Open mike 10/07/2020

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 10th, 2020 - 215 comments
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215 comments on “Open mike 10/07/2020 ”

    • yes A bloody fine article – should be required reading for all neolibs!

    • Draco T Bastard 1.2

      That's a good example not for more taxes but for a maximum income. And, no, it won't be set at 18 or 20 eggs but at 9 or 10. More than enough each but not so much that it automatically forces others into poverty.

      BTW, the high taxes that we used to have were exactly that – a maximum income. Although they weren't really high enough to achieve that and the rich could, and still do, structure their income in such a way so as to avoid it thus proving that using taxes as an indirect income ceiling doesn't work.

    • Andre 1.3

      That piece makes the mistake of starting out be buying into the false framing of the "tax is theft" crowd by only talking about transfers from individuals to individuals.

      But only about a third of government revenue goes to social security and welfare, the rest goes to maintaining a functioning society.

      Seems to me the better framing is around contributing back to maintaining the society that made it possible to gather lots of eggs, so that it will remain possible to again gather lots of eggs next year and the year after and the year after. And just a fraction of the cost of maintaining society is ensuring everyone gets at least the minimum number of eggs to adequately get by on.

  1. aom 2

    Holy F**k – Stuff is at it again today. The latest mountain out of a molehill offering is an opinion piece, the shabby wordsmithing of Thomas Manch! Today's propaganda installment reads almost as though the dastardly criminal Megan Woods took a poor sad Covid affected, wanderer down to a local Countdown with the express purpose of unleashing a pandemic on the public. Thank God the likes of al Jazeera and even the Guardian are capable of providing competent commentary because sure as hell, it is hard to find in the NZ media.

  2. Dennis Frank 3

    Simon Bridges discovered the secret of happiness, and told Toby Manhire:

    a crisp midwinter walk somewhere near Nelson in the great country of Aotearoa, in gumboots, in shorts, with a Roxy Music T-shirt, with a baby yak. https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/09-07-2020/the-two-step-plan-to-becoming-as-happy-as-simon-bridges/

    I now feel a bit of performance anxiety around social media posts. There hasn’t been a whole lot of thought going into them. But with Baby Yak taking off, I’m not sure what I’m going to do next. I did have a Mouse Town lined up, my niece’s pet mouse has a series of tunnels and things

    The two-step plan is this:

    1. Become leader of the opposition.
    2. Get rolled as leader of the opposition.

    The method seems to work on a bipartisan basis:

    As far as I can tell the life story of David Shearer is one great long line of guitars, surfboards, friends, and all-round contentedness, interrupted only by a brief and grisly interval as leader of the Labour Party. After he was mercilessly defenestrated by his so-called friends, Shearer went to work in the relatively harmonious war-torn South Sudan. And you could just see the weight lifted.

    • I Feel Love 3.1

      That's awesome, I imagine David Clark is another happy chappy too.

    • Morrissey 3.2

      What an embarrassment he is. National's "brains trust" (headed by Michelle Boag) must have thought there was no way but up after getting rid of him.

      Incredibly, they were wrong.

  3. Dennis Frank 4

    Rosemary McLeod has a cool photo of Matt McCarten giving Michelle Boag advice: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/122075230/boag-and-walker-have-put-nats-regrowth-on-hold

    Dunno how to shrink it into this space here, but he seems to be giving her the inside word on how to destabilise Labour – you can tell from the expressions on their faces.

  4. Dennis Frank 5

    So Todd's master plan is now in the pipeline, and it bears an uncanny resemblance to socialism: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=12346799

    He said the plan's framework was made up of five components: responsible economic management; delivering infrastructure; reskilling and retraining the workforce; a greener, smarter future; and building stronger communities.

    That means marketing is now crucial. Framing so as to persuade Nats that it isn't actually socialism ain’t gonna be easy. Hooten may have to hire a pr specialist. He is one? Um… Well when your audience has been trained since childhood to call a spade a spade, you will have to outwit them somehow.

    I know! Use Jim Bolger! He has already gone public with his view that neoliberalism failed. He could be authentic in selling `smart socialism' as a brand then, eh? Frame Labour's lame version as `dumb socialism' and the Labs will have no option other than telling the electorate "Actually, we're neoliberals, not socialists." Problem solved.

    • Incognito 5.1

      You can call it anything you like, e.g. post-neoliberal socialism, or dress it up anyway you like, but unless National has had an overnight epiphany, which in some cases means a transformative (AKA life changing) epiphany during a lie down and cuppa tea, then it still is neoliberalism. Marketing, my ass; look at what’s under the bonnet of the ‘red’ car that has come out of the panel beater’s workshop.

      • greywarshark 5.1.1

        Nats are into transformative plastic surgery; viz Paula Bennett and are also concerned about upping their mental agility, they've a bit of furring, thickening of the veins etc. However free markets enable all sorts of remedies, bleach might be more efficacious than a cup of tea.

    • Gabby 5.2

      'She's a Pretty Communist' Guy won't be having that.

