If this virus does take China down economically for a year or more, it gets New Zealand both directly through tourism, students, and commodity exports, and indirectly pulling down other markets critical to us such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Sungapore.
Its time our Finance Minister addressed us on the forecast economic impact here.
here in middle nuzilind where people make money milking cows or tourists the first lay offs have already happened. The hotels are posting vacancy and the eateries are contemplating cutting hours fro staff.
The Listening Post covered the Corona virus in the weekend. The initial burying of the virus's seriousness by the Chinese govt and their state run media, helped in part to facilitate the spread of misleading information via social media. Sadly the silence from Beijing also led to a lack of public awareness about the virus, thereby encouraging it's spread.
I do hope the NZ government is communicating with our exporters and coming up with a plan to avoid false rumours and worry.
Meanwhile in China there was a truly bizarre effort to soothe the population, the Shanghai Media Group and it's tv stars decided to create and air a music video as a response to the virus. It's weird. You can watch it at the end of the link above.
Does anyone know why the returns for candidate donations in previous years that were released to the public are no longer on the original Electoral Commission page they were or where to find them?
I have been bookmarking useful links relevant to the current interest in donations to political parties and the upcoming General Election which others here may also be interested in so here are a few basic ones:
A link to the Electoral Act updated at Jan 2020 to include a few minor changes made/approved by Parliament in about Nov 2019 (IIRC going on memory only!)
[Link goes directly to Section 207JA, one of the sections dealing with overseas donations. To see the other relevant provisions on these, click to see the whole of the Act but the other donations provisions are in the same SubPart as S207JA].
Link to the general section on Political Parties in NZ which covers/provides links to which parties are currently registered, Party Donations rules and returns etc
I predict that in ten years the westcoast will be largely abandoned, this is the 3rd significant road wreacking storm in the last year or so . It will become to expensive to keep open.
Look Guyon, we all know you got given a spreadsheet by a disgruntled ex-NZ First employee and it gave you a hard-on, but you’ve yet to come up with anything other than breathless “revelations” that amount to not much really.
Why don’t you do an in depth look at the systemic issue of party funding in NZ, instead of sensationalist bullshit bully pulpit blathering because since you’ve become woke and learnt a bit of Te Reo you are personally affronted at NZ First’s view of how Maori should think?
Still waiting for your links to were you show disgust at nationals many many dodgy behaviors. Stealing music ,splitting donations , selling list seats take your pick just one example will have me apologising for calling you an empty little man.
Question – has the Standard ever considered going onto Youtube, similar to how Novara Media work?
You know, start to create an alternative left wing media eco system to the boring crapfest the Morning report has become and the dollar store version of the Daily Mail the NZ Herald is these days?
Imagine – Advantage talks to Andrew Geddis and Paul Buchanan about party funding for 90 minutes… Or Mickey Savage talks to the editor of Crickey.com.au and Paul Fitzsimmons about Australian politics…
A little studio is cheap as chips to set up these days!
The focus on low taxes, skimpy investment in infrastructure, user-pays thinking and the primacy of the individual and the short term over the interests of the state and the long term has left us with hundreds of thousands of kids in poverty, a housing shortage estimated at up to 200,000 homes, an infrastructure deficit estimated at up to $300b and a climate emissions reduction task that is impossible with the current settings."
As should be obvious, the underlying idea of Kiwisaver is to shift the burden to saving for retirement off the govt towards user pays.
Then there are the macro-economic implications which mandate that the housing debt is rising to fill in for that saving. If you don't understand that link you don't understand what Dr Cullen has suggested about Kiwisaver rates being available as an economic policy lever.
Democracy in the USA has evolved to the point where only geriatrics are suitable for the top job, according to the system: Trump (73), Biden (77), Sanders (78), Warren (70), Bloomberg (77). Only spring chicken Elizabeth Warren, and Trump, are young enough to be boomers.
We beat them by a generation – it's now thirty years since a boomer cohort restructured governance in Aotearoa. Time for phase two:
"1989 was year zero in many ways for modern New Zealand. It was also the year tax laws were changed to (accidentally) discourage long term pension investment in businesses and encourage housing investment. It was a cross-party effort". Neoliberalism.
"A quick look at the demographics of the voting age population shows Generations X,Y and Z will overwhelm the baby boomers in the decade from 2023 to 2033". "So what would alt-control-delete look like? The leaders of the current Labour-led coalition supported by The Greens would say they are doing that 'rewrite' now with the creation of the Zero Carbon Act and proposed amendments to the Reserve Bank Act, the State Sector Act, the Public Finance Act and the Resource Management Act."
"But the political mathematics of MMP and the legacy of the boomer politicians still in charge of many of the instruments of power and the balance of power means the reforms are incremental at best." Yes, this is a transitional phase. Transformation of the system will be deferred until the demographic shift kicks in.
"The primacy of this median-voter-driven politics and a 'no surprises' culture that drives a risk-averse approach to ministerial advice and the operation of ministries is rock solid, on both sides of politics."
Democracy rules, to ensure that our 19th century economic system will keep lurching on into the future like a dysfunctional robot. Muddle through the middle as usual.
a quick look at the demographics show that the pre boomers could out-vote the boomers-plus now (and have been able to for the last couple of elections) IF they bothered to turn up…implying the change cannot occur until 2023-2033 highlights the fact that there are some pretty simplistic assumptions at play when considering both demographics and voting patterns.
The age range of senior politicos is a curious feature at the moment. Pelosi is also 79.
Is it just coincidence, after all the US has had plenty of much younger Presidents over the last 60 years. Maybe it is the last gasp of the boomers (or those a bit above) at the top jobs. Just like Dole was the last “greatest generation” candidate. Surely in 2024 we will see a whole swath of younger candidates, probably including some of those who dropped out early in the current race. For instance if Biden or Sanders became President, would they do 2 terms?
Much of Europe and of course NZ have top leaders in their 30’s or early 40’s. Though does that actually mean better government. One thing that is evident however, is that climate changes policies matter a lot more with younger politicians.
Systems in decline tend to exhibit the same outward signs of morbidity, including a shuffling gerontocracy. The current US senior leadership looks like the Soviet Politburo at the end of the USSR, glossy animated cadavers shuffling and wheezing and shaking their frail, rheumy fists at each other.
John Key was young….but then again plenty of liberals have exposed themselves lately as being more closely aligned with the ideology of someone like Key than to any actual possible progressive left wing leader that could potentially pop up in NZ….( I wish).
Age matters beyond a certain point. Some people can retain a youthful vitality and good mental acuity into their early 70s, but the reality is by the time you get past 75 your best days are well behind you, no matter how age defying you are. Mental flexibility, decision making skills and ability to handle the pressure and the workload all drop off after your mid to late fifties, which is why people still want to retire at 65. We may be living longer, but all that extra life occurs at the wrong end.
