Open mike 14/05/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 14th, 2013 - 123 comments
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Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

123 comments on “Open mike 14/05/2013 ”

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  1. Rogue Trooper 1
    14 May 2013 at 11:39 am

    from the box;
    “He’s not blessed with a lot of courage”…is Aaron Gilmore

    Mobile IT technology is promoting curvature of the spine; 600,000 people in New Zealand may be affected.

    Te Papa- “a fun fair”, “management have ripped the guts out of it”, “morale at an all-time low”.

    and from the U.N re world food shortages; let them eat “insects”, Grasshoppers.

    • prism 1.1
      14 May 2013 at 12:37 pm

      In Terry Pratchett’s disc world books, dwarfs are very keen on rats. I think as I read Jingo at the moment, that we should mine Terry Pratchett’s tales of Ankh-Morpork and surrounding fiefdoms, for good ideas for running the country.

      Pratchett is sharp on identifying human behaviour and pretentiousness. He is subtle in revealing the impact of Lord Vetinari, a non-benign ruler who doesn’t make unreasonable laws that are only bound to be broken. (Such as prohibition of cannabis in NZ because some large offshore colonsingl entity has done so, although their previous foray into banning alcohol was a precursor to large criminal groups making billions and funding the training of large family businesses in extortion and other parasitic endeavours.)

      We might as well throw out the learned university tomes about economics and politics, as the practitioners just flick through these to the exciting bits where they can read about how to make money (and get beautiful women – don’t know why I put that in as I have never seen that in a textbook). Go for Terry Pratchett, he may be losing it, but then he had more of it than most of us at the beginning so he’s just coming to our level.

      And we are such a funny little country that I call on a NZ author to write a series based on us and become a well-loved subject for laughs around the world like Terry’s books. I have been looking at Tom Scott’s early book about his Muldoon days which is very good. But the people’s war and peace is what I’m thinking of, with us all being in as bit players. With some good guys that we can warm to.

      And some weirdos like Constable Downspout who is a gargoyle, valued for his ability to keep unblinking watch on street activity, and his simple dietary wants such as regular water and anything else that passes his eyes. Messages sent to him have to be protected from being eaten, or the pigeon that brings them. As Sergeant Detritus the troll points out, after all he is a gargoyle and he finks it’s his lunch. So pigeons and rats?

      • ghostrider888 1.1.1
        14 May 2013 at 1:29 pm

        that is Od, prism, I was saving Omnianism for Clockie…but there you are. 😀 (ps, I haven’t read the books, time is fleeting, unless “presencing”)

        • Clockie 1.1.1.1
          14 May 2013 at 3:39 pm

          I wondered what the cryptic “Om” in your comment in reply to mine on the C Hauti thread was about. Now I’m left wondering whether it was a shared joke or a sly dig. Oh no! Paranoia. 🙂

          At least I now know what an Omnian is..

        • prism 1.1.1.2
          15 May 2013 at 12:27 pm

          ghost888
          Thanks for the link – it’s long and I haven’t finished yet. I liked this bit from the screed on the dwarfs beginnings.
          The geode hatched and from it emerged two brothers. One left the cave and saw the sky; he was the first Man and he was enlightened. The other went deeper into the cave; he was the first Dwarf, and he was endarkened.

        • prism 1.1.1.3
          16 May 2013 at 5:51 pm

          Ghost888
          What is presencing? And what have you to say about eating grasshoppers and other insects for protein or perhaps rats and pigeons.

      • McFlock 1.1.2
        14 May 2013 at 1:59 pm

        NZ isn’t so much Pratchett as Tom Sharpe (not stoppard, my bad)- a set variety of characters who have varying degrees of incompetence and peccadillos, with a plot enlivened by antics so outrageously incompetent that (while they might make a good story) nobody would ever believe they could happen in real life.

        Fuck sake, a nation-wide media assassination campaign to get to number 59 in the party list? A guy as “picturesque” as Gilmore or Banks?

  2. vto 2
    14 May 2013 at 12:06 pm

    A curious thing was heard on te wireless Sunday pm which related to an interest in maoridom and its relations with others that I have. The debate at Vic University about the consttitution etc and in particular whether a republic should be chosen in replacement of the monarchy had four people, I imagine of high calibre in these matters, debating this. One was a professor, another another academic, another a law firm partner and another a can’t remember.

    The host, a Simon Price i think, asked a question around how the Treaty fits within such a particular question. Every single one of the guests refused to comment. The audience uttered a nervous giggle.

    I found this very telling. Whenever issues are raised around here of this world and its issues the accusation of being racist comes out pretty damn quick. Like a knee-jerk reaction. It is as if we are not permitted to question things in this arena, that it is taboo, that certain people are not qualified or of the correct race or ‘status’ to raise issues that are of concern to them. This claim is made by many people in New Zealand (that they are accused of being racist for simply talking race).

    This radio debate seemed to pretty strongly confirm this bias in our society. Nobody would dare utter their view. Every single one of the four people were too scared. It was abundantly clear. It was further reinforced by the nervous laughter in the crowd. They risked being labelled for expressing their view.

    New Zealand in this regard is immature and needs to grow up.

    • weka 2.1
      14 May 2013 at 12:40 pm

      Did the panelists express why they wouldn’t comment?

      Vto, it’s not an issue of not being allowed to raise the points. It’s how it is done. Also, it’s not about the ‘race’ of the person asking the questions, it’s about their mana and their politics. Your politics on this matter appear to me to be against the interests of Maori and in favour of the dominant culture. That, IMO, is why you get accusations of racism.

      I would quite happily debate and discuss issues around Te Tiriti with you, but I never get past the feeling that your feelings about the treaty are inherently detrimental for tangata whenua (and thus, IMO, for us all). I know you don’t like being seen like that, I believe that you genuinely care about the issues. Nevertheless, there is this sticking point, and until it is resolved I can’t see how the discussion you want can happen or move forward.

