Open mike 06/03/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, March 6th, 2024 - 102 comments
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For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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102 comments on “Open mike 06/03/2024 ”

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  1. Tony Veitch 1
    6 March 2024 at 6:15 am

    No Right Turn gets stuck into the CoC’s transport plan, and quite rightly so. I don’t think climate change registers at all with this collection of deniers!

    https://norightturn.blogspot.com/search/label/Climate%20Change

    But, here’s the thing: people don’t understand the exponential factor, which is in play here.

    If 2023 was bad, climate wise, 2024 is going to be twice as bad. Then 2025 is going to be four times as bad as 2023, and 2026 eight times as bad.

    I don’t think, frankly, that humans (and all other species) can cope with that much bad!

    The CoC may have just made their contribution to assigning us all to the scrapbook of history.

    • newsense 1.1
      6 March 2024 at 4:22 pm

      Mr ‘Anglo-Saxon simple’ Brown is making a strong case that he, and not Ms. Costello is by far and away the worst MP and minister.

      Though with the third (?) introduction of military style boot camps (exactly what people who’ve experienced head trauma need more of) Ms. Chour is doing her best.

      But ‘King and Country’ Brown not only has virtue signaling evidence free twaddle for his policy, but its effects will reach every New Zealander and their children and be felt for decades. Tough luck if you own a shanks pony! It’s been made redundant in a brave American suburb style sweep.

      The smoking issue will only kill a few thousand people many of you haven’t met, much as air pollution and poor housing standards etc etc.

      This is without doubt the worst government for at least two decades.

  2. KS 2
    6 March 2024 at 7:43 am

    Victoria Nuland, the warmongering viper is retiring:

    “The rat is leaving the sinking ship.

    Victoria Nuland’s Ukraine project has utterly failed and the shadow President of Ukraine resigns from the US Govt in disgrace. She will be remembered as the coup manager, proxy war aficionado, NordStream plotter and “Fuck the EU” lunatic who has killed hundreds of thousands and wrecked Ukraine.”

    Great news from Kim Dotcom

    https://x.com/kimdotcom/status/1765052871392063828?s=46&t=Mb3vWtlQ9iVITzFN3xvWAQ

    • Francesca 2.1
      6 March 2024 at 9:01 am

      Interesting that John Bass, in charge of the orderly…sarc.. retreat from Afghanistan temporarily replaces her

      Look at these stunners!

      Nuland and husband

      https://www.the-sun.com/news/10583083/victoria-nuland-husband-robert-kagan/

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 2.2
      6 March 2024 at 12:05 pm

      Kim Dotcom!

      The tentacles of russian disinformation reach all the way to The Standard in little ol' New Zealand.

      Not surprising, given the vast sums (billions) russia spends on disinformation, both internally and globally.

      ‘Kremlin Leaks’: Files detail Putin’s €1 billion propaganda effort ahead of presidential vote

      Inside Russia’s Notorious ‘Internet Research Agency’ Troll Farm

      Coining lies. Kremlin spends 1.5 Billion per year to spread disinformation and propaganda

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

    • joe90 2.3
      6 March 2024 at 1:46 pm

      Of course the proud owner of a Hitler-signed copy of Mein Kamp had to go there.

      /

      […]

      Victoria ‘Nudelmann’ Nuland:

      […]

      • francesca 2.3.1
        6 March 2024 at 2:18 pm

        Wikipedia had to go there too , in the entry under her early life

        Oh God those tentacles!

        They're everywhere!

      • francesca 2.3.2
        6 March 2024 at 2:46 pm

        Actually Joe, I agree with you, it's repellent , and coming from a German , even more so

    • SPC 2.4
      6 March 2024 at 3:15 pm

      Dotcom has a grudge against Hollywood agent Obama (2008-2016 – 2014) and apparently by association American Democrats, international liberalism and a rules based international order?

      Thus is in the camp of each and every enemy – of a pro EU Ukraine, of a EU pro Ukraine, of a USA pro Ukraine and a USA pro NATO.

      Schadenfreude is not wisdom, it is just a way of lashing out, or venting bitterness.

      • Francesca 2.4.1
        6 March 2024 at 4:12 pm

        I was with you SPC until rules based order

        International law is one thing , the rules based order purposely vague.We know whose rules they are , and who has to obey those orders ….or else

        • SPC 2.4.1.1
          6 March 2024 at 4:30 pm

          Sure those who can enforce "rules" are often partisan. American government protection of intellectual property – American monopoly corporations (global scale tax evasion and lifting media content worldwide) that facilitate information gathering by the US Deep State. And via extradition of "publishers" a form of global censorship of "whistleblowing" of their secrets (while "Five Eyes" on everyone else).

