Open mike 11/05/2014

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 11th, 2014 - 133 comments
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133 comments on “Open mike 11/05/2014 ”

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  1. karol 1
    11 May 2014 at 7:44 am

    Well stated Wanganui Chronicle article on National and Key’s tough week.

    And they say trouble comes in threes – the revelation of the regional “Cabinet Clubs” – where paid members get access to MPs at events around the country again sends the message that for the Nats, money talks.

    Some claim “that’s just politics” and maybe some other parties have undertaken similarly marginally-appropriate fundraising efforts, but there is a pattern here of the Nats putting how much money you have at the heart.

    Whether any of these situations are within the sometimes-pliable rules isn’t the point – the message is clear: If you are wealthy, you appear to get privileged access to and support of ministers and MPs under the Nats. That’s not right.

    I don’t buy into these examples being mistakes either – these are experienced politicians. They are simply reflecting the culture and values of their organisation – unfortunately it is our Government!

    Some may bandy around the word corruption – while others would take great offence at that because at least they are being open about their approach and priorities, defending them even. I guess it depends on the definition of corrupt – these may not literally be examples of bribery but it is still a lack of integrity.

    Yep. Integrity, and the Nats’ pattern of a primary focus on money, especially big money..

  2. Paul 2
    11 May 2014 at 8:00 am

    It’s really disturbing how ACT’s agenda finds the media regularly.
    Watch as stories of the cost of healthcare drip feed into the news to create their narrative.

    Grant sounds like a hired gun working for private health. Presently ripping up the NHS in the UK and invited over here by the private health industry to recommend cutting public health cover.

    “Imagine a world where every time you get a taxpayer-funded health treatment, such as at a hospital, you are handed a “statement” of what it cost.
    One who finds that easy to picture is Oamaru-born Sir Malcolm Grant, the chairman of NHS (National Health Service) England.
    Actually, the dapper New Zealander said it wouldn’t be hard to do and there have been conversations about putting it into practice in Britain.
    The rationale for such a move is clear: countries like Britain and New Zealand need to address rising healthcare costs. There’s an argument people should be educated about the cost of their ill-health, especially in cases of disease caused by what might be termed “lifestyle choices” like obesity.
    Grant was in New Zealand to speak at a conference organised by health insurer Southern Cross on healthcare affordability. Under discussion was setting policies to drive wellness gains and therefore reduce healthcare demand.
    “The question of personal responsibility is very problematic,” Grant said, but interventions could be justified.
    The British and New Zealand health systems have much in common and face similar cost pressures, said Grant. He believed New Zealand could learn some things from the reform taking place in cash-strapped Britain under his watch at NHS England, a public body which oversees the budget, planning, delivery and day-to-day operation of health services in that country.
    “Another lesson might be to depoliticise healthcare.”
    “A Massey University survey of 32 health experts participating in the conference found the biggest perceived barriers to change were political. MPs were accused of failing to grasp issues, ignoring others, and being unwilling to promote unpopular solutions.”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/10028462/NZ-healthcare-costs-rising

    Philippa Whitford is an NHS surgeon from Ireland, working in Scotland. She describes what is happening to public health in England and posts it as a warning to the Scots.We should heed her message here too.

    • DH 2.1
      11 May 2014 at 10:25 am

      “It’s really disturbing how ACT’s agenda finds the media regularly.”

      You’re not the only one who’s noticed that.

      I’ve been idly wondering if a case can be built to have the Herald prosecuted under the Electoral Act. That may sound a bit far fetched at first thought but I find the Herald editorials such blatant & shameless defences of the National Party (and possible coalition partners) I think the free advertising they’re giving National, Act etc, needs to be declared as political donations. They’re getting $millions worth there IMO.

      For those who don’t know; The editorial is the view of the newspaper **, it’s identified by the title ‘Editorial’. Commentaries from individuals like Fran O’Sullivan and John Roughan are the personal view of the writers, not much can be done about them so long as the ‘paper also presents alternate views. The commentaries can be biased but the editorials, however, can’t be. It’s their Achilles heel.

      ** that’s not an opinion btw, it’s a fact. The editorial has a powerful influence on public opinion because it’s a statement from the neutral (sic) press. For those who doubt; somewhere in the Herald site they clearly state it’s the view of the ‘paper, a quote from the Herald editor here;

      “shayne.currie

      The editorial board meets daily, and we tackle each issue on a case-by-case basis. There’s a robust discussion, and often the editorial writer will be coming up with a piece that they don’t necessarily agree with. It’s the paper’s view.”

      It wouldn’t be easy to prove press bias but I’m pretty confident if someone with the time was to research all the Herald editorials of the last few years they’d find a very noticeable pattern to them that might reach an evidential threshhold. I find the Sunday Herald editorials to be far more balanced and more likely to criticise National so they need to be separated & can also be used as a comparison.

      The useless press council would never do anything but maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance to restore some press neutrality before the election via the Electoral Act. Even a failed attempt would wake them up a bit & perhaps force them to tone down their interfering in our democracy.

      • Paul 2.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 11:12 am

        The Herald’s other consistent target…..teachers
        Our Health and Education sectors are the only two that foreign corporations haven’t got their hooks into.

      • anker 2.1.2
        11 May 2014 at 12:55 pm

        This is a very good idea DH re the editorial og the Herald.

        I too would be unable to do this but if someone else can, it is one idea from this site, that should be considered.

    • Foreign Waka 2.2
      11 May 2014 at 10:42 am

      It is a perception trick – keep the focus on the story about the corruption of the law and order lady and create demand for more responsibility with an iron fist. Nothing works like purpose directed public anger. But how many kiwis will look through that?

    • greywarbler 2.3
      11 May 2014 at 11:41 am

      Depoliticising health care Grant says. That sounds like the specious argument that sport shouldn’t be political. What dark agent of dictatorship gave him his nighthood?

      Take the political out of politics I say. It just interferes with the clear practical measures required to run the country. Ultimately perhaps we could be as unpolitical as North Korea!!

  3. Clean_power 3
    11 May 2014 at 8:15 am

    I await Peter George’s first comment and subsequent hijacking of today’s debate. Unfortunately I can see it coming.

