NZ First and Winston seek anti vax vote

Written By: - Date published: 8:37 am, August 14th, 2023 - 53 comments
Categories: covid-19, health, nz first, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, winston peters - Tags:

Winston Peters clearly hopes that enough of us have short memories.

He was an integral part of the 2017 Government whose Covid policies saw our death rate from the disease amongst the lowest in the developed world.  As shown by this graph.

He performed something of a triple summersault with degree of difficulty 3.0 by then turning up to the anti vaccination protests in Wellington and opposing the mandates.

And now he and his party have gone full circle and are actively cultivating anti vaxer candidates for Parliament as shown in this Stuff article written by Charlie Mitchell.

Like Kirsten Murfitt, who Mitchell identifies as Polly, who has some very unusual beliefs, like Donald Trump is secretly a zionist and 911 may not have actually happened.

And she is not the only one.  From the article:

Stuff has identified several other announced NZ First candidates who have shared false or extreme views about the pandemic and other topics.

They include Auckland consultant Janina Massee, who formed her own political party last year called NZ STRONG but folded it last month to join New Zealand First. She has since been confirmed as the party’s Whangaparāoa candidate.

On social media last year, Massee shared a post that asked: “Why are we still being led to the slaughter like so many to the gas chambers[?]”, in a seeming reference Covid-19 vaccines. It is unclear if she wrote the post or simply shared it.

There is also Coromandel candidate Caleb Ansell who has posted QAnon catchphrases and who also called for the defrocking of the Archbishop of Canterbury for opposing a Ugandan Church’s extreme anti gay law stance.

And the Hamilton West candidate Kevin Stone who said that Covid was a “plandemic” orchestrated by multiple governments at the behest of a global financial cartel seeking a “great reduction in the population of the developed world and the virtual enslavement of the remainder”.

NZ First’s candidate vetting is not very good.  Either that or it has calculated that there is a sufficiently large coalition with anti vaxers to get it over the line.

To add to the inevitable sense of drama Winston Peters and David Seymour have recently been throwing tosterone induced barbs at each other and Seymour has said that Act will not sit at the cabinet table with New Zealand First.

If ever there was a potential coalition of chaos it would be National – ACT – New Zealand First.

And the good old Winston side show, that has cursed New Zealand politics for decades, is going to get another airing.

Hold onto your hats.  This is going to get very interesting.

53 comments on “NZ First and Winston seek anti vax vote ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. LawfulN 1
    14 August 2023 at 8:47 am

    So Trump is in cahoots with the Jews. It all makes sense now. Wake up sheeple!

  2. PsyclingLeft.Always 2
    14 August 2023 at 8:57 am

    it has calculated that there is a sufficiently large coalition with anti vaxers to get it over the line

    IMO I dont think there's an "or" . NZF has seen the numbers…and will take …anyone.

    Most dangerous IMO are the hard right conspiracists. Incl :

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/stuff-circuit/300660552/antivax-group-wanting-to-make-nz-ungovernable-targets-local-body-elections

    And, as you say, Mickey Savage , literally

    If ever there was a potential coalition of chaos it would be National – ACT – New Zealand First.

    However, as I have linked earlier Open Mike….the conspiracists also …..hate each other. So there is that.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/132238189/freedom-movement-splintering-amid-infighting-and-the-formation-of-new-political-party

    Cmon Labour/Green/Te Pati Maori . Stand strong. We must not let these, quite frankly frightening, people win.

    For NZ.

  3. Dennis Frank 3
    14 August 2023 at 9:02 am

    smiley He's playing the joker card, huh?

    Still, having attained the threshold, why not be the game-changer? Do opportunism to demonstrate how the opportunities party is failing to do so.

    If all the fringe-right parties were to lose a significant portion of their votes to NZF, that would get it clear over the threshold into a position of leverage.

    He will need to translate their anti-statist agenda into sensible conservatism not to alienate his current supporters though. Using freedom of thought & opinion, that's easily done on a rock-solid traditional basis stretching back to the 18th century.

    • Ngungukai 3.1
      14 August 2023 at 10:01 am

      Hell will Freeze Over b4 Winston and NZF get into a Coalition with National/ACT !!!

      The Big Question now is whether Brian Tamaki and the Destiny Church will they get in behind Winston & NZF. ???

