Open mike 09/09/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 9th, 2022 - 150 comments
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150 comments on “Open mike 09/09/2022 ”

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  1. Sanctuary 1
    9 September 2022 at 6:09 am

    Well it will be odd hearing the English crowd at Twickenham singing "God save the King" in November.

  2. Adrian Thornton 2
    9 September 2022 at 6:50 am

  3. Sanctuary 3
    9 September 2022 at 6:57 am

    A majority of New Zealanders: "Let us become a republic"

    Grey Lynn socialists: "Great idea! Let's elect president Helen Clark!"

    National Party members: "If we must, appointing Sir Graeme Hart is the way to go!"

    Rural NZ: "Screw you all, let’s annoint Richie McCaw by popular proclaimation as president!"

    Maori: "Bloody Pakeha, surely the Maori King is the logical choice!"

    Everyone six months of bickering later: "Let's stick with Charles III"

    • SPC 3.1
      9 September 2022 at 7:15 am

      For some time Charles acted for the Queen as the GG does here.

      Given the GG acts on behalf of the Crown and performs the same role as Charles will in the UK, why not give them the title Crown Governor?

      PS Charles 111 will be defender of faith, whereas his mother was defender of the faith – a subtle change (there is already a ministry of faith in the UK and a minster of faith to recognise the multi-cultural nation they are today).

      • mikesh 3.1.1
        9 September 2022 at 9:31 am

        Charles, the one hundred and eleventh?

        • SPC 3.1.1.1
          9 September 2022 at 9:46 am

          I was replying to a post with the use of Charles “111” and so typed those numbers in – OK I could have borrowed the Latin numeral form from online for King Charles III.

          Using the Latin numerals is common – eg Queen Elizabeth II. And no one presumes she has her own cricket team.

        • Sacha 3.1.1.2
          9 September 2022 at 12:15 pm

          An emergency callout waiting to happen..

    • KJT 3.2
      9 September 2022 at 7:17 am

      Why have anyone?

      After all our "Head of State is a strictly ceremonial position with no legal power"!

      Or as the Aussies found out, the residual power to overturn an elected Government, is an undemocratic colonial relic.

      • SPC 3.2.1
        9 September 2022 at 7:40 am

        Technically that would mean directly electing the PM/President as in France and USA (and the person choosing their cabinet), which can separate the head of state (and cabinet appointees) from having a majority in parliament.

        Nations such as Ireland have separate elections for President as head of state and the PM as head of government comes from the parliamentary election result.

        • KJT 3.2.1.1
          9 September 2022 at 7:59 am

          That is a constitional convention in those countries.

          Not set in concrete.

          In fact, should a "Democracy" have a head of State?

          Surely in an actual Democracy, not our pretend one, "The people are Soveriegn"?

          Or. Should we bow to reality, and just appoint whoever is the Chairman of the Aussie bank that currently makes the most profit in NZ, and stop pretending?

          • SPC 3.2.1.1.1
            9 September 2022 at 9:02 am

            The point of the head of state, separate from government. is to represent the interests of the peoples sovereignty – as to constitutional practice, so as to be a check on authoritarianism.

            The pertinent thing is to define the role in those terms, the UK is somewhat constrained by the Crown tradition of calling the people subjects (of the authority).

      • Anne 3.2.2
        9 September 2022 at 9:32 am

        Q. Why have anyone?

        A. Sanctuary @ 3.

    • Finn McCool 3.3
      9 September 2022 at 7:24 am

      ''Everyone six months of bickering later: "Let's stick with Charles III"

      If we are lucky, most New Zealanders will come to that conclusion.` If we are unlucky, most New Zealanders will believe we are mature enough to become a republic. The Queens death couldn't have come at a more inopportune time for the affairs of both Britain and New Zealand.

    • Anne 3.4
      9 September 2022 at 9:21 am

      Beautifully said Sanctuary @ 3

    • AB 3.5
      9 September 2022 at 10:04 am

      Yep – so many other problems on our plate that nobody has any appetite for wrangling over constitutional arrangements. It'd make 3 Waters look like a love-fest.

  4. Robert Guyton 4
    9 September 2022 at 7:13 am

    Are eye pee el eye zee

    • Brigid 4.1
      9 September 2022 at 10:43 am

      Are eye pee el eye zed

      fify

    • roy Cartland 4.2
      9 September 2022 at 12:44 pm

      Shanreagh and Swordy will be pissed to read that. Hard. 🤙🤘🤙

      • swordfish 4.2.1
        9 September 2022 at 2:05 pm

        smiley Yes, can't speak for Shanreagh … but I certainly started drinking heavily after reading Robert's outrageous “zee” comment. Two shandys down & now on to my third sarsaparilla.

      • Shanreagh 4.2.2
        9 September 2022 at 2:06 pm

        ?????