    • wyndham 3.1
      11 May 2014 at 8:26 am

      No ! No ! Please ! Anything but Pete George this beautiful Sunday morning.

    • karol 3.2
      11 May 2014 at 8:26 am

      Where he keeps asking others to produce evidence, while producing little of his own. Thus giving everyine the run-around, leading the agenda. Meanwhile others put the time into finding evidence, and he just keeps producing a string of comments, attempting to lead the discussion, while failing to engage in producing is own arguments in good faith. Also involves PG keeping on moving the goalposts, and slipping from one topic to the next when he is called out on his practices.

      • greywarbler 3.2.1
        11 May 2014 at 11:46 am

        I hate the word absolutely as it is too commonly used, but it does indicate perfect agreement so I use it to agree with you here karol.

        It was clever of him to get into Politicheck – it seems a back door for him to get his nose into everywhere and everything all the time. Sigh surely not?

    • rhinocrates 3.3
      11 May 2014 at 8:45 am

      Candyman, Candyman, Candyman…

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.4
      11 May 2014 at 1:54 pm

      Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for auto moderation 😀

      I hope Pete lifts his game. I expect him to fail.

      • Pete George 3.4.1
        11 May 2014 at 2:54 pm

        Will you lift your game?

      • weka 3.4.2
        11 May 2014 at 10:14 pm

        “I hope Pete lifts his game”

        Except you know he will lift only just enough to get out of moderation, but not enough to make much difference to the way the comments section of ts functions.

        • Stephanie Rodgers 3.4.2.1
          11 May 2014 at 10:44 pm

          I think (hope) it will make a difference simply because other commenters will be able to get a word in and develop some conversations before the inevitable derailing begins.

          • weka 3.4.2.1.1
            11 May 2014 at 10:47 pm

            Oh I completely support PG being moderated. I just wasn’t keen on OAB’s idea that this might lead to PG lifting his game. I expect that once PG is let out of moderation, the inevitable will happen.

  4. millsy 4
    11 May 2014 at 8:51 am

    The drumbeats are starting. Our healthcare system (along with the pension) is the last bastion of our welfare state that hasn’t (completely) fallen to the hordes of user-pays, even though it came close in the 1990s. And from the looks of it, those who admire the US way of doing things have regrouped and are ready to pounce once National have won a 3rd term. Though Labour could do their dirty work for them…..

  5. phillip ure 5
    11 May 2014 at 9:26 am

    q & a is coming down to a matter/question of ‘perception(s)’…

    ..and my perception is that joyce and boag have just main sturdy contributions to the general perception that this govt is both uncaring and corrupt..

    ..there’s nothing like boag laughing at the very idea of poverty..

    ..of it being just a matter of how you look at/read statistics…

    .(‘you silly people!’..)

    ..to help cement that in..

    • phillip ure 5.1
      11 May 2014 at 9:40 am

      and i hasten to add..both joyce and boag also made ‘sturdy contributions’ to the idea of re-electing this govt –

      being as appealing as acquiring as a fungal-crotch-infection..

      ..well done..!..those two..!

      ..undecided voters should watch them on loop..

      ..until they run screaming from the room..

      ..the odious-right…

      ..their flagrant contempt of the rest of us..(should we call them non-cabinet club members?..)

      ..being flown like a flag…

      ..once again..well done..!..those two..!

      • Jackal 5.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 6:02 pm

        Boag was certainly given far too much airtime for Q+A to be considered unbiased. In fact I had to mute the TV because of all her shrill right wing commentary that just went on and on. Simon Wilson was particularly talked over and closed down by the overbearing Boag. What a disgraceful display.

        • karol 5.1.1.1
          11 May 2014 at 6:09 pm

          That’s a Nat MO. They aim to silence any views opposed to theirs. Nat MPs look to have done training in that.

          • phillip ure 5.1.1.1.1
            11 May 2014 at 9:48 pm

            farrar has had the same training..

            ..they all work on the premise that the more you talk..the more of the allocated airtime you eat up..

            ..thus opposing arguments don’t get a hearing/airing..

            ..it’s a tactic brilliant in its’ simplicity..

            ..and it certainly seems to work..

            ..but for real wading thigh-deep thru a swamp..

            ..try the interview dann did with (muldoon-impersonator) joyce..on q & a..

            “..no..no..that’s not right corin..!..”..)

            • Jackal 5.1.1.1.1.1
              11 May 2014 at 10:06 pm

              I thought the bit where Joyce said; “you better be careful” to Corin Dann was telling. Instead of actually producing some evidence to show Dann’s statement was incorrect, Joyce simply threatened him.

              As a professional journalist that sort of alpha male bullshit must really get under your skin, especially when the facts and figures being used are for all intents and purposes correct.

              This National government certainly does have a lot of contempt for any statistics produced by it’s own ministry’s that highlight its failings, and disdain for the so-called fourth estate.

  6. Jenny 6
    11 May 2014 at 9:31 am

    ‘

    “Climate Change Affects All” upcoming New York September 23 Global Summit

    Solutions exist. The race is on. My challenge to all political and business leaders, all concerned citizens and voters is simple: be at the head of the race. Don’t get left behind. Don’t be on the losing side of history.

    Ban Ki-Moon Speaking from the Abu Dhabi “Climate Change pre-Summit Ascent”

    Let’s listen to the UN Head Bank Ki-Moon.

    Let’s not be on the wrong side of history,

    Let’s Dump Denniston,

    Let’s Ditch Deep Sea Oil,

    Let’s Finish with Fracking,

    Let’s Hasten Huntly Shutdown,

    Let’s Fastrack Hauaru Ma Raki.

    As we did over universal sufferage,

    As we did over nuclear weapons,

    As we did over Apartheid Sport,

    Let’s Lead the World Again.

    Let us not be like John Key and tell future generations we couldn’t remember where we stood on climate change, in 2014.

    • phillip ure 6.1
      11 May 2014 at 9:50 am

      that would make quite a good anti-nact billboard..

      ..”.national..on the wrong side of history..’

      ‘..act..on the wrong side of history..’

