Open mike 08/11/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, November 8th, 2019 - 113 comments
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113 comments on “Open mike 08/11/2019 ”

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  1. xanthe 1
    8 November 2019 at 7:39 am

    anyone else getting a sustained barrage of climate change denier paid adv on facebook ?

  2. Robert Guyton 2
    8 November 2019 at 7:45 am

    National voted for the Zero Carbon Bill. Will they now scaremonger, undermine public confidence in the Bill in order to amass votes at the coming election?

    Of course they will! And they'll focus on the regions, getting MPs to dog-whistle like demented shepherds, at meetings, in local newspapers and on their many, many billboards, spreading the fear that the Government's climate change plans will bring economic ruin to all of us. Imo. Today's cartoon in The Southland Times captures the situation perfectly. It shows Simon Bridges at the pulpit, declaring, "We take climate change seriously! But we would rather see everyday New Zealanders burn in the fiery hell of global warming than pay money to stop it! Luxton pipes in, "I hear you Brother Simon!"

  3. KJT 3
    8 November 2019 at 8:12 am

    The issue with OK Boomer I've touched on elsewhere.

    "The problem is people, often young people, buying into the right wing meme, of "intergenerational warfare, or theft" used to pit people against each other, and ignore the real cause, the rich and powerful of all generations. No one who sees National's entitled young prats, can think it is "boomers". I'm an enthusiastic supporter of Chloe Swarbrick, but i think her usual deft touch deserted her on this occasion. Lowering to the tone of the National idiot she was replying to".

    OK now, Woman?

    • Robert Guyton 3.1
      8 November 2019 at 9:01 am

      I agree, the generational-divide is a red-herring in the search for "whodunnit", but Chloe's call was elegantly done, so I'm forgiving of it. The culprit, in my opinion, is the psychological "black hole" we created then fell into over 10 000 years ago and are presently trying to identify and climb out of. It's variously described as "greed" or "civilisation" etc, but however we call it, it's brought us to a dangerous place. Only when we identify it for what it is will we be able to do something about it. Finger-pointing's one thing; humans did bring this on, and when a finger's pointed at you, it's a good idea to explore the charges levelled, but a wide-view has to be taken, lest we end up in-fighting, skirmishing, winning battles but losing the war.

      Ko tenei the ra o te Pakanga Nui!

      • marty mars 3.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 9:31 am

        The evidence shows the shape of the curve and 10000 years ago it was flat.

        Boomers, and I am one, have to own up to the shit that has happened in our lifetimes, that we have contributed to, that we still contribute to TODAY. Alas not taking responsibility is a trait of our little cohort – easier to blame others or blaming no one is even better – as long as the mirror is put away.

        • Robert Guyton 3.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 9:53 am

          Are you speaking on behalf of all boomers, Marty?

          "I have seen the enemy, and he is us" can be said by boomers and non-boomers alike smiley

          • marty mars 3.1.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 10:10 am

            I don't think I said that I was speaking for all boomers – weird you'd get that so wrong. Good distraction from my point though. It is a false duality to go for enemies and friends – the point is acceptance of the reality and that is very hard especially for boomers who have so much justifiable guilt on our hands.

            • Robert Guyton 3.1.1.1.1.1
              8 November 2019 at 10:26 am

              "Boomers have to…"

              Probably better to say, "I have to…", or it will seem as though you're speaking on behalf of…

              I notice when someone says, "Group "A" needs to…or Group "B" must… or Group "C" has to…"

              Do you, also, feeling uncomfortable when you read those kinds of statements?

              • marty mars …
                8 November 2019 at 10:40 am

                lol jeeze anything other than the point eh – sad and stupid

                • Robert Guyton …
                  8 November 2019 at 10:49 am

                  Your point being that boomers need to own up?

                  Yes?

                  • marty mars …
                    8 November 2019 at 10:55 am

                    Robert – you and I have both much better things to do than argue in this way. I respect much of what you have done and say and you are an idiot sometimes.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      8 November 2019 at 11:03 am

                      Yeah, and I think those "sometimes" are drawing closer and closer together the more I tune in to the thoughts of the wider community smiley

                      Never had the experience of someone misinterpreting your meaning, Marty?

