Open mike 06/12/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, December 6th, 2019 - 112 comments
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112 comments on “Open mike 06/12/2019 ”

  1. Jimmy 1

    Yet another driver failing to stop for police with tragic consequences. Lets hope the judge uses the full extent of the law when sentencing him to keep him locked up and off the roads for as long as possible.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12291153

    • cleangreen 1.1

      Sad eh; right before Xmas I feel for the family left behind, as much as the father who will never spend time with a loving family. Very sad..

    • gsays 1.2

      I agree, the driver and their supervising officer should be in the dock facing charges.

      I lack trust in the evidence the police would bring.

  2. ianmac 2

    Do we remember when petrol was priced the same no matter where we bought it? A remote country store, a petrol pump and same price as in the city.

    If so, why was it changed?

    • dv 2.1

      Oddly, last year we found a remote country town has petrol 30c cheaper that the local city price!!!!!

      • cleangreen 2.1.1

        dv – probably the price to lease land out in the country is cheaper so less overhead cost.

        We saw this effect of lower prices outside the US cities to for the 10 yrs we spent over there,

      • Andre 2.1.2

        Yeah, the Gulls at Atiamuri and Te Kuiti are reliably way lower price than just about anywhere else.

    • Jimmy 2.2

      And why is petrol so expensive in Christchurch (more than Auckland I think) as they do not have the Auckland extra tax?

      • Peter chch 2.2.1

        I am guessing because higher transport costs from Marsden Point, and maybe higher distribution costs within ChCh.

        Could also be because ChCh has less fuel station chains (eg GAS etc in Auckland maybe undermines the old Big Four cosy cartel) .

        • Andre 2.2.1.1

          Oddly enough, I was in Christchurch late last week and paid about 10 cents a litre less (for diesel) than when I got back to Dorkland early this week and filled up at Glen Eden Gull (usually near the cheapest around here).

          GAS never seems particularly low-priced here in Orclund, unlike Gull. Whereas the mainland has NPD and Allied which both seemed reliably low-priced. Gull and Waitomo also appear to be starting up down there.

  3. Paaparakauta 3

    "Apathy towards mainstream politicians has seen support for independent candidates surge by five percentage points, according to a new poll.

    The Savanta ComRes poll for the Telegraph found that six per cent of British adults plan to support aspiring MPs who do not belong to any of the six main parties on December 12.

    The pollster puts support for “other” parties at 6 per cent – higher than the 4 per cent planning to support the SNP, the 3 per cent behind the Brexit Party and the 2 per cent voting for the Greens.

    However, the results may also reflect methodological change .."

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/12/04/surge-independents-poll-finds-voters-set-boycott-main-parties/

    More from Ashcroft’s Conservative Home ..
    https://www.conservativehome.com/frontpage/2019/12/newslinks-for-thursday-5th-december-2019.html

  4. Paaparakauta 4

    Tory lead slips to single figures

    .. one week until election day there is still time for public opinion to shift – just as it did away from Theresa May in 2017.

    Labour have been steadily narrowing the gap with the Tories, in-part thanks to a relatively popular manifesto, but continue to suffer from the on-going accusations of anti-Semitism which are plaguing both party and leader.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/12/05/general-election-2019-opinion-polls-latest-odds-uk-labour-conservative/?li_source=LI&li_medium=li-recommendation-widget

    • aj 5.1

      I understand his personal situation to be genuine and I think he did have a case, which is why I offered to speak to his local MP," Faafoi told Newshub

      Mountain, molehill.

    • Jimmy 5.2

      As long as he just passed it on to the local MP then no problem.

    • observer 5.3

      From the link: "Text messages obtained by Newshub … "

      Translation: "Jason Kerrison has given Tova O'Brien … "

      There is no other possible source (unless you think Tova can hack into Facebook and phones).

      Honest reporting would be: "Today, in an attempt to manipulate me and you, I was sent these messages, which I will now pass off as an exclusive, as if I had done the investigating myself."

      Being used isn't journalism, it's laziness.

      • Sacha 5.3.1

        I do not get what would be in it for Kerrison to leak this stuff to the media. Won't help his family's case.

        • observer 5.3.1.1

          "I'm angry so I'll screw you even if it screws me" is a story as old as history (and Hollywood).

          • Formerly Ross 5.3.1.1.1

            Kerrison is his own worst enemy. Faafoi referred his case to Northland MP Matt King who apparently asked Kerrison to contact him. Kerrison apparently never did.

            • cleangreen 5.3.1.1.1.1

              Thanks Formerly Ross

              So Matt King was going to assist too was he just???

              Very interesting, so the plot thickens eh?

              We wonder if tonight on Newshub Tova OBrien is 'chirping' about National MP's wanting to assist Jason Kerriston as well??

