Open mike 10/05/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 10th, 2016 - 119 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

openmikeOpen mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

119 comments on “Open mike 10/05/2016 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Paul 1
    10 May 2016 at 6:21 am

    NZ law firms that lobbied government did business with Mossack Fonseca.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/panama-papers/303462/law-firms'-links-to-mossack-fonseca

  2. Paul 2
    10 May 2016 at 6:29 am

    Is Emmerson the only person on the Herald’s staff who is mentioned the Panama papers?
    This morning stories about diggers, the Bachelor, a ghost ship in Africa an several others were deemed more important that the revelations about our tax haven status.
    New’s media represents that of North Korea’s at times in its adoration of the Dear Leader.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11636230

    • tc 2.1
      10 May 2016 at 6:46 am

      Normal service has been resumed at granny.

      Keep the sheeple titilated and if you have to run a panama story, minimal facts only, no conjecture or opinion, ensure CT memes are included, dry as possible, mention hager and vlwc, park akl house price stories nearby.

      • Paul 2.1.1
        10 May 2016 at 7:03 am

        When I use the word ‘Granny’ I have fond memories of a gentle human being.
        The Herald no longer deserves that moniker.
        Pravda would be better.

        • Colonial Viper 2.1.1.1
          10 May 2016 at 9:28 am

          Yes, Pravda would be better. Because every Soviet citizen took it for granted that Pravda never told the truth, and knew it always had an agenda. They knew you had to read very carefully between the lines of Pravda to glimpse at what was actually going onin the world and why.

    • Stunnedmullet 2.2
      10 May 2016 at 7:02 am

      unless there is some revelation about NZ persons or government involvement the story has no real appeal for Msm anymore.

    • mary_a 2.3
      10 May 2016 at 8:32 am

      @ Paul (2) … and if/when the issue is published in NZH, it will be buried deep in the bowels of the publication, requiring some eagle eyed detection and a magnifying glass to find it!

      Stuff has the MF issue at number 3 news item, under far more important topics such as The Bachelor (no 1), Housing in Auckland (2).

      NZ fast losing its reputation as being a good, decent nation, going down the gurgler big time, while more importantly the Bachelor selects his mate and being told the Auckland housing boom is a lie! WTF?????

  3. mickysavage 3
    10 May 2016 at 7:06 am

    Today could be a very interesting day. Stay tuned …

    • vto 3.1
      10 May 2016 at 7:15 am

      what what? what’s going on? you can’t say “i know a secret but can’t say…”. sheesh

    • mary_a 3.2
      10 May 2016 at 8:35 am

      @ mickysavage (3) …. ooohhh now you are teasing us ….. hint please!

      • mickysavage 3.2.1
        10 May 2016 at 9:39 am

        Nothing to do with the Panama Papers …

        • Puckish Rogue 3.2.1.1
          10 May 2016 at 9:49 am

          Well now that is intriguing

        • veutoviper 3.2.1.2
          10 May 2016 at 11:23 am

          Presumably something that happens at 4pm today. Or rather was supposed to happen at 4pm today NZ time but a certain blog ostensibly outside NZ jumped the gun with a statement by one of the players appearing for a short time early this morning. That post has now disappeared.

          • Puckish Rogue 3.2.1.2.1
            10 May 2016 at 11:42 am

            Can you say what it was about?

            • veutoviper 3.2.1.2.1.1
              10 May 2016 at 11:55 am

              Assuming my guess is correct, not without getting myself and TS into trouble legally.

              Presumably all will be revealed in a few more hours – both here and elsewhere in the blogisphere. As MS said, nothing to do with foreign trusts, Panama papers etc.

              A very different messy spider’s web of intrigue, he said/he said, accusations/counter accusations etc etc which has been ongoing for a couple of years.

              • Puckish Rogue …
                10 May 2016 at 12:54 pm

                Ah ok, so its quite serious then

              • Enough is Enough …
                10 May 2016 at 1:57 pm

                As long as it is not another Oravida which I think bore the shit out of most people by the end of it.

                • Puckish Rogue …
                  10 May 2016 at 2:26 pm

                  It may have been reading Jeffery Archer at an impressionable age but I do enjoy a good, juicy political scandal

                  • BM …
                    10 May 2016 at 2:45 pm

                    You’ll be surprised when you find out

                  • instrider …
                    10 May 2016 at 3:32 pm

                    It’s not really that interesting, just interblog warfare going criminal. It’s unofficially accessible on the internet already.

                    i predict there will be a lot of self congratulatory high fives on the standard once the admission of guilt is public and the ability to name and shame is released.