  4. ianmac 4
    14 August 2023 at 9:17 am

    Polly/Murfitt said recently about her being chosen for NZF, that her beliefs will cause a flurry but after 24hours it will be forgotten. (Can't link.)

    Winston will have made some sort of equation like for every Polly-like person in the team there will be X numbers of similar minded folk looking for a place out of the wilderness. It might work enough to gain the 5%. Hard to guess what the genuine NZF folk will do though.

    • Peter 4.1
      14 August 2023 at 9:29 am

      Murfitt thinks the flurry about her beliefs will be forgotten in 24 hours?

      Or Murfitt will forget her crazy beliefs in 24 hours? The only sure thing if she gets in is that the House will be growing in true representation of the people. The lunacy through the Covid days when witches and all sorts of other strays made their maladies known showed there’s a stack of them. Maybe Murfitt could be their Minister.

    • Sanctuary 4.2
      14 August 2023 at 10:28 am

      The trouble is that Polly-like people usually don't vote, lest the the government implant a tracking device on them at the polling booth. And the sov-cits don't vote because they're too busy building a fallout shelter.

    • Ngungukai 4.3
      15 August 2023 at 3:13 am

      Most of them are dribbling into their tea cups in Rest Homes around the country or have died from Covid since the last Election in 2020

  5. Ngungukai 5
    14 August 2023 at 9:59 am

    Hell will Freeze Over b4 Winston and NZF get into a Coalition with National/ACT !!!

    • Chris 5.1
      14 August 2023 at 10:31 am

      You'd hope so, but luxon and willis are so hellbent on being pm and dpm they'll take anyone. Will be great to see these clowns tango with Peters. At the same time, I hope Hipkins and Labour take advantage of Peters rolling around with the freedom fighters. Hipkins and co need to make some hay here while they can.

      • Anker 5.1.1
        14 August 2023 at 4:12 pm

        Luxon has ruled out Te Pati Maori, so not quite true that they will take anyone.

        Remember that Labour were so desperate to win in 2017 they took Peters.

        • Louis 5.1.1.1
          14 August 2023 at 4:47 pm

          It was not desperation, it is called MMP. Labour had the numbers, thanks to Jacinda and the Labour Party team, to negotiate with other parties to try and form a government. If memory serves, National offered Winston more, but wouldn't budge on policy. At that time Winston was the kingmaker and his decision favoured Labour over the Nats. No major party is going to turn down a chance to be in government.

      • Ngungukai 5.1.2
        15 August 2023 at 3:17 am

        Winston will have Luxton and Willis dancing all over the place if he can put together a Coalition with National, if Winston First get 9% and National can get 35-40% we could have a National/Winston First Coalition Government. Pigs will start flying b4 Winston & NZF go into a Coalition with ACT and Seymour Butt.

    • Louis 5.2
      14 August 2023 at 1:20 pm

      Don't you know Winston's word cannot be trusted?

      'Peters had bitterly criticised his former National colleagues, and appeared to promise that he would not even consider a coalition with Bolger. However, after over a month of negotiations with both parties, Peters decided to enter into a coalition with National"

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Peters

      • Ngungukai 5.2.1
        15 August 2023 at 3:21 am

        The problem was the Alliance Party, they couldn't make up their minds, Winston was trying to put together a Labour/Alliance/NZF Coalition. In the end he had to go with National which turned out to be a disaster.

    • joe90 5.3
      14 August 2023 at 2:11 pm

      It's snowing…

      /

      Max Rashbrooke

      @MaxRashbrooke

      In April, Matthew Hooton argued National donors and strategists were lending NZ First a hand, as they didn't rate Luxon and thought Nats-ACT would fall short but NZF >5% would ensure a centre-right coalition. Lo and behold: ACT/Nat donor Mark Wyborn has given NZF $200k this year.

      https://twitter.com/MaxRashbrooke/status/1690892250291806208

    • Cricklewood 5.4
      14 August 2023 at 4:14 pm

      Act and NZ first have just enough common ground to do (or undo) plenty, mainly around 5 waters, co governence and crime / justice. Its narrow but it could well be enough to give each side enough wins to make a confidence and supply arrangement work and some pretty drastic change throughout the country.

