Open Mike 05/12/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 5th, 2018 - 256 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

256 comments on “Open Mike 05/12/2018 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Robert Guyton 1
    5 December 2018 at 6:30 am

    We banked more rainwater in our soil last night, in readiness for any summer drought that might occur in the South. Plenty of lightning in the air over the past few days. Askew, Deow, Icarus and co. made a beautiful job of the walls of our village over the 4 days they were here painting; they finished just as the first peals of thunder began to roll, having enjoyed hot, sunny weather all the while they worked.
    (As an aside, has anyone here ever search Google for the word “askew” 🙂

    • WeTheBleeple 1.1
      5 December 2018 at 7:21 am

      Haha that’s neat.

      Nearly finished the article on water systems. It’s becoming clear part of ‘how to get there’ will also be part of my ‘multifunctional shelter belts’ (working title) which the nitrogen fixers in turn are part of…

      My only concern is I retain rights to the material posted here as some of it will wind up in the book.

      Been looking over the PDC, some of it… I can’t wait! The AK bio-region stuff, the tree crops stuff, you never know what you’ll learn.

      Thinking about expanding more sub-tropicals up here, bananas and Taro definitely, they love the water. Any suggestions?

      • Robert Guyton 1.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 8:05 am

        Are you not going to be an “open source” writer 🙂
        We called our heritage apple project, “Open Orchard” with the thought that all of our findings could be freely accessed and developed and that’s going well.
        I’m not sure if you’ve seen this archive here on The Standard.
        https://thestandard.org.nz/search/forest+gardens/
        Bananas and taro are well out of my sphere, for the moment, but I’ve heard great praise for taro (might have been from you 🙂
        A visitor gave me two white sapote seeds recently and while I’m unlikely to succeed in growing them, I have them soaking, ready for planting in pots in the tunnelhouse. There are some really interesting tree crops people up your way – I met them when speaking at their annual hui last year (I think it was). Great depth of experience and knowledge; enthusiasm too.
        May I quote you?
        “Thinking about expanding more sub-tropicals up here, bananas and Taro definitely, they love the water. Any suggestions?”
        Yep. Give ’em plenty!
        🙂

        • greywarshark 1.1.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 9:50 am

          Hi RG and WTB
          Good to see you. Further discussion on a permanent site and how to organise it coming? I sent my email to you Robert, you are in touch with WTB – can we have a discussion and with TS mods?

          Open Mike is not a permanent depository. This is needed for the useful material already presented on how NZ will green up and grow up using helpful, co-operative ways. So if you want to turn TS potential for bringing positive, human-loving and environment-caring people together we can move together on this; starting talking now and with a plan for New Year start. We can learn what we need to know in the interim.

          • greywarshark 1.1.1.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 9:05 pm

            Robert Guyton and WetheBleeple
            I’m waiting to hear from you that’s if you want me to be involved. If you don’t fine, and if I don’t hear anything by late Friday I will back off.

            • Robert Guyton 1.1.1.1.1.1
              5 December 2018 at 9:33 pm

              Hi greywarshark – fret not, good friend! I/we surely do want you and I’ve just finished talking with trp about our launch time – more about that soon. Don’t pack your bags on Friday, I’m angling for the weekend as a start time – whadda ya reckon? There are others, emailing me behind the TS scenes, who are keen to play. I reckon it’s worth giving it a go. I’m pretty keen not to set a topic each time – let the first poster try to do that 🙂 I’m happy to roll out of bed early on a weekend day and have a go at herding cats, though we may be sloths our turtles, being all happy-flappy and that…not disgruntled malcontents…or ARE we??? 🙂
              Should be fun. Thanks for being our archivist and Overseer – I need that…I can…drift….
              Waiting to hear now from Te Reo Putake and his mates. Fingers crossed (anything could happen in the next half hour!).
              Robert

        • WeTheBleeple 1.1.1.2
          5 December 2018 at 2:00 pm

          Didn’t see that series of yours no. Loved part one. Will read more later as time allows.

          My plant collecting has been limited for ages by budget but is getting better now. I killed a lot too as I learned how not to do it. The gardens have reduced the food budget drastically so more plants can come in now. I like that it builds itself in this way.

          The gardens did receive a major setback via contractors bulldozer blades, diggers, path making, painting… ah the life of a renter. This year (2 later) it’s back to lots of food, before that it was cover crops and healing the mess. Lost a lot of species had no idea their idea of ‘cleaning up’ was with a dozer blade.

          Great landlord, cowboy contractors.

          I imagine meeting the permies up here will allow access to swap cuttings and methods, I also look forward to this.

          Open source… I don’t have much of a clue with the legal stuff. My ideas have been taken and turned to profit before. I want open access, and people can use, share and disseminate information to help themselves and their community, but I retain the right to use the stuff I write for my book, not whatever website/s use it.

          Make sense? I’ve incurred a lot of debt getting to the point I feel I have no idea professionally, it would be nice to bumble along from here without abject poverty. Things’ll work out…

    • Matiri 1.2
      5 December 2018 at 8:20 am

      Anne Askew is a small part of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall story – tortured and burnt at the stake for heresy. She was one feisty woman!

  2. Ad 2
    5 December 2018 at 6:58 am

    Is anyone else experiencing a really bonkers-intense lead up to Christmas?

    Work is nuts

    • gsays 2.1
      5 December 2018 at 7:17 am

      Hospo in palmy is going gang busters.
      No such thing as a quiet night currently.
      Two record weeks in a row…..

    • Antoine 2.2
      5 December 2018 at 10:52 am

      Its been full on since late Nov. There is something scheduled just about every day. Kids are getting frazzled

      A.

    • DJ Ward 2.3
      5 December 2018 at 8:06 pm

      Yes. For my work project timelines get off track due to holidays so there is always a panic to get things finished. It doesn’t really change anything as the projects often take years. Some irrational human behavour induced by people wearing suits and reporting KPIs to other suits.

      Bonus for me is my contracts get extended.

  3. Puckish Rogue 3
    5 December 2018 at 7:30 am

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/109066831/teachers-and-principals-vote-on-governments-latest-contract-offers

    “We know the public is still on our side, and that we have solidarity across schools and now also with our PPTA colleagues.”

    I wouldn’t be too confident about having the support of the public the longer this goes on……

    • Draco T Bastard 3.1
      5 December 2018 at 11:09 am

      I wouldn’t bank on you knowing WTF you’re talking about.

      Most people understand that teachers are just as important as politicians and should be paid as much.

      • Puckish Rogue 3.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 11:10 am

        We’ll see

        • Puckish Rogue 3.1.2.1
          5 December 2018 at 11:18 am

          I’d be ok with that

        • Wayne 3.1.2.2
          5 December 2018 at 3:00 pm

          Molly,

          It is a truth that disguises a lie.

          In 1996 when I was first elected my MP salary was virtually the same as my salary as an associate professor. Except it wasn’t. There were so many non taxable extras added on that my total MP package was effectively 50% higher. That method of padding remuneration was even more so in the 1970’s.

          This all got changed in the mid 2000’s, when all the extras were included in the basic MP salary. The effect was that when I left parliament, a basic MP salary was 50% higher than an associate professor salary. But in truth there had been no effective change in relativity since 1996.

          • Puckish Rogue 3.1.2.2.1
            5 December 2018 at 3:07 pm

            Thanks for posting Wayne, always good to get an “insiders” perspective

          • Molly 3.1.2.2.2
            5 December 2018 at 4:46 pm

            Thanks Wayne, but your personal example comes after more than a decade of Rogernomics.

            I have had a quick search to see if I can find a historical record, but perhaps you would have a better idea where to look.

            I’d be interested, though, in what kind of padding was allowable when you were MP in 1996.

      • Enough is Enough 3.1.3
        5 December 2018 at 11:22 am

        Most people should let their local MPs know that so that the Government does something about it.

        Sadly, they like all their post ’84 predecessors will do fuck all until we demand proper change. Not this smiling bullshit kind of capitalism that they are progressing.

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.3.1
          5 December 2018 at 11:41 am

          Most people should let their local MPs know that so that the Government does something about it.

          Is there a process available that easy to use, can be counted and have the count publicly available?

          Something like, say, Loomio but run by government to actually give people an active voice in government?

          That’s part of the problem with maintaining a paper process designed in the 19th century. It’s far too hard to actually bring about the level of political participation that we need both for the general populace and the people doing the counting.

          • Enough is Enough 3.1.3.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 2:06 pm

            Agreed

            My comment was more of just a rant about how so many people don’t challenge this government to do better. As long as Labour are in power it seems to some people that the problems will sort themselves out and we should just clap from the sidelines as absolutely no bold reforms ever look like being introduced.

            I become more frustrated every day with how it just seems like business as usual. The status quo remains and the 1% have hardly have a dent laid against them…..yet somehow we are all happy?