  5. Rosemary McDonald 6

    Nothing unusual, really, about Boag and her cronies exploiting gifts of personal data landing spontaneously in their laps…but the real issue here is why on earth rescue helicopter businesses were sent the information by the Mystery of Health in the first place. What possible purpose would be served by rescue services having this very specific information?

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12346999

    The former ARHT doctor struggled to see why the ARHT should be given the patient lists even if there were hundreds of cases across the country.

    Early on when we were in level 4 lockdown … level 3 lockdown, the ambulance services were treating any patient who had respiratory symptoms as a possible Covid patient and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. So actually knowing the identity and being sent a list of patients is just not helpful," McGuinness said.

    Which obliges us to remember one of the earliest (and perhaps the most harmful) of Bloomfield's confused messaging.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12322248

    Ambulance staff would not perform CPR on a confirmed Covid-19 case, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says.

    This was a guideline adopted internationally, he said, and because the virus was spread via the respiratory system.

    This was very quickly disputed by these 'ambulance staff'…

    However, St John said it would continue to resuscitate patients in cardiac arrest and there had been no directive that CPR should not be done on suspected or confirmed Covid-19 cases.

    "Like all ambulance services in New Zealand, Australia and internationally, we have issued additional instructions to ambulance officers when responding to cardiac arrest patients because of the increased risk of exposure to Covid-19 during resuscitation," a spokesman said.

    "Guidance includes donning additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and alterations to the way that patients are resuscitated (for example, providing ventilation using specific devices and not through a face mask), to reduce the risk of transmission of viral infection, if present."

    To my knowledge, Bloomfield has never revised that directive….

    • I Feel Love 6.1

      I can't find it but there was an article on RNZ with garbled quotes from Boag and one of them was she asked for the emails to be sent to her to make sure no one on Waiheke had Covid, why she had been receiving them through the whole pandemic. I'll try again to find it, was a very confusing bunch of excuses.

      • Rosemary McDonald 6.1.1

        I have not take Boag seriously as a human being since she commandeered that rescue helicopter to go pick up her forgotten passport.

        The whole Pullar thing cast all involved in a remarkably poor light.

        Beggars belief that anybody who aspires to public office would see association with such a one as a benefit.

        Scratching dogs and fleas….

    • McFlock 6.2

      I'll definitely be interested in the thinking behind distributing that infromation to responders, and it will be documented somewhere. Another matter for the inquiry, but not the main event, imo.

  6. Ed 7

    The plot thickens….

    Michael Woodhouse now admits he received information from Boag.

    Did he receive the information on the 2 travellers from her?
    Did he receive the information on the homeless an from her?

    ‘”This was confirmed for me as I wrote to Michael Heron QC last night to advise him that towards the end of June I had sent several emails to Michael Woodhouse comprising notification of a small number of then new Covid19 cases.”

    Sounds like it.

    Did Woodhouse use the leaked information?

    And is Muller really telling us that his Health Spokesperson told him nothing about 4 emails he received from Boag between the 21st and 25th June?

    Another 2 resignations needed.

    Dirty Politics alive and kicking in the National Party.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12347017

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/420906/covid-19-privacy-leak-michael-woodhouse-says-he-received-emails-from-michelle-boag

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300053836/michelle-boag-leaves-national-party-after-leaking-patient-info-to-michael-woodhouse

    • Tiger Mountain 7.1

      Wait there’s more…
      and likely as long as Mr Heron keeps investigating, the headlines will keep coming for a while yet, despite National’s attempts to deflect, minimise, bury and ignore.

      It has taken international media to point out the obvious situation of local media supporting and enabling NZ National’s Covid attack lines ahead of public safety. A big clean out is due in this country. National’s dirty tricks are deeply embedded in the party culture, not an aberration.

    • mac1 7.2

      So who did Woodhouse tell about four leaks from a known source that he knew enough not to share with media because of what they contained.

      Does the National Party view of morality for Nikki Kay's 'moral obligation' to win the election include using illicitly gained information as Walker did?

      Does the National Party view of morality for Nikki Kay's 'moral obligation' to win the election include not alerting the proper authorities to the distribution and access to such information as Woodhouse did not do in a timely with his 'cuddling couple' preferring to use it for political purposes in the House?

      Does the National Party view of morality for Nikki Kay's 'moral obligation' to win the election include not alerting the proper authorities to the distribution and access to such information as Woodhouse did not do with the four emails (so far) from Michelle Boag?

      Who can believe that senior members of the National Party be it leadership, leader's staff or party officials did not know?

      This is indeed the time for the National Party to examine more closely the ethics of its MPs, staff and organisation- a few years in Opposition lockdown and isolation might help.

      Aren't they lucky that Winston is in hospital at the moment!

      • Ed 7.2.1

        Great questions.

        Pity we don't have a media that will ask them.

        Michael Woodhouse is on RNZ at 10.30 a.m.

        Will Kathryn Ryan ask the important questions?

    • ianmac 7.3

      If Boag is releasing information that she kept Woodhouse informed, is she doing so because she is bitter and twisted and is seeking revenge?