                      I admire your clarity of thought and expression and seek to be more like you. And reduce my moments of idiocy with it.

                      I agree that we both have better things to do. In-between comments, I'm planting hebe. 50 so far this morning, 150 to go; better get busy!

                    • weka []
                      8 November 2019 at 12:03 pm

                      He be planting hebe.

                      (sorry, the best I could do, although it has a nice scan to it)

                    • marty mars …
                      8 November 2019 at 11:16 am

                      I tend to be a "seek forgiveness rather than ask permission" type of person so I am always seeking forgiveness from others for my transgressions. I use a lot of IMO's (in my opinion) in my comments usually because I only ever want to speak from me and my experience – that's identity politics for ya.

                      We have rain coming – Tasman at about -19% rainfall for the year and we are even less. Thinking of getting another watertank for rain water as the drought last year was tough and this year I suspect will be even tougher. Also I am enjoying being alive. Have a nice day Robert.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      8 November 2019 at 12:18 pm

                      That's very good, weka.

                      Yoda would have said, "Planting hebe, he be. "

                • Robert Guyton …
                  8 November 2019 at 10:53 am

                  Boomers find it hard to own up to their failings.

                  Privileged people find it hard to own up to their failings.

                  Colonists find it hard to own up to their failings.

                  Men find it hard to own up to their failings.

                  Patriarchs find it hard to own up to their failings.

                  Greedy people find it hard to own up to their failings.

                  Addicts find it….hang on!

                  I swear there's a pattern here!

                  • marty mars …
                    8 November 2019 at 11:01 am

                    lol – you just checkmated yourself ta

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      8 November 2019 at 12:08 pm

                      Marty, I think you may have missed the signal sent by the line that begins, "Addicts…"

                      All groups that find it difficult to "own up to their failings" are addicted to the culture they are part of. Do we require those addicted to substances to "own up" before we help them, or do we recognise the difficultly they may have in doing that and get on with helping them anyway?

                    • Sacha …
                      8 November 2019 at 12:13 pm

                      Boomers deserve help with humility just like every other group does.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      8 November 2019 at 12:16 pm

                      'zakly

                    • marty mars …
                      8 November 2019 at 12:17 pm

                      Yes – healing can only begin when we accept the truth of who we are and what we do. It starts with us all individually Robert. IMO

      • KJT 3.1.2
        8 November 2019 at 11:23 am

        https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/06/ok-boomer-meme-older-generations

        "Like much of online culture, “OK Boomer” tells us something about the cultural dominance of upper-middle-class youth. These young people are surrounded by baby boomers who’ve “hoarded all the wealth” and polluted the planet in the process. They haven’t had to witness – or deal with the ramifications of – old age and precarity for millions of working people in that generational cohort. Instead they get to revel without self-reflection in oedipal angst about their elders – many of whom were kind enough to pass them their ill-gotten privileges".

        • marty mars 3.1.2.1
          8 November 2019 at 11:53 am

          mate here is another one boomersplaining

          … Furthermore, as an economist I see the word "boom" as having a generally positive connotation.

          On the negative side, I worry that those who deploy "OK Boomer" are putting themselves down and signalling their own impotence. I am not arguing for "[Expletive Deleted] Boomer," even though it would have a vitality and rebellious spirit very much reminiscent of the 1960s or 1970s (which of course were quintessential boomer eras).

          But when I read or hear "OK Boomer," I start to think there might be something special about baby boomers after all. We boomers may not be different in kind from other generations, but we do seem to inspire rhetorical creativity in our critics.

          https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/117259704/ok-kids–this-boomer-has-had-enough

          • KJT 3.1.2.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 12:02 pm

            Marty. I think you are reacting, without trying to understand.

            Māori were powerless to do anything about colonization for years. So I don't blame many older Māori for not doing anything. Also I don't blame those in the boomer generation who had no power to change things, either. It is not as though they didn't try. Which was why 1984 Labour only got two terms.

            Environmental and economic destruction is hardly the fault of the type of people who spent their lives, opposing both.

            • weka 3.1.2.1.1.1
              8 November 2019 at 12:07 pm

              I see lots of boomers who did well out of the neolib reforms and were/are uninterested in changing that. But I just don't see millennials as significantly better (eg if they really wanted to make change, then mobilise the vote). Each generation has its share of selfish people and those that will do the mahi to effect good change.

