Open mike 01/06/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 1st, 2023 - 68 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 …

68 comments on “Open mike 01/06/2023 ”

  1. Sanctuary 1

    If the amount of toy throwing tantrums from Wayne Brown, Mautrice "millions of data points" Williamson, and Christine Fletcher in the last few days is any indication their ukelele band of aging boomer duffers on the council don't have their numbers to sell the airport shares or for their slash and burn budget.

    Brown in particular was a complete blathering idiot again by naming the two “left” councillors who he thought got him over the line on the airport share sale. Immediately the heat went on the two councillors in question who then ran a mile from backing the mayor’s proposal. I mean, what did he expect? Then he resorted to crude threats, typical.

    Maurice Williamson and Christine Fletcher were bot on RNZ this morning, Williamson attempting to scare the horses with weary 1990s TINA shroud waving and Christine Fletcher reprising Hyacinth Bucket while kicking the council sataff in the teeth, going so far as claiming she has been seeking “legal advice” about the the briefings from the council staff.

    They are NOT happy. They thought the good old days of the pre-super city Auckland council dominated by C&R fogeys was back with a vengeance.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 1.1

      If Mayor "buckets" Brown response to the severe flooding was an indication….he should never be near any decision making. Ol' Nat failures Maurice Williamson and Christine Fletcher ditto.

      Hopefully there are enough with sense..and ability, to put a halt to these TINA's….

      IMO….

    • Ad 1.2

      It was good to see Mike Lee come out solidly against the sale of the airport shares.

      https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2023/05/30/guest-blog-mike-lee-councils-airport-share-privatisation-will-disinherit-future-generations-of-aucklanders/

      Still one guy in there with a memory.

      At some point the golf courses are going to have to come back into the frame.

      Selling the council’s golf courses would reduce the ongoing losses from running the courses of over $160 million per year and raise north of $4 billion in an asset sales process, which would lift the combination of avoided losses and interest savings to over $320 million a year.

      Check out the number of councils that are in serious trouble either in governance or in finances or both.

      All is not well.

      • Visubversa 1.2.1

        Unfortunately, the 13 or so golf courses that Auckland Council owns are a bit like Eden Park – they suck up a lot of public $$$$$ but are run by the political elite who have the ability to mount campaigns to ensure that the flow of public money remains unabated.

        Look what happened with Chamberlain Park golf course – unused to the point where Council was having to do everything to keep it going, but the minute there was a suggestion that the course be shared by reducing it to 9 holes and the waterway remediated and opened up for more local use, all hell broke loose.

        The moans that this was the only course available to "working class" people soon vanished beneath a tide of financial support for a Judicial Review (which failed on all counts) and a political campaign (which failed to get any C&R people elected in the relevant Ward).

        However, Covid and a few other things seems to have largely halted the plans for change and one has no faith that they will be pursued under this administration.

        • Ad 1.2.1.1

          I'm aware of that Chamberlain debate, and agree white old people are NZ's most effective lobbyists.

          Political noise ought to be generated about any asset sale.

          But if the airport share sale fails as a budget proposal, the Mayor is going to need a Plan B. And he will need it very fast.

          The Mayor needs to test whether he can get more Councillors to support golf course sales, not airport sales.

          • Belladonna 1.2.1.1.1

            I don't necessarily support golf course sales – in general I don't support selling publicly owned land – you never get it back.
            However, I do, most certainly, support repurposing those areas into more generally accessible parkland, sports and recreation areas and wetland remediation (January has taught us all how valuable these can be)
            It's possible that there might be some housing conversion in some areas – though I'd be highly cautious about this – our green-spaces are too precious to be built over. And, while the air-port shares have been characterized as 'selling the family silver'; in reality, it's our green spaces which are the family silver of our cities.

            Of course, if a private entity and/or community trust wants to purchase one of the golf courses – at full land and improvements value price – with a permanent covenant to prevent it being converted into any other use – I'd be willing to consider this. I note that those wealthy-golf-playing users are highly reluctant to consider this option.

            • Visubversa 1.2.1.1.1.1

              There are some of them which are not suitable for housing development as they are in wet areas – Narrow Neck being the most obvious.

              However they cost a lot to maintain and that includes a shedload of chemicals for weed control, fertalisers etc, so there is an ecological cost as well.

              There is certainly a premium to be obtained for housing that abuts a golf course and in these days of using less, there is nothing scared about 18 holes.

              • Belladonna

                However, if you're selling off the golf course for housing, then there is, no-longer an 18-hole golf course for the housing to abut.

          • Bearded Git 1.2.1.1.2

            The airport sale is not really a "budget proposal". It is a chance for Brown's rich mates to pick up shares that are a surefire bet to appreciate billions. This is what it is all about really.

            I was listening to ZB yesterday (crazy I know but RNZ is boring in the afternoon) where they had a debate on the airport sale. Simon Barnet to his credit was arguing that the airport should be retained by the council. A finance expert texted in and said Auckland Airport was one of the key shares he would always recommend as part a balanced portfolio, along with the banks, power companies etc.

            • tc 1.2.1.1.2.1

              Just like the power generators, shift the dividend from public to private hands with a manufactured 'the sky will fall if we dont'.

              We can all see how that worked out with them shelling out 3bill more in dividends than profit I.e. loading up debt on essential utility entities.

            • higherstandard 1.2.1.1.2.2

              'The airport sale is not really a "budget proposal". It is a chance for Brown's rich mates to pick up shares that are a surefire bet to appreciate billions. This is what it is all about really.'

              The shares are freely tradable on the stock exchange at present they have appreciated by 33% over the last 5 years so hardly stellar returns.

              • Incognito

                The AIA share price tanked in 2020 thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. So, the comparable performance over the last 5 years with NZ50G, for example, is arguably stellar.

      • higherstandard 1.2.2

        Who are the council going to sell them to ?

        Would the land be covenanted to stop massive in fill housing which will stuff the city even more than its currently being stuffed up ?

  2. Sanctuary 2

    There will end up being a rates rise considerably more than 4.5% but less than 10%, a bit more borrowing, and maybe some shares sold.