Besides, we are not dealing with a bunch of hyper-fit and agile 60 somethings in the USA, or even sharp and sprightly early 70-year-olds. We are talking a 78 year old Bernie Sanders, a 76 year old Joe Biden, a visibly aging and mentally deteriorating 73 year old Trump, Nancy Pelosi is pushing 80, Mitch McConnell I think is 78. It goes on and on, especially in the senate.
You'll never convince me a but of neo-octagenarians have mental and workload capacity to run the USA better than politicians 20 years younger.
Also, when it comes to the likes of Corbyn and Sanders proudly proclaiming their socialist cred, there's an ideology problem that the likes of AOC don't have.
Old geezers have had their views of socialism formed in the 60s and 70s and 80s, and most of what called itself socialism then was intensely disliked by most of those that lived through it. The downsides of that flavour of socialism flung the door wide open to the excesses of the neo-liberalism that came after. So when Corbyn and Sanders proudly flaunt socialist cred, it gives the idea that they want to take us back to the worst of the 70s. Which falls firmly into the basket of "not fkn wanted" for large sectors of the population, including the demographics with the highest voting turnout.
Whereas when someone much younger such as AOC starts saying "socialist" and talking about what they want, it seems much more likely they are talking about something like the scandinavian social democracies. That's a much more attractive and less threatening prospect.
it seems much more likely they are talking about something like the scandinavian social democracies. That's a much more attractive and less threatening prospect.
Exactly. Keep in mind the USA did all the heavy lifting in the Cold War, and they have long memories of this. The word socialism has a different and much darker connotation to them than it does to us.
But if we want to sell a modern, social democratic ideal, we have to be clear on where the boundaries are. Because any hint of marxism in the mix will ensure a bad reaction.
I agree about the baggage, smearing Sanders and Corbyn is a piece of cake given their long history.
Win or lose, this run by Sanders is really all about setting up AOC in 2024. AOC has no baggage. If Sanders wins, even in the USA his age in 2024 (82 to 86 for a second term – with AOC as his VP?) will be a problem. Lose and AOC becomes the shining hope of re-winning the White House, especially when Trump will be a fully deranged 77 year old and in a country where whites are a rapidly declining voter group.
Whatever happens, I predict AOC will be president of the United States no later than 2028 – and her victory will push the United States into it’s greatest crisis since Lincoln won in 1860.
AOC can’t run till 2028 because of the age restriction of the Constitution. Presidents have to be 36 years old. Buttigieg just scapes in. Kennedy is the youngest President, I think aged 42 when elected.
I also think AOC will never be President, unless she moderates her views. The US basically is not a socialist nation. Her views are to the left of Sanders.
However I also have no doubt she will moderate them enough to become broadly acceptable. I am pretty sure she is no Corbyn and is much more flexible than he ever was.
Wayne, I've often wondered that. Several factors come to mind. The steps to promotion are controlled by older people? The electorate trusts more the wisdom of age than the energy of the young? The vision of the young is different and challenging? The focus of the young is upon other things? The huge non-vote in the US shows a similar sized disconnect with politics? Politics in the US demands access to large cash resources and is a privilege of the wealthy? Politicians are not hugely respected? Being involved in politics bears a personal cost in terms of employment, social standing, personal safety?
All of these factors, framed as questions for I am not sure of their actual strong validity, I am sure apply in some way.
I came into politics as a candidate at age fifty. Before that, I was deeply involved but had job and family commitments. It was first suggested to me at age nearly forty. How long does it take to get into the top of national politics within a party if forty or fifty is the starting age for first engagement?
So it's official, National plan to follow the example of the Australian Liberal Party in their bid to win an 'unwinnable election'
National MPs have been schooling up on the campaign tricks that helped Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison to victory in last year's "unwinnable" election.
…
The Liberals drove a brutal campaign that zeroed in on the economy, repeatedly warning that Labor's big policy proposals posed a massive risk to people's wallets.
"[National] has got a great record from the previous government," Westenberg said. "They've demonstrated that they can deliver, because they did last time."
Bridges has already signalled an intent to use that line of attack, later telling reporters: "This is a government that doesn't deliver. National will get things done."
It's important to remember the Liberals won in part due to numerous untrue claims in advertising. We should be prepared to effectively counter Nationals attempts to repeat this.
I see Chloe Swarbrick is the Green candidate for Auckland Central. For the love of God, Labour please don't run a candidate against her because
a) she is a really good politician and b) she would probably win if you gave her a clear run, meaning the Greens get an insurance policy that would upset Soimon from Accounts no end.
A good ploy. All the likely NZF social conservatives and anti-Greens will flock to vote NZF. They will hope that NZF goes with National (against the pronouncements and the odds) or that NZF gets enough votes to govern with Labour alone, thus leaving the Greens entirely out of it.
Piggy Muldoon was the most equal of them all. Deemed socialist (eventually) by all those straight young guys who voted him into power in '75. Strangely, they never seemed to point out that he was National socialist – perhaps because folks would match that with national socialist. Come '84 nobody was thinking straight…
Thank you for telling it how it is.
There seem to be quite a few in this thread in a dispicable denial.
There can be no soft selling the betrayal that this man and his colleagues committed in this country.
Not only did they rob future generations including my own, the squandered unforgivably the hard work of generations before them.
No there can be no rose tinted eulogies.
We will not allow it.
[The Author of this Post had requested you to stop commenting on this Post, which you have ignored. You seem to have strong views on certain things, which is fine, but your insulting and inflaming language aimed at the Author and another Commenter here are not fine. If you cannot tell the difference between a robust debate and insulting others maybe you should stay away from certain Posts here. I won’t give you a ban but please consider this as a warning – Incognito]
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
An appalling decision, but I did wonder about one of the 'rationalisations' given the chairman. It was stated that the ad was on National's facebook page, but the AS appeared to believe that it would only be seen by people who go to that page or have it referred on to them by people they know. Now I am no expert at marketing using Facebook, but wasn't the problem with the US Presidential campaign that 'other parties' are able to target almost anyone. Is it beyond belief that for example a list of transport operators may be leaked to a National support who, acting totally without the knowledge of the party, sends the ad to that list – or to all posters to all those Kiwiblog posters who may not have otherwise seen it. Wilful ignorance, or incompetence by a group who should but appear not to understand the reality of modern advertising? Or have I got it all wrong?
Has anyone heard if Robert Guyton and the other greenie bloke out Riverton way I think, are ok with Southland’s State of Emergency with all water flowing down there?
Hi Exkiwiforces – thanks for your concern. The waters here at my place are not a problem, but elsewhere in Southland, there are serious issues. Gore has challenges and the ex-Tiwai aluminium dross stores in sheds there is worrying many; it and water don't mix comfortably. Milford Sound, as you'll know, is in dire straits; the flooding and road damage there is severe. Various roads across Southland are blocked and the rain is still falling.
Hi weka – the Aparima runs dirty and swells but we have an estuary to buffer our village. My home is 20 metres above sea level. There will be farms covered but stop banks have been in place for decades. If they fail, the story will change but Environment Southland is confident they won't.