                    If you can stand it, also seek out the a1000 word long poor me excuse laden explanation. That sense of self pity is about the only similarity with Jeffrey archer or perhaps tony veitch would be a more timely comparison.

                • Enough is Enough …
                  10 May 2016 at 4:02 pm

                  Come on Mickey

                  we are waiting…this better be good

              • b waghorn …
                10 May 2016 at 2:57 pm

                “he said/he said”
                Not she said ?? A clue maybe??

        • Joe Wilbur 3.2.1.4
          10 May 2016 at 3:48 pm

          And this site still shows as shabby in the big reveal.

    • Puckish Rogue 3.3
      10 May 2016 at 8:47 am

      With the greatest respect as you have considerably more experience with setting up of trusts than I do it is in my considered opinion that I believe the only thing that may or may not come out today will be of interest only to political tragics, the beltway and the msm

      However it will not be of interest to the general public of NZ, therefore the Panama Papers will, in weeks/months to come be considered a political flop to rank along side the Moment of Truth or the Dirty Politics publication

      I believe this is what will happen because of the intense media speculation that has caused an expectation that hasn’t been matched by the contents of the paper

      In that trusts were formed in NZ prior to 2008 and more trusts were formed after but breaking no laws

      My belief will most likely be shown to be correct by the next few months in which I expect there to be a small bump in Nationals fortunes in the polls which will show the voters dissatisfaction with the, possible, collusion between hackers, the MSM and the opposition

      • Ad 3.3.1
        10 May 2016 at 9:03 am

        You’re looking in the wrong direction PR.
        Different story entirely breaking late today.

      • Draco T Bastard 3.3.2
        10 May 2016 at 9:17 am

        I’m pretty sure that the general public really are interested in finding out that the rich are fraudsters and are stealing from them and a daily basis.

        • Puckish Rogue 3.3.2.1
          10 May 2016 at 9:24 am

          You’re right in that respect however I think that this case is far removed from most peoples day to day experiences so as such its not “real” to them and because of that its not considered a big deal

          For example what would be the difference to NZ if these trusts weren’t in NZ but were elsewhere? Well there wouldn’t be any difference at all save some lawyers and accountants would have a bit less money.

          However I may very well be wrong.

          • Draco T Bastard 3.3.2.1.1
            10 May 2016 at 10:25 am

            You’re right in that respect however I think that this case is far removed from most peoples day to day experiences so as such its not “real” to them and because of that its not considered a big deal

            You think wrong. This hits home hard.

            For example what would be the difference to NZ if these trusts weren’t in NZ but were elsewhere?

            Wrong question. It should be: How much better would their lives be if these rich pricks weren’t stealing from them?

            And the answer to that is much better.

            We cannot afford the rich.

            • Puckish Rogue 3.3.2.1.1.1
              10 May 2016 at 10:51 am

              Well this could be true but are NZ companies using these tax havens to avoid paying taxes in NZ?

              • Draco T Bastard …
                10 May 2016 at 10:54 am

                Probably. In fact, I heard that a number of people in NZ business have accounts in tax havens.

                • Puckish Rogue …
                  10 May 2016 at 11:01 am

                  Then, hopefully, the IRD will come down on them if they’re not paying taxes owed to NZ

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    10 May 2016 at 3:28 pm

                    Well, that’s the point isn’t – it’s legal and this government seems to have gone out of their way to ensure that IRD can’t do anything about it.

                    Immoral actions such as tax avoidance should not be legal.

          • Editractor 3.3.2.1.2
            10 May 2016 at 2:54 pm

            House prices ARE real to NZers though, so It will be interesting then to see what the data on the numbers of properties sold to foreigners being released today will reveal. It’s then only a short hop, step and a jump to the idea that the NZ property market is being screwed by wealthy foreigners (with possibly dubious backgrounds) using the trust system. Even if it’s wrong, it would be a difficult idea to shift and it isn’t without precedence ( http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/7c329314-32ae-11e5-bdbb-35e55cbae175.html – http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/panama-papers-london-property-offshore-wealth-exposed-global-elite-who-own-it-1553521 ).

            Key has already been linked to all this through his “lawyer”, his continued lackadaisical defence of the trust system and his government’s inaction on the housing issue.

        • indiana 3.3.2.2
          10 May 2016 at 9:38 am

          The general public want to be rich too…they will want to know these guys did it so they can emulate it!