        Would love to know what you are on about. But never mind.

        Zee is a US abomination Zeds unite! Long live the Zeds

        Could even go Charge of the Light brigade crazy like

        Zeds to the left of them
        zeds to the right of them
        Zeds in front of them
        Volleyed and thundered;
        Written at with shot and shell,
        Boldly they wrote and well,
        Into the jaws of spell
        Into the mouth of hell
        Rode the six zeddred.

  5. Ad 5
    9 September 2022 at 7:29 am

    Looking forward to a UK royal cabal cut down to about the same size as that of Sweden.

    A slimmed down team of King and Consort, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plus kids, Princess Royal Anne. Say 5.

    And no taxpayer subsidy at all, apart from maybe Met security.

    Baby steps to abolition.

  6. Sanctuary 6
    9 September 2022 at 7:37 am

    Whoa, does this mean all our money will change?

    It is pretty strange.

    No one under 80 can remember another monarch. All sorts of stuff will change, letterheads, money, all sorts of stuff.

    A chap on the radio just made the mindblowing observation that the Queen’s first PM (Winston Churchill) was born in 1874. Her last, Liz Truss, was born 101 years later in 1975. She really spanned the era from the age of Empire to Brexit Britain.

    Elizabeth II was an exemplar of another age – a person who put service above her individuality. It was a sense of service informed by her deep religiousity and patriotism and good on her for that.

    Elizabeth II was Queen, and the Queen was her, there was no seperation. A superhuman effort of repression of the id in the service of a role and of an institution in the service of her country.

  7. Peter 7
    9 September 2022 at 7:40 am

    I scrolled down the Herald to see 'Mike Hosking sobs on air' as the news broke.

    At a symbolic moment a totally symbolic reaction. A person without an iota of empathy, a person who leads a horde representative of no empathy and understanding of the human condition and the lives and struggles of ordinary people, wallowing.

  8. Robert Guyton 8
    9 September 2022 at 8:01 am

    Funniest headline?

    "Queen loses will to live after meeting Liz Truss".

    • Muttonbird 8.1
      9 September 2022 at 8:11 am

      Truss already wreaking havoc on her first day. Didn’t muck about, the journey to President Truss begins.

      • mikesh 8.1.1
        9 September 2022 at 9:50 am

        Wouldn't Liz Truss have to resign the prime ministership and be re-appointed by King Charles, albeit that it would probably be a mere formality? And what about our own GG and PM?

    • SPC 8.2
      9 September 2022 at 9:06 am

      Presumably when they met it was noted that there was an Elizabeth to carry on, but that the new/next monarch would be expected to be on the throne for longer than her own time at No 10.

    • kejo 8.3
      9 September 2022 at 9:23 am

      Womans Weekly staff suspended for not wearing mourning colours.

    • Anne 8.4
      9 September 2022 at 9:27 am

      Anointing her finished the Queen off.

      In the fullness of time the cartoonists……

    • Sabine 8.5
      9 September 2022 at 9:54 am

      I guess the Queen knew what women are, and thus decided that Liz Truss was better then the alternative. In the meantime Keir Starmer is about as exiting as warmed up omlette from yesterday. Sadly so.

      however dear Liz Truss is going to work and thanks to Boris signing of on fracking licenses on his last day i guess Britain is going to invest in their own energy creation. After all, those electronic gadgets and items driven by electricity need to be charged with something and compost is not doing it.

      Trigger alert, this is from the Daily Fail.

      https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11193045/Energy-bills-frozen-2-500-TWO-YEARS-says-Truss.html

      Energy bills will be frozen at £2,500 for TWO YEARS: Liz Truss unveils 'extraordinary' £150bn plan to counter Putin and subsidise household costs while businesses get 'equivalent' support for six months – as she backs fracking and using North Sea reserves

      • Liz Truss is set to ease the pain of energy bills for households by freezing them at a typical level of £2,500
      • New PM insisted that failing to take action on the scale of the Covid response would damage the economy
      • But Ms Truss also warned that major changes are needed to shore up Britain's long-term energy supplies

      The freezing of the prices is not gonna do much for the very poor and poor, but for a first day announcement this is not bad for a tory. Lets see what Keir Starmer proposes.

      In saying that Englands issue is not the R/U war, it is the fact that they sell electricity to Europe for profit and thus shorten the supply to their citizens.

    • weka 8.6
      9 September 2022 at 10:01 am

      don't know about funny, but the Brits have some hard reckoning coming and the symbolism of the death of the Queen, committed to public service, and the rise of the PM, committed to the death cult, is poignant and timely.

    • Grey Area 8.7
      9 September 2022 at 11:12 am

      That was my first thought this morning too Robert but I wasn't game enough to say it.