              Not likely as she is anti labour isn't she?

        • mauī 5.3.1.2

          Remember this is the guy who built a bunker in 2012 to prepare for the end of the world…

          • Sacha 5.3.1.2.1

            Yeah I had forgotten all about that weirdness. His is not a style of music that resonates with me so seeing his name pop up during the local elections was a surprise.

      • Jimmy 5.3.2

        I don't think Jason Kerrison will be getting a Christmas card from Kris this year.

        • cleangreen 5.3.2.1

          My son did have the same problems with immigration as Jason had early last year.

          Where my son had met a German lady while over there in Germany for a wedding.

          His girlfriend later came to NZ after my son returned home to NZ and my son and her approached immigration and requested a work permit for her as she had university certification to show high work value skills for NZ.

          Shockingly she was roughly told by the immigration officials "don't bother to send in an application as we will not look at it" !!!!

          So as parents both my wife and I arranged to meet with our local MP Stuart Nash and explained the situation that as disabled older folks we needed my son here to care for us.

          Stuart Nash said he can't help but would allow his staff to contact the Immigration department to see what they can do, and it never came to anything,

          So we lost our son who was a fully licenceed Master Electrician when he went back to Germany to live with his fiance.

          Nothing now makes any sense to us when you see the Government is prepared to break up even NZ born families now.

          • greywarshark 5.3.2.1.1

            So much for the free market when it applies to NZ people who genuinely would like to access its cross-border benefits.

            • cleangreen 5.3.2.1.1.1

              Agreed GWS

              It was bad for my son it be treated that way as my Wife and I remember when our Son told us what Immigration NZ said that they would ignore any application for his Fiance to get a work permit he was very angry.

              As he had worked very hard to get his full registration/licence to become a fully fledged Master Electrician he was despondent with legitimate reasons.

              Considering almost any other country would welcome a skilled tradesman into their country but not his own with the wife of his choice.

          • OnceWasTim 5.3.2.1.2

            Rest assured @ Cleangreen, our Immigration policy is based on "best practice" (/sarc) – which is pretty much code for not very much of it makes any sense.

            I've given up having any sympathy for any of the 'officials ' that have, and continue to make fuckup after fuckup (as a matter of record), AND for ministers/associate minister that refuse to undertake radical reform of the cistern.

            Ministers are going to continue to be let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they do.

            More fool them though eh! As far as I know, masochism and flagellation is legal. Not as though the whole issue of immigration policy could be the tipping point of an election given an opposition wanting to use any dirty trick at their disposal.

            Shudda Cudda Wudda

            • OnceWasTim 5.3.2.1.2.1

              * "………..let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they do." = " ……….let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they (a gummint) do undertake radical reform".

              • cleangreen

                Thanks Once Was Tim.

                Yes it’s cold comfort to see the Minister being lamb-basted by the media hounds when it was the bureaucrats that have caused the mess not him.

                So a restructuring of the obviously dysfunctional system needs radical change now as you allude too.

                Since so many mistakes have been found.

                Kris is a casualty of this dysfunctional bureaucratic mess.and must be excused for thinking they were doing right for all of us.

        • Rapunzel 5.3.2.2

          I feel for Kris Faaoi having worked so hard to do so much for NZ to be badgered like that, and then possibly see that work jeopardised by someone you felt that close to. In the interests of NZ the Coalition need to stop trusting that others are as honourable & honest as they are, it looks like many media – certain ones in particular are basing their entire careers on it – some govt employees & those who will call you friend are driven by self interest. It's actually a very sad and undeserved day that Mr Faafoi is facing.

    • pffffft to all above and below. (I'm desperate to know when we can apply for funding for a series of Border Force NZ. The dogs are in training, some Shortland Street star is rehearsing the smart-arse voice-overs, Julie Christie's bidding for the rights, and NuZullOn Ear are considering funding applications)

      By the way …. Does anyone know if that queue jumper Dawn Baxendale's visa has been sorted?

      So much more important (/sarc)

      • cleangreen 5.4.1

        yesOWT yes she (Dawn Baxendale) will get a free pass for her TV interest and her looks I would imagine; – unless she is a he; (sarc..

  5. greywarshark 6

    Edit
    China attempted to control its projected population growth by decree and brute force. The culture elevates males to carry the family line and fortunes down the generations. One child only was allowed to most people. So males took precedence often. Some people drowned their girl baby in a bucket.

    It was a traumatic decree with consequences with now a vastly skewed gender balance which will have the affect of females being greatly prized but also being objects to be controlled and guarded, not free, and likely to be traded in a commercial way for advantage.

