Open mike 05/10/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 5th, 2015 - 75 comments
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75 comments on “Open mike 05/10/2015 ”

  1. Tautoko Mangō Mata 1

    TPP update

    Richard Madan ‏@RichardMadan 32s33 seconds ago
    Canada says #TPP agreement “close”; won’t go as far as Japan & Mexico that says imminent. So not a done deal yet #canpoli #elxn42

    Richard Madan ‏@RichardMadan 17m17 minutes ago
    A burst of energy filled hotel after word #TPP deal reached. I’m up live on @ctvnewschannel in moments to bring latest #elxn42

    Guajardo Says He Expects TPP Deal Sunday; Biologics, Dairy Still Not Done
    ATLANTA – Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal said midday Sunday (Oct. 4) that he expects Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade ministers will be able to reach an agreement by the end of the day here, but that parties were still working to hash out a compromise on the exclusivity period for biologic drugs.

    U.S., Australia Float Joint Biologics Text To Other TPP Countries For Vetting
    ATLANTA – The United States and Australia have jointly developed a text proposal on the exclusivity term for biologics medicines and overnight began showing it to other Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries in an effort to build support, in a move that is raising optimism that negotiators can reach a broader agreement by the end of the day Sunday (Oct. 4), according to informed sources.
    http://insidetrade.com/

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 44m44 minutes ago
    Reportedly Japanese Minister Amari said “a deal in principle”. Plenary sometime between 1&3 pm, press conference at 4 pm. #tpp

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 47m47 minutes ago
    Mexican Minister briefing Mexican stakeholders “we are making progress & expect a deal today”. #TPP

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 1h1 hour ago
    There has been so much speculation lately so i just want to set the record straight “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” #TPP
    9:16 AM – 4 Oct 2015 · Details

    Burcu Kilic Retweeted
    León Felipe Sánchez ‏@lion05 1h1 hour ago
    Go Australia! Save the world from pharmaceutical apocalypse #TPPA

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 2h2 hours ago
    There are some reports that AU-US agree on 8 yrs data excl. Ignore them, US has only 4 yrs data excl., the rest (8 yrs) is market excl. #TPP

    Burcu Kilic Retweeted
    John Kehoe ‏@Johnkehoe23 1h1 hour ago
    @burcuno Robb says no change to Aus laws or regs on biologics.What this means for other countries I’m not sure http://www.afr.com/news/politics/national/us-australia-drug-dispute-is-holding-up-settlement-of-the-trans-pacific-trade-deal-20151003-gk0r65

    • b waghorn 1.1

      Jane Kelsey is due one tv1 any minute to talk tpp

      • Paul 1.1.1

        Would appreciate feedback on this interview

        • Srylands 1.1.1.1

          Why does TV nz keep interviewing this person. She is totally negative.. At least balance the communism with some other mainstream views.

          Peter Petri is expert on the TPPA and has taken a keen interest in the benefits to New Zealand.

          Ppetri.com

          • b waghorn 1.1.1.1.1

            English is on in 10 for your balance ,who do you think will be more honest?

            • David H 1.1.1.1.1.1

              English was caught out this AM by Nadine in the Interview.. Can’t any Nat lie straight in bed .

          • Tracey 1.1.1.1.2

            Because she is an expert in aspects of the TPP slylands. You may not like her view but that doesn’t change that she can support her view. As for needing someone positive about TPP, aren’t Groser, English, Collins, Key, Joyce, and Dr Wayne Mapp enough for you and your media delights?

            Has Peter Petri seen the deal?

          • millsy 1.1.1.1.3

            Why dont you admit you think it is OK to our government to be sued for outlawing the pollution of our rivers.

            TPPA = profit before people

          • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1.4

            Why does TV nz keep interviewing this person. She is totally negative..

            Because she’s a knowledgeable person who knows what she’s talking about and who doesn’t let ideology colour her thinking.

            At least balance the communism with some other mainstream views.

            The problem is the mainstream views – they’re disconnected from reality.

  2. Tautoko Mangō Mata 2

    Japan and Mexico had already accepted the 8 for biologics so they have finished playing their hands. That’s why they are keen to push things through.