    • Macro 8.8
      9 September 2022 at 11:25 am

      It was more likely that even though she was the highest paid beneficiary in the UK, if not the world, the daunting prospect of the cost of having to warm the Royal Apartments at Buck House over the coming winter, or moving to the granny flat in California with Harry and Meghan.

    • bwaghorn 8.9
      9 September 2022 at 11:37 am

      To soon, even for a loather of the royal system

  9. higherstandard 9
    9 September 2022 at 8:04 am

    What an extraordinary life of service.

    RIP Queen Elizabeth.

    • Patricia Bremner 9.1
      9 September 2022 at 10:42 am

      Thank you higherstandard.

      There are occasions where dignity should supersede politics.

      The Queen was a remarkable woman.

      King Charles at 73 will find the role a burden.

      Other issues will have their time.

      • Stuart Munro 9.1.2
        9 September 2022 at 5:00 pm

        I like Charles – hope he does well.

        • Anne 9.1.2.1
          9 September 2022 at 5:34 pm

          He's been the butt of endless derision and jokes yet he's a very intelligent and thoughtful person.

          He was made the scapegoat over the Diana fiasco yet he had been just as wronged as Diana was. And now the ugly side of the English personna are doing it again to Meghan Markle and Harry.

          It must have broken the late Queen’s heart.

          • Stuart Munro 9.1.2.1.1
            9 September 2022 at 6:04 pm

            I don't know if you ever read any of the so-called 'black spider memos', letters he wrote to ministers as a concerned and well-informed citizen. They were poorly received, but were anything but an abuse of sovereign power. Ministers really don't like suggestions of what to do, perhaps because what they choose to do is often poorly thought out.

  10. Sabine 10
    9 September 2022 at 8:05 am

    I hope that the Queen finds peace in what ever is after life. That she be united with her late husband, her parents, her ancestor. That she rests in peace and that peace be with her family.

    • Anker 10.1
      9 September 2022 at 8:52 am

      beautifully said Sabine.

      Sad to hear the news. She was an incredible women.

      RIP Elizabeth 11

    • SPC 10.2
      9 September 2022 at 9:18 am

      It was the Virgin Mary's presumed birthday on September 8 (double edged born into the world then years later leaving this world for another place).

      Background

      The date was chosen because it was of Virgo and before the Jewish time of Tabernacles (harvest gatherings at David's city). A 20 year old women leaving Egypt was counted in that census (in Egyptian the name means beloved, in Hebrew bitter herbs – used to flavour lamb) and a 20 year old women would go the place of her family origin for the harvest gathering. This to honour the Qum (means to to raise up – the tent set up on exodus journey).

      The detail is that the Jewish calendar begins Oct 7 3761BCE and in 7BCE Oct 7 was the 14th day of the month – the harvest festival began on Oct 8th.

      The Queen and a life of observed service.

  11. Sanctuary 11
    9 September 2022 at 8:18 am

    Also, a big victory for the Ukraine is in the offing.

    They telegraphed an offensive in Kherson, drew all Russia's remaining reserves west of the Dniepr then cut them off by destroying the bridges and launching an offensive there before delivering the surpise blow at Kharkiv. Maskirovka indeed. If this is indeed what happens, it will be a studied and storied victory.

    The Russian army has been routed near Kharkiv, Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 100km and are currently fighting outside Kupiansk. This is big deal since it cuts off the main supply route to the Russian army concentration in the Izyum salient and traps them on the wrong side of the Oskil river. They'll almost certainly have to retreat across the Oskil river all the way back east to the next supply hub at Svatove – and they'll most likely have to leave all their heavy equipment behind. Basically, it potentially signals the end of the Russian army in the Ukraine.

    In the Kherson salient 20,000 Russians are effectively cut off – again, they'll be forced to retreat or surrender in the next few weeks leaving all their equipment behind.

    If this turns into a complete Russia rout then even the re-conquest of the Crimea by the Ukraine comes into play.

    Russia is now at an inflexion point. Either they consider ending the war or face total defeat or they use nuclear weapons to try and restore the situation.

    • mikesh 11.1
      9 September 2022 at 10:15 am

      If this turns into a complete Russia rout then even the re-conquest of the Crimea by the Ukraine comes into play.

      If the Russians lose Crimea the oil regions around the Caspian Sea will be in danger. Would another 'barbarossa' be launched, this time by NATO?

      • Sanctuary 11.1.1
        9 September 2022 at 10:20 am

        The Ukrainians have never indicated any desire to seize Russian territory.

        It is hard to see Putin surviving a major rout of his army, his successor will be able to negotiate a ceasefire that satisfies the Americans.

        • lprent 11.1.1.1
          9 September 2022 at 4:34 pm

          It is hard to see Putin surviving a major rout of his army…

          He will just send generals into involuntary internal exile if he continues to follow the Russian Imperial tradition.

