Open mike 03/03/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, March 3rd, 2022 - 70 comments
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70 comments on “Open mike 03/03/2022 ”

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  1. Muttonbird 1
    3 March 2022 at 6:04 am

    https://twitter.com/davidfarrier/status/1498874128136245249

    Perhaps Stewart is saying the people throwing rocks are Antifa-like. Surely projection, if so.

    Farrier is right though, it’s further evidence of US style alt-right narrative entering this country.

    • Andrew Miller 1.1
      3 March 2022 at 12:34 pm

      Yes, but it’s not only the alt right, it’s also true of the left as well.

  2. Muttonbird 2
    3 March 2022 at 6:11 am

    https://twitter.com/abigail1963/status/1498902107620982785

    Rachael Smalley being opportunistic in accusing the PM of being opportunistic.

  3. Muttonbird 3
    3 March 2022 at 6:18 am

    Free rapid antigen tests are now available for home testing if you are symptomatic or a household contact.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/462615/free-rapid-antigen-tests-available-for-home-covid-19-testing

    Thi household did exactly that yesterday afternoon. Went onto the website and picked up two packs of 5 within minutes.

    It's important to have these available to all, regardless of income, rather than the Key/Luxon model where private profit was the most important consideration.

    The worried well will still be able to purchase RATs from retail outlets, and at a reasonable price because they have to compete with the MoH.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 3.1
      3 March 2022 at 9:25 am

      Good luck with having anything couriered

      • Muttonbird 3.1.1
        3 March 2022 at 9:30 am

        Apologies, I wasn't clear. You order on the website with name, address, etc, then you go to a testing centre to physically pick up.

        Deliveries to come later, from the article

    • Jimmy 3.2
      3 March 2022 at 11:45 am

      The Chemist Warehouse had 5 pack for $44.99! I believe Foodstuffs and The Warehouse will be selling for $31.99 (I think that is close to cost price).

      • Muttonbird 3.2.1
        3 March 2022 at 11:49 am

        Chemist Warehouse were expecting delivery overnight last night because they didn't have any yesterday.

        Think I heard New World were selling at cost (plus admin/handling probably). They see it as a public service, but realistically while the govt is rolling out free tests for symptomatic people and household contacts, they can't really do much else.

  4. Blazer 4
    3 March 2022 at 8:30 am

    Be very interested to see if the West follow through with their promise to seize the assets of Russian oligarchs all around the world.

    As the worship of capital is a cornerstone of the American Dream,I am very sceptical.

    ' going after Russian oligarchs with financial attack that will seize billions

    Senior US government officials are preparing to dramatically expand the number of Russian oligarchs subject to United States sanctions, aiming to punish the financial elite close to Russian President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine, according to three people briefed on internal administration deliberations.

    Officials at the White House and Treasury Department are working on producing a list of names that is expected to overlap in part with the line-up of Russian oligarchs who were newly subjected to sanctions by the European Union on Monday, the people said.

    For instance, the White House is weighing imposing new sanctions on Alisher Usmanov, the owner of an iron and steel conglomerate who Forbes has estimated to be worth more than US$15 billion (NZ$22bn), the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to reflect internal deliberations not yet made public.

    Usmanov was placed under sanctions by European Union officials on Monday (local time). The US sanctions would also probably include travel restrictions and the seizure of overseas assets that could run into the billions.'-Stuff.

  5. RedLogix 5
    3 March 2022 at 8:41 am

    Oil, gas, wheat and phosphate fertilisers. Between them Russia and Ukraine supply a substantial fraction of world supply in these major commodities. And they have just gone offline for the foreseeable future.

    Keeping the global population alive requires global peace and global supply chains. In this rapidly deglobalising world, that peace and those supply chains are gone forever, and could well result in the death of a billion people by starvation. The future is here. The leading edge of the famines of tomorrow begins in 2022.

    This chilling prospect should focus minds.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 5.1
      3 March 2022 at 9:19 am

      Dont be silly.

      These things will all have sanctions waivers like oil and gas, aluminium, titanium, the noble gases used in computer chip manufacture, etc etc

      The list will be endless

      • RedLogix 5.1.1
        3 March 2022 at 9:34 am

        Putin has stepped over a line that no-one can tolerate – he has threatened a nuclear first-strike against any nation that interferes with his actions in Ukraine. And so far this had proven a successful strategy, preventing direct EU responses on the ground.