      I also wonder if you would be better off being very up front about your politics in this, and not trying to make your arguments appear better to others than they are. Stand your ground, man (or woman) and say what you really want to (you can take that suggestion under advisement, because I know there are people here who like to smack others down rather than engage in open debate).

      • vto 2.1.1
        14 May 2013 at 2:44 pm

        Hi weka. ” it’s not an issue of not being allowed to raise the points. It’s how it is done.” Well I would have thought that a panelist discussion at Victoria University broadcast on nat radio about the consitutional arrangements of New Zealand at the behest of the Maori Party is the most apt place in the entire known universe for such issues to be raised. Yet it was politely refused and nervously laughed at as explained. Perhaps it is worth pondering as to the reasons why …………………………

        The rest of your points concern me and that was not the point of my post. This is an issue that is frequenntly raised by many people – talk about race issues and be kneejerk labelled a racist. But seeing as you raise my particular penchant and manner a response is required…… I make a conscious effort to make my points clearly and succinctly. There is no motive. There is no tempering of my points to enhance some unspoken agenda. I make my points and stand my ground.

        And yes sure, my posts, at times, do work against the current status quo of tangata whenua and the related issues. That is because I see further injustice arising (and we have had enough of that in this country) around te tiriti. I see imbalance in our society and that is unsustainable (not speaking of the obvious maori and colonisation imbalance which is rightly being worked on). It is also the nature of debate – debate is usually around aspects of disagreement not agreement so a certain picture bias will appear. That works equally with others in the other direction of course as is evident on here at times.

        I dont understand your point about being upfront about my politics. I am. There is no secret.

        Finally, a brief background picture. Our family background branches have three which have been subjected to colonisation, systems of apartheid, oppression and brutality to such an extent that two of the three were forced from their homelands. This all in the last about 10 generations. Two in far off lands and one in aotearoa. These issues are raw and real. On top of a simple curiousity, I would doing an injustice to my forefathermothers if a blind eye was turned to these issues, not to mention those who follow…….

        that is it. that is all.

        • Draco T Bastard 2.1.1.1
          14 May 2013 at 4:53 pm

          forefathermothers

          The word you were looking for is ancestors or possibly forebears.

        • marty mars 2.1.1.2
          14 May 2013 at 10:05 pm

          Its good that you are upfront vto

          And yes sure, my posts, at times, do work against the current status quo of tangata whenua and the related issues. That is because I see further injustice arising (and we have had enough of that in this country) around te tiriti.

          What actually do you want to debate? Maybe a list would help.

        • weka 2.1.1.3
          15 May 2013 at 1:17 am

          The rest of your points concern me and that was not the point of my post. This is an issue that is frequenntly raised by many people – talk about race issues and be kneejerk labelled a racist.

          Citation needed for the last bit. I talk about race issues alot and don’t get labelled a racist. Why is that? My points about you could easily apply to many others who wish to challenge treaty issues in ways that support the dominant culture at the expense of Maori.

          Well I would have thought that a panelist discussion at Victoria University broadcast on nat radio about the consitutional arrangements of New Zealand at the behest of the Maori Party is the most apt place in the entire known universe for such issues to be raised. Yet it was politely refused and nervously laughed at as explained. Perhaps it is worth pondering as to the reasons why …………………………

          Not having heard it I have no idea why and wouldn’t begin to guess. I’m not sure how or why you came to the conclusions you did.

          I dont understand your point about being upfront about my politics. I am. There is no secret. I either missed or don’t remember your earlier comments on this topic. Lately I see implied argument rather than explicit. As marty suggests, why not make a list of the issues you want discussed, and then we will all know.

          For instance

          And yes sure, my posts, at times, do work against the current status quo of tangata whenua and the related issues. That is because I see further injustice arising (and we have had enough of that in this country) around te tiriti. I see imbalance in our society and that is unsustainable (not speaking of the obvious maori and colonisation imbalance which is rightly being worked on). It is also the nature of debate – debate is usually around aspects of disagreement not agreement so a certain picture bias will appear. That works equally with others in the other direction of course as is evident on here at times.

          I actually don’t know what you are talking about there. What imbalance? What injustice? What picture bias?

          btw, I didn’t suggest your arguments sometimes work against the current status quo of Maori (although I get that that is your intention). They appear to work against Maoridom in general.

          • weka 2.1.1.3.1
            15 May 2013 at 2:06 am

            The host, a Simon Price i think, asked a question around how the Treaty fits within such a particular question. Every single one of the guests refused to comment. The audience uttered a nervous giggle.

            I found this very telling. Whenever issues are raised around here of this world and its issues the accusation of being racist comes out pretty damn quick. Like a knee-jerk reaction. It is as if we are not permitted to question things in this arena, that it is taboo, that certain people are not qualified or of the correct race or ‘status’ to raise issues that are of concern to them. This claim is made by many people in New Zealand (that they are accused of being racist for simply talking race).

            Here is the link to the Constitutional Review series. Part 5. The question that vto refers to isn’t about the treaty. It is in fact asked by a member of the audience, John Ansell. You can guess the tenor of the question or hear it at around 44:45. The reason the the panelists don’t want to answer, and the reason the audience laughs, is because Ansell’s question is an attempt to distort the issues and hijack the discussion to suit his own agenda. The chair acknowledges this.

            The panelists later do discuss some treaty issues, mostly to do with how the Queen took or didn’t take responsibility for ensuring the treaty was honoured.

            http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/lecturesandforums/constitutional-review

            Vto, did you listen to part 3, Maori Aspirations, for perspective on the review and the treaty?

            btw, here’s a hint if you want to avoid being called racist when discussing the treaty: don’t reference out and out racists like Ansell.

            Shall I now take it that Ansell is representative of your politics and views?

            • weka 2.1.1.3.1.1
              15 May 2013 at 1:19 pm

              Just bumping this up so people who read the convo yesterday can see that the issue being referred to was brought up by John Ansell.