      …and whenever thinking about act..one must never forget jamie whytes advice as to what we should do to address the issues around climate-change..

      ..”..just do nothing..!..”

      ..i see a market/need for attack-billboards…

      • Jenny 6.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 11:53 am

        Unfortunately Philip we will never see billboards like this, as it would require the opposition parties to have a different position to the government.

        As the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party David Parker says Labour’s position is “close” to the government, and as Lynn Prentice says The Green and Labour Party’s position is “remarkably the same.”

        • phillip ure 6.1.1.1
          11 May 2014 at 11:56 am

          yes..there is that…

          ..it does depress me a tad that the co-leaders of the environmental party..

          ..have not yet evolved to the point where they can recognise their continued eating of animals..

          ..makes them part of the problem we are giving to the future..

          ..and on that issue..they are meant to be the best of the bunch..

          ..and as an example of the walking oxymoron..

          ..it’s hard to go past the carnivorous-green..

          ..a shade of green so faint/pale..it has a pink/blood-like tinge..

      • Rosie 6.1.2
        11 May 2014 at 12:38 pm

        phillip and Jenny, re your billboards idea. Just do it. Erect People’s billboards in public spaces, don’t wait for Party billboards.

        For the last 10 months People’s Power Ohariu has been making billboards to highlight Dunne’s voting choices (Sky City, Asset sales, and GCSB) as well as other Dunne related themes that affect us all, as a way of publicly holding him to account and raising awareness. These are placed around the neighbourhoods of his electorate.

        Your “billboard” above Jenny has a nice flow and a strong positive message. It would look great in a pedestrian area, where people can stop to read it. It’s election year and the time is ripe to spread the word.

    • freedom 6.2
      11 May 2014 at 12:09 pm

      this has been presented as the official word from Washington
      (and is suitably baffling in its navigational operations and its functionality as a research tool 🙂 )

  7. anker 7
    11 May 2014 at 9:35 am

    Q and A…………..Latest spin, it’s mud wrestling when the opposition challenge National re corruption…………

    Boeg, spinning……………..and is she on drugs??? withdrawing from legal highs? She looked incredibly agitated. Why is she even on the programme.

  8. Foreign Waka 8
    11 May 2014 at 9:47 am

    Just watching Q&A and have a question on my own: who has elected Mr Joyce? He is saying that there is wage growth despite statistics showing a different picture. Mr English commented – reported in the news yesterday – that NZ wages will grow to 62K in the next years. I bet the checkout operator, gas station attendant, health worker etc will be pleased to hear that. Mr Boag makes noises about poor Mrs Collins and that she will be disappointed that her image suffered (????) She also seem to be missing the point when talking about pay for access to politician. The fact this is going on so long is no excuse for the fact that this undermines democracy. If wealthy people can influence policy than the average person would not have any possibility to sway anybody, vote or not. So if National is saying that they are advancing NZ interests, whose interest is it they advance?
    Michelle Boag is in denial about all the negative impacts in the community and it is my feeling that she is too old to grasp the needs of a NZ economy and its people for the next 20-30 years. Mind you, why would she with a taxpayer funded income for the rest of her life.
    On a positive side, BNZ commentator Alexander Thorburn gave a very good interview that is both showing the positive sides and the concerns looking 10 or more years ahead. By what I understand, he rightly states that Kiwis are not “hungry” enough to succeed and confirms that the average wage is too low. This is connected to education and having the right skill set. Expectations when setting out need to be understood as a start not the peek of a carrier. Housing is an issue, especially with the tax incentives in place. Why do we have such great people here and we hardly ever get some comments to hear from them?

    • Foreign Waka 8.2
      11 May 2014 at 9:59 am

      And then there is Marilyn Waring, enough said.

      • phillip ure 8.2.1
        11 May 2014 at 4:17 pm

        i liked waring saying she would like to see a list of cabinet-club donors..

        ..matched against a list of govt appointments to troughing-positions..

        ..(it’s called ‘kickbacks’..)

    • Draco T Bastard 8.3
      11 May 2014 at 12:03 pm

      By what I understand, he rightly states that Kiwis are not “hungry” enough to succeed and confirms that the average wage is too low.

      When you’re struggling to survive on poverty wages developing the next Best Thing is way down the list of Things To Do with your limited income. Little things like food and rent come first.

      Lift everybody out of poverty rather than just reward the already rich and we’ll see innovation increase. Make it so that people can collaborate in trust and have access to the resources necessary to develop that innovation. Do that and we’ll see innovation in NZ soar.

      Basically, close to the exact opposite of what we’ve been doing for the last 30 years.

    • Mary 8.4
      11 May 2014 at 12:44 pm

      Labour needs to capitalise on what Whyte has said ACT would do. It needs to use it as a warning of what National will do if elected. Labour needs to hammer what a third term will mean, highlight the lies and likelihood of u-turns and how National’s agenda by-stealth in reality is identical to ACT’s the only difference being timing. Labour could so easily do this because the material for telling the truth is all there laid out for it. This is what Labour must do, but of course they’re too stupid to so it won’t happen.

      • Paul 8.4.1
        11 May 2014 at 12:47 pm

        Too scared and too compromised

      • anker 8.4.2
        11 May 2014 at 12:58 pm

        @Mary re Labour capitalizing on what Act are saying. I think this is a good idea. How about you at least give Labour a chance to see if they do it?? I think their strategy is going well at the moment. Target Colins, bring Trev in as attack dog, then move on to Woodhouse……..Ping Key for letting ministerial standards slid.

        Good policy on reserve bank act, well released.

        • Mary 8.4.2.1
          11 May 2014 at 1:17 pm

          “How about you at least give Labour a chance to see if they do it??”

          Because giving Labour chances doesn’t work. We’ve learned that’s the case since they said in 1991 that they’d ditched rogernomics. Since then Labour’s done nothing except kick us in the guts. I’m sick of giving Labour a chance. They don’t deserve any more chances. Giving Labour a “chance” is akin to saying “keep going you lot, we like what you’re doing.” We need a new strategy which can’t be about sitting back in the belief that Labour is “better than the other lot”. We need to start telling Labour that it can’t take its support for granted. Therein lies the problem. Giving Labour another “chance” is the last thing we should be doing.