  4. gsays 4
    5 December 2018 at 7:40 am

    Another failure of the neo liberal way of doing things.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/109076540/corbel-subbie-owed-700k-didnt-know-about-longstanding-problems

    There is something manifestly unjust about the building industry.

    Company directors can run subcontractors even when they know they are not able to pay them.

    Meanwhile the people who actually do the work have pay denied them leading into Christmas.

    Yet these same company directors ceo’s etc get to pick up another well paid job while others clean up their mess

    Where are the consequences for these handsomely renumerated men?

    • greywarshark 4.1
      5 December 2018 at 9:56 am

      gsays
      Your points – so true.

    • Jum 4.2
      5 December 2018 at 10:36 am

      Contractors, Sub-Contractors should have a risk-free account of funding provided by the company at the start of the job. If the job doesn’t go ahead, the company has lost nothing. If the company goes under, the contractors, sub-contractors have retained their income. This funding should include future loss because the contractors, sub-contractors have chosen that job over others.

    • Antoine 4.3
      5 December 2018 at 10:53 am

      Who would be a subbie?

      Myself I dont let accounts go more than a few weeks in arrears. I know not everyone has this luxury though

      A.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.4
      5 December 2018 at 11:12 am

      Where are the consequences for these handsomely renumerated men?

      I’m pretty sure that you’ll find that they’ve been legally protected from the decisions for decades if not centuries. After all, having the rich held accountable for their actions wouldn’t help the capitalists become ever richer.

      Hence we have trusts and business structures that hide the wealth and the people who own it.

      • gsays 4.4.1
        5 December 2018 at 1:04 pm

        It’s a beautiful irony that folk who are hard to trust, have trusts.

      • JohnSelway 4.4.2
        5 December 2018 at 6:42 pm

        Trusts aren’t just used to hide assets. They have a valuable place when used properly to make sure certain assets stay within a family.

        My father died recently and used a trust to keep many important family heirlooms within the family so his ex partner couldn’t try make a claim on them (which she tried)

        • Chris T 4.4.2.1
          5 December 2018 at 6:58 pm

          Exactly

          They can form a shied in more ways than one

          My mother died about the same time my step father turned into a prick when I was young.

          It stopped him from stripping her side of their assets so they could be passed to her children

        • Draco T Bastard 4.4.2.2
          6 December 2018 at 12:17 am

          They have a valuable place when used properly to make sure certain assets stay within a family.

          Which, of course, is fully free-market doctrine. People are supposed to be able to lose from their bad decisions.

          My father died recently and used a trust to keep many important family heirlooms within the family so his ex partner couldn’t try make a claim on them (which she tried)

          So, what you’re saying is that, although she had a valid claim, her ownership rights were shorted by the trust?

          After all, if she didn’t have a valid claim then the courts would have thrown her case out.

          Trusts aren’t just used to hide assets.

          That may be true but the fact that trusts are used to hide assets makes trusts nothing but another vehicle for corruption.

          • JohnSelway 4.4.2.2.1
            6 December 2018 at 9:36 am

            Well, no. She may have had a legal claim but that doesn’t mean she had a valid claim. You yourself have said several times legal doesn’t mean right or ethical.

            Secondly this just plays right into your idea that because something can be used for purposes antethical to their original purpose then they should be banned. Like I said before – the benefit can be used for corruption/dishonesty but you wouldn’t advocate banning it because of those reasons.

            • Draco T Bastard 4.4.2.2.1.1
              6 December 2018 at 10:18 am

              She may have had a legal claim but that doesn’t mean she had a valid claim.

              Court was still the place to sort it out.

              Secondly this just plays right into your idea that because something can be used for purposes antethical to their original purpose then they should be banned. Like I said before – the benefit can be used for corruption/dishonesty but you wouldn’t advocate banning it because of those reasons.

              As far as I can see trusts have never had a valid reason to exist. Protecting people’s wealth is not valid. Under the capitalist system people are supposed to lose for their bad decisions. Under socialism even if people lose they’re not going to lose their life due to poverty.

              And everything I’ve seen indicates that trusts are used primarily for unethical purposes. Just look at how the number of foreign owned trusts in NZ dropped once more information was required.

              There is no valid reason to have trusts.

              • solkta …
                6 December 2018 at 10:56 am

                So you don’t think families and extended families should be able to own property collectively?

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  6 December 2018 at 11:45 am

                  What has that got to do with a trust?

                  Dude, I don’t think anybody should be able to own property (except for small personal stuff) as it sets up unearned income which is detrimental to society.

                  • JohnSelway …
                    6 December 2018 at 11:49 am

                    The items we have protected in our trust are personal items Draco. Some of them have real monetary value but isn’t the reason for the protection.

                  • solkta …
                    6 December 2018 at 12:14 pm

                    That is what a family trust does. It means that all the beneficiaries including those not born yet have rights to the property.

                    If you don’t think there should be private property then you should say that, but that is something different from saying that there are no valid reasons for trusts.

              • JohnSelway …
                6 December 2018 at 11:35 am

                Well – we don’t need the courts to sort it out because there was a trust in place. And there was a completely valid reason which was to make sure important family heirlooms were kept within the family.

                Valid, not for the purposes of wealth protection, and legal

              • JohnSelway …
                6 December 2018 at 11:43 am

                And it doesn’t apply to my fathers ex it also applies to my ex wife. She doesn’t want anything from the family – we sorted everything amicably and without the need for lawyers but the trust means important Selway (not my real name of course) family items stay within the family.

  5. Sacha 5
    5 December 2018 at 7:46 am

    Cracking interview on Morning Report with one of Maggie’s disgruntled ex-staffers – includes claims to have physical evidence of being directed to do purely political work (11mins): https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018674179/maggie-barry-bullying-claims-ex-staffer-speaks-out

    Expect some scrambling today ..

    • Tony Veitch [not etc.] 5.1
      5 December 2018 at 9:28 am

      On the basis of that interview, Barry’s toast! The more so because he claims to be able to produce evidence.

      It couldn’t happen to a nicer person!!

      • Anne 5.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 10:27 am

        It should be noted that the only person willing to be properly questioned is the one who laid the charges. The woman staffer who is defending MB and claiming she never knew about the recordings is only prepared to issue a statement. That alone indicates which one is telling the truth.

  6. Puckish Rogue 6
    5 December 2018 at 7:49 am

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/109089925/Karel-Sroubeks-estranged-wife-is-afraid-for-her-life?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

    ‘National Party justice spokesman Mark Mitchell said she gave him a six-page letter that contained permission to speak on her behalf. He said she had been threatened by gangs and was “genuinely scared”.

    She was taking a massive risk speaking out and said she was forced to write the letter of support so her convicted smuggler husband did not get deported from New Zealand.’

    https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/winston-peters-criticised-for-over-comments-about-karel-sroubeks-wife/

    “She came to the Opposition through a retired Labour minister, and it is my job as opposition to make sure the Government is held to account. And now she’s got the deputy Prime Minister making cheap political attacks and shots at her.”

    Dang this story has legs

    • Sacha 6.1
      5 December 2018 at 7:52 am

      Why would she reach out via a Labour person when she is going out with a Nat insider? Does not stack up.

      • mickysavage 6.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 7:53 am

        Former Labour ministers include Michael Bassett, Richard Prebble and Roger Douglas …

        • alwyn 6.1.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 9:34 am

          That really takes us back, doesn’t it micky.
          Those were the days when Labour attracted skilled and competent people to their ranks.
          Now the best they can manage is idiots like Lees-Galloway and Twyford.
          Oh for the good old days.

          • J 6.1.1.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 10:44 am

            So this is where you got to alwyn.

            Michael Bassett, Richard Prebble and Roger Douglas were acting as act in 1984; no amount of nonsense from you will change that fact.

            ‘ Douglas had an epiphany on mt pelerin and decided to let the markets rule. That has never been a true Labour value. Even Lange finally realised what douglas and co were up to. Labour was thrown out in 1990 – and I have always seen that decade as the biggest nat/extreme right set up I have ever seen. (politics of deception)’

            Apparently, he was working with treasury on his plans a year before Labour came into government; can’t see national letting him do that unless they were in on it.

          • J 6.1.1.1.2
            5 December 2018 at 10:54 am

            ‘By the end of 1983, his thinking had shifted markedly to the economic right.[27]

            In late 1983, Labour’s Caucus Economic Committee adopted a paper that Douglas named the economic policy package.’

          • AB 6.1.1.1.3
            5 December 2018 at 12:30 pm

            Alwyn – of those three, only Bassett isn’t a half-wit. (in my opinion). But he more than makes up for it with his incandescent nastiness.

            • alwyn 6.1.1.1.3.1
              5 December 2018 at 12:45 pm

              I am not saying that I agree with your evaluation of them but I would say that even a “half-wit” would be far beyond the mental capacity of the Lees-Galloway and Twyfords of this administration.