  3. Tautoko Mangō Mata 3

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 43s44 seconds ago
    In less than 2 hours, we may have the #TPP or maybe not. There are mixed messages but another meltdown like Maui is very unlikely.
    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 4m4 minutes ago
    Burcu Kilic Retweeted iPolitics
    Chile & Peru are still fighting hard. I am sure ‘quite a number’ of high-level calls are going on now. #TPP

  4. Tautoko Mangō Mata 4

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 50s50 seconds ago
    Just heard there would be a Canadian Press briefing at 3 pm. Quite curious what is happening to Canadian supply management system. #TPP

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 3m3 minutes ago
    # USTR just announced closing press conference, which will be held at 4 pm ET. Guess “#TPP in principle” is coming

    • Paul 4.1

      Bill English lies about TPP being pretty open
      Admits NZ has not taken a strong line on pharmaceutical issue.

      In less than 2 hours our sovereignty will be gutted.
      Key will have done his job and sold us to his banking and financier masters in the US.

      • Tracey 4.1.1

        Getting desperate to have poor Bill English speaking on it. He has his hands full lying about how the surplus is achieved (or not)

  5. millsy 5

    Looks like we can say good bye to lower power prices and hello to high water prices, as water schemes are privatised.

  6. les 6

    the Natz have assured us TPP will be a ‘quality’ deal…thats comforting…in context with other deals they’ve done…like..Sky City Convention Centre.

    • Paul 6.1

      Just the TPP has massive impacts that will shackle us to neoliberal dogma whatever we vote.

  7. Paul 7

    Bill English says the TPP will be positive for our economy.

    The TV1 Breakfast interviewer failed to ask ‘Why’?
    Why, Bill?

  8. Tautoko Mangō Mata 8

    Guajardo Says He Expects TPP Deal Sunday; Press Conference Pushed To Roughly 6 P.M.
    Second Update: ATLANTA – Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal said midday Sunday (Oct. 4) that he expects Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade ministers will be able to reach an agreement by the end of the day here, shortly before the U.S. government announced that the closing press conference for the ministerial is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. local time. http://insidetrade.com/

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 1m1 minute ago
    It is still questionable whether Chile & Peru agreed/wld agree 5+ something biologic exclusivity. I really hope they haven’t & won’t. #TPP

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 3m3 minutes ago
    Reportedly #TPP biologic deal includes 2 alternatives; 8 yrs exclusivity or 5 + something but not 3 yrs (at least in letter).

    Too big to fail means when it does fail, the public have to pay out!

  9. Morrissey 9

    OPEN LETTER TO JOSIE PAGANI:
    This is the THIRD request for you to respond

    Monday 5 October 2015

    Dear Josie Pagani,

    On this forum, nearly three weeks ago, I asked you to answer two questions:

    1.) In the light of your support for the destruction of Afghanistan, do you support the invasion of the United States and Great Britain, the bombing and obliteration of British and American schools, hospitals, power stations and churches, and the killing of hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of American and British civilians?

    2.) Can you explain your statement that Hezbollah and Hamas are anti-Semitic?

    Could you please respond?

    http://thestandard.org.nz/all-the-left-wants-is-a-clean-contest-of-ideas/#comment-1071118

    This Open Letter to Josie Pagani was also published on:
    Saturday 3 October 2015.
    Sunday 4 October 2015.

    So far, she has failed to justify her statements.

    Note: Josie Pagani has a history of making unsupported claims and failing to respond when challenged. I am still waiting for her to provide evidence for a scurrilous claim she made about Martyn “Bomber” Bradbury. On her Pundit blog, I wrote:

    You claim, without providing any evidence at all, that “Martyn Bradbury’s unreasonable aggression has produced a truckload of ugly incidents lately”.

    Could you back up that claim with specific examples please?

    http://pundit.co.nz/content/the-left-must-stand-up-to-abuse

    • Paul 9.1

      The right wing don’t have any arguments, Morrissey.
      Just catchphrases, memes and ad hominem attacks

      • Morrissey 9.1.1

        Her continued silence actually says a lot about her integrity, or lack of.

