Open mike 10/08/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 10th, 2016 - 205 comments
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205 comments on “Open mike 10/08/2016 ”

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  1. Paul 1
    10 August 2016 at 6:40 am

    Looks like Canada has some of the same issues as us.
    Out of control house prices.
    Capital flight from China.

    https://news.vice.com/article/canada-is-seizing-more-suspect-money-from-chinese-travellers-than-ever-before

  2. DH 2
    10 August 2016 at 8:34 am

    Anyone feel like some sleuthing? I’ve been trying to figure out how rents are calculated in the CPI and hit a bit of a dead end. Reason for asking is the CPI numbers have never looked right to me and I’d like to know which is wrong – my intuition or the CPI

    Background;

    The CPI index for rents has gone from a base of 1000 in June 2006 to 1240 in June 2016. That’s an increase in rents of 24% over ten years. In inflation terms that’s annual rent inflation of about 2.2%. (That just isn’t believable to me, it’s too low.)

    The Household Economic Survey also reports rents and those figures say rents have increased by 39% in only eight years (from 2007 to 2015) That’s annual rent inflation of about 4.2%. (That’s a little more believable.)

    This link here explains rented dwellings in the CPI;

    http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/CPI_inflation/rented-dwellings-in-the-cpi.aspx

    What I can’t work out is the bit about state housing. It seems to be saying they’re using income-related rents to calculate rent inflation on state houses and that surely can’t be right. Any clues?

    Source data here;

    http://www.stats.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/Browse%20for%20stats/HouseholdEconomicSurvey/HOTPYeJun15/hesi-yejun15-tables.xls

    http://www.stats.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/Browse%20for%20stats/ConsumersPriceIndex/HOTPJun16qtr/cpi-jun16-all-tables.xls

    • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1
      10 August 2016 at 8:45 am

      Will this help?

      Housing Restructuring (Income-Related Rents) Amendment Act 2000

      See Section 46: Calculating income-related rents, but it’s a swamp of clauses.

      • DH 2.1.1
        10 August 2016 at 9:13 am

        Thanks but not really. It’s how state housing is affecting the CPI that I’m trying to work out. I understand income related rents, I just don’t understand its context in the CPI.

        It’s kind of a paradox;

        People in state houses pay rent as a (calculated) percentage of their income. If their income doesn’t go up then their rent doesn’t go up either.

        Wages & benefits are linked to inflation. If rents don’t go up, because incomes haven’t gone up, then CPI inflation will be lower and therefore wages & benefits won’t go up much either.

        I’m idly wondering if the inclusion of state housing is dragging down the CPI figures to paint a misleading picture of rent inflation.

        • Pat 2.1.1.1
          10 August 2016 at 9:21 am

          with only around 68000 state rentals the feedback impact on CPI (which is weighted I believe) will be negligible….and thats assuming state rentals are included in the CPI.

          • DH 2.1.1.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 9:32 am

            Could be Pat, I looked for the weightings and they don’t have it there so I don’t know.

            68,000 is 10-15% of the rental stock I believe so it would make a difference even with weightings applied. The thing is, state houses should not be included in the CPI at all and I wonder why they are.

            • Pat 2.1.1.1.1.1
              10 August 2016 at 9:39 am

              around 12% (assuming 100% occupancy) but if the rents are only increasing in that stock by the rate of CPI then the impact is negligible….the movement in private rentals will be the driving stat for the following rental CPI

              • DH …
                10 August 2016 at 9:44 am

                State house rents aren’t increasing by the CPI Pat, they’re set by income not inflation. Real inflation on income related rents would be close to zero so that 12% could drag down rent CPI by up to 12%.. if they are using income related rents to calculate the CPI there.

                • Blackcap …
                  10 August 2016 at 10:44 am

                  It will not drag it down by 12% absolutely though DH. Pat is right by saying that the State Housing impact is negligible.
                  Ie state housing rent does not increase at all 0% (12% of market)
                  Other housing increases by 33% (88% of market)

                  Overall increase in rent CPI = 29.04%

                  • DH …
                    10 August 2016 at 1:21 pm

                    Yeah you’re right and it’s not enough of an anomaly to explain why the CPI is reporting half the inflation the household income survey is.

                    The HES report for 2009 says this;

                    “Results from the Household Economic Survey (Income) (HES (Income)) for the year ended June 2009 show no overall change in average weekly expenditure on housing costs from the previous year, Statistics New Zealand said today. This result was made up of an increase across all households in average weekly property and ground rent payments (up 8.1 percent), offset by decreases in average mortgage principal repayments (down 7.1 percent) and average mortgage interest payments (down 2.8 percent).

                    For those making rent payments, median (half pay more, half pay less) weekly rent payments increased from $220 in 2007/08 to $241 in 2008/09 (up 9.5 percent). ”

                    CPI for year ended June 2009 says rent inflation was 1.7%. So how does the HES get 8.1% and the CPI only 1.7% ?

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:36 pm

                      SNAFU, probably. It’s still worth asking the question. An OIA request for the formula?

    • Macro 2.2
      10 August 2016 at 8:27 pm

      The CPI used to include every house sale in the country – I know because I used to have to count it up and work out the average house price to 7 significant figures ( that was in 1967). There were no adding machines or computers available either. We converted the CPI from Pounds shillings and pence to dollars and cents manually. One electric calculator to the office of 12 was all there was. All done with pencil and paper. Standard deviations worked out to 7 sig figs. And not a word spoken the whole day! Muldoon would ring up and ask what would be the effect on the CPI if he raised the price of bread by 1 penny.
      The govt decided (around 2000) to remove house prices from the CPI for the reason that people didn’t buy a house every year. (i.e. they wanted “underlying inflation”) – it also meant that the CPI increase would not be so great so incomes based on CPI increases (i.e. benefits and pensions) would not be affected so much……

      • Colonial Viper 3.1.1
        10 August 2016 at 10:12 am

        Ahhh, the hysterical, irrational left.

        If it was truly believed that Trump was inciting violence against Clinton, his own Secret Service detail would arrest him and take him down.