      • Puckish Rogue 6.1.2
        5 December 2018 at 7:57 am

        I’m guessing (because I’ve never been threatened or coerced by gangs) that shes scared and that Labour is in power and Labour MPs are in charge of police and corrections whereas National aren’t or are you suggesting that because her partner is a member of National she shouldn’t get any help at all?

        • Sacha 6.1.2.1
          5 December 2018 at 8:08 am

          Not at all. Just struggling to see the path. Wonder which ex-Ministers/MPs with justice/police portfolio connections she has encountered?

        • Cinny 6.1.2.2
          5 December 2018 at 9:15 am

          Women in a position of vulnerability, like ‘the ex wife’ are easily mislead and taken advantage of.

          A new partner whispering in ones ear is all it takes.

          national want to be in power no matter what, politics is a big competition for them, collateral damage is all part of their course and game.

          Feeling sad for the ‘ex wife’ she’s been used as a pawn in a national party power hungry game.

          simon didn’t have to bring her into it yesterday, he could have left it alone after last week, but nooooooo.

      • Muttonbird 6.1.3
        5 December 2018 at 8:31 am

        They’re trying to put some distance between themselves and the information flowing.

        • Puckish Rogue 6.1.3.1
          5 December 2018 at 8:39 am

          On that just how did the immigration service manage to visit her?

          https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/109089925/Karel-Sroubeks-estranged-wife-is-afraid-for-her-life

          ‘One of the biggest questions that needed to be answered was how immigration officials tracked the woman down, when she was in a police safe house, Mitchell said.’

          So who leaked her whereabouts?

          • Muttonbird 6.1.3.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 8:49 am

            I’d suggest she’s not “in a police safe house”, and never has been.

          • Red Blooded One 6.1.3.1.2
            5 December 2018 at 9:02 am

            I dunno, Paula Bennett? Cameron Slater? Luigi Wewege? Mark Mitchell himself? or the fella from the National Party she is currently rooting? any guesses are just as ridiculous as your attempt to give this thing legs. It seems to me it is the National Party playing politics with these peoples lives. Good on Minister Lees-Galloway for reversing his original decision after finally being given the additional information. (which, it seems, the National Party already knew from pillow talk)

            • Puckish Rogue 6.1.3.1.2.1
              5 December 2018 at 9:12 am

              “Good on Minister Lees-Galloway for reversing his original decision after finally being given the additional information. ”

              He had the information to make the decision but he skimmed over the report, didn’t ask questions, didn’t know the immigration act and made the wrong decision but won’t admit to it

              But hey don’t take my word for it

              https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/108976779/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-says-immigration-minister-iain-leesgalloway-staying-put

              In answers to questions in Parliament today, Winston Peters, answering on behalf of the Prime Minister, said Iain Lees-Galloway was ‘setting out, having made only one mistake in a year, to fix it up’.

              • Red Blooded One …
                5 December 2018 at 9:34 am

                From the article you refer to “There were elements of the case that were not available to the minister at the outset, at the time of making his original decision, she said.” Thanks for proving my point, PR. Original decision made, new information given, decision altered. Fixed up. Well done Iain Lees-Galloway.

                • alwyn …
                  5 December 2018 at 9:49 am

                  The words you quote were of course, as is quite clear from the article, a quote from Ms Ardern.
                  Do you really think they have any relation to reality or are they just a desperate claim from someone who is trying to hide from the reality that one of her Ministers is an idiot who is simply to lazy to do his job?

                  The only sensible comment from any of the Labour MPs is by Greg O’Connor. He has obviously decided that he isn’t going to get into the Cabinet and is setting out to tell truth to power in the Party.
                  He is starting to remind me of Gordon Christie who was a very good back bench MP for Napier from 1966 to 1981.

                  • Red Blooded One …
                    5 December 2018 at 10:06 am

                    Yes, the article did report Prime Minister Ardern making that statement. If you are calling her a liar on this quote, please provide proof.

                • Puckish Rogue …
                  5 December 2018 at 9:55 am

                  You’re right he didn’t have all the information but heres what we know:

                  Drug dealing, drug manufacturing, drug importation, gang association and violence

                  Which of the above do you think should have suggested to ILG that he shouldn’t grant residency

                  • SaveNZ …
                    5 December 2018 at 1:17 pm

                    lucky he ‘got off’ on those kidnapping charges too

                    What a nice guy, sarcastically. We are not desperate for bums on seats into NZ are we??? Any bum, any seat, even prison seems to be our immigration policy APART from highly skilled, well educated people who are too honest and then it sounds like all manner of things will be held against them and they can’t reside in NZ.

                    In general it sounds like too little brain power, too much process that is broken completely and nonsensical that only cheats and liars and third party consultants who are cheats and liars can get success in the immigration department and surrounding areas like MP’s…

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      5 December 2018 at 1:37 pm

                      I’m just waiting for someone to say something along the lines of “I’d rather have him living next door to me than John Key hur hur hur”

              • Pete …
                5 December 2018 at 9:35 am

                For a minute there I thought you were quoting Collette Devlin as the source of the true oil, the real story, the total facts of ALL the ins-and-outa of the Sroubek – Lees-Galloway episode.

                Looked at it, it wasn’t.

              • SaveNZ …
                5 December 2018 at 1:20 pm

                The first sign of trouble that Minister Lees-Galloway should have noticed was that Sroubek was already in PRISON, if you don’t work out something is wrong with granting him residency, then something is very wrong with you!

                At the very least, read the entire report and ask more questions!!! There are victims out there who are going to be impacted, by criminals being allowed free reign in NZ, and it’s about time our government thought of them, not the wannabe crims who want to be Kiwis getting all the ‘compassion’.

                Not only that, general knowledge of how many member states in the EU that Sroubek can return too could have been helpful if the excuse is that he was ‘scared’ to go back to one of the member states. Being a criminal can be dangerous, who knew, now we have to turn NZ into a criminal drugs filled paradise to cope with all these international drug smugglers who want a slice of the highly profitable NZ drugs pie.

            • Adrian 6.1.3.1.2.2
              5 December 2018 at 9:42 am

              Is someone ” taking one for the team “. Sounds like typical Nat modus operandi.

              • Puckish Rogue …
                5 December 2018 at 9:59 am

                Hey its ok, just read between the lines

                • joe90 …
                  5 December 2018 at 12:31 pm

                  ok, just read between the lines

                  Righto then.

                  The woman married a man who appears to have been a career criminal and during the relationship she likely lived pretty fucking high on the hog, courtesy of his rather dubious means.

                  He was busted, she kicked him to touch, and now she’s being portrayed as an innocent in distress.

                  So, JAQing off;

                  Is she a police witness?

                  Did she benefit from the proceeds of crime?

                  Have there been applications for forfeiture of any of her assets?

                  Is the top end of town closing ranks to protect one of their own darlings?

            • alwyn 6.1.3.1.2.3
              5 December 2018 at 11:41 am

              “or the fella from the National Party she is currently rooting?”
              Wow. Can you imagine the fuss there would be if this sort of thing was said about a “friend” of one of the randier Labour male MPs.

              • Red Blooded One …
                5 December 2018 at 11:50 am

                Awh sorry Alwyn, Didn’t see you as a delicate PC snowflake. Is that the correct terms y’all like to use. You are right of course, I should have said something like, the fella from the National Party she is suspected to be having carnal relations with. Happy now sweetie.

              • Puckish Rogue …
                5 December 2018 at 11:52 am

                Is it any wonder why more woman don’t speak up, just reading some of the comments on here makes it quite clear why they don’t

          • OnceWasTim 6.1.3.1.3
            5 December 2018 at 10:59 am

            You do realise that MBIE is full of ex cops in enforcement/compliance don’t you?
            Or perhaps they just called on a mate at Thompson and Clark.

            In both cases they’re anxious to be all butch and show just who is boss.

            • Gabby 6.1.3.1.3.1
              5 December 2018 at 11:56 am

              Is that why MBIE is piss useless?

              • OnceWasTim …
                5 December 2018 at 12:10 pm

                I couldn’t possibly comment but a cast of thousands could tell you that many of the decisions made in that bugger’s muddle would have been better if they’d involved a dart board or a set of dice

            • OnceWasTim 6.1.3.1.3.2
              5 December 2018 at 12:03 pm

              Maybe you should also listen to Dr Dean Knight (Co-Director of the NZ Centre for Public Law, Victoria University of Wellington). Probably Soimon and Mr Pomp Wodehouse should do too.
              It’ll be up soon on RNZ Noin-ta-Noon Podcast.
              He’d have probably made the same decision. And @ PR – you do believe in the rule of law and process doncha? Many of I L-G’s ‘officials’ certainly make that claim (as do Mr Pomp and Soimon)

          • Psych nurse 6.1.3.1.4
            5 December 2018 at 11:11 am

            Can you meet new partners in police safe houses ?.