          • James Thrace 8.4.2.1.1
            11 May 2014 at 1:50 pm

            Well then the best thing to do to create the impression within Labour that they’re not as well loved as they think they are is to Vote Green.

            I renewed my membership fees last year solely to vote Cunliffe. Haven’t done so this year as my values and ethos are becoming more reflected in Green party policies.

            Ideally, Labour on 30% and Green on 20% would be pudding proof.

          • Draco T Bastard 8.4.2.1.2
            11 May 2014 at 3:08 pm

            +1

          • anker 8.4.2.1.3
            11 May 2014 at 5:40 pm

            @ Mary …………That of course it your choice not to give Labour another chance and I understand that choice, having made it too in past elections. I merely mean’t on this occasion, re how they respond to Act.. But you don’t have to give Labour a chance at all. That’s cool.

            It will be interesting to see what they do about the Act thing…see Ad’s comments below.

            • Mary 8.4.2.1.3.1
              11 May 2014 at 8:27 pm

              That’s precisely what I’m saying. I don’t think Labour has the guts to respond to ACT in that way because they sense it’d be seen as a display of weakness to whatever they think the middle ground is = sellout.

          • phillip ure 8.4.2.1.4
            11 May 2014 at 6:05 pm

            ..@ mary..

            “.. We’ve learned that’s the case since they said in 1991 that they’d ditched rogernomics. Since then Labour’s done nothing except kick us in the guts..”

            many more than 1..

            • Mary 8.4.2.1.4.1
              11 May 2014 at 6:45 pm

              I guess I was thinking more about rogernomics as like an octopus that sucked the life out of everything it possibly can. Like we have now. Although for this government it’s about doing it over time and in a way that changes thinking in a cultural way. It’s probably how ACT see it too, but the idea is that ACT is the Huntaway barking at the rear.

              • Mary …
                11 May 2014 at 8:42 pm

                It’s about chipping away at values and culture. It’s our thinking that’s under attack so that we give support to the ideas that destroy us.

      • Ad 8.4.3
        11 May 2014 at 3:23 pm

        Offering dire warnings doesn’t work. Labour and Greens went hammer and tongs against what National would do in its second term, but the result was not enough people got out to vote, and the election was lost. (National then went and did precisely what the public had been warned they would do).

        Negative is not what is needed right now. TV3, the NZHerald, and the Christchurch Daily Press will do that for the opposition most days of the week now.

        Inspiring is what is needed now. What Labour needs to do is what Cunliffe is launching on this site tomorrow: a fresh and clear approach to rebuilding New Zealand in the interests of everyone.

        • Bearded Git 8.4.3.1
          11 May 2014 at 6:30 pm

          Ad-National won by 10-15000 votes last time. Scraped in.

        • Mary 8.4.3.2
          11 May 2014 at 7:12 pm

          “What Labour needs to do is what Cunliffe is launching on this site tomorrow: a fresh and clear approach to rebuilding New Zealand in the interests of everyone.”

          Okay, you win. I’ll give Labour another chance. Guess we’ll know some time tomorrow, then. I’m very open minded.

    • Jackal 9.1
      11 May 2014 at 6:14 pm

      Probably the same scientists who claim that algae blooms aren’t mainly caused by petroleum-based fertilizers often used in conventional farming.

      • weka 9.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 10:09 pm

        +1. I would guess that didymo is a consequence of multiple factors, including industrial farming.

        If NZ really cared about the environment, or even water, beyond how we can use it, we would have shut down human ‘use’ on all rivers until we knew what we were dealing with. When didymo first arrived in NZ, we already knew that once it got into a catchment there was no way to remove it, so why did govt scientists take several years to study it before doing anything, and then only did something half arse like telling fishermen and boaties to wash their gear?

  10. phillip ure 10
    11 May 2014 at 9:53 am

    i think i might start referring to joyce in/at what will inevitably be his post-politics career..

    ..as a muldoon impersonator..

  11. phillip ure 11
    11 May 2014 at 10:10 am

    q & a was also interesting for being book-ended by joyce/muldoon..

    ..not only could they be twins/brothers physically..they also both said the same things..

    ..muldoon just a little more slurry than joyce..

    ..the simplistic-themes..

    “….steady as she goes..troubled-times..the opposition are crazy..”

  12. greywarbler 12
    11 May 2014 at 10:43 am

    A poignantly brave story of an escapee from North Korea who needs support and a hearing as he speaks on behalf of his fellow escapee who was caught in China (they allow North Korea to search for their escapees there and the authorised thugs may break all their prisoner’s limbs and then ship them back to NKorea in a coffin and I don’t know whether they care whether they are alive or dead when they get put in.)

    Heard on Radionz this a.m. talking about his book Dear Leader, readers might like to buy it, published by Random House, and show solidarity and give some money to help him to live and evade capture. He is speaking at the Auckland Writers Festival on Friday May 16

    10:06 Jang Jin-sung – Secrets of North Korea
    Jang Jin-sung defected after having served as a counter-intelligence officer, and poet laureate, for North Korea’s former dictator Kim Jong-il. In his memoir Dear Leader he gives insights into the workings of one of the world’s most oppressive regimes, and he talks to Wallace about the fate of his country, and what drove him to reveal its secrets.
    Jang Jin-sung is appearing at the Auckland Writers Festival on Friday May 16. His new book, Dear Leader (Random House) is published to coincide with his visit.

    Auckland Writers Festival
    History, Politics and Global Events
    Memoir
    The versatile Jang Jin-sung defected to South Korea having served as a counter-intelligence officer, and poet laureate, for North Korea’s former dictator Kim Jong-il. In his newly published memoir Dear Leader he gives unparalleled insights into the workings of one of the world’s most secret regimes, about which we periodically receive news of executions, widespread repression and nuclear ambition. In discussion with John Sinclair, and with a translator.
    Supported by the Asia NZ Foundation.