        • Sabine 3.1.1.1
          10 August 2016 at 10:17 am

          yes the hysterically irrational left indeed

          https://twitter.com/jpodhoretz/status/763098548271546368

          https://twitter.com/benshapiro/status/763102524584792064

          https://twitter.com/LEBassett/status/763110016152928258

          https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini/status/763096598238883840

          frankly i think it is time that you go into your time out corner and start thinking about what you are actually standing for.

          • Colonial Viper 3.1.1.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 10:23 am

            OK I’ll wait for the Secret Service to arrest Trump for threatening a confirmed Presidential Candidate. When do you think it will happen, today or tomorrow?

            Yes Mummy, whatever you say.

            • Lanthanide 3.1.1.1.1.1
              10 August 2016 at 11:29 am

              Haven’t we already established that the elites aren’t treated the same way as the peasants, eg Hillary got away with her email system without charge?

              If it’s good enough for HIllary to avoid a charge, then surely it’s good enough for Trump.

              • adam …
                10 August 2016 at 1:32 pm

                Good point Lanthanide.

              • Colonial Viper …
                10 August 2016 at 6:22 pm

                Lanth, Hillary was actually guilty of committing multiple National Security felonies over a long period of time. You equating that to what Trump may or may not have meant in an offhand quip is ludicrous.

                And Adam, you’re smarter than that.

                • McFlock …
                  10 August 2016 at 6:26 pm

                  sooooo – as a billionaire committing a more minor offence, wouldn’t trump be less likely to be arrested than Clinton?

                • marty mars …
                  10 August 2016 at 6:30 pm

                  “Hillary was actually guilty of committing multiple National Security felonies over a long period of time”

                  when does she get out of jail – oh that’s right…

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    10 August 2016 at 6:36 pm

                    And then there’s Hillary taking vast $$$$$ from Russians and Saudis when she was Sec State signing off on Russian and Saudi business deals.

                    Pretty sure there are national security implications all through that.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:39 pm

                      yep. Incitement to kill a candidate seems trivial compared to all that. Not a chance the secret service will arrest him.

                    • marty mars …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:54 pm

                      “Pretty sure there are national security implications all through that.”

                      yeahnah

                      your ‘pretty sure’ ain’t sure or even near sure – just a guess from an outsider reading the net.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:08 pm

                      hey marty mars, turn your brain back on: if the Sec State is receiving massive monetary sums from foreign donors she is totally compromised.

                    • marty mars …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:48 pm

                      is that what the websites you follow are saying – I’m surprised you can regurgitate it with a straight face and pretend it is some original thought or insight from you.

                      You’re just a modern-day TV watcher – “look it is on the news it must be true” – so gullible – your thinking is in freefall and breaking the laws of physics bubby

            • Macro 3.1.1.1.1.2
              10 August 2016 at 8:32 pm

              Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA and National Security Agency, said on the same channel:

              “Well, let me say, if someone had have said that outside the hall he’d be in the back of a police wagon now with the secret service questioning him.”

              So it seems that it was where he said it is what prevents the police from arresting him. Even so – such dog whistling is highly irresponsible – and can you imagine how he and Rodrigo Duterte would get along?

        • North 3.1.1.2
          10 August 2016 at 11:51 am

          The finest, truest, leftiest CV still trumpeting away for his finest, truest, leftiest Donald Trump I note. Sounds like there’s something wickedly wrong with your wiring CV. And as to your ‘if this’ and ‘if that’ the Secret Service ‘would do such’…….what master of the universe blow arse is that ? Excuse me for paralleling you with BM and Fisiani.

          • Colonial Viper 3.1.1.2.1
            10 August 2016 at 11:52 am

            Not interested in having your approval North. Sneer away.

            • adam 3.1.1.2.1.1
              10 August 2016 at 1:49 pm

              The problem with you supporting trump Colonial Viper and his oblique use of violence as a political tool is that you would be one of his victims. How long do you have to wait – till you turn around, and there is no one to support you? Think leftist, disabled, gypsies, gays, nonconformists, free thinkers, artist, poets, pacifist, pasifika, and asian. It’s a list because that is what facists do, they go down lists. Till there is no one left to oppose them.

              How long will it be before trump comes for the Chinese, especially if he is elected and not doing well at home. How long before internment camps, so american chinese can be protected? How much pressure would it take for the same to happen here?

              A fascist is a fascist. And I’m not seeing many left or right disagreeing trump is a fascist.

              Yes h.r.c is a bloody awful alternative.

              Guess what – you have a choice, Vote Green, and organise.

              But supporting a fascist, come on, take a step back and do self interest for one bloody minute. Think of your family and friends who are leftist, disabled, gypsies, gays, nonconformists, free thinkers, artist, poets, pacifist, pasifika, and asian – and ask how long before they go under the economic bus which is fascism.

              Because you are showing a serious lack of understanding how fascist economics works.

              • Colonial Viper …
                10 August 2016 at 4:02 pm

                Go away Adam. Under both Bush’s and continuing under Obama, universities throughout the USA have been rapidly closing down liberal arts, humanities and fine arts programmes, as well as destroying the free press and investigative journalism; don’t presume to lecture me about how far the high finance corporate-government meld has progressed in the USA.

                As for Trump coming after the Chinese and after other races, go ahead and buy into the Clinton establishment propaganda. Trump is very clear that he employs and supports LEGAL immigrants in the USA.

      • marty mars 3.1.2
        10 August 2016 at 10:12 am

        Pretty clear statement from the Donny. No doubt he’ll run like a coward from it when he is cornered.

        • Colonial Viper 3.1.2.1
          10 August 2016 at 10:17 am

          How come Trump hasn’t been arrested by Clinton’s secret service detail then?

          • marty mars 3.1.2.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 10:38 am

            So he didn’t say it – shit this is fucken big – hope the MiB are onto it.

          • joe90 3.1.2.1.2
            10 August 2016 at 10:43 am

            The Secret Service is aware of the comments made earlier this afternoon.— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) August 9, 2016

            edit:

            Katrina Pierson's long-awaited explanation: Trump was saying an assassination "could" happen, not that it "should" happen.— Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) August 9, 2016

            @eelcobvr Spox Trump vanaf 1:45 "he was talking about what COULD happen. He doesn't want that to happen" https://t.co/lKeJPHFmwz— De Alcoholist (@DeAlcoholist) August 9, 2016

          • weka 3.1.2.1.3
            10 August 2016 at 11:01 am

            “How come Trump hasn’t been arrested by Clinton’s secret service detail then?”