              Millennials were raised by people to be more progressive than the previous generation, and they will become more conservative as they grow older, just like every other generation before them (including the radical boomers). I find the whole gen war stupid, and at this point in history it's dangerous.

            • marty mars 3.1.2.1.1.2
              8 November 2019 at 12:12 pm

              I agree with you about the elite leading the way and that that is a 'class' issue for want of a better term. I think western countries are in the 'elite' group although groups within that are disadvantaged and vulnerable. The boomer label and ok boomer in particular are just another classification.

              It is a bit low bringing colonisation into the argument – boomers PARTICIPATED they weren't dragged kicking and screaming as their culture was ridiculed and attempted to be destroyed.

              • Robert Guyton …
                8 November 2019 at 12:24 pm

                Ngai Tahu participated, "marrying" off some of their wahine to sealers and whalers, making alignments and alliances through binding Maori and Pakeha into whanau. It was a wise strategy, instigated by tangata whenua. Whenua Hou served as the "melting pot" for many families who live in this part of the world. Holders of mana whenua were not "dragged kicking and screaming" into that relationship. IMO

                • marty mars …
                  8 November 2019 at 12:42 pm

                  what the hell would you know – lol – it is irrelevant to the discussion but it appears you have started dirty tactics eh – talk about your own heritage not mine Robert ok.

                  • Brigid …
                    8 November 2019 at 1:48 pm

                    "talk about your own heritage not mine Robert"

                    That's just bloody stupid.

                    Should we discount Michael King's and Vincent O'Malley's writings because they aren't of Maori descent but they have written about your heritage and educated us all?

                    fuksake man

                    • marty mars …
                      8 November 2019 at 1:54 pm

                      it was a pointed comment and he and I know it – your opinions are yours and bully for you – hint – not everything is as blunt and obvious as you suppose

              • Robert Guyton …
                8 November 2019 at 12:30 pm

                On Boomers, many PARTICIPATED because they/we were born into the culture. It takes time to unravel that culture, see beyond it and move beyond it, if that's even possible. Are you critical of how boomers behaved when they were children? Do you have a cut-off point at which you expect boomers to reject their culture? And which boomer behaviours do you believe are wrong? All of them? How about altruism? Many boomers are altruistic . Intermarriage? Many boomers are married outside of their race. Environmental sensitivity? Many boomers are actively improving and protecting the wild environment. It's not as simple as requiring that boomers "accept responsibility for their actions". IMO

              • KJT …
                8 November 2019 at 1:28 pm

                I think we were. Our culture of fairness, egalitarianism, and equal opportunity, was destroyed. In a very few short years. We did believe in a “fair go” for everyone.

                It was like we were colonized by yet another strange culture. In this case the Chicago Boys.

                And. Some of the boomers who suffered the most, were fairly prosperous boomer Māori working class, who were absolutely marginalised, along with many others who started work, young. Forced out of jobs like train driving, onto the dole.

                We didn't participate, at least I didn't. Kicked and screamed all the way.

    • Climaction 3.2
      8 November 2019 at 9:02 am

      Ok boomer. Only stupid old boomers don’t get the meme. It’s not inter-generational warfare, it’s an ironic thank you for the mess the boomer generation left us, yet deny us any of our complaints because apparently things were so amazing in your times and we don’t do what you do. We do what we can in the world you left us, as you dreamily remember the good old days as if it was perfect, with no racism or sexism or misogyny, and feel a stirring in your loins at the outdated hate speech associated with class war.

      • Robert Guyton 3.2.1
        8 November 2019 at 9:17 am

        "old" boomers?

        Are there young boomers?

        • Climaction 3.2.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 9:34 am

          you Just don’t get it do you? Your boomer mentality sees it as perhaps an age thing, along with the hairy old socialist trying to equate ok boomer as right wing meme so boomers like yourselves can feel above being mocked about being a boomer.

          • Robert Guyton 3.2.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 9:48 am

            What's a "meme"?

          • Robert Guyton 3.2.1.1.2
            8 November 2019 at 9:55 am

            Mock the boomers! *Mock the boomers!

            Mock! Mock! Mock!