        Essentially he has put the West into a bind, if we do nothing the longer run outcome is bad, if we do act the outcome will be immediately worse. This will not be tolerated, Russia will be as hermetically isolated as possible – the political will for this will be immense, any nation or corporation seen funding the Russian war machine will be immediately ostracised.

        • Hongi Ika 5.1.1.1
          3 March 2022 at 10:17 am

          Putin has lost the plot and needs to be held to account ?

          Doubt whether the UN has the gonads to do anything after all the USA has acted ssimilarly with no action taken by the UN ?

          • RedLogix 5.1.1.1.1
            3 March 2022 at 10:33 am

            Putin has lost the plot and needs to be held to account ?

            Yes.

            In 2002 I marched down Lambton Quay along with many thousands of others to protest the imminent US invasion of Iraq. While none of us can re-write the past – this is 2022 and Ukrainians are dying as we type.

            Your defense of this sickens me.

          • Andrew Miller 5.1.1.1.2
            3 March 2022 at 12:37 pm

            Given Russia and China have a veto, I’m genuinely curious as to what you think the UN can do?

        • ghostwhowalksnz 5.1.1.2
          3 March 2022 at 10:22 am

          EU doesnt have an army , thats Nato

          Nato made it very clear many months back even that it would not get involved in Ukraine itself. That would shatter the myth of a 'self defence' military alliance

          Unusually full of certainties and jingoism today . Must be the caffeine

          • RedLogix 5.1.1.2.1
            3 March 2022 at 10:29 am

            While NATO, consistent with its purpose as a defensive military alliance has not involved itself, the EU nations have absolutely responded with substantial and increasing economic sanctions.

            However there is a list of Eastern European NATO members who reasonably anticipate that after Ukraine they are next. And their military leaderships will be making the case that it will be much easier to stop Putin in Ukraine than on the outskirts of their own cities.

            • ghostwhowalksnz 5.1.1.2.1.1
              3 March 2022 at 11:02 am

              My friend you are making the same logic leap you say Putin is doing.

              Building a defensive frontier using somebody elses country.

              But its clear to see you are just an old fashioned jingoist after all…tally-ho

              • RedLogix …
                3 March 2022 at 11:13 am

                I am not your friend.

              • RedLogix …
                3 March 2022 at 11:39 am

                And your logic erases the crucial matter – that one nation after another in Eastern Europe has actively clamoured to become a member of NATO. And as we are seeing on our news and video feeds, ordinary people are willing to give truth to that European choice with their lives.

                You dishonour them with you fake moral equivalences.

  6. Adrian 6
    3 March 2022 at 8:44 am

    The foiling of the attempt to assasinate Kelensky by a Chechen unit was down to the Russian Federations FSB. Is this the first sign of official breaking away from Putin? No wonder he’s hiding in a bunker, now we just need him to do the last step!
    The FSB is the Russian internal version of the KGB, patch war going on by any chance?

    • ghostwhowalksnz 6.1
      3 March 2022 at 9:16 am

      Its just a social media story. You are really sucked into the 'standard tropes' on these sorts of things

    • Blazer 6.2
      3 March 2022 at 9:17 am

      How credible is that story do you think.?

      Demonisation propaganda against Russia is full bore in the western media.

      I saw the story about the Ukrainian air ace that has supposedly taken out 10 now,Russian jet fighters…straight out of…'Ripley's believe it…or not'!

    • Hongi Ika 6.3
      3 March 2022 at 10:19 am

      The World Security Special Forces should be targeting Putin once he is taken out the House of Cards will disintegrate ?

  7. Dennis Frank 7
    3 March 2022 at 9:24 am

    Kiwi business culture going Green shifts up a gear, led by two women:

    The Institute of Directors (IoD) was hosting the local chapter of a global climate governance initiative (CGI) to help directors to effectively govern organisations in their response to climate change.

    Chapter Zero's first online event was due to kick off this morning with 750 people registered to take part. IoD chief executive Kirsten Patterson said the launch of Chapter Zero was a significant milestone in New Zealand's climate emergency response.

    "Being armed with the most up-to-date climate change information including the global agenda, New Zealand's obligations, and understanding science-based targets to reduce emissions, is imperative for directors in ensuring the long-term resilience of the companies they serve," Patterson said, adding climate issues were one of the top concerns for directors of listed companies right through to not-for-profit organisations.

