Open mike 01/03/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, March 1st, 2024 - 65 comments
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Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

65 comments on “Open mike 01/03/2024 ”

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  1. bwaghorn 1
    1 March 2024 at 6:24 am

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350196925/acc-mulls-job-cuts-after-very-clear-expectation-save-65

    Is acc fully self funded by the revenue it collects ?

    If it is does this government intend to steel employers acc contributions to fund tax cuts ?

    • Graeme 1.1
      1 March 2024 at 7:55 am

      There's partial funding by government for people who don't earn wages or pay levies, so children, retired (and beneficiaries other unwaged I presume)

      ACC is funded from multiple sources, including business, petrol revenues and wages. Funds from each source are spent on injuries relevant to where they happened.

      Examples of funds paying for different injuries:

      • If you're injured in a motor vehicle accident, your ACC claim is paid for by funds sourced from motorists, such as vehicle registration and petrol levies
      • If you fall off your bicycle, the cost of your treatment is paid from a levy on your wages.
      • Accidents in the workplace are covered by levies paid by businesses
      • Government funds treatment for children and retirees.

      These are just a few examples of the ways ACC levies from multiple sources are used to support people who are injured.

      it's a nebulous, shapeshifting beast is ACC, at all levels

      The 6.5% expenditure reduction over Government can be looked at as the amount revenue is going to contract as National tanks the economy to create ‘opportunity’ for their vulture mates. I’m expecting the tax cuts to quietly slip back because of ‘economic conditions’.

      • Tiger Mountain 1.1.1
        1 March 2024 at 8:06 am

        “it's a nebulous, shapeshifting beast is ACC, at all levels…”

        It sure is, I did print layout for a Union Publication on ACC–basically how to negotiate the maze, and it can involve engaging specialist lawyers–and was quite taken aback by how much you need to become aware of to receive your entitlements and not get done over by case managers that make WINZ/MSD look good.

        When I was an industrial worker pre 90s, ACC was a matter of seeing a doctor (as opposed to multiple doctors of ACC’s choice), a little form filling, and the employer just paid you every week…no longer it seems. But sure, self employment and precarious work has ballooned in the 00s which complicates things.

        • Graeme 1.1.1.1
          1 March 2024 at 9:28 am

          self employment and precarious work has ballooned in the 00s which complicates things

          Fark yes, try claiming earnings compo when you're self employed. Standard tax accounting practices effectively deny you compensation as you're paid on net earnings, you then have to have income insurance on top of ACC levies to take care of your fixed costs while your are unable to work.

    • KJT 1.2
      1 March 2024 at 8:15 am

      ACC is more than adequately funded by PAYGO levies.

      As proven by the fact that it accumulates "reserves" like private insurance. Reserves which have basically been stolen from claimants who pay the levies.. Where cover has been refused or underpaid for all sorts of specious reasons.

      ACC has no need for accumulating reserves as it is fully funded by levies. Rates of claims are fully predictable, and levies are set accordingly. Unlike earthquake or fire insurance, where exceptional events require reserve funding to cover them.

      The only reason for "reserves" and forward funding current claimants, (Levying enough and paying out less to have a surplus to invest) is to make it attractive for sale to private insurance. It also makes the overall Government books look better than they are. Helps when trying to justify borrowing for tax cuts, for millionaires.

      An anology would be NZTA putting aside a billion a year in the US stock market, while the roads are collapsing from lack of repairs!

      • alwyn 1.2.1
        1 March 2024 at 9:25 am

        A better analogy would be the "Cullen" fund. The New Zealand Superannuation Fund if you prefer its formal name. I assume you are in favour of scrapping it as New Zealand Superannuation is fully funded on a pay as you go basis.

        Why do we have the Super fund? The only real reason is that Cullen, faced with excessive tax receipts back in 2000, was too mean to let people keep their own income so he invented this way of keeping it in Government hands.

        It is totally unnecessary and should be scrapped. I assume, given you views on the necessity for ACC to have reserves for future payments that you agree with me?

        • mikesh 1.2.1.1
          1 March 2024 at 9:46 am

          I suspect there were sound fiscal reasons for not letting people "keep their own income" – something to do with avoiding inflation; and there has always been a suspicion that the country would not be able to afford national super once the boomers started to retire, and that therefore a fund built up in advance might be of assistance.