          The UN was to end the age of empire, but internationalism requires agency. Empire only ends, if that agency is effective and multi-lateral or altruist – but the USA MIC, a capitalist market agenda and "western civilisation remnant" nationalism (albeit it might be returning to isolationism of a global strong man cartel type) all undermine altruism.

  3. Phillip ure 3
    6 March 2024 at 9:56 am

    Sarah helms from drug foundation on p'rnz reporting on latest wastewater testing..

    And the takeaway is that cocaine use in nz is greater than 'p' use….

    And this is very good news..!

    'cos p is the vilest of drugs..that fucks people's brains…(is used usually with heavy alcohol use)..and the withdrawals are horrendous…(so the literature says)..

    Whereas in comparison cocaine is almost benign…

    (and from personal experience easy as to stop using…this after fairly heroic use ..over many years…)

    So what I would like to happen is for cocaine to again be brought under the aegis of the medical profession..

    And for it to be used as a tool to help p addicts kick that muck..

    'cos cocaine could be used much as methadone was used for heroin addicts (but not this one)..in that it could be prescribed to p addicts to see them thru the ghastly p withdrawals.,and (unlike methadone) the substitute is a breeze to stop…

    To me..given my quite extensive experience in the field..the above is a no-brainer..

    The case can also be made for doctors to be able to prescribe cocaine to the aged/infirmed..

    When using cocaine I thought that it would be a great drug to use when old…

    And the argument here can be made on the quality of life grounds ..

    The main side-effect from cocaine use is that it makes you feel good/energised..and would be strong enough to overcome the effects of all the pills the aged/infirmed are usually taking..

    I actually feel as strongly about this as I do the efficies of this drug to help p addicts break their chains…

    To deprive the elderly from this salve to their ongoing aches/ills..to me is pretty much a case of elder abuse..

    And I am not asking for radical law reform…no need for the complications of legislation..

    All that is needed is to allow doctors to again be allowed to prescribe cocaine..

    And to then let the medical professionals evaluate whether cocaine would help/provide relief for their patients..

    I rest my case..

    • SPC 3.1
      6 March 2024 at 3:30 pm

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018928914/cocaine-use-increases-by-93-percent-in-past-year

      It would be even better if the government legalised sale of low THC marijuana (and MDMA to ensure testing for use) for health purposes. And allowed growing for personal use and decriminalise possession of marijuana. And why not … allow legal use of cocaine on prescription and in drug treatment programmes.

      Cannabis remains the most common drug – more than half a million people used it last year.

      Helm said 64- to 75-year-olds are using the drug 10 times more (6.4 percent) than the same age group a decade ago.

      "We think the reasons might be, over the last five to six years we've known more about the therapeutic benefits or uses of cannabis, perhaps the older age group are using for pain relief, perhaps it's an ageing out of a group that have previously used cannabis in their life when they were younger."

      https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/cocaine-use-doubles-new-zealand

      • Phillip ure 3.1.1
        6 March 2024 at 5:34 pm

        How about those 64-75 yr olds..?

        Bloody stoners..!

        • Phillip ure 3.1.1.1
          6 March 2024 at 5:39 pm

          The black market price for cocaine has also plunged….

          The remueras of nz have always had access to cocaine..

          In the past paying up to $1,200 a gram..

          I was recently told by someone who should know..that good quality cocaine can be had these days for about $300 a gram…

    • Belladonna 4.1
      6 March 2024 at 11:29 am

      If that is the case, the landlord will have no difficulty in tenanting Bowen House outside the public service.

      My suspicion is that there has been a degree of charging what the government will bear, rather than what the market will bear.

      We'll see what solution MBIE comes up with for housing the civil service offices until the new building is operational. (It's not covered in the article, which is not surprising if they're still negotiating with landlords)

    • Ad 4.2
      6 March 2024 at 12:27 pm

      Let it out to the Wellington homeless.

      It's just another empty state-owned housing stock.

      Some red-paint graffiti on it would help:

      Tenants Wanted, No Bond, Free Piano

  5. Anker 5
    6 March 2024 at 10:19 am

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/posie-parker-nana-bashing-victim-gets-international-support-from-british-singer-alison-moyet-and-tennis-great-martina-navratilova/7SV5THSPYZGQHDZL3RZHHSQOCY/

    Support from overseas icon for Judith. Hobson who was repeatedly punched in the face at the Let Women Speak rally in Albert Park last year

    • Francesca 5.1
      6 March 2024 at 11:24 am

      So the damage to the man's future was taken into account.Hobson now faces an uncertain future , with ongoing psychological damage, sleeplessness, headaches,forgetfulness, loss of pleasure in activities like reading and listening to music.Her husband will also be affected by this.

