Open mike 09/04/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 9th, 2013 - 145 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

145 comments on “Open mike 09/04/2013 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. One Anonymous Knucklehead 1
    9 April 2013 at 8:32 am

    Eighty-five. Who’s going to be miffed if they aren’t on the GCSB’s list?

    That’s a pretty big fail, from Key and Clark. “Control”, says the law.

  2. Hooray! 2
    9 April 2013 at 8:36 am

    THE WITCH IS DEAD !

    Your turn now Roger

  3. North 3
    9 April 2013 at 8:36 am

    “Mummy” has gone. Roger Douglas et al are in deep mourning.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 3.1
      9 April 2013 at 8:40 am

      She insisted something be done about the Greenhouse Effect. I suspect she saw it as competition.

      • Anne 3.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 8:56 am

        She had a background in the sciences so would have been better able to comprehend the future problems related to the Greenhouse Effect. It’s the one thing for which she can be given some credit. Pretty much the only one as far as I am aware.

    • Ennui 3.2
      9 April 2013 at 8:41 am

      May God have mercy on her soul: I reckon at least 6 million years in Purgatory.

      • rosy 3.2.1
        9 April 2013 at 9:05 am

        With her good friends Pinochet, Suharto and Hussein. Funny she wasn’t keen on Mandela apparently.

    • Kevin Welsh 3.3
      9 April 2013 at 8:41 am

      As long as the family are paying for the bloody funeral, I’m happy.

  4. muzza 4
    9 April 2013 at 8:39 am

    Nuclear reactor industry, American style!

    http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43556350/

  5. AsleepWhileWalking 5
    9 April 2013 at 8:40 am

    ***
    **
    *

    Your opportunity to speak out against the TPPA – and we must use every opportunity!

    ❤ http://www.ourconstitution.org.nz/

    • Roflcopter 5.1
      9 April 2013 at 9:00 am

      errrr… it’s got nothing to do with it

      • AsleepWhileWalking 5.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 9:08 am

        TPPA will affect the way we make our laws in that we will have to consider outside corporate interests

      • freedom 5.1.2
        9 April 2013 at 10:48 am

        question Roflcopter…
        in your world does the recently passed ‘Monsanto is now above the Law’ Bill in the USA affect the TPP here in NZ ?

        P.S. It is a trick question, because no-one knows what is in the TPP.

        • yeshe 5.1.2.1
          9 April 2013 at 11:40 am

          I think it is critical we understand the secret travesty of how this bill came into law in the US last week — and these are people and a government we are supposed to trust in a secret agreement like TPPA ?

          Jon Stewart of The Daily Show has the full story — yes, told comedically obviously, but it is the most astute analysis I have seen of what happened. It is beyond unimaginable — it was not only secret, it was anonymous. Take a few minutes please and see how it worked and duped everyone …

          We are sitting ducks to Monsanto’s GM plans for our food crops. Beware, here there be muilti-headed dragons ..

          http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-april-3-2013/you-stuck-what-where-now-

          ( Rosy .. hope you see this.)

          • yeshe 5.1.2.1.1
            9 April 2013 at 11:45 am

            (No edit button ?) I should have said that Jon Stewart’s is the ONLY astute analysis of what actually occurred last week. Please, watch if you can.

  6. Socialist Paddy 6
    9 April 2013 at 8:40 am

    I know we should not speak ill of the dead but Thatcher is perhaps the strongest case there is against this. Single handedly she wrecked the UK and it is in a mess now because of what she did.

    May she rest in peace.

  7. Sanctuary 7
    9 April 2013 at 8:50 am

    Saw a great picture. It just had the Grim Reaper with one word – “GOTCHA!”

  8. chris73 8
    9 April 2013 at 9:05 am

    A brave woman, firm in her beliefs. Beliefs which weren’t massively changed by Blair or Major and she was right about the Euro.

  9. Professor Longhair 9
    9 April 2013 at 9:21 am

    Welcome to Hell, Mrs Thatcher

    We have a special chamber ready just for you.

