Open mike 04/04/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 4th, 2022 - 77 comments
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77 comments on “Open mike 04/04/2022 ”

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  1. Ad 1
    4 April 2022 at 8:25 am

    Fair enough to call for war crime investigations into Russian troops.

    But maybe it's time for the US mainstream media to call for the US to be subject to the ICC for their own war crimes.

    I'm not seeking a kind of moral relativism. Just a global mechanism for the US military to be held to account same as everyone else.

    • Byd0nz 1.1
      4 April 2022 at 8:43 am

      Agree. But, every Country affiliated to the UN are also guilty of these mutual atrocities in Ukraine by not responding to Russian security concerns, they had the chance to avoid this conflict, but instead allowed themselves to kow tow to the Western big powers with their NATO disease of World power ambitions.

      • tsmithfield 1.1.1
        4 April 2022 at 10:02 am

        Rubbish. Do you think that countries shouldn't have the right to associate and align themselves with which ever countries they would like to?

        Don't you think it is rather instructive that countries such as Poland, and now Finland and Ukraine would rather align themselves with the West than Russia that they have historic ties with?

        But perhaps the current behaviour of Russia might give some rational for that position.

        • Byd0nz 1.1.1.1
          4 April 2022 at 11:14 am

          Well if the UN had of addressed legitimate claims of security concerns things would have been different and set a course for peace, but I can see from you post further down that you are a definite war monger type, so no need for me to respond further to you.

          • tsmithfield 1.1.1.1.1
            4 April 2022 at 11:22 am

            And your tacit justification of the Russian actions doesn't make you a "war monger type". Give me a break.

        • mikesh 1.1.1.2
          5 April 2022 at 9:06 am

          Not entirely. I think a country's geographical position should be a factor. Ukraine should prefer alignment with countries to the East of the Black Sea, since hostile relationships with one's neighbors make no sense. However that should not preclude them from enjoying a trading relationship with the West.

      • joe90 1.1.2
        4 April 2022 at 10:29 am

        Russians going door to door dragging men out of their homes and then summarily executing them is someone else's fault?

        Get a fucking grip, moron.

        Maria Genkin: Pictures of some villages freed in Kyiv region, specifically Bucha, are devastating. Dead people lying outside of their houses, in what can only have been a “zachistka” – systemic execution of the men of each house. One body in front of every house.

        https://twitter.com/AseyevStanislav/status/1510333593180069896

        #Zachistka

        • Byd0nz 1.1.2.1
          4 April 2022 at 11:22 am

          Yea well I think your word of ‘Moron’ describes you much better, you totally misread my comment , but that is typical of you who only get your source of bullshit from one sided view points. So you should put a prefix of GI on your handle and become the DH you really are. No further comment needed from me to you.

          • joe90 1.1.2.1.1
            4 April 2022 at 11:31 am

            you totally misread my comment

            Sniveling tankie called on moronic assertion that every Country affiliated to the UN are also guilty of these mutual atrocities bottles it.

            /

      • The Al1en 1.1.3
        4 April 2022 at 11:40 am

        That's the 'whataboutism' sorted, now try condemning the murder of Ukrainian civilians.

        • Byd0nz 1.1.3.1
          4 April 2022 at 11:59 am

          Well, you also misread my original comment. Had the UN addressed the concerns of Russia’s security concerns there would still be as you point out ‘murdered Ukrainians’ , that of break away states in Donbas who have suffered over 8 years of death by the murdering Ukrainian forces. But the civilians you speak of would still be alive. So I stand by my comment implicating Countries affiliated to the UN being guilty for the situation that unfolded.

          • The Al1en 1.1.3.1.1
            4 April 2022 at 1:37 pm

            I misread nothing, but never mind, It's an open opportunity – Feel free to condemn the murder of Ukrainian civilians whenever you're ready.

    • Tiger Mountain 1.2
      4 April 2022 at 8:52 am

      Very few would not be disturbed by Russia’s Ukraine invasion and the inevitable gruesome details and general horror of armed conflict. Some small New Zealand communities still feel the effects of WWI and WWII believe it or not. It is not a video game.