A sick joke, really. The aluminium smelter produces waste. Someone bought it, promising to convert it into fertiliser. They didn't, instead storing it in an old paper mill beside the Mataura River, which is presently very swollen. The present owners of the stuff has promised the store is secure against flooding. The people of Gore are not resting easy. Dross plus water + ammonia gas.
When I wrote “dross stores” I meant “dross STORED”
"Media Advisory Flooding in Southland/Fiordland Piopiotahi Number: 10 Date: 4 February 2020 Time: 8.30pm Gore and Mataura residents to prepare for evacuation This is an official message from Emergency Management Southland Modelling data suggests flood levels in the Mataura catchment are likely to reach similar levels to the 1999 floods. Two peaks are expected to pass through Gore tomorrow (Wednesday) – the first at 5.00am and the second at approximately 12.30pm. Existing stop banks have been designed to hold this volume of water. Additional precautions and support, like sandbagging, are being put in place in some areas and residents are being asked to be ready to evacuate if required. People should prepare a grab bag containing medication, clothing and person items, including documents. If you have friends and family outside the potential flood area you can go to, please make those arrangements now. For those needing somewhere to stay, we have set up a welfare centre at the Calvin Community Church in Robertson Street in Gore. Further information about a welfare centre in Mataura will be advised in the morning. Residents will be advised by Council and emergency staff once it is confirmed they need to evacuate but the more prepared they are the better. All schools in the Gore district have been closed for tomorrow. Roads remain closed throughout the region and there is surface flooding on many of those that are still open. Please take care and check the NZTA and local council websites for closures. Emergency Management Southland controller Angus McKay said people should avoid unnecessary travel, check on their neighbours and follow the Civil Defence Southland facebook page and website for updates. Those who have travelled out of the region for events need to be prepared to stay put or check road conditions before setting out. Extreme care is required on all roads. Farmers in low lying areas should consider moving stock and paying extra attention to their effluent storage. Lumsden and Riversdale residents are advised to reduce toilet flushing as the pumps are under significant pressure from the extra water. Trampers in huts in Fiordland have now been evacuated, the remaining 195 tourists in Milford will be evacuated tomorrow morning, weather permitting."
A volunteer who was sandbagging inside the Mataura papermill on Wednesday morning says they were driven out by ammonia gas after floodwaters entered the building.
…
The volunteers were all safe, and some had sore eyes, but they were told to leave by the Fire Service, Stuff has been told.
…
Mataura residents evacuated have been told one of the reasons they were taken from the town was because of the ouvea premix.
And a woman who has always been outspoken about the premix at Mataura says it was time for Government intervention to remove the hazardous substance from their town.
All good Robert, just wasn't sure what part of the woods you lived in due to the amount of rainfall as it was similar to an event we had here in Darwin about 2wks over a 24hr period.
Have been following the sorry saga of the NZAS doss waste for a few yrs now and I still can't believe its not been sorted out and especially in the way its been stored of late next to the Mataura River, which can get a bit nasty when there's been a good amount of rainfall in its catchment.
PS. The Southland Floods even made the 7pm ABC's Darwin News lastnight.
What I find even more depressing is the fact that it is the same the whole world over.
Just reported now from the Iowa Republican caucus:
Joe Walsh, a conservative Republican turned Trump critic, dared to play Daniel in the lion’s den. “Republicans!” he entreated “We’ve got to be more decent. We can’t be cruel.”
A woman shouted in response: “I love our president. I like his tweets.”
Walsh gamely fought on even as he lost the crowd. “If you send me to the White House, I will enact conservative policies but I make you a promise. I will be decent and I won’t be cruel. I will be honest and I won’t lie.”
He continued: “Look, if you want four more years of the Donald Trump show…” but was drowned out by angry shouts in the affirmative.
Walsh said: “Last thing I’ll say. If you want four more years of a president who wakes up every morning and makes every day about himself, then vote for Donald Trump.”
There was uproar and loud booing. One man, wearing Trump regalia, bellowed: “You’re done!”
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Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it: We want our country to be a ...
The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading → ...
Ele Ludemann writes – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
What was that judge thinking?Peter Williams writes – That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read:Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop:Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
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:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
Buzz from the BeehiveThe text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary. It can be quickly analysed ...
For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
Questions need to be asked on both sides of the worldPeter Williams writes – The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read:Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop:The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
TL;DR:Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
Bob Edlin writes – The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
The Government has accepted Labour’s change to the Road User Charge (RUC) discount for hybrid vehicles, meaning there will still be some incentive for people to buy greener vehicles. ...
Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi has penned a letter asking MPs to support his members bill to remove GST from all food. The bill is expected to go through its first reading in parliament this Wednesday. “I’m calling on all political parties to support my ...
This year is about getting real with Kiwis and discussing the tough issues, as the National Government exacerbates inequality and divides New Zealand, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said ...
The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. ...
After 12 years of fighting to protect our moana we are finding ourselves back at square one and back at court. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is sitting in Hawera to reconsider an application from Trans-Tasman Resources to dig up 50 million tonnes of the seabed in South Taranaki. This ...
Minister Shane Jones’ decision to step away from a seabed mining project is evidence of the murky waters surrounding the Government’s fast-track legislation. ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The Coalition Government’s miscalculation saga continues as it has forgotten an eyewatering $90 million gap in its interest deductibility cost figures, say Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Revenue Spokesperson Deborah Russell. ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has today released advice that says if the Government doesn’t act now New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its climate goals. ...
The Coalition Government has today confirmed it is abandoning first home buyers who are struggling to get ahead, says Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. ...
The New Zealand public voted for a change in direction at the 2023 general election and that is exactly what this coalition government has been delivering in its first 100 days. There was an immediate focus on the economy, easing the cost of living, cracking down on law and order ...
The Government has left the health system as an afterthought, announcing half-baked targets at the last minute of their 100-day plan, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
Kiwis are still waiting for their promised cost of living support after 100 days of a National Government that is taking us backwards, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
100 days of National taking NZ backwardsThe National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
The Government must commit to funding free and healthy school lunches, as thousands of people sign the petition to keep them, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti says. ...
If the Government was serious about moving families into public housing, they would build more houses so there is actually somewhere for people to go. ...
The free and healthy school lunches programme feeds our kids, helps them to learn, and saves families money – but it is at risk under this Government, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
The Government’s proposed changes to Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPO) add almost nothing new and are merely an attempt to distract from its plans to loosen gun laws, police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and justice spokesperson Dr Duncan Webb said. ...
The great Victorian era English politician Lord Macauley stood in the British House of Parliament and said, "The gallery in which the reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm".He understood and outlined even way back then, the significant role and influence media have in a democracy. ...
The government’s attack on Māori health this week is committing tangata-whenua to a premature death, says Te Pāti Māori. “The government have begun their onslaught on Māori health with the abolishment of the Māori Health Authority and smokefree laws in the same day” said health spokesperson and co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. ...
"The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April. ...
Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand. Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships. “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland Acknowledgements and opening Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says. “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024 Acknowledgements and opening Morena, Nga Mihi Nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country. “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week. “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee. “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today. “The Amendment Paper represents ...
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level. “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024. “Lower fruit and vege ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction. Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness. It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology. It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
Chumbawamba have reportedly issued the deputy PM a cease-and-desist notice after he used their song 'Tubthumping' before his state of the nation speech. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Lupton, SHARP Professor, Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney kitzcorner/Shutterstock The assertion from Queensland’s chief health officer John Gerrard that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock Why are musicians so keen to get played on the radio? It can’t be because of the money. In Australia they are paid at rates so low they ...
"Farmers make a point not to tell our urban cousins how to live, yet Chlöe from central Auckland is hell-bent on having her say about farmers," says ACT Rural Communities spokesman Mark Cameron. “On her first day in the House as Green ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Curran, Associate Professor of Ecology, Lincoln University, New Zealand Getty Images/Gerald Corsi In the latest move to reform environmental laws in New Zealand, the coalition government has introduced a bill to fast-track consenting processes for projects deemed to ...
Uber has argued it does not have as much control over drivers as the unions suggest, and wants a judgment ruling that drivers are employees and not contractors set aside and sent back to the Employment Court. The 2022 ruling followed a three-week hearing in which four drivers sought to ...
What can and can’t be purchased by disabled people or their carers has been slashed in an effort by the Ministry of Disabled People Whaikaha to save money. The purchasing guidelines, a set of rules that sets out what can be purchased using the various streams of Government disability funding, ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Tod Wright and Hien Nguyen, Fiscal incidence in New Zealand: The effects of taxes and benefits on household incomes in tax year 2018/19 . Analyses of the distributional impact of taxation and government ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Cory Davis, Boston Hart and Benjamin Stubbing, Household cost-of-living impacts from the Emissions Trading Scheme and using transfers to mitigate regressive outcomes . This Analytical Note ...
A coalition of public transport and climate organisations, united as ‘Transport for All’, is actively opposing the government’s transport proposals. The draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) includes plans for higher fares for public transport, ...
Greater Wellington is inviting feedback on proposed changes to its Revenue and Financing Policy. The Revenue and Financing Policy covers the Council’s various sources of funding, and how the cost of services is shared across the region. This includes ...
Labour has conceded it could have done more to deal with disruptive state housing tenants while in government but says the current coalition is going too far. ...
The band has asked their record label to issue a cease and desist to stop the NZ First leader using their 1997 hit to support his ‘misguided political views’. “I get knocked down, but I get up again,” blared through the speakers on Sunday as Winston Peters took the stage ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Food rationing is underway in remote areas in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands following torrential rain and flash flooding. More than 20 people have been reported dead in Chimbu Province. In nearby Enga Province, the centre of last month’s massacre, a 15-year-old boy has been ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Hughes, Lecturer, Research School of Management, Australian National University After months of debate and intrigue, the AFL’s 19th and newest team, the Tasmania Devils, finally launched its jumper, logo and colours in Devonport this week. The Devils will wear green, ...
Brannavan Gnanalingam reviews the debut novel by Saraid de Silva.One of the most baffling things for children who move to a new country is what their parents’ (or grandparents’) lives were like prior to moving – for kids in particular, they’re too busy trying to fit in in their ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Gaunson, Associate Professor in Cinema Studies, RMIT University Narelle Portanier/Binge “If you don’t know who your mob are, you don’t know who you are,” Detective Andrea “Andie” Whitford (played by Leah Purcell) is told early into the new crime ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elise Klein, Associate professor, Australian National University It’s commonly accepted that women do the vast majority of caregiving in Australian society. But less appreciated is that Indigenous women do larger amounts of unpaid care than any other group. Working with the Aboriginal ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Joe Biden and Donald Trump have both secured their parties’ nominations for the November 5 United States general election by winning a ...
Comment: There has been a striking contrast in trans-Tasman interest about Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Zealand and Australia. While the Australian press has been full of articles about the visit – including his curious decision to meet with former prime minister and China booster Paul Keating ...
After years of pressuring banks and other institutions to stop investing in fossil fuels, climate campaigners are making some progress. So how does divestment work?For years, climate activists have been pushing banks and other big institutions to divest from fossil fuels. New research from climate advocacy group 350 Aotearoa ...
For Boba, Ethan and Ashley, K-pop is a place to belong, a way to express themselves, and a bridge to connect with others. The three young Polynesians are part of a K-pop fan community in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s one of many that have sprung up worldwide as K-pop has gone ...
For Boba, Ethan and Ashley, K-pop is a place to belong, a way to express themselves, and a bridge to connect with others. This one-off documentary presents three intimate portraits of young Polynesians who are pulled into a Korean cultural phenomenon. K-POLYS is directed by Litia Tuiburelevu, Produced by Hex ...
There’s ample evidence demonstrating free school lunch programmes provide wide benefits across schools, households and communities according to public health researchers. ACT Minister David Seymour wants to reduce the spending on Aotearoa New Zealand’s ...
By Wata Shaw in Suva Fiji is facing an exodus of Fijians as many are leaving for overseas seeking employment and education and others are migrating, says Opposition MP Viliame Naupoto. Speaking in Parliament, he said: “His Excellency’s speech (Ratu Wiliame Katonivere) comes after a little over one year of ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming comments from Christopher Luxon this morning recommitting to ‘no new taxes’ as part of Budget 2024. “Mr Luxon’s refusal at the Post-Cabinet press conference yesterday to repeat the ‘no new taxes’ promise ...
SAFE is urgently calling on the Environment Committee to reject the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill, and is urging New Zealanders to rally behind the call. The proposed Bill, currently under consideration with the Environment select committee, ...
Teammates who spend all their time picking fights with spectators are only helpful for the other team, writes Madeleine Chapman. Anyone who has ever played a team sport competitively, particularly as a child and particularly, for some reason, basketball, will know that there’s a lot of politics involved. While there ...
The long-running Wellington music festival is too focused on the Jim Beam-ness and not enough on the Homegrown-ness.There is something about Homegrown that’s difficult to place. A barely perceptible-ness. Like feeling a ghost is watching you from the corner of the room but when you look, there’s nothing there. ...
The latest Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor reveals that fewer New Zealanders believe crime / law and order is one of the top issues facing our country. In 2018, Ipsos New Zealand started tracking the key issues facing New Zealand. In this wave ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Griffiths, Deputy Program Director, Budgets and Government, Grattan Institute Australia’s political donations rules are woefully inadequate, but donations reform is finally on the agenda. The federal government has signalled its interest in reform and will soon begin briefing MPs on its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Naiyana Somchitkaeo/Shutterstock A recent study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine has linked microplastics with risk to human health. The study ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Global climate records were shattered in 2023, from air and sea temperatures to sea-level rise and sea-ice extent. Scores of countries recorded their hottest year ...