    Your infernal friends,

    Saddam Hussein
    Milton Friedman
    General Pinochet
    Ronald Reagan
    General Suharto

    • joe90 9.1
      9 April 2013 at 9:27 am

      Dali Tambo, son of former ANC president Oliver Tambo.

      My gut reaction now is what it was at the time when she said my father was the leader of a terrorist organisation. I don’t think she ever got it that every day she opposed sanctions, more people were dying, and that the best thing for the assets she wanted to protect was democracy.

      Many lives were lost. It’s a shame that we could never call her one of the champions of the liberation struggle. Normally we say that when one of us goes, the ANC ancestors will meet them at the pearly gates and give them a standing ovation. I think it’s quite likely that when Margaret Thatcher reaches the pearly gates, the ANC will boycott the occasion.

      http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2013/apr/08/miliband-clegg-local-elections-cameron-madrid

    • freedom 9.2
      9 April 2013 at 9:32 am

      and that big chair with the unpleasant aroma and the spiky cushions in the corners is for Kissinger when he finally shakes loose the mortal coil, the little stools surrounding it are reserved for the Bush family and their cohorts

  10. chris73 10
    9 April 2013 at 9:24 am

    Here she is skewering socialists

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 10.1
      9 April 2013 at 9:28 am

      It’s time for your reality check.

      Strawman ≠ skewer.

      • chris73 10.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 9:33 am

        And your reality check is she was leader for 11 years, for 11 years the public of Great Britain voted her in and irrespective of what some lazy miners “up north” and (admittedly quite talented) musicians said or say she was a great leader and the UK is better off because of her decisions

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 10.1.1.1
          9 April 2013 at 9:37 am

          Reality check No.2:

          A minority supported her, and she left Britain more unequal and divided. Perhaps you may have heard that Scotland will hold a referendum on secession next year.

        • freedom 10.1.1.2
          9 April 2013 at 10:05 am

          ” irrespective of – some lazy miners “up north” ”

          I do wonder, truely, if you have ever done a day’s hard labour in your entire life ?

          Let alone day after day in conditions not fit for moles let alone human beings. Have you ever had to watch your entire industry get stolen by foreign profiteers as your daily wage shrinks and your communities crumble, all so a hegemony of hate can be dumped on you from above. (wow that sounds familiar) Maybe then you would begin to understand what all those people fought and died for. A livelihood. Self respect. Families and Communities. However faulted and mistaken the Industry was, coal built the Industrial Revolution and subsequently the tool that you now yield with the aplomb of a rabid meerkat.

          A revolution that forever altered our world. Built on the broken backs of men women and children, enslaved by circumstance, but still proud enough to know that they were contributing to their Nation. Now when that Nation [ie some genetic inbreds who have their mates sit in silly wigs and spout meaningless bs to other twits who then lie to the people that asked them to represent them] decides that the industry that revolutionised the world can be run cheaper elsewhere, did they get thanks for the generations of sacrifice? Did they get new jobs? Whole communities were destroyed as severely as if the very bombs their coal had helped to build were used against them. You have the gall to call coal miners lazy.

          All I know is I am glad The Standard has very clear rules because yet again, my self-restraint was most certainly tested by your ignorance. Chris73, I ask you to reconsider your foolish words, on this and many many topics. Maybe just spend some time thinking on this life you obvioulsy have no respect for, and the lives lost for you to have it.

          • Olwyn 10.1.1.2.1
            9 April 2013 at 10:17 am

            Well said Freedom. That is the gist of it.

          • chris73 10.1.1.2.2
            9 April 2013 at 10:29 am

            I wouldn’t mind betting I’ve done more hard labour and in worse conditions then you sunshine

            • muzza 10.1.1.2.2.1
              9 April 2013 at 10:42 am

              And yet you’re happy to use the term, lazy towards workers under conditions, which in all liklihood you have never experienced.