    Air New Zealand and ASB Bank chair Dame Therese Walsh was taking on the role of chair of the Chapter Zero's steering committee. She said social justice was the emerging issue out of climate change agenda, which would have far reaching implications for directors and the organisations they serve. "And so it's not good enough to just say, well, I'm fine over here in my organisation or my community is fine and not impacted. We're actually going to have to take a broader view, and that's where collaboration is important."

    Dame Therese said New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce mandatory climate-related risk disclosures and could make an important contribution to the global effort, even as a small country.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/462628/local-chapter-of-a-global-climate-governance-initiative-launched

  8. ghostwhowalksnz 8
    3 March 2022 at 10:27 am

    Too funny . Porsche production in Germany idled because the cars electrical wire harnesses are made in low wage Ukraine. It seems many other are too.

    Its hell in a Handbasket

    https://www.autoblog.com/2022/03/02/ukraine-invasion-hampers-wire-harness-production-for-automakers/?guccounter=1

  9. joe90 9
    3 March 2022 at 10:31 am

    Putin’s regime silences an elderly survivor.

    https://twitter.com/AlexKokcharov/status/1499080826599919633

    • Hongi Ika 9.1
      3 March 2022 at 10:58 am

      Anyone who questions Putin's authority will be dealt with, this is how Gangsters operate same as domestically here in NZ with the Gangs which have been allowed to flourish here in NZ since Muldoon's Era.

  10. pat 10
    3 March 2022 at 10:40 am

    Has it begun?

    "Prices were also lower with the median selling price declining for the third month in a row to $1,122,500 in February, which is $117,500 lower than its November 2021 peak of $1,240,000.

    The average selling price declined for the second month in a row to $1,196,036, down by $82,611 from its December peak of $1,278,647."

    https://www.interest.co.nz/property/114621/cooling-auckland-housing-market-means-fewer-sales-and-lower-prices-barfoot-thompson

    • Hongi Ika 10.1
      3 March 2022 at 11:02 am

      Couldn't happen soon enough I don't know how people can survive on the minimum wage here in NZ ? Let alone buy a house ?

      Maybe Helen Clarke and John Key shouldn't have let all those Asian House Farmers into NZ, where by they could invest $10 Million in Residential Housing and obtain Perminant Residency ?

    • Koff 10.2
      3 March 2022 at 12:59 pm

      Those prices are ridiculous. Glad I've always (last 35 years anyway) lived on a boat. The one I live on at the moment cost just over 10% of that median price quoted three years ago. Looking at what's happened to many of the million dollar houses in Brisbane and NE NSW during the last few days climate change affected devastating floods (plus the less than a million dollar houses affected more than once recently in Westport), I've also noted that houses don't float very well!

      • pat 10.2.1
        3 March 2022 at 1:36 pm

        "…I've also noted that houses don't float very well!"

        You would think but apparently one did exactly that in NSW

    • Belladonna 10.3
      3 March 2022 at 2:16 pm

      We can hope. 😉

      The commentators all seem to be saying that it's too close to call (one swallow, etc.) – and that the increases are still double-digit year-on-year (so Feb 2021 to Feb 2022 more than 10% increase) – not a sign to break out the bubbly, yet.

      "We need to keep in mind that we are still seeing double-digit year-on-year growth in all regions, but I'd be following this data closely over the next few months if I were looking to buy. It might just spell good news to come," Williams said.

      https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2022/03/new-zealand-property-market-asking-prices-plummet-in-some-parts-as-more-houses-available.html

      Also that some regions had an increase – so not a consistent trend.

      The Omicron outbreak will have had a cooling effect on sales, as has the unintended consequences of the anti-loan-shark legislation (which unintentionally caught mortgages in its scope)

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/127482627/shattered-dreams-as-home-loan-approvals-plunge-after-lending-law-changes

      I suspect that the widely signalled interest rate rises (Omicron and now Russia/Ukraine conflict) will be having an impact, too (or, at least, I can't see how it could not have an impact on people's willingness to commit to enormous mortgages)

      Keep watching with interest (sorry for the pun) to see how the next couple of months go.

      • pat 10.3.1
        3 March 2022 at 2:43 pm

        It is more than 'one swallow' however… declines in the major market for 3 months running.