              • vto …
                15 May 2013 at 10:55 pm

                Good on ya. Minor mistake but make no difference. The problem would seem to arise between us weka because I only heard the words, whereas you heard the words and all of this …
                “it’s not an issue of not being allowed to raise the points. It’s how it is done. Also, it’s not about the ‘race’ of the person asking the questions, it’s about their mana and their politics”

                We clearly see things differently.
                I generally try to weed out those sorts of elementes whereas you want them to lead the way.

    • Murray Olsen 2.2
      14 May 2013 at 5:00 pm

      I’m a pakeha. I’ll talk to anyone who’ll listen about the Treaty, and even some who won’t. I’ll also listen to them. If the four people on the panel weren’t prepared to do the same, I have to wonder about their calibre.

    • Ugly Truth 2.3
      14 May 2013 at 8:42 pm

      “Whenever issues are raised around here of this world and its issues the accusation of being racist comes out pretty damn quick. Like a knee-jerk reaction. It is as if we are not permitted to question things in this arena, that it is taboo, that certain people are not qualified or of the correct race or ‘status’ to raise issues that are of concern to them.”

      Playing the race card in the context of NZ’s constitution is about as honest as calling “anti-semite” to counter criticism of the Zionist state of Israel.

      Maori did not cede sovereignty at Waitangi. The issue isn’t race, the issue is the dishonour of the Crown and parliament’s status as a de-facto government rather than a de-jure government.

      http://www.treatyeducators.org.nz/qa11

  3. ianmac 3
    14 May 2013 at 12:21 pm

    Pretty angry about the extended licence for Gambling and the compensation to be charged if rules change.
    Rod Oram says compo must be paid if changes made in the future..
    Mai Chen said it would need 75% Parliamentary approval to validate compensation.
    http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ckpt/ckpt-20130513-1814-constitutional_lawyers_view_of_skycity_deal-048.mp3
    Good discussion at Public Address.

  4. DH 4
    14 May 2013 at 12:27 pm

    I was reading about the three US women who’d been kidnapped for 10yrs. That was nasty enough but the story about the oldest is heartbreaking. Raped at school & made pregnant. Physically and sexually abused by mother’s boyfriend. On the day she was due in court to fight for her child’s custody she’s kidnapped & kept as a sex slave for the next 11 years. Multiple miscarriages, regular beatings, and the anguish of a mother who knows her child is probably lost forever as the years pass painfully by.

    Makes you feel like crying. What a shitty, shitty, world this can be.

    • ghostrider888 4.1
      14 May 2013 at 12:53 pm

      Epic,tetus
      Eidetics
      Lurings , cultural, historical, and psychological.

      1 Cor. 12:4
      For there are many different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works in all men.

      7, now to each one the manifestations of the Spirit is given for the common good;
      -the message of wisdom -metanoia
      -the message of knowledge-semantic
      -faith-perseverance
      -gifts of healing-“heal thyself”
      -miraculous powers-“gifts”
      -prophecy-Plenty of that on The Standard (toasters talking without speaking)
      -distinguishing between spirits-discernment
      -speaking in different kinds of tongues-philology, linguistics, semiotics
      -to Another, the interpretation of tongues.

      “we all need a love resurrection, just a little divine intervention” from The Floating Opera at the End of The Road.
      -John Barth
      (Abandon Romanticism, amor fati).

    • karol 4.2
      14 May 2013 at 2:05 pm

      it is indeed a sad case, and just the tip of the iceberg, DH. I have been pondering on whether to post on it, but I don’t want to participate in the MSM, US-centred sensationalism – so many awful things happening to people around the world – eg human trafficking of women for sexual slavery.

      The accused in the US case, also abused the women and children in his family, and, apparently he also was abused.

      There was a certain amount of jubilation when the women, and child, were first freed, but their suffering is not over.

      And, as the guy got away with it, right under the noses of people looking for the women after they ‘disappeared”, it raises the question of “how many more”?

      Yes, a shitty, shitty world.

      • DH 4.2.1
        14 May 2013 at 2:39 pm

        Yeah I had second thoughts too but the MSM hadn’t really made much of her, was usually referred to as the “third victim”. She’s not fashionable enough.

        It is a depresssing problem. Many, if not most, of the 1-2 million maids working in Saudi Arabia are just slaves and no-one seems to give a damn about them. There’s some 45 on death row and it’s a safe bet none have done anything more than defend themselves or just become expendable.

        NZ has it’s share, mostly prostitution related, the enforcement is inadequate and penalties far too low. There’s a lack of outrage, don’t know why.

        • karol 4.2.1.1
          14 May 2013 at 2:52 pm

          The MSM focused mostly on the liberation story. It has tremendous appeal, and drew me in. The MSM tends to focus on individuals over context and the broader issues: the heroic women, the villainous abducter, etc.

          However, normally, the MSM wouldn’t refer to the victims by name – they’d get name suppression. Apparently with this case, the names of the women had already been public knowledge from when they were abducted.

          I think it is appropriate that the MSM doesn’t put the “third” woman under intense scrutiny, when she is dealing with such complex issues.

          The issues that need to be addressed by the wider public, IMO, is how often such things happen, why it was so easy for it to go unnoticed, how it links in with domestic violence, etc.

    • millsy 4.3
      14 May 2013 at 10:13 pm

      At least they broke free. There are probably thousands in the USA still held against their will by kidnappers. Millions dissepear from the streets of the USA every day.

  5. lprent 5
    14 May 2013 at 12:34 pm

    There will be a shift of the primary server over the next couple of weeks. Grrr.

    The outage this morning was due to some kind of hardware fault at the server. It was the second one in as many months at the same system.

    I realise that we are cheapskates when it comes to paying for these servers because having a low operational cost allows us to not be beholden to anyone. That in turn means that we have a lot of freedom to express opinion regardless who gets offended.

    However I’m pretty sure that we can get better system stability without increasing costs at all.

    • karol 5.1
      14 May 2013 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks for sorting this, Lynn.