            For obvious reasons the threshhold for legal action against someone inciting violence is relatively high. I’m pretty sure Trump and his team know how to pitch dog whistles just below that.

            Interesting that you would defend Trump on this, although I guess the elite are legit targets.

            • Colonial Viper 3.1.2.1.3.1
              10 August 2016 at 11:19 am

              I’m not so much defending Trump as much as I am not falling for his year long tactic of trolling the liberal media with an ongoing stream of outrageous bullshit, everything from Megyn Kelly’s periods to this.

              I am however totally mystified as to why Trump’s campaign has not changed gears into a serious fullbore general election campaign. As far as I can tell, he is still acting and speaking as if he is still running for the Republican Primaries in Texas and South Dakota.

              • Lanthanide …
                10 August 2016 at 11:31 am

                “I am however totally mystified as to why Trump’s campaign has not changed gears into a serious fullbore general election campaign. As far as I can tell, he is still acting and speaking as if he is still running for the Republican Primaries in Texas and South Dakota.”

                He has. This is what his ‘fullbore general election campaign’ looks like.

                Just now realising that you’re backing a dud?

                • Colonial Viper …
                  10 August 2016 at 11:47 am

                  Hi Lanth, I’m not afraid to back candidates that others see as political losers. And, I still see a clear Trump win come November despite the latest polls having Trump 10 pts behind Hillary 🙂

              • marty mars …
                10 August 2016 at 11:39 am

                The outrageous bullshit comes from trump – he keeps saying stuff – he wont stop either cos he is terrific at listening to his own viice.

              • weka …
                10 August 2016 at 12:26 pm

                “I’m not so much defending Trump as much as I am not falling for his year long tactic of trolling the liberal media with an ongoing stream of outrageous bullshit, everything from Megyn Kelly’s periods to this.”

                Yeah, nah, I don’t think he is so stupid as to think that some of his constituents won’t hear the ralling cry to fight back. Or maybe he is and truly doesn’t see the potential for people to act on the call. That would make for a great Prez. You can call it trolling if you want, but it’s clear he has no regard for civil order and will undermine it to achieve his aims.

                • Colonial Viper …
                  10 August 2016 at 12:32 pm

                  Obama has just approved the sale of $1.5B in armaments to misogynist Islamic extremist terror exporting dictatorial Saudi Arabia.

                  Thats the real way you keep law and order in the world.

                  • Ad …
                    10 August 2016 at 12:36 pm

                    God that’s just sick. I just managed to get through the re-showing of Fahrenheit 9-11 on tv last night.

                    Even if only one thing about it is true in the film, backing the Saudis in anything let alone armaments is just sick no matter who is doing it as US President.

                    • grumpy …
                      10 August 2016 at 3:49 pm

                      Come on now, they gave the Clintons $US100m. They only gotb what they paid for!

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 3:56 pm

                      Saudis have been either the biggest or second biggest donors to the Clinton Foundation over the years.

                    • Ad …
                      10 August 2016 at 3:57 pm

                      Neither main US party comes out clean in their dealings with the Saudis, over many decades.

                  • McFlock …
                    10 August 2016 at 1:03 pm

                    nice deflection from Trump’s latest offence. Nobody noticed. Fuck you’re awesome.

                    • Sabine …
                      10 August 2016 at 1:29 pm

                      0oh but you know that Trump will save the world and of course not do anything like it.

                      and here, have a pony

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 3:55 pm

                      I support Trump ahead of Clinton because Trump won’t be seeking military confrontation with Russia and China in the Pacific, and because Trump will be shit canning the TPP asap.

                      You support Clinton because – who the fuck knows. Because she raised way more money from the financial sector and from Saudi ruling interests I guess.

                    • Lanthanide …
                      10 August 2016 at 4:06 pm

                      “You support Clinton because – who the fuck knows. ”

                      Because the next POTUS is likely to appoint 2-3 supreme court justices, and if Trump gets in, he will appoint conservative ones that set back social progress in the US for decades to come.

                    • grumpy …
                      10 August 2016 at 4:20 pm

                      “Because the next POTUS is likely to appoint 2-3 supreme court justices, and if Trump gets in, he will appoint conservative ones that set back social progress in the US for decades to come.”
                      So you are prepared to sacrifice the future of the world for…..identity politics?
                      Must be an amazingly large dead rat.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 August 2016 at 4:20 pm

                      Because she doesn’t see nuclear proliferation as a substitute for US military expenditure.

                      Because she knows the difference between bombing a city and nuking it.

                      Because she doesn’t think “I’ve been very successful” is a “sacrifice” comparable to having a child die in military service.

                      Because she can see the problem with government databases of everyone who is of a particular religion.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:19 pm

                      Everyone just take a look at who has donated millions to the Clinton Foundation in the last 10 years, and who is donating millions to her campaign every day now.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:24 pm

                      Everyone just take a look at who has donated millions to the Clinton Foundation in the last 10 years.

                      Just as a quick summary, which of those donors have demanded that South Korea and Japan build their own nuclear weapons?

                      Even someone who wishes to preserve the status quo (not that Clinton necessarily does) is better than someone whose impulsive idiocy would result in more fingers on nuclear triggers in potential global flashpoints.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:40 pm

                      Get real. Both Japan and South Korea already have nuclear break out times measured in single digit months.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:50 pm

                      Both Japan and South Korea already have nuclear break out times measured in single digit months.

                      Well, assuming their fuel refining equipment can be easily recalibrated to producing sufficient quantities of weapons-grade materials in that timeframe (and that you’re not just parroting important-sounding jargon that you’ve read on RT), it’s still a fuckload more stable than having a launch time measured in moments.

                      That’s assuming that NK won’t pre-emptively launch within that timeframe, of course. Because even the mention of nuclear proliferation in that region gives a narrow timeframe before the penalty for diplomatic failure dramatically increases. Trump is the sort of dickhead who goes on a jaunt through downtown Sarajevo in an open-top car. 10 million dead later…

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:54 pm

                      NATO and the US wanted Yugoslavia dismembered and ‘balkanized’ in their determination to move western military bases eastwards. They got their wish.