      Has a mathematical calculation been made ?

      The attacker has his whole life ahead of him, the woman not many years left?She is no longer an economic unit ? Her trauma of no consequence?

      If so , I am frightened for women and the elderly in this brave new world of ours

    • Shanreagh 5.2
      6 March 2024 at 12:30 pm

      Here is a better film of what actually happened to Judith as opposed to the deniers' minimisation.

      Here is footage of the event from the Womens Rights Party (this is from an email to me & I don't want to link as this will identify me)

      'You can see Judith tried to stop a woman in camo pants from tearing out the rope barrier, having led the charge in pushing over the metal barriers. There is some pushing between the two women. Then the attacker comes at Judith, punching her over and over again.'



      Last night I had futile exchanges with supporters of the assailant who have used as his justification & his 'sentence' their view that 'Judith is not a nice person'. How the assailant could have worked that out in the twinkling of an eye is mind boggling. Paraphrasing the legal truism that 'prostitutes do not deserve to raped' to 'not nice people don't deserve to be bashed' is little comfort for those of us who like to see the law administered impartially and not on 'niceness' or 'work status'

      What is really concerning to me is the up front view that women have no rights and don't deserve them anyway. Elderly women are held in even less regard.

      My mother, an ardent womens rights person & 'see througher' of most of the male tricks about womens status, did say that the anonymity of elderly women makes us invisible and that has positives and negatives. But why should that be? Esp the negatives which in this case mean don't go out in broad daylight, don't expect the Police to support you…. Don't we just want to go and listen to someone?

      The misogyny that floats just below the surface here in NZ is terrifying.

      • Molly 5.2.1
        6 March 2024 at 12:40 pm

        Snap. Just responded to you with the same video link on yesterday's thread:

        https://thestandard.org.nz/daily-review-05-03-2024/#comment-1991875

        Reposting the relevant points here:

        "There were two fences.

        The one of tape – was intended to create a visual no-man's land between the metal barrier and the attendees of the LetWomenSpeak event.

        Some context:

        • Event wardens passed on the (questionable) police advice to attendees, to ensure they stayed within the fenced off area, and to only face the rotunda. They said that making eye contact with any protestors may trigger violence. This may explain the reaction of Judith when she turned and found both the metal barrier breached and someone deliberately pulling up the tape barrier, effectively destroying the barrier between the attendees and those protesting women's right to speak and/or listen.
        • The man who assaulted Judith travelled several hundred km in order to stop women speaking or listening, without any idea of the content of their speech. It is unlikely that this excursion was taken in the spirit of knowledge seeking and camaderie. The vilification of the event beforehand(and those attending) was intense, carried out by politicians, media and talking heads, despite their obvious lack of knowledge of the event or the LetWomenSpeak format.
        • The force of the punches (as would be expected from a young man) on the fragility of an older woman's skull, resulted in fractures of the skull and eye socket. Any kind of head trauma, can result in long-lasting and permanent effects. The psychological trauma of this occurring because someone is irate at the thought of women speaking in NZ, should not be lightly dismissed.
        • This was not the only act of violence against women who were there on that day. Police have been reluctant to charge any who committed violence, and had advised Judith any charges would be unlikely. It was only due to public identification of the man charged that charges went ahead. She was advised to accept diversion more than once. Other incidents did not result in charges at all, or indeed a notable amount of police interest."
        • weka 5.2.1.1
          6 March 2024 at 12:48 pm

          there's a good view of the space and two fences here.

          https://youtu.be/fXYXH8J3dTc?list=PLGgXu42XHnjMTvEb56kUjHuMatEPxrXd4&t=77

          • Shanreagh 5.2.1.1.1
            6 March 2024 at 12:51 pm

            On that film there seem to be two metal fences then the tape/rope fence that were breached by the protestors.

          • Cricklewood 5.2.1.1.2
            6 March 2024 at 1:04 pm

            Who'd want to be a judge… Without know much in the way of the offenders background, taking the long term societal view maybe the outcome is the best one within the confines of the options available to the judge.

            Between the mob mentality on the day which was fanned by media and politicians in the lead up and the police absolutly sitting on their hands and completely failing to prepare for, or control the situation as it unfolded there are a heap of places to look for blame.

            The assault in many ways was almost inevitable taking all the factors into account and perhaps the judge took into account police failures in the descision after all they should have been the to protect both sides.

