Open mike 10/07/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 10th, 2013 - 126 comments
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126 comments on “Open mike 10/07/2013 ”

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  1. Morrissey 1
    10 July 2013 at 6:08 am

    Humbug Corner
    
No. 15: JOHN KEY

    “Labour are finding themselves in the wrong place. They know this is an issue of national security…”

    —Vacuous NZ prime minister John Key, defending Steven Joyce’s GCSB bill, TV3 Firstline, Tuesday 9 July 2013

    Humbug Corner is dedicated to gathering, and highlighting, the most striking examples of faux solicitude, insincere apologies, and particularly stupid recycling of official canards. It is produced by the Insincerity Project®, a division of Daisycutter Sports Inc.

    More humbugs….
    No. 14 Charles Saatchi: “I abhor violence of any kind against women…”
    
No. 13 Toyota NZ: “The more Kiwis that lean, the more motivated our ETNZ crew will be to win.”
    
No. 12 Pem Bird: “We’re there to do the business of advancing our people.”
    
No.11 Whenua Patuwai: “They’re my brothers and to see one of them goes [sic]—it’s tough.”

    No. 10 [REMOVED]
    

No. 9 [REMOVED]
    


No. 8 Barack Obama: “…people standing up for what’s right…yearning for justice and dignity…”


No. 7 Barack Obama: “Nelson Mandela is my personal hero…”
    

No. 6 John Key: “Yeah well the Greens’ answer to everything is rail, isn’t it.”
    

No.5 Dr. Rodney Syme: “If you want good, open, honest practice, you have to make it transparent.”
    


No. 4 Mike Bush: “Bruce Hutton’s… integrity beyond reproach…such great character…”



    No. 3 Dean Lonergan: “Y’ know what? The only people who will mock them are people who are dwarfists.”



    No. 2 Peter Dunne: “What a load of drivel and sanctimonious humbug…”





    No. 1 Dominic Bowden: “It’s okay to be speechless.”



    • David H 1.1
      10 July 2013 at 8:49 am

      Key on firstline this morning Oh I’ver had shhhome lemshhips and a few shhippss of shhomething else.

      He sounded pissed to the eyeballs!! at 7.45 AM for shame

  2. Morrissey 2
    10 July 2013 at 6:31 am

    Apology to Sir Owen Glenn
    Wednesday 10 July 2013

    It appears that I was wrong to place Sir Owen Glenn on the Humbug Corner list. Having watched him last night on TV3’s Campbell Live explain the circumstances of that Honolulu incident, I am convinced he did not do the things that he has been accused of.

    I apologize to Sir Owen and herewith remove his entry from Humbug Corner, which belongs to real, nasty, proven humbugs, such as John Key, Mike Bush and Barack Obama.

    • Lanthanide 2.1
      10 July 2013 at 12:41 pm

      Yes, hence my comment yesterday. I think a lot of your humbug corner recipients are just on your judgement, for example Obama saying Madela is his personal hero – you’re effectively saying that Obama is lying. It’s entirely possible that he is his personal hero; just because he does things that maybe Mandela wouldn’t approve of, doesn’t mean that Obama is lying or being insincere.

    • ropata 2.2
      10 July 2013 at 12:50 pm

      Plenty of other wealthy and powerful humbugs to replace Owen Glenn… Mark Hotchin, John Banks, Bob Jones, Peter Jackson

      • Morrissey 2.2.1
        10 July 2013 at 4:42 pm

        As a matter of fact, ropata, three of the four you mention are in line for an appearance in the series . Hotchin I have not really kept up with.

    • Populuxe1 2.3
      10 July 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Owen Glenn has provided plenty of other humbuggery to be worthy of inclusion, from his attempt to bribe the electorate into voting National to his obsession with having things named after him.

  3. Raa 3
    10 July 2013 at 6:52 am

    Is there any fresh news on the Labour leadership situation ?

    • Morrissey 3.1
      10 July 2013 at 7:16 am

      Here is the state of the Labour (and Labor) Party leadership around the world…

      New Zealand: hopeless.

      Australia: about as warm and cuddly as a Tibetan royal family reunion.

      Great Britain: “Led” by a teenage boy, respected by no one.

      Israel: ineffective as always.

      Fiji: in turmoil.

      • Tom 3.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 8:22 am

        I admire your endurance in the face of widespread cynicism, but polls I have seen online have been favouring Rudd slightly. The date of polling has not yet been announced and momentum is running towards the ALP, which Crosby & Textor will be trying to disrupt. Everyone is globally connected these days, so anything can happen.

        In NZ, Shearer’s leadership campaign looked like a soft coup – but anyone in that job would have faced an uphill battle against Key’s popularity. These days he seems a tarnished figure, but Shearer – a product of teaching, as a Labour researcher and then the UN, does not seem to have the smarts or the motivation to do exploit it.

        Rudd faced a similar coup, and the question has to be asked if there is anyone with the motivation and ability to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for this country.

    • Rosie 3.2
      10 July 2013 at 7:59 am

      Sadly not Raa. Check it out here:

      http://thestandard.org.nz/the-coup-that-wasnt/

  4. James 4
    10 July 2013 at 7:40 am

    Duncan Garner has tweeted:

    Good source. Coup on in Labour. Letter of no confidence being circulated. It’s over for Shearer. Watch for his resignation.

    So what is it ?

    Who leaked this to Garner?

    Is it real ?

    If not what is the purpose of doing this ?

    If it is real – who is the leader being suggested?

    Thoughts on a postcard please ….

    Any way – its just another train wreck side show for labour.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 4.1
      10 July 2013 at 7:55 am

      Behind the eight ball aren’t you James? Shearer has gone. Cunliffe is leader. You heard it here first.

    • Saarbo 4.2
      10 July 2013 at 7:57 am

      We continue to watch Labour Caucus play their silly and immature little political games. Meanwhile Nats gifted another 3 years in 2014.

      This seems to be the ABC’ers realising that their man Shearer is not up to it, pre empting a backlash, that’s my guess.