        • Subliminal 1.2.1.2
          1 March 2024 at 9:59 am

          I think you'll find that ACC is the only health insurance in the world that is fully funded for all future claims. The accumulation of reserves on top of being fully funded represents theft from the present where it could be used rather than attempting to tie down the definition of injury more tightly than is intended by prescriptive descriptions of what an illness or injury from the workplace is.

          • bwaghorn 1.2.1.2.1
            1 March 2024 at 5:19 pm

            I'm starting to creak and grown after 37 years of manual labour started pushing a milk cart at 14,

            I expect I'll be classed as wear and tear illness as opposed to work related injuries when the time comes

            • joe90 1.2.1.2.1.1
              1 March 2024 at 6:04 pm

              At 14 I was swinging a hammer for the old man, a full time manual worker until got off the tools in my late fifties and pulled the pin at 66. Elbows, knees, neck, you name it. Properly fucked.

        • Bearded Git 1.2.1.3
          1 March 2024 at 12:20 pm

          That is complete rubbish Alwyn. With the ageing population there is a big future superannuation deficit which means the Cullen fund is more needed than ever and Key was stupid to stop paying into it in order to give tax cuts.

        • KJT 1.2.1.4
          1 March 2024 at 2:44 pm

          The myth of “Retirement Savings” « The Standard

          Retirement income, real income as opposed to monetary income, as does schooling healthcare, infrastructure supply and food, always comes from current production. If I do not eat my dinner today, it does not mean there is someone who can give me my dinner in my eighties. The best investment for my old age then, is not giving my money away for financial wizards to lose, but to pay taxes, (and spend my income) to make sure that the next generation are happy, healthy, educated, employed and comfortable

      • SPC 1.2.2
        1 March 2024 at 10:28 am

        The reserves are required when an aging population is more vulnerable to injury.

        In that sense one of the few ways we provide for the aging of the population (as per health costs).

        Those with assets have lower borrowing costs, that includes government.

        Spare capacity also allows for the possibility of moving to include sickness.

        ACC should be flourishing (and government budgets) when there is full employment that allows it and government to cope with the cost of higher unemployment – lower level of levies (and tax revenue) inflow.

    • SPC 1.3
      1 March 2024 at 10:22 am

      No NACT is downsizing ACC so

      1. it can lower contribution requirements from employers

      2. reduce the amount of assets on the government books to create a sense of debt crisis

      It merely reflects the NACT wreckers anti-government capability policy.

  2. joe90 2
    1 March 2024 at 8:31 am

    The $30 million pig has his snout in the taxpayer trough. Despicable.

    https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/03/01/luxon-claims-52k-accommodation-payment-to-live-in-own-apartment/

    • Anne 2.1
      1 March 2024 at 10:01 am

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/510560/christopher-luxon-claims-52k-accommodation-payment-to-live-in-own-apartment

      The difference between those MPs etc. mentioned in your link and Luxon is that most of them probably have mortgages to sustain and don't have a string of mortgage-free homes dotted around the place.

      I bet Luxon didn't even think about how it would look to the voters because he is such a self entitled prick. He has neither a conscience or a moral bone in his body.

      • Tiger Mountain 2.1.1
        1 March 2024 at 10:30 am

        C’mon Luxury Luxon only has 7 pads including the Wgtn. freehold and a Hawaii vacation spread, the $52 grand is in the rules…ok surely…except that it is not!

        Even Dipton double dipper Bill English was finally embarrassed with his ripping us taxpayers via accomodation. Not so sure with Baldrick though, he is tone deaf.

      • alwyn 2.1.2
        1 March 2024 at 12:13 pm

        Luxon is an electorate MP whose electorate is in Auckland. He needs to live, as almost all electorate MPs do, in or close to his electorate.

        He also needs somewhere to live in Wellington. If Premier House isn't suitable he can live somewhere else. Why should he be treated any differently to any other electorate MP? Why should he be expected to pay his expenses out of his own pocket just because he is richer than most people? Let's face it. All MPs are better off than the bulk of the populace.

        If you really want to complain about bludging MPs you should look at the List MPs, who choose to live outside of Wellington but expect the tax-payer to fund their living costs in Wellington.

