Open mike 05/09/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, September 5th, 2019 - 143 comments
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143 comments on “Open mike 05/09/2019 ”

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  1. vto 1
    5 September 2019 at 7:16 am

    It is no wonder that people are so very cynical about politics and politicians…

    witness the Kiwibuild reset…

    Gone from building homes to encourage a greater supply

    To providing financial assistance to encourage a greater demand

    Watch demand soar, house values rise again, and Labour get back into power off the back of it..

    pfftt….

    Labour has just kicked the entire housing issue down the road again… just like John Key… who propelled property prices (and hence electability) off the back of immigration…

    no cred

    • millsy 1.1
      5 September 2019 at 10:05 am

      The government had the chance to reboot the home ownership schemes that were in place before the 1990's but completely bottled it in favour of loading people up with more debt, and some charity run rent to own scheme for the 'poor', which is probably as expensive to them as renting.

      And no, Judith, 'relaxing planning laws' will NOT make a single cheap house.

      • Dukeofurl 1.1.1
        5 September 2019 at 1:30 pm

        "home ownership schemes that were in place before the 1990's but completely bottled it in favour of loading people up with more debt"

        What did you think State Advances was ' pixie dust' ?. You had to pay it back.

        Then like now there are various grants to bridge the deposit gap etc

      • Hongi Ika 1.1.2
        5 September 2019 at 2:53 pm

        This current Labour Government would not have a f#%king clue when it comes to solving this Housing Crisis, Twitford was so out of his depth and over his head in water it was not even funny IMHO ?

  2. phillip ure 2
    5 September 2019 at 7:47 am

    listening to housing minister megan wood on rnz..

    oh dear..!

    oh fucken dear..!

    (walks over to wall – starts banging forehead against it..)

    • Climaction 2.1
      5 September 2019 at 8:04 am

      Surprised you have a wall to bang your head against. Given the duopoly of westfarmers and fletchers on building supplies and the lack of government action to fix it, i would have thought the wall is more valuable than the head you bang against it

    • phillip ure 2.2
      5 September 2019 at 8:04 am

      for the first time – i am thinking this gummint may not be re-elected..

      (this degree of incompetence is fucken mind-blowing..)

      and if that happens – it will be all their own doing…

      • Climaction 2.2.1
        5 September 2019 at 8:14 am

        Cleangreen thinks it’s all national 5th columnists in the public sector though? Surely they can take some blame

      • Psycho Milt 2.2.2
        5 September 2019 at 8:29 am

        for the first time – i am thinking this gummint may not be re-elected.

        You're thinking people will return National to power due to its proven competence in dealing with the housing crisis, maybe?

        I'm not sure what "competence" people want to see here. So many voters have a vested interest in high property prices that most of the serious moves the government could make would see them thrown out of office. Understandably, the governing parties don't see being chucked out after one term as a demonstration of "competence," so they're not doing those things.

        That leaves building more state houses, which they are doing. But even there, National's boxed them in with a shortage of tradespeople and the inability to borrow large sums of money. Being the government isn't a doddle.

        • Herodotus 2.2.2.1
          5 September 2019 at 9:12 am

          borrow to build HNZ stock = nil net debt and as it is balance sheet has no effect on surplus.

          anyway we don’t have targets anymore 😉, so there is no issue

          National did not cock up kiwiwbuild, not did they make labour increase their target from an unobtainable 50,000 to 100,000. Labour’s arrogance and a poor selection of minister are the reason for this failure 🤬

          • Peter Christchurh nz 2.2.2.1.1
            5 September 2019 at 9:52 am

            Poor selection of Minister nails it. That arrogant vacuous Twyford may well be an appropriate choice for looking after the Parlimentary broom cupboard, but not as Minister for what is one of the most important portfolios of the government.

          • Adrian Thornton 2.2.2.1.2
            5 September 2019 at 10:24 am

            Labours blind faith in it's liberal free market ideology is in fact the reason why this Labour party can't and never could fix NZ's housing disaster, they will never be the fearless transformative progressive political party that is needed to overcome the many mountains we need to climb as a country..that is unfortunately just a fact.

