Open Mike 12/11/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 12th, 2016 - 52 comments
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[In order to keep Open Mike and Daily Review free for other conversations, please put all discussion, comments, link postings etc about the US election under one of the posts about the Election]

52 comments on “Open Mike 12/11/2016 ”

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  1. Jenny 1
    12 November 2016 at 7:04 am

    On the good news front

    Auckland Council passes historic vote to oppose deep sea oil drilling

    Thursday, November 10: Auckland Council has just voted to oppose the Government’s offshore oil agenda in New Zealand, for the first time ever.
    The vote this morning saw 14 councillors including, new Mayor Phil Goff, pass an amendment to oppose oil prospecting, exploration and drilling in New Zealand, while only 7 voted in support of it.
    Greenpeace campaigner, Steve Abel, who spoke at the meeting, says the win is historic and decisive, and sends a clear signal that the John Key Government’s oil agenda is not supported.
    “This is a massive result. It means two of the biggest councils in the country have now come out in strong defiance of the Government’s climate-destroying policy of searching for the oil we can’t burn if we are to have a future for our children,” he says.
    “If the Government does not pay attention to this it would be an insult to democracy, it would expose the consultation as a sham, and it would be straight up climate denial.”
    Last week, Christchurch City Council opposed oil drilling, with only one dissenting vote in favour of it.
    And in 2015, Kaikoura, Dunedin and Gisborne Councils also voted to oppose offshore oil activity.
    Abel says Auckland’s new Mayor Phil Goff should be congratulated.
    “Last year, Mayor Len Brown let us down, with his vote being the decisive vote in Auckland Council not opposing oil drilling,” he says.
    “Today the new Auckland Council has taken this opportunity to define itself as serious about taking climate action. And Mayor Goff stood with the growing swell of New Zealanders who see that a continued search for oil that we can’t afford to burn is craziness given the climate emergency we face.”
    Auckland Council’s vote to oppose oil drilling in New Zealand will now be submitted to Central Government to consider for the 2017 Block Offer process, which decides which tracts of New Zealand ocean will be opened up to oil companies.
    ENDSAuckland Council passes historic vote to oppose deep sea oil drilling
    Thursday, November 10: Auckland Council has just voted to oppose the Government’s offshore oil agenda in New Zealand, for the first time ever.
    The vote this morning saw 14 councillors including, new Mayor Phil Goff, pass an amendment to oppose oil prospecting, exploration and drilling in New Zealand, while only 7 voted in support of it.

    Greenpeace campaigner, Steve Abel, who spoke at the meeting, says the win is historic and decisive, and sends a clear signal that the John Key Government’s oil agenda is not supported.
    “This is a massive result. It means two of the biggest councils in the country have now come out in strong defiance of the Government’s climate-destroying policy of searching for the oil we can’t burn if we are to have a future for our children,” he says.
    “If the Government does not pay attention to this it would be an insult to democracy, it would expose the consultation as a sham, and it would be straight up climate denial.”

    Last week, Christchurch City Council opposed oil drilling, with only one dissenting vote in favour of it.
    And in 2015, Kaikoura, Dunedin and Gisborne Councils also voted to oppose offshore oil activity.

    Abel says Auckland’s new Mayor Phil Goff should be congratulated.
    “Last year, Mayor Len Brown let us down, with his vote being the decisive vote in Auckland Council not opposing oil drilling,” he says.
    “Today the new Auckland Council has taken this opportunity to define itself as serious about taking climate action. And Mayor Goff stood with the growing swell of New Zealanders who see that a continued search for oil that we can’t afford to burn is craziness given the climate emergency we face.”

    Auckland Council’s vote to oppose oil drilling in New Zealand will now be submitted to Central Government to consider for the 2017 Block Offer process, which decides which tracts of New Zealand ocean will be opened up to oil companies.
    ENDS

    Mike Smith Greenpeace

    • Robert Guyton 1.2
      12 November 2016 at 8:09 am

      Now that’s really something!
      I’ve emailed the good news to all of the Southland Regional councillors and will move that we do as Auckland and Christchurch have done, at our Wednesday meeting (at which there are three public delegations addressing the council on this very issue.

    • save nz 1.3
      12 November 2016 at 8:38 am

      Yay! Auckland councillors did something good!