          Otherwise there is always the Stalin model…

          Blaming the performance of generals is usually the default behaviour for the strategic failures of the despots.

        • mikesh 11.1.1.2
          9 September 2022 at 10:44 pm

          The Ukrainians have never indicated any desire to seize Russian territory.

          The Ukranians have made no secret of their desire to win back Crimea, which course is Russian territory.

    • Stuart Munro 11.2
      9 September 2022 at 5:06 pm

      A rout may be the fastest way to end the war.

      If Russian morale breaks, and it is not stellar, further casualties will be greatly reduced.

      Ukraine have consistently outplayed their notional strength. Perhaps some of them would like to coach the ABs.

    • Jenny are we there yet 11.3
      9 September 2022 at 9:57 pm

      "Either they consider ending the war or face total defeat or they use nuclear weapons to try and restore the situation."

      The exact same situation Nixon faced in Vietnam.

      Luckily for us the US chose the former not the latter.

    • Jenny are we there yet 11.4
      9 September 2022 at 10:01 pm

      After the liberation of Kherson, the liberation of Mariupol could not be far behind.

      https://www.facebook.com/events/760369788582157/760369801915489/?active_tab=about

  12. Muttonbird 12
    9 September 2022 at 8:18 am

    Here's what is wrong with NZ and other Western countries, the headline:

    National house prices plunge, expert warns it'll get worse before it gets better.

    Surely it should read, "it'll get better before it gets worse".

    This is what we voted for in 2017. Celebrate it, nitwits.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2022/09/national-house-prices-plunge-expert-warns-it-ll-get-worse-before-it-gets-better.html

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 12.1
      9 September 2022 at 9:03 am

      Surely it should read, "it'll get better before it gets worse".

      Or…National Party : house prices plunge, expert warns it'll get worse before it gets better.

      QV general manager David Nagel

      He said with more new homes due to hit the market and adding to an already healthy supply, the downward trend in house prices will continue.

      https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2022/09/national-house-prices-plunge-expert-warns-it-ll-get-worse-before-it-gets-better.html

      Yeah National…party.

    • Sabine 12.2
      9 September 2022 at 9:26 am

      Considering that many houses doubled in GV in the last two years the prices can fall quite a bit and not make any dent.

      I feel for the guys that bought over the last three years. They are stuffed.

      • Muttonbird 12.2.1
        9 September 2022 at 10:04 am

        Typical misplaced sympathy from the fake left. The guys that bought over the last three years still own a house, something which an increasing number of people were never going to be able to do.

        Where is your sympathy for them?

        • Sabine 12.2.1.1
          9 September 2022 at 10:10 am

          look i bought a house real cheap – very cheap as essentially uninhabitalbe at the time – we fixed a lot. that house is now double in value. On the counts of nothing actually for what its worth.

          However i do not 'own' the house, the bank does. I own the mortgage. 🙂 And hte poor saps who bought at inflated rates over the last few years for all the wrong reasons are going to be stuck in mortgages that are not worth the paper they are printed on. Even if they manage to sell they are still on the hook for the rest of hte mortgage.

          But then, i guess its their own fault for believing government – all will be well, banks – here have a cheap entry rate, the estate agents – houses will never loose value, etc. Sucks to be them, right?

          A the kindness of the real left towards its young and old in this country is just always astonishing. So kind, so very very kind.

          Btw, did you know that many people can lose houses that they paid for because they can no longer serve the rates that are based on GV? Did you know that the government collects a huge amount of GST on these inflated rates? LOL. How secure are you my dear in your house or rental?

        • swordfish 12.2.1.2
          9 September 2022 at 2:38 pm

          .

          Typical misplaced sympathy from the fake left

          It's your jaw-dropping lack of self-awareness that gets me every single bloody time.

          But then, this does appear to be very much the Woke modus operandi … accuse others of your own core, defining characteristic. Not surprising that recent research in psychology has emphasised machiavellianism (along with the other Dark Triad traits) as core components of the authoritarian Woke personality.

    • mikesh 12.3
      9 September 2022 at 10:19 am

      This is what we voted for in 2017. Celebrate it, nitwits.

      I don't think any of us voted for 'faulty headlines' in 2017.

    • Bearded Git 12.4
      9 September 2022 at 10:49 am

      Agreed Mutton….but a 5.5% drop in house prices is hardly a "plunge". Prices need to come down at least 30%, and that would be good news.

      • Patricia Bremner 12.4.1
        9 September 2022 at 2:35 pm

        If you buy a home to live in, it has more than monetary value.

        Those who see houses as a stepping stone to wealth are half the problem.

        Those who buy rentals and turn them into Air B&B are lowering long term rentals available. Those who build for that purpose… ok.

        Those who spruik to the young with a sprat (money back) to catch a mackerel (expensive mortgage) are todays Highway Robbers. imo.