            And I would say that yes Labour could easily lose the next election…hard to imagine a more perverse loss…or for that matter even just scraping back into office in a run against the most unliked National leader in probably their entire history would be a humiliation…although not according to many third way Labour supporters on this forum, who seem to think that getting into power is all politics is about, at any cost, including losing the very essence of what a Labour Party should actually stand for, which bothers them not one iota.

            Turn Labour Left!

            • Herodotus 2.2.2.1.2.1
              5 September 2019 at 11:54 am

              Hate to think of a loss, as Nats offer little. BUT now we are seeing that we cannot believe what Labour promises to be delivered. Megan Woods "we are not reneging on any election promises" . I would suggest minister to read what you went to the election on and listen to the 2nd link.

              9 MONTHS (wasted) in the making and there are hardly any answers or detail " as many as we can as quick as we can" – How does that install confidence for those wanting to enter the housing market ??

              Megan Woods hasn't even done any modelling what income levels will apply, rent to buy scheme what equity will build up.

              The ability of those that we are given to vote on, it appears to me that we vote on the lesser or 2 evils option.





            • phillip ure 2.2.2.1.2.2
              5 September 2019 at 1:27 pm

              @ a. thornton..

              agreed..!

            • Louis 2.2.2.1.2.3
              5 September 2019 at 1:31 pm

              "Turn Labour Left"

              Join the party and help them.

            • Andre 2.2.2.1.2.4
              5 September 2019 at 2:44 pm

              Turn Labour Left!

              We've had lots of lefter than Labour parties here. Including some that have been in Parliament, even government. Which one would you like Labour to be more like? Socialist Aotearoa? Mana? IMP? Progressive? Alliance? Communist League?

              Do you notice anything those parties all have in common?

          • Dukeofurl 2.2.2.1.3
            5 September 2019 at 1:23 pm

            "as it is balance sheet has no effect on surplus."

            Thats correct as 'surplus' is operating expenditure not capital – such as houses.

        • Puckish Rogue 2.2.2.2
          5 September 2019 at 9:30 am

          Don't worry, Jude has offered to work with Labour to sort out this absolute cluster-f**k-of-mega-proportions (she really is a selfless, giving person) so if Labour do want to fix this mess-of-thier-own-making all they have to do is accept the olive branch and let Jude take over 🙂

        • Adrian Thornton 2.2.2.3
          5 September 2019 at 10:50 am

          Has it ever occured to you that a political party could run on a manifesto that they actually believe in and will stand for no matter what the fallout might be?

          • Andre 2.2.2.3.1
            5 September 2019 at 11:31 am

            Has it ever occurred to you that a political party can achieve more by remaining in power through several elections in order to make gains in more areas and consolidate gains made in previous terms?

            It's a shitload easier for a new government to reverse something introduced a year or two ago that half the population is firmly against and a fair chunk of the rest think may be a step too far, compared to trying to reverse something introduced four or five years ago that's bedded in and didn't arouse quite such strong opposition to begin with.

            • phillip ure 2.2.2.3.1.1
              5 September 2019 at 1:24 pm

              oh..!..the incrementalist-argument..!..

              what a refreshing change..!

              • Andre …
                5 September 2019 at 2:45 pm

                Don't hear it much among the people you hang out with?

                • phillip ure …
                  5 September 2019 at 5:39 pm

                  post-douglas neoliberal-incrementalism from clark through 'till now…

                  is what has got us into this unholy mess..

                  you seriously defend it..?

                  • Andre …
                    5 September 2019 at 6:21 pm

                    Yep. It's how you get lasting change. The other lot used it to get us here, we need to use it to go back in a better direction. Going for the glorious revolution will last exactly until the next election.

                    • phillip ure …
                      5 September 2019 at 8:05 pm

                      i for one am not expecting 'glorious revolution'…

                      i am just expecting that 'transformational'-stuff we were promised pre-election..

                      all in their own words….

                      is that too much to ask..?