      • Ed 7.3.1

        Quite possibly.

      • woodart 7.3.2

        two yes;s and a maybe

      • RJL 7.3.3

        Or maybe the "problem" is that the inquiry has her email server?

      • Treetop 7.3.4

        May be over the years the National Party rot that Boag has managed it became normalised to her and she got away with it until she knew she had lost control and tried to shut it down but had no control over what Woodhouse or Muller would say.

        If you take Boag and Walker out you have a Woodhouse and Muller credibility issue.

        Muller needs to backbench Woodhouse and Kaye needs to come clean if Boag or Woodhouse sent her the emails and if she went to Muller.

  7. Anker 8

    Yes no surprises there with Woodhouse. No alarm bells for him about Michelle giving him confidential patient information on four occasions like “what the f..k Michelle’s why are you passing this stuff on?”……..or why do you a non clinical person have this information in the first place.

    btw I think it is reasonable rescue helicopters ie their clinicians were give this. It’s a bloody pandemic, frontline staff are putting their lives at risk and I cannot think of a time when clinicians intensional you leaked notes although there was a famous whistle blower case in the 1990s. Rem

    • Ed 8.1

      So Woodhouse did not tell Muller for over 2 weeks…….

      • observer 8.1.1

        Yes, that's the killer line. Since June 21! Incredible. All while standing next to his boss, slamming the government and telling us how we needed the National "team".

        Of the two options, I'm more inclined to believe he didn't tell Muller, than he did and Muller kept quiet. Like most National MPs, Woodhouse couldn't care less about his leader. Muller has no clout in that caucus at all.

        • Ed 8.1.1.1

          Agreed.

          His behaviour over the two travellers to Wellington shows his priorities.

        • anker 8.1.1.2

          Ha ha ha Observer……yes Michelle welcomed him with open arms, viewed his selfies and then penned her next missive to Michael Woodhouse……..

          BTW has Woodhouse resigned yet? My husband just sent him a corker letter about his outrageous and despicable behavour towards Clare Curren with the toilet seat.

          Told my husband who has yet to have a response from Woodhouse, that clearly he had other things on his mind and he would probably get to hubby's letter on the weekend…………happy days!

      • dv 8.1.2

        AND what's more he had a ping at the leakage of the the self same health info as disgracefully shambollicly

  8. Ffloyd 9

    Michael Woodhouse said he DELETED information sent from MBoag. LMAO. That little gem has set me up for the day.

    • Ed 9.1

      "Subsequently."

      To quote him.

      "I recognised that the information in those emails was private so I did not share it with anyone else and I subsequently deleted them."

      The key word is "subsequently".

      He did not say "immediately."

      If he received the emails on the 21 June and deleted them yesterday, he would have deleted them "subsequently".

      • mickysavage 9.1.1

        Like 2 minutes after he was asked if Boag had provided information to him!

        • observer 9.1.1.1

          At the very least, Woodhouse needs to show a reply from him to Boag saying "WTF Michelle! Cease and desist, now!".

          Preferably not one he came up with this morning. He'll need to fake the date stamp.

      • xanthe 9.1.2

        If he received the emails on the 21 June and deleted them yesterday, he would have deleted them "subsequently".

        exactly ! We should assume thats what he has done.

        • ianmac 9.1.2.1

          Yes. He said that was what he did. Deleted last Monday/Tuesday after sitting on them since June.

  9. Just Is 10

    So Woodhouse is now admitting Boag Leaked information to him as well

    The story reads as though Boag has been at the bottom of all leakages, maybe just a red hearing to protect the real source.

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/national-mp-michael-woodhouse-admits-receiving-similar-covid-19-leak-michelle-boag

    • observer 10.1

      No, Woodhouse claims he has another source as well.

      “I can confirm that Michelle Boag is not the source of my previous information released by me in relation to the Government’s Covid-19 response.”

      (obviously we can’t believe a word he says, but it doesn’t rule out another source)

    • Ed 10.2

      Quite possibly. There is clearly a mole there.

      Woodhouse needs to explain why he sat on that information for over 2 weeks.

      • greywarshark 10.2.1

        He brooded about it while he waited for it to hatch. He didn't know whether to get egg on someone's face or wait for it to fully develop.

  10. Marcus Morris 11

    Spectacular announcement just now. Boag feeding Woodhouse stuff for weeks. Muller claiming just yesterday that there was no need to question his own MP's on whether or not they had anything to hide. All done and dusted he claimed, with the confessions of Walker and Boag. The great unravelling has only just begun.

  11. Chris T 12

    Have they worked out where the Countdown bloke actually went for 70 minutes yet, or is this beyond the current people in charge?

    • observer 12.1

      He went to Michelle Boag's apartment, where he had a cup of tea and a lie-down.

      • mac1 12.1.1

        And shared his selfies?

      • anker 12.1.2

        Chris T criticizing the govt now and the quarantine facilities is just a pathetic distraction. I suggest you go to stuff and read the article by the pathologist that has just arrived in the country to take up a job and is in quarantine who says our system is the gold standard and one other countries should model themselves on.