    • Pascal's bookie 4.3
      10 July 2013 at 8:13 am

      Looks like Gower was Garner’s source. Garner was pimping a Gower on Nightline exclusive that didn’t happen.

      So Gower’s source lied to him, apprently telling him he’d be given a copy of the letter. Zip.

      Ball’s pretty much in Gower’s court now as to what he wants to do about that to hold on to his credibility.

  5. geoff 5
    10 July 2013 at 7:56 am

    David Shearer = The Julia Gillard of NZLP

    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/election-race-neck-and-neck-as-kevin-rudd-streaks-away-from-tony-abbott/story-fn59niix-1226676231604

    Nothing’s going to happen. The vampire zombie old guard are thwarting the possibility of a better NZ as they hold the tiller steady while we go over the waterfall. We’re going about things the right way if we want to guarantee a National win next year folks.

    To all you Shearer/Robertson supporters out there: Thanks for condemning us all to another shitty 3 years.

    • James 5.1
      10 July 2013 at 8:03 am

      “Thanks for condemning us all to another shitty 3 years”

      You have to remember that the largest %age of voters (according to polls) think that NZ is heading in the right direction.

      And the bright side is when they get in again I think that they will bring in harder policies that will really have a huge impact (in a good way) on NZ.

      • geoff 5.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 8:21 am

        And the bright side is when they get in again I think that they will bring in harder policies that will really have a huge impact (in a good way) on NZ.

        Presume you mean National?
        If so, fuck off you puerile little worm.

      • muzza 5.1.2
        10 July 2013 at 8:21 am

        Voters know nothing, and the vast majority would be ineligible to vote, based on any degree of cogent understanding!

        • Te Reo Putake 5.1.2.1
          10 July 2013 at 8:31 am

          Hey, Muz, are your fascist leanings a consequence of your personal research project or the motivation for it?

          • muzza 5.1.2.1.1
            10 July 2013 at 8:41 am

            They are just my observations, Voice, that’s all!

            You’re right to use the *F-Bomb*, but it’s not me you should be setting the sites on!

            Reasonably certain you’re aware of that however, but simply couldn’t resist the urge to take a shot 😉

            • One Anonymous Knucklehead 5.1.2.1.1.1
              10 July 2013 at 8:55 am

              No-one who disagrees with you should have the right to vote. That seems fair.

            • Te Reo Putake 5.1.2.1.1.2
              10 July 2013 at 9:20 am

              Interested to know which of the regulars here you consider to be vote-worthy, Muz. A very short list?

              • muzza …
                10 July 2013 at 9:57 am

                Vote worthy, most of them!

                My comment was aimed wider than this site, out into the *real world*, if you like.

                Voting, requires little to no intelligence, or understanding of the micro/macro impact of this temporal world, anyone eligible, and registered can vote.

                Playing a positive role, in what people believe is democratic process, requires active involvement, it requires cognizant awareness, and removal of one’s own self from the decision tree, and instead, making choices for involvement, based on human traits, of kindness, generosity, caring, but being active, and if necessary, disobedient!

                In order to remove, thy self from the decision, one must be suitably evolved, aware and able to examine/disseminate complex situations, using simple, innate capabilities.

                • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                  10 July 2013 at 10:03 am

                  🙄

                  • muzza …
                    10 July 2013 at 10:46 am

                    What I didn’t mention (as it should be self evident), is that the *simple, innate capabilities*, have become buried, under what most types believe to be, intelligence/knowledge, and exhibits itself as arrogance/egotistical behaviors, many examples of which can be found on this site.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 July 2013 at 1:25 pm

                      Your capabilities have not been buried by knowledge or intelligence, yet your arrogance and egotistical belief in your superiority knows no bounds.

                      Or were you trying to say that with knowledge comes humility? I tend to agree.

                    • muzza …
                      10 July 2013 at 1:39 pm

                      Standing “O”, for you, McFlock!

                      Slow hand clap, Standing O, but a Standing O, none the less!

                    • McFlock …
                      10 July 2013 at 4:12 pm

                      that’s the shit

      • framu 5.1.3
        10 July 2013 at 8:27 am

        “in a good way” – oh please do explain what you think these might be and just how they will benefit all NZ

        i suspect it will all boil down to “well im going to do all right out of it – i think”

    • McFlock 5.2
      10 July 2013 at 12:56 pm

      you do know how quickly he managed to lose that support last time?

      Gillard had a similar bounce when she took the reins. It was transitory.

      • geoff 5.2.1
        10 July 2013 at 1:59 pm

        You’re scab Labour

        • McFlock 5.2.1.1
          10 July 2013 at 2:30 pm

          Ah, so should I take that to mean “oh, but Rudd was exceptionally high in the polls before he was deposed, and Gillard made no ground whatsoever in the immediately subsequent roymorgan polls”? Because that is what one might regard as “counter-argument based on evidence”.

          It would be incorrect, but at least an attempt at not being a dickhead just because someone disagrees with your own personal polly-crush.

          • geoff 5.2.1.1.1
            10 July 2013 at 2:43 pm

            What the fuck are you on? You’re away in your own wee world aren’t ya? That’s why you can sit back happily twiddling your thumbs and cheering for the McFluckwits like Shearer and feel really good about yourself when the left loses next year.

            Until you get it into your skull that Shearer et al are disliked by the voters, have no skills and are condemning the country to another 3 years of right wing control, then you are part of the problem, McFlock.

            You must be personally connected to the old guard lot because otherwise I can’t see how any sane person would still be honestly supporting them and believing they will lead the Left to a win.

            • BM 5.2.1.1.1.1
              10 July 2013 at 2:52 pm

              I think Shearer just needs a bit more time to find himself.

              Rolling him would be a terrible mistake.

              • geoff …
                10 July 2013 at 2:57 pm

                See McFlock, youre in great company, with the turds of the world like BM here. You wont get any clearer sign that you should abandon your sinking Shearer ship.