    Aything less than total victory for the boomer ukelele band will infuriate the old duffer vote and the spewing in the Herald will be enormously funny to read.

    • Phillip ure 2.1

      There is a mathematical equation around airport shares I am still unclear on..

      As 20% owners of airport shares council is responsible for 20% of the interest paid annually on the large debt the airport owes..

      How much is that each year .?

      And is that separate from or factored into/deducted from the dividend paid out to council..?

      And re council debt…why is a one-off large rate rise a third rail..?

      We are talking about real estate that has had massive increases in value..

      The amount asked for in such a one-off (to clear debt)…would be chump change compared to the profits those owners have enjoyed..

      And why can't commercial rates be amped up to something realistic..?

      Once again this would be chump change in their annual overheads..

      Why the third rail…?

      Is anyone arguing for this..?

      If not..why not…?

  3. Sanctuary 3

    Wayne Brown's lack of tranparency and accountability to the media (except for chosen lackies like Boresman at the Herald) appears to finally be becoming a story:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/300893959/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-cherrypicks-journalists-to-best-convey-his-message-on-major-council-budget-update

    The guy has had a dream run with the media, with hagiographic coverage by NZME and a benefit of the doubt approach from the “B” team that is the rest of the MSM. It looks like they've begun to get a bit tired with that “B” team moniker.

    If the non-NZME MSM decide to go to war with the mayor, things will start to get spicey.

    • AB 3.1

      Newshub also have the story – Brown apparently invited only "sensible" media and Newshub were excluded. Brown is using tame media as a propaganda machine and excluding others – he should go now.

        • Phillip ure 3.1.1.1

          I read the orsman piece..

          In it the claim is made that council pays out $100 million each year in interest..and receives back $23 million in dividend…(!)

          If that claim is true..(and I know that in some years no dividend was paid…but you don't get that payout leniency with interest due..do you..?)

          If that is true..it is economic madness for council to continue to own those shares…

          How can it not be..?

          And a breakdown of the last ten years could be useful..

          How much was paid out in interest by council in those years..?

          against how much was paid in dividend to Auckland council..?

          That should bring things more sharply into focus..

        • Visubversa 3.1.1.2

          Bernard would not be pleased when he saw the collection of dingbats and frootloops who were invited as VIP guests. The "Westmere Weirdo Collection" for a start. Lisa Praegar and her mates.

      • Sanctuary 3.1.2

        Holy shambolic ramble batman!

        What was with his press conference? Watch it. Halting delivery, rude, sarcastic and gratuitously nasty. The guy is the complete ugly boomer. What a tosser.

        • Phillip ure 3.1.2.1

          What is the word for a male 'karen' ..?

        • Phillip ure 3.1.2.2

          I saw the highlights reel…

          He slammed Auckland transport for spending $ 11 million in tarting up the vodofone building they decided was their.new hq..plus for the huge annual lease they pay..and told them to get out of there..and move into the council building..

          I don't have any problems with that..

          And he slammed that troughing exercise the heart of the city..for what it is..

          And I don't have any problems with that..

          I would also have no problem with him clearing out the enormous amount of comms staff that council employs…(with them I have long wondered w.t.f. do they actually do all day..?

          And what's with the fucken vehicles they buy…?

          Why do they have to have massive diesel suvs to drive around in..?..suvs that never see mud on their tyres..and are really really expensive/polluting..

          Give them vans…and nissan bloody micras to drive around in..

          And yes…focus on the golf courses…and return them to public use..open spaces open to all..and any building on to be community focused…

          And speaking of troughing..why is former mayor phil trough not in the gun for this blowout..?

          • Visubversa 3.1.2.2.1

            Because the head of the Finance Committee of the previous Council was Councillor Desley Simpson. Former wife of a Nat MP, present wife of the previous National Party President. The finances were in her hands. She is now the Deputy Mayor.

            And Phil Goff returned substantial amounts of his Mayoral Office budget unspent. He was not a profligate Mayor.

            • Phillip ure 3.1.2.2.1.1

              Thank you for clarifying that…

              So she would have approved a.t. spending $11 million on refurbishment..and $6 million (!) in lease payments each year..?

              And the purchase of all those remuera tractors..?

              And if she was running finances how was it not in this crisis situation just before the election..?

              Under her watch…

      • rod 3.1.3

        Lets face it, Brown is just another National Party Poodle.

    • newsense 3.2

      Time to remember that as well as being a cu t, this guy is a proto-fascist, surrounded by people who will help him achieve that way of working , including ex-tobacco industry folk and others with similar moral values.

  4. Sanctuary 4

    According to the story on the radio this morning, Te Whata Ora has inherited 270 middle managers they plan to rationalise to 110 and 200 comms staff they want to slash by a huge amount as well.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/491097/te-whatu-ora-to-decide-fate-of-hundreds-of-jobs-on-friday

    It seems stories of bloated DHB bureaucracies full of overpaid middle managers getting fat on the taxpayer dime may not have been far from the mark.

    Ironic it is a Labour government taking the razor to the PMC when all the hot air on the issue always comes from the right.

  5. Sanctuary 5

    In another item of interest, I read the Ukrainian government has begun turning off all CCTV cameras and blocking mobile phone signals.

    That most likely signals the movement of units from rear areas to forming up points preparatory to an assault.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 5.1

      Slava Ukaini!

      I wish the Ukrainians the best of luck in throwing out the russian invaders. Unfortunately it will not happen without the loss of many Ukrainian lives, which is appalling. No Ukrainian wanted or asked for this.

  6. Ad 6

    So check out how tight this town is.

    The Mayor is the son of a senior Council official who was ousted and paid out massively, just before the election.

    A major petition calling for the resignation of the Council chief executive was launched by an employee in a company owned by a sitting councillor.

    That same business also employs the Mayor's mother.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/southland-top-stories/132193092/councillors-employee-set-up-petition-calling-for-gore-ceos-resignation

    And of course as a result of no-one talking to each other at the council, they now have to put up their rates with no public consultation.

    That is one divided town.

  7. Mike the Lefty 7

    A repost from yesterday.

    For those interested in the debate over Artificial Intelligence and its probable National Party role in election advertising I urge you to listen to yesterday's "The Detail" programme on RNZ.