        You are making yourself look a little ridiculous here. A bit like Woodhouse with the homeless man

    • ianmac 12.2

      22 minutes was spent on his phone making use of the free internet outside the Supermarket and 15 minutes inside the Supermarket which leaves 33 minutes to walk there and back.

      Hard luck Chris.

      • Chris T 12.2.1

        Apparently the supermarket is 5 minutes walk away.

        • anker 12.2.1.1

          Chris don't you realize that people aren't pissed off with the Govt over this guy leaving isolation. They are very, very pissed off with the offender. Calling for jail time etc……………

          Your onto a loser here Chris….

      • xanthe 12.2.2

        I want to know if he has confirmed that the 22 minutes on the phone were calls to NZ Herald and RNZ. ?

        Who did he send the selfies to?

    • Gabby 12.3

      He drove back to his electorate.

    • bwaghorn 12.4

      He leaked confidential information to news companies!!

      Oh wait no that was the national party!!

    • anker 12.5

      Chris T criticizing the govt now and the quarantine facilities is just a pathetic distraction. I suggest you go to stuff and read the article by the pathologist that has just arrived in the country to take up a job and is in quarantine who says our system is the gold standard and one other countries should model themselves on.

      You are making yourself look a little ridiculous here. A bit like Woodhouse with the homeless man

      • Chris T 12.5.1

        Yes. Because people disappearing for 70 minutes on one of the countries busiest streets, who are seen in a supermarket 5 minutes walk away and no more info, who are later found to be covid positive is merely a distraction.

        frown

        • Gabby 12.5.1.1

          I'm sure he was just picking up some drugs or sutin.

        • Drowsy M. Kram 12.5.1.2

          Bit feeble Chris T – a lot's happened since that walkabout, but don't worry, there will be others, and Boag/Walker/Woodhouse/Muller et al. will be all over them.

          Once there have been a few more quarantine and managed isolation 'runners', the media can start compiling stats on their political affiliations.

          In other news:

          Skiiers [sic] are facing hour-long waits to get up Mt Hutt as traffic jams clog the access road.

          All five car parks filled up before the mountain opened at 9am and police have been called to help with parking on surrounding streets.”

          https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/420908/freezing-temperatures-as-skiers-face-lengthy-traffic-jams

          Oh the humanity.

        • left_forward 12.5.1.3

          Nah its not sticking Crusty, unlike…

        • Morrissey 12.5.1.4

          Not good, and it should be criticized intelligently. Unfortunately, we don't have a credible Opposition party in this country.

    • Naki man 12.6

      The current people in charge are fucking useless, another scum bag has now wandered off from a Hamilton hotel. If this Government doesn't pull it's finger out of it's arse we will end up in lockdown again.

      • observer 12.6.1

        You really need to read up on the news before sounding off.

        It's not hard, the details of his case are widely reported.

      • Incognito 12.6.2

        Have a lie down and a cuppa or a KitKat. You’re starting to sound like a National MP.

        • I Feel Love 12.6.2.1

          The army should be in charge! The police should be in charge! We're gonna have every bloody agency in charge soon, just to keep NZrs in a motel.

          • Incognito 12.6.2.1.1

            All that untapped electricity from Tiwai Pt should be used to charge them and zap hem into obeisance. If that doesn’t work, call Paul McKenna.

      • Ed 12.6.3

        its.
        If this Government doesn’t pull its finger……..

        it’s
        it’s not hard

        • In Vino 12.6.3.1

          Quite right, Ed. it's = abbreviation for 'it is', or 'it has'.

          its = belonging to it.

          As resident pedant, I was going to comment, but was pleased to see you raise the point.

          Naki man's failure to properly control his apostrophes is utterly shambolic, and shows that he is utterly unfit to govern.

  12. Kiwijoker 13

    Way,way better than Shortland Street!

  13. bwaghorn 14

    All that excess power that's coming Southland's way should be used to run a hydrogen plant for trucking fuel.

  14. Morrissey 15

    Woodhouse: “It was beyond my comprehension that anyone in the National Party could have done that.”

    This unspeakable piece of work just said that on RNZ National. He is squirming under interrogation from Kathryn Ryan right now.

    Transcript on the way, fellas!

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Woodhouse#/media/File:Michael_Woodhouse.jpg

  15. Chris T 16

    The Nats Chinese spy dude has bit the bullet apparently and is standing down.

    • Gabby 16.1

      Has the mothership called him home? Is he needed in Hong Kong?

    • Morrissey 16.2

      That's a positive move. Now when will Woodhouse stand down?

      • pete 16.2.1

        They could start a company with a fancy name that sounds all sort of legal:

        Walker, Woodhouse & Yang

        They could deal in ethics and suchlike.

      • Graeme 16.2.2

        At current rate it's not looking good for any Nat list candidates, or MPs. Sod all chance they’ll get enough Party votes to get any in off the list

    • observer 16.3

      Anyone missing the days when nothing happened on a Friday? smiley

      It's good that Yang is standing down. It's not good that as a result, the public will (probably) never know the full story.