            • Molly 5.2.1.1.2.1
              6 March 2024 at 1:11 pm

              That excuses the judge – (which I don't think is valid, or should be necessary, but by-the-by.) He does have form for questionable judgement:

              https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/122289420/auckland-man-escapes-conviction-after-masturbating-in-front-of-child-at-pool

              However, it does not address the actual violence enacted on the day towards women meeting to speak and listen.

              It also does not address the dismissal of such violence by many in society, including some on this platform.

              • Cricklewood …
                6 March 2024 at 1:16 pm

                Agreed, in the here and now conviction seems the only sane descision. On a longer term view there is room for debate for a bunch of reasons.

                What is certain is that provacation is not an excuse or defence for assault.

                • Molly …
                  6 March 2024 at 1:19 pm

                  "On a longer term view there is room for debate for a bunch of reasons."

                  This is an interesting perspective.

                  What do you see as "a bunch of reasons", and what outcomes would you expect from each one in relation to reducing physical violence against others?

                  (I’ll just note that some commenting on various platforms, have difficulty recognising that physical violence took place, so deterring future violence at least requires that acknowledgement.)

                  • Cricklewood …
                    6 March 2024 at 1:36 pm

                    Mainly relating to the long term conseqeunces of conviction at a young age and taking into account the autism diagnosis.

                    As an example i'm familiar with three people I went to school with severly assualted someone oversome percieved slight. Two were convicted (not jailed) the third had a very expensive lawyer that managed to secure diversion. The paths the respective offenders lives took are very different at least in part due to the convictions closing a heap of doors at a critical point in life.

                    Like I say who would want to be a judge.

                    • Molly …
                      6 March 2024 at 1:40 pm

                      Convictions without imprisonment and with associated successful violence prevention programmes being completed, makes more sense.

                      There is the added component of signalling to wider society – the level of tolerance for violence as an accepted reaction – that also needs to be taken into account.

                      The victim impact statement was also redacted by the police, which I had never heard of before. The images of the original statement with the police redactions can be seen here:

                      https://x.com/SimonRAnderson/status/1764795430393782588?s=20

                    • Cricklewood []
                      6 March 2024 at 3:01 pm

                      I do wonder if theres room something similar to clean slate or a way to have a conviction not entered / discharged on completion on relevant programs.

                      No matter what happens its often the victim that has to live with the worst of the consequences of an assault.

                      What we do with the offender should focus on how to stop them doing it again.

                    • Molly …
                      6 March 2024 at 3:12 pm

                      @Cricklewood

                      The focus on the individual is notable, and also notable for not having a requirement to be measured, assessed and determined if the outcome is as expected.

                      However, there is a wider societal impact of each individual court cases and sentencing, that will have influence on others decision making and choices, based on this outcome. IIRC, there were two thousand people protesting women meeting to talk and listen. The aggression was high, and many will be reassured to have evidence of the high level of police and judiciary tolerance for violence.

              • weka …
                6 March 2024 at 1:23 pm

                fucking hell. This is child sex abuse.

                He was in the male changing area with an unaccompanied child who was changing into clothes.

                Judge Glubb said the man proceeded to remove his own clothes, strip naked and begin masturbating while watching the child changing.

                there's a problem with MSM reporting as well. How did the Judge get from masturbated in a public place while watching an unattended child getting dressed to "the man posed a low risk of reoffending"?

                I don't think prison or lifting name suppression is useful to society in cases like that or the dude that punched Hobson (because it increases their risk of offending), but the cases do point to how ineffective our justice system is that we can't come up with things better than prison or slaps on the wrist with a wet bus ticket.

                • Molly …
                  6 March 2024 at 1:25 pm

                  "fucking hell. This is child sex abuse."

                  Clarity in language helps, thanks weka. laugh

        • Anker 5.2.1.2
          6 March 2024 at 1:14 pm

          Much better video that shows the context.

          Its appalling watching the brutally of the assault

          • Cricklewood 5.2.1.2.1
            6 March 2024 at 1:25 pm

            Yep no arguement from me, I would really like to see some sort of investigation into the dreadful police response cant decide if it was incompetence or something more delibrate.

            • Molly 5.2.1.2.1.1
              6 March 2024 at 1:28 pm

              The IPCA investigation report is due out in the next few months.

              I have spoken to someone who has participated in it. They are not reassured it will address the failings of the day, or identify whether the police deliberately created a situation where people were not protected, by not adhering to organised meetings and expectations.

              I guess we will have to wait and see.

    • David 5.3
      6 March 2024 at 2:49 pm

      I was seriously assaulted about 4 years ago, by middle class professionals, 3 on 1 while I was seated btw. I was off work for a month with concussion and it was another 6 or 7 months before I could work full time.

      The judge basically dismissed the case without conviction and granted name suppression because it would result in the dismissal of those involved.