      • Tricledrown 3.3.3
        10 May 2016 at 9:33 am

        PR this is an International story not some storm in a tea cup in little old back Banana milkshake republic NZ.
        I will run down queens St completely naked if it goes away within the Month.

        • Puckish Rogue 3.3.3.1
          10 May 2016 at 9:41 am

          Sorry I was not clear in what I wrote. The story itself won’t go away in a couple of months but the result in the polls is what I was referring to, so in regards of doing damage to National it will considered another flop.

          • Pat 3.3.3.1.1
            10 May 2016 at 10:09 am

            this appears to be progressing from dancing on the head of a pin to limboing on the point of a needle

        • alwyn 3.3.3.2
          10 May 2016 at 5:46 pm

          Please tell us that Whale Oil was not this incredibly important story?
          If this was it can you warn us when your Queen Street run (or waddle) is going to be. Then we can all avoid the appalling display.
          This has already sunk. In fact except on this site and Slater’s one it never reached the surface.

          If it wasn’t please Slater please tell us what it was.

    • Jenny Kirk 3.4
      10 May 2016 at 9:22 am

      Is Parliament sitting ? If so its question time today. I wonder if Key will front up….and if he does, what’s the betting he sits there smiling, joking, and turns any serious question into a farce !

  4. Rosemary McDonald 4
    10 May 2016 at 7:40 am

    Moko Rangitoheriri would almost definitely be alive today had someone, anyone, done their fucking job.

    Shame on Te Whare Oranga Wairua Maori Women’s Refuge for not saving this child.

    Shame on CYFs for not saving this child.

    You were both told, and neither of you could be bothered even going to the home and seeing if Moko was OK.

    A child made a disclosure of abuse and you twits went and asked the abuser if they were abusing? How many times has that happened and the at risk child dies.

    You professionals signed this child’s death warrant.

    I’m sorry…wtff. WTFF!

    (trigger alert.)
    Systemic failures and lack of accountability in child protection sector leading to inevitable death of one child and the life of the survivors forever blighted. No professional accepts responsibility.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/79772891/sister-told-social-worker-moko-being-abused

    • Halfcrown 4.1
      10 May 2016 at 8:13 am

      +1

    • Puckish Rogue 4.2
      10 May 2016 at 8:57 am

      Hi Rosemary

      This is something I have no experience of so if I inadvertently say something inappropriate I apologise in advance as it comes from ignorance not malice

      I’ve thought that the policy of keeping the child within the family unit is flawed, I’ve thought that CYPs are not doing a very good job (the workers are probably doing their best however), I’ve long thought that it almost seems as if adoption is discouraged in NZ and that what National is proposing in starting again has merit

      I think that since CYPs is failing it does need to start again but I’m also thinking if the same people in charge from CYPs are transferred to the same positions then nothing much will change

      Do you think this is a good idea from National or will it (most likely) be doomed to failure?

      • Rosemary McDonald 4.2.1
        10 May 2016 at 10:16 am

        “This is something I have no experience of …” 🙂

        “I’ve thought that the policy of keeping the child within the family unit is flawed,”

        Any policy, if rigidly applied, automatically becomes flawed.

        The overarching rule should always be “Do what ever is best to keep that child safe NOW.”

        Someone has to take responsibility when abuse is reported.

        Marama Fox did a great piece over on TDB a few weeks ago….the comments are closed unfortunately, as it would be very interesting to hear what she has to say about this case.

        http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/04/26/can-cyfs-save-children/

        What the government will do is contract out core responsibilities to ‘providers’. (Labour did this with disability and it has not gone well…especially for those who need the most support.) In the Disability Sector….provider organisations are well seeded with former Misery of Health staff…all a bit incestuous.

        “Contracting out” further distances the government from responsibility when the system fails individuals….

        Whanau Ora…where the hell are they??? There’s a good idea that has come to nothing, nothing, nothing…

        I don’t have the answers…but from the point of view of an abused child and the point of view of a former foster parent…’get the children to a place of safety, and pull out all the stops to sort the shit out in the home.’

        We all should keep talking about this.

        • adam 4.2.1.1
          10 May 2016 at 10:28 am

          Rosemary McDonald Whanau Ora, has been dying slowly, in the face of odd accounting requested by government. I think only two organisation are left in Auckland who still use the programme money. I’d have to check that. got to run.