                      You can say thank you to Bill Clinton.

                      Here is a link to RT’s youtube page. RT is youtube’s most popular news channel by far.

                      https://www.youtube.com/user/RussiaToday

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:58 pm

                      RT is as trustworthy as Fox

                    • McFlock …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:11 pm

                      All very interesting CV, but completely irrelevant to South Korea or Japan’s potential nuclear capabilities, the destabilising effects of development of those potential capabilities, and whether you are simply parroting important-sounding words with no real understanding of what they mean.

                      When you calculated the “nuclear break out times” for Japan and South Korea, were you factoring current stockpiles of various grades of enriched uranium as well as current enrichment capacity?

                  • GregJ …
                    10 August 2016 at 7:12 pm

                    Obama has just approved the sale of $1.5B in armaments to misogynist Islamic extremist terror exporting dictatorial Saudi Arabia.

                    Just in time for the new air offensive in Yemen.

                    France has also just signed a deal for €1 billion with Kuwait for 30 Airbus Caracal Helicopters.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:15 pm

                      Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia with the most advanced, most expensive military technology on the planet.

                      Yet, notice how the Sauds have failed to lock Yemen down…those Yemeni tribesmen are like the Fremen from Arrakis.

                    • GregJ …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:19 pm

                      @CV

                      Yes – some of the Gulf States are withdrawing forces from the Coalition. It doesn’t get a lot of attention in the West but it is a nasty little war.

                      I should also add the UK is up to it’s neck supplying weapons to the Saudis – £3.3 billion last year and £500 million in Q1 so far this year.

                      http://oneworld.org/2016/07/27/uk-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-top-33bn-in-year-of-yemen-bombing/

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:24 pm

                      Blair was (is) a big champion of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

                      This is doubly interesting as Saudi Arabia is the very well funded base of wahhabi extremism.

      • Rodel 3.1.3
        10 August 2016 at 10:33 am

        Tony Schwartz, the guy who wrote [Trump’s book] The Art of the Deal, says Trump never jokes.
        “I fear that an unbalanced person hears that in this inflamed environment and, God forbid, thinks that was a threat. I certainly take it as a threat, I really do, and Trump needs to apologise.”

        • rhinocrates 3.1.3.1
          10 August 2016 at 11:05 am

          Trump’s perfectly aware that he’s shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theatre.

          • seeker 3.1.3.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 5:35 pm

            Exactly rhinocrates@11.05am, because Trump is nothing more than a showman. Heaven save us from such nitwits.
            And I thought choosing a B grade movie actor was bizarre in times past.

  4. save nz 4
    10 August 2016 at 9:41 am

    Why we say TPPA No Way

    Court rules for Chevron against Ecuadorians in $9bn rainforest damage case

    https://www.rt.com/usa/355161-court-chevron-ecudorians-rainforest/

    Also on that link a video with

    Gulf of Mexico suffers third oil spill in two weeks

  5. save nz 5
    10 August 2016 at 9:52 am

    Lucky this poor tourist did not get his wallet stollen in Australia… no one would care in Nauru…

    Chinese tourist who lost wallet in Germany ends up in refugee shelter
    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/08/chinese-tourist-who-lost-wallet-in-germany-ends-up-in-refugee-shelter

    • Sabine 5.1
      10 August 2016 at 10:01 am

      oh my goodness the poor man. When it comes to bureaucracy only France is better then Germany.

  6. Colonial Viper 6
    10 August 2016 at 10:01 am

    Keiser Report: USA reduced to a one party state of the elites with corporates; bankers and billionaires lining up behind Hillary Clinton

    Max Keiser and his partner Stacey Herbert do one of the best political economic shows anywhere, and its available on RT’s youtube channel.

    Their latest show is a knock out.
    – Warnings in 2007/2008 that opposing banker bailouts for the rich would lead to economic collapse, is now causing political collapse.
    – Massive funds have been transferred from savers and pension funds to billionaire speculators.
    – The Washington elite from billionaires to military industrial complex and neocon Republicans are all lining up to support Clinton.
    – Corporate media a tool of the Washington elite to mock ‘ignorant’, ‘lazy’, ‘red neck’, ‘racists’.
    – 16% of the 43M Americans with student debt are in long term default: ignoring letters, phone calls and debt collectors. This is one basis of political revolution.
    – Clinton campaign recently raised US$120M from the financial sector. Trump campaign received $19,000.
    – Putin now widely blamed for the political, economic and refugee woes of the west similar to Cold War days.

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

    • Sabine 6.1
      10 August 2016 at 10:03 am

      nothing to do with the republicans turning into a party of fuckwits, forced birthers, anti science and religious nuts.

      ey, nothing to do at all…..never saw that one coming ey?

      • Colonial Viper 6.1.1
        10 August 2016 at 10:15 am

        Hi Sabine, thanks for expressing the hatefulness and disdain of the elite well educated intellectual classes.

        • weka 6.1.1.1
          10 August 2016 at 10:47 am

          thanks for stereotyping criticising of Republicans, and so patronisingly too! ;-p

          She forgot racists. I read an analysis a while back about during the Civil Rights era, the racists left the Democratic Party and joined the Republicans, which consolidated active racism there and changed the culture of the party. That some parts of the non-elite vote for the Republicans for a range of reasons doesn’t mean that the GOP doesn’t have serious bigotry issues.

          • Colonial Viper 6.1.1.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 10:50 am

            I doubt they are any more serious than the bigotry issues of the Democrats and their billionaire hedgefund backers.

            • weka 6.1.1.1.1.1
              10 August 2016 at 10:51 am

              They’re different bigotry issues though, and we should look at them in the respective parties, not try and pretend they don’t exist or aren’t important.

              • Colonial Viper …
                10 August 2016 at 11:06 am

                That’s exactly right. US politics is incredibly polarised. The constant is that the bottom 50% or more of people socioeconomically are totally disenfranchised by the establishment machine, whether that machine is wearing an elephant sticker or a donkey sticker.

                And this is of course where Trump gets leverage.

                There is a long time to go until November and I am still picking a clear win by Trump.