                  • Andre …
                    5 September 2019 at 8:22 pm

                    If you're looking for your idea of "transformational", you're being unrealistic expecting Labour to push anywhere near as much as you would like. They are fighting for the centre voters, after all. And what looks transformational to those centre voters will look like insipid incremental centrism to you.

                    You'd be much better off putting your hopes and efforts into a party like the Greens – that are consciously targeted at a small part of the electorate, and try to lift them to where Greens plus Labour don't need anyone else.

            • Louis 2.2.2.3.1.2
              5 September 2019 at 1:32 pm

              +1 Andre

          • McFlock 2.2.2.3.2
            5 September 2019 at 2:14 pm

            Even if the manifesto, when put into practise, turns out to be unrealistically optomistic?

            Besides some management issues, the kiwibuild output was managable but the model of implementation turned out to be unworkable – mostly due to the partnership with developers.

            I think they should have figured out a timeline for the 100k homes (split into different types – developer partnerships, new state homes, and government developments), rather than nuking the target completely. I.e. kept the plan for the number of homes but adjusted the timeline. But sticking to the timeline and the number was unworkable.

            • Poission 2.2.2.3.2.1
              5 September 2019 at 3:07 pm

              The manifesto did offer alternatives ie reduce the demand side by flattening the curve.Far more cost effective and sustainable.

              In total, these changes are estimated to reduce net migration by 20,000-30,000. Without these changes there would be up to 10,000 more houses needed and up to 20,000 more vehicles on our roads annually. Our immigration system will be regularly reviewed to ensure it is functioning well.

              https://www.labour.org.nz/immigration

        • phillip ure 2.2.2.4
          5 September 2019 at 1:32 pm

          @ pm..

          'You're thinking people will return National to power due to its proven competence in dealing with the housing crisis, maybe?'

          no…

          'I'm not sure what "competence" people want to see here.'

          oh..i dunno..maybe a bit more than has been displayed to date..?

          and – it's all nationals' fault – and being in gummint is hard..

          well that's all ok then..nothing to see here..eh..?

          • Psycho Milt 2.2.2.4.1
            5 September 2019 at 2:54 pm

            Well, nothing except the failure of a flagship policy, which is a pretty substantial blow to any government.

            When your work involves massive high-stakes projects, your failures are very public and humiliating. But if my work experience has taught me anything, it's taught me that when people have done their best and failed you might feel like berating them for incompetence, but actually doing it isn't going to improve their productivity and it saps morale in a much wider group than the one you're addressing.

          • Hongi Ika 2.2.2.4.2
            5 September 2019 at 3:00 pm

            Labour primarily is Ideologically Driven, they have very few MP's with real life experiences IMHO ?

            • Dukeofurl 2.2.2.4.2.1
              5 September 2019 at 3:44 pm

              Really ?

              And national has . Bridges was a prosecutor – a glorified public servant.

              English was a treasury analyst- for a few years- before 30 years in Parliament but they worked the 'farming adjacent' thing to cover that up.

              Nick Smith didnt work in his family bridge building company after graduate school , 30 years in Parliament.

              Paula's background started with the Napier Tattoo Club and the Stag Truck stop but found it too hard and stayed on the DPB. Newspapers have lawyers letters from PB telling them not to get the time lines for above 3 mixed up.

              McClay worked as chief of staff for some UK EU poobah.

              Goldsmith has been in beehive or MPs/Ministers offices much like Bishop , Kaye and Willis

            • Psycho Milt 2.2.2.4.2.2
              5 September 2019 at 3:46 pm

              "real life experiences"

              So, their MPs have fake life experiences? What would that consist of?

        • Kevin 2.2.2.5
          5 September 2019 at 4:10 pm

          The government doesn't have to borrow large sums of money for KiwiBuild, or what ever the fuck they call it now.

          The government can create whatever capital it needs. I believe they call it Quantitative Easing these days.