    • Just Is 16.4

      Does that mean there are no Financial Donations coming Nationals way now

      • Gabby 16.4.1

        Or has he got his network up and running?

        • Just Is 16.4.1.1

          Very cynical of you, but quite possibly true.

          Maybe, just maybe, Yang was the one with the mole in the MOH, and is worried about the potential fall out.

          At the moment it's looking like "Rats leaving a sinking ship"

      • Draco T Bastard 16.4.2

        No. It means that those donations are less in the spotlight.

  16. Stephen D 17

    Nikki Kaye is lying very low through all this.

    Waiting for her chance, before the election?

    • Just Is 18.1

      Send them back to their place of origin, that way their free to do whatever they like, in another country.

      All new entrants to NZ should be warned that is the penalty for NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES, no excuses.

      • Ed 18.1.1

        I am not sure that is legal.

        Prison.

        • Just Is 18.1.1.1

          No, probably not, but Laws can be changed in extraordinary circumstances.

        • Draco T Bastard 18.1.1.2

          Depends.

          By NZ law and international treaties its illegal for NZ to send a person back where they came from if that person is in danger of being killed if they're sent back. Unfortunately, this applies even for criminals.

      • Janet 18.1.2

        Name and shame them.

      • Draco T Bastard 18.1.3

        Send them back to their place of origin

        What if NZ is their place of origin?

        All new entrants to NZ should be warned that is the penalty for NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES, no excuses.

        Deportation is already part of the rules but it does need to be used more.

        • Just Is 18.1.3.1

          By place of origin I mean the place they arrived from, or more specifically the country they traveled from to get to the Safe Haven, NZ

          • Draco T Bastard 18.1.3.1.1

            But we can't do that to NZers as they have a right to be here and expect the government to look after them.

            Of course, they don't have a right to break the rules and thus should be sent to prison. Considering how bad the possible consequences are from this guys actions that should be prison for a minimum of 21 years with solo confinement at the beginning.

            • Just Is 18.1.3.1.1.1

              As the potential exists for infection into the community, then the potential exists for someone to be infected by the escapee which could result in death.

              21 Years sounds about right

          • maggieinnz 18.1.3.1.2

            Legally, we have to allow them home. No way around it nor should it even be considered.

  17. observer 19

    Idiot in Hamilton cuts through fence at isolation hotel, goes out to buy booze. Now in custody.

    As I mentioned before, if 6000 people are in isolation, and 99.9% follow the rules, that still leaves 6 who don't. As long as isolation continues (and it will for months) then these stories are inevitable. Fuckwits don't disappear, anywhere on earth.

    He was arrested. The alternative headline is "man shot while trying to escape". People should probably think about that.

    • Ed 19.1

      The army is needed to run these operations.

    • Chris T 19.2

      Another one then.

      It is only inevitable while the isolation security is so shit btw

      • observer 19.2.1

        What should the response be to a person cutting through, or climbing, a fence?

        Think it through first. Assess the manpower needed, and the rules they would be required to follow.

        • Incognito 19.2.1.1

          Why wasn’t the fence encrypted and/or password protected? Obviously, the Minister of Health is incompetent and needs to go.

      • left_forward 19.2.2

        Yeah! let's roll in the tanks and gun em down!

        FFS macho boys.

      • Just Is 19.2.3

        So Chris, no self responsibility, I thought that was one of the main planks of National Party policy.

        I say we send the offenders straight back to their place of origin with no chance of reentry for at least 6 months, let them cover their own costs.

        • Chris T 19.2.3.1

          I wouldn't know

          What I am saying is maybe a bit of highlight should be put on how these people are being housed and looked after.

          But no.

          Who cares.

          • The Al1en 19.2.3.1.1

            This escapee at least had to cut through a fence to go walkies. It's not like he was a convicted child abusing murderer who walked out of the front door of a prison having obtained a false passport and shamed the then corrections minister and government by flying to Brazil.

            • Draco T Bastard 19.2.3.1.1.1

              But he was trying for possible mass manslaughter. After all, his actions of escaping quarantine could have been the death of many people including children.

              So, yeah, he's as bad as the child abusing murderer.

              • The Al1en

                So, yeah, he's as bad as the child abusing murderer.

                Not in my book. Bad, potential for a very bad outcome, but nowhere near kiddie fiddling and murder. But each to their own and all that.

                • Draco T Bastard

                  He was breaking the rules because he felt he was more important than those he was putting at risk – exactly the same as the child fiddling murderer.

                  • The Al1en

                    Not at all, really, but the point of my original reply was putting the claim "isolation security is so shit" in some context, where actual convicted offenders, in actual prisons, can and do escape.

          • observer 19.2.3.1.2

            We all care, Chris, and I'm sure you do too (not sarc).

            But the people trying to run this thing also care, and have to deal with problems that are more or less infinite.

            A small one, relevant today: Should there be alcohol in isolation? How is addiction treated? What are the risks/consequences of cold turkey?

            Nobody can answer that with a one-liner. And it's only item 74 on the agenda.