      • lprent 5.1.1
        14 May 2013 at 1:28 pm

        I’m just peeved that I got woken up so damn early with a bleeping phone. I feel like an early awakened hibernating grizzly today… But mostly it was the lack of response that I found irritating. Freaking annoying when they have operators e-mails and a webpage that is meant to display the outages and ETAs.

    • ghostrider888 5.2
      14 May 2013 at 12:55 pm

      will it affect delivery of service? (I understand that you are busy, How’s it coming along with those notes Lynn?)

    • DH 5.3
      14 May 2013 at 5:39 pm

      Are you hosting locally or overseas lprent? If you need hardware I can probably find something suitable that won’t cost you anything.

      • lprent 5.3.1
        14 May 2013 at 6:27 pm

        Hosted overseas and hopefully hidden behind a CDN.

        That way we don’t get hammered with excessive overseas bandwidth costs (ie the Southern Cross effective monopoly tax) from overseas bots and it makes it more interesting for the legal idiots if anyone wants to pursue a nuisance suit targeting the providers first (first Colin Craig et al would have to find the server).

        The cost isn’t that much of an issue (because of the adverts on the site) except that I want to keep us from getting too dependent on requiring money. At the current cost of operations then we could probably subsist for a few years with just what we have in the bank right now. The ideal level of cost would be something that I could pay it myself without really noticing. That means that we could also fund out of voluntary donations which is mostly happened prior to putting ads on in 2010. We finally got back there at xmas.

        The current issue is simply that the provider I picked, whilst usually pretty good as a platform, appears to have this bad habit of not noticing when their system jams. Of course these are for me unscheduled outages (unlike the ones I accidently create for myself) which invariably happen when I’m short of time to handle them.

        But I’ve been testing a different provider since March. So it is time to move.

  6. Poission 6
    14 May 2013 at 12:35 pm

    The imaginary friend of Joyce et al is fixed.The conspiracy theorists are right

    http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/everything-is-rigged-the-biggest-financial-scandal-yet-20130425

    • ghostrider888 6.1
      14 May 2013 at 12:54 pm

      echoed from a week or so ago Poission

    • muzza 6.2
      14 May 2013 at 1:04 pm

      Of course it’s all rigged, what do people imagine the *digital/big bang* environments were designed for!

      Wait until further revelations/exposĂŠ conspiracy theorists those who pay attention, turn out to be correct about!

      Sheesh, it’s not even difficult, it’s right in fron of the faces of those looking, and commentating!

  7. xtasy 7
    14 May 2013 at 12:40 pm

    Sick and disabled on benefits, get ready for the long prepared, “FIT FOR WORK AGENDA”, prepared by the National led government, and going to be rolled out by Paula Bennett in the form of a new social welfare regime from 15 July 2013! Yes, the date is approaching fast, and in the background all is being prepared to get many of you, who are supposedly “locked into benefit dependency”, “assisted” get work out there, whether it is serving burgers and chips, pushing trolleys at supermarkets, cleaning, doing some office, factory or forecourt work.

    The Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Act is in core parts intended to offer the needed “framework” for the UK style system in welfare and work capacity assessments done by selected medical professionals, that is intended to be introduced here in New Zealand as well. Parliament with the one seat NatACT majority government has hammered through the bill to become law.

    To get an idea what preparatory work has been done by key leaders, appointed under this government in key decisionmaking and implementing roles in various state agencies, have a look at the following info. Here is an abundance of links or sources with info that can enlighten readers:

    http://www.nzohna.org.nz/uploaded/Dr%20David%20Beaumont%20New%20Horizons%2013%209%202012.pdf
    (Presentation by Dr David Beaumont: ‘Welfare Reform in New Zealand – Relevance to the Workplace‘‚ as part of a forum called ‘New Horizons: Rebuilding Health and Safety on Solid Ground’; Christchurch 13 September 2012)

    http://www.fitforwork.co.nz/dr-david-beaumonts-message-to-doctors-conference-medical-certification-can-be-fraught-with-problems-for-gps
    (Presenting at the General Practice Conference and Medical Exhibition of 11-12 June 2011, Fit For Work Medical Director Dr David Beaumont emphasised the vital role of New Zealand GPs in “helping” their patients return to work)

    http://www.fitforwork.co.nz/david-beaumont-and-colleagues-presenting-on-health-benefits-of-work
    (“News” fr. “Fit For Work”, by Dr D. Beaumont, featuring Kevin Morris, Director, ACC, at a forum organised by AFOEM and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians; 12.05.2012)

    http://nz.linkedin.com/pub/david-beaumont/2a/780/943
    (Linked In page of Dr Beaumont, formerly also working for ‘Atos Origin Healthcare’ in the UK. He’s been promoting the UK style medical and work capacity tests for many years; he’s also been advising MSD here in NZ)

    http://www.wellnz.co.nz/about_us/press_release_details.asp?pressID=36&bhcp=1
    (On the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine’s release of a new position paper, entitled “Realising the health benefits of work.”, 25.05.2010; see the known persons involved!!!)

    http://www.healthworkforce.govt.nz/about-us/board-members
    (Dr Des Gorman, well known from his advisory role to ACC for many years, and for some highly controversial recommendations. He’s now also “boss” of ‘Health Work Force NZ’, set up to develop recruitment and training strategies for health sector employees in the NZ health sector)

    http://www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/faculty/staffct/staff_details.aspx?staffID=64676F72303130
    (Dr Des Gorman, Associate Dean at the Medical School of Auckland Uni)

    http://wellsaid.co.nz/inside-acc/prof-des-gorman-delighted-to-join-acc-board/
    (now Dr Gorman is also sitting on the ACC Board, appointed by guess whom? Paula Rebstock! I am wondering, whether he is also still on the ‘National Health Board’)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QknNdOhOkr8
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCecwuwCHb4
    (2 older TV documentaries on ACC cases involving Dr Gorman, referring to “illness belief” and mental health as reasons for otherwise “physical” suffering)