            *Always ends well

            • Climaction 3.2.1.1.2.1
              8 November 2019 at 11:52 am

              An old white male expressing borrow that he isn’t instantly shown respect… what a surprise

              • Robert Guyton …
                8 November 2019 at 11:59 am

                Your borrow is my sorrow, Climaction.

                I've always said, "Respect my authoritah!" and having a young whipper-snapper like you speaking out of turn and criticising those who brought you this wonderful way of life is mighty galling!

                RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH!

              • Cricklewood …
                8 November 2019 at 2:34 pm

                I'd wage Robert has done more for the climate in real practical actions than most in New Zealand.

          • KJT 3.2.1.1.3
            8 November 2019 at 11:32 am

            Generational warfare, IS a right wing meme. To distract from the real problem, which is class.

            Are you trying to tell me that the boomers who lost their livelihood in the 80's and never had a decent job since, are the cause of anything. I know many that are entering retirement with absolutely, nothing.

            I suggest that many of the University educated commenters on here are somewhat divorced from the reality of the over 40% of boomers entering retirement, without a house in their name.

            Particularly galling when it is young upper middle class, who have benefited from all the wrongs that were done, and very often vote for it’s continuation, use it.

            • Sacha 3.2.1.1.3.1
              8 November 2019 at 11:38 am

              'Boomer' is now a cultural group, no longer just a demographic fact.

              'OK' is merely what younger-at-heart folk say when tired of responding rationally for the umpeenth time to someone saying they just need to stop eating avocados and do what we did 'in our day'.

              It is this year's equivalent of 'whatever'.

              • weka …
                8 November 2019 at 11:58 am

                Imagine constructing a negating meme around women, or disabled people, and then arguing that those are now cultural groups not just demographics.

                That blurring of Boomer as old person and Boomer as selfish, regressive privilege holder is a problem because ageism is a real thing (esp for Pākehā) and we don't have good progressive politics around it. We generally leave it to Grey Power and the chuckle when they do something that's not oldie.

                I have less of a problem with Ok Boomer, than I do with lefties and progressives largely ignoring the problems with old ageism in way they'd never tolerate with any other marginalised group and not being willing to bring old ageism into the conversation.

                A really good example is the politics around Generation Rent that never talks about what happens to elderly people who are basically on the dole with high rents and shivering in their homes in winter.

                • Sacha …
                  8 November 2019 at 12:08 pm

                  I'm explaining what the term is, not agreeing with all of its implications. Today's younger people are more attuned to style as well as substance.

                  ‘Not All Boomers’ looks like Not All Men’.

                • KJT …
                  8 November 2019 at 1:13 pm

                  I think the right wing has been so successful in pitting the generations against each other that even lefties, who should know better, are adopting it.

                  I am not so concerned about Chloe because she is a person whose achievements I have considerable respect for, and I think she will come to understand why it is counterproductive to spread RW, rich kid, memes. I am sad that people who should be allies, are blaming each other.

                  The "selfish boomers" is no more true of a generation, than the "Young mums breeding for a living", "teenage dole bludgers" "Māori ferals", and "Avocado munchers" are of anyone else.. I find all those unthinking stereotypes false and offensive.

                • KJT …
                  8 November 2019 at 1:18 pm

                  Over 80% of the pre boomer generation owned their own homes.

                  Less than 60% of boomers. And many, like me, are still mortgaged to help our Kids.

                  I think some like Climaction are a bit confused about who got the 3% loans and land grants, Certainly long gone by my day. Removed by the people in Parliament, who gained from them.

            • Climaction 3.2.1.1.3.2
              8 November 2019 at 11:51 am

              Maybe you should stop running with a pack of idiots? The generation that presided over the greatest increase in wealth and expansion of the middle class, after free education and cheap houses, now approaches retirement with nothing? Don’t look to you her generations for support. You left the world, and obviously your own lives, in a mess we are expected to fix without the benefits you enjoyed.

              talk about giving yourself an uppercut

              • KJT …
                8 November 2019 at 12:51 pm

                You don't have a fucking clue, do you?

                By the way, Neo-liberalism was bought to us by politicians in the generation before boomers. We tried to vote the buggers out, but there was only a choice of two Neo-liberal parties. Which is why we supported MMP. So the barstards couldn’t do it again. Unfortunately they did, anyway.