                • McFlock …
                  10 July 2013 at 3:07 pm

                  Apart from the fact that if the tories really did want shearer in charge of labour, they’d be speaking in favour of cunliffe, robertson and little because they know lefties would mistrust them.

                  BUT then knowing that, they’d argue in favour of shearer as reverse-reverse psychology.

                  BUT maybe they don’t partiucularly give a shit either way, and just like watching labour chicken-littles running around with a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.

                  Fortunately, I’ve spent the last five years developing an immunity to iocaine powder…

            • McFlock 5.2.1.1.1.2
              10 July 2013 at 2:58 pm

              If I understand your position correctly, it consists of four main points:

              1: Shearer is going nowhere in the polls
              2: Gillard went nowhere in the polls
              3: Rudd has made enormous ground in the polls since rolling Gillard
              4: therefore, if shearer is rolled the new leader will make enormous ground in the polls

              1 is plain wrong.
              2 uses too crude a measure – Gillard gained ground significantly immediately after gaining the leadership, and lost it again.
              3 assumes that rudd will not lose the ground he gained from the leadership change just as gillard did, and just as he did before being rolled by gillard.

              So 4 is wishful thinking, and certainly doesn’t warrant you being so worked up about it all.

              One thing I’m pretty sure about is that the voters aren’t particularly enamoured with “if you’re not with us then you’re against us” zealots.

          • Puddleglum 5.2.1.1.2
            10 July 2013 at 10:12 pm

            A close look at the graph you linked to on the Roy Morgan site seems to show that even Rudd’s ‘dip’ in 2010 still left him generally ahead of or, at worst, even with, the N-LP. Gillard’s immediate pre-election ‘bounce’ (though it could have been static given margin of errors) did not get back to where Rudd had been in April that year (a matter of a month or two before being rolled) prior to his ‘dip’.

            By contrast, Gillard in this term had not only been consistently polling well south of the N-LP but also well south of Rudd’s pre-2010 election ‘dip’. Gillard spent most of her term well behind in the polls. Rudd had not spent any time well behind the N-LP in the polls prior to being rolled.

            I don’t hold a flag for either Gillard or Rudd (I see them as disappointingly similar in their politics) but purely from the ‘who’s most likely to win an election’ viewpoint, the evidence you linked to suggests to me that Rudd is a far better bet in relation to the Australian electorate (for good or bad reasons).

            Of course, none of that has anything to do with the New Zealand situation (different electoral system for one thing). I would, however, be very interested to see how the polls would react to a change of leader in the parliamentary wing of the New Zealand Labour Party. I can’t see that they would take a major dip (the 30-ish percent seems fairly ‘solid’ in polling terms irrespective of leader or events – and they are clearly immune to Key’s ‘charms’ which, if anything, are tarnishing) and it would get people looking at Labour again with, perhaps, some mild curiosity as to whether, this time, they will renew and reinvigorate themselves.

            In some ways, changing leader would be a ‘no-risk’ option for Labour, I would have thought. Shearer has clearly not brought with him a chunk of extra support (e.g., over Goff’s pre-2011 election polling) as was presumably expected given the back story, ‘fresh face and no direct personal connection with the previous Labour government, etc..

            The slight improving trend for Labour in the last 18 months of Roy Morgan polls looks, to me, more like regression to the mean (of the ‘natural’ level of Labour support post/late-Helen Clark) rather than a turning point in fortunes. That is, once the population went off Helen Clark, to a certain degree, they’ve stayed right there. The 2011 election was just a brief and temporary ‘dip’ in that overall static situation (‘show me the money’ and Winston’s resurgence over the teapot tapes pretty much explain it).

  6. muzza 6
    10 July 2013 at 8:36 am

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_LAC

    Military and science, protecting you, naturally!

  7. Adrian 7
    10 July 2013 at 10:19 am

    If Cuniliffe had got the job instead of Shearer ( I favoured DC ) does anyone honestly think that Cuniliffe would not have faced exactly the same Nat and it’s arselicker germs campaign smears and innuendo that Shearer has.
    Sick of this bullshit, tell TV3 board and recievers that you will not watch TV3 while they continue to employ this incompetent liar Gower.

    • Santi 7.1
      10 July 2013 at 12:10 pm

      Exactly right. David Shearer has been unjustly crucified.
      He deserves the leadership. No ifs or buts.

    • Draco T Bastard 7.2
      10 July 2013 at 12:29 pm

      Just stop watching TV. Doing so generally means that you become better informed/educated and better entertained.

      • TheContrarian 7.2.1
        10 July 2013 at 12:41 pm

        No need to stop watching television. Just make sure you don’t get your information solely from TV.

    • David H 7.3
      10 July 2013 at 5:52 pm

      @Adrian
      Maybe he would have. BUT it’s more of how he would have handled them. Way different methinks.

  8. Rosetinted 8
    10 July 2013 at 10:19 am

    karol
    I think you might be interested in this great woman being interviewed on Radionz now. She is a NZ historian in the UK and is giving a lecture at Otago on Thursday.

    10-11am: Professor Joanna Bourke – historian and “socialist feminist”, who has written about gender history, working-class culture, war and masculinity, the cultural history of fear and the history of rape.

    She has wide interests taking in working class culture and is now working on sexual violence history. Sounds really thoughtful. She says she takes an anthropological approach to history.
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon

    • karol 8.1
      10 July 2013 at 10:35 am

      Thanks, Rosetined. Yes, you are right, it is something that interests me. I will check out the online audio when it goes up.

      Cheers 🙂

  9. vto 9
    10 July 2013 at 10:22 am

    I reckon Gerard Hope, the man who pursued Scott Watson for the murder of his daughter and her friend, has grave doubts over whether Watson actually did the dirty deed.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8900144/Hope-to-Watson-Did-you-do-it

    As for offering to meet Watson and get an explanation, who does Hope think he is? Watson has absolutely no obligation to Hope, especially in light of his dogged blind pursuit over so many years.

    Imo this is another Arthur Allan Thomas case, complete with treachery by the leading investigating coppers such as Rob Pope, being selective and manipulative with evidence.