          • Draco T Bastard 19.2.3.1.3

            What I am saying is maybe a bit of highlight should be put on how these people are being housed and looked after.

            No, it wouldn't do that. The only thing that could be used as is as an attack line by the immoral right-wing against the government – which, of course, is what's been happening.

          • Just Is 19.2.3.1.4

            The percentage of people escaping from quarantine is

            0.005%

            That's a pretty small number

            • Chris T 19.2.3.1.4.1

              And one was infected, who disappeared for 70 minutes to who knows where apart from a supermarket, which would have taken about 25 minutes

      • rod 19.2.4

        Chris I think you gloating is so shit btw.

  18. Just Is 20

    Just reported, another escapee, this time a quarantine facilty in Hamilton, the man in his 50s cut some cable ties on a fence to escape to the local bottle store

    For me, the penalty for this should be to send the offenders back to wherever they came from, a strong message needs to sent, you're not welcome if you don't follow the rules.

    The risk is too high to let these people potentially harm our safe haven that a Team of 5 million has so graciously worked towards.

    • Muttonbird 20.1

      Should smear Covid on his continental breakfast and force feed it to him.

      • Just Is 20.1.1

        And then send them back to their place origin.

        • Ed 20.1.1.1

          I think United Nations rules say people must allowed to return to their countries?

        • greywarshark 20.1.1.2

          Sending them back costs in itself. And anyway the men, I suppose but must not be sexist, are just showing typical NZ impudence about responsibility and booze and should blend in seamlessly when released.

          • Just Is 20.1.1.2.1

            Make them fund their own transport costs, if they can't, lock them up in complete isolation untill they're clear of infection and then release them into the normal prison population for at least 6 months, we need to send a clear message.

            The people escaping seem to be encouraging others to follow suit as there appears to be no penalty that reflects the crime

        • bwaghorn 20.1.1.3

          A 50 year old that cant go 2 weeks without booze!! Almost gaurentees hes a kiwi born and breed. Maybe they should give them access to some 2.5 % beers, at their own cost.

          • Incognito 20.1.1.3.1

            Let them eat cake!

            • bwaghorn 20.1.1.3.1.1

              With a set of wire cutters baked in.

              I see they've named and shamed him and packed him off to prison, hope they do it to the other one .

        • maggieinnz 20.1.1.4

          That's kinda why they're here. They're kiwis…

    • Ed 20.2

      About time an example was made of these 2 sets of selfish *******

      Quarantine offenders and the National Party – both need a serious penalty to encourage them to play for the team.

      • Just Is 20.2.1

        Maybe we should have them sign a contract on their arrival and put up a bond that was returnable after their isolation was complete, the bond would cover the cost of chasing them down and the subsequent cost of 6 months in jail.

    • weka 20.3

      For me, the penalty for this should be to send the offenders back to wherever they came from, a strong message needs to sent, you're not welcome if you don't follow the rules

      Back to where they came from, the quarantine hotel?

      • Just Is 20.3.1

        No, the country of origin, where ever they arrived from, they don't deserve the right to come here if they don't respect the rules and potentially spread the virus

        Relistically, the penalties need to reflect the potential harm, someone could possibly become infected as a result of escaping and end up being a fatality, Murder of the first degree.

        Alternatively, stop all new arrivals, but that's not really fair for the 99.9% of arrivals that do follow the rules

        • Chris T 20.3.1.1

          They are probably kiwi citizens

          • Ed 20.3.1.1.1

            Prison is the solution.

          • Just Is 20.3.1.1.2

            Chis, saying they're probably NZ citizens doesn't mean they born here

            Nearly 20% of NZ citizens have come here over the 12 yrs

            • Draco T Bastard 20.3.1.1.2.1

              Nearly 20% of NZ citizens have come here over the 12 yrs

              In which case having their permanent residence/NZ citizenship stripped from them and sending them back should be an option.

            • Chris T 20.3.1.1.2.2

              So you are saying that kiwi citizens only have certain rights if they are born here?

              Forgive me if I have the wrong end of the stick.

              If I do have the right end, what is the point of people getting cictizenship?

              And what year range are we talking?

              Someone who is 30 and lived here 3 years is less of a real citizen than some 60 who has lived her since they were 2?

            • McFlock 20.3.1.1.2.3

              So your solution doesn't apply 80% of the time.

              • In Vino

                Even leading (or ex-) members of the National Party are NZ citizens, Chris T.
                Yet they subvert our efforts.

      • Sacha 20.3.2

        Back to Queenstown in this latest case. Hellhole.

    • AB 20.4

      It may be indicative that he headed out for booze. Obviously we don't know in this particular case – but once you have several thousand people in quarantine there will be quite a number with significant substance dependency issues. It is showing just how difficult mass quarantine is. Though Toddy did indicate a while back that it's all simple – and he has 'business experience' so he must be right eh?

      And what Observer said at 21 below.

    • Pingao 20.5

      How about we just dunk all returnees in orange dye that wears off in, say, 18 days.