    Speaker Bios:
    .John Sinclair
    Jang Jin-sung
    Friday 16 May 2014
    05/16/2014 11:30AM —
    05/16/2014 12:30PM
    ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
    50 Mayoral Drive Auckland New Zealand
    $20.00 Earlybird
    $25.00 Standard
    $15.00 Patron
    $12.50 Student
    Get a discount on earlybird/standard tickets if you include this event in a 5 or 10 ticket Concession Pass

    Also on North Korea
    The Orphan Master’s Son: Adam Johnson.
    Friday 16 May 2014
    05/16/2014 10:00AM —
    05/16/2014 11:00AM
    Is truth stranger than fiction when it’s focussed on that strange and secretive land north of the 38th parallel? Join American novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner Adam Johnson for a discussion of his exquisitely written satirical novel The Orphan’s Master’s Son, in which protagonist and party factotum Jun Do tries to get on in Kim Jong-il’s North Korea, while falling for an actress called Sun Moon. In conversation with Simon Wilson.
    (Many other nationals were kidnapped by North Korean agents including a famous actress and that is one of the bases for this book’s content.)
    Supported by Platinum Patrons Gerard and Carol Curry.

  13. greywarbler 13
    11 May 2014 at 11:07 am

    I think I might be wrong in something I said about the North Korean escapee, I thought he fled to China and was being hunted there but I think he could have been somewhere else I think in Asia, perhaps in South Korea. I have to listen again to check.
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday

    Also there was a report on Wallace Chapmans program this morning on the way that Sweden has a widening gap between rich and poor, and has ceased making individual stands for good governance in the world and offering mediation etc. since the neo lib tide washed over them. It is very forward in the armaments industry and works well with the USA.
    9:40 Wayne Brittenden’s Counterpoint
    In the light of new leads in the case of the mysterious murder of Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme in 1986, Wayne looks at the heyday of Swedish social democracy, and the decline of Sweden’s once independent, neutral and powerful voice in international peace and justice. Wallace follows up with Maj Britt Theorin, Palme’s Ambassador for Disarmament.

    • Once was Tim 13.1
      11 May 2014 at 11:41 am

      yea …. that was a very interesting piece. What interested me was the question posed … ‘when did Sweden turn?’. The response basically when it joined the EU. Reminds me then of a comment I made the other day about Labour and Nats in Brit/Oz/elsewhere ‘feeding off each other’ – but also how we used to put Sweden up as an example (regardless it seems of the direction). Looking at what’s happening overseas by political equivalents is oft used as a justification for local policy WHETHER OR NOT its relevant to NZ. It also shows a degree of a lack of ideas or originality*. The march of 3rd Wayism and neo-liberalism. As Maj Britt Theorin seemed to show – it hasn’t worked!

      At the very least, Parker’s latest is a refreshing break from that (not that I’ll give Labour my party vote again – YET)

      • greywarbler 13.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 11:53 am

        Once was (and is) Tim
        +1 How many times do we hear about it being done overseas (never stated where or when or by whom to what effect) as a reason for introducing some new or changed measure?

        The ultimate in crass other-country worship and cultural cringe with an automatic put-down of our own initiative and capability. Basically its laziness. Instead of getting bespoke home-made policies to fit our needs, you buy in cheap policies and measures as off the shelf programs (cheap because the policies have been formed overseas which has carried out the hard work of designing them). It is done with buying computer programs, and our whole national commerce and economy is based on buying other people’s produce, trying for cheapness and immediacy.

        • Draco T Bastard 13.1.1.1
          11 May 2014 at 12:25 pm

          The ultimate in crass other-country worship and cultural cringe with an automatic put-down of our own initiative and capability.

          And there’s a hell of a lot of it going around.

          It is done with buying computer programs, and our whole national commerce and economy is based on buying other people’s produce, trying for cheapness and immediacy.

          Yep. NZ has become very very cheap over the last thirty years as we swallowed the BS that the neo-liberals spewed out about being able to get things cheaper. We’ve lost the understanding that things cost and that you can’t get them any cheaper.

          • blue leopard 13.1.1.1.1
            11 May 2014 at 12:40 pm

            …and if you do the sums – are these things really cheaper? They wear out quicker…..

  15. phillip ure 15
    11 May 2014 at 11:26 am

    “..12 of the Biggest Myths About Marijuana Debunked..

    The arguments against legalization simply don’t hold up.

    For decades,cannabis opponents controlled the messaging around the popular plant –

    and cultivated any number of lies about its effects.

    This built up a powerful stigma against marijuana –

    the effects of which have not worn off..”

    http://www.alternet.org/drugs/12-biggest-myths-about-marijuana-debunked

    • phillip ure 15.2
      11 May 2014 at 4:21 pm

      ‘sunday’ tonite is a must-watch..

      ..it is on the healing-properties of cannabis…

      • phillip ure 15.2.1
        11 May 2014 at 4:52 pm

        the campbell live interview with the scientist who invented legal-highs..was also interesting..

        ..he said they were never designed to be used by humans..his work was for research purposes only..

        ..that they are very addictive..and that they should be banned..

        ..and..his solution to the current/ongoing legal-high addiction problem…

        ..is to legalise cannabis..

        ..(in part for scientific-reasons..because cannabis is complex..and some components of it act as counters to those untramelled addictive-qualities found in these legal-highs..)

        ..and it is kinda funny..(not ha-ha!)..that dung has been allowed to ride his false meme of ‘mr commonsense’..for so long

        ..whereas on this issue especially..(but not only..)..the ‘common sense’ of legalising cannabis..)

        ..he is a total outlier..

        ..more ‘mr barking-mad/table-leg-chewing reactionary fucktard’..

        ..and given the total trainwreck his legal high regime has been..both in fostering and execution..

        ..surely basic self-respect should see him seeking the exit door..?

        ..and only worthy of being pointed and laughed at should he dare to make any pronouncements at all on this topic..

        ..surely..?

  16. Morrissey 16
    11 May 2014 at 11:59 am

    “Hard Clay”–remaking Afghanistan in “our” image
    by David Edwards, Media Lens, 28 April 2014

    Last month, we reviewed the mind-boggling contrast between corporate media coverage of the January 2005 election in Iraq and the March 2014 referendum in Crimea.