          Also having met folks who worked within Whanaua Ora, yes great idea,. Major criticism, one hell of a lot of paper work though – which meant face to face time was ever decreasing. – and considering the programme is only a few years old – what a spectacular way to kill it. Almost every year since inception more government paper work.

          Willie and Boomers show did a good piece as well. Marama Fox is proving a good MP, I just hope she does not get burnt out.

        • International Rescue 4.2.1.2
          10 May 2016 at 10:36 am

          Thank you for raising this issue Rosemary. I have a close friend who works on behalf of at risk children within the Maori community (due to who her employers are). She is very clear…the fragmentation of data between Gvt agencies, the obsession by CYFS to maintain familial contact, the disgraceful movement of children between multiple caregivers…these are all key factors in the problems we have today. Changes are being made, but these are far too late for far too many children.

          • Rosemary McDonald 4.2.1.2.1
            10 May 2016 at 10:50 am

            “…he obsession by CYFS to maintain familial contact,”

            Oh, yes. A huge problem.

            “…the disgraceful movement of children between multiple caregivers,”

            …and fuck all support for caregivers number five, six, seven, eight, nine…..doomed to failure from the get go. Perpetual motion….

            We did (owing to our particular circumstances) emergency and short term care only….hence the idea that we’d love and care for the children while CYFs put all their social work skills into sorting our the family’s shit…or finding a long term secure placement.

            There was ONE local social worker who we could rely on to a) have a couple of plans for the child
            b) had a ‘make it so’ philosophy
            c) kept us (the foster family) informed
            d) oh, and treated us as part of ‘the team’, and with respect.

        • Maz 4.2.1.3
          10 May 2016 at 1:37 pm

          I’m in the ‘be cautious’ camp too. I know there have been calls from a few sectors of the community to place or return children to their extended families. However, I don’t believe that biology should precede one’s right to one’s child or children.

          My concern is the generational dysfunctionality that exists within these families. Alcohol and drugs, along with physical and sexual abuse are experienced and perpetrated by many generations of one family. While this is their norm, someone else knows what is happening to these children…and doing nothing! How many lives could we have saved just by taking the time to make that crucial phonecall or contact!

          Surely, if a child has been exposed to all of the above, then under no circumstances should that child be permanently reunited with that family.

      • adam 4.2.2
        10 May 2016 at 10:20 am

        They try and keep children in the wider family. Not the immediate, where the problem is. Keeping kids within the family means less problems later on. Rather than putting them in foster care, and all the issues that come with that.

        “I think that since CYPs is failing, it does need to start again, but I’m also thinking if the same people in charge from CYPs are transferred to the same positions – then nothing much will change” — On the money with that one.

        • Rosemary McDonald 4.2.2.1
          10 May 2016 at 10:39 am

          “Rather than putting them in foster care, and all the issues that come with that.”

          Maybe we could have a wee think about the premise that ‘foster care is bad’?

          Maybe we could reframe it as “Respite Care” (as happens in the disability sector) then it wouldn’t attract the same negative connotations?

          Because that option is always going to be needed.

          Like, seriously.

          • Puckish Rogue 4.2.2.1.1
            10 May 2016 at 10:58 am

            I don’t know how accurate these figures are but I have no reason to disbelieve them: http://adoptionoption.org.nz/adoption/new-zealand-adoption-prof/

            as they seem to be in line with this article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/420491/Number-of-babies-available-for-adoption-falls-sharply

            But I wonder if adoption has somehow been, for lack of a better word, “stigmatized” or isn’t encouraged (I’ve considered adoption in the past as, medically speaking, kids aren’t likely to happen for us) and so more kids are kept in situations when they could, maybe, be adopted instead

            • Rosemary McDonald 4.2.2.1.1.1
              10 May 2016 at 11:18 am

              Geezus PR…now you’re stirring up a hornet’s nest!

              Stigmatised is not too stronger word…some bring in ‘stolen generation’ arguments and then all discussion goes to shit.

              There will be people around here who were adopted, and it went well for them. Others not so well….and I’d like to see if the rates of abuse and neglect of adopted kids is higher than kids who grow up with their birth parents.

              Open adoption is the norm today….with the adoptive parents having full custody rights, but with the (usually) birth mother involved. This can work well.

              CYFs clamour to encourage foster parents to take out ‘permanency’ arrangements so the child has some security…the birth family have rights of access and contact…sometimes these arrangements go horribly wrong for lack of boundary enforcement by CYFs.

              Older children are harder to place in permanent care or adoption….