    Chinese men are looking to Pakistan and women trafficking with 629 victims of a people smuggling ring being accused. But Pakistan wants to obtain agreements 'to cement business with its ally' so witnesses are being told to stay schtum.

    To lessen birth numbers the MIT in USA is working on a contraceptive pill that will give a month's protection from only one taken each month. That may be good if it passes trials for safety and effectiveness.
    (Items – p.16 Nelson Mail World section Dec 6 2019 Fairfax).

    But I think there must be an effort to limit the population burden on countries and the planet. We could allow people to choose their time of death after the age of 75, and ensure that this was properly planned for, with respect and effectively achieved according to the wishes of the person.

  6. greywarshark 7

    To date – Brexit in the UK generally

    https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-50670627/general-election-2019-farage-on-meps-leaving-brexit-party
    General election 2019: Farage on MEPs leaving Brexit Party
    Nigel Farage said three of the MEPs who have left his Brexit Party have links to the Conservative party.

    He said they were wrong to back the Conservatives and “don’t understand” what is happening in the Labour seats being contested by the Brexit Party.
    The BBC's Andrew Neil told Mr Farage that links that the MEPs had to the Tories were well known when he “paraded” them as Brexit Party candidates.

    (Farage reminds me of pictures of Toad in Wind and the Willows. Anyone else see a likeness?) Confusion in Labour about Brexit – why would they be disturbed at having another Brexit vote? Which must first have a legally raised majority level to ensure it's a widely and firmly supported decision.)
    .

    https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/uk-labour-supporters-unhappy-prospect-brexit-vote-191205121502167.html
    The decision by Britain's main opposition Labour party to hold another Brexit vote if it wins the upcoming election has upset some supporters.

    In Hartlepool, in northeast England, most people voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum.
    Now they are threatening to switch to pro-Brexit parties.
    Al Jazeera's Emma Hayward reports from Hartlepool.
    .

    EU's Donald Tusk (Polish politician) is not confused, he has considered and pronounces:
    Brexit has been “one of the most spectacular mistakes” in the history of the EU and followed a campaign marked by “an unprecedented readiness to lie”, Donald Tusk has said….

    The unabashed anglophile, who recently said he would “in my heart always be a remainer”, put himself at odds with other EU leaders by declaring it would still be better for both sides if Brexit did not happen. Many EU diplomats fear any second referendum leading to a remain result would mean festering divisions in the UK that would block the EU from making decisions – a view Tusk strongly rejected.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/05/brexit-one-of-most-spectacular-mistakes-in-eu-history-donald-tusk

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

  7. Karol121 8

    A little slow with my Israel Folau comment, but here's my penny's worth:

    A satisfactory result for him, all considered it would seem.

    He walks away smiling and they, Rugby Australia (RA), get rid of a social media zealot.

    But in a way, Folau has won on two counts;

    1. He ends up with a settlement in his back pocket with only a relatively small amount having to be spent on legal "mouthpieces" (paid for by others in any case) and he will probably do well elsewhere in relation to recreational sport as a money making venture.

    2. He walks off with the satisfaction of knowing that he has sent RA into a tail spin as it pertains to employment contracts and fine print.

    Of course, few ever suggested that RA were anti-Christian and it should be evident that they were, more or less, trying to stay compliant in relation to almost global anti-discrimination laws pertaining to religion, race, gender etc.

    But in fact, that which he expressed on social media didn’t appear to break any of those laws.

    For example, if I were to take some obscure interpreted verse from the Quran and I were to state that this book of joy suggested death and damnation to the infidel, my advice is that I would not be breaking the law either.

    I may seriously have an issue with the comments made by Folau, (and hey, I'm not even homosexual, nor am I a Muslim), but I do congratulate him for his entrepreneurial spirit in relation to the use of contractual law and sport to profit from.

    He has proven something that is clearly apparent, people can make oodles of money from virtually doing nothing.

    • Red Blooded One 8.1

      Translation : Someone skilled at playing with balls and his equally skillful ball handling squeeze are cunning as shit-house rats and can now go back into their circle-jerk pretend religion family and spout as many knuckle dragging opinions as they like on the dime of poor innocent rugby players.

      Now maybe they'll start doing what their god wishes and start punching out babies instead of focusing on their illustrious careers.

      May a God bless them and heal their hurt feelings.

      • Karol121 8.1.1

        You have a way with words, Red Blooded One.

        yes

        You have pretty much expressed what I was thinking when I was tapping away earlier on, but where my words came out a little too politely.

    • McFlock 8.2

      well, contract law or a bit of litigious extortion: you can pay me X to settle, or you'll pay your lawyers X+Y to fight the case in court.

      He was allowed to say what he said, I don't think anyone's said it crossed legal lines. He just shat on the brand that was paying him by advertising the brand that's the family business.