  13. roy Cartland 13
    9 September 2022 at 8:30 am

    Time to seriously consider what we'll call out head of state when we renounce the monarchy.

    President is undeniably (and as it happens) deliberately dull.

    Naturally governor, chancellor, premiere, chairman, etc and all the monarchic titles are too loaded.

    A Māori title is the natural next step to further our unique identity, but what?

  14. Jenny are we there yet 14
    9 September 2022 at 9:02 am

    Exposing the far limits of medical science.

    If the super wealthy have any social utility at all, it is to push the envelope and exploring the limits of what is possible. With all the latest and best of medical science at her disposal. I was expecting HRH to live to at least 100.

    Disappointing.

    • Sabine 14.1
      9 September 2022 at 9:27 am

      A broken heart and loneliness can not be cured by any medicine. Never mind what her bout with covid did to her body. But it was clear for anyone to see that the joy of life left her when she buried her husband.

      • Jenny are we there yet 14.1.1
        9 September 2022 at 9:54 am

        As John Paul Getty, once the richest man in the world, said, "Money doesn't buy happiness, it buys you a comfortable standard of misery".

        May the death of this sad autocrat be the death of autocracy around the world, including here.

        May our government not waste one cent of public money commemorating the death of HRH.

        • Jenny are we there yet 14.1.1.1
          9 September 2022 at 5:48 pm

          I hear the PM is off to to the UK for the HRHQEII funeral

          I hope she is paying her own air fare.

          • Shanreagh 14.1.1.1.1
            9 September 2022 at 5:56 pm

            Why?

            She is going in her role as NZ's PM. NZ is a member of the Commonwealth and there would be n expectation she would be there. She's not going over to gate crash the event.

            Does this mean, in your view, she should pay for her official cars and pay rent for her office and for living in Premier House?

  15. PsyclingLeft.Always 15
    9 September 2022 at 9:18 am

    ‘More than minor’: Planned dairy farm complex faces strong opposition

    Southland District Council resource management planner Alexandra Smith has recommended the application for the proposed development near Lake Te Anau be declined and submissions have been made public ahead of a hearing on the matter at the end of this month.

    The Department of Conservation and mana whenua are among those who have opposed the application.

    https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/%E2%80%98more-minor%E2%80%99-planned-dairy-farm-complex-faces-strong-opposition

    Well, thats certainly changed the situation somewhat !

    • Robert Guyton 15.1
      9 September 2022 at 9:48 am

      "Environment Southland has defended its consent to the dairy development as an environmental improvement.

      Integrated catchment management general manager Paul Hulse said the site had been used for "a number of years" to graze stock over winter on crop or pasture.

      "It was assessed that the addition of a wintering barn will mitigate the potential for nutrient and sediment losses to water, as compared to the stock wintering outside.

      "The consent they now have restricts the discharge of effluent to a maximum area of 150ha and depth of discharge to 5mm in order to mitigate the potential for leaching or run-off of contaminants to freshwater."

      Mr Hulse said the location had a mix of soil types, some of which were free draining.

      However, Environment Southland determined the effects on the environment did not meet that threshold for public notification.'
      (From above link)

      • PsyclingLeft.Always 15.1.1
        10 September 2022 at 9:07 am

        That is, as maybe…However this was also in my Link…

        In recommending the proposal be declined, Ms Smith said the dairy-barn complex would have the "largest footprint proposed in the Southland region".

        The scale of the proposed winter barn complex — more than 14 times greater than what the rules permit — meant it could not integrate with the landscape.

        It would add to existing effects of the business already adversely affecting the landscape, and earthworks from the proposed construction could also contaminate waterways and harm the nearby Waiau River ecosystem.

        "I am of the view that the proposal will result in adverse effects on the environment that are more than minor," Ms Smith said.

        https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/%E2%80%98more-minor%E2%80%99-planned-dairy-farm-complex-faces-strong-opposition

  16. joe90 16
    9 September 2022 at 9:30 am

    I know some are a wee bit sad Queenie's carked it but as a descendant of people who suffered because of the British aristocracy's penchant for violence, subjugation and theft, I couldn't give a rats.

    • Sabine 16.1
      9 September 2022 at 9:36 am

      Good on ya.

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 16.2
      9 September 2022 at 1:37 pm

      And spare us King Charles III.

      The first Charles lost his head (deservedly so), the second presided over the most licentious court in British history (and that's saying something) – so how will the third f*wit go?

      Time we became a republic!

      • joe90 16.2.1
        9 September 2022 at 7:08 pm

        how will the third f*wit go?

        The bar is low.

        duplicitous and delusional

        – Samuel Gardiner

        Restless he rolls from whore to whore
        A merry monarch, scandalous and poor

        – John Wilmot

        Oh, God. I'll just live inside your trousers or something. It would be much easier!