      • Dukeofurl 2.2.3
        5 September 2019 at 1:36 pm

        I dont think there is a single person reading that who thinks you know better in any shape or form

        "listening to housing minister megan wood on rnz."

      • phillip ure 2.2.4
        5 September 2019 at 5:12 pm

        trying to think of ways out of this mess:

        i think that kiwibuild needs to be identified for what it is:

        middle-class welfare..

        in no way is it designed to help those who need it the most..

        and so as a concept should be canned..

        and as corin dann asked megan wood this morning:(i paraphrase..)

        'why doesn't labour return to its' knitting – and forget about being in the market – and focus on building state houses..?'

        to which i can only say 'hear..!..hear..!'..

        and would also mention again how post ww2 10,000 houses a year were built..(surely there must be historians/theses knowing the mechanics of how that was done – surely it would e of value to at least look there..?..)

        my understanding is that some 1,500 state houses have been built – and that is good..but it almost seems like it is something labour is ashamed of – they have sold that fact/success so poorly – it must be deliberate – and i see it as part of labour pandering to that tory swing-voter and trying not to offend..

        so like corin dann sez – labour should proudly commit to house the homeless/poor – and to go full tilt into state house building..(and not gimcrack-hovels..!)

        the rent-to-buy/shared-equity ideas look good – on the surface – the devil will be in the detail/criterea..(fingers still crossed there..)

        i also feel the obvious moves are into pre-built etc..

        and why not a mortgage-fund where those who want to – can present concepts of alternative/much-cheaper buildings – and get funding for them..?

        (and of course councils need to be made to toe that line – their arbitrary/subjective bullshit has to be swept away…)

      • sumsuch 2.2.5
        5 September 2019 at 9:07 pm

        I wonder … actually 2 things. One, why Chris Trotter argued against a Left coalition this time? That is a story I haven't been able to understand.

        Two, why is most commenting on Open Mike done before the evening? Seems as unnatural as vampires in sunlight to me. Hoary with the glory of dawn's bracing air? Relaxing contemplative does best after the day's activity, he proposes.

    • mauī 2.3
      5 September 2019 at 9:27 am

      Kiwibuild houses in Wanaka too… ffs what were they thinking… apart from dishing out lollies to the elite.

      • Puckish Rogue 2.3.1
        5 September 2019 at 9:31 am

        Shame no one told them it wasn't going to work…🤣

        • Enough is Enough 2.3.1.1
          5 September 2019 at 11:34 am

          I don't think there has ever been a more predictable failure of any government policy.

          Everyone other than Labour, and some of the media who failed to critically review the policy, knew it would never fly.

          National can rightly say, "told you so" now

          • Dukeofurl 2.3.1.1.1
            5 September 2019 at 1:11 pm

            Which of Nationals 'increase the supply' policies do you want to citique

            Remember when Nick Smith went around various ' sites' in Auckland saying they are public owned and houses can go there. How many houses did go there.

            Remember the Special Housing Areas, how many extra low cost houses did that build.

            Guess who at the last election promised 'more more more' houses.

            • Louis 2.3.1.1.1.1
              5 September 2019 at 1:39 pm

              +1 Dukeofurl. The Ihumātao dispute is a result of the National government's SHA's.

            • Enough is Enough 2.3.1.1.1.2
              5 September 2019 at 2:01 pm

              There are more more more houses. We are in the middle of a construction boom.

              The point is Kiwibuild was doomed for failure as predicted by everyone other than Labour.

              • Dukeofurl …
                5 September 2019 at 3:45 pm

                Three little letters

                S H A

                How did that go……not

                • Enough is Enough …
                  5 September 2019 at 4:49 pm

                  I think you are arguing with yourself.

                  Not sure why you are rabbtting on about the previous government. They failed and we kicked them out of office.

                  • Dukeofurl …
                    5 September 2019 at 7:28 pm

                    Because too many still believe and parrot their talking points

                    • Enough is Enough …
                      6 September 2019 at 10:32 am

                      No-one here is and certainly not me.