      • Molly 1.3.1
        12 November 2016 at 9:45 pm

        These are the councillors that need to be persuaded to do the right thing for the rest of their term:

        Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore
        Denise Lee
        Daniel Newman
        Dick Quax
        Desley Simpson
        Sharon Stewart
        John Walker

        If they are your representatives get in contact and tell them to catch up with reality.
        Emails: firstname.lastname@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

        All the others can be sent a quick “Well done” if you are of a mind to.

        Councillors who voted against exploration:
        Cathy Casey
        Ross Clow
        Efeso Collins
        Linda Cooper
        Chris Darby
        Alf Filipaina
        Chris Fletcher
        Mayor Phil Goff
        Richard Hills
        Penny Hulse
        Mike Lee
        Greg Sayers
        Wayne Walker
        John Watson

    • weka 1.4
      12 November 2016 at 9:16 am

      There’s a post up now.

      Jenny, please link (and preferably post a piece of what you are linking to not the whole thing).

      • Jenny 1.4.1
        12 November 2016 at 11:36 am

        My sincere apologies. Without giving too much away. If I had, had a link at the time, I would have posted it. You can transfer my comments to your new Thread.

        Cheers Jenny

  2. Jenny 2
    12 November 2016 at 7:20 am

    Turn up the volume.

    First we take Auckland then we take Wellington

    “They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom, trying to take the system from within”

  3. Richard Rawshark 3
    12 November 2016 at 8:13 am

    Imagine a scenario, you move to NZ, want to help the community and you join the National party with all the good intent in the world, your brown and your anti racism.

    It’s long shot, more likely wanted to be snobs, and be judgemental to others.

    Suddenly someone tells you a few things that concern you about the party you join..

    I hope Parmjeet and her husband are right now, using there heads and deciding they have been fooled and drop out of National.

    These people need to wonder why it is, there are so few ethnicities in National.

    When you actually look at The Hearald and National(both have gone hand in hand though the history of political NZ), in a standing back from it way. WOW whites only..

    • james 3.1
      12 November 2016 at 8:17 pm

      “Suddenly someone tells you a few things that concern you about the party you join”

      Richie – you see most people can work out things for themselves – they dont need to be told by someone – especially someone who is ill informed and trying to be smug that they know everything and that the choices others are making are wrong – so they have to be told.

      Parmjeet and husband I am sure are quite happy with their choices and there is zero chance of them dropping out.

      “These people need to wonder why it is, there are so few ethnicities in National”

      So just for giggles – to to the labour party website – dont see any indian folk in their team. For that you have to go to National.

      Perhaps you should ask the same question – but of different parties….

    • save nz 4.1
      12 November 2016 at 8:48 am

      ‘m not really a cheerleader of Chloe I have to say. She was propelled by National loving Spinoff and many blogs into the limelight and her fresh face and youth may have mean’t some people failed to examine her policies which are more Green Lite, development focused and ACT (for the Mayoral race).

      I sense that their might be conflict by old school Greens voters who actually care about the environment. Thinking that saving the environment is about a cycle lane in Auckland, making poorer areas and people pay congestion charges and “help a developer, help save poverty”. Now it’s trains for the very rich, very migrant North Shore in Auckland.

      Chloe isn’t a person out there in the forests saving the environment, doing community service or protesting against the establishment.

      This is someone who is the youth member of the establishment who studies law, has a social marketing firm, fashion line and is the darling of the MSM.

      It’s possible she might get an electorate seat in Auckland, but equally possible she might come second or third, and instead alienate existing Green party voters who really believe in the Green movement and don’t want to be represented by Developer friendly Green Lite.

      Sue Bradford would be a better choice for anti-establishment and authenticity.

      Or David Cunliffe – at least they would win the seat.

      • Visubversa 4.1.1
        12 November 2016 at 9:14 am

        Chloe is a marketer and so far she has done a very good job of marketing herself. Howevr, she does not say anything that a lot of other young and old environmental activists have not said before, and it is a pity she has used the Mayoral contest to boost her own public profile. I hope she is not using the Green Party for the same thing. Also, I hope that the wise heads in the Greens will not be dazzled by her to the extent that they do something stupid and jeopardise the agreements they currently have with Labour.

        • Penny Bright 4.1.1.1
          12 November 2016 at 11:06 am

          Chloe Swarbrick supports privatisation via Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

          Has the Green Party now adopted Chloe Swarbrick’s ‘pragmatic’ politics and do the Green Party now support privatisation via PPPs?