            • freedom 10.1.1.2.2.2
              9 April 2013 at 11:14 am

              that i sincerely doubt my good friend, I sincerely doubt

            • Morrissey 10.1.1.2.2.3
              9 April 2013 at 7:30 pm

              I’ve done more hard labour and in worse conditions then you sunshine

              Nobody who has worked hard has such a contemptuous view of workers as you have expressed on this forum. You are a liar.

              • felix …
                9 April 2013 at 7:46 pm

                +1.

                Besides, chris lost any last glimmer of respectability when he admitted that his anecdotes, which he writes as if they’re true stories from his own life, may or may not be true.

          • ghostrider888 10.1.1.2.3
            9 April 2013 at 12:02 pm

            Excellent work freedom! Excellent! now considering “work” anecdotes “chris”, I dare ya. Go on, I mutherfuckin wager you; (all this mornings comments by the rider shall be moderated from Belarus, CCCP)

        • The Al1en 10.1.1.3
          9 April 2013 at 7:10 pm

          “she was a great leader and the UK is better off because of her decisions”

          You’re an idiot. 😆

        • Walter 10.1.1.4
          9 April 2013 at 8:20 pm

          dont forget she was never voted out by the public, never lost an election, so the people voting must have seen that the great policys of Thatcher were working.

        • Murray Olsen 10.1.1.5
          9 April 2013 at 8:23 pm

          All people like Thatcher, Key, and Douglas do is take the infrastructure and social benefits built up by generations of workers under conditions of union militancy and social democracy and destroy it to the advantage of the bank accounts of their own mates. They create nothing except division, bigotry, and hatred. There is no great talent to what they do apart from that needed to deceive the electorate. They contribute less to society than any of the beneficiaries or unionists they enjoy marginalising. They are truly scum.
          I mourn their deaths as I would mourn the eradication of cancer.

      • joe90 10.1.2
        9 April 2013 at 9:35 am

        when maggie thatcher dies we,re all avin a party

    • joe90 10.2
      9 April 2013 at 9:29 am

      And here she is saying good things about the Khmer Rouge.

      http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:/www.number10.gov.uk/Page12166

    • felix 10.3
      9 April 2013 at 9:39 am

      Can’t believe you posted that chris. It shows her as either barking mad, ill-informed, or deliberately deceptive – depending on how charitable you feel.

      Certainly didn’t “skewer” anyone in this clip, although her good mates Suharto and Pinochet did, as did many of her family’s clients around the world.

  11. freedom 11
    9 April 2013 at 9:41 am

    from Obama

    “With the passing of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the world has lost one of the great champions of freedom and liberty, and America has lost a true friend. As a grocer’s daughter who rose to become Britain’s first female prime minister, she stands as an example to our daughters that there is no glass ceiling that can’t be shattered.”

    and where does a shattered glass ceiling go ?

    • Colonial Weka 11.1
      9 April 2013 at 10:48 am

      If I can quote myself, she didn’t shatter the glass ceiling, she was teleported above it.

    • Professor Longhair 11.2
      9 April 2013 at 10:56 am

      “…there is no glass ceiling that can’t be shattered.”

      Especially when you send your Air Force to Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and Iraq to bomb the houses with the glass ceilings in them.

  12. xtasy 12
    9 April 2013 at 9:48 am

    The proof is there, how the Ministry of Social Development has through the controversial Dr David Bratt, who is their “Principal Health Advisor”, and who follows a similar approach while interpreting and applying the perverted “bio psycho social model” for assessing and rehabilitating sick and disabled as Professor Mansel Aylward from Cardiff University, is INFLUENCING how DOCTORS assess and fill out WORK CAPACITY MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS for WINZ.