              • Puckish Rogue …
                10 May 2016 at 11:26 am

                Yeah I’d forgotten about the stolen generation and the wounds they could open

          • adam 4.2.2.1.2
            10 May 2016 at 2:00 pm

            I don’t have a problem with short term foster care, and I agree it is very useful.

            I also agree we need to be open minded, but I won’t buy into another shake up for the sake of a shake up. I get the system is broken, but if it is more of the same with different labels – what’s the point? And if it is going to strangled for money to do a real transitions – what’s the point?

            I do have a problem of alienating people from their families and culture. I have a real problem with that, and having live in Australia, know it can only get worse, not better if we go down the path of the state knows best about children.

    • AsleepWhileWalking 4.3
      10 May 2016 at 9:15 am

      yes.

    • left for dead 4.4
      10 May 2016 at 1:45 pm

      Very sad Rosemary, and I have experienced their willful negligence. 👿

  5. Grey Area 5
    10 May 2016 at 7:52 am

    Strong interview from Andrew Little on Morning Report just now making clear, relevant points about what he quite rightly calls a grubby little industry while not being diverted by a shameful piece of “journalism” by Guyon Espiner. Liked the way Little called Espiner on him challenging Little to provide one piece of evidence of criminal activity in these overseas trusts when Little had made no mention of that aspect at all.

  6. TTD 6
    10 May 2016 at 8:16 am

    Worse display by Andrew Little to be frank.
    He is not very good at being interviewed doesn’t seem to be able to think on his feet.
    Little should be in a really strong position again and fluffed it.
    Oh well.

    • Pat 6.1
      10 May 2016 at 8:24 am

      “…..doesn’t seem to be able to think on his feet.”
      and yet he seamlessly sidestepped GE’s attempted distraction….so top flight journo outmaneuvered by incompetent politician…..even worse.

  7. dv 7
    10 May 2016 at 8:47 am

    Have a look at the requirement to register as a trustee of a foreign trust

    Basically name and address-
    NO ID seems to be required.

    http://www.interest.co.nz/sites/default/files/embedded_images/Trust%20info.pdf

    AND the search function on the dump database is super fast.

  9. Draco T Bastard 9
    10 May 2016 at 9:14 am

    Well done, Mr Weldon!

    First You Stuffed TV3

    Then You Stuffed Yourself

    MediaWorks didn’t win the Roger Award (the Judges Report here). It didn’t even get into the top three. That simply shows what fierce competition there is in the transnational corporate race to the bottom.

    😈

  10. Tricledrown 10
    10 May 2016 at 9:29 am

    PR it is doomed because pay rates for social workers is not increasing .
    Also no increase in numbers of social workers at all.
    Social workers at CYPs were expected to have 60 to 80 cases per worker 10 times more than is practical.
    Causing a massive burnout and staff turnover no continuity.
    The family court is a lawyers money go round which wastes another 60% of Social workers time.
    Research at Canterbury university shows that putting a trained social worker in charge of a CYPs family is the best way of turning these highly dysfunctional families around it costs $72,000
    Per year but is much cheaper than the million dollar welfare families.
    National and Labour are aware of this successful programming but claim its to expensive.
    That’s total BS.
    Many CYPs families are crime ridden the cost is much higher locking up the next generation than fixing the problem.
    This govt is doing another make over and not changing the way they are approaching the problem.

    • Puckish Rogue 10.1
      10 May 2016 at 9:36 am

      It is a quite a huge task in front of National (and Labour when it gets back in) I don’t envy them

  11. mac1 11
    10 May 2016 at 9:48 am

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/4868884/NZ-slated-by-activist-over-tax-haven-problem

    In order to shed some light as to who and how long people have been naming New Zealand as a tax haven, a little Googing shows this 2011 report in which a tax haven activist names NZ as one.

    “Tax haven activist Nicholas Shaxson has hit out at New Zealand for opposing a plan to create a UN body to tackle tax haven abuse.
    Shaxson, who has become famous following the publication of Treasure Islands: Tax Havens and the Men Who Stole the World, said New Zealand is letting down the developing world.
    He has also revealed that New Zealand has a growing reputation as an offshore haven itself. He predicts New Zealand will appear on the Tax Justice Network’s Financial Secrecy Index by 2013.”

    The Greens in 2013 quoted the Tax Justice Network as a source for their November 2013 claim that NZ was a tax haven.

    Incidentally, the Tax Justice Network is the source also for the claim that some $7.4 billion is lost annually to the NZ government through tax evasion, in the ‘shadow economy’. This figure was known about in 2011.