    • Sanctuary 7.1

      National would be mad to continue using AI into the election campaign. As it is, they have a credibility problem. Running ads using AI would mean the integrity of National would be what was discussed in the media, not the content of the advertisments.

      • tsmithfield 7.1.1

        I really don't see why people are vexxing about this. Likely, every party will be using it at the next election. I think people are just jealous that National got in first.

        • Incognito 7.1.1.1

          Yeah, right! I was very jealous of Chris Luxon, as not everybody can afford holidaying in Te Puke.

          • tsmithfield 7.1.1.1.1

            From what I have seen, there doesn't appear to be any problem with using that technology. After all, even if real people are used in ads, people often aren't aware if the people actually believe what they are saying.

            It would be a problem though, if AI were used, say to generate video of Hipkins confessing to be a pedo, or similar.

            That is where I think the greatest danger lies, in that it is getting increasingly difficult for people to distinguish what is true and what is false.

            But, I see no problem at all in the context for which it was used in those ads. As I said, everyone will be using it next time.

            • Incognito 7.1.1.1.1.1

              Your reply contains a strawman fallacy, as there are already NZ Laws to protect people against defamation and false allegations.

              You seem to be one of the Three Wise Monkeys.

            • Phillip ure 7.1.1.1.1.2

              I don't see any problem..in this case..of/from using ai images over stock photos…

              Where's the problem..?

              • tsmithfield

                Exactly. As I pointed out below, AI images can be created to exactly match the requirement for the ad or whatever.

                Not always that easy to do with stock images.

                • Mike the Lefty

                  I suppose making up fictitious people saying what you want them to say is cheaper than going out and paying real people to do it, as they said on "The Detail" last night.

                  • Belladonna

                    I suppose making up fictitious people saying what you want them to say

                    Isn't that what all advertising is?

                    How is it morally superior to pay an actor to pose in your advertisement, or pay for a stock image to illustrate your advertisement; rather than using an AI to generate the image?

                    No one supposes that the actor agrees with the content of the advertisement (Does the Briscoes lady really buy everything from that store?) – let alone a stock image – where the actor may not even know their image has been used.

        • adam 7.1.1.2

          The jealous chestnut this early in the election cycle, you tory's are really shitting yourselves 'ant ya.

      • Stuart Munro 7.1.2

        Frankly, artificial intelligence is probably the only intelligence they have access to. It probably has more human qualities and charm than most of their MPs too. Luxon likely feels safer when it's rifling through the barbecue cutlery than when Nicola or Simian are grasping at steak knives.

    • Incognito 7.2

      https://www.newsroom.co.nz/technology/this-election-year-we-need-to-brace-ourselves-for-ai

      Way scarier scenarios than The War of the Worlds (the radio version).

      • tsmithfield 7.2.1

        I am not saying there shouldn't be concern about the use of AI. I think there is a danger we start to lose our sense of humanity.

        For instance, songwriters such as bill Dillan, and Paul Simon wrote songs based on their life experiences and thoughts. It won't be long before the likes of ChatGpt can write content as well as that, but, not based at all on its own thoughts or beliefs.

        • Incognito 7.2.1.1

          You’re deflecting and there’s obviously no point in having a convo with you on this topic.

          • tsmithfield 7.2.1.1.1

            I still am trying to understand why there is a problem in this context. The ads I have seen use AI generated pictures of people. So what? It is probably a lot less complex in terms of getting authorisation to use pictures etc. And certainly no copyright issues as per their experience in previous elections.

            It is really no different than using a face of a real person that hardly anyone recognises.

            Commentators seem to be unconcerned about the way National is using the technology, but rather about its potential to be misused.

            Meanwhile, researchers are concerned that the tools could be used to boost the power of disinformation and misinformation.

            And people don’t seem particularly bothered about the way National is using the technology.

            Most Aucklanders approached by Breakfast yesterday said they were relatively unconcerned by National using AI to create stock images.

            • tsmithfield 7.2.1.1.1.1

              A major advantage with using this sort of technology is that it can be adjusted to create an image with exactly the required expression, and exactly the right context in terms of background etc.

              Having dabbled in projects requiring lots of stock images myself, it isn't that easy to find real content that meets the requirements exactly.

              • Incognito

                A major advantage with using this sort of technology is that it can be adjusted to create an image with exactly the required expression, and exactly the right context in terms of background etc.

                That’s exactly one of the major concerns, i.e., it can be very quickly & easily personalised with personal information that’s already out there, especially on Social Media.

                If you had actually listened to The Detail programme on RNZ (cf. @ 7 with link in article linked @ 7.2) you would have known this and you wouldn’t have wondered “why people are vexxing about this”.

                Why should we engage with you if you don’t engage with us and the material we provide you?

            • Incognito 7.2.1.1.1.2

              sigh

              Selective quotes from selected sources aka confirmation bias.

              In other words, nothing to see here folks, move on aka the Three Wise Monkeys.

              • tsmithfield

                I listened to most of that. And it really isn't saying anything different to what I have already said. That the technology has the capacity to be misused.

                I think the real danger is the technology being used to create pics/video of real people rather than imaginary people.

                I highly doubt that politcal parties will stoop to that level. But there probably is danger from some of the fringe elements because it is so cheap and accessible.

                For instance, if Jacinda was still PM, I could imagine anti-vax crazies creating video of Jacinda stating that she knew the Covid Vaccine was poison, or something like that.

                • tsmithfield

                  I agree that our legisaltion is well behind on that. But, as you have already said, there is current defamation laws etc.

                  We also have advertising rules here that control a lot of what can be broadcast, though the likes of Twitter has its own rules.

                  So long as AI isn't doing anymore than what traditional actors, or stock photos can do, then it should be controlled by existing laws.

                  An interesting situation could be if AI generated say a video of a character that looked very much like Hipkins or Luxon making some sort of imaginary statement in the future.

                  Is that defamatory? Because no-one knows what will happen in the future, as to whether that statement will ever be made or not.

                  • Incognito

                    You seem to be having problems reply to the right comments in the thread!? Why is that?