    A look at a document found online, issued by the MEDICAL SERVICE of the AUCKLAND CITY MISSION for starters, exposes the result of intensive lobbying of GPs by so-called “Health and Disability Coordinators” that MSD and WINZ employ:

    http://www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz/uploads/file/Calder%20Centre/Sickness%20Benefit%20explanation.pdf

    Background report, showing from where the Missions Medical Centre evolved:
    http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/news/mission-possible/1036109/

    Doctors working for the Mission’s “Calder Centre” appear to willingly accept the “expectations” that MSD and hard line, indeed biased, Dr David Bratt impose on them, by even quoting comments made by him, that were published in a NZ Doctor article titled ‘Harms lurk for benefit addicts’ on 01 August 2012:

    http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/in-print/2012/august-2012/1-august-2012/harms-lurk-for-benefit-addicts.aspx
    (try to “google” it if it does not show)

    That article raised concern by a well educated, independent reader, whose partner is a doctor, but who like many doctors in NZ prefers not to “comment” on the conduct of colleagues:

    http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/in-print/2012/august-2012/29-august-2012/questioning-the-direction-of-msd-policy.aspx
    (“google” ‘Questioning the direction of MSD policy’ by Tim Walker Nelson, NZ Doctor 29 Aug. 2012 if not showing)

    Health and Disability Coordinators are special advisory and liaison staff that MSD use to “advise” GPs on expectations the Ministry and therefore also WINZ have of doctors, and they “inform” about policies, are involved in the selection process of GPs to work as “designated doctors” for WINZ, and naturally are managed, mentored and instructed by the Principal Health Advisor and the Principal Disability Advisor.

    A “summarised” job description for such a position recently advertised can be found here:
    http://www.jobseeker.co.nz/job/Disability-Coordinator-0b3f38117d62c6a6d6a8471d26ca3c98
    (I have a more detailed, official one in PDF file format at hand)

    For years now, Health Work Force NZ (staffing and training agency as part of the Ministry of Health, headed by Dr Des Gorman, another “hard liner” in the medical profession), and the Medical Council and naturally the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners have worked, to bring about “changes” to the training program of GPs. One does not need to speculate too much, that there are also “messages” sent through the senior “trainers” and the heads of mentioned organisation, that impact on how training will be conducted, what it will include, and that certain “expectations” by government ministries will flow in.

    Dr Des Gorman is holding high positions in many institutions:
    http://www.conference.co.nz/gp13/speakers/panel_session_speakers/des_gorman

    (a summary of his back-ground, he will be a key senior speaker again at this year’s GP conference in Wellington, and his controversial past role as advisor and assessor for ACC is not forgotten).

    Another likely speaker at this years GP conference, is also expected to be Dr Bratt in his role as “Principal Health Advisor” – from MSD, who is likely to once again present his “views” and pseudo scientific findings on the “benefits” of work, and the “harm of being on a welfare benefit” for his employer Work and Income:

    http://www.gpcme.co.nz/pdf/GP%20CME/Friday/C1%201515%20Bratt-Hawker.pdf

    Of general info, but not revealing much here:
    http://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/developments-in-general-practice-training

    But what is clear from the document issued by the doctors working for the Medical Service at the Auckland City Mission is, MSD do assert strong influence now on how doctors in general work with them, as most doctors will at some time have to complete medical certificates that WINZ expects from clients and doctors’ patients to establish benefit entitlement on health and work capacity grounds.

    HOW INDEPENDENT ARE DOCTORS IN NEW ZEALAND – in view of such developents?

    The draconian, in some ways almost “fascist”, “work sets you free” approach to illness, disability and welfare appears to become commonly accepted in the wider medical profession, due to very concerning developments!

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 12.1
      9 April 2013 at 10:19 am

      Well said Xtasy. This goes directly to Karol’s post on Thatcher.

      “…action, political will, and policies based in sound evidence and humane values is not enough. In order to work towards a more inclusive, fairer world without poverty and destructive divisions, there is a need to find a way to counter the extensive networks, power and reach of the “neoliberal” elites.”