    Peter Dunne, former Revenue Minister from 2005-2013, complains today that he did not know about the size of the growth in foreign trusts. The Greens alerted the country to this in November 2013. Dunne was Revenue Minister in 2011, when the government eased the rules on Foreign Trusts.

    Do we believe that he never asked for information about the effects of this easing from his officials? Incompetency or lies from either or both of these actors. Do we also believe that other members of the government never sought information on the effects of these changes to trust law?

    This trust law is of course the concern of several foreign tax haven lawyers who were able to secure a meeting with the new Revenue Minister within 7 days of seeking it, a meeting which was held in the offices of one of these ‘highly ethical’ lawyers, and as a result of which meeting departmental advice was over-ridden and changes were not made which would have been inimical to their interests.

    • Draco T Bastard 11.1
      10 May 2016 at 10:36 am

      Do we believe that he never asked for information about the effects of this easing from his officials?

      With Dunne? I’m quite happy to believe that and if they told him anyway he would have ignored them and listened to the business people who wanted to keep rorting governments.

      • mac1 11.1.1
        10 May 2016 at 11:01 am

        “Rorting’ us citizens, too, Draco T. 🙁

      • ianmac 11.1.2
        10 May 2016 at 11:37 am

        When Dunne was asked yesterday if he would now ask questions of IRD, he backed off the concern at his lack of being informed, because he is no longer Revenue Minister. Still ask couldn’t he, though probably not a useful answer.

  12. joe90 12
    10 May 2016 at 12:54 pm

    Public Culture, the Duke University Press journal of cultural studies, has temporarily suspended the paywall on the latest issue –

    Climate Change and the Future of Cities: Mitigation, Adaptation, and Social Change on an Urban Planet

    http://publicculture.dukejournals.org/content/28/2_79.toc

    (PDF’s too so if you’re interested get ’em while you can)

  13. joe90 13
    10 May 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Rodrigo Duterte, the populist candidate who vows to to pardon himself for murder, looks set to win the Philippine presidency.

    Polls have closed in the Philippines presidential election with an unofficial, partial tally of votes suggesting a strong lead for populist mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

    Andy Bautista, head of the polling commission, said voter turnout in Monday’s election was estimated at 80 percent, which he said was a record in the country.

    While authorities described the overall conduct of the elections as peaceful, police said at least 10 people died across the country in election day violence as gunmen attacked polling stations, ambushed vehicles and stole vote-counting machines.

    Based on 80 percent of votes counted, Duterte, whose controversial campaign focused on a pledge to kill criminals, had 13.7 million votes, GMA, a national news website, said, citing figures from the election commission. He was followed by Grace Poe at 7.6 million and Manuel Roxas on eight million.

    http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/05/philippines-election-160509061757928.html

    John Oliver – Rodrigo Duterte, ‘Trump of the East’

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKRCX9Vu2Tw

  14. Colonial Viper 14
    10 May 2016 at 3:53 pm

    Vaughan Little:

    If you’re Christian, if you’re a monarchist, if you’re a straight white guy, if you disagree with mass medication, and decide to stand your ground, then yes you will be dumped on from a great height. You see, you will be seen to be highly irrational, highly unconventional, and more than slightly delusional/ignorant.

    “Christianity in action” seems like such a quaint anachronism to some. Even though it is still the guts of what needs to be achieved.

    It makes a mockery of the supposed broad church ethos of the party. It seems that the neoliberals and the free trade globalists are very well tolerated though.

    Having said that I think that we should certainly consider profanity personally directed at other commentators becoming a moderatable offence.

  15. Ovid 15
    10 May 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Slater admits soliciting hack. Has he gone through some form of restorative justice process with The Standard?

  16. Puckish Rogue 16
    10 May 2016 at 4:27 pm

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79814716/panama-papers-green-party-donor-listed-in-offshore-leaks

    James Shaw is showing better judgement then Andrew Little:

    Shaw made clear the party were not against Kiwis having trusts overseas, they just wanted more transparency and disclosure on their details.

    “It’s not whether someone’s got a foreign trust, it’s whether they’re doing anything illegitimate such as tax avoidance, money laundering of anything like that,” he said.

    Whereas Andrew Littles knee jerk reaction is : http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/303327/labour-would-ban-foreign-trusts

    Decisions made in haste always lead to waste (or something)

    • Gangnam Style 16.1
      10 May 2016 at 4:54 pm

      Yeah but not quite what Little said was it, is ‘knee jerk’ the new buzz word or something.