  8. greywarshark 9

    Edit
    This is really interesting. On Radionz details about a building firm that has put up a new building in Christchurch which a junior structural engineer blew the whistle about. Just as well or probably no-one would have known until there was a disaster. What a story, the young engineer walking past the building, looked past the construction fence, and saw some unnerving evidence of poor construction and reported it. Good on that person, and on his firm to which he first reported.

    Then…bad. The building was allowed to be continued. And now sits vacant and pending dangerous.

    A full two years of wrangling later – during which time the building was completed, as was one next door – experts have confirmed there are 10 significant weaknesses in the design or construction of columns, bracing, the calculation of seismic loads, hold-down bolts, the pile design and the stairs.

    The building consent team at the city council said it was "gutted" the eight-storey design got through its checking systems.

    This from another developer who has background on the people and company behind the building.

    "Two or three years ago, they approached us, were aware that we wanted to build a carparking building in Hereford Street. They said that they felt that Christchurch was being overcharged for buildings and that they could do it so much better," Mr Gough said.

    He looked into Rockwell, he said.

    Companies office records show it was set up in 2014 and 2015 by business interests originally from Korea, and in online posts says it offers seismic engineering and specialised construction.

    "They had a company that was only about $100 shareholding, was less than a month old and had no experience in New Zealand or Christchurch whatsoever," Mr Gough said.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/404956/developer-declined-rockwell-group-responsible-for-substandard-building-in-christchurch

    Don't we check on integrity of people, company, experience, materials etc before approving projects and their formation? Have NZ and particularly, Christchurch planners and regulators, been overcome by some virus that has over-ridden their normal desire to do their jobs well? What sort of background credentials have they, to even get into their jobs? What are they being taught during the time they are studying for their qualifications?

    We have so many botches in NZ and it is time for a revolution as all–embracing as that of Douglas & Co, and old worn-out Labour. We can't let this country be run by cowboys with the rodeo running on a national scale. Those who specialise in looking after animal welfare have got rodeos banned. We humans consider ourselves so intelligent, and on a higher level above animals, yet we can't trust our trained and well-paid managers to look after our welfare, and ultimately, their own. We are the animals being spurred and kicked. God help us!

    • Stuart Munro. 9.1

      One of the downsides not considered in NZ's unseemly haste to embrace globalization is the issue of enforcement across language barriers. Council inspectors are fairly taxed assuring compliance even among builders from our own culture, and moreso in Christchurch, where large numbers of substandard earthquake repairs seem to have slid through without the inspectorate so much as clearing it's throat. Throw in language and cultural issues and they are more likely to avoid the job than demonstrate the extra vigilance and communication skills required.

      • pat 9.1.1

        not to mention the dearth of capability in house to assess the performance of the design

      • Buster12 9.1.2

        Really needs to be a lot more inspectors, pain in the ass trying to get an inspector in to sign off on an inspections.

        • Stuart Munro. 9.1.2.1

          Ideally you'd have a surplus & cycle them through the construction sector & polytechs & WEAs during low build times, to upskill and spread the knowledge. Kindof at odds with the black economy model of exploited foreign workers building McMansions though.

      • cleangreen 9.1.3

        yesGood point there Stuart.100%

    • Karol121 9.2

      "$100 shareholding", more at "$100 company". An old phrase or terminology but still widely used and used most legitimately as a description for a company which might only be worth the cost of the original company registration set up cost, and then even less when the company is being pursued by creditors or other irate individuals or groups.

      Indeed the safety and quality assurance concerns are one issue, and also the other issue pertaining to the many who'd have assisted with the construction in good faith and had supplied materials, only to find that as creditors, they may never get paid anything close to their costs, let alone getting paid adequately for their supply and trade.

  9. cleangreen 11

    Greta has to be an inspiration to any human being.

  10. Fireblade 12

    Like the boy who cried wolf, Simon squeaks Meka, Clare, Grant, Ian, Shane, Stuart, Kris must resign!. Everyone resign!, anyone?, hello?, hello?…

    A sad lonely voice crying in the wilderness. Poor little Simon.

    • Jimmy 12.1

      To be fair though, when in opposition they did cry the same about National ministers whenever they could.

    • Sacha 12.2

      That's part of the job we pay him to do.

    • Fireblade 12.3

      Well, maybe I should take a more considered view of Mr Bridges.

      Here goes…

      Simon is like the skidmark on my undies. Doesn't pass the sniff test, is always unpleasant, but sometimes is just plain unavoidable.

      • Karol121 12.3.1

        That, and when we've run out of undies and decide to go jocks "commando style".