      My experience with the official system was dehumanising. As a person I didn’t count. However the individual police officers were fantastic as well as the prosecutor and victim support.

      I read the comments on here last night, and my heart was breaking.

      • Anker 5.3.1
        6 March 2024 at 4:01 pm

        Cheers David. Sorry to hear about your assault. So frightening. I am glad the police were o.k.

        We have increasingly tolerated violence and unsuprisingly it is increasing.

        • David 5.3.1.1
          6 March 2024 at 5:30 pm

          Thank you, the incident did take some time to get over, concussion is bad enough, but for me it was the psychological effects that took time to recover. I’m forever grateful that my employer was fully supportive during my recovery and I was on full pay throughout.

          At the time of the assault I was recovering from a mountain bike accident so I just couldn’t defend myself. The feeling of helplessness while listening to the defence lawyer telling lies about me in court to the judge, and the judge making no acknowledgment to me as the victim. I can certainly understand why we hear of victims/families/friends getting very upset when this happens.

          • Anker 5.3.1.1.1
            6 March 2024 at 6:49 pm

            It must have been appalling to realise that three people ganged up on you and for no good reason (not that there ever is a good reason except self defence) didn't think twice about brutalising you.

      • Molly 5.3.2
        6 March 2024 at 4:21 pm

        I am sorry to hear of your experience, David. It is a poor judicial outcome for you, and I hope you have been able to overcome that aspect in your recovery.

        • David 5.3.2.1
          6 March 2024 at 5:31 pm

          Thank you, the incident did take some time to get over, concussion is bad enough, but for me it was the psychological effects that took time to recover. I’m forever grateful that my employer was fully supportive during my recovery and I was on full pay throughout.

          At the time of the assault I was recovering from a mountain bike accident so I just couldn’t defend myself. The feeling of helplessness while listening to the defence lawyer telling lies about me in court to the judge, and the judge making no acknowledgment to me as the victim. I can certainly understand why we hear of victims/families/friends getting very upset when this happens.

      • francesca 5.3.3
        6 March 2024 at 5:23 pm

        Cheers David

        Traumatizing all over again reading comments like that

  6. Ad 6
    6 March 2024 at 11:37 am

    I think we need a post on how much this government is energised by hate for the oppressed and for anything progressive.

    The speed and depth at which they are pulling away the social supports and progressive policies of the Labour government 2017-2023 is startling.

    The silence of protest after the Kingitanga hui and Waitangi Day is also surprising.

    Maybe we have to wait for the May Budget for this to come more sharply into frame.

    • Muttonbird 6.1
      6 March 2024 at 11:41 am

      There was a protest at the weekend:

      Before their Super Rugby Aupiki season opener against the Chiefs Manawa, the Wellington-based team used an altered haka which included the words "karetao o te Kāwana kakiwhero", translating to "puppets of this redneck government".

      No surprise it got the rednecks frothing, and suddenly interested in te reo Māori.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/510976/hurricanes-poua-won-t-be-allowed-to-repeat-haka-criticising-government

      • Anker 6.1.1
        6 March 2024 at 4:06 pm

        Those women are entitled to their opinion and to express it outside the job i.e. playing rugby.

        Most jobs it is not a good idea to express political views. Imagine if you went to see you Dr and her started on about the woke left.

        • Muttonbird 6.1.1.1
          6 March 2024 at 9:08 pm

          There's some amazing stuff going on at the moment.

          Not only are we no longer able to express political views if employed as a publicly funded academic (Joanna Kidman), but we are also not allowed to express political views if employed by a sponsored sports organisation (Hurricanes Poua). And you even say it's not a good idea to express political views while employed at all.

          Who then left to express political opinion, the retired and the unemployed?

          Where does this leave the Labour movement, union representation, strike action, the very reason for this forum?

          The fake left have been fully captured…

          • Anker 6.1.1.1.1
            6 March 2024 at 10:35 pm

            Proessor Joanna Kidman holds the posistion of Director at the anit-extremism centre. and her salary in this role is paid for by the Prime Minister's Department (DPMC).

            She should criticise the govt on things she has expertise in, however its highly questionable if calling the coalition govt a death cult that hates children meets this criteria. Her language is hyperbolie and many of her statements before she was appointed to the role showed that she held rather extreme views herself, e.g trying to get Treliese Cooper cancelled because of calling a dress "trail of tears"

            Academics sure they should be outspoken critiques of the government because in theory that have some special expertise. They need to use this expertise rather than personal opinions.

            Sports stars are their to entertain and excite. The political views of the Hurricane are of no interest to me. But if those women want to join a protest, sign a petition, lobby MPs that's fine. I apologise if I didn't express my views very well before. I take Molly's point about Israel Folau, he was asked about homosexuality within the context of his christian believes and he chose to answer.