      But…some of us that have spent a lifetime supporting international solidarity efforts on other countries, regions, anti war and world peace campaigns, Nuke Free NZ, West Papua etc. etc. do feel frustrated at the attention on Ukraine. Invading a foreign country? well US imperialism has more than a little form in that department, Vietnam being Exhibit A, Iraq Exhibit B and Afghanistan Exhibit C.

      It is not “what-a-boutism” but “as wellism” to say poisoning Palestinians water & shooting their teenagers, creating starvation and chaos in various countries like Yemen, and creating global refugee movements deserves similar attention in the media and urgent donation requests.

      As far as us ordinary people can determine with online searches, Russia has 10 military bases or facilities, all on ex Soviet republic territories, and maybe 5 projected elsewhere. The USA has over 750 acknowledged military bases and associated facilities offshore.

      • tsmithfield 1.2.1
        4 April 2022 at 9:59 am

        We can't go back in time and unwind previous injustices. Hence, I think looking backwards at previous incidents is a bit pointless, other than to learn from them and ensure robust processes prevent future incidences and to recompense for damage done.

        But what we can do is focus on the war crimes, and possibly genocide that is confronting us all right now. So, based on failings in the past, what should the world do right now to stop the war crimes going on in Ukraine right now?

        • KJT 1.2.1.1
          4 April 2022 at 10:20 am

          "Previous"?

          How about sanctions in Iran, Afghanistan and Venezuela killing children, and bombings in Yemen and Somalia, right now!

          But they are not “People like us”!

          • tsmithfield 1.2.1.1.1
            4 April 2022 at 10:31 am

            How does any of that help the current situation? Whataboutism isn't a solution. It only minimises current crimes against humanity.

        • mikesh 1.2.1.2
          5 April 2022 at 9:28 am

          Calling the incident 'genocide' seems an exaggeration, but then some say that in war the first casualty is truth.

    • Nic the NZer 1.3
      4 April 2022 at 9:00 am

      The price tag for ICC prosecutions without hypocrisy is too expensive. The US will continue with the status quo.

    • tsmithfield 1.4
      4 April 2022 at 9:26 am

      Ad, there have been prosecutions for war crimes committed by the US military:

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

      It may not be perfect, or all-encompassing, but at least there is a process for crimes to be investigated. I doubt that Russia will submit to such a process.

      Was is happening against Ukranian citizens seems so calculated, widespread, and brutal, that I think it must be bordering on genocide if it already hasn't met that threshold.

      The stuff in Bucha is just harrowing:

      https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/04/03/ukraine-apparent-war-crimes-russia-controlled-areas

      The other thing is that this sort of behaviour is very bad for Russia and its military. It will simply motivate the west to introduce harsher sanctions and provide more impactful weaponary to Ukraine.

      • Barfly 1.4.1
        4 April 2022 at 10:18 am

        It is what they don't prosecute/convict that is the problem

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%E1%BB%B9_Lai_massacre

        "504 unarmed people were killed by U.S. Army"

        ” Victims included men, women, children, and infants. Some of the women were gang-raped and their bodies mutilated, as were children as young as 12.[1][2] Twenty-six soldiers were charged with criminal offenses, but only Lieutenant William Calley Jr., a platoon leader in C Company, was convicted. Found guilty of murdering 22 villagers, he was originally given a life sentence, but served three-and-a-half years under house arrest after President Richard Nixon commuted his sentence.”

        • tsmithfield 1.4.1.1
          4 April 2022 at 10:21 am

          As mentioned, at least there is a process, though I agree, far from perfect.

          As I mentioned in a previous post, we now need to be learning from those lessons and ensuring that such crimes are fully prosecuted in the current conflict.

      • mikesh 1.4.2
        5 April 2022 at 9:33 am

        War is happening against Ukranian citizens seems so calculated

        But, on the other hand, the Ukrainian government seems to expect all its citizens, civilian or not, to fight in defense of the country.

        • SPC 1.4.2.1
          5 April 2022 at 9:39 am

          Rounding up men of a village and killing them is a war crime – even prisoners of war are entitled to more than that.