      • Rodel 16.1.1
        10 May 2016 at 5:28 pm

        Quite right GS:
        The PM, Mr English and others on the right are trying to introduce a few new buzz words. Simple derogatory impact statements which they hope will catch on..’knee jerk’…’barking mad’ ..’bonkers’.. and there will be more to come.Count them.

        Must have got new strategy instructions from ‘Sir’ Lynton-CT

    • Chuck 16.2
      10 May 2016 at 5:46 pm

      Maybe because James Shaw knew a larger donor to the Green Party was about to be outed on the Panama dump release.

      Now if this was a National party donor, cue the pitch forks and hanging rope!!

  17. mary_a 17
    10 May 2016 at 4:35 pm

    Labour was correct. Evidence is out there now. The majority of property sales in NZ, particularly Auckland was to Chinese buyers.

    Nothing racist about it, because it’s fact!

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11636711

    • mlpc 17.1
      10 May 2016 at 4:53 pm

      Sorry, but you are wrong.
      The Herald story doesn’t say that. It says that the majority of the overseas buyers of property (3% of the total) were Chinese.
      This implies that around 2% of sales overall went to overseas Chinese buyers.

    • instrider 17.2
      10 May 2016 at 4:55 pm

      Mary you are wrong about what labour was claiming, and labour was wrong in what they were claiming. There is no tsunami and 40% of homes are not going to chinky named foreigners. Ironically the most accurate person was the barfoot and thompson ceo who said all along it was between 5 @nd 8% of buyers were overseas asians. He was only wrong by about 100%

    • Expat 17.3
      10 May 2016 at 5:44 pm

      mary_a

      The information provided by the herald is for this year- Jan to March, yet the comment still says

      “Nearly 60 per cent of Auckland houses sold to foreign buyers went to Chinese investors, new data shows.”

      There has been a huge reduction of Chinese buyers since late last year, but prior to that, Labour was correct to identify the heavy speculative investment in Auckland property by a particular group, just recently in Sydney the media was more than happy to provide the stats on Chinese property investors, indicating they had spent $12B in the last year, no one… no one called them racist for identifying them as Chinese, if they had been Spanish, then they would have been referred to as Spanish investors, it’s not racist to identify specific groups within a population, if it were Kiwi’s in China snapping up properties at a fast rate, do you think the Chinese would hesitate to identify them as Kiwi’s, of course not,

      The whole “racist” thing was to throw the public off the scent, the govt’s happy for foreign money to come to NZ as there’s not a lot else happening economically.

      • Chuck 17.3.1
        10 May 2016 at 6:23 pm

        Your argument goes up in a puff of smoke Expat…Labour went through the sales data (illegally taken from a Real estate company) and used the “test” of any Chinese sounding names as the basis for their stats…at best very crude, if not racist.

        However I agree its too early, and the sampling of data needs more time. But the 40% that Labour says verse 3%…hmm even doubling it to 6% still leaves a huge gap to make up.

        Now mary_a has misread a news head line…I trust it was an honest mistake.

        • Expat 17.3.1.1
          10 May 2016 at 7:28 pm

          Chuck

          I find it interesting that these stats are available now and weren’t a year ago, and just because residents purchased the bulk of properties, doesn’t mean that it wasn’t funded from overseas, the argument from Little was to raise the concerns of rapid increase of housing prices in Auckland, making it extremely difficult for ordinary Kiwi’s to buy a home.

          As so many RW’s pointed out at the end of last year, Key’s changing the rules had reduced foreign sales, so the stats are for the first three months of this year, the same RW’s would say that this is evidence of the govt changes working and the subsequent results portrayed in the Herald story, but the same thing happened to the rest of the world, Chinese residential investment ramped down very quickly over the last year as evidenced in all the major cities around the world.

          The 40% Little suggested is probably too high, but I know that in some suburbs of Auckland the percentage is more than 80% and in others less than 1%, in reality, the issue was raised and it is an important issue: housing affordability.

    • Colonial Viper 17.4
      10 May 2016 at 6:27 pm

      What the hell is wrong with you “progressives”?

      Listen, Maori are more criminally inclined than pakeha. It’s a fact, and the conviction and prison statistics prove it. You can’t argue with the numbers, and its not racist to say so because its the facts. Look at the over representation of Maori in our courts and in our prisons.

      Not racist. Right?