    Whereas all media accepted the basic legitimacy of an Iraq election conducted under extremely violent US-UK military occupation, they all rejected the legitimacy of a Crimea referendum conducted ‘at [Russian] gunpoint’.

    It was not difficult to guess how the same media would respond to the Afghan presidential election of April 5 under the guns of Britain and America’s occupying force.

    The Daily Telegraph had welcomed ‘the first democratic elections’ in Iraq (Leader, ‘Mission accomplished,’ December 6, 2004) and dismissed the Crimea vote as ‘an illegal referendum conducted at gunpoint’. As for Afghanistan: ‘The sight of millions of Afghans defying the Taliban to vote in their country’s presidential election should induce genuine humility. We might take democracy for granted; they emphatically do not.’

    Democracy it was, then. Had the editors forgotten that the vote was taking place under US-UK military occupation? In fact, no: ‘The idea that the Taliban are waiting to sweep back to power as soon as American and British troops depart has also taken a knock. If this poll continues to proceed smoothly, the country should have the inestimable benefit of a legitimately elected leader.’

    The election was thus declared both democratic and legitimate. As in Iraq, the delegitimising effect of military occupation was ignored – ‘our’ occupations are simply accepted as legitimate and uncontroversial.

    A Sunday Times leader hailed ‘democratic elections’ in Iraq, noting only that they were threatened by ‘terrorists’ – Iraqis, not the illegal foreign invaders who had wrecked the country with war, sanctions, bombing and more war (Leader, ‘Send more troops,’ October 10, 2004). By contrast, The Times claimed that the Crimea referendum was made absurd by Russian troops ‘massing on their western border’. (Leading article, ‘Russian Pariah,’ March 17, 2014)

    But The Times found nothing absurd about the Afghan election: ‘We should honour and celebrate the resolve of these voters, their commitment to the democratic process.’

    To be sure, military involvement had been a problem: ‘The Taleban has been malignly active in the run-up to the election, attacking foreigners in restaurants and showering death threats on democratic activists.’

    What about the occupation? ‘As US and British troops ready themselves for withdrawal by the end of this year, the Afghans are evidently eager to take command of their own political destinies.’

    And yet this was impossible in Crimea, although Russian troops were not occupying and fighting, merely said to be ‘massing’ on the border.

    For the BBC, the Iraq election….

    Read more….
    http://www.medialens.org/index.php/alerts/alert-archive/2014/762-hard-clay-remaking-afghanistan-in-our-image.html

  17. joe90 17
    11 May 2014 at 12:24 pm

    That popping sound, it’s fundy heads reacting to the St Louis Rams drafting the NFL’s first openly gay player.

    http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/10/michael-sam-gay-nfl-player-draft-st-louis-rams

    https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball/status/465269464477356033/photo/1

  18. Penny Bright 18
    11 May 2014 at 12:49 pm

    Keeping the BLOWTORCH on corruption!

    http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/public-divided-over-whether-judith-collins-should-stay-minister-5968582

    Public divided over whether Judith Collins should stay as minister

    Published: 10:38AM Sunday May 11, 2014 Source: ONE News

    Do you think her behaviour has been damaging to National’s level of public support, or do you think it will make no difference?

    50% Yes, it has been damaging

    42% No, it won’t make any difference

    9% Don’t know

    Oh dear ………………….

    Still waiting for SOMEONE in mainstream media to focus on the failure of Minister for CORRUPTION Judith Collins to introduce her ‘Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Legislation Bill’ into the House – so NZ can ratify the UN Convention Against Corruption?

    (Still waiting for an acknowledgment from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to this OIA request to Prime Minister John Key:

    7 May 2014

    ‘Open Letter’ /OIA request to Prime Minister John Key :

    “Why has New Zealand STILL not yet ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)?”

    Dear Prime Minister,

    Please be reminded that according to the 2013 Transparency International ‘Corruption Perception Index’, New Zealand, (along with Denmark) is ‘perceived’ to be the least corrupt country in the world.

    http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2013/results/

    However, New Zealand is still one of a handful of countries which has STILL not ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

    (UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)

    http://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNCAC/Publications/Convention/08-50026_E.pdf

    (Signatories to the UN Convention Against Corruption

    https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CAC/signatories.html

    In a letter to Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ), dated 7 August 2013, your Minister of Justice Judith Collins stated:

    “New Zealand ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption

    Thank you for your correspondence of 31 May 2013 to myself, Hon Murray McCully, and Hon Tim Groser regarding New Zealand’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

    Like you, I also believe that ratifying UNCAC would be advantageous. Ratification of the Convention is important to ensure New Zealand retains its international reputation for transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness, which can have flow-on economic benefits for the country.

    It is for these reasons that I have announced a package of legislative reforms that will allow New Zealand to ratify UNCAC. the reforms will be progressed as part of an Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Bill which I intend to introduce into Parliament later in 2013.

    As you may be aware, it is the policy of the New Zealand Government that binding treaty actions such as ratification is not taken until New Zealand’s domestic law is compliant with the treaty obligations. As you state in your letter, only minor amendments are necessary to bring New Zealand into compliance with the UNCAC obligations.

    The Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Bill will contain the required amendments. After the Bill is passed and the changes are enacted, officials will promptly take steps to deposit New Zealand’s instrument of ratification of UNCAC.

    Yours sincerely,

    Hon Judith Collins
    Minister of Justice.”

    NZ Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Legislation Bill

    http://www.transparency.org.nz/docs/2013/Hon-Judith-Collins-Minister-of-Justice-Letter-to-TINZ.pdf

    Your Minister of Justice Judith Collins’ press release of 18 October 2013:

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1310/S00301/bill-supports-zero-tolerance-for-organised-crime.htm

    Bill supports zero-tolerance for organised crime
    Friday, 18 October 2013, 10:03 am
    Press Release: New Zealand Government
    Hon Judith Collins

    Minister of Justice

    18 October 2013 Media Statement

    Bill supports zero-tolerance for organised crime

    Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Government’s comprehensive approach to fighting all forms of organised crime will help safeguard New Zealand’s economy, international reputation and public safety.