  13. xtasy 13
    9 April 2013 at 10:21 am

    For further info – or correction:
    There appears to be another annual conference for GPs in Rotorua, at which Dr David Bratt from MSD is listed as speaker on health and welfare issues:
    http://www.gpcme.co.nz/speakers.php

    His name is shown there, and for memory, last year he appears to have presented this PDF and verbal presentation to doctors at such a meeting:
    http://www.gpcme.co.nz/pdf/2012/Fri_DaVinci_1400_Bratt_Medical%20Certificates%20are%20Clinical%20Instruments%20too%20-%20June%202012.pdf
    (pages 3, 16 and 33 display his now well known “view” that benefit dependence has the same “dangers” as “drug dependence”)

    This conference is apparently organised by the New Zealand Medical Association.

  14. ianmac 14
    9 April 2013 at 10:30 am

    In the article “Ex-spy boss lashes out at PM’s claims” by Adam Bennet there is a curious bit right at the end which I found interesting
    Senior sources have told the Herald that the person suspected of leaking information to Labour about that briefing – including claims Mr Key was not only briefed about the Dotcom surveillance, but joked about it – had been identified and had now “lawyered up”.

    If the report establishes a leak, the GCSB’s legislation carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.
    By Adam Bennett Email Adam
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10876297

    • felix 14.1
      9 April 2013 at 10:36 am

      What is “senior sources” usually journo code for?

    • Poission 14.2
      9 April 2013 at 10:40 am

      GCSB’s legislation carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.

      Yes spying on NZ citizens, is also a criminal offence providing for a couple of semesters at rock college.A very dangerous game for the plantiffs.

      .

    • AmaKiwi 14.3
      9 April 2013 at 2:14 pm

      Read the article:

      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10876297

      Sir Bruce Ferguson says Key “is smoking dope on that one.” Key’s statement is “outrageous.”

      This former civil servant is not going to take any sh*t from the PM. He is fighting back. So far Ferguson has landed two hard right hooks. Key is looking wobbly.

      • Anne 14.3.1
        9 April 2013 at 4:54 pm

        Key may have met his match in Ferguson AmaKiwi.

        He was a former fighter pilot based at Ohakea. Those fighter pilots were the creme de la creme of the Air Force. He rose to Squadron Leader and it’s my understanding he was a popular leader who put the safety and welfare of his pilots first. He became Commander of the Air force Base at Whenuapai in the early 1990s and the rest is history. A born leader.

        With a background like that he out-classes John Key in every way. Key knows it and he’ll continue to discredit him at every turn. Good luck John. You’ll probably end up in a courtroom like your idol, Rob Muldoon.

        • Murray Olsen 14.3.1.1
          9 April 2013 at 8:45 pm

          I’d debate your definition of attack pilots as the “creme de la creme” of the RNZAF, Anne. My pedantic hat tells me that the Skyhawks were not fighters, but attack bombers. While the pilots undoubtedly were very skilled, they also needed tibia no longer than a certain length. Too long, and they couldn’t use the ejection seat and were therefore not eligible for Skyhawks. There well may have been helicopter, transport, or maritime reconnaissance pilots with equal skills, but a couple of cm taller. This is without thinking of the ground staff, navigators etc.

          • Colonial Viper 14.3.1.1.1
            9 April 2013 at 9:31 pm

            Skyhawks were multirole aircraft, and in the 1960’s and 1970’s were considered fairly capable air to air interceptors. For instance they were used for many years at TOPGUN as the main adversary aircraft. But yes, they were usually used in the ground strike role.

  15. prism 15
    9 April 2013 at 10:42 am

    I see Ian Wishart has written a penetrating book on politics or apparently. Daylight Robbery – anyone read this?

  16. Professor Longhair 16
    9 April 2013 at 10:51 am

    Margaret Thatcher and misapplied death etiquette
    by GLENN GREENWALD, The Guardian, 8 April 2013

    ‘News of Margaret Thatcher’s death this morning instantly and predictably gave rise to righteous sermons on the evils of speaking ill of her. British Labour MP Tom Watson decreed: “I hope that people on the left of politics respect a family in grief today.” Following in the footsteps of Santa Claus, Steve Hynd quickly compiled a list of all the naughty boys and girls “on the left” who dared to express criticisms of the dearly departed Prime Minister, warning that he “will continue to add to this list throughout the day”. Former Tory MP Louise Mensch, with no apparent sense of irony, invoked precepts of propriety to announce: “Pygmies of the left so predictably embarrassing yourselves, know this: not a one of your leaders will ever be globally mourned like her.”