        Then he can be likened to some used and soggy tea leaves in tea cup, probably only fit to be placed at the window side of a Newmarket cafe on Carlton Gore Road, so as to be mishandled or reused for an even weaker, pallid, lackluster brew and then abused or consumed by any and sundry, in and around the national political set.

  11. greywarshark 14

    Acta non verba

    Something good happening because Labour is working for the country.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/404936/help-may-be-on-the-way-for-farmers-struggling-with-farm-environment-plans
    5.12.2019 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern indicated help could be on the way, in answer to a question at a farmers' conference, on what might be available for farmers in next year's budget.

    "Farm environment plans can be the one thing that you know you need to follow and work to," Ms Ardern told the conference."But then, how do we know those have relevant at the level of each catchment. "So there are things we would like your views on…

    Farmers have already fenced off around 25,000 kilometres of riverbank under earlier agreements with the Crown.
    But most of them were built closer to a river than the five metre setback required under September's Action Plan for Healthy Waterways….

    Ms Ardern said the Minister for the Environment, David Parker, would offer farmers a temporary reprieve.
    "He (Mr Parker) has said there could be a 10-year period (to do this) or a five-year period, so he is being very pragmatic about this."

  12. cleangreen 15

    I have a small creek running through the bottom of my 10 acre mini-farm and wonder what we need to do as the sheep all 40 of them don't go near the creek that we see.

    We wonder where to for us now? – do we need to fence that small creek, will Gov’t help fund it?

    If not do we just de-stock to keep just a few pet sheep like we had at the beginning of our organic farm?

  13. Kay 16

    Yesterday we were able to get this "study" shut down

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/404933/epilepsy-patients-angry-at-being-told-symptoms-all-in-their-heads

    Today, this happened

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/404964/chief-coroner-opens-inquiry-into-deaths-linked-to-anti-epileptic-medication

    If the Pharmac apologists are still floating around here I would be very interested in hearing your views on these latest developments. Just be warned, I'm still recovering from a seizure last night and I'm very stroppy and argumentative(a very common after effect) but I'll do my best to manage it.

    • Incognito 16.1

      Although I acknowledge the patients’ rights to be angry the irony is that the study aimed to improve health outcomes for said patients.

  14. greywarshark 17

    I hope you are all right now Kay. Have you got the treatment that you want?

  15. greywarshark 18

    I hope you are all right now Kay. Have you got the treatment that you want?

    Why can't people be asked to trial it, while they still have their previous medication. And if it doesn't suit, they can change back again. Those with the condition will understand their condition and know when it is suitable to try anything new, and have their other medication handy if there is a reaction.

    • Kay 18.1

      @grey, thank you, I actually managed to fluke funding to stay on my long-standing brand some months ago before the Pharmac back down, but it could've gone the other way. Had I not, I would've been paying to stay on it and starving in the process, and probably dropping my dose to afford it.

      I've been helping out with the fight behind the scenes and in the process have seen so many documents and OIA requests etc, and it's bloody scary what goes on. This fight is not over because Logem is still the sole funded brand and the other 2 brands are only still available here by the grace of the drug companies, ie supply not guaranteed. So we're not out of the woods.

      Remember this isn't just a fight over a drug used for a few people with epilepsy and bipolar- this has happened before and will continue to happen, and people will continue to be harmed if this practice is not severely scrutinised and reigned in. And the people who want to back Pharmac blindly are welcome to, but they might want to remember they could be next to be affected.

      • greywarshark 18.1.1

        It is amazing to see how things work out. We are talking about a drug for people who will be ill without it. There is a right dose, neither too little and certainly not too much will give the required effect.

        The government has to be careful with its health budget and we all know that. So they try to be careful with expenditure, and yet need to keep the right amount of health treatment available. They want to take a balanced approach.

        Then they allow their agent Pharmac to go OTT in a type of experiment, as it cannot be predicted just how many people will not be able to utilise the new type of the old drug. So they are prepared for them to underdose on the budget availability for epilepsy drugs and take a risk in the process, with your life. No wonder you are angry. They are virtually taking a guinea pig approach (sorry for any guinea pigs that have been hurt in the process).

  16. observer 19

    If you wanted to boost support for the PM, it would go something like this:

    "Stage a gun protest outside a primary school. Have no connection at all with the location, the event, the people. Involve ultra-fringe groups like the New Conservatives. Make sure you get on telly. Antagonise the public as much as possible."

    Top work, guys!

    • Anne 19.1

      A motorist yelled at the gun owning protesters : "Why outside a primary school you maniacs ."

      The Herald describes the motorist as an "highly agitated driver".

      Of course he was agitated. So, I bet were many other passers-by.

      How dumb can some of these journos be?