        Just catchphrases, memes and ad hominem attacks

        Ironically, if you go to her Pundit page, you’ll find it full of prim little homilies counseling “the left” against precisely the kind of behaviour in which she routinely engages.

    • millsy 9.2

      Give it up — she aint going to reply.

      She sees herself too good to post on here.

  10. esoteric pineapples 10

    Anyone who is interested in keeping up-to-date with the latest global protests etc might enjoy Revolution News ” an international group of independent journalists, photographers, artists, translators and activists reporting on international news with a focus on human rights,” with daily coverage of global protests, human rights, social movements, civil rights, environment, Internet censorship, etc

    Here’s their website – http://revolution-news.com/

    and on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RevNews?fref=ts

  11. RedLogix 11

    Gun Violence Solved – a truly American solution to a uniquely American problem:

    http://juanitajean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/CQZ3bmzUcAA4wGb.jpg

    Warning – coffee spurt trigger

    Or slightly more seriously:

    http://www.examiner.com/article/what-if-gun-laws-were-like-abortion-laws

  12. One Anonymous Bloke 12

    Meanwhile, we’re on the cusp of something special.

    “In 2008 there were 850,532 people receiving a benefit from the ministry. This number grew in 2009 to 923,105 with the increase in part attributed to the impact of the Global Financial Crisis and the growth in our ageing population,” a ministry spokeswoman said.

    To date there are 1,045,837 clients on Work and Income’s books…

    Emphasis added.

  13. Paul 13

    Wonder if Mr Hooton does any of the following when he appears on 9 to noon today?
    a. uses the meme ‘chicken little’
    b. makes ad hominem attack on Jane Kelsey
    c. uses the catchphrase ‘too big to fail’
    d. diverts using pandas or flags or Chris Brown or…..

    • Morrissey 13.1

      He was more outrageous than normal, and Mike “I Agree With Matthew” Williams was weaker than normal.

      To her credit, Kathryn Ryan at least tried to say something intelligent, but Hooton dominated from start to finish, as usual.

      Transcript* on the way….

      * Yes, Felix, I know, I know…

  14. Chooky 14

    Rewriting history :

    According to Kathryn Ryan’s radionz ninetonoon programme the Syrians are fleeing Assad!!!! …is this propaganda and disinformation?….because it certainly wasnt challanged by Ryan…

    (I thought the Syrians democratically elected Assad and they were fleeing ISIS)

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201773272/europe-correspondent-carsten-von-nahmen

    Washington educated Carsten von Nahmen argues that ” according to human rights organisations the forces of Assad, the ally of Russia, are responsible for the vast majority of casualties in this war and caused millions of Syrians to flee to neighbouring counties and to move on to Europe “….

    http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Carsten-von%20Nahmen/1291121086

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/04/bashar-al-assad-winds-reelection-in-landslide-victory

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/harrowing-images-show-desperate-syrian-refugees-break-through-fence-to-turkish-territories-to-escape-10320170.html

    http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/im-refugee-now-syrians-fleeing-isis-forced-street-n380196

    • McFlock 15.1

      dunno which is funnier – what you call “the light”, or that you believe a daily mail article that’s based entirely on one short possible quote from anyone who makes even the most vague attempt to give a damn about others.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 15.2

      In other news, a musician has an opinion.

      Meanwhile, at the World Bank…

      …further reductions in poverty rates would come from evidence-based approaches, including: broad-based growth that generates sufficient income-earning opportunities; investing in people’s development prospects through improving the coverage and quality of education, health, sanitation, and protecting the poor and vulnerable against sudden risks of unemployment, hunger, illness, drought and other calamities. These measures, he said, would also greatly boost shared prosperity, improving the welfare of the least well-off in every country.

      Note the significant presence of what you might call “Socialism”.

  15. Tiger Mountain 16

    time to retire Mike Williams from RNZ–please–his performance was truly appalling again today

    • Chooky 16.1

      +100…yes please

    • Morrissey 16.2

      Agreed. I have a transcript coming, composed in mounting disbelief and horror.