    • aom 1.5
      4 April 2022 at 10:22 am

      Perhaps someone can explain. The latest war porn photos were apparently taken days after the Russians left areas near Kyiv. How come there is a photo of two people lifting a body that bent in the middle, presumably long after rigor mortis would have set in? Were the victims all female or children? If not, how does 'civilian' square with all Ukrainian males between 16 and 60 being expected to fight the Russians? Is there any indication of weapons being visible in any of the 'photographic evidence' or are we looking at the reverse of the US ploy when innocents are killed, of placing weapons with bodies?

      Before the accusations of being a Putin apologist start, there is no way – this questioning is because it is wisely said that 'truth is the first casualty of war' not that war crimes on any side are condoned. The personal driver is being a pacifist!

      • tsmithfield 1.5.1
        4 April 2022 at 10:36 am

        "How come there is a photo of two people lifting a body that bent in the middle, presumably long after rigor mortis would have set in?"

        Because rigo mortis isn't a permanent state, but disappears after a few days.

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

        And yes, pretty much what I would have expected from you; an attempt to pass these crimes off as some sort of macabre staging.

        • aom 1.5.1.1
          4 April 2022 at 11:48 am

          Thanks for the explanation for rigor mortis – obviously accepted the common misunderstanding.

          As for passing the crimes off as staging – just about the response one would expect from a gung-ho propagandist for NATO. If you can't provide explanations and evidence, don't resort to sleazy assumptions about valid questions

          • tsmithfield 1.5.1.1.1
            4 April 2022 at 12:06 pm

            "As for passing the crimes off as staging…"

            Oh goodness greatness me. My sincerest apologies. How could I ever have assumed that from you? laugh

  2. aj 2
    4 April 2022 at 8:59 am

    the US mainstream media to call for the US to be subject to the ICC for their own war crimes.

    Never going to happen. Been covering for the war machine since Korea, if not earlier.

  3. Sanctuary 3
    4 April 2022 at 9:22 am

    Russia apologists will probably also engage in whataboutism, denial and deflection on these war crimes in Ukraine. But they have, from the perspective of Russian propaganda, a horrible logical consistancy.

    The Ukraine was invaded to "de-Nazify" it. To Russians (and everyone else), Nazism is the ultimate evil and by definition not Russian (The USSR defeated the Nazis!).

    The Ukraine is basically a part of Russia with a silly dialect and some strange ideas about independence and identity. Once the Nazis are rooted out the general population will welcome their Russian friends.

    So when they invaded the Ukraine and the resistance was ferocious and the entire people rose up against them it was clear that the taint of Nazism was deeper and broader than realised, so the de-Nazification has to also involve a much deeper purification of the Ukraine, and "purification" means "liquidating" lots and lots of the complicit.

    Sounds outlandish, but the Kremlin's apologists on here have made great play of the "Nazism" of elements of the Ukraine army. And if some people (albeit half wits) in NZ believe it, you can bet your bottom dollar a lot of Russian soldiers believe it.

  4. weka 4
    4 April 2022 at 9:59 am

    Long past time NZ cities were moving on this. Rural areas and small towns need bespoke solutions.

    https://twitter.com/marcdaalder/status/1510738065639161860

  5. tsmithfield 5
    4 April 2022 at 10:18 am

    Russia is about to have issues keeping its war going. That is because a lot of their military componentry required for making and replacing used or destroyed weaponary is manufactured in Ukraine:

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/04/01/vladimir-putin-running-missiles-parts-made-ukraine/

    And the sanctions from the west aren't helping in that respect either.

    • aom 5.1
      4 April 2022 at 10:36 am

      Do you have conclusive evidence to prove that Russia wants to keep the war going?
      It seems that Zelenskyy with aggressive support from NATO are more vested in avoiding a negotiated settlement from the bellicose statements emanating from those sources.

      • tsmithfield 5.1.1
        4 April 2022 at 10:37 am

        Russia can stop the war anytime it wants to. Just pack up and leave Ukraine.