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a teacher explains why he and his partner are in frugal mode – and how they’re making it work. Gender: Male Age: 35Ethnicity: Pākehā Role: I am an intermediate school teacher and my partner is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Bendall, Senior Lecturer, Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, Australian Catholic University Binge Mary & George, the new British television drama series, depicts the real-life story of Mary Villiers and her son George, and their social climbing at the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason Nassios, Associate Professor, Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University This article is part of The Conversation’s series examining the housing crisis. Read the other articles in the series here. Australian state and federal governments spend money in many ways to ...
The finance minister is denying that there’s a $5.6b shortfall in paying for the government’s campaign promises, including tax cuts. At his post-cabinet press conference yesterday, the PM refused to rule out new taxes to pay for the cuts, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s ...
Kāinga Ora tenants abused by their neighbours are doubting the government's crackdown on disruptive tenants will make a difference on their behaviour. ...
Kāinga Ora is New Zealand’s biggest residential landlord, housing more than 180,000 vulnerable people in more than 67,000 properties. Yesterday the government announced a crackdown on its tenants who fall behind on rent. One longtime Kāinga Ora tenant shares her experience.For 18 years I lived in a 1960s standalone ...
Why does this myth persist, and what’s the real reason our skin is suffering?It’s one of the biggest international grievances New Zealanders hold, up there with the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior and 1981’s underarm incident. We’re quick to tell international travellers that the world’s pollution led to the ...
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Bob’s relationship with certain members of Lincoln’s academic staff continued to deteriorate in the 1990s. Others supported him publicly, though articles such as Roland Clark’s 1993 piece in Growing Today cannot have pleased the university management. Clark wrote that Bob was selling onions from the Biological Husbandry Unit to a ...
SailGP’s races feature in-your-face action, with agile, hydro-foiling catamarans tacking and jibing for the title over several days. However, public comments ahead of the global series’ return to New Zealand have left this past year’s controversy in the shadows, as a key appointment attracts criticism from dolphin advocates. A year ...
Opinion: We are fast approaching a fundamental change in prisons. As the number of people on custodial remand looks set to overtake the number of sentenced prisoners, the main function of prisons in New Zealand may become incarcerating un-sentenced people who may not be guilty of offending. We have already ...
A huge seven months lies in store for the White Ferns, beginning this week with the visit of England and culminating with the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September and October. Starting on Tuesday in Dunedin, the world ranked No. 2 visitors will play five T20s and three ODIs, ...
Opinion: In a move that has shocked road safety advocates across the country, the new Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, is poised to abandon the previous government’s speed limit reduction policy, particularly around schools. Even more alarmingly, he wants school speed limits to be variable rather than full-time, arguing ...
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When the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act was introduced in 2009 it was firmly targeted at gangs and drugs. The legislation means police no longer need a conviction to seize assets that criminals can’t prove were paid for legitimately, as long as their alleged offences are punishable by more than a ...
The letters, which were published last week, were addressed to Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairperson Megawati Sukarnoputri, National Democrat Party (NasDem) Chairperson Surya Paloh, National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairperson Muhaimin Iskandar, Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS) President Ahmad Syaikhu and United Development Party (PPP) Chairperson Muhammad Mardiono. In ...
Evicting more people from state housing is ignorant to the consequences of poverty, the Greens say, but the Housing Minister says it's a privilege that can be taken away if abused. ...
Evicting more people from state housing is ignorant to the consequences of poverty, the Greens say, but the Housing Minister says it's a privilege that can be taken away if abused. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emerald L King, Lecturer in Humanities, University of Tasmania IMDB Between Netflix’s 2023 live-action version of One Piece, and its latest take on Avatar: The Last Airbender, fans are once again asking: why are live-action anime adaptations so tricky to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emerald L King, Lecturer in Humanities, University of Tasmania IMDB Between Netflix’s 2023 live-action version of One Piece, and its latest take on Avatar: The Last Airbender, fans are once again asking: why are live-action anime adaptations so tricky to ...
The government says it still intends to deliver tax cuts by July, but will not lock them in until they have got them past their coalition partners. ...
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII has hosted members of the Green Party Caucus at Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaaruawahia. The audience follows the King’s Hui-aa-Motu on 20 January, where more than 10,000 people gathered to discuss national ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dr Rachael Potter, Research Associate and Lecturer in Work and Organisational Psychology, University of South Australia Ground Picture/Shutterstock Pregnant women and workers with children are often unfairly treated by their bosses and colleagues, despite laws to protect against workplace discrimination ...
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If this virus does take China down economically for a year or more, it gets New Zealand both directly through tourism, students, and commodity exports, and indirectly pulling down other markets critical to us such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Sungapore.
Its time our Finance Minister addressed us on the forecast economic impact here.
it is already getting us through tourism.
here in middle nuzilind where people make money milking cows or tourists the first lay offs have already happened. The hotels are posting vacancy and the eateries are contemplating cutting hours fro staff.
And its not even been two month.
The Listening Post covered the Corona virus in the weekend. The initial burying of the virus's seriousness by the Chinese govt and their state run media, helped in part to facilitate the spread of misleading information via social media. Sadly the silence from Beijing also led to a lack of public awareness about the virus, thereby encouraging it's spread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUS-W81mElQ It's the first story up, the other stories that follow are also well worth watching. Good episode.
I do hope the NZ government is communicating with our exporters and coming up with a plan to avoid false rumours and worry.
Meanwhile in China there was a truly bizarre effort to soothe the population, the Shanghai Media Group and it's tv stars decided to create and air a music video as a response to the virus. It's weird. You can watch it at the end of the link above.
Does anyone know why the returns for candidate donations in previous years that were released to the public are no longer on the original Electoral Commission page they were or where to find them?
https://thestandard.org.nz/the-2017-general-election-electorate-expense-returns/
I know I've seen them before around the time this story was in The Standard
https://vote.nz/events/2017-general-election/2017-parties-candidates-and-third-parties/third-party-returns-2017
The websites relating to Elections etc appear to have all been redone, updated etc – and presented in KISS language and big text!
Here is the new link to the 2017 General Elections expenses returns:
https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/historical-events/2017-general-election/party-expenses-for-the-2017-general-election/
Other historical returns can be found here:
https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/historical-events/
I have been bookmarking useful links relevant to the current interest in donations to political parties and the upcoming General Election which others here may also be interested in so here are a few basic ones:
A link to the Electoral Act updated at Jan 2020 to include a few minor changes made/approved by Parliament in about Nov 2019 (IIRC going on memory only!)
[Link goes directly to Section 207JA, one of the sections dealing with overseas donations. To see the other relevant provisions on these, click to see the whole of the Act but the other donations provisions are in the same SubPart as S207JA].
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0087/latest/LMS301741.html
Link to the general section on Political Parties in NZ which covers/provides links to which parties are currently registered, Party Donations rules and returns etc
https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/political-parties-in-new-zealand/
https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/political-parties-in-new-zealand/party-donations-and-loans-by-year/
Link to the pages already up on the 2020 General Election (these include other related links):
https://vote.nz/ Electorate boundaries, enrolling etc
https://vote.nz/elections-and-more/all-events/2020/2020-general-election/
Can I just give a big shoutout to the Milford Road Alliance team. Such beauty in that forested valley, such torrential rage.