                • weka …
                  10 August 2016 at 11:10 am

                  And in the meantime the lefties you despise will keep naming bigotry because it’s the right thing to do.

                  • adam …
                    10 August 2016 at 11:26 am

                    Of course we should pull up bigotry weka.

                    Does that mean we should not criticise h.r.c? I know some commentators here have fallen for the juvenile rhetoric that a criticism of of h.r.c. – is to support trump.

                    The politics of fear, is the politics of fear, both trump and h.r.c are engaged in it. If anything both help each other in that game.

                    We should not play, especially in NZ.

                    national are going to pull out the fear card at some stage, my guess over the green/labour memorandum, then terrorism of some sort, or some other schmuck lies and finally b.s. — all to put fear into the voting population.

                    I say vote morally, then fear won’t cloud your vision.

                    • weka …
                      10 August 2016 at 12:28 pm

                      I guess the problem that you have there adam is that CV would actually vote for Trump.

                      I wouldn’t see myself or Sabine (who responded in this thread) as saying that Clinton is above criticism. That’s would just be weird.

                    • adam …
                      10 August 2016 at 1:08 pm

                      I did not mean you or Sabine by my comment, not my intent.

                      I agree on C.V though he needs to get his head around what a fascist is. Which trump is.

                      He also needs to realise any totalitarian be they left or right is somthing to be opposed, not voted for.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 2:32 pm

                      Obama has overseen the largest expansion of the security surveillance state and has just approved another US$1.5B of big corporate made military arms to be sold to the world’s leading misogynist, terrorist exporting, 9/11 facilitating dictatorial state, Saudi Arabia.

                      Clinton would continue the same track just on neocon steroids.

                      So keep preaching about fascism, you guys have no idea what it is.

                    • adam …
                      10 August 2016 at 4:10 pm

                      Pull your head in CV I know very well what fascism is, I can list off my family members who died fighting it if you like. Or how about the German and Polish part of my family that was wiped out by the fascists. Or family and friends who lived and died through Franco’s fascist state.

                      It’s you who has no bloody idea, by supporting a fascist – because trump is one.I know a lot of liberals put proto in front because they can’t bear to think about it. But all my American friends left and right agree trump is a fascist. He want to suspend habeas corpus, and look at his last economic speech – that is handing power to the corporations. He may oppose the TPP but he will push through somthing worse.

                      Fascism has only one way to make an economy work – war external or internal – and he’s two damn steps away from that. Bombing ISIS to the stone age. Attacking Mexicans.

                      He is not an isolationist, you’re kidding yourself if you think he is.

                      And again there is an alternative – organise with americans and encourage them to vote Green and keep building a movement. Which by the way will be crushed if trump gets to power.

                    • weka …
                      10 August 2016 at 4:52 pm

                      tautoko that adam, thanks for the context.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 5:27 pm

                      Fucking hell Adam, with the US plea bargaining system as it has been misused for over a decade now habeas corpus has been nothing more effective than theatre.

                      As for war, Killary Clinton is your neocon war master. She destroyed Libya, and cackled about it on TV, and then helped funnel arms to Islamists in Syria to take down Assad. She is in with the regime changing Russia/China sabre rattling neocon crowd up to her eye balls.

                      Forget it mate, I hope you get your dream, go organise for the US Greens and gift Killary, whom you seem to see as the lesser of two evils, the Oval Office.

                    • adam …
                      10 August 2016 at 8:29 pm

                      Come on CV you know I’m no fan of h.r.c. but must see trump is not an option either.

                      h.r.c is evil and terrible, trump is evil and terrible for the love of God man. It’s two evils and I won’t support either.

                      I’m worried you seem to think it is OK to support one of them.

                      to quote Jeff Davies “well, civilisation it’s had a good run…”

                • TheExtremist …
                  10 August 2016 at 1:54 pm

                  Wait, Viper is actually a Trump supporter? Really? Wow. I thought s/he was a leftie.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    10 August 2016 at 2:33 pm

                    I’m definitely not a warmongering bankster paid for neocon Clinton supporter like you appear to be.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 2:37 pm

                      Wow. Really?
                      Not liking Trump =/= supporting Clinton.

                      I have never made a supporting comment about Clinton anywhere. What do you base my “support” of Clinton on?

                      Are you so thin-skinned regarding your support of Trump that you sneer “Boo! Clinton Shill!” to anyone who questions it?

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 3:53 pm

                      Just returning your snide BS with the same mate, don’t take it personally.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 3:59 pm

                      Errr I’m pretty sure I didn’t say anything snide or otherwise. Nor did I say anything that could be considered “BS” as I was asking a question, not making a statement.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    10 August 2016 at 5:19 pm

                    You weren’t asking a question. You were being a smartarse.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 5:49 pm

                      Ahhh no, I was asking a question because as I am a new commentator I had assumed you were, like most of us, a left winger. Then I saw you stumping for Trump so wanted to know if I had got my initial impression wrong and perhaps you were in fact in the same league as Pukish Rouge or Srylands.

                      Jesus man, you are thin-skinned.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:16 pm

                      Yeah, a snide shit, as I thought.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:23 pm

                      Unbelievable

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:29 pm

                      Further, if you had a sincere bone in your body you would have directed your original question towards me and I would have answered you matter of factly.

                      The establishment left is utterly obsolete and irrelevant now. Only a radical departure from status quo economics will provide us with any genuine hope.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:35 pm

                      So Trump is the answer? You seriously think Trump will deviate from the current status quo? Please…have you seen his ‘economic’ plan which gives billions of tax breaks to the top earners?

                      You’re no left winger (or right winger). At least both left and right wingers have principles. Stumping for a misoginistic, racist, pig thick con-man because you hate Clinton with such a passion makes you all things trump is.

                      Begone stupid fellow. You’re wasting everyone’s time.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:38 pm

                      Insincere and snide. With a foul mouthed mind as well. Read you right up front.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:43 pm

                      From now on I can only assume you’re as racist nd misoginistic as Trump.

                      Poor form.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:45 pm

                      Ahhh, a Thorndon Bubble type.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:51 pm

                      Sorry, you’ve lost me, racist

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 6:59 pm

                      Use your Thorndon Bubble Labourite sneers all you want.