        – Himself

      • Finn McCool 16.2.2
        10 September 2022 at 7:42 am

        I think he will go quite well. He will never be as popular as the Queen, but he was way ahead of his time. We laughed at him for his weird beliefs regarding organics and regenerative agriculture and environmental issues. Now those issues are mainstream. We even have a political party based on those issues and the use of pronouns. Although I think the latter is something the new king will have to be brought up to speed on.

  18. Sabine 18
    9 September 2022 at 10:52 am

    Good on the young ones.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/victims-of-rapist-jayden-meyer-speak-as-hundreds-take-to-the-street-in-protest/M5USSVGFB2SUPUGHFZBTTA5DX4/

    Speaking to Open Justice, the girls – who have automatic name suppression – have described the lasting impact of the rapes and sexual violation they suffered at the hands of Jayden Meyer, who was 16 at the time of the offending.

    "Life doesn't prepare you for the horrors others' actions can inflict. Nor does it prepare you for the mental strain 16 months through the courts can cause," said one of the girls on behalf of the five victims. "This boy's actions have caused a lifetime of trauma and hurt."

    "Many have expressed that nine months isn't a suitable punishment against the 10 charges he's been convicted of. Considering, in our view, a lack of acknowledgement shown by both the offender and his family, justice doesn't feel as though it has been served in this case."

    snip

    yesterday afternoon more than 100 people gathered in Hamilton and at least 500 at Mt Maunganui's Mount Drury reserve in support of the victims – and to voice their concerns at the sentence.

    Students Amy Griffiths and Grace Hunt said they believed the sentence was a "slap in the face".

    "It's truly terrifying how you can rape underage children and get … a nine-month home detention sentence," Hunt said.

    "It's scary, it's really terrifying.

    "Rape culture is pretty prominent among young people, you hear people's experiences all the time. It's time to take a stand."

    snip

    According to district court documents recently obtained by Open Justice, all five victims were aged 15 at the time of the offending.

    In one instance the sex was initially consensual but Meyer raped the girl when she refused to be with him for a second time that night. On another occasion, he filmed the rape of another unconsenting girl. A third rape happened while his victim was asleep in bed.

    In the most graphic of the attacks, Meyer raped a teen in a bush after they had been at a party. The fifth girl was sexually violated.

    I hope that these young ones will be better adults then the one that sentenced that guy to the trauma of 9 month Home D.

    • Jimmy 18.1
      9 September 2022 at 11:15 am

      Yes I find it unbelievable that sentence of home D. As has been pointed out to me, we do not know all the details, but IMO that judge needs a rocket up her (unless judges have been ordered to reduce prison numbers).

      I hope due to the public outcry, they at least release more details and justify to the public why the home D was allowed.

      What next? this bloke gets home D?

      Sockburn fatal stabbing: Zakariye Mohamed Hussein admits street murder; shocking past revealed – NZ Herald

      • Sabine 18.1.1
        9 September 2022 at 11:28 am

        Everyone gets home d.

      • AB 18.1.2
        9 September 2022 at 11:51 am

        What would you do with Meyer? Put him in an adult prison for 10 years, or 20? Would you want to live next door to him when he gets out after that? Maybe shut him up for life – happy to pay the taxes to fund all the extra prisons and staff are you? So maybe it's best (i.e. cheaper and final) to take him behind a bush and shoot him then – are you up for that?

        You offer no answers and you have no answers. Your sympathy for the young women concerned appears to be entirely bogus and opportunistic. You are sh*t-stirring and using the 'soft on crime' slogan in order to help get the Nats elected. Contemptible.

        • Sabine 18.1.2.1
          9 September 2022 at 12:09 pm

          Yes, i would lock him up for life.

          in fact i would lock him up for five life sentences. One for each girl.

          But he will be allowed out in 9 month, and chances are he will continue to rape.

          BTW, What would you do with a serial rapist that at 16 years of age has already raped 4 girls and assaulted a fifth girl? Give him 9 month home D or even less? maybe a pat on the shoulder? Give him a candy bar? Tell the girls to shut up?

          And have a good look at the youngsters protesting this injustice. And ask yourself if these young ones are going to be national voters or what ever party is still valid when they come of age because of that injustice?
          Think. Seriously Think.

        • Jimmy 18.1.2.2
          9 September 2022 at 12:27 pm

          Yes I'm happy to pay more taxes to keep him in a juvenile prison and keep him off the streets else we get the re-offending like in the story of Mohamed in Stockburn in 18.1 above. He cant re-offend while behind bars.

          I guess in your view my thinking is flawed as I believe in a justice system for the victims (not what's best for the offenders).

        • Sabine 18.1.2.3
          9 September 2022 at 12:57 pm

          Just like this dude here should have not been released on parole.