                Cheap houses? It cost a greater percentage of our weekly wage to buy a house when we bought ours, than it does, now. After scrambling to get 30% deposits while inflation was over 15%.

                And we paid 60% top tax rate on moderate incomes, more than you pay in student loans and tax combined, now. so the previous generation could retire at 60 and so 10% of us, the children of the rich, had free tertiary education.

                • Robert Guyton …
                  8 November 2019 at 12:59 pm

                  KJT – "Boomers" is such a nebulous topic that I think some people are unable to discuss it sensibly, whether they are inside or outside of the "Boomer" tent. It's curious. I wonder if, had Chloe said, "Okay Willy Wonker", the candy-producers would be getting a thrashing on the blogs and comments sections of the country's rags smiley

                • Climaction …
                  8 November 2019 at 3:30 pm

                  I have lot's of clues. clues from all your "NeO-Luberalism is the enemy" rants that you can't see the problems that face society require a more nuanced and inclusive approach. but being a boomer, you've always had it so easy and you're generation spent so much time culturally colonising the whole world you can't stop spluttering in indigantion when the youth don't like your proscriptions and don't accept your pearls of wisdom are valid.

                  you may as well work on fox news for all your "Good ol' days with the good ol' union lads" rants are relevant.

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    8 November 2019 at 3:46 pm

                    Just wondering, Climaction, if you see yourself as representative of Post-Boomers? Typical of them, that is, able to think the way they do, act the way they do, express yourself the way they do?

                  • KJT …
                    8 November 2019 at 4:27 pm

                    Funny thing is the yoof, are advocating the policies and progress I've been fighting for all along.

                    I doubt you are really one of them, though. In fact it seems like the "boomer" mindset you describe describes your position more accurately, than mine.

                    You’ve been well brainwashed, by right wing propaganda.

              • KJT …
                8 November 2019 at 1:45 pm

                Due to our efforts, you can now vote for a non Neo-liberal party, the Greens, where we only had the choice of either of two, Neo-liberal stuffups.

                So. FFS. Put your money where your mouth is and vote for them. Non boomers are over 70% of eligible voters. So statistically it looks like you are mostly voting for a continuation of the same policies you reckon are "boomer", stuffups.

              • Brigid …
                8 November 2019 at 2:32 pm

                " ..the 3% loans… Removed by the people in Parliament, who gained from them." e.g. Wayne Mapp

                Our Housing Corp mortgage was initially floating at 7%. Within 5 years it had been sold to ANZ and rose to 18%.

                By the mid 1990s (when I was studying) tertiary education was not free. I still owe $40k in student loans.

                Incidentally we built our home and changed the head gasket on our 30 yr old cars. The generation that followed us seems unable to change a light bulb for fear being non compliant and having a lack of the no.8 wire mentality.

                I belong to the baby boomer demographic.

                How much plastic have you bought this week Climaction?

    • Sacha 3.3
      8 November 2019 at 9:28 am

      Boomer is an attitude. And it wasn't millenials who published all thoise media puffpieces about avocados and snowflakes.

      • KJT 3.3.1
        8 November 2019 at 11:41 am

        Have a look at the age of many writing those clickbait, pieces.

        • Sacha 3.3.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 11:54 am

          Have a look at the age of the owners and editors – anyway it's no longer about age, it's attitude.

          • McFlock 3.3.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 2:08 pm

            And who the target audience is (and therefore the demographic advertisers believe have the disposable cash in society).

            The "ok boomer" thing isn't just about generational war, it is actually about the power dynamics within society. About how the media get clickbait from "dumb millennial" stories, with headlines like "millennials don't know hard work" and then "millennials killed the power lunch".

            And most people called "boomer" tend to be of apparent European descent. Could just be my perception, but that hints at maybe another social power dynamic going on as well.

  4. Jimmy 4
    8 November 2019 at 9:01 am

    Some of you people on here need to eat some ice cream as it will make you happy.

    I'm off to sue Red Bull as I drank a can and didn't get any wings.

  5. marty mars 5
    8 November 2019 at 9:40 am

    oh dear what a pity – the nazi cowards will be quaking in their jackboots – all those 'respectable' nazis will be so worried and they will be driven into the light where we will all be able to see them and their disguises.