    This month a number of international bodies are evaluating New Zealand’s compliance with international standards related to financial crimes – including the OECD, which will report on New Zealand’s compliance with an international convention to combat bribery of foreign public officials.

    “I welcome the release of these reports.

    This Government takes all forms of organised crime and corruption very seriously,” Ms Collins says.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/New-laws-to-fight-organised-crime/tabid/1607/articleID/317781/Default.aspx

    New laws to fight organised crime
    Friday 18 Oct 2013 10:33a.m.

    The Government will bring in a bill before the end of the year to strengthen laws against money laundering, identity theft, human trafficking and corruption.
    Justice Minister Judith Collins says she intends to have a comprehensive set of laws in place to fight all forms of organised crime.
    “It’s important to consider bribery and corruption within the big picture of organised crime, which undermines public safety, national security, economic development and good governance,” she said today.
    “This bill will help ensure New Zealand maintains its reputation as a responsible international citizen and that our domestic law enforcement agencies have the tolls they need to fight all forms of organised crime.”

    Unfortunately, it is now May 2014, and your Minister of Justice Judith Collins’ Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Bill, has STILL not been presented to Parliament:

    http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/legislation/bills/?Criteria.Keyword=Organised+Crime+and+Anti-Corruption+Legislation+Bill%2C&Criteria.Timeframe=&Criteria.Parliament=-1&Criteria.DocumentType=&Criteria.Status=&Search=Go

    Legislation
    Bills
    This section lists bills before the House and its committees, and provides access to more detailed information about each one. You will also find the schedule of divided bills and progress of legislationhere. To find out more about bills before select committees, see the committee business summary.

    Close Bills search

    No documents were found

    OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT REQUEST:

    Please provide the information which explains why Minister of Justice Judith Collins’ ‘Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Bill’, has STILL not been presented to Parliament.

    Yours sincerely,
    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’

  19. Mary 19
    11 May 2014 at 12:53 pm

    Once upon a time in New Zealand it used to be only transient single men for whom housing was chronically difficult. It’s good to see we’re keeping up with overseas trends:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/10028756/Caravan-park-outcasts

    • phillip ure 19.1
      11 May 2014 at 3:30 pm

      @ mary..

      ..that open sore was also running for the nine years of labour…

      ..it is the sewer-pipe outlet of neo-liberalism/randism…

      ..we don’t need to go to third world countries for our poverty-tourism..

      ..just a quick spin up the nth-western motorway will do the trick..

  20. Draco T Bastard 20
    11 May 2014 at 3:44 pm

    Just in case you missed it, this is worth reading.

    • blue leopard 20.1
      11 May 2014 at 3:47 pm

      Yes, that is rather fascinating, am going to keep an eye on that BlogSpot!

  21. marty mars 21
    11 May 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Where does key get off saying that he thinks that the “pink traditional Native American headpiece” worn in his daughters art project is not culturally offensive.

    ” Key denied any claims it was culturally offensive.

    ”I’m personally very proud of her,” Key said.”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/10032883/John-Key-defends-daughters-art

    It is typical to reframe it to mean something else – guess what key we know that you are proud of her, good on you – now back to the point please.

    Art, fashion and sport are in constant contact with this issue of misappropriation of cultural aspects of, typically, indigenous groups – and it is a source of much discomfort.

    • newsense 21.1
      11 May 2014 at 4:42 pm

      Being PM is a full family gig.

      Distraction Distraction Distraction

      PC dog whistle, minor issue, getting the snip, planking etc etc.

  22. ianmac 22
    11 May 2014 at 5:32 pm

    “Today’s Colmar Brunton poll also showed 50 per cent of people believed Ms Collins’ behaviour had damaged the National party’s level of public support. Forty-two per cent of those surveyed disagreed, and said her behaviour had not made any difference…..
    ….showed 42 per cent of those surveyed supported Ms Collins maintaining her ministerial portfolios. The same amount of people believed her resignation as a minister was in order, with the remaining amount unsure of what she should do. (was in order???)…
    Three in four of those surveyed said Ms Collins’ Oravida conflict-of-interest affair and the debacle resulting in Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson’s abrupt resignation from the party would not have much influence on their voting choice.    ” (Not important ? or is it that voters are sure of who to vote for. Thus a Nat diehard would not switch but nor would a diehard Labour voter.)
    Wonder how big the poll was. Of course the fact that a poll was even taken points to a wide spread concern.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11253156

    • Jackal 22.1
      11 May 2014 at 5:43 pm

      Considering the bias often displayed by these types of polls, the information that’s not being divulged is telling. It must be panic stations over on National’s sinking ship. Depending on how many rats actually decide to jump, we might never see the Tories in power again. Good job!

  23. anker 23
    11 May 2014 at 5:51 pm

    Anyone know what the polls said in terms of % for the parties? Very curious to know if Nats have dropped since Oravida etc? Most of the reports including this mornings Q and A focused on opinion about Judith C, not voting intentions.

  24. phillip ure 24
    11 May 2014 at 6:26 pm

    tv3 have revealed that the govt plans to sell off thousands of state houses..

    ..many thousands..

    ..this is one of nationals’ secret post-election plans..

    ..should they be returned to power..

    ..and one they planned to keep secret until after the election..

    ..(labour found this out through an o.i.a..so good on them..!)

    ..and this shocker just raised the question:..

    ..seeing as they clearly plan to privatise the state housing stock..(but not tell us about it..before we consider voting for them..)

    ..what else have they got fucken planned..?

    ..eh..?

    ..these rightwing/randite arsewipes must be thrown out of office..

    ..if they are let back in..they will know they have a snowballs’ chance of a fourth term..

    ..so they will go fucken gangbusters..

    ..it will be scorched-earth..up and down the land..

    ..there will be little left..by 2017..

    ..they will have privatised the lot..

    ..they are fucken ideology-driven kleptomaniacs..

    • karol 24.1
      11 May 2014 at 6:49 pm

      So it’s something actually revealed by Phil Twyford from an OIA request. Nats plans being to sell off loads of state housing in provincial/regional areas, plus build some in South Auckland.