            BTW in my last job, I had to keep an extremely low political profile. That's why the Standard suited me, I could express my views annonymously. But I knew the deal was I mostly had to keep my views to myself and I accepted that.

            Jobs such as being a trade unionist, charities and NGOs of course its part of the job to express political views.

            • weka 6.1.1.1.1.1
              6 March 2024 at 10:54 pm

              here's the tweet. Seems reasonable expression of opinion to me, and within her realm of academic work.

              From,

              https://twitter.com/actparty/status/1764900808813134323

            • weka 6.1.1.1.1.2
              6 March 2024 at 10:58 pm

              also noting that her twitter account doesn't name or link to her job or employer.

              https://twitter.com/JoannaKidman

            • SPC 6.1.1.1.1.3
              6 March 2024 at 11:23 pm

              It is a mistake to believe ACT MP's

              Proessor Joanna Kidman holds the posistion of Director at the anit-extremism centre. and her salary in this role is paid for by the Prime Minister's Department (DPMC).

              He said this.

              In response, ACT public service spokesman Todd Stephenson called for Prof Kidman to be fired.

              "Dr Kidman's salary is paid by taxpayers via the Prime Minister's department, which means Christopher Luxon has just been delivered some potential savings on a silver platter. The board of the centre must move immediately to sack the extremist in their midst," Stephenson said.

              "The irony of an anti-extremism campaigner using such extreme rhetoric should be obvious.

              Something more evidence based

              In response to Prof Kidman's comments, the DPMC has "conveyed to the university… Professor Kidman's comments may bring the centre into disrepute", National Security Group executive director Bridget White told Newshub.

              The centre was established following the March 15 terrorist attack in Christchurch, in response to recommendation 14 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on the attack to "establish a programme to fund independent New Zealand-specific research on the causes of, and measures to prevent, violent extremism and terrorism".

              White said the DPMC funds the centre through a charitable trust, which operates independently.

              "The centre is not a Government agency. Funding for the centre for [the[ year ending June 2024 was $1.325 million."

              https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/department-of-pm-and-cabinet-responds-amid-feud-between-david-seymour-and-government-funded-centre-director-over-death-cult-comments.html

      • Molly 6.1.2
        6 March 2024 at 4:27 pm

        Appropriating a public platform, or using an organisation's reach to express a personally held opinion, is not a requirement of free speech.

        It is an interesting phenomenon to witness those who champion this poorly thought out act utilising an organisation's reach, with those expressed by Israel Folau who answered a specific question about his religious beliefs in a personal capacity:

        https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-15-07-2019/#comment-1637166

        https://thestandard.org.nz/folaus-rights-to-free-speech-are-not-being-attacked/#comment-1632747

        • Muttonbird 6.1.2.1
          6 March 2024 at 9:13 pm

          I can't accept the premise of your argument equating Folau's homophobia with Maori and PI women from disadvantaged backgrounds criticising this reckless government.

          It's pretty disgraceful really.

          Being gay isn’t a choice, is it? Ripping out support for low income communities for tax cuts and demoting te ao Maori is a choice, a deliberate and malevolent choice.

          • Molly 6.1.2.1.1
            6 March 2024 at 9:22 pm

            Point of relevance is free speech.

            • Muttonbird 6.1.2.1.1.1
              6 March 2024 at 9:35 pm

              No it's not.

              That might be a convenient distraction and simplification which the far right are using at the moment but it's important to recognise what the speech is:

              One is harmful to private individuals simply because of their sexual identity. The other is critical of punitive reforms by a reckless, racist coalition of purchased populists.

              • Anker …
                6 March 2024 at 10:40 pm

                But free speech doesn't mean you must never offend or hurt someone's feelings.

                I am a believer that the only free speech that should be stopped is defamation or speech that directly incites violence.

                When we shut people down, we the lose the opportuity to change their minds with good arguements

          • Anker 6.1.2.1.2
            6 March 2024 at 10:38 pm

            Maori and P I woman should definitely criticise this govt, but not using the professional to do so.

            Come on didn't people express outrage on this site when Ma Nonu tweeted support for John Key before the election? Imagine what you would think if the All Blacks did a Haka that criticised Labour and the lockdowns, covid vacinnes anything you likely really.

            • Muttonbird 6.1.2.1.2.1
              6 March 2024 at 10:49 pm

              You are literally parroting lines from David Farrar and that's fine, but it's important to recognise.