                      You can support the left and still be critical of this government. I am not all of a sudden going to break the habit of a lifetime and begin voting for National.

                      At the same time, I am not going to pretend that noting is wrong with this government. They made bold statements and promises in 2017 and should be held to account against what they were voted in on.

                      Simply saying 'but at least we tried' isn't good enough. That just encourages future politicians to make grand unrealistic promises without ever having to deliver on them

          • phillip ure 2.3.1.1.2
            5 September 2019 at 1:14 pm

            it could quite possibly have 'flown' if done correctly –

            remembering that post ww2 10,000 houses a yr were built..

            (and that was before nail-guns were invented – every nail hammered in using a hammer..)

            whereas this clown-clusterfuck can't come within a bulls' roar of that number – (nail-guns notwithstanding)..

      • mac1 2.3.2
        5 September 2019 at 12:15 pm

        Every community has a range of people living there in terms of wealth. The elite of Wanaka still need workers, teachers, clerical staff etc etc.

        I'd venture to say that affordable housing is more difficult to find in wealthy communities than in poorer communities.

      • Naki man 2.3.3
        5 September 2019 at 7:41 pm

        Everyone needs a ski chalet

  3. Rapunzel 3
    5 September 2019 at 9:12 am

    Does anyone have the expertise to comment on whether it is proper that the prosecutor of a case which has been "resolved" then contacts media themselves and more or less tries to publicly "relitigate" an outcome he had agreed to.

    I am aware that not all is always as it seems, but now that more details of whatever occurred have been published it appears that normally such a case would not have made news or headlines without the "political" interest, that interest in fact should have no bearing on the case or its outcome.

    What would be the motivation for the prosecutor himself in contacting the media and does anyone know if this is "proper"?

    "But, despite the plea deal, prosecutor David Johnstone wished to outline the Crown's position in an email to the Herald and other journalists who covered the trial.

    It was in response to an earlier media statement by the accused's lawyer Emma Priest."

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12264837

    • Peter Christchurh nz 3.1
      5 September 2019 at 9:40 am

      Reading the article, I guess the prosecutor was left little alternative, after the defence lawyer had already approached the media with inflammatory and incorrect claims.

      Of more interest, why does the guilty party still have name suppression? Very unusual, something usually reserved for All Blacks and other Neanderthals. Must be some politicians son eh.

      • Rapunzel 3.1.1
        5 September 2019 at 9:55 am

        I nearly mentioned the defendant's solicitor speaking to media but it looked clear that media asked for comment and got it, I'm not sure why they didn't ask for comment from the prosecutor's office he could have made a comment that was relevant to the case and the outcome in an immediate manner not in hindsight.

        ½ of NZ could tell you which politicians son, there have been "interesting" cases that are not specific to "All Blacks and other Neanderthals", the case may well be that they are all Neanderthals.

        Anyway do you think this case would be in the media if it hadn't been a "politician's" son?

      • Dukeofurl 3.1.2
        5 September 2019 at 1:20 pm

        "approached the media with inflammatory and incorrect claims."

        The accused was offered and pleaded to 2 x assault charges. ( the crimes have same

        The sexual assault charges where all withdrawn, so that is saying there was no sexual assault as alleged by the Crown. Exactly as the lawyer claimed during ( and before ?) the trial.

        • Rapunzel 3.1.2.1
          5 September 2019 at 2:13 pm

          I am female and over 60, not that has any bearing other than I have children and grandchildren because I am, and now they are, aware of what happens in certain settings it is my certain view that had it not been able to be made political no one would have been even aware of what happened.

          How many times in people's lives has this sort of thing happened it is not excusable but it is the reality of out of control drunken behaviour, whoever his parents are they are probably really glad he was not in charge of a vehicle.

          That aside is this the same sort of "fair" trial that one of his peers would have had and is the prosecutor allowed to contact media the way he did?