      • greywarshark 6.1.4
        5 December 2018 at 10:08 am

        “Why would she reach out via a Labour (person) when she is going out with a Nat insider? ”
        Perhaps he/she was one of the Labour traitors who decided to take the opportunity to knife workers in the back in the 1980s.

        The Roman phrase ‘Et tu, Brute?’ is appropriate and also as an appropriate adjective from Old French.

        • Puckish Rogue 6.1.4.1
          5 December 2018 at 10:11 am

          Shes been threatened by gangs, had her house broken into (intimidatory tactics) so its good to see the left rally around the victim

          Oh wait sorry, its the left blaming the victim

          • Red Blooded One 6.1.4.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 10:21 am

            Nope, don’t see anyone here blaming the victim, you do know that Reading between the Lines doesn’t mean, making shit up! or do you simply follow the winsome JC herself when shown the truth continues to double down on lies.

            • Puckish Rogue 6.1.4.1.1.1
              5 December 2018 at 10:26 am

              “Nope, don’t see anyone here blaming the victim, you do know that Reading between the Lines doesn’t mean, making shit up!”

              Might want to send that message to this address then:

              iain.lees-galloway@parliament.govt.nz and CC in w.peters@ministers.govt.nz for good measure

              • Red Blooded One …
                5 December 2018 at 10:30 am

                WHAT, those two gentlemen are HERE! well I’ll be damned. You need to stop reading between the lines and actually read the lines.

                • Puckish Rogue …
                  5 December 2018 at 10:40 am

                  Ok I will. What did the PM mean when she said to “read between the lines”, what was she trying to tell us?

                  • Red Blooded One …
                    5 December 2018 at 10:45 am

                    Why are you asking me? Sorry I’m bored with playing with you now, give my love to the MP for Pakuranga. May her knives always remain sharp. Bye bye.

                  • Red Blooded One …
                    5 December 2018 at 11:13 am

                    Actually, before I leave PR. I, of course, mean the MP for Papakura, and I may have you mixed up with James. One of you fellas has the hots for JC. If I have mixed you up my sincere apologies. cheers

          • Anne 6.1.4.1.2
            5 December 2018 at 10:48 am

            Can you link to these claims PR ? I haven’t seen them. If they are true then has she gone to police? Genuine questions.

            • Puckish Rogue 6.1.4.1.2.1
              5 December 2018 at 10:56 am

              https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/109089925/Karel-Sroubeks-estranged-wife-is-afraid-for-her-life

              ‘National Party justice spokesman Mark Mitchell said she gave him a six-page letter that contained permission to speak on her behalf. He said she had been threatened by gangs and was “genuinely scared”.

              She was taking a massive risk speaking out and said she was forced to write the letter of support so her convicted smuggler husband did not get deported from New Zealand.’

              I’m assuming that because Mitchell brought it up in the house it has more validity than normal (happy to be educated if this is not the case)

              Also I admit to adding the dots together with the house break in = intimidation but it seems the timings a little too convenient to be mere coincidence

              • Anne …
                5 December 2018 at 11:09 am

                … adding the dots together with the house break in = intimidation but it seems the timings a little too convenient to be mere coincidence.

                Having been through such a scenario albeit a long time ago I would say it is likely not a coincidence, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it was arranged by Sroubeks or that he knew anything about it.

            • greywarshark 6.1.4.1.2.2
              5 December 2018 at 10:58 am

              PR
              has managed to spin this item out for the RW with 16 comments. Is that a ‘flame ‘war’ or just ‘trolling’?

            • Muttonbird 6.1.4.1.2.3
              5 December 2018 at 11:08 am

              Mark Mitchell is da police!

          • Gabby 6.1.4.1.3
            5 December 2018 at 11:58 am

            She claims she’s been threatened by gangs puckers. I guess she’ll have passed on names/descriptions to the police.

          • OnceWasTim 6.1.4.1.4
            5 December 2018 at 1:14 pm

            Not sure where to reply to you @ PR because you seems to be in every ‘space’ there’s an opportunity to contest your bull/cowshit, but I have a question.

            Have you ever considered a career in the Public Service?
            MBIE would be right up your alley, and who knows, you could go on to become a real star – maybe even one of those Chief Executioner Orafices sometime in the future.
            You might even get to wear a stab proof vest. And if that doesn’t work out, there could be an opportunity when some sad old gNat retires and is called upon to exercise his or her expertise.
            Maybe an ‘in tune’ down with the goss player as an underling to a Commissioner? The salaries are high and there aren’t too many challenges.
            Maybe you’d have to lerv the coffee in Midland park, and be very careful not to leave a briefcase or a USB stick or laptop. But who knows – you COULD make something of yourself

            • veutoviper 6.1.4.1.4.1
              5 December 2018 at 1:28 pm

              “Have you ever considered a career in the Public Service?”

              ROFL. Love it!

              I assume you have not been following “The Adventures of Puckish Rogue in Changing Careers/Employers” over the last year?

              And where he worked before and what he is going into in the New Year?

              • Puckish Rogue …
                5 December 2018 at 1:39 pm

                The paperwork just came through so all I have to do is sign it and send it back and I start on the 14th

                Fair bit of paperwork included about unions to get through though I have to admit it’d be a hoot if just after I join they go on strike 🙂

                • OnceWasTim …
                  5 December 2018 at 1:54 pm

                  Just in time for the Xmas break. You’ve fallen on good fortune @ PR.
                  And is that a full time employment offer, or a revolving contract – possibly arranged through on of those ‘spert’ employment agencies?

                  Congratulations @ PR. I’m sure you’ll be doing your best to make a name for yourself.

                  Be sure to read the Code of Conduct if they still have such things.

                  • Puckish Rogue …
                    5 December 2018 at 2:09 pm

                    Life is a funny old thing at times I must say, this is nowhere near what I thought I’d be doing at this stage of my life when I was back in school but…its not bad, its not bad at all

                    • OnceWasTim …
                      5 December 2018 at 2:24 pm

                      I can see you’re a glass-half-full kinda guy eh.
                      We just don’t know how lucky we are.

                      But I noticed you’re reluctant to actually reply to questions and people that challenge you on TS. I mean….nothing to hide, nothing to fear and all that.

                      And I’m sure you had higher ambitions ‘back in the day’ at school.
                      Oh well. Beggars can’t be choosers I ‘spose. Public Service here you go.

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      5 December 2018 at 2:36 pm

                      If I replied every single question I get asked you probably have to change the title of Open Mike to The Puckish Rogue Hour (has a nice ring to it) but I like to think I have a more than average answer to question ratio

                • veutoviper …
                  5 December 2018 at 2:38 pm

                  Congratulations!

                  I still haven’t worked out exactly which of several possibilities it is but am guessing that the most relevant of OWT’s remarks at 6.1.4.1.4 is but that it could apply to a number of those possibilities.

                  “You might even get to wear a stab proof vest.” LOL.

                  Is your new group talking about going on strike?

                  PS – Collins’ chances are looking up – Bridges and Brownlee just got thrown out of the House by the Speaker!

                  • Puckish Rogue …
                    5 December 2018 at 2:48 pm

                    “You might even get to wear a stab proof vest.”

                    Substitute might with will and you’ll be on the money 🙂

                    “Is your new group talking about going on strike?”

                    I don’t know anything about that but I know they have in the past so seeing whats happening at the moment its not out of the realms of possibility

                    “Collins’ chances are looking up – Bridges and Brownlee just got thrown out of the House by the Speaker!”

                    National do need someone to lay down the law and instill some discipline but as long as the polls stay roughly where they are I’d prefer it if my macushla didn’t take the reigns until about 6 months out from the election

                    If they drop alarmingly then the reign of Queen Collins the Just might have to be brought forward

                    • OnceWasTim …
                      5 December 2018 at 3:21 pm

                      Well there’s an opportunity for an ambitious cadet in the bubble to devise one or two questions that’ll come to fruition at QT.

                      PR…. A public servant in a stab-proof vest.

                      I’m sure @ PR you’ll insist on the same non-partisan, process-driven flow of events you’re so reluctant to give I L-G.

                      Interesting times (going forward). Full steam ahead Chippie

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      6 December 2018 at 10:59 am

                      Why would anyone want to stab Pucky?
                      Has Jude a Brute Squad? Is that the role you’ve won? Brute of Jude?

                • Cinny …
                  6 December 2018 at 10:24 am

                  Really happy for you Pucky, congrats.

  7. Dennis Frank 7
    5 December 2018 at 8:11 am

    We seem to be getting a whiff of pre-revolutionary ferment out of Britain, after parliament found the Tory Cabinet in contempt: “Brexit: Full legal advice to be published after contempt vote”; “The Commons supported a motion, backed by six opposition parties, demanding full disclosure, by 311 votes to 293.”
    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46446694

    “Labour demanded the attorney general’s advice should be released ahead of next Tuesday’s key vote on Mrs May’s deal. In response Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said the government “would respond” on Wednesday. She told MPs she would refer the issue to Commons Privileges Committee to establish the decision’s constitutional repercussions.”