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12291623

      • greywarshark 19.1.1

        Perhaps people who are agitated and excited seem silly and journalists only respect cold-blooded types like the March gunman who apparently remained detached while he created mayhem. He wasn't highly agitated although others were. Journos need to look for the cool one, at the eye of the storm.

      • Wensleydale 19.1.2

        Exactly as dumb as they need to be to secure continued employment with Granny Herald. 'The NZ Herald – lowering the bar since forever.'

      • observer 19.1.3

        Whenever there is a protest by lefties/greenies/Maori, especially during weekday work hours, they are immediately labelled "rentamob". (Disclosure: nobody has ever paid me rent to go and protest, but my rates are available on request).

        Why is "rentamob" never used for right wing protests?

        • McFlock 19.1.3.1

          Especially as the typsetting on their posters seems suspiciously uniform. Someone shelled out a few bucks for each placard.

      • cleangreen 19.1.4

        Anne at 19.1
        Jouro's by name only but low quality ones at that!!!

        How sad that the journo said only the (gun) weapon user was agitated??

  17. Karol121 21

    Adios Amigos (and others).

    I've my digs, a billy and some te secured in a fag end wrap, attached to the end of a broomstick handle, and I’m off to seek my fortune in marketing and script writing.

    No more the philosophical journeys (imposed or otherwise) down a path of hand to mouth monk hood if I can help it.

    It's been a pleasure, am sure. One to one, to many and a chance to deliberate the wherefores and y's.

    cheeky

    • Robert Guyton 21.1

      Don't go…

      • greywarshark 21.1.1

        Don't leave us – now we have learned to appreciate your sterling qualities and ideas. If you have an idea why not drop it in – just takes a moment and then leave it to us to note it or thrash it out. Something of interest that intrigues you. Maybe just give us a link and a steer – this for the USA political watchers or Climate Change findings etc. Set a time limit for yourself which I have to do now. I confess I have to have a wind up device that ticks off the minutes. It's quirky, shaped like a tomato and dings when my time is up.

    • Red Blooded One 21.2

      Awh, we need you here, thoughtful, poetic and polite. Good luck with your fortune seeking and maybe visit occasionally.

    • David Mac 21.3

      Yeah, good luck Karol, I hope your flight wings you to contentment. You look to be on the way to me.

  18. cleangreen 22

    Well my daughter flew out yesterday so we are 'alone again naturally' (Gilbert o' Sullivan) cera 1974. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTF3BTKlj9Q

    • David Mac 22.1

      Nearly all family visitors start to grind on each other after a while. I love my beautiful ol Dad to bits but gee after 2 days of sharing the same space together…

      The true and divine pleasure lives in the anticipation of being together again Clean and you're rolling in clover.

  19. David Mac 23

    I was thinking today about protesting and if there could be a better way.

    Traditionally, it is about getting in the face of perpetrators or influencers and harping 'We don't like what you're doing, stop it.'

    It's a very basic strategy, rudimentary.

    I wonder if we could be doing more with the same energy if we got in Twyford's face and demanded free rego and a rebate on the sticker price for electric vehicles as opposed to inhibiting OMV vessels from leaving port.

    Do to oil what Henry Ford did to the horse.

    • David Mac 23.1

      Creative protesting. Abseiling up the beehive will draw popular media coverage to a cause.

      I don't know about you but I'm a long way from Wellington and a first-time abseiler…should that be absailor? If not, it should be.

      Anyway, creative protesting. making the most effective noise possible with the least energy.

      There must be better ways than standing outside Rio Tinto's head office chanting 'Stop all Mining you bastards'.

      Traditional protesting is about 'Stop doing that'. I think protesting stands a much better chance of attracting a groundswell of popular support if it's focused on 'Lets do this instead'. Like hassling Twyford to make owning an electric car so easy and attractive you'd be a mug not to.

      • David Mac 23.1.1

        Imagine the kudos if an energy minister could declare '3 new geothermal generators are coming on line. There will be 30 fewer tankers tying up to the Marsden Point refinery this year. 300,000 more Kiwis will be getting around courtesy of the steam escaping from our beautiful country.'

        Politicians with stories like that don't get voted out.

  20. David Mac 24

    Early Nissan Leafs with gasping batteries are worthless.

    If I had a burning desire to make money, I'd be looking for a way to give a worthless Leaf a new lease on life on a tight budget.

    I could keep my Princess as she is accustomed rebirthing orthodox Leafs but if I could convince Mr Twyford to go absolutely loopy over electric cars I think I could make serious money with a competition range.

    The Nissan Bud with the sticky head handling package.

    How much dope do you reckon Phil Twyford has smoked? That Kiwibuild thing was a bit of a stoner's FU hey.