      The problem that the dickheads in Labour made for themselves is that they never said:

      “we believe that highly cashed up foreign buyers, especially from China, but also from many other countries, have been pushing property prices in Auckland out of reach of Kiwis for years.”

      And their whole “Chinese sounding last names” approach was simply stupid.

      The cream on the cake for me is that Labour’s reputation as a tolerant, progressive party amongst Asians of all races went into the toilet thanks to their tactical blunder, and their poll numbers have been down since.

      Not saying that timing = causality but that’s what happened around the same time.

      • Expat 17.4.1
        10 May 2016 at 7:50 pm

        Political correctness is never going to fix the problem, raising the issue, at least forced the Govt to make some changes, but that aspect got swept under the carpet, the nats wouldn’t have introduced changes without some pressure from somewhere, Little actually achieved a result, but the beat up has derided that achievement, the media churning out a negative view point as usual, there’s two sides to every story.

        “You can’t argue with the numbers,”

        Those stats that you quote probably have no credibility, and politically spurned.

        I’m not saying the issue was handled perfectly, but it was raised, persistently, to get the Govt to move, you can spin things any way you like, but the reality is that changes were made, some acknowledgement of the seriousness of the issue.

      • Colonial Viper 17.5.1
        10 May 2016 at 6:43 pm

        Bernard Hickey says the real number of foreign sales of NZ houses will fall between 3% and 48%.

        The current data has a number of problems with it which mean that we can’t tell where the real number falls.

        • Pat 17.5.1.1
          10 May 2016 at 6:50 pm

          exactly…and it is pertinent to remember that the historical aspect will remain unmeasured so will continue to be a source of uncertainty and debate…….and the change in declaration requirements may in itself impact the sales.

  18. Colonel Tusker 18
    10 May 2016 at 6:39 pm

    Well Switzerland has done quite well out of being a tax haven. They don’t collect taxes on the deposits, but can then lend that money and charge interest on it. Switzerland has an excellent international reputation, despite harbouring Nazi gold, no? I don’t really see the problem, NZ needs money, this is a pretty good way of getting some.

    Singapore too, they say, is a tax haven for all sorts of dirty money from China, Indonesia, elsewhere in Asia. Great! Stable, efficient, honest, easy to do business with. Phrases like that.

  19. Expat 19
    10 May 2016 at 6:49 pm

    Here’s a “little” thing from kiwiblog, pardon the pun.

    “Five Labour MPs went out one day
    Over the hills and far away
    Angry Andrew said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack,”
    but only four Labour MPs came waddling back…
    …
    Four Labour MPs went out one day
    …
    Three Labour MPs went out one day
    …
    Two Labour MPs went out one day
    …
    One Labour MP went out one day
    Over the hills and far away
    Angry Andrew said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack,”
    but none of the Labour MPs liked him.””

    I can see why there are the resident RW bloggers here at TS, kiwiblog has no theme for them to write about, just angry, stupid, incoherent bullshit is the general topic of the day, I only went there to gauge their response to Slater’s hacking activity and surprise, surprise, not a mention.

    The piece above is a classic example of the level of intelligence of these RW nutjobs.

  20. Chooky 20
    10 May 2016 at 11:46 pm

    Uncle Sam wants you if you are a hacker:

    ‘ ‘Unprecedented’: UK activist fearing US extradition, 99yr sentence awaits landmark court ruling’

    https://www.rt.com/uk/342430-lauri-love-encryption-ruling/

    “UK authorities have hijacked a civil suit launched by a cybersecurity expert from Suffolk accused of hacking into the Federal Reserve, in a move that has sinister implications for journalists and others who rely on encrypted data storage and communications.

    Gifted programmer and human rights activist Lauri Love, 31, stands accused of intercepting online systems operated by the Fed, NASA, the FBI, the US Department of Defense and the US Environmental Protection Agency, among others…

  21. Murray Simmonds 21
    11 May 2016 at 12:47 pm

    “GOVERNMENT:
    If you think the problems we create are bad . . . Just wait until you see our solutions.”

    Love that quote. Here’s my pick for offshore blog of the day:

    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-05-10/inevitability-unintended-consequences

    It opens with a couple of Hillarious (but definitely not Clinton-esque) examples of policies that went terribly wrong (The law of Unintended Consequences) then shows how current economic policy has turned out to be much the same. Quite a clever article really, IMO.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 hours ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    6 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    6 hours ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    8 hours ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    9 hours ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    9 hours ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    10 hours ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    14 hours ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    22 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    1 day ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 day ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-20T08:35:48+00:00