        But yes, whether it gathers steam is yet to be seen….listings certainly are growing, interest rates moving up and banks are restricting credit so the conditions are all there.

  11. joe90 11
    3 March 2022 at 10:58 am

    . Flying in Russia is going to get as risky AF.

    https://twitter.com/MikeSchriber/status/1499095225117020164

    Referring to the sanctions approved by the bloc, she said: "We ban the sale of all aircraft, spare parts, and equipment to Russian airlines. This will degrade the key sector of Russia's economy and the country's connectivity."

    She added: "Three-quarters of Russia's current commercial air fleet was built in the European Union, the US, and Canada. And therefore, they are massively dependent on that."

    https://www.businessinsider.com/european-union-ban-russian-flights-airspace-fresh-sanctions-report-2022-2?

  12. joe90 12
    3 March 2022 at 11:53 am

    It would work in 1952 or 1962. But it's 2022, and Russian kids have smart phones.

    On March 3, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation will hold an all-Russian open lesson “Defenders of Peace” for schoolchildren. This was announced on March 2 by the press service of the department.

    It will be dedicated to the "liberation mission in Ukraine." You can view it here . Beginning at 12:00 Moscow time.

    “During the open lesson, the audience will be told in detail the background of today's events and will be explained what danger NATO poses to our country. The lesson will also help you figure out how to distinguish truth from lies in the flow of information,” the release says.

    google translate

    https://www.fontanka.ru/2022/03/02/70482635/

  13. Andrew Miller 13
    3 March 2022 at 12:30 pm

    Monbiot on a phenomenon that has direct relevance to some of the Putin apologist bs posted here.

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/02/russian-propaganda-anti-imperialist-left-vladimir-putin?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

  14. Jane 14
    3 March 2022 at 12:35 pm

    "Both Boeing and Airbus are cutting off support and spare parts to Russia".

    So is this also the reason INDIA abstained from voting in the UN today – Worried about spare parts for the huge number of weapons they buy from Russia.

    • pat 14.1
      3 March 2022 at 1:40 pm

      India, China , Brazil, Argentina and various others have been supportive of the Russia/China call for international finance reform over recent years, so their abstention is not necessarily surprising.

  15. ghostwhowalksnz 15
    3 March 2022 at 12:56 pm

    Applies to you too.

    It certainly was the case the coup in Ukraine originated-instigated in western security services, just as the Syrian Civil war was 'instigated' by western backed Sunni nations aided by a flow of Arms from Libya paid and organised by CIA.

    The list of CIA backed coups in various countries since the 1950s is a very long one. One doesnt have to be scohlar to check a few facts ( which isnt your way)

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

    Monbiot is just a left wing version of Hosking , both with Rubrik cubes of self justifying opinions. Its quite silly that you would think he would be credible on some major events. Hes just doing this to avoid being cancelled by The Guardian editos

    https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/world/middleeast/cia-said-to-aid-in-steering-arms-to-syrian-rebels.html

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/cia-begins-weapons-delivery-to-syrian-rebels/2013/09/11/9fcf2ed8-1b0c-11e3-a628-7e6dde8f889d_story.html

    • Andrew Miller 15.1
      3 March 2022 at 2:49 pm

      Ah yes, I remember thinking when marching through London with the Syrian community on an Amnesty organised March in response to Assad’s thugs beating peaceful protestors prior to a single shot being fired in the war “Feels good to be a stooge of American foreign policy”.

      Funny how the ‘Russia were justified as Assad was just responding to a civil war in which he was the least worst operative’ have erased all that from history Orwell style.

      You truly are morally bankrupt, but then what should one expect from that Avatar or is it meant to be ‘ironic’. The double standard is funny, as a Hitler avatar would unsurprisingly be a non starter.

    • McFlock 15.2
      3 March 2022 at 5:08 pm

      The list of CIA backed coups in various countries since the 1950s is a very long one. One doesnt have to be scohlar to check a few facts ( which isnt your way)

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

      Syria's on that wikipedia list, fair call.

      Ukraine isn't, though. And the US involvement in the downfall of Yanukovich (public and diplomatic comments, sanctions when violence started) seems to be far short of the US actions against Assad described in your links (sanctions, weapons & training to rebels)

      • aj 15.2.1
        3 March 2022 at 10:04 pm

        You don't spend 5 Billion and expect nothing in return.