  6. Sanctuary 6
    14 August 2023 at 10:04 am

    If Winston Peters and NZF get over the line on the back of the cookers and crazies then that is a big plus for me, because Winston will simply do what he always does – being an effective safety valve for everyone's drunk granddad and crystal Karen aunt, and once elected he will proceed to completely ignore them whilst being a bloody minded spoiler for any meaningful change and mainly interested in being the centre of attention and getting favours done for his crony mates.

  7. roy cartland 7
    14 August 2023 at 10:06 am

    This is beyond sick. It's not 'interesting', it's catastrophically hazardous. It's the reason aliens don't bother to contact us – we simply aren't worth it.

  8. Ngungukai 8
    14 August 2023 at 10:14 am

    Winston has really lost it now getting into bed with the Anti-Vaxxer Nut Jobs, I did hold out for great things from Winston 30 years ago when I thought he was going to save NZ and turn NZ around after the Neoliberal Experiments of the 1980's ???

    • George 8.1
      14 August 2023 at 5:38 pm

      Winston and his circus of fools. He will suck the life out of Act hopefully and that Freedom party then leave them to their devices lost in the corridors of power, wandering waif like and howling until they find themselves locked in the basement while he enjoys a good whiskey upstairs.

  9. Reality 9
    14 August 2023 at 10:32 am

    Winston is descending into farce. Some years ago he would have been the first to rant and rage against the loopy ones he is now taking on board. Loved The Post cartoon today of NZ First's tinfoil hat. Winston will not like being laughed at.

    He should gracefully retire and go fishing. But some people seem to crave attention and don't know when it is time to step out of the limelight.

    The likeable and sensible Tracey Martin would not wish to line up with some of Winston's newbies.

  10. Shanreagh 10
    14 August 2023 at 10:35 am

    Winston has really lost it now getting into bed with the Anti-Vaxxer Nut Jobs,

    I agree with this……I was actually quite looking forward to a 'run' from Winston & NZ First to add interest and sometimes he does act as a circuit breaker.

    But nut jobs indeed……some of these are not your common garden variety nut jobs but as I say hold higher qualifications in conspiracy theory.

    Pity.

    I have no doubt that some won't want to vote for his people in an electorate but may think 'Winston's Ok' for a party vote.

  11. JeremyB 11
    14 August 2023 at 11:02 am

    They've come a long way since Joe Glenn.

  13. Patricia Bremner 13
    14 August 2023 at 12:28 pm

    Winnie is "In it for Winnie" sadly.

    The Regional fund has had good outcomes. The free Dr.'s visits for under 6 yr olds began the roll out of the now under 13 yrd olds., the gold card. NZF Policies.

    But Winnie has joined the nutters and is just anti anything that benefits Maori, the non Farming group and paints Labour as lying to him.

    He did not do well with National either and they parted badly last time he was in Govt with them.

    With Labour after he said he was "The Handbrake" on ideas, he was voted out. Labour and Greens were voted back in.

    This is a third term, which swing voters often decide. All groups need to compromise, build consensus to govern for all. Look at the groups. Who has managed that difficult task in difficult times?

    Look past occasional personal failures, remember what conditions were like from 2008 to 2017, and what has been coped with while governing and delivering since 2017 to 2023.

    • SPC 13.1
      14 August 2023 at 12:39 pm

      The PGF (in the need for it) reminds one of the saddest moments in US Democratic Party history when a two term POTUS WJC said in late 1999 that the rewards of economic growth of the 1990's had not been shared across all regions and to all Americans – and asked Americans to support his VP Albert Gore into his job, so that this might change. WJC signed into law welfare reform, welfare term limits and faith based provider involvement.

      Peters supported a rising MW, and would have no problem with the FPA, and NZF would by a brake on across the board migration – to insist on Kiwi employment where this was available. That worked well with Labour’s focus on apprenticeships and expectation of employers training people on the job – working with W and I in finding staff).

  14. Ad 14
    14 August 2023 at 2:31 pm

    NZFirst's 11th priority is:

    New Zealand First will collaborate with local council to develop the Dargaville Aerodrome

    https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_commitments

    … akin to specifying a truck stop for Middlemarch

  15. dumbdumb 15
    14 August 2023 at 2:51 pm

    I dont think you guys are reading the room very well. [deleted]

    Labors only chance of winning has no relevance to their ability to govern but the fact that all parties are found wanting in regards to competence.