        List MPs should not be eligible for any accommodation allowance in the Capital. They should be told that the job for a List MP is in Wellington and a moving allowance will be paid so they can move there. That's it. From then on their address is Wellington and no accommodation perks will be provided to them.

        If the MSM want something to talk about they should be asking why Luxon's home is considered to be a target for Palestinian terrorist supporters. Leave his family alone.

        • Phillip ure 2.1.2.1
          1 March 2024 at 12:22 pm

          Lux-on owns the property he is claiming for..

          ..freehold…

          He is also the richest mp…

          You know how it goes:

          Do as I say – not as I do..

        • AB 2.1.2.3
          1 March 2024 at 1:18 pm

          Why should he be expected to pay his expenses out of his own pocket just because he is richer than most people

          Have you ever heard of means testing the entitlements paid out by the state? Or the process of abatement if you earn some temporary or part-time income while on a benefit? These tools are seemingly regarded as necessary to protect the public purse and police the morals of the poor, or even of just the not-rich. Why should MPs not be subject to something similar?

          • Kay 2.1.2.3.1
            1 March 2024 at 1:35 pm

            Politicians are payed for by taxpayer and they should 100% be subject to means testing like the rest of us plebs.

            https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/accommodation-supplement.html#:~:text=Someone%20not%20receiving%20a%20main,union%20or%20de%20facto%20couple

          • alwyn 2.1.2.3.2
            1 March 2024 at 2:39 pm

            You certainly have a fascinating idea of what is a "benefit"

            • Kay 2.1.2.3.2.1
              1 March 2024 at 3:47 pm

              Not fascinating at all Alwyn, not in this scenario. Please explain to us mere mortals why, in the age of allegedly necessary austerity, a multi-millionaire freeholder homeowner who is paid by the taxpayer doesn't deserve to be means tested for an allowance?

              Really, means testing needs to be expanded even more, given how broke the country apparently is. I propose that MPs with over a certain amount of cash assets and income received alongside their MP salaries have to use that up first before being allowed any 'perks' like accommodation and meal allowances, even travel. They can afford those taxi fares from the airport. Don't worry, we won't make them sell off all their assets before being allowed to get paid anything.

              Rich MPs who are there because they want to make a difference, not because they want power, won't have an argument with this.

              • alwyn …
                1 March 2024 at 4:56 pm

                It isn't a benefit. It is a salary and allowances package they get for doing a job. Now I might think they are overpaid and that we should reduce all public service salaries down to where the maximum that anyone can be paid is limited to $100,000 but I suspect we aren't going to have any doctors in our hospitals are we?

                I can remember when MPs were paid a great deal less than they are now. The used to get about the same as a experienced teacher in a school. Lets go back to that and pay ordinary MPs about $80,000 shall we?

                The MPs I worry about aren't the, possibly rich, ones who were successful at something else before they become MPs. The ones I don't want around are the ones who are so useless that they couldn't make anything like their current income in the world outside Parliament. They are the no-hoper, generally list, MPs who inhabit the back benches of the house and whose claim to fame is that they were a barista or such like.

                • AB …
                  1 March 2024 at 7:08 pm

                  It's an allowance to enable you to do a job, not a salary for doing the job. It's a benefit that is generously dished out only to our imagined and disproportionately rewarded elites. It's perfectly valid and moral to means test it.

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  1 March 2024 at 7:26 pm

                  The MPs I worry about aren't the, possibly rich, ones who were successful at something else before they become MPs.

                  Quite right alwyn, the rich and/or successful can look after themselves.

                  …whose claim to fame is that they were a barista…

                  I worked a number of minimum wage jobs as a teenager and while completing Uni degrees; waitress, barista, in retail, in a call centre, as a projectionist at a cinema, at a campus library, and as maintenance manager at my housing cooperative.

                  https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-03-2023/what-jobs-did-our-mps-do-before-they-were-in-parliament

                  Low paid workers are being restrained from changing jobs Parliament told [12 Dec 2023]
                  Labour MP Helen White’s Employment Relations (Restraint of Trade) Amendment Bill continues through the Parliamentary process, under the new Government.

                  However, its future is uncertain as National showed little support for it while in opposition, and is in the process of dismantling some of the last government’s employment laws, claiming they limited “flexibility, choice and agility in workplaces”.

                  Otoh, motivated Filipino temps are very flexible – things are looking up!