    “The contempt vote move, which is believed to be unprecedented, came as Theresa May prepared to sell her Brexit agreement to MPs at the start of five days of debate on her EU agreement.” So it seems the UK govt has never been found in contempt of parliament before. I suspect the contempt is mutual!

  8. Dennis Frank 8
    5 December 2018 at 8:40 am

    Winston “Peters thinks the “language Nazis” are getting worse – and he’s taking action to stop them. “I’m doing something about it,” he told Sainsbury. “I’m on your show talking to all those common-sense people in your listenership to tell them they should be careful about these Nazis out there who want to control everything we do.”
    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/12/winston-peters-blames-language-nazis-for-bullying-scandals.html

    “One case in particular involved a New Zealand woman in Australia who claimed she had been racially discriminated against by being called ‘Kiwi’.” You can imagine how traumatic that must have been for her. Now that aussies are using kiwi as a term of abuse it is becoming synoymous with bludgers & crims over there.

    From a sociological perspective, language nazis are a small part of the bullying subculture. However it may be worth pointing out that they are trying to stop others using words to cause offense. Their attempt to control others and dictate social conditions is not just due to the mini-hitler syndrome typical of bureaucrats. They’re do-gooders. Just a little warped.

    • greywarshark 8.1
      5 December 2018 at 10:12 am

      On Radionz this morning something releveant to this controvery.
      Too much focus on microaggressions, safe spaces, and trigger warnings could be linked to an increase in anxiety among the young, despite being well intentioned. Moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt talks to Kathryn Ryan about the rise of ‘call out’ culture which he likens to witch hunts. What are the dangers this poses to free speech, mental health, education, and ultimately democracy?

      Jonathan Haidt is a Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University. His books include ‘The Righteous Mind’ and ‘The Happiness Hypothesis’.

      Audio up later. Worth listening to, as it touches on what goes on in this blog as well as spreading ripples in society.

      We are told we are individuals and have to make our individual way in society (and stop expecting government to feather-bed us is the message behind much of this), and at the same time there is a message of group-think, that we ought to fit to a model person to be accepted for a job, as a gender. So what and how to be. It is stressful to work out which group to conform to, and who to disdain, ie perhaps in Oz you disdain those awful kiwis who get put on Manus Island.

      Joanthan Haidt said I think that USA stats show that since 2005 girl suicides have gone up 70%!!

        • Dennis Frank 8.1.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 11:31 am

          Excellent! Thanks for that. Just listened to the first minute or so, and thought it worth reporting that he & a colleague at his university noticed the shift in 2014.

          Students began asserting that particular ideas are dangerous. Since he’d been a professor since 1995, he was struck by this sudden peculiar shift.

          • Dennis Frank 8.1.1.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 11:42 am

            Then he says this book is very important: http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/iGen/Jean-M-Twenge/9781501152016

            “Born in the mid-1990s up to the mid-2000s, iGen is the first generation to spend their entire adolescence in the age of the smartphone. With social media and texting replacing other activities, iGen spends less time with their friends in person—perhaps contributing to their unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.”

            “But technology is not the only thing that makes iGen distinct from every generation before them; they are also different in how they spend their time, how they behave, and in their attitudes toward religion, sexuality, and politics. They socialize in completely new ways, reject once sacred social taboos, and want different things from their lives and careers. More than previous generations, they are obsessed with safety, focused on tolerance, and have no patience for inequality.”

            “With the first members of iGen just graduating from college, we all need to understand them: friends and family need to look out for them; businesses must figure out how to recruit them and sell to them; colleges and universities must know how to educate and guide them. And members of iGen also need to understand themselves as they communicate with their elders and explain their views to their older peers. Because where iGen goes, so goes our nation—and the world.”

            • Dennis Frank 8.1.1.1.1.1
              5 December 2018 at 11:55 am

              Stunning rise in depression/anxiety/self-harm/suicide stats! First reported in studies in 2016 in the US, I think he said. Kathryn Ryan had asked him what was the definitive evidence of the generational shift. “It first goes up sharply in 2011 and the rise is much bigger for girls.”

              Those born in ’95 were age 16 in 2011. That’s the year teenage angst seems most intense: onset relationship inadequacies & crises, peer-group bullying, etc. I recall it well, more than half a century later!

              “For boys, the suicide rate increase is 25% [since 2010], for girls, it’s 70%.”

  9. greywarshark 9
    5 December 2018 at 10:29 am

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018674191/parliament-staffers-weren-t-ready-for-govt-change-report

    Politics
    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/377521/beehive-caught-off-guard-by-change-of-government

    Beehive caught off guard by change of government
    8:37 am today
    Jane Patterson, Political Editor
    @janepatterson jane.patterson@radionz.co.nz

    Public servants responsible for the transition between governments failed to support new ministers as no-one had planned for a full scale, new administration.

    Officials were caught on the hop after last year’s general election, having planned for change no greater than a Cabinet reshuffle – that caused problems like being unable to supply laptops and mobile phones and a lack of experienced staff for incoming ministers.

    State Services Minister Chris Hipkins ordered the review after frustration about the level of staffing and administration support ministers received from Ministerial and Secretarial Support Services (MaSS) upon taking office.

    • Antoine 9.1
      5 December 2018 at 10:55 am

      Interesting

      Sounds like a bit of a balls up if true

      Was there not time between the election ane the inauguration of the incoming Govt to sort all these matters?
      A.

      • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 11:35 am

        I suppose that’s why they’re having a review – to find out where things went wrong and how to fix them.

        • Antoine 9.1.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 12:09 pm

          I am curious about what will be discovered

          A.

          • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 12:35 pm

            It will be interesting to see. That first sentence seems to say that the people responsible for planning the change over simply didn’t plan for the government to change. That they acted as if the government wouldn’t change which leads to some very serious questions.

            After all, you’d expect that the planning would always be based around the government changing and the only reason why this wouldn’t happen is if they had info telling them that the government wouldn’t change.

  10. greywarshark 10
    5 December 2018 at 11:09 am

    Good people, honour and encourage those achieving good goals. If we had more of this, there would be a completely opposite tone in this blog.

    Radionz
    life and society
    8:37 am today
    Flaxmere celebrates unsung heroes
    From Morning Report, 8:37 am today
    Listen duration 3′ :04″

    An often stigmatised Hawke’s Bay suburb is celebrating it unsung heroes for their successes and contributions to the community. The Flaxmere Heroes calendar for 2019, featuring some of the suburb’s finest, was unveiled at a ceremony in Hastings on Tuesday night. RNZ Hawke’s Bay reporter Anusha Bradley went along.

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018674195/flaxmere-celebrates-unsung-heroes

  11. veutoviper 11
    5 December 2018 at 11:09 am

    BREAKING NEWS – ANOTHER TEXT FROM SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE A NAT MP WITH DETAILS OF YESTERDAY’S CAUCUS MEETING

    RNZ is reporting that they have received a text as above.

    Moved full post to the other post on NATs leaking,

  12. greywarshark 12
    5 December 2018 at 11:32 am

    Ardern getting thumbs up from Forbes. Does this mean that she sayd nice things to soothe business interests, while not offputting the lower classes?
    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/377533/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-named-as-one-of-most-powerful-women-in-world

    Apparently she made a statement that she wants zero suicides by some date.
    I see this zero thing, the political mind making knowingly fraudulent and simplistic statements that get media headlines and go to people’s hearts by passing their heads. What about saying ‘The present is a disaster, and that immediate measures will be taken to introduce new and better intervention. Our aim is to bring these statistics plunging to near zero. We will do all we can to this end.’

    Now that’s what I would like to hear. And that can apply to anything that a Party with integrity should say. But Forbes might not find that so exciting.

    Newshub reports:
    The annual list, released by Forbes, “celebrates the icons, innovators and instigators who are using their voice to change power structures and create a lasting impact”.
    Jacinda Ardern slots in just one above ‘Australian’s richest citizen’ miner heiress and media player Gina Rinehart. Nice company Jacinda.
    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/12/jacinda-ardern-named-in-world-s-most-powerful-women-list.html

  13. Muttonbird 13
    5 December 2018 at 11:35 am

    This is ILG’s answer to a Mitchell supplementary question yesterday.

    Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I only know the matters that are relevant to the decision that I made. Those are that Mr Sroubek’s estranged wife provided a letter of support for him, that media reporting then suggested that there was some question about that support, and that when asked to elaborate on that and participate in the investigation into those matters, she declined.

    Seems pretty clear to me INZ offered Mrs Sroubek the opportunity to change her statement of support because the National Party and the media had been claiming she made the statement under pressure from gang members (or something). She declined to change her statement.