    Where did the ketch ever get to?

    • Te Reo Putake 9.1
      10 July 2013 at 10:33 am

      “As for offering to meet Watson and get an explanation, who does Hope think he is? ”

      The father of one of the kids Watson has been convicted of killing. Had you forgetten that?

      • vto 9.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 11:29 am

        And how does the obligation arise there? You need to be more specific.

        • Te Reo Putake 9.1.1.1
          10 July 2013 at 11:58 am

          “And how does the obligation arise there? You need to be more specific.”

          How could I possibly be more specific?

          And as for your obtuse and ignorant ‘innocent until proven guilty’ comment below, you need to get over yourself. You’re not the judge and jury. Watson has been proven guilty already. And lost every appeal since.

          Having said that, I, like Gerald Hope, believe that cases based on circumstancial evidence are always subject to doubt. If Watson didn’t do it, that’s a tragedy for him and a blow to the families. The use of the blinking photo is pretty typical last century cop behaviour designed to secure a conviction and that, and the ID witnesses changing their minds, suggests to me that the case needs looking at again. But that doesn’t mean Watson wasn’t convicted of two counts of murder, because he actually was.

          • vto 9.1.1.1.1
            10 July 2013 at 12:03 pm

            There is no obligation on Watson to have anything to do with Hope. Other than some misplaced wobbling moral compass particular to your person, but that’s yours – don’t impose it on others.

            I have no idea what you are saying in your third paragraph. What’s your point?

    • Adrian 9.2
      10 July 2013 at 10:50 am

      VTO, You are wrong, Gerald has always had misgivings about aspects of the investigation and trial. His only ” pursueing” was to wish that the Police caught whoever did it. An apology is in order.

      • vto 9.2.1
        10 July 2013 at 11:28 am

        I suspect it will end up being Watson who needs the apology.

        Imo, Watson knows something crucial though is innocent of the crime. And our law states that we have no obligation to investigators or to others. We are innoent until proved guilty. These principles have been established over many centuries by some of the worlds’ great minds – if people have a problem with that then they need to take the principles up with them.

    • yeshe 9.3
      10 July 2013 at 11:08 am

      Police answer: There was no ketch. There never was a ketch.

      So many experienced yachties and boaties reported on the non-existent ketch. But none interviewed in depth or called as witness.

      Policeman Pope: There was no ketch. There never was a ketch.

      And from close to one reported sighting of it, a mayday call reportedly was received from a woman on Jan 2 … but don’t know more detail than that.

      Yachties have reported the ketch was seen on the east coast, and then scuppered. But we can never know until it is properly investigated.

      Yes, it is another Arthur Allen Thomas case with equal treachery and deception. And Collins as Justice Minister ? A continuing travesty for Scott Watson.

      • yeshe 9.3.1
        10 July 2013 at 11:19 am

        Meeting with Gerald Hope might be his last remaining hope of justice. Hope has always said if he felt Watson was innocent, he would fight for his freedom. Too many lives and families destroyed in this case.

        • yeshe 9.3.1.1
          10 July 2013 at 11:54 am

          From Keith Hunter yesterday .. here’s a fight for Collins:

          Governor General – :

          9 July 2013

          It’s out. Scott Watson’s application to the Governor-General for the Royal Prerogative of Mercy has been declined by Minister Collins today. Wholly predictable in view of the Ministry of Justice’s administration of the application, it is the consequence of the most corrupt piece of paper I have ever seen. It suggests that Ms Collins only finds justice where the innocent are found guilty. Hence the Bain review is reviewed while the Watson review is confirmed.

          Written by Kristy McDonald QC under instruction from the MoJ’s Chief Legal Officer, Jeff Orr, the report was only made available to Watson’s legal team after they pressured former Minister Simon Power for access to it. Even then, the Ministry did not copy the report to the lawyers until they signed and swore agreements that it would not be copied to anyone else and that Watson and his father could read it but not have copies of it. The report is 150 pages long. Watson would have needed ten or a dozen prison visits by his lawyer just to have time to read it. That’s justice in the eyes of the Ministry of Justice.”

          For much more:

          http://www.hunterproductions.co.nz/?page=news&article=news-txt#Report01

          but you need to scroll down to heading “Governor General” …. this is not going away any time soon !

          • muzza 9.3.1.1.1
            10 July 2013 at 12:34 pm

            Collins, or which ever name is listed as Minister of Justice, exists only to protect the state, the machine, that is the job!

      • vto 9.3.2
        10 July 2013 at 11:31 am

        That ketch and the non-investigation of it will continue to haunt Policeman Pope until his dying days. Fundamental mistake – letting emotion and personality cloud his actions.

      • Adrian 9.3.3
        10 July 2013 at 11:42 am

        There was a ketch, it had been moored at Punga Cove in the evening and then moved to Furneaux and dropped anchor behind a witness’s boat at about 12.15am. The police used only a composite photo of the various craft at Furneaux taken around 9pm. If the boat wasn’t in the photo they didn’t want to know. The young witness who held onto the ketch to steady the inflatable worked a few days for me and he showed me how high he had to stand and reach up to grab the gunwale, he also described the round brass porthole in the hull that he was next to. Scott Watsons boat didn’t have much more freeboard than the inflatable and no portholes.
        An Auckland friend with over 40 years of yachting experience reported a ketch fitting the description and particulaly the stern design, quite rare and of NE US type design. He was very specific about time colour and place but did not even get a call back from the Police.
        Coincidentally, a ketch fitting the description was prevented from sailing out of Gisborne ( I think) some months later, and the crew changed to a smaller Cat 1 eligible boat and were subsequently arrested outside Sydney harbour with tonnes of dope etc on board. It had met up with a Columbian registerd freighter north of NZ.

        • vto 9.3.3.1
          10 July 2013 at 11:58 am

          You sound very knowledgeable on it Adrian. Do you know what the police response to questions about the ketch have been? Why did they not investigate it further? Surely they have a complete and credible answer to this question and not just some flippant derisory non-answer.