                    We also have advertising rules here that control a lot of what can be broadcast, though the likes of Twitter has its own rules.

                    Since you’re referring to Twitter and its ‘rules’ I’m taking you even less serious than before.

                    So long as AI isn't doing anymore than what traditional actors, or stock photos can do, then it should be controlled by existing laws.

                    You’re once again completely missing the point; governments and their laws & regulations are always miles behind new IT developments and most definitely with the latest GPT-AI improvements. It was discussed on The Detail. In any case, where have you been hiding and do you follow the news at all?

                    An interesting situation could be if AI generated say a video of a character that looked very much like Hipkins or Luxon making some sort of imaginary statement in the future.

                    You love your hypotheticals, don’t you? But you’re diverting away again from what has already happened, is already happening, and what we have been discussing here all along. Why don’t you stay on topic?

                    Is that defamatory? Because no-one knows what will happen in the future, as to whether that statement will ever be made or not.

                    QED; strawman fallacies galore from you.

                • Incognito

                  I listened to most of that.

                  At what point did you stop and why?

                  And it really isn't saying anything different to what I have already said. That the technology has the capacity to be misused.

                  How do you know if you didn’t listen to all of it? In any case, this is a gross misrepresentation of what was discussed in that episode of The Detail.

                  I think the real danger is the technology being used to create pics/video of real people rather than imaginary people.

                  I highly doubt that politcal parties will stoop to that level.

                  You seem to have glossed over everything that others and we have discussed here, including the mock-up fast and furious 10 movie poster. You tell us with an honest face that those faces don’t resemble the real cast of the fast and the furious?

                  But there probably is danger from some of the fringe elements because it is so cheap and accessible.

                  You’re deflecting again; the National Party is not a ‘fringe element’.

                  For instance, if Jacinda was still PM […]

                  Strawman and red herring fallacies combined in one.

  8. tsmithfield 8

    It looks like the PMs office was advised in late January about attendance data being held up. Interestinger and interestinger.

    Could Hipkins be caught up in a breach of priveledge by extension if it turns out he was aware of the breach and didn't do anything about it?

  9. Ad 9

    700 Hawkes Bay properties to be bought out, thousands more affected.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300894282/maps-revealing-hawkes-bay-red-zones-released-to-residents

    Aroha out to the people of Hawkes Bay.

  10. Stephen D 10

    Replying to MtL at 7.

    Lianne Dalziel has a very thoughtful column on today’s Newsroom.

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/fear-and-loathing-on-the-campaign-trail?utm_source=Newsroom&utm_campaign=ec227fb1d5-Daily_Briefing+1.06.2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-ec227fb1d5-47886425

    ”I have been exploring ChatGPT of late, so I shared the answer it had given to a question about the shortcomings of AI in decision-making:

    ‘AI's limitations in decision-making arise from its lack of common sense, emotional understanding, and creativity. It can perpetuate biases and discrimination due to flawed training data and struggles to handle unforeseen situations. Additionally, AI lacks ethical reasoning and may make decisions that are technically correct but ethically questionable. These limitations highlight the need for human oversight and intervention to ensure responsible and unbiased decision-making in AI systems.’

    It’s well worth a read.

    My own thoughts are that as long as businesses can monetise AI, which they have already, the horse has bolted. We’re just walking behind with a shovel.

    • tsmithfield 10.1

      My own thoughts are that as long as businesses can monetise AI, which they have already, the horse has bolted. We’re just walking behind with a shovel.

      Exactly. It is very difficult, if not impossible to control this as there are lots of places in the world not subject to controls. This sort of stuff popping up on twitter all the time now.

      I think it will be up to individual countries and the various platforms such as twitter to set rules to control how the technology is used within the scope of their authority.

      • Incognito 10.1.1

        Are you kidding us? Elon Musk is going to protect us from mis- and dis-information spreading that’s enormously facilitated by GPT-AI!?

  11. Joe90 11

    Imperialism has always been a criminal enterprise.

    /

    @MargoGontar

    Here you can see russian media Fontanka SPB online bragging how russia gonna sell in St Petersburg the “elite” sweet cherry they stole from Ukrainian city Melitopol they attacked and occupied. All you need to know about russians.

    […]

    @MargoGontar

    They also add it is organized by “Zaporizhzhia authorities” which actually means “russia pawns on occupied territory” . Fkc you russia hope you choke on it

    https://twitter.com/MargoGontar/status/1663965738833461256

  12. tWiggle 12

    The Electoral Commission is investigating Sue Grey's Outdoors&Freedom Party and Brian Tamaki's Vision? Party, after both took $66k from the $4.1mi election advertising budget, then the next day merged into the umbrella Freedoms NZ Party with a third group.

    'Under the Broadcasting Act, each registered party is entitled to a taxpayer-funded allocation for TV and radio advertising during the campaigning period…..But the Broadcasting Act also contains provisions for funding allocations to be delivered to a “group of parties” instead of each distinct party, if the commission deems those parties have joined forces."

    Perhaps if they had merged even a few weeks later, the EC might have let it slide, but the NEXT DAY is a bit obviously pigs in the trough.

    Sue Grey was that noisy lawyer shrieking about Baby W with the heart defect and untainted blood in front of the High Court. She is also under review by the Law Society for releasing the name of a boy who died of other causes, claiming he had died of the 'jab', which upset his family greatly.

    Tamaki, who said 4-5 months ago 'I will not stand in the election…politics is not for me', also claimed that Gisbourne was flooded because of the number of searches from there for 'gay porn' – based on Brian's personal investigation of PornHub.

    Herald article on EC opening investigation

  13. newsense 13

    We’re not allowed to post imbedded YouTube clips?
    Sad.

    any way here’s some external links to reactions other than Simon Bridges’ at Wayne Brown’s diverse meeting yesterday to his budget:

    Inside the Brown meeting

    Johnsons all!