    Pete at Bore NZ has put it up and in that post he floats the idea that there are direct or indirect links between Sroubek and the Prime Minister. That’s similar strategy to the people who tried to get at Clarke Gayford I would have thought. Pete must be very sure of himself.

    https://yournz.org/2018/12/05/sroubeks-estranged-wife-afraid-for-her-life-questioning-of-lees-galloway-ardern-continue/

    • veutoviper 13.1
      5 December 2018 at 12:01 pm

      I don’t have time to do a search, but IIRC a few weeks ago there were attempts to suggest links between Ardern and Sroubek on the basis of a photo or two taken in the last year or so of Ardern with one or two people who have recently formally supported Sroubek staying in NZ.

      I cannot recall the details of the ‘why’s and ‘wheres’ of the photos (an opening of something?) or the names of the people but there have been one or two media or blog mentions of the photos etc over the last few weeks.

      The beige one is getting more and more anti-JA so his post this morning hinting at some link (such as my hazy recollection above) did not surprise me.

      • Muttonbird 13.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 12:05 pm

        Mitchell’s questioning is now focussed on the other people who supported Sroubek’s application (apart from his wife that is). I wonder if they too were under pressure from gangs? Perhaps they were in the martial arts scene and loosely gang affiliated?

  14. greywarshark 14
    5 December 2018 at 11:38 am

    RadioNZ
    World politics
    about 1 hour ago (I’m looking at this on Wed 5 Dec 2018)
    Theresa May suffers three Brexit defeats in Commons

    UK Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered three Brexit defeats in the Commons as she set out to sell her EU deal to sceptical MPs.

    Ministers will be forced to publish the government’s full legal advice on the deal after MPs found them in contempt of Parliament for issuing a summary.

    And MPs backed a motion giving the Commons a direct say in what happens if her deal is rejected next Tuesday.

    • Dennis Frank 14.1
      5 December 2018 at 12:16 pm

      “Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage has quit the party in protest at its direction”.
      “The privileges committee will now decide which ministers should be held accountable and what sanction to apply, with options ranging from a reprimand to the more unlikely scenario of a minister being suspended from the Commons.”

      “Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said the result left the government “on the ropes”, adding: “Theresa May’s majority has evaporated, and the credibility of her deal is evaporating with it.”” Too bad he missed that opportunity to call for the Cabinet to be imprisoned in the Tower of London. Also puzzling that conservative MPs are failing to adhere to the hallowed tradition.

      “Tuesday’s vote, in which 26 Tory MPs rebelled, could potentially tilt the balance of power between government and Parliament if, as expected, MPs push for a “Plan B” alternative to Mrs May’s deal and also seek to prevent any chance of a no-deal exit.” I wonder if it will be necessary to bring back the Roundheads?

      • greywarshark 14.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 1:47 pm

        Has the Queen got any frontroom or backroom ability to step in when the Commons and the Lords manage to make a complete hash of it and put the country at risk of looming destabilisation?

        • McFlock 14.1.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 1:49 pm

          lol just to throw a constitutional crisis on top of an economic one…

          • greywarshark 14.1.1.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 1:55 pm

            It’s already becoming a constitutional crisis isn’t it?

            • McFlock 14.1.1.1.1.1
              5 December 2018 at 2:06 pm

              Not of the level of 1640.

              Even if the monarch technically had the power, actually using it would be a fast track to a republic.

              Basically, the Queen can have private chats with the PM where nothing is made public, and that’s about it. Any actual verbal public policy interference would be more serious than Brexit.

  15. alwyn 15
    5 December 2018 at 12:33 pm

    People in New Zealand are obviously far to mild in their protests about the petrol tax increases and the way the money is filtered off into stupid expenditure by the current Government who have never seen a tax they didn’t love.
    Perhaps following the French example is the only way to curb our “leaders”?
    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46437904
    I really don’t think I would be happy to protest in France when the Mobile Gendarmerie were on the streets though.

  16. SaveNZ 16
    5 December 2018 at 12:42 pm

    ok, so it all comes out, we are bankrupting and polluting our cities, spending hours in commuting times with ridiculous congestion, increased pollution across the board in particular in our waterways and air pollution, reducing democracy with poorly thought out changes that our councils can’t even work what to approve anymore (so approve anything) and creating housing that those on local wages can’t afford while, increasing charges like petrol charges for people who can’t afford to live closer in. So we now can see without a doubt that it was never to provide affording housing for residents within the cities and close to them, but for investment opportunities for overseas nationals and to keep the construction Ponzi going…

    Auckland ratepayers please open your pockets as well for the airport, cruise ships, America’s cup marina, convention centre, stadiums and all the other tax payer funded infrastructure for all these new luxury apartments and tourists, while bleeding residents dry…

    NZ door still open to foreign buyers: The Pacifica apartments granted foreign buyer exemption

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12170418&ref=rss

  17. Draco T Bastard 17
    5 December 2018 at 12:54 pm

    I’ve been wondering why, lately, we’ve been inundated with headlines like this:

    Pregnant woman one of two killed in crash after police abandoned pursuit in Christchurch

    They’ve gone to a great deal of effort to say that it wasn’t the polices fault and, I must admit, that the police have been getting a lot of flack for police pursuits that ended in death.

    But there’s another implication or two:

    1. That if the police maintained pursuit then perhaps the death could have been prevented.
    2. That the death would have happened with or without police pursuit.

    Is someone pushing for more Law ‘n’ Order and hardline police policies?

  18. joe90 18
    5 December 2018 at 1:33 pm

    This is gonna be fun.

    BREAKING: here are the actual subpoenas in the #emoluments case–lots of them! Fasten your seatbelts folks–the evidence is going to prove one of the most systematic constitutional ethics violations in US history: https://t.co/eBdPVhhbur and https://t.co/YyZ6y7Ctti #emoluments— Norm Eisen (@NormEisen) December 4, 2018

    All of Your state and federal income tax returns, including all schedules, attachments, and other forms or supporting documentation completed or submitted with the tax returns.

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dtm8UDsUwAAJZTR.jpg

  19. Dv 19
    5 December 2018 at 1:40 pm

    I have a suggestion re Alcohol and hospital costs from crashes etc
    Hospitals should bill the liquor industry for the cost of treatment

    • SaveNZ 19.1
      5 December 2018 at 1:52 pm

      Also think that companies/governments making weapons that kill civilians used in wars, should be expected to pay the costs for civilian migration and relocation and damages to them or their families for their deaths and injuries.

      Funny enough, I think if they stop bombing the crap out of many places, the people that live there would not be forced to relocate and if weapons manufacturers were held responsible for their misuse then we would have a lot less pointless wars and more appropriate ways of resolving disputes between nations!

  20. Chris T 20
    5 December 2018 at 2:25 pm

    Bridges just got kicked out of the house

    Can’t really see what warranted it to be fair

    Unless it is Labour getting triggered over a question

    • Muttonbird 20.1
      5 December 2018 at 2:32 pm

      He was warned about being disruptive yesterday. He must be under immense pressure.

      • Pete 20.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 3:01 pm

        He made some comments about the Speaker.

        First time round he was warned he would get the boot.

        • mickysavage 20.1.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 4:05 pm

          Here you go.

          “Hon Simon Bridges: Has she entirely washed her hands of anything to do with the Sroubek fiasco, and is she ducking and diving to get out of its way? [Speaker stands] Oh, here comes the protection.

          SPEAKER: No—the Leader of the Opposition will leave the House.

          Hon Simon Bridges withdrew from the Chamber.

          Hon Gerry Brownlee: Struck a raw nerve.

          SPEAKER: He will be followed by the shadow Leader of the House.

          Hon Gerry Brownlee withdrew from the Chamber.”

          Spoke when Mallard was on his feet and abused him. Of course he had to go. And Brownlee for the same offence.

          • McFlock 20.1.1.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 4:21 pm

            The weird thing is that Bridges apparently thought Ardern needed “protection” from his scented shoe-lace flogging.

            Maybe their plan B is if their weak attacks are easily deflected, they get their arses kicked out so it looks like they were actually doing so well mallard had to intercede?

          • veutoviper 20.1.1.1.2
            5 December 2018 at 4:43 pm

            Snap – was just about to post the same extract.

            Here is the link to the draft Hansard for Qtime if anyone wants to read more.

            https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20181205_20181205_08

            IMO, it was about time those two got sent out. Bridges continually snipes from the side when Ministers are replying to questions, including when he himself has asked the question of the PM or DPM. He is forever being warned by the Speaker and it was inevitable that sooner or later he would be thrown out. Brownlee is also very transparent in his constant challenging of Mallard’s decisions as Speaker.

            The whole MO of the National Caucus is to disrupt etc rather than show respect for the rules and procedures of the House. I have no doubt that they wanted this type of situation to arise sooner or later, and probably before the House rises for the Summer Recess (originally planned for next Thursday, 13 December but now extended out to Wednesday, 19 December.)

            It is in effect nothing more than a publicity stunt.

            ADDENDUM – perhaps a PR stunt for this next week? ROFL

            https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features/come-along-to-harmony-in-the-house/

    • Gabby 20.2
      5 December 2018 at 5:20 pm

      He had to go and get cleaned up after shitting himself christy.