You've got a mighty load of road building ahead, crack into it.
I predict that in ten years the westcoast will be largely abandoned, this is the 3rd significant road wreacking storm in the last year or so . It will become to expensive to keep open.
I predict the opposite.
They may be shrinking but they're the toughest NZer around.
Continuing huge tourist booms as we get relatively safer with each passing year.
They have been saying that for150 years.
Oh God, Guyon is going on about NZ First again.
Look Guyon, we all know you got given a spreadsheet by a disgruntled ex-NZ First employee and it gave you a hard-on, but you’ve yet to come up with anything other than breathless “revelations” that amount to not much really.
Why don’t you do an in depth look at the systemic issue of party funding in NZ, instead of sensationalist bullshit bully pulpit blathering because since you’ve become woke and learnt a bit of Te Reo you are personally affronted at NZ First’s view of how Maori should think?
NZF has a view on how Maori should think? No wonder Guyon thinks they wankers.
But Guyon aside, what do make of what Andrew Geddis has to say? All looks rather dodgy to me.
If you can’t see how dodgy it is – you are either willfully blind or stupid.
It’s going to amount to something.
The link to the story from above
Interesting indeed
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/408785/wealthy-and-powerful-nz-first-foundation-donors-revealed
Funny Ive never noticed you holding national to your high standards.
Could it be that you are a fake little man?
To the personal insults = shows you know there is something stinking going on with this government.
Or you could point to were you have held national to account.
To be clear if nzf are dodgy I hope they get caught.
All donations should be transparent imho
Agreed.
We could solve these problems overnight if all donations had to be disclosed.
Your in luck. I’m guessing that it is dodgy and you will see them caught.
and since a vote for Nz first is a vote for a labour led government this can only be good for national.
Still waiting for your links to were you show disgust at nationals many many dodgy behaviors. Stealing music ,splitting donations , selling list seats take your pick just one example will have me apologising for calling you an empty little man.
You keep waiting – because I have better things to do than go searching for you.
like having a crap.
Which is why your knickers are in a twist over NZ1, but not the National Party dodge upon which the NZ1 system was directly based.
Ah, no. That is just the effect you have on other people.
It all looks "pretty legal" to me. Surely something to be celebrated by aficionados of the St. John Key school of minimalist ethics?
No NZF donations from people linked to the Communist Party of China then, that's good.
The National Party seems to have the dodgy Chinese donors all to themselves.
National Party Dirty Money
https://www.twitter.com/LetsfixthisNZ/status/1223539667028471808
Question – has the Standard ever considered going onto Youtube, similar to how Novara Media work?
You know, start to create an alternative left wing media eco system to the boring crapfest the Morning report has become and the dollar store version of the Daily Mail the NZ Herald is these days?
Imagine – Advantage talks to Andrew Geddis and Paul Buchanan about party funding for 90 minutes… Or Mickey Savage talks to the editor of Crickey.com.au and Paul Fitzsimmons about Australian politics…
A little studio is cheap as chips to set up these days!
For me that's not until I semiretired to Wanaka.
Otherwise have a chat with Mickey or Lyn.
Here I was thinking you were left? Very tame…
You need Ed interviewing Rachel Stewart and Craig Murray for starters.
Then an Ed monologue on how everything can be nationalized.
The Sunday gardening, soil/community/resilience building slot would be appointment viewing.
"But did it work?
The focus on low taxes, skimpy investment in infrastructure, user-pays thinking and the primacy of the individual and the short term over the interests of the state and the long term has left us with hundreds of thousands of kids in poverty, a housing shortage estimated at up to 200,000 homes, an infrastructure deficit estimated at up to $300b and a climate emissions reduction task that is impossible with the current settings."
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2020/02/04/1016821/what-another-1989-style-transformation-would-look-like
Not a bad summation by Bernard Hickey (with a link to Mike Moore's passing) and some practical pathways offered
For an MMP government who made generational moves you need only look to the Clark-Cullen administration. Check your Kiwisaver if you're unsure.
Neither Ardern nor Bridges have a bold bone in their body.
Really, Kiwisaver? You have been sold a right crock if you think that is a transformational policy.
Its bloody brilliant is kiwi saver.
Between a rocky start to life a divorce and being a bit crap with money kiwisaver is my only hope of a decent old age ,unless I hit a lotto win.
Hey, good for you. But that doesn't make it good for everybody. As Pat highlights its probably driving the housing market to some extent.
Na the biggest drivers of the housing problem are immigration and rental subsidies.
Kiwisaver was not however systemic and it can be argued has assisted house inflation.
Clark/Cullen were in fact an excellent example of the incremental policy Hickey describes
That's a very astute observation Pat.
Oh what crap.
Most of the population are in Kiwisaver.
I dont have to defend each policy, but the scope of many of them has been massive.
As should be obvious, the underlying idea of Kiwisaver is to shift the burden to saving for retirement off the govt towards user pays.
Then there are the macro-economic implications which mandate that the housing debt is rising to fill in for that saving. If you don't understand that link you don't understand what Dr Cullen has suggested about Kiwisaver rates being available as an economic policy lever.
Democracy in the USA has evolved to the point where only geriatrics are suitable for the top job, according to the system: Trump (73), Biden (77), Sanders (78), Warren (70), Bloomberg (77). Only spring chicken Elizabeth Warren, and Trump, are young enough to be boomers.
We beat them by a generation – it's now thirty years since a boomer cohort restructured governance in Aotearoa. Time for phase two:
"So what should Gen X/Y/Zers do if they win power in the next decade? Bernard Hickey argues they should give the Infrastructure and Climate Change Commissions Reserve Bank-like independence and tools to target housing affordability and carbon zero by 2050." https://www.newsroom.co.nz/@politics/2020/02/04/1016821/what-another-1989-style-transformation-would-look-like
"1989 was year zero in many ways for modern New Zealand. It was also the year tax laws were changed to (accidentally) discourage long term pension investment in businesses and encourage housing investment. It was a cross-party effort". Neoliberalism.
"A quick look at the demographics of the voting age population shows Generations X,Y and Z will overwhelm the baby boomers in the decade from 2023 to 2033". "So what would alt-control-delete look like? The leaders of the current Labour-led coalition supported by The Greens would say they are doing that 'rewrite' now with the creation of the Zero Carbon Act and proposed amendments to the Reserve Bank Act, the State Sector Act, the Public Finance Act and the Resource Management Act."
"But the political mathematics of MMP and the legacy of the boomer politicians still in charge of many of the instruments of power and the balance of power means the reforms are incremental at best." Yes, this is a transitional phase. Transformation of the system will be deferred until the demographic shift kicks in.
"The primacy of this median-voter-driven politics and a 'no surprises' culture that drives a risk-averse approach to ministerial advice and the operation of ministries is rock solid, on both sides of politics."