    This demand for respectful silence in the wake of a public figure’s death is not just misguided but dangerous. That one should not speak ill of the dead is arguably appropriate when a private person dies, but it is wildly inappropriate for the death of a controversial public figure, particularly one who wielded significant influence and political power. “Respecting the grief” of Thatcher’s family members is appropriate if one is friends with them or attends a wake they organize, but the protocols are fundamentally different when it comes to public discourse about the person’s life and political acts. I made this argument at length last year when Christopher Hitchens died and a speak-no-ill rule about him was instantly imposed (a rule he, more than anyone, viciously violated), and…

    Read more…
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/apr/08/margaret-thatcher-death-etiquette

    • joe90 16.1
      9 April 2013 at 11:00 am

      Ya gotta love football fans.

      http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/margaret-thatcher-dead-saw-what-1818338

      This Sunday is North East derby day – Newcastle United will play Sunderland at St. James’ Park, a fixture that is usually overloaded with bile from both sets of supporters.

      If the powers-that-be think that a minute’s silence for the Iron Lady will be appropriate, they’ll find that the fans are more unified in their response than they’ve ever been.

    • ghostrider888 16.2
      9 April 2013 at 12:08 pm

      well, Christopher Hitchens is putting out fires, continuously, as we write, so, he is unable to come to the phone right now…

      • Morrissey 16.2.1
        9 April 2013 at 7:35 pm

        One of Christopher Hitchens’ unfunny little ongoing jokes was his his insistence that he had a powerful lust for Mrs Thatcher.

        If only there was an infernal edition of Big Brother being livestreamed, we could sit back and enjoy the spectacle of the unspeakable in full pursuit of the insufferable.

        • Murray Olsen 16.2.1.1
          9 April 2013 at 9:16 pm

          The original quote of the unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible works very well if translated into Portuguese.

  17. Penny Bright 17
    9 April 2013 at 10:59 am

    CRIMINALISING PROTEST AT SEA IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A ‘FREE AND DEMOCRATIC’ COUNTRY AS NEW ZEALAND IS SUPPOSED TO BE!

    Please SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!

    Sign the Statement Now
    http://www.greenpeace.org
    Protect the right of New Zealanders to protest at sea: Reject the Anadarko Amendment!

    This is important folks!

    If you don’t know your rights – you don’t have any.

    If you don’t defend the rights you’re supposed to have – you lose them.

    New Zealand for multinational companies and overseas investors?

    I don’t think so.

    HUMAN RIGHTS – NOT CORPORATE RIGHTS!

    Penny Bright

  18. millsy 18
    9 April 2013 at 11:48 am

    So who dreaded the thought of everyone going on about how wonderful MT was when they read about her death??

  19. ghostrider888 19
    9 April 2013 at 12:30 pm

    while i am here; for a freakin’ small country, we sure generate some news;
    there is just too many people asking for money from the queen,
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10876345
    while another judge hits out at “drinking culture”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10876295
    could be Key is “smokin dope” himself; (brother John)
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10876297
    thank the Lord for whakapapa
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10875389
    finally, the Reserve Bank makes some noise; how far shall we stretch the bubble?
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10876259

    and an increased demand for “natural burials”; well thank the Lord for that; all that prime real estate…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49G1A1aw3A4
    (thanks to Japan’s QE, TWI now 78.14)
    Read em’ and weep

  20. ghostrider888 20
    9 April 2013 at 1:11 pm

    furthermore, in the neo-lib paradise MICHAEL;
    from ONE News, Key appears to have reverted to Denial mode now.

    another ‘thin edge of the wedge’- FB charging to message those beyond ‘ friends of friends’.