                      [Adding Thorndon Bubble to the spam filter. Abusive language is not welcome here. Lift your game CV. TRP]

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:04 pm

                      I’m sorry, I’m not sure as to what you’re referring to. Thorndon? Labour? Huh?

                      I’m guessing you also think woman should be punished for having abortions and that the US should build a huge wall to keep the Mexicans out. Is that right, racist?

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:12 pm

                      *Shrug* Keep it up. I figured you out from your very first comment.

                    • TheExtremist …
                      10 August 2016 at 7:32 pm

                      Completely lost me I’m afraid. Racist.

                    • rhinocrates …
                      11 August 2016 at 1:29 pm

                      Wow! I’m really glad that I’ve stopped drinking and take my fluoxetine these days!

                  • srylands …
                    10 August 2016 at 7:27 pm

                    “Then I saw you stumping for Trump so wanted to know if I had got my initial impression wrong and perhaps you were in fact in the same league as Pukish Rouge or Srylands.”
                    _________

                    What? I have never made any comment on Trump. For the record, Trump is a maniac.

                    I ask that you withdraw and apologise.

          • Sabine 6.1.1.1.2
            10 August 2016 at 11:40 am

            i am not talking about the 60’s, i am talking about the current lot of republicans of the year 2016.

            Am i that off?
            Is Rubio not a forced birther by saying that he would not allow for an abortion should a women carry a baby with microcephaly and not letting a women take this decision with her husband/partner and her doctor?

            Is Pence who introduces himself as a ‘Christian’ not anti-science and a religious nut when refusing to do the simplest thing in order to prevent a health crisis in the State that he runs?
            http://www.politico.com/story/2016/08/under-pences-leadership-response-to-heroin-epidemic-criticized-as-ineffective-226759

            https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/07/marco-rubio-zika-virus-abortions-florida

            is kasich not someone who fits the description of a bit of a sexits?

            http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/22/politics/john-kasich-women-kitchen/

            or cruz? Not a bit of a wanker here with this statement?

            http://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/04/25/cruz-indicates-trans-women-should-only-use-bathroom-at-home/

            i don’t think i am out of order when saying that the republican party has only itself to blame for the issues it currently has.

    • Lanthanide 6.2
      10 August 2016 at 11:34 am

      Sabine is completely correct.

      It’s only a 1 party state, because the Republicans have, over the last 3 decades, deliberately lied to their supporters and kept them like mushrooms. This has culminated in the flawed candidate that their base rabidly support, while the party leaders themselves are aghast.

      They’re reaping their own whirlwind.

    • Chooky 6.3
      10 August 2016 at 8:48 pm

      thanx CV…must watch!

    • BM 7.1
      10 August 2016 at 10:39 am

      Comrade Little says NO to any right wing fraternization.

    • adam 7.2
      10 August 2016 at 10:47 am

      There is a whole post on that, http://thestandard.org.nz/leggett-in-parkins-pocket/

      and it’s called party discipline somthing both you and BM have criticised labour for not having.

      • Puckish Rogue 7.2.1
        10 August 2016 at 11:12 am

        Apart from Shearer attending that is 😉

        • adam 7.2.1.1
          10 August 2016 at 11:27 am

          Which puts a bit of a kibosh on you first argument 🙂

        • Muttonbird 7.2.1.2
          10 August 2016 at 11:40 am

          No surprise there. Shearer has ‘crossed the floor’ once already this year.

          • Puckish Rogue 7.2.1.2.1
            10 August 2016 at 11:45 am

            Labours a broad church remember…or is it! 🙂

            • Sabine 7.2.1.2.1.1
              10 August 2016 at 11:49 am

              that is a really stupid comment.

              if someone changes their political views over the years, and that can happen, it would behoove that person to leave the party that no longer represents them.

              in Shearers case it seems that he is only at the Labour Party in order to pay his bills, this should not be good enough for anyone.
              Leave, join National or Act, and get elected again on this platform. IF he can’t do that, I think it is fair of the Leader of the Party to ask to a. tow the line or b. get the heck outta dodge.

              Labour is a big tent, and this past Saturday it was nice to see just how big a tent it is during our local little 100 year celebration. A nice cross section of the part of the country we live in. But we don’t need to keep people in that only stay to shit the bed but then refuse to wash the linnen.

        • Sabine 7.2.1.3
          10 August 2016 at 11:41 am

          he could leave the Labour Party and join National or Act. No biggie. Free choice and shit.

  9. Muttonbird 9
    10 August 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Jesus! This, a day after a Reid poll showed that 60% of people think too many are coming in.

    More than 200,000 people were issued temporary work visas in the year ending June, almost 30,000 more than the year before.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/310591/nz-visa-numbers-reach-'staggering'-record-high

    • Colonial Viper 9.1
      10 August 2016 at 2:35 pm

      Immigrants aren’t the problem so the lefties keep saying on this site.

      I’m with Winston, time to chop back immigration numbers by at least 90%.

        • Colonial Viper 9.1.1.1
          10 August 2016 at 3:47 pm

          That’s what I’m saying. We need to severely cut back immigration, as well as banning foreign ownership of NZ property. Including existing ownership.

          • GregJ 9.1.1.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 7:32 pm

            It must be the heat here – but I sort of agree with CV.

            According to a Westpac study many of the new migrants are international students who are looking to stay after completing their studies.

            ” The student boom began in late 2013, shortly after visa rules were relaxed to make it easier for foreign students to work. And study has historically been a popular first step on the path to settlement for Indian migrants, most of whom first arrive in New Zealand as international students.”

            You have to wonder how many are genuine students and how many are using the “student” status to come in under the wire.

            90% cut sounds about right – for a net of about 6-10,000 (with about 2000 of those places for refugees). Harsh but necessary.

            • Muttonbird 9.1.1.1.1.1
              10 August 2016 at 8:43 pm

              This. Yet Blinglish today continues his line that student return home after studying.

              It’s now well known that foreign ‘students’ are using our lax laws as a back door into the country for their families so why won’t the opposition call him on this bullshit?

            • Colonial Viper 9.1.1.1.1.2
              10 August 2016 at 9:15 pm

              I have no issues with increasing refugee numbers by 1000 to 2000 for every 10,000 standard immigrant numbers slashed.