Democracy rules, to ensure that our 19th century economic system will keep lurching on into the future like a dysfunctional robot. Muddle through the middle as usual.
a quick look at the demographics show that the pre boomers could out-vote the boomers-plus now (and have been able to for the last couple of elections) IF they bothered to turn up…implying the change cannot occur until 2023-2033 highlights the fact that there are some pretty simplistic assumptions at play when considering both demographics and voting patterns.
The age range of senior politicos is a curious feature at the moment. Pelosi is also 79.
Is it just coincidence, after all the US has had plenty of much younger Presidents over the last 60 years. Maybe it is the last gasp of the boomers (or those a bit above) at the top jobs. Just like Dole was the last “greatest generation” candidate. Surely in 2024 we will see a whole swath of younger candidates, probably including some of those who dropped out early in the current race. For instance if Biden or Sanders became President, would they do 2 terms?
Much of Europe and of course NZ have top leaders in their 30’s or early 40’s. Though does that actually mean better government. One thing that is evident however, is that climate changes policies matter a lot more with younger politicians.
Systems in decline tend to exhibit the same outward signs of morbidity, including a shuffling gerontocracy. The current US senior leadership looks like the Soviet Politburo at the end of the USSR, glossy animated cadavers shuffling and wheezing and shaking their frail, rheumy fists at each other.
What the hell does age matter?
Policies and ideology are all that matter.
John Key was young….but then again plenty of liberals have exposed themselves lately as being more closely aligned with the ideology of someone like Key than to any actual possible progressive left wing leader that could potentially pop up in NZ….( I wish).
Bernie 2020! Turn Labour Left!
Age matters beyond a certain point. Some people can retain a youthful vitality and good mental acuity into their early 70s, but the reality is by the time you get past 75 your best days are well behind you, no matter how age defying you are. Mental flexibility, decision making skills and ability to handle the pressure and the workload all drop off after your mid to late fifties, which is why people still want to retire at 65. We may be living longer, but all that extra life occurs at the wrong end.
Besides, we are not dealing with a bunch of hyper-fit and agile 60 somethings in the USA, or even sharp and sprightly early 70-year-olds. We are talking a 78 year old Bernie Sanders, a 76 year old Joe Biden, a visibly aging and mentally deteriorating 73 year old Trump, Nancy Pelosi is pushing 80, Mitch McConnell I think is 78. It goes on and on, especially in the senate.
You'll never convince me a but of neo-octagenarians have mental and workload capacity to run the USA better than politicians 20 years younger.
Looking at the huge visible toll that particular job takes on younger people, why anyone old would want to hold it is beyond me.
Age is just another ligature point for the choke-hold of identity.
That's droll indeed ….
What Sanc said.
Also, when it comes to the likes of Corbyn and Sanders proudly proclaiming their socialist cred, there's an ideology problem that the likes of AOC don't have.
Old geezers have had their views of socialism formed in the 60s and 70s and 80s, and most of what called itself socialism then was intensely disliked by most of those that lived through it. The downsides of that flavour of socialism flung the door wide open to the excesses of the neo-liberalism that came after. So when Corbyn and Sanders proudly flaunt socialist cred, it gives the idea that they want to take us back to the worst of the 70s. Which falls firmly into the basket of "not fkn wanted" for large sectors of the population, including the demographics with the highest voting turnout.
Whereas when someone much younger such as AOC starts saying "socialist" and talking about what they want, it seems much more likely they are talking about something like the scandinavian social democracies. That's a much more attractive and less threatening prospect.
it seems much more likely they are talking about something like the scandinavian social democracies. That's a much more attractive and less threatening prospect.
Exactly. Keep in mind the USA did all the heavy lifting in the Cold War, and they have long memories of this. The word socialism has a different and much darker connotation to them than it does to us.
But if we want to sell a modern, social democratic ideal, we have to be clear on where the boundaries are. Because any hint of marxism in the mix will ensure a bad reaction.
I agree about the baggage, smearing Sanders and Corbyn is a piece of cake given their long history.
Win or lose, this run by Sanders is really all about setting up AOC in 2024. AOC has no baggage. If Sanders wins, even in the USA his age in 2024 (82 to 86 for a second term – with AOC as his VP?) will be a problem. Lose and AOC becomes the shining hope of re-winning the White House, especially when Trump will be a fully deranged 77 year old and in a country where whites are a rapidly declining voter group.
Whatever happens, I predict AOC will be president of the United States no later than 2028 – and her victory will push the United States into it’s greatest crisis since Lincoln won in 1860.
AOC can’t run till 2028 because of the age restriction of the Constitution. Presidents have to be 36 years old. Buttigieg just scapes in. Kennedy is the youngest President, I think aged 42 when elected.
I also think AOC will never be President, unless she moderates her views. The US basically is not a socialist nation. Her views are to the left of Sanders.
However I also have no doubt she will moderate them enough to become broadly acceptable. I am pretty sure she is no Corbyn and is much more flexible than he ever was.
Wayne, I've often wondered that. Several factors come to mind. The steps to promotion are controlled by older people? The electorate trusts more the wisdom of age than the energy of the young? The vision of the young is different and challenging? The focus of the young is upon other things? The huge non-vote in the US shows a similar sized disconnect with politics? Politics in the US demands access to large cash resources and is a privilege of the wealthy? Politicians are not hugely respected? Being involved in politics bears a personal cost in terms of employment, social standing, personal safety?
All of these factors, framed as questions for I am not sure of their actual strong validity, I am sure apply in some way.
I came into politics as a candidate at age fifty. Before that, I was deeply involved but had job and family commitments. It was first suggested to me at age nearly forty. How long does it take to get into the top of national politics within a party if forty or fifty is the starting age for first engagement?
So it's official, National plan to follow the example of the Australian Liberal Party in their bid to win an 'unwinnable election'
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/408782/nats-take-election-campaign-tips-from-scott-morrison-s-liberals-in-australia
It's important to remember the Liberals won in part due to numerous untrue claims in advertising. We should be prepared to effectively counter Nationals attempts to repeat this.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/may/02/lies-damn-lies-and-campaign-material-the-biggest-fibs-of-the-election-so-far
National delivers all right. It's what they deliver that's the problem.
I see Chloe Swarbrick is the Green candidate for Auckland Central. For the love of God, Labour please don't run a candidate against her because
a) she is a really good politician and b) she would probably win if you gave her a clear run, meaning the Greens get an insurance policy that would upset Soimon from Accounts no end.
A good ploy. All the likely NZF social conservatives and anti-Greens will flock to vote NZF. They will hope that NZF goes with National (against the pronouncements and the odds) or that NZF gets enough votes to govern with Labour alone, thus leaving the Greens entirely out of it.
Pork Plant Workers Turn Out for Sanders in First Caucus in Iowa
Bernie 14 Warren 1
https://theintercept.com/2020/02/03/iowa-first-caucus-satellite-pork-plant-workers/
Bernie 2020! Turn Labour Left!