          I don’t think there are many people who have followed this case that don’t acknowledge the ketch as the yawning great missing link in this ……….

          • yeshe 9.3.3.1.1
            10 July 2013 at 12:05 pm

            VTO — he says it here : “The police used only a composite photo of the various craft at Furneaux taken around 9pm. If the boat wasn’t in the photo they didn’t want to know.”

            They looked no further, ever.

            • vto 9.3.3.1.1.1
              10 July 2013 at 12:15 pm

              Well doesn’t the entire case fall apart as it tumbles into that glaring great cavernous hole?

              Ffs, do the police have no comment on the ketch? At all? None nada zip?

              Why didn’t the police want to know about any boats that turned up after 9pm?

              Why are the police ignoring the 3-plus hours after 9pm?

              What is the police motivation for dong this? personal Pope antagonism towards Watson?

              • yeshe …
                10 July 2013 at 12:24 pm

                Yes it does and welcome to a fraction of the truth VTO .. read the link to Keith Hunter’s website I posted above .. if a retrial was held today, there is no evidence available to convict Scott Watson. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE. ( sorry for shouting, but it needs it.)

                It’s Arthur Thomas’ problem in reverse … for him they had to plant a cartridge to make their case work. For Scott Watson, they had to make a whole 40ft ketch disappear by whatever means they could.

                Scott Watson is innocent, and someone else out there is not. And Policeman Pope let him get away simply and easily by denying the ketch ever existed.

                And Collins just colluded in ensuring this bid for mercy failed. Read Keith Hunter.

        • yeshe 9.3.3.2
          10 July 2013 at 12:02 pm

          Thanks Adrian. Hope Keith Hunter has all this info — there is so much information the police simply ignored.

          Your Auckland friend who reported a ketch — do you know where his sighting was ? Thx.

          • Adrian 9.3.3.2.1
            10 July 2013 at 3:22 pm

            VTO and Yeshe. only as knowledgeable as anyone who read the local paper , that did a very good job of coverage by the way.
            My friend saw the boat about 6days later on a Sunday evening sailing up the Waitemata harbour, which if ( big if ) it was the same ketch seen off theTaranaki coast, incidentaly by a cop out fishing roughly 2 days after the disappearance,and that would tie-in with sailing times. That cop said he thought the boat suspicious as he waved at it, the people on board looked at him and didn’t wave back, very unusual at sea.
            It’s a small area so people know people who know people, a local retired cop told me that they always go for the last person that saw the missing alive, that was the inflatable driver, and when that dosen’t work the next person is the local ratbag and Bingo, Scott Watson filled the bill. He also said that the investigation was incompetent and a shambles as it was just after New Years and all the cops bought into the area were pissed off about being bought back from their holidays.
            Gerald Hope was right to criticise as he had first hand experience of how slack the cops were in the first weeks, They thought that Olivia and Ben had just buggered off on a tiki-tour, but parents always know better.
            A lesson for anyone who has anyone go missing, the cops aren’t interested until they have evidence of foul play. You’ve basically got to drop the dead bleeding body off on their bloody doorstep.

    • BM 9.4
      10 July 2013 at 12:15 pm

      I actually think Gerald Hope feels a bit of guilty.

      It was his rushing to the media and his public on going criticisms about why the police were taking so long to find the killers that probably led to the police stitching up the wrong man and the real killer/killers going free.

  10. karol 10
    10 July 2013 at 10:45 am

    Simon Prast on The Daily Blog on life imitating art (“Anne Boleyn” in fact.). Excellent stuff.

    The best show in town (aside from us thespians of course) was the Key-Dotcom showdown over the GCSB. “Are your eyes and ears everywhere Master Cromwell?” asks the doomed Cardinal Wolsey in the play, moments before he is lead away. Well, yes, they are it seems. EVERYWHERE! The NSA is listening to everyone and the GCSB wants to hear more. “Did she think I don’t have spies watching the stables, as I have spies everywhere?” says Cromwell. Well, it seems there were spies all over Dotcom’s Coatesville stables. Himself an escapee from the Goldfinger auditions, Dotcom is a master of theatricality. Articulate, razor-sharp and dangerously rich, Cromwell would have recognized a kindred though Germanic spirit.

    The drama was palpable. “Why are you turning red, Prime Minister?” “Why are you sweating?” (who writes this stuff?). “You know I know” says Dotcom to Key. “You know I know” says Anne to Cromwell. Line for line, art imitated life imitating art.

  11. Tim 11
    10 July 2013 at 11:47 am

    Anyone else have any opinions on the mean-spiritedness of WINZ regarding cutting pensions where a partner has been a contributor to an overseas (often private) super scheme?
    It’s generated a heap of controversy (Nine to Noon).

    I’m with the recipients (having an American bro-in-law who already has his NZ super adjusted downwards). Now my sister faces having hers effectively taxed (or tithed) to the State.

    Having said all that, I do wonder how many of such recipients are amongst the bennie-bashing ilk.

    • karol 11.1
      10 July 2013 at 12:39 pm

      I’m one of the people now getting a UK state pension. Like the US one, it’s based on the amount I paid into the scheme when I worked there. I also get a UK Teacher’s pension, which is based on what was taken out of my pay and put into the scheme when I worked in the UK.

      So, actually, both UK pensions (state & occupation) have the same basis – but a different basis from the NZ scheme.

      However, I am told that when I qualify for an NZ state pension, the UK state pension will be deducted from my NZ entitlement, while the occupation pension will not be taken into account. There does seem to be an inconsistency.

      I can see why people are complaining, though, for myself, I reckon under the current rules I will still get enough to support my frugal lifestyle – unless cost of living escalates a huge amount, but then we will all be f**ked.

      The way it impacts on married couples looks pretty problematic.

      I hope I never get into bennie bashing.