    • greywarshark 24.1

      Great thoughts David Mac. Your idea of positive protesting is wise. We can whine about what is being done wrong and be accused of being airy-fairy theoretical types. But practical ideas are springing out of this blog like shoots from a creeper. Can we use this place as a central post to grow round and stick out individual shoots, carry them out and report we did it? Not sure about too much info. We will have to consider, sooner or later we will be annoying enough to the uncouth pollies and their dainty wealthy friends who will find us uncouth in turn.

      There are groups around NZ who can see NZ is on the decline and doing something about it. When I mentioned decline here the other day a regular said What? explain yourself. Hollow laughter from me. The thinking and practical need to keep in touch off the big screen in a way that does not make them vulnerable.

  21. Eco maori 25

    Kia Ora 1 News.

    Way down south

    There ways blocked from flooding taking out the main roads Tawhirimate has been given heaps of Mana with Global Warming.

    That's a great way for the District Health Board to be governed having half Wahine and Tangata whenua on the Board is good.

    Well there you go I knew who is not happy with our common peoples government.

    Awsome to the Salvation Army running the unit to keep people out of the Hinaki.

    Ka kite Ano.

  22. Eco maori 26

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    That's the way Opotiki tangata 5000 signed petition to take to the Bop health board to keep the birth unit open you will have fresh taringa now that should listen.

    Alcohol and hard drugs is making a big mess of Maori and Pacific tangata lives That's the way let all the people know the stuff is rotten with your march .

    I sports is a great way for tangata Stars to shine Bright.

    Ka kite Ano

    • greywarshark 26.1

      The birthing unit at Opotiki closed down with three days notice on 1st December 2019. WTF!

      https://www.change.org/p/bay-of-plenty-district-health-board-stop-the-closing-of-the-opotiki-birthing-centre-and-emergency-services

      For some rural ports along the East Coast, this is the closest birthing Uni, which is up to an hours drive to opotiki! And yes this affects Hapū Māmā, but they are also effecting changes to emergency services, so it actually affects all whānau.

      This sounds similar to Southland's situation. The country being run like a factory business – there must be a certain volume of units going through to be efficient.

      Get those machine-minds out of their comfy chairs! Including those of Parliament. Big sale – must clear – comfy chairs from Parliament, each one personally signed by its previous owner. Great souveniers and talking points at parties. Can be used as fund raisers along with cake stalls – a koha per minute of sitting in The Chair and addressing the audience about the things that you would do for the country if you were elected.

      Now that is a great idea don't you all think? Making fun and frolic with the empty pomposity and cunning conversation that we hear from the powers-that-be.

  23. Eco maori 28

    Kia Ora 1 News.

    Its better to re use glass bottles.

    I think My food bag being delivered to the poorest peoples door is a excellent idea.

    Ka kite Ano

  24. Eco maori 29

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    Andy Te Tangata Whenua all know that the treaty settlement putea is only 1 cent in the dollar of the Whenua that was stolen from us stop playing hard ball a pony up more putea. That's what it is some are settling for bugger all while we watch the fat cats who got our whenua cheap going on holiday with flash waka boats while our whano struggle to keep our whanau afloat.

    Hine brand looks great that is needed encouragement for our Tangata to keep fit and keep Wahine heads held up.

    Mana Wahine

  25. Eco maori 30

    Kia Ora Breakfast.

    Well I don't have to worry about personal alcohol problems as I don't touch the stuff anymore.

    Is it a coincidence that Bus strikes are happening in the lead up to Christmas. I bet the owners of the bus company's are blue flags wavers.??????.

    New Zealand needs to learn to respect all cultures.

    trump is not going to win some one else is going to Trump him.

    Ka kite Ano

  26. Eco maori 31

    We need to protect our beautiful wildlife from being over exploitatived.

    Measures to arrest nature's decline must be passed into law, say MEPs

    1. Officials call for global targets on protection of land, oceans and wildlife to be subject to Paris-style legal framework.

    If humanity wants to reverse the widespread destruction of the natural world, biodiversity needs legal protection like the Paris agreement on climate change, members of the European parliament have said.

    Action to halt biodiversity decline is based on voluntary commitments but, less than a year before a crucial UN biodiversity conference in China, MEPs pointed to the destruction of precious ecosystems and the more than 1m species facing extinction as evidence that the approach is failing

    The global biomass of wild animals has fallen by 82% since records began and 25% of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. The IPBES report also found there was a strong link between climate change and loss of biodiversity and one could not be solved without the other.

    “The dual emergency of nature decline alongside climate breakdown means transformational action is needed,” said Sandra Bell from Friends of the Earth.