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6930331/Rebstock-appointment-to-welfare-reform-board-concerns (stuff.co.nz on the appointment of P. Rebstock as Welfare Board chairperson)

    http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/speech-medical-professionals
    Paula Bennett’s speech to medical professionals, informing on the new welfare reforms, 26.09.12)

    Professor Mansel Aylward – 2 links with 2 views on his work and medical “research”:
    https://hcml.co.uk/?p=200
    http://downwithallthat.wordpress.com/category/dubious-academics-universities/cardiff-university/

    http://www.gpcme.co.nz/pdf/GP%20CME/Friday/C1%201515%20Bratt-Hawker.pdf
    (and let us not forget our “dear” MSD and WINZ Principal Health Advisor, Dr David Bratt, who likes to compare benefit dependence with drug dependence)

    So this shows you who is in place to execute the new regime that will affected many sick and disabled dependent on welfare. Being “sick” or “disabled” will NOT mean anymore, that you are not able to work. Already for the last couple of years many have been thrown off invalid’s and sickness benefits, for bizarre reasons. The pressure will be on, for you guys to go out and compete with the fit and healthy for the few jobs there are.

    Maybe “look forward” to a nice job at the to be extended Sky City Casino then?

    • karol 7.1
      14 May 2013 at 2:09 pm

      Thanks, xtasy, for so many useful links.

      It does need to be watched, critiqued, opposed and publicised.

    • NickS 7.2
      14 May 2013 at 4:49 pm

      👿

      I see all sorts of potential “fun” if they try this crap on me, particularly if it triggers suicidal ideation episodes.

    • BLiP 7.3
      14 May 2013 at 7:59 pm

      ‘

      Nice job, thank you.

  8. gobsmacked 8
    14 May 2013 at 12:51 pm

    If there’s anybody left who still believes David Shearer will stand up to Key/Joyce on the Sky City 35 year rort, please listen to the Labour leader being painfully interviewed by Sean Plunket on Radio Live this morning:

    http://www.radiolive.co.nz/Audio.aspx

    You can just click on the interview time (approx 10.10 to 10.20 a.m.) and listen to the emptiness.

    • David H 8.1
      14 May 2013 at 1:37 pm

      Yep and I wonder whats going to happen when Key gets a 3rd term, the ‘sell it all we got a mandate. Yay come one, and all, you rich people NZ is for sale! I also wonder what the next polls will bring, In fact I dread to think what the next polls will bring!

  9. marty mars 9
    14 May 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Some statistics are brutal

    11 people every week commit suicide in this country

    NZ has the highest rate of youth suicide in the OECD

    New Zealand’s suicide toll is 50 per cent higher than the road toll.

    More New Zealanders under the age of 25 die from suicide than from all medical causes combined.

    Suicides of 10-14-year-olds increased 60 per cent between 2007 and 2010.

    New Zealand’s youngest known suicide victim was a 6-year-old.

    Suicide rates of Maori and Pacific youth are 70 per cent higher than those of other young New Zealanders.

    The most common age for Maori and Pacific people to take their lives is 15-19.

    Source: CASPER (an organisation for those bereaved by suicide)

    A 6 year old committing suicide – get your head around that if you can.

    A hui in the deep south is being held to raise awareness of suicide prevention and we need to raise awareness, we need to talk about it and come up with strategies to help these (often) young people.

    Our society is focused on the individual, on profit and exploitation, on capitalism and neo-liberalism and all of those factors contribute towards our appalling record in suicide.

    The Maori youth suicide rate was 35.3 per 100,000 Maori youth population which was more than 2.5 times higher than non-Maori youth. (13.4 per 100,000)

    It is too late to save them when they have gone – we need to save them NOW, we need to give people hope NOW and we need to talk about this disgusting blight on our society NOW. Do your bit and connect with those young people around you, your friends, your family, your whānau.

    Do it NOW.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/8667621/Maori-suicide-rates-in-prevention-spotlight

    http://mars2earth.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/saving-people.html

    • muzza 9.1
      14 May 2013 at 1:20 pm

      Shameful, isn’t it Marty!

      And its hardly *just snuck up* on anyone either!

    • Bill 9.2
      14 May 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Could it just maybe be that depression and (unfortunately) the suicide that sometimes results is, in large part, a quite appropriate response to our social environment? Could it just maybe be that those we hold to be ‘well balanced and adjusted’ are in fact more psychologically askew than those we seek to balance and adjust back to a situation or perspective whereby they can cope or feel content with things?

      I suppose the answer depends on whether you believe that most mental illness is principly biological in origin or hold that it’s essentially environmental. And also on whether you believe our society is healthy or not.

      Just food for thought.

      • marty mars 9.2.1
        14 May 2013 at 2:57 pm

        an interesting point Bill.

        I probably agree to a point in regards to adults but I think youth are different in that they are inheriting the society we have created and I think there is an obligation on our part to help them at least get through to adulthood. That help is based upon giving them hope, personal esteem, and self awareness. The slant in the statistics where certain ethnic groups commit more suicide than others also needs consideration. Why does that happen? I have my views of course and the solution is not that palatable to most in this society.

        • McFlock 9.2.1.1
          14 May 2013 at 3:25 pm

          I have the sneaking suspicion that the slant in ethnicities is confounded by a more extreme distribution in deprivation. A lot of stuff will come out in the wash when census totals are distributed so we have fairly accurate rates again (StatsNZ don’t issue population projections based on deprivation, AFAIK).

          • Arfamo 9.2.1.1.1
            14 May 2013 at 8:39 pm

            Yep. Hope you’re right about better analysis in the census. Deprivation must lead to increased numbers feeling loss of hope.

      • NickS 9.2.2
        14 May 2013 at 5:26 pm

        …mental illness is principly biological in origin or hold that it’s essentially environmental.