    An apparent online leak of materials from influential neo-Nazi website Iron March, which has linked to several murders and acts of extremist terrorism, has the potential to identify hundreds of extremists around the world.

    …According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Iron March was “affiliated with or offered support to at least nine fascist groups in nine different countries”, including Serbia, Greece, Australia and Ukraine. The chats, too, appear to feature users from a range of different countries.

    The website was also central to the development of “accelerationist” neo-Nazi ideology – which seeks to destabilize and replace liberal democracy by exacerbating its tensions with violence – and aesthetic of so-called Siege culture, which takes in skull masks and violent and racist memes.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/07/neo-nazi-site-iron-march-materials-leak

  6. Gerard Byrne 6
    8 November 2019 at 10:55 am

    My wife has just finished an appeal hearing in the Whangarei District court. Byrne Vs NZTA, 4-6 nov, 2019. we are awaiting judgment.

    During this hearing evidence was produced by nzta that confirmed they were spying on my wife and family,(including our 6yr old son).

    They used a male employee to spy on a female employee of a nzta supplier (wsp opus) condoned by senior nzta management, with a special mention under oath for acting ceo of the time, brett gliddon.

    They did not inform their supplier wsp opus that they were spying on an employee of theirs.

    This male employee has a colourful police history. He also testified that he is spying on other families in our isolated community.

    the spying is still continuing, and my wife has had to move away for work.

    she fears for her safety from this male employee,

    This has been ongoing for almost two years now.

    they have spent in excess of $150,000 on this, while offering my wife $7,500 to shut up and go away.

    I say , shame on you NZTA.

    • Ad 6.1
      8 November 2019 at 11:04 am

      Talk to Radio NZ and tell them.

      You'll find them sympathetic.

      • Gerard Byrne 6.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 11:18 am

        hi Ad, thank you for your comment.

        we are not looking for sympathy.

        i did get a fair airing on magic talk last week, and i thank steven for that.

        RNZ are a little aloof for me.

        • Dukeofurl 6.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 4:06 pm

          The reason for the court case please ? Do they want to compulsory acquire your land or its it related to vehicle certification?

          Regarding spying , wasnt that stopped after all the Thompson and Clark shady details came out. Look that up and ask how that decision affects you.

          • Nic the NZer 6.1.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 6:18 pm

            There is an employment dispute mentioned in the Herald.

            • Gerard Byrne 6.1.1.1.1.1
              9 November 2019 at 6:51 am

              a man from the agency said he was scared of my wife, she is 5; 4" and 45kgs. he is ex military.the nzta believed him and then ordered my wifes dismissal. she is a professional engineer with 20yrs experience. she took them to the era and the era found in nzta favour. my wife appealed and this is the hearing.

              they were spying on us to get dirt on her.

  7. marty mars 7
    8 November 2019 at 11:28 am

    This is really a big problem – our society is not giving people what they want or need. So many people are suffering. The canaries in the coalmine are dying in front of our eyes.

    A study by the New Zealand Medical Association published in the New Zealand Medical Journal on Friday analysed the number of antidepressants dispensed to those aged 24 and under between 2007 and 2016.

    It showed the rate had increased by 83 per cent, from 1361 lots of antidepressants being dispensed to those aged between 13 and 17 for every 100,000 New Zealanders in that age group to 2494 per 100,000 young people.

    …Rates were highest among women aged 18 to 24 but had also increased for children aged 12 and under by 15 per cent.

    …Young Pākehā were being given antidepressants at nearly twice the rate of Māori and four times the rate of Pasifika and Asians.

    That was despite Māori and Pasifika people having higher rates of mental health problems than Pākehā.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/117233451/use-of-antidepressants-among-teenagers-rises-83-per-cent-in-nine-years

    • KJT 7.1
      8 November 2019 at 11:35 am

      At $45 plus a doctors visit, only the well off can afford to be healthy.

      • Dukeofurl 7.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 4:01 pm

        No its not. My doctor clinic charges $18.50. The ones that charge $45 plus ARE in well off areas , as the funding is based in socio-economic status of the patients/neighbourhood.