      • Tim 11.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 1:15 pm

        “I hope I never get into bennie bashing”
        Fear not! I KNOW you won’t. Well – unless of course we’re talking about corporate bennie bashing – in which case, please LET RIP

  12. Rosetinted 12
    10 July 2013 at 12:13 pm

    On Radionz this a.m. was a scathing interview about the position of overseas superannuation recipients living in NZ. Their treatment by the NZ taxation authorities has been disappointing to say the least. All emailers also agree that there is a very twisted and unfair scheme. Who has been in charge of super recently? Ms Poorer Benefit?

    And on noon news –
    Elective patients waiting for quite a while have been cut from thousands last year to 12 today. And how has this drop been achieved? Perhaps by forcing them off the lists after a wait beyond the target time allowed. If so that represents another bad mark against the target system. In the USA you may be sent home after a set number of days whether well and fit or not. We are probably following similar because we don’t have the will to develop and follow our own systems.

    • Tim 12.1
      10 July 2013 at 12:18 pm

      See above Rose – the more I think about it, the worse it is on so many levels.
      I just thought of another reason. Why would anyone with those skills the Nats are telling us we’re so short of, want to come to NZ knowing that their spouses (and they) are going to be severely affected.

      In my bro-in-law’s case – he’s lived here more about half his life and is a NZ citizen. His wife, being an independent sort of person, is now going to be ‘truncated’ on her retirement.
      Yes – it sounds like a Pulla Bent sort of oidear.

      • Rosetinted 12.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 4:56 pm

        Tim
        Yes unfortunately it underlines my belief that NZ government has no vision and no common sense (despite all Peter Dunne’s efforts!) and tries to do everything on the cheap that is needed, but they are prepared to treat their favourite projects lavishly. In the end we don’t get good, sound results and returns from anything we do. And there is sure to be something that goes against that trend, but it’s in the tiny minority group.

        And I’ve heard on the radio, nz people who have come back with good skills and experience and the greeting was less than welcoming. I think many of the managers here are afraid that these “smart arses” from overseas are going to show them up.

  13. Rosetinted 13
    10 July 2013 at 12:16 pm

    Radionz 12.15 pm Interesting research that could turn Auckland’s sprawl to good energy use. So many roofs with unshaded sun aspects could make it viable to put solar panels up and run all electrical appliances with leftover for electric car battery topup.

  14. Penny Bright 14
    10 July 2013 at 12:42 pm

    FYI

    10 July 2013

    Councillor Des Morrison,

    Please be advised that I will be attending the Auckland Council Regulatory and Bylaws Committee meeting on Wednesday 10 July 2013, at 1.30pm, Auckland Town Hall, and I shall be raising my concerns about the on the ‘Public Safety and Nuisance’ Bylaw, and related matters in Public Forum, for 5 minutes.

    I have followed ‘lawful due process’ in my application for ‘speaking rights’, which I believe you are (unlawfully) denying.

    I am quite prepared to test this in Court, if you want to try and have me arrested for taking the ‘speaking rights’ which in my considered opinion, you are unlawfully denying me.

    If you wish to contact Auckland Central Police to have me (unlawfully) removed – here is their phone number: (09) 302 6400

    You could directly contact Auckland Area Commander, Inspector Andrew Coster, if you wish.
    (I have already copied him into my previous email correspondence on this matter).

    Respectfully, I do recommend that you discuss with other the Mayor and other Councillors, my proven track record in Court, on matters pertaining to Local Government and the democratic/ human rights of citizens, because to date, it arguably
    shows that I have a better grasp of the LAW in these matters, than those upon whom Auckland Council appear to be relying for legal counsel?

    Please note the latest (UNLAWFUL) violation of the rights of your fellow elected representatives, as reported in today’s NZ Herald, by Bernard Orsman, by unelected senior Auckland Council Officers, (namely, CEO Doug McKay, General Counsel Wendy Brandon, and Chief Planning Officer, Dr Roger Blakeley – who appear to be running Auckland Council as if it were their own private company?)

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10896123

    Request to see legal response on new rulebook denied.

    Auckland Council’s senior management are refusing to give councillor Sandra Coney access to a legal review of the new planning rulebook for the city.

    Ms Coney considers it essential to have access to the review to make good decisions on the rulebook – or Unitary Plan – that sets out more intensified housing to squeeze another one million residents into the city.

    The council has undertaken a legal review of the plan, which chief planning officer Dr Roger Blakeley told Ms Coney was very specific and to help staff ensure it was legally correct for formal notification.

    She disagreed. “You seem to think you can judge what is necessary for me to govern. This is fundamentally wrong. The legislation charged elected people with the responsibilities and accountability to govern well, not the management,” Ms Coney wrote in an email to Dr Blakeley.

    Following a series of emails on the issue, chief executive Doug McKay said last Thursday he, Dr Blakeley and general counsel Wendy Brandon had disagreed with each of Ms Coney’s requests.

    He said there was a difference between management and governance “and we have a duty to ensure advice we give is legally and technically accurate”. …..”

    _________________________________________________________________________

    What a DISGRACE!

    Yours sincerely,

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation’ campaigner
    2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

  15. lprent 15
    10 July 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Kind of freaky sitting at Robert Louis Stevenson’s house and waiting for the rain shower to stop – reading a blog via a cellphone on my tablet…

    Kind of different..

  16. amirite 16
    10 July 2013 at 1:15 pm

    Fucks sake, Im sure they’d find suitable people to do the job for a quarter of a price:

    $2000-a-day fee a ‘significant discount’

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8898640/2000-a-day-fee-a-significant-discount

    A lot of corruption and money grabbing going on right now in Christchurch, it seems. Why is no one discussing this?

    • Draco T Bastard 16.1
      10 July 2013 at 1:29 pm

      Yep. The fees that these aresholes charge and pay themselves is a disgrace. They aren’t as unique as they like to think themselves. There are, quite literally ATM, thousands of people unemployed who could do the job just as well as they could and be willing to do it for far less.

      The problem seems to be that the administrators over value themselves and so are both willing to overcharge for their services when being hired and willing to pay those overcharges when doing the hiring.