      • Just Is 20.5.1

        Penalising all returnees isn't really a good option when you consder that the percentage of escapees to the number of retunees is extremely low

        0.005%

    • Gabby 20.6

      Sounds like some libertarian alky prick who's not gunna be told wadda do by nobuddy. He better pay for the damaged tv. Wanker.

  19. observer 21

    I know we all love easy, instant solutions, but they don't make good policy. Here is some relevant info from today's 1 pm briefing (Chris Hipkins):

    – The Hamilton man is in police custody. He is due to appear in court later today.

    – He tested negative for his day 3 test, after arriving from Sydney on 1 July.

    Now, consider this. EVERY proposal about bubbles, opening borders, international students (etc) includes the idea that we can test people before they get on a plane. "Oh, make them have a test, and if it's negative, all good." Then we test them again when they arrive. That is the "safeguard" offered by everybody that says we should be gradually opening up.

    This guy in Hamilton had a negative test. He's been here 9 or 10 days. Therefore, this one person breaking the rules means nothing, because we should be admitting thousands more like him. He has been tested. It was negative.

    That is the reality of every – repeat, EVERY proposal to open up. Even a cautious, test and trace opening.

    You either isolate or you don't. If we do, and ten escape, that is bad. If we don't, thousands escape. And their tests don't mean shit.

  20. Draco T Bastard 22

    With National in self-imposed collapse has Rio Tinto read the writing on the wall?

    In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, the company said its strategic review had "shown the business is no longer viable given high energy costs and a challenging outlook for the aluminium industry."

    The company has given Meridian Energy notice to terminate its power contract, which ends in August next year. It expects the wind-down of operations will be done by then.

    It said it had had discussions with interested parties but could not secure a power contract that would have kept the smelter competitive and profitable.

    Which is pretty much what they said last time and National came to their rescue with even more subsidies.

    “We do believe that nothing has been left on the table but if we’re mistaken then the window is still available for a deal to be put on the table but the window for that is closing fast now that we have terminated our electricity contract with Meridian.

    “We’ve got 1000 Southland people, good Southland people, who have been walking through our gates every day to produce some of the highest purity … aluminium in the world and it’s extremely disappointing that we couldn’t have achieved an outcome that will let us continue to keep operating.

    So, that wold be the plea for more subsides from the government.

  21. observer 23

    Anyway, there's a bit of news around today, eh?

    Memo to Roy Morgan: your latest poll is due, can you hold off until next week? Don’t want it buried …

    • Just Is 23.1

      Next week may turn out to be even worse for the National Party, this whole thing could completely unravel before their very eyes.

      Lets hope

  22. Whispering Kate 24

    These absconders may have underlying addiction/mental health issues. Alcohol addiction, nicotine addiction, phobias such as being 'hindered' from being able to just be free and not held back from doing whatever. Drugs are freely available in the world and cheap as well in some countries. Are they being drug tested as some may be hanging out and wanting to get out to score. Apparently there was a disturbance in one of the hotels and police had to go in on two occasions to one person who was 'unhinged" and being stroppy and it was disclosed he/she had mental health issues.

    Maybe a health check, blood tests done to see what is circulating in their systems once they get to their hotels so that if there is a substance reliance occurring they could be given the required medication for whatever they need to keep them docile for their stay. This health check could be written into their contract, as a condition for getting home to NZ prior to getting on the plane.

    Its strange though that this absconding is only just happening now. One person does it and it becomes contagious and others want to do it too. Cutting through a fence is a sign of desperation though and that could be a booze/drug problem.

  23. observer 25

    So anyway, turns out the Hamilton guy arrived from Sydney, and is from Queenstown, and is in custody.

    So that's 3 separate knee-jerk talking points demolished … NSW bubble, bloody foreigners, and wet bus ticket.

    It's as if armchair reckons won't solve everything after all.

  24. Fireblade 26

    288 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Victoria today. sad

    26 linked to known outbreaks, 262 under investigation and none linked to returned travelers.

    https://mobile.twitter.com/covidliveau/status/1281434824696201216

  25. Gabby 27

    How long before ScoMoFo declares any kiwis testing positive are to be deported?

  26. observer 28

    RNZ report on Hamilton booze buyer … my emphasis added:

    "Police told the court that McVicar had been non-compliant while in isolation.

    Community Magistrate Robyn Paterson said McVicar had been warned about his behaviour last Friday but then absconded on Thursday evening.

    She said he had been particularly difficult to deal with in isolation and described his political beliefs as strong. …

    She refused bail and remanded him in custody without plea to reappear in the Hamilton District Court on 15 July."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/420941/man-charged-over-leaving-hamilton-isolation-facility-named

    • Gabby 28.1

      The gnatsys may have found their new candidate for Southland..

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 28.2

      " described his political beliefs as strong. … "

      What's the bet he favours personal liberty at the expense of the wellbeing of the wider community…which side of politics is that likely to be now?

      • AB 28.2.1

        TV1 news described him as a "Queenstown businessman" – which was enough to suggest everything you say, and more.