        • KJT 7.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 4:40 pm

          Mine charges $17, in a relatively average area. But there is no way any new patients can get in.

          The one in the poor area in town charges $45, for new patients. As does the A and E.

          I suspect in part because of a funding cut, when he was getting too loud supporting his patients.

  8. marty mars 8
    8 November 2019 at 11:43 am

    wow – that creates an epiphany for me – so obvious once known

    An indigenous studies researcher says the formation of gangs can be traced back to the historical state care of young people, particularly Māori.

    …Professor McIntosh spoke of 1975 as an important year in the development of gangs.

    She said 80 percent of young boys in youth residences at the time were Māori, and that was important in the start-up of gangs.

    …Professor McIntosh said among the very early gang members the "vast majority" had gone through residential care homes such as Epuni.

    "The state's role in gang formation, particularly early gang formation, is incredibly significant and cannot be overstated."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/402731/state-care-institutions-central-to-early-gang-formation-academic

    • KJT 8.1
      8 November 2019 at 11:55 am

      Not surprised.

      And the many Māori Men put out of work by the Neo-liberal, "unfortunate experiment" shortly afterwards.

      • marty mars 8.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 12:20 pm

        Yep – good to join the dots

        • KJT 8.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 12:59 pm

          Climaction. Above, has NFA, how devastating the 80's reforms were to so many working class families. Followed of course by Richardsons, welfare cuts, devastating communities even more.

    • Sacha 8.2
      8 November 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Missing jigsaw piece, eh. NZ disability activism in the 1980s came from the same source – state residential institutions.

  9. adam 9
    8 November 2019 at 12:57 pm

    Comes with a trigger warning for 'moderates' as it's from RT.

    It's humour and it's talking about Chile. 5 min long – In solidarity.



  11. marty mars 11
    8 November 2019 at 1:49 pm

    wow – so bad imo – just resign – hasn't even watched the video about her departments utter disgraceful actions wtf?

    The attempted removal was captured on film by Newsroom who brought the story to public attention, but Ms Martin and Oranga Tamariki's head questioned the video at the time. However, Ms Martin told Morning Report's Corin Dann she did not believe an apology was required and still had not watched it.

    "I personally won't ever accept that trial by social media is the way to do care and protection … I don't need to watch the video."

    She said she did not need to watch the video in order to conduct her job.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/402823/oranga-tamariki-inquiry-serious-consequences-over-attempted-removal-of-baby

    • marty mars 11.1
      8 November 2019 at 2:32 pm

      Nice analysis

      When you skim through the report on Oranga Tamariki’s attempted removal of a newborn baby in Hawkes Bay you could be forgiven for thinking it was a governmental introduction to Māori language and culture.There’s smatterings of Māori words and cultural terminology liberally sprinkled throughout. It looks like an attempt to hide behind a façade of Maori culture while completely missing the point of the cultural values it’s trying to co-opt.

      Because then there’s the jarring phrases that admit they screwed it up.

      https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/11/08/901167/a-big-fat-boomerang#

      • marty mars 11.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 3:00 pm

        Good call

        Whānau Ora Commissioning Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says a fish rots from the head and Oranga Tamariki leadership needs to take responsibility for its systemic failures – not throw its staff under the bus.

        …She said the response by Children’s Minister Tracy Martin and OT CEO Grainne Moss to blame their own social workers’ frontline practices is indicative of the toxic culture that is deeply entrenched and imbued within the failing system.

        “The hypocrisy is not lost on us. Here you have a state agency destructively making its own determination on what’s best for whānau riding rough shot without any consideration of the far reaching intergenerational devastating impacts,” Raukawa-Tait says.

        “Yet ironically it is perpetuating a violent act which is what it seeks to protect the pēpi from.”

        https://www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_news/MjMwODA/Collusion-between-Oranga-Tamariki-&-Family-Court-called-out-by-Maori

        • Dukeofurl 11.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 3:48 pm

          You follow politics , you follow NZ politics to the nth degree, you you still dont follow that the Ministers arent involved in these sort of operational decisions. Nor would they want to.

          Why would she resign? Sure if it was a 'process' that required ministerial signoff , sure . It wasnt.