              • marty mars …
                10 August 2016 at 9:30 pm

                Fuck you is what I say. I am a leftie and I am against cutting immigration numbers – although I would drastically change the criteria to be able to immigrate AND I think that refugee numbers should double and double again.

                And guess what colonic biter I KNOW a lot of lefties and most nzers disagree with me on all or some of those points.

                YOU have no issues – what a laugh – you are a nobody who gleans his massive insight via videos – clap. clap. clap.

                You are a bullshit artist and not even very good at that

                [Marty, I think the phrase ‘do not feed the troll’ is appropriate here. CV is a sad, bitter person with obvious anger issues towards pretty much the entire human race. However, ‘Fuck you’ isn’t the best response and comes pretty close to pointless abuse, which is not acceptable. The rest of your comment is spot on. TRP]

                • Colonial Viper …
                  10 August 2016 at 9:50 pm

                  I would be happy with your tightening up immigration criteria, as long as the end result is a massive slashing of immigration numbers.

                  YOU have no issues – what a laugh – you are a nobody who gleans his massive insight via videos – clap. clap. clap.

                  ???

                • Colonial Viper …
                  10 August 2016 at 9:52 pm

                  Oh look, TRP’s moderation of personal abuse itself includes personal abuse. So classy.

                  [Challenging moderation. Take a week off. TRP]

      • weka 9.1.2
        10 August 2016 at 8:03 pm

        “Immigrants aren’t the problem so the lefties keep saying on this site.”

        Enough with the lies CV, you’re way past what is ok here.

        • Colonial Viper 9.1.2.1
          10 August 2016 at 8:33 pm

          Really? In that case, feel free to tell me straight up your view on this weka.

          Are too many immigrants part of the problem that Auckland is facing?

          IMO the answer is yes – and I think Winston’s proposals to reduce immigration numbers by 90% plus are one way to sort this out.

          So what say you?

          • Chooky 9.1.2.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 9:18 pm

            I agree with you and Winston CV…but not weka

          • weka 9.1.2.1.2
            11 August 2016 at 2:10 pm

            Really? In that case, feel free to tell me straight up your view on this weka.

            Are too many immigrants part of the problem that Auckland is facing?

            IMO the answer is yes – and I think Winston’s proposals to reduce immigration numbers by 90% plus are one way to sort this out.

            So what say you?

            I can’t comment on Auckland because I don’t know enough about it, but I’d guess yes that immigration is an issue. I know it certainly is in the South Island (worker visas being the main problem, but also permanent immigration from the UK and the US on good exchange rates and higher wages having bumped up land prices).

            No idea what the reduction in numbers should be (90% seems over the top, and it depends on what kind of immigration we are talking about). I’d like to see big changes to the immigration criteria.

            So in general, I’d say I’m a leftie who says immigrants aren’t the problem, but our immigration policy most definitely is. The only regular commenters I’ve seen who argue for open borders are marty and Bill. I would say that many commenters here are concerned about the impacts of the current immigration policy. Both Labour and the Greens have talked this year about reducing numbers.

            That btw is not a new position from me, and I’ve said similar on ts in the past.

    • joe90 10.1
      10 August 2016 at 12:38 pm

      Surprise surprise, Hamas have their very own sayanim.
      /

    • Ad 10.2
      10 August 2016 at 12:41 pm

      I was a little surprised to see the Australian government suspend aid so fast after this matter was announced. Reminds me of the effective blacklisting of CORSO internationally for their work in the Philippines during the leftist uprisings of the late 1970s when they were accused of supporting insurrection. Cheap unsubstantiated shots that continue to enable the status quo of suffering.

      I am a strong Israel supporter, but I cannot for the life of me see what the point is of shutting out the last remaining dogged aid organizations who are still in there making a positive difference to suffering people.

      • joe90 10.2.1
        10 August 2016 at 12:54 pm

        Moshe Feiglin, former Likud MKN –

        Subsequent to the elimination of terror from Gaza, it will become part of sovereign Israel and will be populated by Jews. This will also serve to ease the housing crisis in Israel.

        http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/15326

      • Puckish Rogue 10.2.2
        10 August 2016 at 1:12 pm

        I’m going to go with embarrassment causing the Aussies to suspend aid so quickly

        https://donaldelley.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/the-jewish-press-world-vision-rejected-our-warnings-about-funding-hamas-terrorism/

        “For the past four years, Tel Aviv based civil rights center Shurat HaDin has been warning that funds provided to Gaza by the world’s largest evangelical charity World Vision were being utilized for terrorism, the organization said in a statement Thursday, following the indictment by Israel of Mohammed El Halabi, a Hamas terrorist and senior WV employee who is accused of transferring as much as $50 million in charity funds to support Hamas terrorist activities.”

        “In 2012, Shurat HaDin notified the Australian government that its aid money administrated by World Vision was being transferred to front charities of Palestinian terror groups in Gaza. Both the Australian government and WV rejected Shurat HaDin’s warning.”

        “In 2015, Shurat HaDin again cautioned the Australian government that WV was operating as an active arm of the PFLP and other terror groups. WV chief executive Tim Costello vehemently denied the charges and claimed that WV had “no interest in supporting terrorism.”

      • Sabine 10.2.3
        10 August 2016 at 1:17 pm

        history, repeating itself my be the answer

      • Colonial Viper 10.2.4
        10 August 2016 at 3:51 pm

        I was a little surprised to see the Australian government suspend aid so fast after this matter was announced.

        Australian authorities were no doubt already well briefed before the allegations were made public.

    • Sabine 10.3
      10 August 2016 at 1:11 pm

      hmmmmmmm,
      Quote” World Vision’s cumulative operating budget in Gaza for the past ten years was approximately US$22.5 million, which makes the alleged amount of up to US$50 million being diverted hard to reconcile. Mohammad El Halabi was the manager of our Gaza operations only since October 2014; before that time he managed only portions of the Gaza budget. World Vision’s accountability processes cap the amount individuals in management positions at his level to a signing authority of US$15,000.
      ” Quote end.

      oh well

      • Puckish Rogue 10.3.1
        10 August 2016 at 1:18 pm

        Well World Visions donations are about to dry up to a trickle I’d suggest

        • Sabine 10.3.1.1
          10 August 2016 at 1:20 pm

          nothing else to add?

          hmm, i might just have to donate.