    And here is the Mayor’s speech:

    And who amongst us can argue with that? It is indeed a pity Mayor Brown did not invite children to hear his words…

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  • Gordon Campbell on National’s disdain for the Press debate
    Christopher Luxon evidently thinks this election is SO in the bag that he can afford to spurn the still-undecideds, the entire South Island, and the old Christchurch money that still reads the Press and shops at Ballantynes. We should all shed a tear for the National Party candidates across the ...
    17 hours ago
  • ELIZABETH RATA: Two Treaties of Waitangi – the Articles Treaty and the Principles Treaty
    Elizabeth Rate writes – There are two versions of the Treaty of Waitangi.  The first is the 1840 Treaty – the ‘Articles Treaty’. The second is what I call the ‘Principles Treaty’. It dates from 1986 when the principles were first included in legislation. Astonishingly, the parliamentary ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago
  • Tuesday’s Chorus: When it's ok to borrow to invest
    Mayor Wayne Brown, a Northland land-banker himself, appears relaxed about borrowing to invest in land but not in, for example, transport infrastructure and services. File photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: You couldn’t make this stuff up. A mayor determined to cut council debt by selling shares in a monopoly business because ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago
  • How well do our Rapid Transit Stations perform
    As we invest in our public transport network, it’s critical that we not only invest in transformative projects like the City Rail Link, but that we also get as much use as we can out of the network we already have – which will also maximise the outcomes of those ...
    23 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Ten reasons Labour’s support has halved
    The Labour Government was elected with 50 per cent of the vote three years ago, but current opinion polls show their vote could halve in this year’s election, which would be one of the biggest plunges in political history. Most polls have Labour on about 26 per cent. And the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    23 hours ago
  • Elizabeth Rata: Two Treaties of Waitangi: The Articles Treaty and the Principles Treaty
    Commentary There are two versions of the Treaty of Waitangi.  The first is the 1840 Treaty – the ‘Articles Treaty’. The second is what I call the ‘Principles Treaty’. It dates from 1986 when the principles were first included in legislation. Astonishingly the parliamentary representatives who inserted the word ‘principles’ ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    23 hours ago
  • Climate Emergency!
    It’s hard not to become a bit blasé towards climate change headlines. Flooding kills hundreds - blah. Catastrophic droughts - blah blah. One-in-a-hundred year events happening every year - blah blah blah.The earth had its highest temperature on record - again. Think we’ve read that one.So many articles telling us ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    24 hours ago
  • The Kākā Project: The economics of sufficiency
    The Kākā’s climate correspondent and had a chat with environmental historian and author Catherine Knight about why ‘feel good' actions like recycling and owning an electric car are unlikely to be enough to create a transition to zero emissions, let alone a just one. Knight says comments like ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Chippy misses a chance
    National leader Christopher Luxon has pulled out of any rescheduling of tonight’s Press debate, which has had to be cancelled because Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has Covid. The cancellation has given National an excuse to avoid a debate, which was always going to be a risk for Luxon. But ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • The Angry Majority.
    The People's Champion vs The People's Prosecutor: It is the news media’s job to elicit information from politicians – not to prosecute them. Peters’ promise to sort out TVNZ should be believed. If he finds himself in a position to carry out his threat, then it will only be because ...
    2 days ago
  • Verrall is chuffed by govt’s latest push into pay equity while Woods enthuses about an $11m spend ...
    Buzz from the Beehive The headline on a ministerial press statement curiously expresses the government’s position when it declares:   Government shows further commitment to pay equity for healthcare workers. Is it not enough to declare just one commitment? Or is the government’s commitment to pay equity being declared sector by ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • A very worthy coalition partner for Seymour and Luxon
    There have been 53 New Zealand Parliaments so far. The 39th of them was elected in 1978. It was a parliament of 92 MPs, most of them men. The New Zealand Music Awards that year named John Rowles Male Vocalist of the Year and — after a short twelve months ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Labour still protecting the status quo
    Aotearoa has a cost of living crisis. And one of the major drivers of this crisis is the supermarket duopoly, who gouge every dollar they can out of us. Last year, the Commerce Commission found that the duopoly was in fact anti-competititve, giving the government social licence to fix the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s myths about the desolated state of the economy
    Familiarity breeds consent. If you repeat the line “six years of economic mis-management” about 10,000 times, it sounds like the received wisdom, whatever the evidence to the contrary. Yes, the global pandemic and the global surge in inflation that came in its wake occurred here as well – but if ...
    2 days ago
  • MICHAEL BASSETT: Hapless Hipkins and his racism
    Michael Bassett writes – Without so much as batting an eyelid, Chris Hipkins told an audience on Saturday that there had been “more racism” in this election campaign than ever before. And he blamed it on the opposition parties, National, Act and New Zealand First. In those ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • BRIAN EASTON: The ‘recession’ has been called off, but some households are still struggling
    While the economy is not doing too badly in output terms, external circumstances are not favourable, and there is probably a sizeable group of households struggling because of rising interest rates. Brian Easton writes – Last week’s announcement of a 0.9 percent increase in volume GDP for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Monday’s Chorus: Richie Poulton's lament
    “You can't really undo what happens during childhood”, said the director of the Dunedin longitudinal study. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Richie Poulton, the director of the world-leading Dunedin longitudinal study showing how devastating poverty in early life is, died yesterday. With his final words, he lamented the lack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • North-western downgrades
    This is a guest post from reader Peter N As many of us know, Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi are well into progressing works on the northwestern interim “busway” with services to kick off in just over a month from now on Sunday 12th November 2023. Some of the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago
  • Has Webworm Found New Zealand’s Weirdest School?
    Hi,Before we talk about weird schools people choose to send their kids to, a few things on my mind. I adored the Ask Me Anything we did last week. Thanks for taking part. I love answering your weird and nosy questions, even questions about beans.I am excited and scared as Mister ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Another mother of a budget
    A National government would make spending cuts on a scale not seen since the 1990 – 96 Bolger government.That much was confirmed with the release of their Fiscal Plan on Friday.Government spending is currently high as a percentage of GDP — as high as it was during the Muldoon ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • A crucial week starts as early voting opens in the NZ Elections … it’s been a ride so far. Are y...
    Chris Hipkins down with Covid, at least for 5 days isolation, National continue to obfuscate, ACT continues to double-down on the poor and Winston… well, he’s being Winston really. Voters beware: this week could be even more infuriating than the last. No Party is what they used to be ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago
  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #39
    A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Sep 24, 2023 thru Sat, Sep 30, 2023. Story of the Week We’re not doomed yet’: climate scientist Michael Mann on our last chance to save human civilisation The renowned US ...
    3 days ago
  • Clusterf**ck of Chaos.