    Post Tenebras Lux
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1754367/
    (you are in the wrong League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Pop)

    these “85” spied upon could have breached the Defense Act and the Privacy Act; (how much are people gonna take up the back door? hmmm? hmmm?)

    meanwhile, Lester Levy (now that IS a funny handle); “decreased, increased, funding” in the health sector; while there is a general decrease in majority of OECD countries.
    -however, in NZ, according to ASMS, there is lack of overall strategic direction in health.Do Not Worry says Lester, we are workin on the internal culture of DHBs.

    But wait, there’s more; David Round (Independent Constitutional Review chairman) “putting principles of treaty into constitutional review will be “disasterous” “. Really! Is that right? well, te Mob may disagree wit chu. 🙂

    for Ennui;
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8wxj8dI5bQ
    for louise
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIPNBIwqZNY
    for the non-drinkers amongst us…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFYOHrwi-W8
    (some Hot Chocolate)
    and, imho, the song of the month…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbQ0Cb6h3Ew
    oops, stomp on that one, meant

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kq0vPSadqU
    (Glory, Glory, Hallelujah 🙂 )
    or,
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zufpr8BwY9U
    …in HB, they like to keep things fresh and light, so bring your Big City weary arse down here.

  21. McFlock 21
    9 April 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Oh wow, and this week’s government privacy breach comes from…. The Ministry of Justice.

    The full enchilada – passwords, access to alter financial transactions, and access to sensitive personal information all wide open (apparently from the website).

    Fuck sake.

    • ghostrider888 21.1
      9 April 2013 at 4:14 pm

      Yep. The Technological Society- “the end of democracy”- Ellul.
      concede?

      • McFlock 21.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 4:31 pm

        nah.
        Tory Governments and a depleted public service- “the end of confidentiality”. 🙂

        • Rogue Trooper 21.1.1.1
          9 April 2013 at 4:41 pm

          you forward the fare, and I will come visit you in your “cubby hole”. 🙂

  22. North 22
    9 April 2013 at 2:37 pm

    I remember the haughty, hectoring old bag Thatcher for the hissing reaction she gave some poor journalist at the time of the French bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, when it was suggested the bombing as state-sponsored terrorism merited the same denunciation she gave other complicit states.

    She was a mad control freak, liar, obssessive, and to come right down to it…….a cheap snob. That particularly despicable breed of Tory, the snob. No tears for her here. In her vainglory she was instrumental in the deaths of many, many, many. And in retirement she personally gave succour to Pinochet when the High Court confined him to some country estate in Surrey.

    See YouTube “The Day Margaret Thatcher Dies” – Pete Wylie I think.

  24. ghostrider888 24
    9 April 2013 at 4:36 pm

    well, observations from the Q.T.

    so, “if NZ is better than what we see in other parts of the world (La garde, you freakin mis-pronouncing idiots)” then who is BS-ing who we ask you.

    must say, the Govt. appeared muted for a change; maybe a reality check going on; i.e. what a liability Key, English, Brownlee, Parata, Bennett et al are turning out to be for Noo Zillund.

    do you think Amy Adams, and Katrina Shanks might have a touch of “Downs” themselves? Projection much, we ask you:

    Cosgrove on MRP; “66 Thousand and 600 and 66 Dollars in fees per person?” you have to be pullin’ our legs…

    David Carter-“I wonder whether…” (asks acting PM for more detail).

    re this Kitteridge Report; Excellent questioning by Dr Russell Norman; apparently the “leaked” document was ‘locked” in the PM’s office…FFS

    btw, DPS, when the rider has ridden over Bennett, he will then roll on down the road to that idiot fascist Sabin and on round the bend to the blonde bimbo Macindoe (where do we get these people from, some swamp?)

    Brownlee: EQC staff cannot yet e-mail attachments and must stay back after school for sanding.
    (shut-down of e-mail until some “certainty”; well, who is the tail, and who are the dogs..)

    and to further the point Gareth Hughes on the supplementary leg. to the Crown Minerals Bill
    “BOR breaches, International Law breaches and breaches of democratic rights! Baa.

    Freakin sleepy Hobbits, or what.