                  When the bill was first debated in Parliament, baristas were cited as one of the groups of lowly-paid workers who sometimes had restraint of trade clauses in their contracts.

                • Kokako …
                  2 March 2024 at 6:08 am

                  Wealth is not a biological trait. Your logic is that the wealthy should not be subject to scrutiny simply because they are wealthy? This is eugenics territory and an unsustainable proposition for a functional society. What has transpired with this Luxon situation would be labeled benefit fraud for most of the rank and file and the hypocrisy is frankly offensive. An inability to recognise this is a hallmark of talentless privilege, which is not a skill that benefits society but a burden upon it. How many more decades of this social intelligent design fantasy are we to be compelled to accommodate? I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired.

                  • alwyn …
                    2 March 2024 at 11:38 am

                    You should read more carefully. My view is that they should have shown that they can do something well. They might have become rich while doing so. If so they shouldn't be excluded from becoming an MP.

                    • SPC …
                      2 March 2024 at 11:54 am

                      The ones I don't want around are the ones who are so useless that they couldn't make anything like their current income in the world outside Parliament.

                      You did seem to be equating that those on lower salaries, like 90% of the people, should not be MP's.

                • KJT …
                  2 March 2024 at 9:03 am

                  Actually. Whose to say an MP is more useful than a Teacher? Or deserves more money.

                  Though we need to pay at a level that normal people, not just the idle rich can afford to do it. We see with councils how that works.

                  And. Expense allowances, in most jobs, cover actual expenses, not to add to already generous pay.

                  ones who were successful at something else before they become MPs.

                  That they were successful is debatable. Brown nosing your way through secure positions in a corporate, appears to be some of the worst training for a Parliamentary position. Being sheltered from life in a University is another red flag.

                  People with a varied and in touch with reality, life experience have been our most original and effective politicians.

                • SPC …
                  2 March 2024 at 11:52 am

                  So you do not think the working class should be represented by one of their own in parliament?

                  • alwyn …
                    2 March 2024 at 12:03 pm

                    I cannot see how you can possibly come to that conclusion from anything I have said. It is something that can quite fairly be said about the Labour Party hierarchy though as that party has been largely overrun by mediocre academics.

                    What happened to the working class that used to be represented by people like Norman Kirk, or Gordon Christie?

                    • SPC …
                      2 March 2024 at 12:07 pm

                      Most people who read this would conclude the same.

                      The ones I don't want around are the ones who are so useless that they couldn't make anything like their current income in the world outside Parliament.

        • SPC 2.1.2.4
          1 March 2024 at 1:23 pm

          Before I cry for Luxon, not being able to rent out one of his 7 properties he owns mortgage free to someone else, while he resides there … first this

          He used to claim $90,000 a year. Others doing so last year.

          National Party MPs: Christopher Luxon, Andrew Bayly; Gerry Brownlee; Judith Collins; Jacqui Dean; Barbara Kuriger; Melissa Lee; Ian McKelvie; Mark Mitchell; Simon O’Connor; Stuart Smith; Louise Upston and Michael Woodhouse.

          Labour Party MPs: Willie Jackson, Sarah Pallet, Deborah Russell, Jenny Salesa, Jamie Strange, Jan Tinetti, Duncan Webb, Arena Williams.

          The wealthier they are the more likely they are to do it, never enough …

          For mine the housing goes for rent or mortgage payment costs – if there are no such costs, no claim to make.

          Local MP's get nothing for the house they live in – they pay rent and mortgage out of their salary.

          https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2310/S00020/the-mps-using-the-taxpayer-to-own-wellington-property.htm

          • alwyn 2.1.2.4.1
            2 March 2024 at 11:41 am

            "He used to claim $90,000 a year.".

            That is a lie. You have no evidence at all for your fanciful claim.

            • SPC 2.1.2.4.1.1
              2 March 2024 at 11:49 am

              Is it?

              Don't read links?

              Included in this number is National Leader Christopher Luxon who since the start of 2021 has claimed around $90,000 to live in his own house in Wellington.

              https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2310/S00020/the-mps-using-the-taxpayer-to-own-wellington-property.htm

              Retract and walk away or be hunted.

              • alwyn …
                2 March 2024 at 12:29 pm

                You still can't read, can you?

                That story was dated 12 October 2023.