        • McFlock 3.1.2.2
          5 September 2019 at 2:37 pm

          The sexual assault charges where all withdrawn, so that is saying there was no sexual assault as alleged by the Crown.

          Yes and no.

          Plea deals are a sad but important part of the process. The greatly lower the workload of the justice system. And yes, one is legally "innocent until proven guilty". But that doesn't mean there was no sexual assault (legally the complaint still was made), nor does it mean the guy is the victim his lawyer is making him out to be.

          • Dukeofurl 3.1.2.2.1
            5 September 2019 at 3:55 pm

            Lower the workload ?

            This was in the middle of a jury trial. thats a fanciful claim about lowering workload. It happens the other way too…multiple charges are 'pre-loaded' to makes the crime stats look good when a single charge will do.

            • McFlock 3.1.2.2.1.1
              5 September 2019 at 4:04 pm

              Lawyer I was talking to a few years back reckoned something like 80% of cases were plea agreements.

              Sure, they left it late in this case, but it probably saved a few days off the schedule.

              • Dukeofurl …
                5 September 2019 at 4:55 pm

                Weak case , to throw in the towel by the Crown in middle of trial, after most of the witnesses called. Were the crown afraid the judge might dismiss the case , after application by the defence , before the jury retired ?

                I wouldnt say I was a habitue of the courts, but isnt it the defendants who are finally convinced by their lawyers to plead guilty to trial charges

                • McFlock …
                  5 September 2019 at 5:06 pm

                  No case is 100%. Jury trials can be unpredictable. Sexual assault trials are also notoriously difficult to prosecute.

                  So the prosecution risk the guy walking away. The guy risks getting a sexual assault conviction. So prosecution and defence find a happy medium of the charges that are mild enough for him to wear but are at least some measure of punishment for the prosecution.

                  It's not ideal, but then ideally people wouldn't assault other people, sexually or otherwise.

                • Naki man …
                  5 September 2019 at 6:12 pm

                  You must live in a cave Duke, McFlock is 100% correct.

                  You only have to be on jury service at a busy court to see all the "horse trading"

                  • Dukeofurl …
                    5 September 2019 at 7:37 pm

                    So when was the last time the Crown took the defendants offer to settle in the middle of a jury trial. There is no saving of lawyers time and court time at that stage.

                    The defence opening statement was 'this isnt a sexual assault' case.

                    Yes I have been called for jury duty , and yes they have a second case line up if the first case settles on the 'step of the court'.

                    This is practically a settlement just before the judge instructs the jury .

                    The only possible later time is before the jury returns

                    • McFlock …
                      5 September 2019 at 10:35 pm

                      There is no saving of lawyers time and court time at that stage.

                      Except the jury is immediately dismissed and zero witnesses are called to argue the case cbecause the charges either have guilty pleas or withdrawals.

            • Rapunzel 3.1.2.2.1.2
              5 September 2019 at 4:26 pm

              Middle of the road enough probably to think "there but for the grace of . . ." on both sides of the offending behaviour and/or you let them out of you sight for five mins. There few things more reckless and sad than a young male trying to make an impression or fit in especially when drunk, something that probably needed to be in court, especially one of public opinion, is how they got access to alcohol – or was the person of age – without supervision around the younger ones.

      • Louis 3.1.3
        5 September 2019 at 1:47 pm

        The accused was a guest at the camp.So what makes you think he's a politician's son?

  4. Adrian Thornton 4
    5 September 2019 at 10:33 am

    Here are a couple of good pieces on Sanders (or maybe we should just say The Progressive Left) vs corporate media…

    Bernie Sanders Is Coming to American Journalism's Rescue

    https://www.truthdig.com/articles/bernie-sanders-is-coming-to-american-journalisms-rescue/

    Corporate Media Bias Against Sanders Is Structural, Not a Conspiracy



  5. joe90 5
    5 September 2019 at 10:37 am

    Ms Southern is/was a significant contributor to Levant's hate rag, too.