          In my view – the voting public need to know ASAP.

          Penny Bright

          ‘Anti-privatisation / anti-corruption Public Watchdog’.

      • save nz 4.1.2
        12 November 2016 at 9:16 am

        In fact if Greens were really smart and if the rumours are true that Metiria is leaving, then Greens should do anything they can to secure Cunliffe as Green’s leader.

        That would also help Labour now they have the MoU. Little and Cunliffe would be a very compelling offering to voters in NZ. Not too radical but a genuine push for genuine change. Both men are authentic so although they are not anti establishment they are still appealing to those who want change.

        I have no doubt that Cunliffe is disgusted with politics and would be very reluctant to go back, but what about getting rid of Key and saving NZ – maybe he can be persuaded it is worth the personal sacrifice for the greater good?

        • Stephanie Rodgers 4.1.2.1
          12 November 2016 at 10:13 am

          Um, you do know David Cunliffe is a man, right?

          • save nz 4.1.2.1.1
            12 November 2016 at 11:08 am

            I think a lot of people would vote for an black and white muslim asian ant rather than some establishment IYI careerist at this point..

            Voters are sick of ‘tick box’ candidate selection panel – it is about what the candidate has done, what they stand for, if they understand the voters and how they articulate that, that counts.

            Yes, I think the whole country know Cunliffe is a man – and most voters don’t care about that, if his Labour members had supported him publicly instead of personal political power and media grabs, we might have had a different election result.

      • The Chairman 4.1.3
        12 November 2016 at 10:10 am

        I’m not cheer-leading for Chloe.

        But she does have her supporters.

        Her desire to run in an electoral seat (if supported by the Greens) will put new pressure on Labour to stand aside.

        Seeing as the Greens are welcoming her on-board and you sense it may lead to a conflict, does that mean you also sense a divide (similar to Labour’s) forming within the Greens?

        Your suggestion of Cunliffe going with the Greens is an interesting one.

        The announcement of TOP and Cunliffe standing down from Labour got me wondering for a moment there.

        • save nz 4.1.3.1
          12 November 2016 at 11:22 am

          @Chairman – If Cunliffe was the leader of the Greens, with Labour & Little, (and stay off attacking white homeowners and the middle class), they would defeat Key. Just like Sanders and Clinton genuinely united would have bet Trump.

          Imagine Key’s face if he had to debate with Cunliffe again in the next election – more priceless than when his beloved TPP was announced dead in the water!

          Labour has lost their voters over the last decade because they spent too much time trying to gather new voters and neglected their existing voters. The spend too much time analysing IYI stuff, hanging out with media and PR, and not in touch with their electorates who do not engage with politics on a regular basis. Under Little this is changing which is good for Labour.

          Greens are running this voter risk of alienating existing voters. They have too many ‘branded’ politicians – Metiria barrister, Shaw ex Coco Cola and now Chloe marketer who doesn’t stand for anything Green.

          6 years ago Chloe might have worked, now there is visible anger at the establishment and careerist candidates that look more like they are working for themselves rather than their community.

          I don’t know enough about Chloe to write her off, but so far she actually makes me angry not because she is a bad person but because she does not seem deserving or authentic and she is being propelled by the same propaganda machine that keeps getting the left and middle vote wrong which keeps the right in power.

          • The Chairman 4.1.3.1.1
            12 November 2016 at 12:46 pm

            There was talk the Greens were moving more to the centre, especially when Bradford left and Shaw was selected as co leader.

            Which some believe (moving more to the centre) helped them secure their MOU with Labour.

            I’m sure a number will see welcoming Chloe on-board as more evidence of that.

            In an attempt to grow their support and wider appeal, the Greens need to ensure they don’t fall into the same pit as Labour.  

            So far, they seem to have largely held it together.

            • save nz 4.1.3.1.1.1
              12 November 2016 at 1:25 pm

              I hope you are right Chairman about the Greens. Remember Chloe is no Bernie Sanders – in the Auckland mayoral election where most people did not vote, Chloe came third, not exactly convincing.

              I might be old fashioned but I think that people should actually deserve to get a place, by doing something worthwhile.

              What Labour and Greens do not realise is that the vote is not just against National or each other, it is actually selecting a candidate that people can get excited to vote for. It’s the disgusted voter who has refused to vote for anyone, they need to capture.