        Generally it’s environment+genes, like most phenotypes 😛

        Depends on the condition though, schizophrenia is usually caused by specific collections of genes, while depression is pretty universal and triggered by environment, albeit with significant genetic components indicated by family studies in relation to severity.

        As to your question, personally society is generally quite judgemental of those who are different, creating higher risks for poor mental health outcomes as stress can be a trigger for a whole range of mental illnesses, as well as the isolation/poverty that usually accompanies creating barriers to early intervention/treatment. It makes having a functioning, low barrier to entry, public health system vs the societal costs of mental illness rather important, along with public education at all levels.

        • ghostrider888 9.2.2.1
          14 May 2013 at 8:26 pm

          psycho-social model rules, imo.

          • NickS 9.2.2.1.1
            14 May 2013 at 8:52 pm

            Nick is highly sceptical about any psychology model systems/theories that look like they come from before the 90’s due to the long-tail of cargo-cult and pseudoscience psychiatry shit like Freud et al and vile offspring. Which sadly still stick around and screw over the mentally ill. Although PS-model seems to be more evidence based that it’s peers of similar vintage from a brief look.

    • mickysavage 9.3
      14 May 2013 at 3:57 pm

      What is really sad is that our recording of deaths probably understates the number of suicides. For example car deaths that are probably suicides are recorded as accidents.

    • joe90 9.4
      14 May 2013 at 4:44 pm

      My extended family has had to deal with suicide not once but twice so it’s something I find very difficult to even contemplate so briefly, IMO, youngsters taking their own lives is the result of despair coupled with the just-world notion and little or no appreciation of the finality of death.

    • NickS 9.5
      14 May 2013 at 5:12 pm

      A 6 year old committing suicide – get your head around that if you can.

      Easy to do, if you’ve been in that position, and with children, it takes considerable pressure to cause that state of mind. Like constant bullying or familial abuse that is ignored by those in a position to do something about it…

      It is too late to save them when they have gone – we need to save them NOW, we need to give people hope NOW and we need to talk about this disgusting blight on our society NOW. Do your bit and connect with those young people around you, your friends, your family, your whānau.

      MoH’s been really pushing this via advertising, but frankly it’s not penetrating deep enough. Already found that out the hard way with former friends of mine, one who pretty much cut me off completely without seemingly realising the impact it would have on me and so is under sentence of “fist to the groin” if they pull any further shit.

      (full details on last years fun)

      And the worst parts are the constant hiding of suicides by the media, bar that of celebs and criminals of course and negative cultural attitudes to depression and suicide. I don’t know if schools have improved their actions towards childhood and teenage depression and it’s causes, but I’m not aware of much being done during my time in school. The odd assembly spot was about the sum total of it from memory…

      • ghostrider888 9.5.1
        14 May 2013 at 8:31 pm

        “advertisng” is just lip-service; see the Road Toll, alcohol abuse, family violence, sexual abuse etc; it is all structural, that is why I loathe NGO’s and the “helpers” professions; they can all kiss my my firey ass.

        • NickS 9.5.1.1
          14 May 2013 at 8:44 pm

          Nyet, adverts can be used to ethically educate others as long as they’re backed up with sufficient social services and resources etc.

    • NickS 10.1
      14 May 2013 at 5:29 pm

      That’s the Tories in a nutshell, trying the same, failed polices, over and over again, no matter what history or empirical research show.

    • Draco T Bastard 10.2
      14 May 2013 at 10:31 pm

      National and Act work on ideology. Any research that proves them wrong will be systematically ignored.

  11. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 11
    14 May 2013 at 4:15 pm

    Just saw Denis O’Rourke in action in the house. Keep an eye on him: he is a dynamic up-and-comer.

    • vto 11.1
      14 May 2013 at 4:21 pm

      Yep, he is strongly telling the government and business lackeys in Christchurch to take their proposed gigantic convention centre and covered stadium white elephants and shove them up the drainpipes.

      It grates when business people rant that old lady ratepayers should pay for their business premises. Richie McCaw should be ashamed.

  12. halfcrown 12
    14 May 2013 at 4:21 pm

    Just watched Guy Standing’s Lecture in 2011 on The Precariate. The new dangerous class.
    If this has not already been mentioned on the standard I highly recommend looking at it. Perhaps some of the right wing arrogant prats who visit this site may also like to have a look, if their pea sized brains can stand the strain they may learn something, as this could affect them.
    Highly recommended

    • Tim 12.1
      14 May 2013 at 7:06 pm

      The guy’s brilliant!
      Sums up perfectly the reason I’ll not vote Labour again (both Party and/or candidate) until they start showing signs of addressing the plight of the precariate, the “under-class” and the denizen. There are those amongst them that are doing their best I know but they’re not yet in the ascendancy.
      Similarly, there are many in academia who’re well aware of the phenomenon, but who fail to challenge it at every opportunity – hats off to those that do!

      • Colonial Viper 12.1.1
        14 May 2013 at 7:25 pm

        Study shows UK Labour voters think poverty is a personal fault

        seems like Labour Party leadership understand their supporters better than we think.

        What the foundation seems to pinpoint is a major cultural shift. Almost half of Labour supporters – 47% – surveyed in 2011 said if benefits were not as generous, people would learn to stand on their own feet, up from 17% in 1987. Labour supporters also increasingly think that welfare recipients are undeserving – from 21% in 1987 to 31% in 2011. While the debates around welfare have shifted to the right, Labour supporters moved in greater numbers than those in other parties – with left-wing voters stressing personal agency and individual responsibility.

        http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/may/14/labour-voters-poor-study-solidarity

        • karol 12.1.1.1
          14 May 2013 at 7:37 pm

          Depressing study. But I’d also like to know how today’s “Labour voters” compare with the past in terms of proportion of the population and demographic background. There appears to be increasing numbers of people disconnecting from the political process. So maybe the study is at least partly showing that a lot of people more sympathetic to those on low incomes, have given up on the Labour Party.

          • Colonial Viper 12.1.1.1.1
            14 May 2013 at 7:42 pm

            Just as the Labour Party has given up on them.