  21. Robert Guyton 21
    5 December 2018 at 2:33 pm

    Gerry went too. Lack of discipline.

  22. Robert Guyton 22
    5 December 2018 at 2:34 pm

    “Tay” Ko “fotta”?
    Really, Judith?

  23. Robert Guyton 23
    5 December 2018 at 2:37 pm

    Are those petulant Nat’s walking out of the House as soon as their own question is asked?

    • Muttonbird 23.1
      5 December 2018 at 2:44 pm

      Out of the 56 National MPs, there are now fewer than 10 left in the House.

      I might suggest the leaker is one of those 10…

    • Red Blooded One 23.2
      5 December 2018 at 2:45 pm

      Yep, I guess we can expect a press conference from Gerry wailing about how unfair the Speaker is and how they should be allowed to act like petulant little babies in the house.

      • Pete 23.2.1
        5 December 2018 at 2:59 pm

        David Carter gets up and tries to run defence because poor little Simon is being picked on.

        Bridges’ performance today needs defending, it was so pathetic.

        • Kat 23.2.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 3:05 pm

          National are running attack lines at the speaker, painting Mallard as the bogey man. Classic deflection tactics, only they will backfire immensely, especially on Simon Bridges.

        • Robert Guyton 23.2.1.2
          5 December 2018 at 3:06 pm

          Bridges and Brownlee attacked the impartiality of the Speaker. Stupid! They got their marching orders and their puppets couldn’t help but lock-step their way out as well.

          • Puckish Rogue 23.2.1.2.1
            5 December 2018 at 3:25 pm

            Heres the link to the question, if anyones interested:

            • alwyn 23.2.1.2.1.1
              5 December 2018 at 4:03 pm

              What on earth were they supposed to have done?
              There wasn’t enough time between the last word from Bridges and Mallard dumping on them to have said anything else that might have upset him.
              Surely Trev hasn’t got so far up himself that saying someone was “ducking for cover” is supposed to be a slur on the Speaker named Mallard?
              Were they getting a little bit close too what Ardern’s real knowledge is?

              • Puckish Rogue …
                5 December 2018 at 4:05 pm

                I’m thinking theres more to come of this, Nationals doing a good job of drip feeding the information it has

                • Muttonbird …
                  5 December 2018 at 4:17 pm

                  Nationals doing a good job of drip feeding the information it has purchased.

                  Fixed.

                • shadrach …
                  5 December 2018 at 4:28 pm

                  They have an ‘end game’ which is targeted at the PM’s ‘alleged’ involvement in the original decision. National have been playing a long game with this, including winding up attacks on the PM’s ‘frequent’ absences from the house, much as they did with Curran.

                  I have no idea whether the rumours about the PM’s connections with Sroubek are correct or not, but if they are, the PM is in trouble.

                • gsays …
                  5 December 2018 at 8:07 pm

                  drip feeding is the obvious terminology when dealing with a leak…

              • mickysavage …
                5 December 2018 at 4:07 pm

                They both said things the mike did not pick up on. The mike switches off when the Speaker rises. They are meant to then be silent but had a go at Trevor instead.

                Easy decision.

              • Robert Guyton …
                5 December 2018 at 4:35 pm

                Demeaned the Office of the Speaker – bawling, “it’s unfair (mummy!)”

              • mac1 …
                5 December 2018 at 4:42 pm

                Alwyn, Bennett and former Speaker Carter both agreed that the Speaker was right. Carter sought an end to the Speaker’s practice of deducting supplementaries for behaviour. The Speaker said that he had already decided that deliberate disrespect to the Speaker would be treated as it had been under previous Speakers.

                So, they were given their marching orders.

                Was it orchestrated, as Shane Jones alleged, in order to deflect attention away from leaks and bullying, and IMO also poor questioning techniques?

                • shadrach …
                  5 December 2018 at 5:08 pm

                  “Bennett and former Speaker Carter both agreed that the Speaker was right.”

                  Can you confirm when that occurred? I’m interested in the way the opposition are approaching this, and I’d be curious to see the language around what Bennett and Carter said.

                  • alwyn …
                    5 December 2018 at 5:25 pm

                    I find it very hard to see any possible way you can get such an opinion from what has been reported on the affair.

                    From Stuff we get, about Carter
                    “National MP and former speaker, David Carter called a “constructive” point of order.
                    The events caused him to reflect on the frustration that was building among the Opposition, he said.
                    He asked Mallard to look carefully at how questions, asked this week, were being framed and the answers given.
                    If the answers were used to attack the Opposition or the leader, tensions would rise to the extent where frustration would be expressed, he said.
                    “Your action this week has not been helpful to the order of the House … I ask you to reconsider your policy of deducting questions that is unfair on the Opposition … The Opposition’s job is to hold the Government to account. Those supplementary questions are valuable …”.
                    If that is saying that Mallard was “right” I think you are on the wrong side of the Looking Glass.

                    I cannot find anything reported about Bennett

                    • alwyn …
                      5 December 2018 at 5:34 pm

                      Actually I have now read Bennett’s speech in the General Debate.
                      That was certainly not agreeing with Mallard that his decision was “right”. She did agree that he was allowed to make it but that it was an extraordinary action.
                      She also said that she thought the action that got them expelled was “a very benign comment”
                      Anything more pointed would have got her kicked out as well.
                      https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20181205_054225000/bennett-paula

                    • mac1 …
                      5 December 2018 at 5:41 pm

                      Alwyn, I didn’t get my info from a report.

                      I watched Carter make his point of order.

                      He agreed with the Speaker on his calls regarding the leader of the opposition and the shadow leader of the House, but as you say sought a change to Mallard’s practice.

                    • shadrach …
                      5 December 2018 at 6:22 pm

                      “He agreed with the Speaker on his calls regarding the leader of the opposition and the shadow leader of the House, but as you say sought a change to Mallard’s practice.”
                      No, he didn’t. He agreed generally with the principle of not challenging the impartiality of the speaker. He made no specific comment about the particular decision the Speaker made today.

                  • mac1 …
                    5 December 2018 at 5:26 pm

                    Carter raised a point of order at the end of question time today, and Bennett spoke during the debate on miscellaneous business after question time.

                    • alwyn …
                      5 December 2018 at 5:36 pm

                      ‘snap’.
                      I just found them.
                      You would be very hard pressed to say that they agreed with what Mallard had done.
                      Agreed with him having the power but certainly not that is was the “right” thing to have done.

                    • mac1 …
                      5 December 2018 at 5:55 pm

                      Of course she thought Mallard’s judgment wrong, “a benign comment” though he had already been warned. She has fallen foul of him before, and justifiably so ejected then. She acknowledged his power and that remarks had been made.

                      I was originally responding to Alwyn commenting
                      above who said that he didn’t think there was enough time for comments to have been made at all.

                      My point was that remarks had been made, and Carter and Bennett acknowledged that was right (that the Speaker had reacted to comments made to him as Speaker as he was speaking at the time).

                      Did Bennett really believe that saying that the Speaker was protecting a government MP was ‘benign’? Or is libelling another’s probity and fair-handedness a benign action in her caucus?

                      Their caucus is toxic. That behaviour was further exhibited today and they were justifiably mocked during the following miscellaneous debate.

                      I have to say that I now eschew popcorn when watching Parliament but the sound of the popping of mental corks was analogous to making popcorn.

                    • shadrach …
                      5 December 2018 at 6:23 pm

                      Carter’s point of order referenced the general principle of speaker impartiality. He made no mention of today’s decision at all.

                      It is obvious the speaker is protecting certain government MP’s, and it has been obvious for some time. That he is doing it for the PM is actually quite a serious matter. I’m not surprised the Speaker tossed Bridges, but it doesn’t get away from the reality that Mallard is making a total hash of the job.

                    • shadrach …
                      5 December 2018 at 6:29 pm

                      “Parliament’s Speaker, Trevor Mallard, has an inbuilt bias against National Party leader Simon Bridges and a soft spot for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

                      That much has been clear since Mallard took the chair just over a year ago. Bridges gets under his skin.

                      But what is also clear is that Bridges crossed a line in the House today and cannot credibly object to having been thrown out by Mallard.”

                      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12171921

                      A ‘soft spot’! A beautiful understatement.

                    • shadrach …
                      5 December 2018 at 6:32 pm

                      “Agreed with him having the power but certainly not that is was the “right” thing to have done.”

                      Hi Alwyn

                      I can’t agree. MP’s know they can’t impugn the Speaker’s impartiality. I can’t stand Mallard’s OTT oversight of QT, but the position of Speaker does need to be respected, if not the person holding the position.

                • Muttonbird …
                  5 December 2018 at 5:45 pm

                  Agree. This is dead cat on the table stuff. They are so desperate to distract from their toxic internal culture they’re willing to disrupt parliament itself.