        • Treetop 28.2.1.1

          Is the mattress not up to his liking or does he want a bigger and better window view than anyone else and is the food to plain?

          Maybe a billboard. NZ has eliminated community transmission and all New Zealander citizens and residents like it that way.

  27. ianmac 29

    A man has been arrested at an Auckland Covid-19 isolation hotel after allegedly becoming abusive at staff.

    It comes amid a turbulent week at similar facilities across the country, as three people face charges for absconding.

    Auckland Police Superintendent Steve Kehoe said on Monday night a 21-year-old man who was in managed isolation at a hotel in Māngere was arrested after he allegedly became abusive to staff.

    The Ministry of Health confirmed to the Herald it was at Naumi Hotel, Auckland Airport.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12347182

    In custody till Tuesday.

    • observer 29.1

      It's shambolic! Why is Jacinda allowing people she's never met and has no control over to be abusive to staff?

      Vote National and nobody in NZ will ever be abusive again, because Todd gets things done.

      • swordfish 29.1.1

        .
        He's the kind of hard-living no-nonsense Maverick who gets the job done by cutting corners and bucking authority … and if those namby-pamby desk-sucking pen-pushers on the 9th floor of the Beehive don't like it then, Mister, they can just about swivel like a pig on this mid-digit.

        Who’s the Oppo Leader who doesn’t give a frick
        He’s a sex machine to all the chicks ?
        Muller ?
        Damn right !!!

        Who’s the cat that won’t cop out when there is danger all about ?
        Muller ?
        Right on, Motherfucker !!!

  28. weka 30

    Does anyone have a link to a good write up on what quarantine is like from the occupants perspective? What they are allowed to do, but also what their experience is like?

    • Anne 30.1

      Various inmates (for want of a better word) have commented on social media and to the media in general, and they seem appreciative of the way they are looked after by staff. They understand the necessity for the rules and are happy to abide by them.

      The handful of exceptions are either grossly ignorant or they have underlying problems.

      • weka 30.1.1

        stress, mental health issues, addiction, loneliness all come to mind as being pretty hard to manage in quarantine.

        • McFlock 30.1.1.2

          Well, yeah – like for everyone who lived alone under level 4.

          Here's a guy talking about doing it in April.

          • weka 30.1.1.2.1

            Under level four we were allowed to go outside. It's not quite the same. I would have thought L4 might have given us a bit more tolerance for how people manage stress.

            • weka 30.1.1.2.1.1

              Also, L4 at home vs confined to a hotel room eating what you are given. It's not a huge hardship relative to many things, but it's not nothing either. My thinking is mostly around if there are gaps eg people needing to self medicate with alcohol and not being able to.

            • McFlock 30.1.1.2.1.2

              Under level 4 many people couldn't go outside for as long as the mandated breaks this crowd have.

              They have a smoking area, and at least one person said she had access to alcohol (but not massive amounts).

              And we did it for longer than a fortnight.

              This isn't an alien situation that most of us can't understand – we all experienced something in that ballpark. People in mansions with spare rooms and large gardens maybe had it less, but they were still restricted. And some of us in small dwellings probably have less square footage than some decent hotel rooms.

              Two weeks is tough. We know. Because most of us did it three tiimes in a row.

              • weka

                Why couldn't L4 people go outside?

                • McFlock

                  essential-only, remember? The folk in hotels get exercise sessions, and so did we, but we weren't supposed to be wandering on the beach cos we felt like it.

                  And that's not getting into specific circumstances, like maybe a "walk around the block" isn't an option for some people.

        • Treetop 30.1.1.3

          A 24 hr hotline for people in isolation or in quarantine free of charge.

          • weka 30.1.1.3.1

            I'm curious what support people are offered by the MoH. I know some people had a hard time in L4, I think this is worse.

            • Treetop 30.1.1.3.1.1

              Some sort of resource kit so a person can have some control over their situation.

              Without looking up the name change and over a decade imprisonment. Some years back I saw some footage on David Bain on how he got through the time he spent in prison.

              "All I had to worry about was the next 5 minutes."

              I have applied this in my own life when I have been very overwhelmed or have felt very badly treated.

              It has worked for me with some medical procedures/issues and personal set backs.

      • maggieinnz 30.1.2

        Yes, I've seen mostly positive reports too. I know a lot of people struggled during lockdown (note: not the current managed isolation) but it was wonderful to see community efforts to help those with mental health and/or addiction issues go out of their way to help them. Some offered to go shopping for cigarettes and alcohol, some offered to phone for a chat etc. It was really encouraging.

    • The Al1en 30.2

      No link, but this week (or last), there was story in the papers about the lock down woman who grabbed a selfie with the PM. If I remember correctly, she had been blogging about being in quarantine.

      Edit: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/07/covid-19-woman-blogging-about-quarantine-ecstatic-as-she-meets-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-upon-arrival-in-wellington.html

  29. mary_a 31

    Not so long ago National was bleating that Jacinda and Labour were getting too much media coverage.

    They can't complain now, because National has been in the media 24/7 recently and it's very likely to continuelaugh

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    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
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    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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