    A formal criminal complaint for hate propaganda has been filed with the Ottawa Police Service against the Canadian Islamophobic news outlet Rebel News Network Ltd., and its directors Ezra Levant, Hamish Marshall and Hannah Vanderkooy, as well as former Rebel News presenter Faith Bazos (aka Faith Goldy).

    […]

    The complaint alleges Rebel News Network have breached s. 319(2) of the Canadian Criminal Code by wilfully promoting hatred of the Muslim community through hate propaganda published through the Rebel News Network website and Youtube channel.

    While not formally named as there is no evidence any of his activities took place in Canada, the complaint relies heavily on content created by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson) as evidence of them disseminating xenophobic anti-Muslim content. Videos produced by Faith Goldy are also highlighted in the complaint.

    https://www.hopenothate.org.uk/2019/09/03/formal-criminal-complaint-made-against-rebel-media-for-hate-propaganda/

  7. Anne 7
    5 September 2019 at 10:56 am

    The liar extraordinaire falsifies and over simplifies an outdated weather map for Hurricane Dorian. Can't even tell the truth about a weather event:

    https://www.newsandguts.com/video/hurricane-map-displayed-in-oval-office-was-altered-to-include-alabama/

  8. Andre 8
    5 September 2019 at 11:23 am

    The Combover Con will stiff you every time. Even when you're a loyal but vulnerable Repug Senator from a swing state who's up for re-election next year.

    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-border-wall-military-funds-senators_n_5d6fff9ce4b0cdfe0579f881

  10. Jimmy 10
    5 September 2019 at 11:57 am

    I thought Megan Woods came across pretty well in the interview with Mike Hosking regarding the kiwi build reset. In fact, she interviews a hell of a lot better than Jacinda does on Tuesday mornings.

  12. joe90 12
    5 September 2019 at 2:21 pm

    The canaries are trying to tell us something.

    VANCOUVER—Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced a further $2.7 million investment in salmon conservation projects, after government officials confirmed Thursday morning that salmon stocks across British Columbia are returning in concerningly low numbers.

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada, also known as DFO, had previously forecast that 4,795,000 sockeye salmon would return to the Fraser River this year.

    As the run starts, that number has been adjusted to 628,000 — just 13 per cent of that original forecast. The state of sockeye salmon is now so dire that some populations “face an imminent threat of extinction,” according to DFO.

    https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2019/08/22/48-million-sockeye-salmon-were-expected-at-bcs-fraser-river-but-just-628000-showed-up.html

  13. Hongi Ika 13
    5 September 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Police Destroy Evidence From Pike River Mine ?

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/115559773/police-say-pike-river-evidence-destroyed-in-2015-held-no-value-but-families-want-answers

    This brings back memories of Robert Muldoon and the police activities destroying evidence from The Erebus Crash ?

    Hopefully the wet behind the ears Andrew Little from the Labour Party will address this situation in a Royal Commission of Enquiry as Pike River is a Homicide Crime Scene ?

    • In Vino 13.1
      5 September 2019 at 4:26 pm

      If it is a homicide crime scene, it became so under a National Government whose PM made a solemn promise to get the bodies out, then changed his mind…

  14. sumsuch 14
    5 September 2019 at 9:39 pm

    The art of the possible aside, reality says we need a commanding demo-cratist government in control. The whole bloody lesson of the rich's takeover of government in the early 80s from Keynesian social-democracy. Yet reality also says that 's not possible — division of needed ends and impossible(?) means.

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  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
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    2 hours ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
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    3 hours ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
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    4 hours ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
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    5 hours ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
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    6 hours ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
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    10 hours ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
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    19 hours ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
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    19 hours ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
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    20 hours ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
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    1 day ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
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    1 day ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
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    1 day ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
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    1 day ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
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    1 day ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
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    2 days ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
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    2 days ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
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    2 days ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
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    2 days ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
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    3 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
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    4 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
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    5 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    5 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    6 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    6 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    6 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    6 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
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    6 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    6 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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.  ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    1 week 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. ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week ago

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