          While on parole he had 14 special conditions including remaining at his property between 9pm and 6am daily, to attend psychological, alcohol and drug assessments as well as not possessing, using or consuming alcohol or other drugs unless prescribed by a health professional.

          The conditions were to last six months following this release.

          In releasing Brider, the board assessed him as a high risk of violent offending and a moderately high risk of sexual offending.

          “It is trite that most offenders pose a risk,” The board decision said. “The test is whether that risk is undue…” “While there is risk, it is the board’s view that the risk is not undue.”

          His statutory release date for the rape was February 4, 2022.

          he got out, bought his tools of the trade and killed.

          Brider broke in after midnight.

          Bonilla-Herrera had an app on her phone that recorded noise made during night. It recorded the start of her attack.

          She says, “excuse me” before Brider told her to “shut up” and threatened to cut her throat.

          A struggle ensued.

          During the next 10 minutes, Brider continued to threaten to kill her, and bound her using a bedsheet and masking tape. Several punches could be heard.

          She begged him not to kill her.

          Brider then took her into the lounge, where the struggle continued.

          She tried to run from him, but was stabbed several times, including in the chest.

          She suffered 51 separate injuries. She died by the door. Brider returned home, showered and disposed of items used in murder.

          https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/129806897/man-who-murdered-christchurch-neighbour-was-on-parole-for-brutal-rape

          i am all for prisons being emptied of non violent people who did some stupid shit in their life and chances are will never re-offend. But violent men and women should be treated differently.

        • Johnr 18.1.2.4
          9 September 2022 at 1:23 pm

          Yep 9 months home D is fine with me as long as it is accompanied with castration

      • Mac1 18.1.3
        9 September 2022 at 2:18 pm

        Jimmy, it seems both of us would like the same thing. We both want a suitable sentence for a serious crime.

        The difference is that I am willing to trust that the judge has ruled according to the evidence and the principles of sentencing that judges follow whereas you condemn the judge (who you say is a woman which would in my eyes more predispose towards a tougher sentence for a crime like multiple rape) and demand to see the justification after proferring your condemnation.

        I just found this as a guide to why judges sentence as they do. https://www.lawteacher.net/lecture-notes/principles-of-sentencing.php

      • Incognito 18.1.4
        9 September 2022 at 6:54 pm

        … (unless judges have been ordered to reduce prison numbers).

        Again, you show your profound ignorance of the NZ judicial system and the independence of the judiciary even though others have already explained this to you.

        Enlighten us who could, would and should order the judges to reduce prison numbers. How does this work in NZ?

  19. observer 19
    9 September 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Luxon's broken promise …

    He said the report on Sam Uffindell would be done by a QC. It's taken so long that it is now impossible for that to happen. Resign!

    wink

    • Mac1 19.1
      9 September 2022 at 1:55 pm

      Now to be completed by a KFC, and kept secret like the colonel's spices. Take away justice, indeed….. a salt and sauce and taste that won''t go away.

  20. Barfly 20
    9 September 2022 at 2:29 pm

    Hmm that bloke Sharma seems to have gone quiet – has reality caught up with the press on that one?

  21. Stephen D 21
    9 September 2022 at 2:43 pm

    Another one in the series of the Greens were right all along.

    ”The climate crisis has driven the world to the brink of multiple “disastrous” tipping points, according to a major study.

    It shows five dangerous tipping points may already have been passed due to the 1.1C of global heating caused by humanity to date.”

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/08/world-on-brink-five-climate-tipping-points-study-finds?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

  22. Jenny are we there yet 22
    9 September 2022 at 3:26 pm

    How New Zealanders greet each other

    'I am not a royalist. But….'

  23. Poission 23
    9 September 2022 at 3:37 pm

    Friday dump.

    Robertson releases response to Infrastructure recommendations and says government will spend 61.5 billion$ on infrastructure, over the next 5 years.

    The foremost problem to a large tome full of words,is that we have no money.The second part of the problem is we are in a high interest rate regime,with significant constraints on supply (as Europe closes industry that will be needed for infrastructure)

    https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2022-09/govt-response-nz-infrastructure-strategy-sep22.pdf

    • Ad 23.1
      9 September 2022 at 3:46 pm

      I'll have a look over the weekend.

      They don't have the ability to reconcile:

      – 8 years to the 100% renewables goal

      – New RMA that doesn't accelerate major energy projects

      – Too few skilled workers

      – Very very thin capital base

      – Few Tier 1 companies prepared to take a punt on NZ

      They are writing cheques with their mouth that their ass can't cash.

      • Poission 23.1.1
        9 September 2022 at 4:12 pm

        About right.

        Finance is the problem,along with using european energy models to provide capital guidance for say pumped hydro (wait to consumers get a big hit to provide capital servicing charges)

  24. Mike the Lefty 24
    9 September 2022 at 4:19 pm

    I wonder if there was the traditional call of "The Queen is dead – long live the King!".