                From the start of 2021 until that date is two and three quarter years. It covers all of 2021, all of 2022 and most of 2023. You are somehow claiming it was in a single year!

                I suggest it is you who should be retracting.

                • SPC …
                  2 March 2024 at 12:39 pm

                  Ok then. He had not claimed $90,000 per annum, but $90,000 total while living in a house he owned before becoming PM.

                  He has since refunded the $13,000 he has claimed since becoming PM – but none of the earlier $90,000.

                  In reference to those others doing the same, some would still be paying off the mortgage on the property. That being an on-going cost to them of living in Wellington.

                  The Remuneration Authority should look at whether those with no Wellington housing cost should receive any allowance.

                  • alwyn …
                    2 March 2024 at 1:00 pm

                    A rather grudging admission perhaps but at least you are admitting you were quite wrong. I wish some of our MPs could do even that.

                    Even if you think it is fair to treat the MPs who own their homes in Wellington, as well as one in or near their electorate, and I don't, he is still going to have costs here. Rates, power, insurance, Body Corporate charges, etc, etc.

                    The Remuneration Authority should instead look at the people who are List MPs and have no reason at all to live anywhere at all except Wellington. They should be expected to move to Wellington. They should get no allowance at all for their Wellington Housing or for their own, and their families travel to Wellington.

                    Why not?

                    • SPC …
                      2 March 2024 at 1:20 pm

                      At the moment (not any in 2023), it appears none of the MP's of the Greens or TPM is claiming any allowance for a house they own in Wellington.

                      None of the Wellington based MP's is allowed to claim any housing support.

                      An out of town electorate MP gets the support because they are as much in their electorate as in Wellington (parliament breaks, electorate work and weekends and campaigns).

                      List MP's serve their parties nationwide (selected onto the list by party members and are accountable to them nationwide, not just in Wellington). This is more so for parties with a high list profile proportion. And in those cases they have spokesperson roles that also requiring nationwide connection to sector groups outside the party.

                      It is simpler to just give them a housing allowance than to have them claim expenses for work related trips.

                      List figures otherwise are higher ups in the major parties with "workloads" – which is why their families often remain based in the electorates they once were members for. If, over the years they have managed to use their housing allowance to own an apartment without a mortgage, they do not need an allowance.

                      he is still going to have costs here. Rates, power, insurance, Body Corporate charges, etc, etc.

                      Given we are the only nation in the OECD without a CGT, or estate tax – you think that is an arguement?

                    • alwyn …
                      2 March 2024 at 2:31 pm

                      Regarding the "Housing Allowance".

                      Suppose all the List MPs were to move to Wellington and live here. They would not get a Housing Allowance. After all Wellington will be their home.

                      This would have no effect on their Parliament related travel outside Wellington. They can still do that, and have it paid for. They do that now don't they. Nothing is going to change in that respect.

                      Any person who takes a job in Wellington is expected to move her. Why should list MPs be any different. If you want the job move to the location of the job.

                      I cannot understand what you mean by the last sentence. What has a CGT, or Estate tax, have to do with the rates you have to pay, or the Insurance on a property, or any of the other costs have to do with it?

                      I lived in Australia. They had a CGT system in place. I still had to pay rates and insurance you know.

                    • SPC …
                      2 March 2024 at 2:50 pm

                      List MP's are nationwide electorate party MP's. That is unrelated to parliamentary/government business.

                      Electorate MP's living in a property in Wellington they own without a mortgage, do not need financial help at the level of $36,400 as MP's or $52,000 to as Ministers to pay rates, insurance, power and broadband.

                      The properties they own are rising in value each year with the CG untaxed. Nor is there any estate tax paid on that inherited wealth.

                      They should only be able to claim such costs (and any maintenance) when they pay tax on gains from ownership.

                    • alwyn …
                      2 March 2024 at 3:30 pm

                      If you are a true believer in the last Government we had until last year then you wouldn't see any difference between a property without a mortgage and one that did have one.

                      After all the the Labour Government changed the law to prevent anyone claiming the interest paid on borrowing to buy a property. Why should anyone be entitled to a housing allowance just because they have borrowed to buy it, would surely have to be your opinion.

                    • SPC …
                      2 March 2024 at 3:47 pm

                      Why?

                      MP's are allowed to receive an allowance for their Wellington housing costs, rent and mortgage are such costs.