      EDIT:
      For that $2000 per day Chch could easily solve the problem by the simple expedient of hiring 5 people to actually do the work.

    • weka 16.2
      10 July 2013 at 3:14 pm

      “Martin had taken a leading role in several public sector reviews previously, including evaluations of Environment Canterbury and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.”

    • The Murphey 16.3
      10 July 2013 at 3:28 pm

      Q: What numerical value would you speculate on as a ceiling, for hourly/daily rates in Auckland?

      A:$_____

      • muzza 16.3.1
        11 July 2013 at 8:49 am

        Probably up around the 5/600ph mark, at a guess, long term contracts, 12-24 months + would not uncommon!

        The bill from the ATA has been closed, and there are hundreds of millions in hidden costs, which the public are unlikely to hear about!

        Move along!

  17. Draco T Bastard 17
    10 July 2013 at 1:59 pm

    Minority Rules: Scientists Discover Tipping Point for the Spread of Ideas

    Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have found that when just 10 percent of the population holds an unshakable belief, their belief will always be adopted by the majority of the society.

    We only need to inform 10% of the population about how banking actually works to get some change.

    • weka 17.1
      10 July 2013 at 3:12 pm

      No, you need 10% to hold those views as unshakable belief (apparently).

      • yeshe 17.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 3:39 pm

        crosby textor depends upon it …

      • Draco T Bastard 17.1.2
        10 July 2013 at 4:21 pm

        I suspect that there won;t be much difference as far as the monetary system goes. Once 10%+ know how the banks rip us off everyone will be demanding change.

      • karol 18.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 3:47 pm

        Ha!

        I’m never sure how men manage to make stuff that’s not about them (affirmative action) all about them (“Man Ban”) but, gosh darn it, aren’t they good at it. I doubt the quota idea will fly, but it was worth a chat, if only so we can all remind ourselves what sexism is.

        Sexism (like racism) is when the dominant group discriminates against the less powerful group, not when the less powerful group has a crack at catching up.

        And today in the General Debate, Grant Robertson did a number on John Key’s “ManDates” – with John Banks; with Ian Fletcher…. etc.

        And Metiria Turei on women’s affairs minister (Goodhew), who said women should be selected on Merit – then Turei asks if only there are only 25% Nat MPs who are competent to be MPs? etc… and onto Nat’s male dominated elite.

        • weka 18.1.1.1
          10 July 2013 at 9:24 pm

          “I’m never sure how men manage to make stuff that’s not about them (affirmative action) all about them (“Man Ban”) but, gosh darn it, aren’t they good at it. I doubt the quota idea will fly, but it was worth a chat, if only so we can all remind ourselves what sexism is.”

          That’s now my favourite summary of the whole thing.

  19. karol 19
    10 July 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Well, Robertson was certainly on fire in his General Debate speech today – launching into a major attack on John key over Kim Dotcom. Seemed inspired.

    • aerobubble 19.1
      10 July 2013 at 4:08 pm

      Well its hard to fathom how Key did not know of such a large contributor to the National parties candidate in the first Auckland election, how DotCom realized he could help out immediately shows political knowledge that must have been sort and given. And knowing he lived in the PM’s electorate… …its staggering Key didn’t know.

    • Te Reo Putake 19.2
      10 July 2013 at 4:45 pm

      The video of Robertson: http://inthehouse.co.nz/node/19871

      Well worth a look! More please, Labour.

  20. Draco T Bastard 20
    10 July 2013 at 4:19 pm

    The Money Revolution

    So recessions, far from being periods of unremitting economic gloom, are actually a unique time of opportunity for governments to invest in public assets, in the process creating millions of desperately needed jobs and increasing prosperity and wellbeing for decades into the future.

    A particular present need is to effect a rapid transition to an economy that no longer depends on fossil fuels. Not only is their supply unsustainable beyond the short term (oil) to medium term (gas and coal), but also pollution from fossil fuels threatens global climatic stability and is a major cause of ill health around the world. There can be few better investments in our future quality of life than in renewable energy generation, the wider energy infrastructure needed to support it, and in improving energy efficiency.

    But those managing recession-hit Western economies are squandering that opportunity, and instead seizing another: the opportunity to attack ordinary people’s living standards and the provision of public goods like housing, health and education. One might reasonably ask why.

    [My Bold]

    One might, indeed, ask why the governments of the world are making things worse off for the many while making the rich richer.

  21. Morrissey 21
    10 July 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Hooting with laughter at the plight of Edward Snowden
    The Panel, Radio NZ National, Wednesday 10 July 2013
    Jim Mora, Elly Jones, Simon Pound

    If Stalinist Russia had vacuous radio talkshows, this is what they would have sounded like. For “Edward Snowden”, insert the name “Nikolai Bukharin”….

    JIM MORA: That’s a sharp-looking houndstooth jacket you’re wearing.
    SIMON POUND: Thank you!
    MORA: Simon Pound, always sartorially elegant! And now it’s time for Noelle McCarthy with what the woooooooorld’s talking about! And where is Edward Snowden?
    NOELLE McCARTHY: Y-y-y-y-yeeeeeessss, …. [snort] ….he he he! He’s still in hiding. He he he!
    JIM MORA: He’s still in the terminal isn’t he?
    NOELLE McCARTHY: He he he he he! Yes he is still in that terminal! …[snort]…
    SIMON POUND: Ha ha ha ha ha!
    MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha!
    ELLY JONES: Well, Tom Hanks hid in an airport for YEARS in that movie, so why can’t Edward Snowden?
    SIMON POUND: Maybe he’s wearing a moustache!
    MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha!
    ELLY JONES: Ha ha ha ha ha!
    SIMON POUND: And a cowboy hat! Just like Bin Laden did!
    MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha!
    NOELLE McCARTHY: He he he he he he! ….[snort]….
    MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha! So where is he going to, Edward Snowden? Ha ha ha ha ha!
    NOELLE McCARTHY: He’s got a choice! Venezuela, Bolivia or Ecuador!
    SIMON POUND: [with deepest sarcasm] Venezuela, Bolivia or Ecuador! All jurisdictions FAMED for their dedication to the protection of whistle-blowers!
    MORA: [whimsical] Hmmmmm…. I wonder which would be the best of those three places to be a fugitive in.
    NOELLE McCARTHY: Bolivia would be hard with the altitude.
    MORA: They’re all warm, sunny places.
    ELLY JONES: I actually feel sorry for the guy.
    MORA: Oh really?
    ELLY JONES It’s like the X-Factor. He keeps getting voted off!
    SIMON POUND: Haw haw haw haw!
    MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha! That’s true, I suppose.