Music world pays tribute to Gang Of Four guitarist Andy Gill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvJhyJ-OXsU
This timely post by Christine Rose.
Some animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2020/02/03/what-if-you-were-a-pig/
Piggy Muldoon was the most equal of them all. Deemed socialist (eventually) by all those straight young guys who voted him into power in '75. Strangely, they never seemed to point out that he was National socialist – perhaps because folks would match that with national socialist. Come '84 nobody was thinking straight…
Thank you for telling it how it is.
There seem to be quite a few in this thread in a dispicable denial.
There can be no soft selling the betrayal that this man and his colleagues committed in this country.
Not only did they rob future generations including my own, the squandered unforgivably the hard work of generations before them.
No there can be no rose tinted eulogies.
We will not allow it.
[The Author of this Post had requested you to stop commenting on this Post, which you have ignored. You seem to have strong views on certain things, which is fine, but your insulting and inflaming language aimed at the Author and another Commenter here are not fine. If you cannot tell the difference between a robust debate and insulting others maybe you should stay away from certain Posts here. I won’t give you a ban but please consider this as a warning – Incognito]
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
See my Moderation note @ 12:31 PM.
Never mind @ Quinnjin……… one day you'll be on "The Panel".
Not sure who'll be hosting but pretty sure they'll be triggering and it'll all be bloody gorgeous. I'll be in for a listen
https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018732152
An appalling decision, but I did wonder about one of the 'rationalisations' given the chairman. It was stated that the ad was on National's facebook page, but the AS appeared to believe that it would only be seen by people who go to that page or have it referred on to them by people they know. Now I am no expert at marketing using Facebook, but wasn't the problem with the US Presidential campaign that 'other parties' are able to target almost anyone. Is it beyond belief that for example a list of transport operators may be leaked to a National support who, acting totally without the knowledge of the party, sends the ad to that list – or to all posters to all those Kiwiblog posters who may not have otherwise seen it. Wilful ignorance, or incompetence by a group who should but appear not to understand the reality of modern advertising? Or have I got it all wrong?
Dirty politics, the reason the nat's won't sign up to FB's transparency tool, to avoid disclosing their targets.
Yes, the regulator lacks even the most basic knowledge. Dangerous clowns.
Has anyone heard if Robert Guyton and the other greenie bloke out Riverton way I think, are ok with Southland’s State of Emergency with all water flowing down there?
I hope so. He posted a comment around 6 PM last night and didn’t mention the weather.
Hi Exkiwiforces – thanks for your concern. The waters here at my place are not a problem, but elsewhere in Southland, there are serious issues. Gore has challenges and the ex-Tiwai aluminium dross stores in sheds there is worrying many; it and water don't mix comfortably. Milford Sound, as you'll know, is in dire straits; the flooding and road damage there is severe. Various roads across Southland are blocked and the rain is still falling.
Glad to year your place is ok Robert. What happens to the Aparima in a big rain? The town is close, but is it high enough to not have flood issues?
Hi weka – the Aparima runs dirty and swells but we have an estuary to buffer our village. My home is 20 metres above sea level. There will be farms covered but stop banks have been in place for decades. If they fail, the story will change but Environment Southland is confident they won't.
What's a dross store?
A sick joke, really. The aluminium smelter produces waste. Someone bought it, promising to convert it into fertiliser. They didn't, instead storing it in an old paper mill beside the Mataura River, which is presently very swollen. The present owners of the stuff has promised the store is secure against flooding. The people of Gore are not resting easy. Dross plus water + ammonia gas.
When I wrote “dross stores” I meant “dross STORED”
"Media Advisory Flooding in Southland/Fiordland Piopiotahi Number: 10 Date: 4 February 2020 Time: 8.30pm Gore and Mataura residents to prepare for evacuation This is an official message from Emergency Management Southland Modelling data suggests flood levels in the Mataura catchment are likely to reach similar levels to the 1999 floods. Two peaks are expected to pass through Gore tomorrow (Wednesday) – the first at 5.00am and the second at approximately 12.30pm. Existing stop banks have been designed to hold this volume of water. Additional precautions and support, like sandbagging, are being put in place in some areas and residents are being asked to be ready to evacuate if required. People should prepare a grab bag containing medication, clothing and person items, including documents. If you have friends and family outside the potential flood area you can go to, please make those arrangements now. For those needing somewhere to stay, we have set up a welfare centre at the Calvin Community Church in Robertson Street in Gore. Further information about a welfare centre in Mataura will be advised in the morning. Residents will be advised by Council and emergency staff once it is confirmed they need to evacuate but the more prepared they are the better. All schools in the Gore district have been closed for tomorrow. Roads remain closed throughout the region and there is surface flooding on many of those that are still open. Please take care and check the NZTA and local council websites for closures. Emergency Management Southland controller Angus McKay said people should avoid unnecessary travel, check on their neighbours and follow the Civil Defence Southland facebook page and website for updates. Those who have travelled out of the region for events need to be prepared to stay put or check road conditions before setting out. Extreme care is required on all roads. Farmers in low lying areas should consider moving stock and paying extra attention to their effluent storage. Lumsden and Riversdale residents are advised to reduce toilet flushing as the pumps are under significant pressure from the extra water. Trampers in huts in Fiordland have now been evacuated, the remaining 195 tourists in Milford will be evacuated tomorrow morning, weather permitting."
Bloody hell. How long has that been stored there?
6 years (since 2014) …initially without consent…and now taxpayers/rate payers are footing a big part of the bill
https://www.goredc.govt.nz/your-council/news/deal-signed-to-remove-ouvea-premix/
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/six-years-work-sort-toxic-stockpile
Yep, ammonia. https://embed.scribblelive.com/embed/post.aspx?Id=1184208456&ss=1
All good Robert, just wasn't sure what part of the woods you lived in due to the amount of rainfall as it was similar to an event we had here in Darwin about 2wks over a 24hr period.
Have been following the sorry saga of the NZAS doss waste for a few yrs now and I still can't believe its not been sorted out and especially in the way its been stored of late next to the Mataura River, which can get a bit nasty when there's been a good amount of rainfall in its catchment.
PS. The Southland Floods even made the 7pm ABC's Darwin News lastnight.
This is dammed disgusting. And nobody on the bus or the driver saw fit to say anything in support for her.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018732659/auckland-doctor-told-to-go-home-to-china
It’s the dumbness and ignorance that gets to me.
QFT
What I find even more depressing is the fact that it is the same the whole world over.
Just reported now from the Iowa Republican caucus:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/feb/03/iowa-caucuses-latest-live-news-democrats-bernie-sanders-joe-biden-elizabeth-warren-buttigieg-updates#block-5e38e3128f086a28115a511f
You just wonder at the mentality of these people.
Is this groundhog day or a legitimate insight into how Winston operates ?
A bet each way.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/408843/nz-first-foundation-donor-thought-they-were-giving-to-party
"What's a dross store?"
Bad News.
broken link aj.