                      The Remuneration Authority sets those rules, and in my opinion should tighten up access to provide it only to those paying rent or mortgage.

                      PS The former governments policy design was to incentivise landlords moving from existing to new build property ownership – that latter qualified for mortgage deduction as a cost against rent income. We want investment money into extra housing not bidding up the price of current housing.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 2.2
      1 March 2024 at 10:02 am

      Let's get welfarism for Luxon back on track – oh, that all Kiwis were this 'productive'.

      Opportunities Ahead: Key Government Changes Affecting Property Investors and Tenants in 2024 [19 Feb 2024]
      Bright line test reduction
      Return of Mortgage Interest Deductibility
      Reinstating the 90-day ‘no-cause eviction’

      Coalition Government lifts minimum wage to $23.15 which the Council of Trade Unions says is a cut in real terms [1 Feb 2024]
      "The rental market doesn't actually need coddling of landlords and speculators to exist, as it predated such welfarism."

  3. AB 3
    1 March 2024 at 9:11 am

    The unparalleled genius of our 'wealth-creators' must be constantly rewarded or else they will abandon us.

  4. ianmac 4
    1 March 2024 at 10:14 am

    Destiny Church bikers will continue to wear their Tu Tangata leather vests because “they are korowai, not gang patches”, says church matriarch Hannah Tamaki.

    New legislation on Monday outlawed the wearing of gang patches in public, and offenders who break that ban could be fined up to $5000 or jailed for six months. The gang patch ban extends to funerals and tangi.

    Tamaki told the Herald the 90 bikers who ride under Destiny Church’s Tu Tangata Iwi Tapu patch would continue in the church colours.

    That will be interesting as they are defiant and Tamaki even issues a warning to Mark Mitchell.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/bishop-brians-bikers-will-wear-their-leather-vests-with-pride-because-they-are-korowai-not-gang-patches/U7DRA3TR6FBHNJAFAMQHEYYCTY/

  5. Subliminal 5
    1 March 2024 at 10:14 am

    Israel has now fully demonstrated why UNRWA must be maintained and strengthened. The horror of non UN aid trucks being used in North Gaza as bait to bring out desperately starving Palestinians from their hiding places in order to massacre more than 100, run over their bodies with tanks, and injure more than 700 in an environment with zero first aid, is apalling.

    There is no way that aid trucks can reach Gaza without express knowledge of the Israeli's.

    "The majority of victims suffered gunshots and shrapnel in the head and upper parts of the body. They were hit by direct artillery shelling, drone missiles and gun firing"…

    Ambulances were unable to reach the scene of the massacre.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/29/dozens-killed-injured-by-israeli-fire-in-gaza-while-collecting-food-aid

    • Bearded Git 5.1
      1 March 2024 at 12:24 pm

      I thought the Israeli actions couldnt possibly get any worse….but they have managed it.

      • Tiger Mountain 5.1.1
        1 March 2024 at 3:17 pm

        Feel the same Git, low bastards. There have been a couple of airdrops into Gaza, by a UK group with assistance via Jordan, but fully expect the next one to be shot down…

        There needs to be an international aid brigade that just goes in…there are reports of a Turkey led flotilla leaving soon including NZ Kia Ora Gaza reps. Back in 2011 the Turkish flotilla was attacked by Israel in international waters and a number of people killed. One of my colleagues Mike Treen went one year, was tasered and beaten, lucky to escape with his life, similarly Green MP Marama Davidson went in 2016 I think and was lucky to get out alive too.

        Israel is not coming back from this butchery for much of the worlds people, even if Govt.s seem happy enough to look the other way.

  6. Res Publica 6
    1 March 2024 at 10:26 am

    Interesting that the coalition isn't supporting Cushla Tangaere-Manuel's Local Government Amendment Bill to allow councilors to attend meetings remotely for what can be loosely described as "reasons" – but only if you're feeling extremely generous:

    They seem to range from still being salty about COVID lockdowns (Simon Court -ACT):

    I want to make it clear why the ACT Party won't be supporting this bill. While there are occasions, whether it's following a sever weather event, where local government – elected members may not be able to travel to hold meetings, it is possible that by exception, in the future, there may be occasions where there's a need for remote participation. This should not become a matter of course. This Parliament, which facilitated remote participation when the COVID-19 controls were in place so that members like myself, who were relegated to be the second-class citizens of New Zealand, stuck in Auckland, could participate—that is no longer the case. This Parliament has adapted to the return of the normal situation, and so has local government. Therefore, we won't be supporting this bill and we do not believe it should proceed. Thank you.