    …..ad infinitum, ad nauseam….

    • Ron 21.1
      10 July 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Stop listening to National Radio. Once morning report is over the rest of the day is a complete waste of spectrum space.

      • Bearded Git 21.1.1
        10 July 2013 at 5:38 pm

        No, Mary Wilson is brilliant at 5pm

      • aerobubble 21.1.2
        12 July 2013 at 5:35 pm

        I found life to much more pleasant once I started ignoring Mora in the afternoons, its just the pre-spin cycle of the MSM, on the fact-tory line, to produce right wing propaganda.

    • North 21.2
      10 July 2013 at 7:41 pm

      Morrissey, I half hope you didn’t watch Campbell TV3 tonight. Why ? Well my health has been adversely affected by what I saw. As one with far sharper antennae than mine, I expect a major adverse impact on yours.

      In pure selfishness however, I really want to hear your take. I’m prepared to hold(er) on until you pick yourself up off your 100% New Zealand Wool carpet and fly staunchly at your keyboard.

      Who the fuck could believe ShonKey Python when repeatedly he told Parliament that he knew nothing about Sir Kiwi Kim Dotcom until 18 or 19 January 2012 ?????????????????????????????????

      I’m starting to suspect that the Big O is a bit of a demon akshelly. And anticipate that ShonKey Python might just be the weak link. Imagine. Never being invited to the White House again. Blackballed from all the finest gentlemens’ clubs in Washington/London/Parnell/Omaha. Oh Fuck ! What pain !

      Smartarse schoolboyish vanity, pride and lies cometh before a fall, what ?

  22. Penny Bright 22
    10 July 2013 at 5:32 pm

    FYI

    I was (unlawfully) denied ‘speaking rights’ by Auckland Councillor Des Morrison, Chair of the Regulatory and By Laws Committee – so – I stood up on my hind legs (as it were) and TOOK ‘speaking rights’.

    In my considered opinion, it was an extremely foolish move by Auckland Councillor Des Morrison, who claimed he was ‘a stickler for process’.

    I’m a stickler for LAWFUL due process.

    Auckland Council Standing Orders are based upon underpinning legislation. particularly – The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1987/0174/latest/DLM122283.html

    4 Purposes
    The purposes of this Act are—

    (a) to provide for the availability to the public of official information held by local authorities, and to promote the open and public transaction of business at meetings of local authorities, in order—

    (i) to enable more effective participation by the public in the actions and decisions of local authorities; and

    (ii) to promote the accountability of local authority members and officials,—
    and thereby to enhance respect for the law and to promote good local government in New Zealand:

    (b) to provide for proper access by each person to official information relating to that person:

    (c) to protect official information and the deliberations of local authorities to the extent consistent with the public interest and the preservation of personal privacy.
    ____________________________________________________________

    Auckland Council Standing Orders cannot be ‘ultra vires’ this underpinning legislation.

    (ultra vires – beyond the legal power or authority of a person or official or body etc; “an ultra vires contract”

    http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ultra+vires )

    Given the proven track record of arguably incompetent legal advice that Auckland Council has been receiving via their General Counsel, Wendy Brandon, on matters pertaining to Local Government and the human/democratic rights of citizens enshrined in the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the Local Government Act 2002, the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, the NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990, the Human Rights Amendment Act 1993 – in my considered opinion, it would have been sensible for the Regulatory and ByLaws Committee, to listen to what I had to say, for a mere 5 minutes.

    As one of the two successful Appellants in the Occupy Auckland vs Auckland Council Appeal, which raised a number of similar legal matters, I have some proven expertise in this area, and was prepared to give my ‘considered opinion’ free of charge. (Situation normal).

    Given that Auckland Council has already wasted at least over $200,000 in unnecessary legal expenses pertaining to the (unlawful) eviction of peaceful Occupy Auckland protestors from Aotea Square, by means of an injunction (which was quashed by the ruling of High Court Judge Ellis), surely it would have been simple commonsense to help prevent further potential wastage of Auckland Council public monies, based upon possible incorrect and incompetent legal advice?

    http://www.occupyaucklandvsaucklandcouncilappeal.org.nz/?p=130

    http://www.occupyaucklandvsaucklandcouncilappeal.org.nz/?p=113

    Former Auckland City Councillors have learned that my word is not to be taken lightly, when it comes to defending my lawful rights as a citizen to participatory democracy.

    If I am (unlawfully) denied speaking rights, after having applied in a proper way, I will defend these democratic rights, by taking them.

    As always, I take full personal responsibility for my actions, which I was and am prepared to take to the point of arrest.

    ‘Faint heart never won fair go’!

    Bugger the ‘Beggar By Law’! (As it were 🙂

    ‘Her Warship’

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption /anti-privatisation’ campaigner
    2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

  23. weka 23
    10 July 2013 at 9:18 pm

    Micky, nice write up of your move to ts and how you see the place, where it fits in the scheme of things 🙂

    http://waitakerenews.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/im-off-to-standard.html

  24. felix 24
    10 July 2013 at 10:06 pm

    So it seems that whassisface with the eyering, posting on facebook as “The Pakeha Party”, has revealed himself a bit more today.

    He’s been posting some pretty horrible shit, and deleting some of it pretty quickly too. Stuff about how there are “too many dirty blacks” and how “maoris don’t have jobs”.

    wtf, infused?

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    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

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