              The comparison is a typical Farrar propaganda trick*, a straight reversal without even considering the likelihood of the reverse happening. In his and your stated case you'd have accept the entire ABs team were pandemic-denying, anti-vaxx nut jobs. There might be one or two but not the whole team.

              Total fantasy.

              *Similarly, Farrar will try flip the plate by declaring there would be outrage if something said by a minority activist against white privilege were reversed. He fails to see that if you reverse that circumstance you must also reverse historical circumstance and consider white people indigenous and disenfranchised, and brown people the authoritarian colonisers.

              Would there be outrage then? Nope.

    • Cricklewood 6.2
      6 March 2024 at 3:11 pm

      Kinda hoping this 1st 100 days its not going to end in incoming govts spending a huge chunk or time and money cancelling everything the previous govt has done.

      Recipe for complete inertia.

    • Anker 6.3
      6 March 2024 at 4:03 pm

      Yes the women's Hurricanes team Haka and Professor Joanna Kidman have both been vocal.

      Re no protests, its up to them to organise it. No one is stopping them

    • Anker 6.4
      6 March 2024 at 6:51 pm

      What about the hate the former govt and the Greens levelled at gender critical women?

      If you are wanting to figure out some of the reasons Labour lost, that would be a good place to start

  7. That_guy 7
    6 March 2024 at 1:32 pm

    I hate being right.

    https://twitter.com/shellenberger/status/1764799914918490287

    THE WPATH FILES Advocates of gender-affirming care say it’s evidence-based. But now, newly released internal files from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) prove that the practice of transgender medicine is neither scientific nor medical. American Medical Association, The Endocrine Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and thousands of doctors worldwide rely on WPATH. It is considered the leading global authority on gender medicine. And yet WPATH’s internal files, which include written discussions and a video, reveal that its members know they are creating victims and not getting “informed consent.” Victims include a 10-year-old girl, a 13-year-old developmentally delayed adolescent, and individuals suffering from schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses. The injuries described in the WPATH Files include sterilization, loss of sexual function, liver tumors, and death. WPATH members indicate repeatedly that they know that many children and their parents don’t understand the effects that puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries will have on their bodies. And yet, they continue to perform and advocate for gender medicine. The WPATH Files prove that gender medicine is comprised of unregulated and pseudoscientific experiments on children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults. It will go down as one of the worst medical scandals in history.

    • weka 7.2
      6 March 2024 at 1:44 pm

      Stella O'Malley speaking on the WPATH files webinar series, live rn. Don't know if there will be a replay.

      https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1ynJOykbBdEKR

    • Molly 7.3
      6 March 2024 at 1:46 pm

      "I hate being right."

      If that was the only concern, this this medical disaster could have been stopped in its tracks, by looking for and demanding high quality clinical evidence for such significant psychological, medial and surgical interventions.

      The problem was that anyone querying the harm, was given the appendage – "-wing", as if no further response was necessary.

      • That_guy 7.3.1
        6 March 2024 at 1:53 pm

        Also various flavours of "-phobe" and "-ist".

        It's all very DARVO. If you think that perhaps gay kids should perhaps not be experimented on, then you're trans/homophobic. If you think that perhaps women should control the word "woman" and have the right to exclude men, and perhaps not be punched in the face, you're a misogynist because you're not including trans women (who are men).

        • SPC 7.3.1.1
          6 March 2024 at 3:48 pm

          I am not sure it is a gay kids thing – it is about gender stereotypes and about presumption that "children/a problem with a child" can be fixed by making a diagnosis categorisation – a wider field of neurodiversity/autism etc is also involved.

          Then there is the medical profession interfering in psycho-sexual development to manage outcomes – as they did before the DSM 1980 with homosexuality. Thus culture and politics.

          • Molly 7.3.1.1.1
            6 March 2024 at 4:40 pm

            SPC, there has been numerous indications that gay children looking for support or information about their realisation of their homosexuality, are not receiving such support.

            They are introduced to the concept that an unidentifiable "gender identity" takes precedence over biological sex, and thus, this adoption of a shifting concept allows coercive methods of denying the exclusion of the sex they have no attraction to.

            Gender clinics – including the Tavistock in the UK – have clinicians reporting that they are "transing the gay away". I had a social media conversation with someone who counsels within the Rainbow Youth organisation here in NZ, that sent me to this article when I asked what support he provided to young lesbians that reached out to him for support and guidance:

            https://eveywinters.com/genital-preferences-or-bigotry/

            Please take the time to read it. In between the assumed – and not expressed by anyone that I know – view that excluding trans people from your dating pool is ignorant, is the more subtle – but visible – declarations that hiding your sex from sexual partners is a matter of personal choice not deception, and that sexual orientation is flexible when gender identities come into it, thus resulting in a bisexual orientation for all.