    To something, something, something gummint overreach (Tim Costley – National)

    We believe in local solutions to local problems. We absolutely believe that they should have the freedom of choice, but we don't believe in this age-old, from-the-left "Wellington knows best. We'll tell you how to do it. We've got all the answers. What we decide in Wellington is the way to do it." We heard it from them not just with this; we heard it from three waters, "Give us all your ratepayer assets, we'll take control of them, and we'll decide what you're going to do with them." We heard it with Te Pūkenga: "We'll centralise everything. Wellington knows best. We've got the answers." We saw it with health. Nothing gets better

    • Anne 6.1
      1 March 2024 at 11:14 am

      Don't know exactly what is in the bill, but what has either excuse above got to do with the assumed intent… that is, allow someone who wants to attend a meeting but is unable to because say… an air-port closure due to fog.

      It seems to me that the right wing brain can only reach a certain level of comprehension before a brain-fog sets in which sends them down rabbit holes and flights of irrelevant fancy.

      • Res Publica 6.1.1
        1 March 2024 at 11:46 am

        The bill itself is pretty simple and just amends the LGA to specifically make remote participation at council meetings a legal right, rather than something a Council can decide to allow via standing orders.

        But yeah, crazy NACT is trying itself into knots trying to oppose it.

        God only knows what will happens when the abolition of the ratepayer roll gets drawn.

        • Incognito 6.1.1.1
          1 March 2024 at 2:12 pm

          Why don’t you provide a link to the source from which you copied & pasted those long quotes @ 6. A link to the Bill document may be helpful too.

  7. Robert Guyton 7
    1 March 2024 at 11:35 am

    "He knew what we all eventually realize, if we are awake and courageous enough: that the best way — and the only effective way — to complain about the way things are is to make new and better things, untested and unexampled things, things that spring from the gravity of creative conviction and drag the status quo like a tide toward some new horizon."

    https://www.themarginalian.org/2022/06/18/william-blake-vs-the-world/

  8. joe90 8
    1 March 2024 at 12:16 pm

    Congrats Israel, you've done it.

    If we're not careful, we become that which we most fear.

    Dean Ornish

    /

    @alon_mizrahi

    This footag is designed to make Palestinians look like insects and ants, not like people. The IDF has the most advanced image capturing equipment on the planet. They film and send this out to make you hate Palestinians and be indifferent to their deaths, or even be happy about it. This is meant to visually dehumanize. This is the lowest of the lowest of the low. This is it, right here. This actually makes me sick

    @i24NEWS_EN

    IDF released aerial footage showing how a Palestinian crowd in northern #Gaza attacked the trucks bringing humanitarian aid and as a result, dozens died from overcrowding, and trampling

    https://twitter.com/i24NEWS_EN/status/1763178369674342822

    https://twitter.com/alon_mizrahi/status/1763280047316558168

  9. joe90 9
    1 March 2024 at 3:21 pm

    Rather than bite the bullet and carry on with the contract for a modern, fit for purpose piece of vital transport infrastructure that'll deliver intergenerational benefits the idiots chose to piss the thick end of half a billion dollars up against the wall.

    /

    KiwiRail has written off $382 million in costs associated with the cancelled Interislander replacement project and provisioned a further $60m for winding it down, BusinessDesk reports.

    The $442m in costs, detailed in the 2024 half-year results released on Thursday, doesn’t include the cost of exiting the shipbuilding contract with South Korean shipyard Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, which was contracted to build two new ferries for $551m.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/kiwirail-slumps-to-407m-loss-on-interislander-write-offs/XJKXIBEISRAPRENQAPM5ANUNZY/

  10. weston 10
    1 March 2024 at 9:56 pm

    A bomb has just gone off in uk politics in the form of George Galloway winning the Rochdale by election , the first thing he said in his acceptance speech was " this is for Gaza " and he wont be mincing his words on the subject when he gets to parliament !!

    Good news !! Keir will be shitting himself .cant wait .

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    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

  • 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
    18 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
    21 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
    21 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
    23 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

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