      Nick Smith claims that’s an out of date piece of info, and that Nats have plans for more “social housing” – which actually isn’t necessarily state housing. And it’s not clear with the new Nat state houses will be the same amount as now, or less.

      • Draco T Bastard 24.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 7:19 pm

        National’s idea of ‘social housing’ is that private landlords provide it and get a government guaranteed income forever. Really, it’s just more socialism for the rich.

        • vto 24.1.1.1
          11 May 2014 at 7:27 pm

          Nationals idea of social housing is a student flat.

          • ScottGN 24.1.1.1.1
            12 May 2014 at 5:47 am

            National’s idea of social housing is a crazy expensive, overcrowded, flood prone, structurally unsound, privately owned (but subsidized by the taxpayer) house in Christchurch full of beneficiaries that they’ve bribed to move there in order to massage the unemployment stats.

  25. Maki man 25
    11 May 2014 at 7:09 pm

    The state houses that are being sold have been empty for years.
    Don’t be a retard Phillip these houses have to be sold to free up capital so new state houses can be built in places like Auckland where people want to live

  26. Draco T Bastard 26
    11 May 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Biggest Gambling losses

    1 Australia
    2 Singapore
    3 Finland
    4 NZ

    So, so good for the economy – NOT!

  27. karol 27
    11 May 2014 at 7:23 pm

    Thanks, Lynn, for this.

    LOL at some of your techniques. I do prefer to leave most moderation to the main moderators (you?) as that makes for more consistency. But sometimes it’s better if I get onto developing derails as they happen.

    • lprent 27.1
      11 May 2014 at 7:37 pm

      Have a look at what is in the Settings / Discussion comment moderation. The basics are simple enough for a simple auto-moderation. That is enough that you can catch them most of the time before their comment goes live.

      There are a pile of subtleties with dealing with the persistent people like d4j used to be.

      • karol 27.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 7:50 pm

        Under Settings – there’s a moderate selected posts option. Clicking on it brings up a blank page. I see no option anywhere for automoderating all of one commenters comments within one or all of my posts.

        • lprent 27.1.1.1
          11 May 2014 at 9:44 pm

          Umm. That is a different option to allow a single post to be fully moderated – like I will be doing for Cunliffe tomorrow. That means that every comment goes to moderation for that post.

          Nope you should be able to see it. Dashboard / Settings (on left) / Discussion. The moderation os about halfway down the page. If you can’t see it, I’ll set AncientGeek as an editor and test it like that. It’d mean some kind of change in wordpress 3.8 or 3.9 that I wasn’t aware of.

  28. Naki man 28
    11 May 2014 at 7:25 pm

    Does Draco think it is a good idea to have empty state houses in rural towns where people don’t want to live while there is a housing shortage in South Auckland?

    • karol 28.1
      11 May 2014 at 7:28 pm

      On TV3, some of the state houses that are in line to be sold have people living in them – and they don’t want to move. So, how do you know any of the others are where people don’t want to live. the TV3 News report pointed out that probably many of the unoccupied ones had been left empty because the Nats were plannign to sell them.

    • Draco T Bastard 28.2
      11 May 2014 at 7:30 pm

      No, I think we should be looking reinvigorating outlying areas so that people stop crowding the main cities.

    • Jackal 28.3
      11 May 2014 at 8:05 pm

      These house aren’t empty because nobody wants to live in them, they’re empty because the criteria to be eligible for a state house was made harder and there is widespread dysfunction from within Housing New Zealand.

      Even with the harsher criteria there are over 5000 priority applicants on HNZ’s waiting list. It’s not that these people have turned down living in these houses, (because if they do that a few times they’re automatically no longer eligible) it’s that they’re not being offered to them in the first place.

      Instead thousands of state houses are being abandoned by a dysfunctional government so that people are forced into renting in the private market. This inevitably degrades the communities where state housing is located, because empty houses are often vandalised.

      The mess that this National government is leaving our state housing stock in will take a long time to fix. The social implications such archaic policy creates might never be remedied, even with a more progressive government in place.

      People who believe that the government is building anywhere near the amount of houses being demolished are simply ignorant!

  29. geoff 29
    11 May 2014 at 7:34 pm

    I did enjoy this line from Tim Watkin’s article on Judith Collins:

    And Key must be kicking himself for letting it come to this. If he’d be tougher initially, he wouldn’t be having to endlessly spray air freshener on the stench around Collins.

    The whole article is fairly good, here’s the ending…

    Yet Collins stubbornly refuses to get the implications this, publically at least. Very early on, her line to media was that as a minister it was her job to champion New Zealand businesses overseas. Key repeated that line at the time. But Collins also asked, with her usual brashness, if journalists were really saying that just because her husband was a director and her friends ran the business that she shouldn’t visit this company and help them along? It was her job to help ALL New Zealand exporters, regardless, she said.

    Except that the correct answer to her bravado question was simple. “Yes”. Yes, if your friends and family are involved, you shouldn’t visit. Yes, you should stay away. You shouldn’t get involved. Other ministers can work for them and you can work for the dozens, maybe hundreds, of other New Zealand companies struggling in China. But if you go out of your way for a company that you and yours benefit from financially, then yes you’ve crossed a line.

    But she chose to attend the dinner and cross the line. And that wrong decision tshould have been enough to convict her months ago. This week’s documents are ultimately irrelevant. By endorsing Collins’ behaviour from the get-go, Key dropped the ball. And is now paying the price.

    http://pundit.co.nz/content/why-the-collins-case-is-about-then-not-now

    • McFlock 29.1
      11 May 2014 at 7:44 pm

      so, basically, Collins was so blatantly corrupt that not even a forex trader expected it…

      • joe90 29.1.1
        11 May 2014 at 7:52 pm

        Collins was so blatantly corrupt that not even a forex trader expected it…

        Perhaps….

        “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts… perhaps the fear of a loss of power.”

        John Steinbeck

  30. A VOTER 30
    12 May 2014 at 12:32 am

    National should change the name of their party to the Spin Party its seems thats all they are good at cause there aint much truth in any of what they try to get us to believe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

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