              Chloe may not be a disaster, but like the ‘peak flag’ incident, trust is everything and it could be a wasted opportunity for the Greens to get someone who activates and motivates people to vote.

              Auckland showed she was not that person.

  5. Ad 5
    12 November 2016 at 8:42 am

    Leonard Cohen music is the best way to commemorate Leonard Cohen.

    Such a melancholic weekend.

  6. Morrissey 6
    12 November 2016 at 9:43 am

    Leading thinker calls Armistice Day “a momentous moment in history.”

    Five years ago Hekia Parata became acting Minister of Energy and Resources. It would surprise no one who has witnessed her disastrous tenure as Minister of Education that she was inept, perhaps never more so than when she tried to explain to Kathryn Ryan why deepsea oil drilling was a good idea…

    “Well, ahhhh, ummmm, it includes a variety of various variables. We have a suite of variables. Ahhhhh, look, we are a first world nation and that means exploring and exploiting the opportunities available to us. Ummmm, there is a suite of measures… Ahhh, ummmm,.. look, aahhhhmmm, look… you know… aaaahhhhhmmmm…” [1]

    I have always thought that, other than listening to any random five minutes of NewstalkZB’s resident clown Leighton Smith, that was the single most extraordinary example of blithering verbal incompetence I had ever heard.

    Then, yesterday afternoon (Friday 11.11.16), this message played on the radio…..

    GILBERT ENOKA: [intoning sententiously over a bed of plangent orchestral music] Armistice Day is a momentous moment in history….It’s the only time the All Blacks don’t swap their jerseys after a game, it’s when they have the poppy on them.

    Point to Ponder: Gilbert Enoka is a “mental skills coach.”

    [1] https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-30082011/#comment-369467

  7. Rosemary McDonald 7
    12 November 2016 at 10:15 am

    Kim Hill doing what she does best this morning…

    ….great post election interview with Lamia Imam…http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/201823553/lamia-imam

    and a great Him Kill bout with veteran Republican insider Dick Allen….http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/201823555/dick-allen

    I doubt if any other broadcaster in Aotearoa could impart such…. meaning…. into the name “Dick.”

    Now interviewing Tame Iti.

    • Morrissey 7.1
      12 November 2016 at 10:42 am

      I found Richard V. Allen to be a sinister and malevolent person. He has history with Kim Hill, who flirted with him on her television show back in 2003. After this morning’s horror, I sent her the following email….

      Dear Kim,

      It was a moment of grim black comedy to hear Richard V. Allen assuring Lamia Imam that she was “perfectly safe” going out in Austin tonight. On a day that the Klan is staging a victory parade in North Carolina, and junior high students are chanting “Build that wall!” to taunt Latino classmates, that was a statement of unforgiveable complacency.

      Even funnier, or more troubling perhaps, were his descriptions of Ronald Reagan as “a thinker and a writer” and of Jeanne Kirkpatrick as an “eminent scholar”.

      Yours in disgust,

      Morrissey Breen
      Northcote Point

  8. Penny Bright 8
    12 November 2016 at 10:53 am

    A new slogan for Auckland?

    How about ‘Auckland – $upercity for the 1%’?

    http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11746553

    Why we need to get rid of ALL Auckland ‘Council Controlled Organisations’
    (CCOs), and bring their functions back under direct Auckland Council control under the genuine ‘public service’ (not corporate welfare) model.

    We the public never voted for CCOs or those who run them.

    CCOs have been the mechanism for the effective corporate takeover of the Auckland region – which is being run ‘like a business – by business – for business’.

    ‘Auckland – $upercity for the 1%’

    There you go!

    Short, sharp and deadly truthful.

    (Also – FREE!)

    First came up with slogan / banner during the ‘Occupy Auckland’ occupation at Aotea Square.

    Penny Bright

  9. Penny Bright 9
    12 November 2016 at 11:09 am

    A new slogan for Auckland?

    How about ‘Auckland – $upercity for the 1%’?

    http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11746553

    Why we need to get rid of ALL Auckland ‘Council Controlled Organisations’
    (CCOs), and bring their functions back under direct Auckland Council control under the genuine ‘public service’ (not corporate welfare) model.

    We the public never voted for CCOs, the CCO model, or those who run them.

    CCOs have been the mechanism for the effective corporate takeover of the Auckland region – which is being run ‘like a business – by business – for business’.