          Where was Raukawa Tait of Te Pou Matakana/WOCA when this happened –
          “One of three commissioning agencies, Te Pou Matakana receives around $40 million in Whānau Ora funding each year.

          It distributes money to frontline providers. But it has been revealed a surplus of $600,000 was pocketed by the commissioning agency and paid out to its private shareholder.”
          https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/wh-nau-ora-minister-demands-explanation-after-commissioning-agency-pays-600k-its-shareholder

          WOCA is a private company inspite of the ‘agency’ in the name

          • marty mars 11.1.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 4:53 pm

            Yes I do follow politics ta Ministers can resign for all sorts of reasons such as this example

            On 30 May 1996 Denis Marshall resigned as minister of conservation as an 'expression of sorrow' for the Cave Creek tragedy of the previous year, in which 14 people had been killed when a Department of Conservation viewing platform collapsed. He had chosen not to resign at the time, but to stay on and rectify matters in his department – an interpretation of ministerial vicarious responsibility that had some support from other politicians. However, some of those affected by the tragedy, and members of the public, felt he should have resigned earlier.

            https://teara.govt.nz/en/zoomify/34368/a-minister-resigns

            The minister today can't even watch the recording of the events which led to the inquiry and severe reprimand for her department – so severe that practices of staff have been changed immediately!!! She should go imo.

  12. A 12
    8 November 2019 at 2:28 pm

    In the event of a sudden decompression passengers inside the Dreamliner might die from lack of oxygen. Good to know.

    https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/exengineer-claims-boeings-dreamliner-could-be-dangerous/news-story/63af8c84a7cbe94db5655d64463edfc7

  13. Anne 13
    8 November 2019 at 3:49 pm

    If this story doesn't do a person's head in then there is something wrong with the person:

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/402840/abuse-survivor-raped-at-foster-homes-sexually-abused-by-nun

  14. soddenleaf 14
    8 November 2019 at 3:54 pm

    Capital is hard to find in NZ. No. Not the hidden away city at the bottom of the N.Island. No, financing businesses. Seems that if we advantage capital gain it sucks investment capital for other projects. Labour have said No. National think benefitaries can get us back, yeah like a few hundred beanies if only they were in work… ..no, the problem is our parliament is hidden away on a fault line waiting to be moved to S. Auckland. Next big shake…

    • Sacha 14.1
      8 November 2019 at 4:00 pm

      Hamilton or Whangarei are safer, if that's the criteria.

    • KJT 14.2
      8 November 2019 at 4:29 pm

      12% business interest rates, when overseas competitors are paying less than 3% is a big margin to make up. Unless you are buying land for capital gains tax free farming, of course.

    • Karol121 14.3
      8 November 2019 at 5:01 pm

      Well. The ChCh shake sure paved the way for some well overdue development investment in the area.

      I keep spare, fresh drinking water in the shed and in a wardrobe in the house just in case. And I live within walking distance of a fresh water river.

      A small burner, a lighter, a torch and a sealed plastic box full of long life basic beverage additives (cordial, tea, coffee, whatever and some sugar) may not seem much day to day. But you may really need it after a major event.

      • Blazer 14.3.1
        8 November 2019 at 7:40 pm

        get a can opener and a…gun!wink

        [lprent: Just what every useless unsafe dimwit needs – right? Along with vitamin deficiencies and bad breath and other hygiene issues.

        *sigh* – Any irresponsible dickhead who says something like that is someone who should never hold a firearms license or a weapon. At the very least they need to gets some arms training, and some socialisation training in how to deal with people without waving a surrogate penis as if it was magic talisman. Clearly their parents failed in the socialisation, hygiene or installation of common sense. ]

        • Karol121 14.3.1.1
          13 November 2019 at 4:13 pm

          Blazer.

          Well put (gun, that is). However, I understand the emotive posts in response though.

          But bluntly, many do say that most societies are only three meals from anarchy, so firearms (or other weapons) as protection tools do make sense. Although cohesive communities (as opposed to general society) that are geared towards survival in a crisis might look to other ways of managing that crisis.

          Guns, traps, fishing nets and lines in times of civil emergency would at least provide some means to acquire protein and nourishment by way of animal, fish and bird as prey.

          Perhaps your post might have been somewhat misconstrued by others.

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  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

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

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

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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