    I will personally put two lines through my voting forms with the words no confidence in bold capitals.

    [deleted]

    , as they do Winstons polling will increase and labors will decrease, take that to the bank.

    [you cannot use multiple user names here over time, as you have done for the past few years. Please make sure you use dumbdumb from now on. – weka]

    [I’ve also reviewed your comments and see you have a history of making claims of fact without backing those up with evidence. You will now have to pre-emptively provide evidence for every claim of fact in every comment. Evidence means 1) explaining how the evidence supports your argument 2) quotes 3) links (and time stamps if using audio/video). Links alone are insufficient. This is to prevent wasting moderator time and maintain a high level of debate on TS.

    On covid/vaccination, today you have made at least one non-sensical claims, which I have deleted. If you make claims of fact that aren’t clearly backed up by valid evidence, I will ban you permanently. Ask if you are unclear, or just stay clear of the topic. – weka]

    • weka 15.1
      14 August 2023 at 3:22 pm

      mod note. Please reply within 24 hours agreeing that you will provide evidence each time, and that you will stick to your new user name.

      • dumbdumb 15.1.1
        14 August 2023 at 4:18 pm

        Yeah fairplay weka , I just stop in for a look every now and then (I probably comment twice a year) and wouldnt remember my last userrname if it was in front of me.

        But in total fairness you deleted my comments that were neither abusive nor factually incorrect. I will however quite happily meet your requests.

        I hope you also carry this form of censorship to all others as I often see embellishment and misinformation presented here. For the record I would never censor you or any other person as i would much rather debate and possibly learn from another, just saying

        [One of your deleted asssertions was “The population at large now realizes that covid was a scam and so was the vaccine”. You have said again that this is factually correct. It’s not, it’s an unsubstantiated opinion, and one I have a high confidence would be proven wrong if we went into it Because you have doubled down, I’m now banning you until the end of the year. Because it’s election year, we’ve been clearing out commenters who won’t respect moderation, who waste moderator time, and who lower the standard of debate – weka]

  16. tc 16
    14 August 2023 at 4:58 pm

    "……clearly hopes that enough of us have short memories." appears to be what NACT and NZF are relying on also as the last time NACT were voted in state houses were flogged despite promises of no more asset sales by Shonkey.

    Desperation from Winnie combined with the lust for power from NACT to execute their backers desires makes this an all to familiar situation.

  17. Thinker 17
    14 August 2023 at 6:41 pm

    This is the first election where people can predict which party Winston will go with after the election. Normally, it's a strength of his that he offers genuine choice to his supporters through post-election negotiations with both parties.

    By giving people the wink that he's likely to join National, he's making himself a bit more irrelevant, especially if National goes with ACT. The latter will want to keep NZF out or, if absolutely necessary, make a few concessions in return for confidence and supply.

    Increasingly it’s becoming a bit “First Past the Post” between Labour/Greens and National/ACT.

  18. Ad 18
    14 August 2023 at 10:02 pm

    Labour+NZF were great together.

    Labour+Greens fell apart inside a year.

    What happened?

    • Ngungukai 18.1
      15 August 2023 at 3:31 am

      Correct Labour & NZF were great together however NZF had some very competent people like Tracey Martin and Ron Mark (ex Minister of Defence), probably one of the best Minister's of Defence the country has had in the past 70 years. Unfortunately these people have all now left and all you have is Winston, Shane Jones and the rest of his motley crew.

    • weka 18.2
      15 August 2023 at 9:28 am

      Labour+Greens fell apart inside a year.

      what?

      • arkie 18.2.1
        15 August 2023 at 9:40 am

        Labour+NZF were great together.

        This statement probably needs to be interrogated too.

  19. Stan 19
    15 August 2023 at 6:16 pm

    To – dumbdumb

    "The population at large now realizes that COVID was a scam and so was the vaccine"

    Can I just say – "up yours and all the nutters who feel like you!"

    Regards

    Coal-face doctor

    Mods – please remove this if you feel it's personal abuse. As a frontline Dr I can't believe people can be so ignorant, hope you can understand my feelings.

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    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
    16 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
    19 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
    24 hours 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

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