    ‘Auckland – $upercity for the 1%’

    There you go!

    Short, sharp and deadly truthful.

    (Also – FREE!)

    (First came up with slogan / banner during the ‘Occupy Auckland’ occupation at Aotea Square).

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-privatisation / anti-corruption Public Watchdog’.

  10. marty mars 10
    12 November 2016 at 11:44 am

    More rwnj trump bullshit spamming the site. As a leftie this is fucken bullshit. Why would I come here to read that crap,why? Hint i wont and neither will my friends and fellow activists. Already the place is full of the dominant group in society dominating. Probably be banned – don’t even care. I am sick to death of this site being tainted by misogynist, racist, right-wing trump supporting bullshit. I’ll vote with my feet.

  11. ianmac 11
    12 November 2016 at 11:50 am

    A bright spot from Fran O’Sullivan – again.
    “Get a grip out there. There is a distinct possibility that – however distasteful and ethically challenged Donald Trump appears – his presidency may turn out to be good for business.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11746643

  12. ianmac 12
    12 November 2016 at 11:59 am

    And anyone see this yesterday?
    “Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has been awarded interim legal costs towards $475,082 spent suing police.”…..”Alternatively, they asked for costs on a reduced scale of $232,672.78.Justice Denis Clifford awarded the lower level of costs…”
    Good news and those who donated about $67,000 will be pleased too.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/86374200/nicky-hager-gets-interim-costs-award-against-police-for-illegal-search-case

  13. Robertina 13
    12 November 2016 at 12:12 pm

    An excellent interview on Kim Hill today with Jon O’Brien, who works within the Catholic Church to reform its approach to birth control and abortion.
    He points out the church has stopped preaching from the pulpit about contraception and abortion, because it’s lost the argument, at least in Western countries, and now uses backdoor measures to make it harder to access them, such as the lobbying over Obamacare.
    It’s timely with Trump being beholden to the religious right and the threat to Planned Parenthood funding.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/201823558/jon-o'brien

  14. mosa 14
    12 November 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Our friends in America are suffering a new illness.

    P T S D – Post Trump stress disorder and the symptoms will last 4 to 8 years.

    Effects are severe night terrors and campaign flashbacks, depression then rage and an orange tinge appearing on the skin.

  15. Robertina 15
    12 November 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Silly me – I managed to forget that US election stuff isn’t supposed to be posted in Open Mike.

  16. Richard Rawshark 16
    12 November 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Classic tweet from somewhere in the USA

    Right now, if a clown invited me into the woods, i’d go.

    hahahahahahaah

  17. Manuka AOR 17
    12 November 2016 at 8:12 pm

    On Tuesday night 15th November (our time) will be the closest full moon to earth since 1948. If you are one of those people who often feel the full moon effects, take care. It can be a time of heightened sensitivity and of stronger emotions for some people. If you’re one of those, I hope you use this time – the next few days – wisely and well.

    https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/super-full-moon.html

    https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/nov/10/the-science-of-supermoons-the-lunar-lowdown-on-the-biggest-and-brightest-in-60-years

    https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/new-zealand/auckland

  18. Jenny 18
    12 November 2016 at 11:06 pm

    Disgraceful.

    Colonial Viper gives his open support, (and by association this website’s) to a blood soaked dictator, guilty of torture, and mass murder’

    Censorship, banning, and lies, coupled with personal attacks and character assassination are the tools Colonial Viper uses to avoid any balanced assessment or rational debate of the tragedy engulfing Syria. This sort of unbalanced behaviour only exposes the weakness of Colonial Viper (and this website’s position on Syria).

    Some may think that it is unfair to accuse the site of sharing Colonial Viper’s support for genocide. But this website steadfastly refused to put up a post advertising the Syrian refugees protest against the regime, refusing to give the victims of the Assad regime a voice.

    https://iso.org.nz/2016/10/30/wellington-solidarity-with-syria/

    Colonial Viper makes his case for his Final Solution in Syria.

    ”Russia and the US working together with Assad will end this once and for all.”
    Colonial Viper The Trump peace dividend: opportunity for rapprochement
    1.

    ” The foreign jihadists in Syria have about 2 months of unencumbered operations left.
    Then they have about 2 months of getting pounded into the dirt by a combination of US, Russian and Syrian munitions.”
    Colonial Viper The Trump peace dividend: opportunity for rapprochement

    To be able to keep promoting his unbalanced one eyed argument in support of mass murder, and to make his case for a US/Russia Axis to continue and intensify the aerial genocide conducted against the Syrian people for standing up against . Colonial Viper, rather than engaging in rational debate again resorts to bans and censorship.