      • Chris T 23.2.2
        5 December 2018 at 3:38 pm

        He would have a point after that display

  24. Robert Guyton 24
    5 December 2018 at 3:07 pm

    I think Paula’s going to spontaneously combust.

    • Anne 24.1
      5 December 2018 at 3:14 pm

      Yep. I got that impression too. I watched her stomach anxiously as it pulsated in tune to her heated bellows.

  25. Pete 25
    5 December 2018 at 3:12 pm

    Bennett proving she’s an idiot.

    Not getting the answers she wants equals questions not being answered. For someone who’s served an apprenticeship with weasels it’s strange she wouldn’t recognise a weasel if it bit her on the arse. And now she sees weasels in everything.

    And she talks about being ‘straight’ with people. Well dear go into your caucus, you’re apparently one of the senior people there, eyeball them all, and ask them straight “Who is the leaker?”

    • mary_a 25.1
      5 December 2018 at 3:42 pm

      @ Pete (25) … wouldn’t take much for Paula to find the leaker. Standing in front of a mirror might solve the problem.

  26. Red Blooded One 26
    5 December 2018 at 3:25 pm

    If Simon thought he’d get sympathy on his Twitter post he was sorely disappointed.

    • indiana 26.1
      5 December 2018 at 3:58 pm

      Do you think sympathy was what he was after?

      • mac1 26.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 4:47 pm

        Deflection away from his own parlous standing is what he sought.

        Blame, diversion, denial by a dummy spitting the dummy, a shill not even worth ten cents, a lemon supported by lemmings.

      • Gabby 26.1.2
        5 December 2018 at 5:13 pm

        Well Slick’s such a big sooky bubby he was prolly after a hug and a sweetie indinana.

        • indiana 26.1.2.1
          5 December 2018 at 5:31 pm

          …or probably he’s added some more points to National in the next poll if most NZers think that Mallard was over zealous and that JA can’t fight her own battles.

          • Anne 26.1.2.1.1
            5 December 2018 at 5:50 pm

            JA can’t fight her own battles.

            As everyone knows, JA can fight her own battles.

            I think what made them dump on her for supposedly refusing to answer is that she kept responding with much the same answer… it is not appropriate for me to comment on operational matters.

            Its my view they were deliberately asking questions that fall into this category knowing she was not at liberty to answer them.

            Its up the Jacinda Ardern to put the record straight. If she doesn’t then some people will assume Bridges is telling the truth.

            • mac1 26.1.2.1.1.1
              5 December 2018 at 5:57 pm

              They were deliberate. The Speaker advised them that such questions were out of order and even advised Mitchell how to ask a question that was in order.

              • Muttonbird …
                5 December 2018 at 9:19 pm

                The question from Simon preceding the ejection was just a joke. It wasn’t Parliamentary, it was something you’d read on Kiwiblog. That’s how juvenile Bridges is.

                “Hon Simon Bridges: Has she entirely washed her hands of anything to do with the Sroubek fiasco, and is she ducking and diving to get out of its way?”

      • Draco T Bastard 26.1.3
        6 December 2018 at 10:29 am

        Yes.

        That and a poor excuse for an attack on the government.

  27. Chris T 27
    5 December 2018 at 6:05 pm

    I think that Mallard has proved to be one of the most biased speakers we have ever had.

    Mind you with his history of anger issues, this is hardly surprising

    • Robert Guyton 27.1
      5 December 2018 at 6:38 pm

      Your opinion is seriously distorted, Chris T, but it’s so lightweight that it doesn’t matter 🙂

      • Chris T 27.1.1
        5 December 2018 at 6:51 pm

        While you might not like my opinion, it has the same value as every other persons.

        FWIW. The best speaker in my memory span was a Labour dude

        • Robert Guyton 27.1.1.1
          5 December 2018 at 7:49 pm

          It may be one man, one opinion, democratically, Chris T, but not the same relevance or quality. For example, your views on fungal associations with trees might not be of the same value as that of a mycologist – do ya reckon??

    • Draco T Bastard 27.2
      6 December 2018 at 10:29 am

      The most biased speaker we ever had was the one that the Nats had – what was his name again?

  28. DJ Ward 28
    5 December 2018 at 7:29 pm

    I have to say that whoever is writing Simons questions has the political common sense of a Darwin Award winner.

    How about. Just for fun.

    Is the prime minister concerned at the price of Lawnmowers?

    Will her Climate Change is our Nuclear Free comment result in any restrictions on the supply of Lawnmowers?

    How many Lawnmowers does she think is enough Lawnmowers for stay at home dads and does she intend to restrict the supply and purchasing of Lawnmowers?

    Do we import Lawnmowers from the EU and does she know anybody in that trade?

  29. eco maori 29
    6 December 2018 at 8:22 am

    Kia ora The Am Show The new employments laws are a good start to employment law reforms the employers can get away with a lot of bad ——.
    Wealthy schools poaching players is not on they will win all the competitions unfairly
    what they are teaching our tamariki is its ok to cheat when one is wealthy really .Eco knows what side the paraoa is buttered on. Solution cap import players to school teams.
    That wahine who gave birth of a baby with a donated womb shows how fast the health sector is advancing the next 20 years is going to be very exciting on that front .
    Eco Thanks Waiheke Islanders for championing going electric cars only on the Island it is a good move that will boast the trend of saving our grandchildren’s environment Ka pai .Sea level rise is a serious problem we are building to many houses in low lying areas building in NZ is expensive considering in Europe they have to have walls a foot wide full of 2 to 3 layers of insulation and they build them cheaper there.
    Ka kite ano

  30. eco maori 30
    6 December 2018 at 11:34 am

    The Senate president, Scott Ryan, warned it would undermine parliamentarians’ ability to keep their work secret from police, because extending covert surveillance powers to police agencies would prevent parliamentarians having an opportunity to claim parliamentary privilege over material seized under warrant. Its been proven many times there some sandflys that cannot be trusted not to use this massive power for there own monetary gains I.E Being payed by the carbon barons to stuff someone who is making changes for the good of all Environmental advocate groups been spied on. All Australians will lose there RIGHTS TO PRIVACY
    The Communications Alliance argued it could harm Australians $3.2bn information technology export sector, Eco Maori say it will cause there tec sector crash
    The Communications Alliance chief executive, John Stanton, said the definition was “too narrow” and would still allow a weakness to be built – for example – in all devices in Victoria, or all users who select a push notification to install an upgrade in a particular language.
    The Greens digital rights spokesman, Jordon Steele-John, said the bill “will have the unintended consequence of diminishing the online safety, security and privacy of every single Australian”.
    “Furthermore, any individual – whether that be a politician or a journalist – who uses encrypted messaging services to ensure the privacy of their sources, or the privilege of their policy discussions, should feel threatened by this bill’s potential unintended consequences.” P.S They are signing YOUR rights away like shonky did in Aotearoa this is being pushed by trump and his control go oil party. Ka kite ano. Like I said the word terrorist is used as a tool to make you feel insecure so they can change laws to have more control on the 99.9 % when they control you well there is less of a threat to the 99.9 % hold on POWER.

    https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/dec/05/coalitions-deal-with-labor-on-cracking-encrypted-messages-what-it-means-for-you

  31. eco maori 31
    6 December 2018 at 11:52 am

    P.S change the 99.9 % on the above post to 000.1 % the wealthy rulers

  32. eco maori 32
    6 December 2018 at 12:31 pm

    shonky became a mp because he want to make it easier for his rich crooked M8 to launder there trillions through shonky did not become a mp to serve the majority he was in Parliament to serve his bank ballance and his super wealthy M8 video below.

  33. eco maori 33
    6 December 2018 at 6:40 pm

    Kai ora Newshub I agree with Brian he we need to come up with solution to lift all Maori out of jails and provery.
    MPI needs to put more effort into protecting OUR Fisheries minister if one can cheat without being prosecuted well it just snowballs into a collapsed fisheries no fish for the grandchildren.
    The Farmers are loving this weather they are making hay Melisa = a small feed bill more proft’s .
    That young boy was cute meeting our Queen shy as lol.
    Tiwai point smelter opening the forth line is good I Jacinda the purest and hydro renewable energy aluminum made in the world cars and batteries are being made from aluminum now they also have a new way to make aluminum that produces less carbon it will take a few years to get from lab to production lines.
    Ka kite ano

  34. eco maori 34
    6 December 2018 at 7:24 pm

    Kai ora James & Mulls from the Crowd Goes Wild
    Good luck on your new journey Shawn Johnston you will be cutting them up on the field soon.
    Good call Wairangi on the boxing.
    Anna Marcuse has a cool ebike good on you for your vegan journey and your words about Kiwi farming.
    The soccer the dog blocking that goal lol .I made a choice not to play to much video games guys my time is to valuable to me .Ka kite ano

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    17 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    23 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

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

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

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

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-26T23:57:08+00:00