    “We seem to have lost sight of the fact that nature provides us with healthy soils, water and air. In the UK, and across the EU, existing targets haven’t worked because they have lacked action, so it’s up to the EU commission and national governments to enforce nature laws

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/06/measures-to-arrest-natures-decline-must-be-passed-into-law-say-meps

  27. Eco maori 33

    Kia Ora 1 News.

    Let's hope the government makes decisions that minimise our carbon footprint and not just to maximise Te putea.

    Ka kite Ano

  28. Eco maori 34

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    Te puia o whakaai is erupting.

    You see the bus company's owner are not just blue flag wavers they are climate change deniers.

    I agree one must show respect for Tangaroa.

    Ka kite Ano

  29. Eco maori 35

    Kia Ora Breakfast.

    Condolences to the tangata who lost whanau on Te Puia O Whakaai out of respect for the dead I will say no more on the subject.

    Ka kite Ano

  30. Eco maori 36

    Global Warming is creating huge problems we have to minimise our use of green house gases ASAP.

    1.9 billion people at risk from mountain water shortages, study shows

    Rising demand and climate crisis threaten entire mountain ecosystem, say scientists

    A quarter of the world’s population are at risk of water supply problems as mountain glaciers, snow-packs and alpine lakes are run down by global heating and rising demand, according to an international study.

    The first inventory of high-altitude sources finds the Indus is the most important and vulnerable “water tower” due to run-off from the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Ladakh, and Himalayan mountain ranges, which flow downstream to a densely populated and intensively irrigated basin in Pakistan, India, China and Afghanistan.

    The world has a third pole – and it's melting quickly

    Read more

    The authors warn this vast water tower – a term they use to describe the role of water storage and supply that mountain ranges play to sustain environmental and human water demands downstream – is unlikely to sustain growing pressure by the middle of the century when temperatures are projected to rise by 1.9C (35.4F), rainfall to increase by less than 2%, but the population to grow by 50% and generate eight times more GDP

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/09/billion-people-risk-water-supply-rising-demand-global-heating-mountain-ecosystem

  31. Eco maori 37

    Kia Ora 1 News.

    Its not looking good for New Zealand's toursim flooding down south roads washed out desaster in the north a earthquake in Te Tairawhiti that was felt in Whakatane what next.

    Ka kite Ano

  32. Eco maori 38

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    I agree we have to be thankful for what we have in Aotearoa it good to see tangata helping out Samoa in there time of sorrow and need.

    That's will be Awesome to see St Stevens Maori school reopen soon we must keep tangata whenua culture going Mana.

    Great to see Te Rangatahi enjoying Maori sports.

    Ka kite Ano

  33. Eco maori 39

    Kia Ora Breakfast.

    Should have had a question to spend the putea on Greening Aotearoa economy that can make the economy grow and create jobs and save our environment.

    Our whole transport system needs to be changed to a low carbon low cost system.

    You might think you are funny pakiha.

    Ka kite Ano.

  34. Eco maori 40

    Doesn't matter everyone can see Te Eco Maori affect on you.

  35. Eco maori 41

    I remember reading stories from the deniers that Wind power and Solar power ie Green energy can never replace coal. Well in your face Global warming deniers no only is Wind and Solar replacing Coal its cheaper and cleaner they use a fraction of the water that is need to burn coal. This tells me one thing the World is corupt for these lieing fools being able to get away with their lies for 40 years.

    Windfarms drive fall in wholesale energy price with lower bills forecast for 2020

    Australian Energy Market Commission says prices will begin to fall next year and by 2022 will be $97 a year lower

    The price of residential electricity is estimated to start falling next year and continue to fall until 2022, the Australian Energy Market Commission says.

    The AEMC’s annual report on electricity price trends shows an overall falling price outlook over the next few years, mostly due to decreases in the wholesale cost from increased generation capacity, particularly from windfarms.

    By the end of 2022, almost all Australians are expected to spend an average $97 less on their annual power bills after prices start falling in 2020, the Australian Energy Market Commission says.

    Annual bills during the financial year 2018-19 reached $1,370 and have been calculated to fall to $1,273 by June 2022.

    This drop is not expected for Western Australia, where annual bills are estimated to be $100 more expensive

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/09/windfarms-drive-fall-in-wholesale-energy-price-with-lower-bills-forecast-for-2020

  36. Eco maori 42

    Some Eco Maori Music For The Minute.

    https://youtu.be/5Yj4j_lZMBo

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  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
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    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
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    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
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    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
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    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
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    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
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    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
    The thing about life’s little victories is that they can be followed by a defeat.Reader Darryl told me on Monday night:Test again Dave. My “head cold” last week became COVID within 24 hours, and is still with me. I hear the new variants take a bit longer to show up ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
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    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
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    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
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    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
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    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
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    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
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    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
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    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
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    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
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    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
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    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
    This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti.  Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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