            • Olwyn 12.1.1.1.1.1
              14 May 2013 at 7:49 pm

              It could also be that people have given up imagining a better world; that they themselves feel squeezed and feel that if those beneath them get any relief it will only be at their expense. I note that they are concerned about child poverty, which is the only form of poverty, it seems, that is allowed oxygen.I find the bracketing off of child poverty rather sinister, since children’s poverty mostly follows from the impoverishment of their parents.

              • Colonial Viper …
                14 May 2013 at 7:57 pm

                No one is educating people in left wing history and alternative political economics any more.

                The only ideas which get aired are neoliberal ones of one description or another. Both UK Labour and NZ Labour offer few (if any) clear alternatives to orthodox economics ways of looking at the nation and too often buy into market mechanisms as the solution to societal problems.

                And what about those roof painting benefit bludgers.

                • Arfamo …
                  14 May 2013 at 8:15 pm

                  Yeah. I think you’re right. There’s no analysis of economic & political issues on mainstream tv and programmes like Q&A are useless for anyone trying to understand these things. Some good documentaries on YouTube, but who thinks to watch them?

                  Roof painters. Coke & popcorn. Jesus.

                  • ghostrider888 …
                    14 May 2013 at 8:17 pm

                    love your comments every minute 😀

                    • just saying …
                      14 May 2013 at 8:55 pm

                      And what makes up the bulk of primetime tv (outside of coooking competitions and middle-class home renovation shows)?

                      .
                      Renters
                      The Force
                      RPA
                      Strangeways
                      24 hours in A and E
                      Police 10 7
                      RBT….

                      All shows that demonise the poorest and most disadvanatged. If reality shows picked on the badly behaving from the middle classes and up they’d be sued.
                      No analysis of why people feel the need to get trolleyed, just entertainment by derision and hatred.

                  • NickS …
                    14 May 2013 at 8:59 pm

                    Yeah. I think you’re right. There’s no analysis of economic & political issues on mainstream tv and programmes like Q&A are useless for anyone trying to understand these things.

                    THIS.

                    Heck, these days you’re mostly only going to see doco’s about nature on the main channels, or “real life” stuff, rather than any serious social, economic or political doco’s. And if by chance we do see one, 9/10 it’ll be about some place else, rather than the pressing local issues.

                    And it’s all because the channels know simple, sensationalist pap sells…

                  • Olwyn …
                    14 May 2013 at 9:58 pm

                    To start somewhere, we could outline what a decent society, at the most basic level, would look like, and consider the steps we would need to take to get closer to it than where we are now. Why on earth are security of dwelling and a modest living income not included as human rights, for instance? I know I am dreaming, but I would very much like to see Labour frame things like this; ” We are going to do whatever it takes to achieve X”, X being stable, genuinely affordable housing for each and every citizen, or similar, rather than “We are going to do S, T and U, and X will result.” Recent history tells us that S, T, and U readily result in something other than X once the rapacious smell opportunity – for example the housing plan in the US that resulted in the sub-prime mortgage problem.

                    • ghostrider888 …
                      14 May 2013 at 10:03 pm

                      it is all over, bar the shouting Olwyn; night.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      14 May 2013 at 10:06 pm

                      I would very much like to see Labour frame things like this; ” We are going to do whatever it takes to achieve X”

                      You win votes by playing to peoples prejudices or self interest.

                      Our current lot of political parties know no other way.

                      I like Bill’s alternative – housing collectives which are suited to exist within a capitalist market model but internally are structured to work very differently.

                    • Olwyn …
                      14 May 2013 at 10:19 pm

                      You can also appeal to people’s better selves; that is what unleashes the creativity to make things happen. Mean prejudices have already gone too far in turning us into the kind of people we don’t like being.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      14 May 2013 at 10:32 pm

                      Indeed. A persuasive, charismatic appeal to our more principled better selves could do it. Either Shearer or Robertson would be quite capable.

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      14 May 2013 at 10:46 pm

                      To start somewhere, we could outline what a decent society, at the most basic level, would look like, and consider the steps we would need to take to get closer to it than where we are now.

                      Agreed.

                      Why on earth are security of dwelling and a modest living income not included as human rights, for instance?

                      Because we haven’t got a purpose to the economy and so it defaults to the purpose of profit and when what is needed goes against profit then it is cast as being bad by both the politicians and the economists (especially the ones on the political right).

                    • Olwyn …
                      14 May 2013 at 11:05 pm

                      Sigh. One can but dream CV.

                      @ Draco: surely we must reach the stage soon where even those who appear to be prospering get frightened by our hollowed out, rootless fake economy, and all that can result from this.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      14 May 2013 at 11:29 pm

                      A fair number of relatively wealthy people (and some extremely wealthy people) see the cliff that we are accelerating towards.

                      There doesn’t seem to be any real leadership around though, so they’re just going to hold on for the ride.

                • ghostrider888 …
                  14 May 2013 at 8:19 pm

                  enough to turn ya’ green

              • ghostrider888 …
                14 May 2013 at 8:36 pm

                Ardern in Q.T; “material deprivation from 15-21%” (I can read this sh*t after a dozen, why do they choose not to?)

    • Alanz 12.2
      14 May 2013 at 11:47 pm

      thanks, halfcrown. keep those links coming. ideas definitely more than two cents worth .

  13. ianmac 13
    14 May 2013 at 5:23 pm

    Defy the Will of the People! (Paraphased from Question Time Today.)
    Judith Collins said today in answer to a Question, that the MMP Reforms would not be presented to the House this year.
    Q:Why not?
    A: Because there was not full Consensus.
    Q: Who were the Parties not in Consensus?
    A: There was not full consensus.
    Q: Will the tag on seat (as in Act) still be there at the next election?
    A: Yes.
    It would seem that the Legislation would have to be in the House by end of May in order to pass in time.(Geddes I think.)