      • Tiger Mountain 16.2.1

        frankly many commenters here would do way better against Mr Hooton

        Williams did not seem even dimly aware of the differing views on the TPPA, TTIPs and TISA of various UN agencies and prominent staff compared to what Helen Clark might say

        • greywarshark 16.2.1.1

          Tiger Mountain
          Mike Williams could be described as ‘dimly’ – very appropriate for what I heard this morning which added to the majority of his previous utterings and mutterings indicates a mind dulled by? Accumulated alcohol, knocks playing rugger when younger, or a combination.

          He seems to have done well because he was good at raising money for the Labour Party. Always important but it doesn’t go near to putting him in as a political commentator. I’d rather listen to one of the political journalists not on TV and not immured in the left or right.

          Mike Williams – Labour Party activities
          Williams initially started working for the Labour Party as an education officer but rapidly moved into fundraising where he instigated a number of new practices:
          – A pledge system, whereby supporters agreed to pay a regular amount using the then-new automatic bank transfer system;
          – Sending out requests for donations to the party membership, enclosing pre-paid reply envelopes;
          – Visiting businesses to solicit donations;
          – Systematic canvassing and direct-mailing.

          These activities helped the party to achieve a landslide victory in 1984. After the election, Williams joined the Australian Labor Party in Canberra but had returned to New Zealand within a year.
          Williams was appointed as Campaign Manager for the 1999 election which was won by the Labour Party. After the election he was appointed as Party President.
          Commercial activities
          Williams set up two successful companies based on his experience of Labour Party organisation. Insight Research (now UMR Insight) was a market research company (which was sold in 1994) and Insight Data, which specialised in direct-mail and marketing and was sold in 1997.[7]
          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Williams_%28New_Zealand_politician%29

          • Chooky 16.2.1.1.1

            +100 greywarshark

            • greywarshark 16.2.1.1.1.1

              Hey Chooky i would like to hear you for the Left on radio. You are full of get up and go, keen fresh ideas, know about politics and up to date with all. What is your voice like for presentations?

  16. Tautoko Mangō Mata 17

    Latest TPP News

    Burcu Kilic ‏@burcuno 4m4 minutes ago
    Oh, #TPP press conference is postponed until sometime tomorrow.

    Guajardo Hopes For TPP Deal By Midnight; Market Access Remains Hurdle
    ATLANTA – Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal said here Sunday evening (Oct. 4) he hopes a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal can be reached by midnight, but that an agreement is being held up as countries engage in last-minute bilateral negotiations on market access, a likely reference to the dairy talks underway between New Zealand and other countries.

    • veutoviper 17.1

      Hi TMM (ps – looked up a translation and like it!)

      Noticed you were missing today. Lots more on what is happening etc on the TPP deal close? post and comments. Its been quite a morning.

      Richard Madan, CTV correspondent at the Atlanta negotiations has turned out to be a good source on Twitter for totally up-to-date reporting.

      Links on the other post eg http://thestandard.org.nz/tppa-deal-close/#comment-1078647

      Gordon Campbell article also linked is well worth reading.

  17. Draco T Bastard 18

    How the Koch brothers and the super-rich are buying their way out of criticism

    “There’s really no choice,” a university dean told me. “We’ve got to go where the money is.”

    And more than at any time since the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century, the money is now in the pockets of big corporations and the super wealthy.

    So the presidents of universities, congregations, and think tanks, other nonprofits are now kissing wealthy posteriors as never before.

    But that money often comes with strings.

    When the Charles Koch Foundation pledges $1.5 million to Florida State University’s economics department, it stipulates that a Koch-appointed advisory committee will select professors and undertake annual evaluations.

    As I say, the problem is the rich. We simply cannot afford them and how they skew our society to favour them at everyone else’s expense.

    • Rodel 18.1

      DTB I can see the beginnings of this in NZ….Possibly eventually reaching down into our primary schools..charter school sponsors have begun.

  18. Rodel 19

    Father said ;
    ‘in WWII when British planes flew overhead, the Germans dived for over.When German planes flew overhead the British and ANZACs dived for cover.
    When American planes flew, everyone dived for cover.’
    It appears that nothing changes.

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    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

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

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

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 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
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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

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