        7:30: “Since Ukrainian’s independence in 1991 the United States has supported Ukranians as they build democratic skills and institutions as they promote civil participation and good goverments all over which are pre conditions to achieve its European aspirations. We’ve invested over 5 billion dollars to assist Ukraine in these and other goals that will assure and secure a prosperous and democratic Ukraine”

        • McFlock 15.2.1.1
          3 March 2022 at 10:24 pm

          coolcool.

          So, worst possible interpretations at the ready, US bribed Ukraine with international aid, Ukrainians aligned to the US and revolted when Yanukovich tried to pivot to Russia, so Russia launched a military invasion.

          Is that your summary of the last 35 years of Ukrainian foreign relations? If not, could you please clearly state what your position actually is?

          Innuendo and titillating fragments do not make your assertions identifiable.

          • aj 15.2.1.1.1
            3 March 2022 at 10:47 pm

            My assertion is quite clear. Money talks.

            People can judge for themselves exactly what she means when she says "civil participation" and "good goverments"

            Could explain why a fringe neo-nazi clique got so much power and helped formed a government right after the maidan revolt in 2014.

            • McFlock 15.2.1.1.1.1
              3 March 2022 at 11:06 pm

              So US is bad because it uses aid money to bolster democratic institutions that Ukrainian people stand up to support?

              What does that make Russia, which outright invades Ukraine against the wishes of Ukrainians?

  16. Herodotus 16
    3 March 2022 at 1:30 pm

    As the world reacts to Russian actions of late, many countries have imposed sanctions eg freezing their assets. Yet I now read Roman Abramovich is now contemplating selling his football team and for these $$billions of funds to be placed into his charity. Am I a little skeptical, or is he trying to liquify some of his assets while he can 🤫, especially as he has historic ties to Putin. ps Well done Liverpool last week 11-10

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/01/roman-abramovich-hastily-selling-uk-properties-mp-claims

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/26/roman-abramovich-russia-sanctions/

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/02/two-uk-based-russian-oligarchs-have-shares-in-22bn-conglomerate-frozen

  17. Belladonna 17
    3 March 2022 at 2:29 pm

    Current Covid cases (presumably mostly Omicron) at 23K today.

    Not that I think that's anything to celebrate.

    But, overseas rates have cases doubling every 3 or so days.

    https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/omicron-cases-doubling-15-3-days-areas-with-local-spread-who-2021-12-18/

    And that's not been the pattern observed here. A couple of jumps (which may be attributable to the PCR testing delays) – but certainly not the doubling that's been described overseas, and predicted in the modelling here.

    [Sorry, this is only current to the 1st March – can't find a nice graphic incorporating the last 2 days – but the numbers aren't enormously greater than 1/3 – around 23K for all 3 days]

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/450874/covid-19-data-visualisations-nz-in-numbers

    Why? Is the high vaccination rate having a significant slowing effect? Is it just a statistical anomaly (and we'll get a big spike in cases early next week)?

    I'm not complaining! But would like to understand what's going on.

  18. SPC 18
    3 March 2022 at 2:48 pm

    It seems the RATS tests will be slow in identifying a positive result (slower viral load build up compared to delta variant). So people will remain active while infectious because initial test results will be negative.

    In terms of medical treatment it would appear important that the old and the health compromised get priority for PCR tests to identify infection early, so early anti-viral use keeps them out of hospital.

  19. weka 19
    3 March 2022 at 3:12 pm

    test. Can you please let me know if you can see the video in this comment?

    https://www.facebook.com/661042032/videos/492239455679916

  20. SPC 20
    3 March 2022 at 3:34 pm

    Flu is back up north.

    Just did a Google search – and it seems 98% of last months flu types in the USA were A(H3N2) and the same for January in Europe. It's a flu strain that results in more hospitalisations (impacts on the aged).

    The number of cases is still lower than in most pre coronavirus pandemic years but higher than since 2019-2020 as community activity increases (and will now include us as border barriers come down).

    https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/return-flu-eu-faces-threat-prolonged-twindemic-2022-01-17/

    https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

  21. Stuart Munro 21
    3 March 2022 at 4:56 pm

    In a truly medieval response, a new power has joined the Ukrainian side, gaining instant popularity and supporting pro-Ukrainian charities abroad.

    Ukraine war: St Javelin and the missile that has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance | Euronews

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    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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