        • Peter 5.1.1.1
          4 April 2022 at 11:09 am

          Yes, to me the fact they haven't is conclusive evidence it wants to keep the war going.

        • aom 5.1.1.2
          4 April 2022 at 11:55 am

          So could Ukraine. All that is required is to negotiate in good faith. That was obvious, even to blind Freddie, long before any violence occurred. Actually, about seven years ago wasn’t it?

          • Stuart Munro 5.1.1.2.1
            4 April 2022 at 12:03 pm

            So could Ukraine.

            They could pack up and leave? Where should they go? Putin wants all of Ukraine – it's only that his forces are being crushed that has stopped him.

            All that is required is to negotiate in good faith.

            Doesn't work with Russia – have you not noticed the routine shelling of humanitarian corridors? In Russia, good faith doesn't exist at the political level.

            • aom 5.1.1.2.1.1
              4 April 2022 at 5:21 pm

              Get off your war-mongering band-wagon Stuart. The Ukrainians only had about seven years to negotiate instead of acting as an agent for NATO which ultimately folded to the US empire.

              • Stuart Munro …
                4 April 2022 at 5:33 pm

                You should quit the appeasement – there is nothing whatsoever about Putin's war that Left or enlightened folk can support.

                We support democracy, not despotic autocracy.

                Leave the fascist fanboying to Rodney Hide.

                • aom …
                  5 April 2022 at 7:33 am

                  Facing facts does not equate to appeasement, except in the minds of those with a twisted agenda. More to the point, anything other than democracy is not despotic autocracy. In fact, one of democracy's greatest faults is that it is the tyranny of the majority!

                  As an observation, most 'war crimes' in your lifetime have been committed by 'democracies'.

                • mikesh …
                  5 April 2022 at 12:08 pm

                  Britain, for example, wasn't always democratic; you only need to go back to the events of 1381 to see their aristocracy thought about democracy. Democracy seems to be something that develops over a longish period, and is probably not appropriate for all counties at all times.

          • aom 5.1.1.2.2
            4 April 2022 at 12:18 pm

            Strange reply to the statement,"All that is required is to negotiate in good faith. That was obvious, even to blind Freddie, long before any violence occurred."

            • Stuart Munro 5.1.1.2.2.1
              4 April 2022 at 12:29 pm

              Not as strange as pretending that good faith could ever achieve anything with the Putin regime.

              Blind Freddy would tell you as much, if you listened.

          • roblogic 5.1.1.2.3
            4 April 2022 at 4:17 pm

            Good faith? After the recent discovery of mass graves and evidence of Russian plans to commit genocide to solve the "Ukrainian problem"?! Surrender is unthinkable.

  6. tsmithfield 6
    4 April 2022 at 11:17 am

    I think the west should aim to force an end the war with the following two steps:

    1. Inform Russia that they must ceasefire and settle with Ukraine within an acceptable time frame (say a month), and then action their side of the agreement, and come out of this saving some face.
    2. If they don't do this, then

    a) the west will ramp up sanctions to a point that it becomes difficult for Russia to function, and:

    b) the west will tool Ukraine up with the sort of heavy military equipment that will enable them to defeat Russia militarily.

    I think the west has done enough now to show this isn’t an empty threat. And Ukraine has done enough to show they are a potent force with what they have now. So the message should be sent to the Kremlin loud and clear.

  7. Stuart Munro 7
    4 April 2022 at 12:10 pm

    Some truths cannot be spoken in Russia.

    Serving army officer shut down on Russian state TV for saying soldiers are dying in Ukraine – YouTube

    Not that we don't have a few of our own, but it would be funny, if it weren't tragic.

    • mikesh 7.1
      5 April 2022 at 12:18 pm

      Some truths cannot be spoken in Russia.

      I think it's inflammatory that cannot be spoken, actually.

      • Stuart Munro 7.1.1
        5 April 2022 at 6:39 pm

        Clearly you don't think at all.

        The soldier was grieving for his men who had died, and those who were about to die.

        But it didn't suit the official narrative – so he was silenced.