          • Puckish Rogue 10.3.1.1.1
            10 August 2016 at 1:27 pm

            If you want to donate and you specifically want to donate to World Vision then maybe wait and see what happens with the allegations

            Or donate to another charity instead

        • Psycho Milt 10.3.1.2
          10 August 2016 at 9:25 pm

          Well World Visions donations are about to dry up to a trickle I’d suggest

          Oh, please – like the people likely to give a shit about this would have been happy to give money for aid to Gaza anyway. If anything will dry up World Vision’s donations from right-wingers, it’s the news that they’ve been helping people in Gaza.

    • Lanthanide 11.1
      10 August 2016 at 12:53 pm

      The woman writing that claims to be in possession of the source code. If so, she should release it.

      Since she has failed to do so, I can’t take her claims seriously.

      • One Two 11.1.1
        10 August 2016 at 4:19 pm

        The default assumption SHOULD be that it IS happening with onus on the developers/controllers/auditors of the electronic vote systems to prove that it is impossible

        Far as I can tell there is years worth of experts breaking into and manipulating these systems, and little evidence from the companies or federal agencies to prove its not

  12. Repateet 12
    10 August 2016 at 2:46 pm

    The Minister of Education in the House today used the expression “best and brightest” when talking about those she wants to get into teaching.

    The Minister of Education in the House today in talking about choices teachers made in doing what they do in schools said they (teachers) were professionals. The implication was that they would know best what needed to be done, and when and how..

    The “best and brightest” have initiative and intelligence. She actually wants brainless cretins who will do the cretinous things she comes up with without question. Doing that automatically means they are not the “best and brightest.”

    If they were professionals she would give them some credit, real credit, and trust, instead of another feigned fit of “teachers I love you, look NZ community, I love teachers and have faith in them.”

    The Minister of Education shows the characteristics of a lying weasel.

    • Reddelusion 12.1
      10 August 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Since when did teachers not have their say or their voice heard, this does not mean you need to agree with their every utterance

      • ianmac 12.1.1
        10 August 2016 at 3:59 pm

        ACT David Seymour position is that teachers are only concerned for themselves and not the children. Weird. My experience is that teachers are very non- militant. And have to be pretty riled to act. So to hold stop work meetings is a danger sign.

      • Repateet 12.1.2
        10 August 2016 at 4:12 pm

        I agree.
        The thing is Hekia Parata can determine that 3+4= 8, ask the teachers what 3+4 is, they say 7, she says they’re wrong but she says consulted them.

        Then people say (like you), “They had their say, she listened to them, but she didn’t agree with their utterance, so she;s carrying on.”

        Teachers have their their say but their voices are only heard to a very small point after the “real stuff” is heard. The important voices are those that pollsters report on. Her boss’ voice is important. The important voices to him are those of people like David Farrar. What teachers say about teaching and learning and education is pretty irrelevant.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 12.1.3
        10 August 2016 at 4:55 pm

        Agree? You have difficulty understanding them.

    • Lanthanide 12.2
      10 August 2016 at 4:17 pm

      if she wants the best and brightest, she has to pay them what they’re worth, and treat them like the rockstars they are.

      Being a teacher should be limited to the cream of the crop of students; all too often people go into teaching because there’s nothing else they can productively do.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 12.2.1
        10 August 2016 at 4:57 pm

        What’s the point of hiring the cream of the crop to implement notional standards and high-stakes testing?

      • Gangnam Style 12.2.2
        10 August 2016 at 6:04 pm

        “all too often people go into teaching because there’s nothing else they can productively do.” – utter bullshit, there are a million other easier ways to earn a living than to teach children, it really is a calling not something you can phone in.

      • Repateet 12.2.3
        10 August 2016 at 10:27 pm

        Treating them like the rockstars they are shouldn’t just be a demand of Parata and her political cobbers. It should apply to posters on here and other places who treat teachers with utter contempt, have no respect for them their experience or their willingness to do the crappy job that they have no interest in taking on*. A job which is vital to society.

        *Not interested in taking it on but they want to do it from the sidelines with their remote controls beamed at the unfortunate ones who do take it up.

  13. Sabine 13
    10 August 2016 at 4:08 pm

    nothing to see here, really,

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/sheep/70904289/government-withholds-letter-from-saudi-sheikh

    “The Government is refusing to make public a letter to Prime Minister John Key from the Saudi sheikh at the centre of a controversial farm deal.

    The missive is mentioned in a May 2010 dispatch from diplomats in Riyadh. It was among hundreds of pages of official documents released by Foreign Minister Murray McCully earlier this week.

    Fairfax Media asked Key’s office to release a copy of the letter. But a spokesman for McCully said it was withheld, citing various provisions of the Official Information Act.

    These were “to avoid prejudicing the international relations of the New Zealand Government…to protect individuals’ privacy…[and] to protect the supply of confidential information by a third party.”

    The Government has been under pressure for months to explain why it spent more than $11 million setting up a farm in the Saudi Arabian desert in a deal with Hamood Al Ali Al Khalaf.”

  14. Kevin 14
    10 August 2016 at 4:12 pm

    With the hopelessly out-of-date electronic vote capturing equipment used in the USA for elections, this mans services will come in handy for the biggest wallet.

    http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-how-to-hack-an-election/

  15. Rodel 15
    10 August 2016 at 9:13 pm

    John Noonan, a former nuclear launch officer and adviser to former GOP candidate Jeb Bush, painted a frightening picture of what might to happen if Trump were handed the nuclear codes; the president alone has final say over a nuclear launch.

    “These duties are simply too grave to entrust to a man who has exhibited sociopathic and chronically narcissistic behavior throughout his checkered career,” he wrote in a Los Angeles Times op-ed published Tuesday.

    When a former nuclear launch officer (whatever that is) describes someone using words like, ‘sociopathic’ & ‘chronically narcissistic’, words straight out of DSM-5 you know he’s inferring that the person is mentally ill.

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    16 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    18 hours ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    18 hours ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  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. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    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
    2 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
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    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
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    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
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    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
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

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

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

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    5 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
    12 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
    13 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
    14 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
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