            Homosexuals of both sexes – as with women and girls – have to fight to retain the language that both accurately defines and protects their group.

            • SPC 7.3.1.1.1.1
              6 March 2024 at 4:58 pm

              My point was, and remains that it is not just a "gay kids" thing.

              Those identifying as "gay" are generally not the younger "kids". While many gay come to a realisation as teens, some do not until older.

              Given many of the non conformist to gender stereotype children are not in fact gay, some Tavistock people may have been operating under a misapprehension of what they were doing.

              The wider of issue, as per gender and sexuality, is for mine (as it includes the whole of society) separate from the issue of the health of the children pre puberty/adolescence. Where the politics comes into it.

            • gsays 7.3.1.1.1.2
              6 March 2024 at 7:12 pm

              That's a great read, thanks Molly.

          • Anker 7.3.1.1.2
            6 March 2024 at 6:54 pm

            Gay kids are often (not always) gender non conforming. Some research about this and I know from my own family

            • SPC 7.3.1.1.2.1
              6 March 2024 at 7:11 pm

              Even so, most of the non conforming to gender stereotypes are heterosexual – as per sporty active girls and the non active outdoorsy artistic boys thing.

              And many homosexual adults conform to gender stereotypes easily enough.

    • That_guy 7.4
      6 March 2024 at 1:48 pm

      Brain fade by me, this was actually discussed in a previous OM.

      But fucking hell. It's quite the read.

    • Anker 7.5
      6 March 2024 at 6:46 pm

      Yes its appalling how Wpath have got away with this.

      About three years ago when commenting on this site, someone said to me "your on the wrong side of history".. I said I didn't care, I was expressing my view on gender ideology. But really we will be shown to be on the right side of history

  8. SPC 8
    6 March 2024 at 4:10 pm

    UNRWA losing funding, the World Food Programme relief blocked at IDF checkpoint (slowing aid to the north), then looted.

    The inefficiency of last resort air drops in the north.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68478831

    One wonders what a cease-fire would mean in practice for aid delivery.

    Is it time to consider security for aid supply and delivery?

    BASIC ANALYSIS

    1.Lack of food aid to coerce a hostage release (rescue would cause death) – a negotiated cease-fire for a second tranche of hostage release.

    2.The IDF is trying to starve out Hamas fighters in the north and then lure them out from tunnels with limited/controlled food aid (via oversight of).

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68486248

    The Israeli judge at the ICJ

    Barak voted in favor of two measures included in the decision: requiring Israel to do everything “within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip,” and ordering “immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”

    https://www.timesofisrael.com/justice-barak-icj-ruling-based-on-scant-evidence-ugandan-judge-legal-case-a-desperate-bid/

    • Descendant Of Smith 8.1
      6 March 2024 at 4:49 pm

      Israeli citizens are also blocking aid getting through.

      • SPC 8.1.1
        6 March 2024 at 7:37 pm

        An Israeli attempt to force hostage release by hunger, meets Hamas intent to use that to reduce support for Israel.

        Move from the north, move from the centre to either Rafah on the border, or an encampment on the southern coast.

        Now it's go to as refugees into Egypt, so that the last of Hamas can be defeated in the north, centre and south of Gaza.

        https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/wsj-demands-egypt-opens-border-to-save-gaza-civilians/2024/03/04/

        The thing is extremists had already called for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza as a goal, not to fight Hamas without civilians around.

        Barak voted in favor of two measures included in the decision: requiring Israel to do everything “within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip,” and ordering “immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”

        While it would not be genocide (by violence or starvation), it would be ethnic cleansing.

        The Israeli approach is to build pressure for aid delivery to Gaza civilians in the Sinai/Egypt.

        Their problem is obvious, their lack of track record in allowing refugees to return to land controlled by the IDF.

        Only the USA is in the position to guarantee that every civilian would be allowed to return to Gaza. And one way for the current coalition government in Israel to provide reassurance to the world community is to remove all those who called for an ethnic cleansing of Gaza from its Cabinet.

  9. Eco maori 9
    7 March 2024 at 12:33 pm

    Ki Ora whano

    I say Aoteoroa leaders should be looking around the world and plan for the future.

    I,E plan for a long long winter caused buy a nuclear?

    We have hydro we need to build out wind power as it still generates power when the sun doesn't shine. Not rocket science ne .

    The iwi need to build wind power on their lakes very efficient way to do not so many roads to build also this type of investment is recession proof .

    Our wind power resources are some of the best in the world.

    Buy the turbines from China and they will be a 3rd cheaper than the rest of the world.

    Ka kite ano

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  • 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

  • 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

    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

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