or green tech (renewable energy power companies) like they tell us to, they make plans to screw them.

          Yeah, nah.

          Yeah, they want Kiwis to invest in NZ, but nah – not if they’ll make money from it.

          Job growth comes down to ONE single factor – companies making good profits. The left want more jobs, but they hate anyone making a profit.

          Yeah, nah.

          Yeah, they want jobs, but nah – not if it means companies will make a profit.

          Yeah they want new ultra fast broadband, but nah – they don’t want any of the users to have to pay for it.

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 18.1.1.1.1
            11 November 2013 at 5:50 pm

            What a boring tiresome litany, mindlessly scraped up from the bottom of the wingnut barrel, mindlessly spoonfed to Photonz, and mindlessly dribbling out onto Photonz keyboard.

            Not an original thought there, just the same old shite that bears no relation to the Left, or New Zealand history, or anything other than this cretinous, slow drudge.

            Hey, moran, isn’t it time you got some new lines?

          • Draco T Bastard 18.1.1.1.2
            11 November 2013 at 6:39 pm

            Yeah, they want jobs, but nah – not if it means companies will make a profit.

            Nick Hanauer “Rich people don’t create jobs”

            Yeah they want new ultra fast broadband, but nah – they don’t want any of the users to have to pay for it.

            /facepalm

            Don’t need a profit to run a business. Just enough income to cover costs and a surplus to reinvest. No dividend payouts. The only way to get that is to run it as a government service. Though this will be cheaper than having the profiteers and competition it still gets paid for by the users. Exactly as it was before the sale of Telecom.

            • photonz 18.1.1.1.2.1
              11 November 2013 at 9:25 pm

              Draco says “Just enough income to cover costs and a surplus to reinvest.”

              Surely you are financially literate enough to realise that a surplus IS the profit?

              Or to realise that if people don’t get a return, there’s not much point in investing their money in the first place?

              Or to realise that if there’s no profit margin, just a small downturn will send everyone bust.

              • mickysavage …
                11 November 2013 at 9:29 pm

                Photonz you are obviously so convinced but so lacking in understanding of reality.

                Chorus has badly underestimated the cost of the rollout and bid too cheaply.

                Chorus was told by the legislation that this Government passed that the cost of copper based broadband was going to be reduced.

                Yet you keep saying that neither is true.

                Why do you insist on arguing that reality is not what it is?

                • photonz …
                  12 November 2013 at 1:29 am

                  mickey savage says “Chorus has badly underestimated the cost of the rollout and bid too cheaply.”

                  No – the rollout was on target, and will continue to go fine if the copper pricing is the same as the government had indicated it would be.

                  But instead the Commerce Commission has come up with an extraordinarily low price that has not even the slightest thing to do with how much it costs Chorus to run (and replace) it’s old copper network.

                  They price they’ve used comes from a different system with different regulations in Sweden, then they’ve used a very low exchange rate to give a price for NZ that has nothing to do with costs in NZ.

                  The problem is that people don’t want the taxpayer to fork out money for the fibre network, and they don’t want internet users to fork out for the new network.

                  They are so off the planet they think private investors in Chorus should act as a charity.

                  • Tat Loo (CV) …
                    12 November 2013 at 1:34 am

                    Costs in NZ are inflated to prop up corporate profits.

                    Maybe we should re-tender and ask some of those operators from around the world to bid. Since you repeatedly say that they are so much more competitive and cheaper than Chorus.

                    • photonz …
                      12 November 2013 at 1:49 am

                      Tat loo says “You’re sure that this has nothing to do with Chorus’s incompetent bid which was far too low, and now needs bailing out to the tune of several hundred million dollars?”

                      Chorus doesn’t want a bail out. It hasn’t asked for a bail out.

                      All it wants if a fair price for use of it’s copper network, as per the range the government indicated.

                      Not some ridiculously low price the comcom pulled from some company in Sweden which has nothing to do with what it cost to run and replace the copper network in NZ.

                    • photonz …
                      12 November 2013 at 2:17 am

                      Duh !!! Get up to speed.

                      The comparison is with the copper network – not the fibre one.

                      If you want the copper network to be as cheap as the comparison overseas, first you’ll have to –
                      1/ bring in five million more people.
                      2/ put them all in one part of the country
                      3/ move most other people to that part of the country as well
                      4/ then tear down all the houses and make everyone live close together in apartment blocks.
                      5/ bring in another half billion people and put them in countries that have a border with NZ

                      THEN you’ll have a more even comparison with the copper networks the Commerce Commission is comparing us to.

              • Tat Loo (CV) …
                11 November 2013 at 9:33 pm

                Surely you are financially literate enough to realise that a surplus IS the profit?

                REINVESTED, moran. Not distributed out to wealthy shareholders so that the company is in hock to the banks to fund their next project, like Chorus is.

                Or to realise that if there’s no profit margin, just a small downturn will send everyone bust.

                Not the government. That’s the advantage governments have over private companies.

                Or to realise that if people don’t get a return, there’s not much point in investing their money in the first place?

                The government doesn’t need a financial return. The government can print money after all, why does it need “a profit”?. All the government needs to do is generate a social return. Yet another advantage governments have over private companies.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 18.1.2
        11 November 2013 at 5:22 pm

        Ah, economic theory by the “things my mates tell me that match my existing bias and anecdotal experiences” school.

      • KJT 18.1.3
        11 November 2013 at 9:33 pm

        “Only 25% of business owners actually receive a decent salary from their business”.

        Shows how many hide their real income to reduce tax.

  19. Tracey 19
    11 November 2013 at 2:31 pm

    Correction to above post…

    travel overseas from time to time and have investments on 18 bucks an hour.

    the ranking of nz just above greece was the oecd so argue with them not me. We are below average in disposable income…so looking at the top 20 most expensive cities was a complete red herring

    ” While New Zealand scored “exceptionally well” overall on the latest Better Life Index, it fell behind in the income category, scoring a mere 3.3 out of 10.The country’s average household net-adjusted disposable income is US$21,892 a year (NZ$27,077), less than the OECD average of US$23,047.Household net-adjusted disposable income is the amount of money that a household earns, or gains, each year after taxes. It represents the money available to a household for spending on goods or services.”

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    18 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    23 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T00:16:26+00:00