  25. Rogue Trooper 25
    9 April 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Angelina (on Hauraki: sigh)

  26. Colonial Viper 26
    9 April 2013 at 6:50 pm

    30,000 Greek households disconnected from power every month

    None of this is going to end well.

    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-04-07/30000-greek-households-lose-electricity-each-month

  28. prism 28
    9 April 2013 at 9:21 pm

    National Party have a mock up of spoof news like a pop magazine. The blurb for Maggie Barry says she writes on Roses, Wisteria and Radical Welfare Reform. The flowers that most likely grow in that garden area would be Love-Lies-Bleeding.(Tassel flower or Amaranthus).

  29. ghostrider888 29
    9 April 2013 at 9:34 pm

    the best Sweet Jane, Ever
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHRFZFmEq9o
    yet, there is always The Cranberries
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Kspj3OO0s
    Night prism, keep on defracting.

  30. xtasy 30
    9 April 2013 at 10:36 pm

    So WE HAVE IT NOW!

    It appears that was the last debate and vote that occured a short time ago tonight in Parliament – on the Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill!

    Votes were 59 against and 61 in favour. Yes, that is IT!

    The Maori Party voted with 2 votes against, so one of their MPs appears to have abstained or whatever.

    The Na(t)zis have – with their “support” muppets Banks and Dunne – pushed throught he most mean spirited, draconian and senseless “welfare reforms”, which will from the time of introduction and implementation in mid July this year see to it, that many beneficiaries (most of whom have NO DAMNED CLUE what will hit them) will face radical changes, severe restrictions, harsh and firm expectations and sanctions if they do not cooperate.

    This will change New Zealand, I am sure, and while this country has already become a rather divided, untrusting, competing and mean place, it will get even worse.

    The damned SHIT MEDIA of this land has not even reported one damned bit about it, the political current affairs and news reporters have treated it as insignificant, and consequently the public has very little ideas what is involved.

    So the last speaker, I think it was that stupid “cop” from up north, a Nat MP, even cheekily teased the opposition, what the problem was, he asked, as there was nobody protesting in the streets, nobody discussing it on talkback and nobody being opposed.

    Hey, does anybody not realise yet? NZ is run like a DICTATORSHIP of sorts, where key powers are in the control of certain key decisionmakers and lobby-groups. Welcome to the Dictatorship of Aotearoa NZ.

    Thank you “Dear Leader”, John The Shining Light and Key to Hell!

  31. xtasy 31
    9 April 2013 at 11:02 pm

    So UK Labour seem to be warming to the adjusted Atos work capacity testing regime again, as atosvictimsgroup have detected:

    http://atosvictimsgroup.co.uk/2013/04/07/liam-byrne-and-the-labour-party-finally-joins-up-with-the-nasty-party-did-we-really-expect-anything-else/

    If that is anything to go by, perhaps we will see Shearer’s Labour “warm” to the newly passed “welfare reforms” pushed through by Na(t)zis here in NZ also, once they have been implemented and are running?

    I am waiting with interest, to see how Labour will stand on welfare at the coming elections!

    NO TRUST, I must say, despite of the odd good speech against the new bill in Parliament tonight. Thanks to Sua William Sio, though.

    But the only truly great speech that an opposition MP held tonight, that was the one by Jan Logie, Greens!

    Thank you Jan!

    Stay firm on course in welfare matters, please, many of us need this and rely on you!!!

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 27

    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 27 were:1. The Minister for Ford Rangers strikes againTransport Minister Simeon Brown was again the busiest of the Cabinet ministers this week, announcing an ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    17 mins ago
  • Ticket To Anywhere

    You got a fast carAnd I want a ticket to anywhereMaybe we make a dealMaybe together we can get somewhereAny place is betterYesterday’s newsletter, Trust In Me, on the report of abuse in state care, and by religious organisations, between 1950 and 2019, coupled with the hypocrisy of Christopher Luxon ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    59 mins ago
  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    18 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    24 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    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 Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T00:44:15+00:00