    But seriously, I was no particular lover of the British monarchy but did respect her late majesty – she kept working and doing her duty to the end.

    However I think that republican aspirations, which have been on hold out of respect for her majesty, will now gather momentum now that she has passed.

    • observer 24.1
      9 September 2022 at 5:02 pm

      The news that next Tuesday Parliament will adjourn for a whole week has just made me a little more republican. A day of tributes, fine. Pay respect, make the speeches, then adjourn for the day.

      But putting everything on hold for a week is excessive. Most people got up and went to work this morning.

      • Anne 24.1.1
        9 September 2022 at 5:43 pm

        I think we would be charged by our off-shore friends and allies as showing disrespect to the late Queen. I think its is just the debating chamber shenanigans is it not?

        • Graeme 24.1.1.1
          9 September 2022 at 6:25 pm

          Also PM, and other MPs, will be out of country attending the funeral and other proceedings.

      • Incognito 24.1.2
        9 September 2022 at 6:31 pm

        What do you think happens when a Head of a Republic dies? BAU?

        • Poission 24.1.2.1
          9 September 2022 at 6:46 pm

          Usually the tanks surround the TV station.

        • observer 24.1.2.2
          9 September 2022 at 6:52 pm

          Well, it's not a hereditary position to hold until death, at least in a democratic republic. So it doesn't happen often, they are usually ex-heads in retirement and when they die – yes, it is mostly BAU.

          • Incognito 24.1.2.2.1
            9 September 2022 at 6:56 pm

            Really? Have you got any examples, from overseas, obviously?

            Monarchs don’t die very often either, do they?

            • observer 24.1.2.2.1.1
              9 September 2022 at 7:07 pm

              Presidents overseas are basically in two categories: majorly political, like USA and France) and minor (more ceremonial, like Germany and Ireland).

              If NZ became a republic I'm pretty certain we'd choose the latter, leaving real power in Parliament. We'd still have a Gov-Gen in all but name. Nobody's advocating the American system, AFAIK.

              No, I don't have examples from overseas because when the German/Irish Presidents die we don't notice, which is kind of the point.

            • observer 24.1.2.2.1.2
              9 September 2022 at 7:10 pm

              Monarchs don’t die very often either, do they?

              Not British/NZ monarchs, obviously. But that's the thing – we don't notice what we don't notice. Many European monarchies are more low key than the Windsor soap opera, and better for it.

          • Poission 24.1.2.2.2
            9 September 2022 at 7:30 pm

            Hume argued quite succinctly for the strengths of a constitutional monarchy,and the stability that it provided during the change of governments.

            "It is well known, that every government must come to a period, and that death is unavoidable to the political, as well as to the animal body. But, as one kind of death may be preferable to another, it may be inquired, whether it be more desirable for the British constitution to terminate in a popular government, or in an absolute monarchy? Here, I would frankly declare, that though liberty be preferable to slavery, in almost every case; yet I should rather wish to see an absolute monarch than a republic in this island. For let us consider what kind of republic we have reason to expect. The question is not concerning any fine imaginary republic of which a man forms a plan in his closet. There is no doubt but a popular government may be imagined more perfect than an absolute monarchy, or even than our present constitution. But what reason have we to expect that any such government will ever be established in Great Britain, upon the dissolution of our monarchy? If any single person acquire power enough to take our constitution to pieces, and put it up anew, he is really an absolute monarch; and we have already had an instance of this kind, sufficient to convince us, that such a person will never resign his power, or establish any free government. Matters, therefore, must be trusted to their natural progress and operation; and the House of Commons, according to its present constitution, must be the only legislature in such a popular government. The inconveniences attending such a situation of affairs present themselves by thousands. If the House of Commons, in such a case, ever dissolve itself, which is not to be expected, we may look for a civil war every election. If it continue itself, we shall suffer all the tyranny of a faction subdivided into new factions. And, as such a violent government cannot long subsist, we shall at last, after many convulsions and civil wars, find repose in absolute monarchy, which it would have been happier for us to have established peaceably from the beginning. Absolute monarchy, therefore, is the easiest death, the true Euthanasia of the British constitution.

            "Thus if we have more reason to be jealous of monarchy, because the danger is more imminent from that quarter; we have also reason to be more jealous of popular government, because that danger is more terrible. This may teach us a lesson of moderation in all our political controversies."

            From Huxley (1879)

            https://www.gutenberg.org/files/18819/18819-h/18819-h.htm

  25. Jenny are we there yet 25
    9 September 2022 at 7:06 pm

    I am saddened and torn my lawnmower died today too.

  26. Jenny are we there yet 26
    9 September 2022 at 8:15 pm

    Hair and scalp clinics around the world are overwhelmed with patients suffering hair damage after a severe outbreak of forelock tugging sweeps the globe.

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    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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