    On the 11th of April 1945 advancing US forces liberated the Nazi concentration camp of Buchenwald near Weimar in Germany. In the coming days, under the order of General Patton, a thousand nearby residents were forced to march to the camp to see the atrocities that had been committed in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • The party of business deals with the future by pretending it isn’t coming
    Years and years ago, when Helen Clark was Prime Minister and John Key was gunning for her job, I had a conversation with a mate, a trader who knew John Key well enough to paint a helpful picture.It was many drinks ago so it’s not a complete one. But there’s ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • 2023 More Reading: September (+ Old Phuul update)
    Completed reads for September: The Lost Continent, by C.J. Cutcliffe Hyne Flatland, by Edwin Abbott All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque The Country of the Blind, by H.G. Wells The Day of the Triffids, by John Wyndham A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles ...
    4 days ago
  • Losing The Left.
    Descending Into The Dark: The ideological cadres currently controlling both Labour and the Greens are forcing “justice”, “participation” and “democracy” to make way for what is “appropriate” and “responsible”. But, where does that leave the people who, for most of their adult lives, have voted for left-wing parties, precisely to ...
    4 days ago
  • The New “Emperor’s New Clothes”.
    “‘BUT HE HASN’T GOT ANYTHING ON,’ a little boy said ….. ‘But he hasn’t got anything on!’ the whole town cried out at last.”On this optimistic note, Hans Christian Andersen brings his cautionary tale of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” to an end.Andersen’s children’s story was written nearly two centuries ago, ...
    4 days ago
  • BRYCE EDWARDS: The vested interests shaping National Party policies
      Bryce Edwards writes – As the National Party gets closer to government, lobbyists and business interests will be lining up for influence and to get policies adopted. It’s therefore in the public interest to have much more scrutiny and transparency about potential conflicts of interests that ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • LINDSAY MITCHELL: A conundrum for those pushing racist dogma
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – The heavily promoted narrative, which has ramped up over the last six years, is that Maori somehow have special vulnerabilities which arise from outside forces they cannot control; that contemporary society fails to meet their needs. They are not receptive to messages and ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • CHRIS TROTTER:  The greater of two evils
    Not Labour: If you’re out to punish the government you once loved, then the last thing you need is to be shown evidence that the opposition parties are much, much worse.   Chris Trotter writes – THE GREATEST VIRTUE of being the Opposition is not being the Government. Only very ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to Sept 30
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:Labour presented a climate manifesto that aimed to claim the high ground on climate action vs National, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Litanies, articles of faith, and being a beneficiary
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past two weeks.Friday 29Play it, ElvisElection Hell special!! This week’s quiz is a bumper edition featuring a few of the more popular questions from last weekend’s show, as well as a few we didn’t ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Litanies, articles of faith, and being a beneficiary
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past two weeks.Friday 29Play it, ElvisElection Hell special!! This week’s quiz is a bumper edition featuring a few of the more popular questions from last weekend’s show, as well as a few we didn’t ...
    More than a fieldingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • The ‘Recession’ Has Been Called Off, But Some Households Are Still Struggling
    While the economy is not doing too badly in output terms, external circumstances are not favourable, and there is probably a sizeable group of households struggling because of rising interest rates.Last week’s announcement of a 0.9 percent increase in volume GDP for the June quarter had the commentariat backing down ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change: The wrong direction
    This week the International Energy Association released its Net Zero Roadmap, intended to guide us towards a liveable climate. The report demanded huge increases in renewable generation, no new gas or oil, and massive cuts to methane emissions. It was positive about our current path, but recommended that countries with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • “Racism” becomes a buzz word on the campaign trail – but our media watchdogs stay muzzled when...
    Buzz from the Beehive  Oh, dear.  We have nothing to report from the Beehive. At least, we have nothing to report from the government’s official website. But the drones have not gone silent.  They are out on the election campaign trail, busy buzzing about this and that in the hope ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • Play it, Elvis
    Election Hell special!! This week’s quiz is a bumper edition featuring a few of the more popular questions from last weekend’s show, as well as a few we didn’t have time for. You’re welcome, etc. Let us press on, etc. 1.  What did Christopher Luxon use to his advantage in ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Pure class warfare
    National unveiled its fiscal policy today, announcing all the usual things which business cares about and I don't. But it did finally tell us how National plans to pay for its handouts to landlords: by effectively cutting benefits: The biggest saving announced on Friday was $2b cut from the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Ask Me Anything about the week to Sept 29
    Photo by Anna Ogiienko on UnsplashIt’s that time of the week for an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session for paying subscribers about the week that was for an hour, including:duelling fiscal plans from National and Labour;Labour cutting cycling spending while accusing National of being weak on climate;Research showing the need for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 29-September-2023
    Welcome to Friday and the last one for September. This week in Greater Auckland On Monday, Matt highlighted at the latest with the City Rail Link. On Tuesday, Matt covered the interesting items from Auckland Transport’s latest board meeting agendas. On Thursday, a guest post from Darren Davis ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • Protest at Parliament: The Reunion.
    Brian’s god spoke to him. He, for of course the Lord in Tamaki’s mind was a male god, with a mighty rod, and probably some black leathers. He, told Brian - “you must put a stop to all this love, hope, and kindness”. And it did please the Brian.He said ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Labour cuts $50m from cycleway spending
    Labour is cutting spending on cycling infrastructure while still trying to claim the higher ground on climate. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Labour Government released a climate manifesto this week to try to claim the high ground against National, despite having ignored the Climate Commission’s advice to toughen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Greater Of Two Evils.
    Not Labour: If you’re out to punish the government you once loved, then the last thing you need is to be shown evidence that the opposition parties are much, much worse.THE GREATEST VIRTUE of being the Opposition is not being the Government. Only very rarely is an opposition party elected ...
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #39 2023
    Open access notables "Net zero is only a distraction— we just have to end fossil fuel emissions." The latter is true but the former isn't, or  not in the real world as it's likely to be in the immediate future. And "just" just doesn't enter into it; we don't have ...
    5 days ago
  • Chris Trotter: Losing the Left
    IN THE CURRENT MIX of electoral alternatives, there is no longer a credible left-wing party. Not when “a credible left-wing party” is defined as: a class-oriented, mass-based, democratically-structured political organisation; dedicated to promoting ideas sharply critical of laissez-faire capitalism; and committed to advancing democratic, egalitarian and emancipatory ideals across the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago
  • Road rage at Kia Kaha Primary School
    It is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha Primary School!It can be any time when you are telling a story.Telling stories about things that happened in the past is how we learn from our mistakes.If we want to.Anyway, it is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Road rage at Kia Kaha Primary School