  14. Tigger 14
    14 May 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Stuff apparently has asked readers to make a Budget. Today’s answer was, well, let’s just say rather ‘libertarian’.

    http://i.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/the-budget-your-10-point-plan-for-nz/8669819/My-NZ-Budget-A-radical-overhaul

    My favourite part? “Crime would be heavily targeted in all forms. All criminals would spend their days breaking rocks into smaller rocks for the standard eight-hour work day.”

    The author is one Kurt Burrows. If he isn’t a prison guard I suspect he harbours fantasies of being so.

    • Murray Olsen 14.1
      14 May 2013 at 7:48 pm

      Possibly Chester Burrows trying to hide his identity?

    • QoT 14.2
      14 May 2013 at 9:12 pm

      I refuse to click on any link to Stuff Nation, but must express my amusement at someone you describe as “libertarian” advocating for entire bureaucracies to be implemented just so convicted criminals can do completely unproductive work.

      • Colonial Viper 14.2.1
        14 May 2013 at 9:16 pm

        I had this weird idea that the country needed more skilled tradies. Train them up, get them out, give them a rebuilding job, keep them away from crime.

  15. Nordy 15
    14 May 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Thanks ianmac…. interesting that consensus is a necessary prerequisite…..I for one don’t agree with this as it effectively allows the ‘tail to wag the dog’.

    What we actualy want and need is leadership, but of course we won’t get this from a NACT govt now or ever…..

    • Populuxe1 15.1
      14 May 2013 at 8:28 pm

      Leadership smeadership. Get away from this archaic vertical organised labour nonsense. The future is horizontal consensus. As Pierre-Joseph Proudhon pointed out, there’s very little point in putting the workers, or anyone, in charge because you’re just creating a new ruling class who have no interest in dismantling the aparatus of government. Power corrupts.

  16. vto 16
    14 May 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Well now Helen Clarks government and John Keys government have matched each others bullshit and arrogance. Key will now sink to the depths that Clark did in peoples eyes.

    New Zealanders voted in a referendum about MMP in 2011. Ignored.

    New Zealanders voted in a referendum about the numbers of MPs in 1999. Ignored.

    This is why politicians are held in such low regard.

    The electoral system is not for the government to determine. It is for the people to determine.

    Bullshit the lot. Clark and Key occupy the same shitbox and will each carry their smell together. Stinking pricks.

    Clark and Key
    Up a tree
    Stinking up the neighbourhood
    Poo-fucken-wee

    • Ugly Truth 16.1
      14 May 2013 at 8:52 pm

      Proudly brought to you by the “Parliament is sovereign so it can do what it bloody well likes” crowd.

    • Lanthanide 16.2
      14 May 2013 at 9:53 pm

      “New Zealanders voted in a referendum about MMP in 2011. Ignored.”

      It wasn’t ignored at all. It asked if we should change, or stick with MMP. We voted to stick with MMP. We stuck with MMP.

      The review and public submissions afterwards were not part of a referendum.

      Also dropping to 99 MPs was asinine and good that it didn’t happen.

  17. ghostrider888 17
    14 May 2013 at 8:46 pm

    Q.T;
    English- “while in the top 5 (countries) least likely to fail, our debts are relatively high”.
    Robertson on the HLFS (supported by Key) “40,000 jobs behind 2012 Budget target”
    Joyce- “not growing them (jobs) as fast as we wish”.
    Robertson- “above the worst-case scenario of the last Budget”.
    Parker- “current account deficit amongst the worst in the world”.
    -NZ non-trade-able sector down 6.4%.

    English- (on poverty relief)- “a highly targeted, practical approach” = minimalist!

    WHO THE FUCK DO THESE FUCKWITS THINK THEY ARE KIDDING? ffs

  18. geoff 18
    14 May 2013 at 8:50 pm

    Things have become so grim that the UN suggests westerners start eating insects:
    http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/eating-insects-could-help-fight-obesity-un-says-5436069

    • ghostrider888 18.1
      14 May 2013 at 8:52 pm

      Yep. (grind ya’ teeth and wail a little; this is just the entree).

    • karol 18.2
      14 May 2013 at 9:01 pm

      I read that.earlier today. I could be up for it – would give it a go. I’m not much of a meat eater, but I don’t see insects as being any worse fodder than animals.

    • Colonial Viper 18.3
      14 May 2013 at 9:07 pm

      If you want to fight obesity eliminate refined sugar and corn syrup from diets. Scrap artificial sweeteners. And give people some regular sleep.

      • ghostrider888 18.3.1
        14 May 2013 at 9:11 pm

        I tells ya Colonel, we are certainly watching the end metamorphosis pupae. Which reminds me, did ya see The Hellstrom Chronicle when we were young? Re-released last year.

    • The Al1en 18.4
      14 May 2013 at 9:14 pm

      I saw that on Breakfast tv this morning and the light hearted way in which is was received by the presenters. So I sent them this feedback via facebook.
      Surprised they didn’t use it.

      “With respect, hungry people being told to eat insects and you treat it like a reality tv show challenge.
      These people are human beings and thus, by right, should be fed the same healthy food we as consumers throw 50% of away each week.
      If the will were there, a way could be found of doing it.
      Go on, eat an insect as a stunt, but at the end of the day, my money is on the bugs.
      AL1”

  19. Tim 19
    15 May 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Breaking News:
    Sartorial elegance of the month has been displayed in the NZ Parliament’s Question Time today.

    The ‘honourable’ Tony Ryall is seen, resplendent in pin-striped suit, lime green gingham shirt (possibly run up at short notice on “the wife’s Elna” after their table cloth was ruined by splashes of red wine), and a pastel blue polka dot tie.
    Ryall wasn’t prepared to confirm whether or not his boxers were of checked pattern fabric or polka dotted.

    • Tim 19.1
      15 May 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Wrong day – it’s Ryall though – so same shit different stink in the world of the superficial

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    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 PokapĹŤ 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 ManawatĹŤ 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

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

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