    Jenny 3.3.1
    12 November 2016 at 2:43 pm
    As much as I admire John Pilger, when it comes to Syria, Pilger is actually morally and factually wrong. His mistake is that he is working from an outdated paradigm, and has let his (immensely justified) hatred of US Imperialism blind him to the actual situation. Which sees him lining up with a murderous regime purportedly because it is anti- American.
    Would an anti-American regime allow itself to be the most favoured destination for victims of CIA flights of Extraordinary Rendition?
    Would an anti-American regime put 19,000 Syrian soldiers under US command as one of the original members of the “Coalition of the Willing”?
    Would an anti-American regime open up its economy at the behest of the IMF and privatise and sell off its state Assets?
    I could go on.
    To fit his simplistic and outdated narrative John Pilger just simply ignores all of these facts.
    [Hi Jenny, I’m banning you off this post now. I’ve had enough of your ridiculous and continuous claims that Syria and the USA are in fact secret friends or allies. Thanks. CV]

    So let us take this rare opportunity to make a right of reply to Colonial Viper’s continuing accusation that my claims are “ridiculous” and do a fact check.

    ”Would an anti-American regime allow itself to be the most favoured destination for victims of CIA flights of Extraordinary Rendition?”

    Syria was one of the “most common destinations for rendered suspects,” as were Egypt and Jordan. One Syrian prison facility contained individual cells that were roughly the size of coffins. Detainees report incidents of torture involving a chair frame used to stretch the spine (the “German chair”) and beatings.
    https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/20-extraordinary-facts-about-cia-extraordinary-rendition-and-secret-detention

    Iran and Syria are identified by the OSJI as having participated in the rendition programme. Syria is said to have been one of the “most common destinations for rendered suspects”, while Iran is said to have participated in the CIA’s programme by handing over 15 individuals to Kabul shortly after the US invasion of Afghanistan, in the full knowledge that they would fall under US control.
    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/05/cia-rendition-countries-covert-support
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maher_Arar

    Would an anti-American regime put 19,000 Syrian soldiers under US command as one of the original members of the “Coalition of the Willing”?

    The 1991 Gulf War coalition included 34 countries, many of whom provided substantial military assistance, and many of whom were from the Arab world. Twenty-one of those 34 countries do not support U.S. efforts this time, including France, which sent 17,000 troops, and Syria which sent 19,000 troops in 1991.
    http://web.stanford.edu/class/e297a/The%20Coalition%20of%20the%20Willing.htm

    Although serious concerns about Syria`s record on terrorism and human rights continue to trouble the relationship with Washington, Assad finds himself courted by the Bush administration.
    President Bush met with him in Geneva in November, and Secretary of State James A. Baker III arrives Wednesday in Damascus for his third visit since the gulf crisis erupted in August.
    The Bush administration credits Syria with helping to restrain terrorist groups that might have targeted U.S. and other Western interests during the war with Iraq.
    The newly forged relationship with the U.S. provides a balance in Syrian foreign policy that had been lacking.
    http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-03-12/news/9101220963_1_syria-president-hafez-assad-peacekeeping-force

    Would an anti-American regime open up its economy at the behest of the IMF and privatise and sell off its state Assets?

    Information leaked by the Panama Papers revealed that Rami Makhlouf, President Bashar Assad’s cousin, has been largely benefiting from the recent wave of privatizations. He has acquired key economic industries in the country, such as oil and communication networks. He represents a sector of the bourgeoisie that has made $4 million in net profits and hidden them in Swiss banks. The Assad family, nebulous is indisputably corrupt and has made its fortune cooperating with the imperialist privatization project.
    http://litci.org/en/rami-makhlouf-a-corruption-poster-boy/

    [take a month off for spamming the site, a bunch of self-martydom offences, and wasting moderator time again – weka]

  19. weka 19
    12 November 2016 at 11:24 pm

    [In order to keep Open Mike and Daily Review free for other conversations, please put all discussion, comments, link postings etc about the US election under one of the posts about the Election – weka]

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    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    24 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    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
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    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
    17 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
    20 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
    21 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
    23 hours 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

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