    It is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha Primary School!It can be any time when you are telling a story.Telling stories about things that happened in the past is how we learn from our mistakes.If we want to.Anyway, it is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Road rage at Kia Kaha Primary School
    It is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha Primary School!It can be any time when you are telling a story.Telling stories about things that happened in the past is how we learn from our mistakes.If we want to.Anyway, it is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha ...
    More than a fieldingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Hipkins fires up in leaders’ debate, but has the curtain already fallen on the Labour-led coalitio...
    Labour’s  Chris Hipkins came out firing, in the  leaders’ debate  on Newshub’s evening programme, and most of  the pundits  rated  him the winner against National’s  Christopher Luxon. But will this make any difference when New  Zealanders  start casting their ballots? The problem  for  Hipkins is  that  voters are  all too ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    6 days ago
  • Govt is energising housing projects with solar power – and fuelling the public’s concept of a di...
    Buzz from the Beehive  Not long after Point of Order published data which show the substantial number of New Zealanders (77%) who believe NZ is becoming more divided, government ministers were braying about a programme which distributes some money to “the public” and some to “Maori”. The ministers were dishing ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • MIKE GRIMSHAW: Election 2023 – a totemic & charisma failure?
    The D&W analysis Michael Grimshaw writes –  Given the apathy, disengagement, disillusionment, and all-round ennui of this year’s general election, it was considered time to bring in those noted political operatives and spin doctors D&W, the long-established consultancy firm run by Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. Known for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • FROM BFD: Will Winston be the spectre we think?
    Kissy kissy. Cartoon credit BoomSlang. The BFD. JC writes-  Allow me to preface this contribution with the following statement: If I were asked to express a preference between a National/ACT coalition or a National/ACT/NZF coalition then it would be the former. This week Luxon declared his position, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • California’s climate disclosure bill could have a huge impact across the U.S.
    This re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Andy Furillo was originally published by Capital & Main and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. The California Legislature took a step last week that has the potential to accelerate the fight against climate ...
    6 days ago
  • Untangling South East Queensland’s Public Transport
    This is a cross post Adventures in Transitland by Darren Davis. I recently visited Brisbane and South East Queensland and came away both impressed while also pondering some key changes to make public transport even better in the region. Here goes with my take on things. A bit of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    6 days ago
  • Try A Little Kindness.
    My daughter arrived home from the supermarket yesterday and she seemed a bit worried about something. It turned out she wanted to know if someone could get her bank number from a receipt.We wound the story back.She was in the store and there was a man there who was distressed, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • What makes NZFirst tick
    New Zealand’s longest-running political roadshow rolled into Opotiki yesterday, with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters knowing another poll last night showed he would make it back to Parliament and National would need him and his party if they wanted to form a government. The Newshub Reid Research poll ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago
  • September AMA
    Hi,As September draws to a close — I feel it’s probably time to do an Ask Me Anything. You know how it goes: If you have any burning questions, fire away in the comments and I will do my best to answer. You might have questions about Webworm, or podcast ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Bludgers lying in the scratcher making fools of us all
    The mediocrity who stands to be a Prime Minister has a litany.He uses it a bit like a Koru Lounge card. He will brandish it to say: these people are eligible. And more than that, too: These people are deserving. They have earned this policy.They have a right to this policy. What ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago
  • More “partnerships” (by the look of it) and redress of over $30 million in Treaty settlement wit...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point of Order has waited until now – 3.45pm – for today’s officially posted government announcements.  There have been none. The only addition to the news on the Beehive’s website was posted later yesterday, after we had published our September 26 Buzz report. It came from ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago
  • ALEX HOLLAND: Labour’s spending
    Alex Holland writes –  In 2017 when Labour came to power, crown spending was $76 billion per year. Now in 2023 it is $139 billion per year, which equates to a $63 billion annual increase (over $1 billion extra spend every week!) In 2017, New Zealand’s government debt ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago
  • If not now, then when?
    Labour released its fiscal plan today, promising the same old, same old: "responsibility", balanced books, and of course no new taxes: "Labour will maintain income tax settings to provide consistency and certainty in these volatile times. Now is not the time for additional taxes or to promise billions of ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • THE FACTS:  77% of Kiwis believe NZ is becoming more divided
    The Facts has posted –        KEY INSIGHTSOf New Zealander’s polled: Social unity/division 77%believe NZ is becoming more divided (42% ‘much more’ + 35% ‘a little more’) 3%believe NZ is becoming less divided (1% ‘much less’ + 2% ‘a little less’) ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the cynical brutality of the centre-right’s welfare policies
    The centre-right’s enthusiasm for forcing people off the benefit and into paid work is matched only by the enthusiasm (shared by Treasury and the Reserve Bank) for throwing people out of paid work to curb inflation, and achieve the optimal balance of workers to job seekers deemed to be desirable ...
    7 days ago
  • Wednesday’s Chorus: Arthur Grimes on why building many, many more social houses is so critical
    New research shows that tenants in social housing - such as these Wellington apartments - are just as happy as home owners and much happier than private tenants. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The election campaign took an ugly turn yesterday, and in completely the wrong direction. All three ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago
  • Bennie Bashing.
    If there’s one thing the mob loves more than keeping Māori in their place, more than getting tough on the gangs, maybe even more than tax cuts. It’s a good old round of beneficiary bashing.Are those meanies in the ACT party stealing your votes because they think David Seymour is ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago
  • The kindest cuts
    Labour kicks off the fiscal credibility battle today with the release of its fiscal plan. National is expected to follow, possibly as soon as Thursday, with its own plan, which may (or may not) address the large hole that the problems with its foreign buyers’ ban might open up. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 week ago
  • Green right turn in Britain? Well, a start
    While it may be unlikely to register in New Zealand’s general election, Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak has done something which might just be important in the long run. He’s announced a far-reaching change in his Conservative government’s approach to environmental, and particularly net zero, policy. The starting point – ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    1 week ago
  • At a glance – How do human CO2 emissions compare to natural CO2 emissions?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    1 week ago
  • How could this happen?
    Canada is in uproar after the exposure that its parliament on September 22 provided a standing ovation to a Nazi veteran who had been invited into the chamber to participate in the parliamentary welcome to Ukrainian President Zelensky. Yaroslav Hunka, 98, a Ukrainian man who volunteered for service in ...
    1 week ago