        As Russian truth drifts further and further from the truth on the ground, the damage the truth does will grow until the secret can no longer be contained. The last time this happened, the short victorious war, the Russian state fell to a popular revolution.

  8. Poission 8
    4 April 2022 at 1:18 pm

    Is Red Ink the new normal.Interest rates are destined to rise unless inflationary expectations are lessened.

    “The high inflation environment means that interest rates around the world will be heading up, so there will certainly be further increases in mortgage rates ahead.”

    Recent Reserve Bank analysis showed that if mortgage rates rose to 5 per cent, nearly 20 per cent of recent first-home buyers would face serviceability stress.

    At 6 per cent, this would rise to nearly 50 per cent, and investors and some existing owner-occupiers would also be under pressure.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/300557505/is-this-the-new-normal-bank-lifts-home-loan-rates-near-7-per-cent

    The writing is on the wall,as markets price the increases into the wholesale market,there has to be some signalling from Oligopolies such as Local and central government and utilities that efficiency,and not ideology will be the short term future.

    • Nic the NZer 8.1
      4 April 2022 at 1:27 pm

      Why would the RBNZ think putting 20% of recent first home buyers under serviceability stress is a good policy?

      • Poission 8.1.1
        4 April 2022 at 1:42 pm

        because high inflation is a disaster.Rbnz showed constraint following the Delta outbreak,when in hindsight it should have increased the OCR,hence signalling the arrival of peak money.

        At the same time media and developers were over selling demand (enhancing the FOMO) and forcing increased costs,rather then constraint.

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/125970733/developers-take-new-tack-in-search-for-land-as-investors-buy-up-new-homes

        • Nic the NZer 8.1.1.1
          4 April 2022 at 2:02 pm

          So putting up the OCR will actually reduce NZ inflation then?

          • Poission 8.1.1.1.1
            4 April 2022 at 2:21 pm

            The global consensus is that higher interest rates,reduce credit demand by reducing discretionary spending.There are 3 parts to the situation,increased liquidity due to QE,and increased demand for credit due to lower interest rates.

            The third part was the involuntary saving enforced globally due to lockdowns etc from Covid constraints ( 55 billion in NZ ) around 2 trillion in the US and Europe.As spending arose following relaxation,a lot went into asset appreciation such as equities and property.As equities rose above their technical limits,the money transferred to more property and commodities.

            There is only one country that does not have a property forced high inflation economy,and that is Japan.with February inflation coming in at 0.8% and the central bank not increasing their OCR.They also have a decreasing population and a cultural mindset of increased efficiency,and enhanced productivity.

            • Nic the NZer 8.1.1.1.1.1
              4 April 2022 at 5:48 pm

              Well if the OCR hits roughly those numbers that hard the RBNZ will put it back down again (like the prior 2014 tightening). They will probably have another take on inflation then, especially if the inflation rate didn't comply with the desire to lower it. Japan has been running QE like monetary policies since the 90s and seem to better understand how irrelevant cash rates are to inflation outcomes, though it might be just that their inflation rate is presently lower driving their policy.

              • Poission …
                4 April 2022 at 6:06 pm

                There are arguments at present,that the low interest rates are affecting the price of the Yen (lower) which makes commodity pricing higher etc.They have sufficient idle capacity ( nuclear) that is being brought up to standby mode that will (if needed) reduce the energy component of manufacturing.

                Japan does not have the housing risk,in its economy.

  9. McFlock 9
    4 April 2022 at 3:10 pm

    Woman bankrupted in no small part due to her following "sovereign citizen" weirdness.

    Obsessive folks can tear up their own lives as much as the lives of others.

  10. Puckish Rogue 10
    4 April 2022 at 3:13 pm

    Now its no secret that the entertainment coming out of Hollywood recently is bad, very bad.

    Lazy writing, identity politics, sequels and superhero movies galore but every now and then a movie trailer comes along that makes me think theres hope for Hollywood yet

    This trailer looks good and I can't wait for it to come out:

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    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • At a time of media turmoil, Melissa had nothing to proclaim as Minister – and now she has been dem...
    Buzz from the Beehive   Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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