  • Youth justice programme expands to break cycle of offending
    The successful ‘Circuit Breaker’ fast track programme designed to stop repeat youth offending was launched in two new locations today by Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis. The programme, first piloted in West and South Auckland in December last year, is aimed at children aged 10-13 who commit serious offending or continue ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Major milestone with 20,000 employers using Apprenticeship Boost
    The Government’s Apprenticeship Boost initiative has now supported 20,000 employers to help keep on and train up apprentices, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni announced in Christchurch today. Almost 62,000 apprentices have been supported to start and keep training for a trade since the initiative was introduced in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Government supporting wood processing jobs and more diverse industry
    The Government is supporting non-pine tree sawmilling and backing further job creation in sawmills in Rotorua and Whangarei, Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said.   “The Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan identified the need to add more diversity to our productions forests, wood products and markets,” Peeni Henare said. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Government backing Canterbury’s future in aerospace industry
    The Government is helping Canterbury’s aerospace industry take off with further infrastructure support for the Tāwhaki Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, Infrastructure Minister Dr Megan Woods has announced. “Today I can confirm we will provide a $5.4 million grant to the Tāwhaki Joint Venture to fund a sealed runway and hangar ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Updated forestry regulations increase council controls and require large slash removal
    Local councils will have more power to decide where new commercial forests – including carbon forests – are located, to reduce impacts on communities and the environment, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “New national standards give councils greater control over commercial forestry, including clear rules on harvesting practices and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • New Zealand resumes peacekeeping force leadership
    New Zealand will again contribute to the leadership of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, with a senior New Zealand Defence Force officer returning as Interim Force Commander. Defence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have announced the deployment of New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New national direction provides clarity for development and the environment
    The Government has taken an important step in implementing the new resource management system, by issuing a draft National Planning Framework (NPF) document under the new legislation, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “The NPF consolidates existing national direction, bringing together around 20 existing instruments including policy statements, standards, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government shows further commitment to pay equity for healthcare workers
    The Government welcomes the proposed pay equity settlement that will see significant pay increases for around 18,000 Te Whatu Ora Allied, Scientific, and Technical employees, if accepted said Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. The proposal reached between Te Whatu Ora, the New Zealand Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • 100 new public EV chargers to be added to national network
    The public EV charging network has received a significant boost with government co-funding announced today for over 100 EV chargers – with over 200 charging ports altogether – across New Zealand, and many planned to be up and running on key holiday routes by Christmas this year. Minister of Energy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Safeguarding Tuvalu language and identity
    Tuvalu is in the spotlight this week as communities across New Zealand celebrate Vaiaso o te Gagana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week. “The Government has a proven record of supporting Pacific communities and ensuring more of our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated,” Pacific Peoples Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Many ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New community-level energy projects to support more than 800 Māori households
    Seven more innovative community-scale energy projects will receive government funding through the Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund to bring more affordable, locally generated clean energy to more than 800 Māori households, Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods says. “We’ve already funded 42 small-scale clean energy projects that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Huge boost to Te Tai Tokerau flood resilience
    The Government has approved new funding that will boost resilience and greatly reduce the risk of major flood damage across Te Tai Tokerau. Significant weather events this year caused severe flooding and damage across the region. The $8.9m will be used to provide some of the smaller communities and maraes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Napier’s largest public housing development comes with solar
    The largest public housing development in Napier for many years has been recently completed and has the added benefit of innovative solar technology, thanks to Government programmes, says Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods. The 24 warm, dry homes are in Seddon Crescent, Marewa and Megan Woods says the whanau living ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Te Whānau a Apanui and the Crown initial Deed of Settlement I Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me...
    Māori: Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna te Whakaaetanga Whakataunga Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna i tētahi Whakaaetanga Whakataunga hei whakamihi i ō rātou tāhuhu kerēme Tiriti o Waitangi. E tekau mā rua ngā hapū o roto mai o Te Whānau ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Plan for 3,000 more public homes by 2025 – regions set to benefit
    Regions around the country will get significant boosts of public housing in the next two years, as outlined in the latest public housing plan update, released by the Housing Minister, Dr Megan Woods. “We’re delivering the most public homes each year since the Nash government of the 1950s with one ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Immigration settings updates
    Judicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Poroporoaki: Tā Patrick (Patu) Wahanga Hohepa
    Tangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Renewable energy fund to support community resilience
    40 solar energy systems on community buildings in regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events Virtual capability-building hub to support community organisations get projects off the ground Boost for community-level renewable energy projects across the country At least 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • COVID-19 funding returned to Government
    The lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Appointment of District Court Judge
    Susie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today.  Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilience
    The Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-up
    Another $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Taupō Supercars revs up with Government support
    The future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarter
    The economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs
    The Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today.   “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • More support for victims of migrant exploitation
    Temporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Strong export boost as NZ economy turns corner
    An export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te Karaka
    The Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Further business support for cyclone-affected regions
    The Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underway
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General Assembly
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Midwives’ pay equity offer reached
    Around 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago
  • New Zealand provides support to Morocco
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago
  • Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilience
    The Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today.  A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago

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