Open mike 15/11/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 15th, 2023 - 58 comments
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58 comments on “Open mike 15/11/2023 ”

  1. gsays 1
    15 November 2023 at 6:45 am

    As a reprieve from the nogotiations and the horrors in Gaza.

    From Together – the digital campaigning arm of the New Zealand union movement, an outline and a petition request for the Auckland Mayor and councilors.

    https://www.together.org.nz/don_t_privatise_the_ports_of_auckland

    Reply
    • Tiger Mountain 1.1
      15 November 2023 at 7:21 am

      Wayne Brown can be defeated, and like so many issues it just takes some people power and organisation. In the late 90s businessmen including Mr Brown in the Far North, proposed a sizeable Marina for picturesque Mangonui Harbour. It was inappropriate for a number of reasons that I don’t need to go into here.

      The upshot was a public campaign of colourful banners, talking, signing, media campaigning, exploring legal avenues–and the proposers grumpily pulled their heads in. A small Marina in nearby Whangaroa Harbour was undersubscribed and soon turned into a rusting eyesore.

      When “Brownie” became FNDC Mayor in the 00s he raised it again, at a slightly different location–near his new apartment development–and was soundly put down for a second time.

      Make Bruce Jesson proud and sign the Together petition, not everything is for sale!

      Reply
      • gsays 1.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 10:35 am

        Chur TM, that's the spirit.

        You are right about the power in acting collectively and achieving.

        A sadly all too infrequent occurrence nowadays.

        Reply
  2. observer 2
    15 November 2023 at 7:00 am

    If you think we got problems … check out the Tory meltdown in the UK.

    The following is not an attack by the opposition. These are the words of the (ex) Home Secretary to the PM who has just sacked her:

    "Despite you having been rejected by a majority of party members during the summer leadership contest and thus having no personal mandate to be prime minister, I agreed to support you because of the firm assurances you gave me on key policy priorities.

    You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies. Either your distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises."

    "Your response has been uncertain, weak, and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs …"

    And so it goes on. New Zealand politicians are cuddly BFFs by comparison.

    ‘A betrayal of our agreement’: Suella Braverman’s letter to Rishi Sunak in full | Suella Braverman | The Guardian

    Reply
    • Bearded Git 2.1
      15 November 2023 at 8:06 am

      The current mob of Conservatives are so bad that this may actually threaten the survival of the party.

      Normally the vote splitting between Labour and the Libdems helps the Cons to win electoral seats under the UK's terrible FPP system. But at the next election it is feasible that the Cons will poll so badly in each electorate that tactical voting will enable either Labour or the Libdems (and the SNP) to win almost all of the seats.

      Get the popcorn out in a years time.

      The only problem here is that Starmer, who is proving to be a wanker, will almost certainly be PM.

      https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/14/starmer-under-pressure-to-back-labour-amendment-on-gaza-ceasefire

      Reply
      • bwaghorn 2.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 9:39 am

        As a middle aged white cis male I'm enjoying it a little bit to much watching old blighty being run by nasty /hopless people of colour, maybe we ain't the only baddies on the planet 😉

        Reply
      • Mike the Lefty 2.1.2
        15 November 2023 at 12:08 pm

        Modern UK seems to have comfortably taken the position that the Tories are the natural party of government and Labour are elected only when the country has had an absolute gutsfull of them, such as happened in 1997 when the Labour leader was Tony Blair. Labour recently won a by-election in Mid Bedfordshire, which they had never held before and had been Conservative since 1918.

        Reply
        • Corey 2.1.2.1
          16 November 2023 at 2:39 pm

          To be fair that's pretty much true every of every Labour party including pre MMP NZLP. Labour parties only get elected when capitalism fails.

          Blair is the only UK Labour pm in history to serve two full terms and while it's been 26 years since he was elected, you have to go back 50 years to see a pre Blair pm be elected.

          Nuts.

          Other than Hawke/Keating Aussie labor usually gets one term and is chucked into opposition for a decade or two, if they are lucky they get a second term but they fall apart mid way.

          Prior to MMP NZLP was exactly the same, other than the initial govt, Labour would win a term then be in opposition for a decade or more until labour stopped being a Labour party in 84 and won a second term for the first time in 50 years.

          Nowadays that to MMP NZLP is able to be somewhat competitive, but even then it's only one the popular vote twice in 20 years.

          It's weird because the centre left in Canada is basically perpetually in government and the democrats are in office 50% of the time

          Reply
    • tc 2.2
      15 November 2023 at 10:45 am

      Revisit that comment in a year. IMO they're all cut from the same cloth and the gloves haven't come off here yet.

      Once they do I reckon it'll make Keys tenure look benevolent by comparison.

      Reply
    • weka 2.4
      15 November 2023 at 11:50 am

      And so it goes on. New Zealand politicians are cuddly BFFs by comparison.

      Pretty sure Peters knows how to get the jandal out when he needs to.

      Why did Braverman get fired?

      Reply
      • Belladonna 2.4.1
        15 November 2023 at 12:08 pm

        She lost her job following days of a political firestorm sparked when she wrote an article for the Times newspaper, accusing the police of applying a "double standard", by taking a tougher stance with right-wing demonstrations.

        It later emerged Mrs Braverman had defied a Downing Street request to tone the article down.

        Labour, the Liberal Democrats and some Tory MPs had called for Mrs Braverman to be sacked.

        Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Mrs Braverman's actions were "highly irresponsible" and inflamed tensions, making the job of the police harder.

        https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67401753

        Of course, we don't know what was really going on in Sunak's mind. But Braverman refusing to follow the party line, when specifically asked to tone down inflammatory comments – must be high on the list. Of course, Braverman being a standard-bearer for the right wing of the Conservatives – will also be a factor. Politicians rarely do anything for a single reason…..

        Reply
      • tc 2.4.2
        15 November 2023 at 12:53 pm

        The guardian line summed it up for me being she took the dog whistle and swapped it for a loudhailer.

        Reply
  3. Tiger Mountain 3
    15 November 2023 at 7:32 am

    Back to the Gaza horrors–ban Israeli products from your homes and business activities, support BDS, call for trade bans and cut diplomatic relations.

    A small rally was run last week in Kaitaia outside the local supermarket in sync with other centres around the country and it was 99% support from shoppers and motorists.

    Butchers like the IDF that can turn off baby incubators!! deserve the strongest sanctions available to civilised humanity. Before any of the usual suspects start, I do not support Hamas due to the religious and undemocratic elements of their operations. But what can Palestinians do? There is a land and sea blockade of their shameful prision. The international community and mainly US Imperialism have bought about the rise of Hamas by funding the Israeli Military and state and not respecting the hundreds of UN resolutions.

    Hit the Israelis where it hurts–economically and culturally.

    Reply
    • Bearded Git 3.1
      15 November 2023 at 8:11 am

      Unfortunately my Israeli-made Sodastream is fundamental to my existence. If it claps out I think there is another brand out there that makes fizzy drinks that I will buy instead.

      Does anyone have a list of any other Israeli-made products that should be avoided?

      Reply
      • Belladonna 3.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 8:58 am

        There seems to be a high-level list here – very little of which would be purchasable individually.

        https://tradingeconomics.com/new-zealand/imports/israel

        The totals don't seem to be high.

        I suspect that at a supermarket level, it's going to be things like dates and pomegranate molasses – i.e. specialist purchases, rather than everyday essentials.

        Reply
      • Tiger Mountain 3.1.2
        15 November 2023 at 10:01 am

        Ditto, it has long been a problem for those that like fizz but not the IDF!, there is this one now…
        https://ohbubbles.co.nz

        Reply
        • Bearded Git 3.1.2.1
          15 November 2023 at 10:14 am

          Thanks Tiger….and Bella above.

          Having said that, the Oh Bubbles marketing could come straight from the IDF’s propaganda machine:

          “This bottle is not just an addition to your kitchen; it’s an embodiment of your commitment to crafting, savoring, and preserving the joy of bubbles. Bubbles for Life opens the door to endless possibilities, where flavors intertwine with sustainability.”

          Reply
          • Tiger Mountain 3.1.2.1.1
            15 November 2023 at 12:43 pm

            Your comment re the marketing blurb was a genuine LOL from me…

            And by the way…some of the online slang sites are saying that there is a newish ‘lol’ alternative–IJBOL–meaning “I Just Burst Out Laughing.”

            What ’ev…

            Reply
  4. SPC 4
    15 November 2023 at 8:08 am

    The investor class are back in the housing market.

    Riding population demand to go even higher under NACT's worker migrant and foreign student policy.

    Reduced incentive to build new supply with the restoration of mortgage deduction against rent income being restored for existing property.

    Thus rents will increase and so will house prices.

    And their tenants will have less rights under a NACT regime.

    So FOMO is back.

    Those first home buyers who can buy will note, mortgage cost has peaked and rents will continue to rise.

    https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/tony-alexander-why-kiwis-shouldnt-bet-against-a-rapid-rise-in-house-prices-44639

    ADVICE

    For those who will be renting awhile yet, two couples buying a 2 double bedroom flat/apartment is an option and for those starting a family – there is the option of two couples buying a three bedroom house (and having two children share a bedroom)(then with second children – one couple moves to a sleepout).

    Reply
  5. SPC 5
    15 November 2023 at 8:20 am

    Australasian wins New Zealand bird of the century contest.

    From the bat (not a bird) to the superbird (not a kiwi), popularised by John Oliver

    (John Oliver is an English import to the Last Week Tonight show only seen for half an hour once a week – where he preens himself live).

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11379407/Elle-Macpherson-58-transforms-gothic-queen-ball-Transylvania.html

    Reply
    • Belladonna 5.1
      15 November 2023 at 8:59 am

      I think your link is not what you intended (unless the connection is to 'meta' for me to comprehend)

      Reply
      • SPC 5.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 9:08 am

        Oh, so an Australian superbird attending a vampire ball in Transylvania getting "celebrity" publicity in the UK Daily Mail is not related to some hack import in American exploiting us down under for his own media celebrity publicity …

        Reply
        • Belladonna 5.1.1.1
          15 November 2023 at 9:09 am

          OK – definitely to 'meta' for me to comprehend.

          Reply
          • SPC 5.1.1.1.1
            15 November 2023 at 9:15 am

            It's too meta, as in too sophisticated.

            Otherwise, so meta. So transcending.

            Playing dumb, only understanding the obvious – raw data, simplistic meaning.

            Playing the explaining is losing tactic, until this is exposed for what it is.

            Reply
          • Barfly 5.1.1.1.2
            15 November 2023 at 9:30 am

            Frankly while it's sstaggering for me to agree with Belladonna I have to say I would have to smoke a hella lot of weed to get that connection.
            Mind you cryptic crosswords are a mystery to me as well.

            Reply
            • SPC 5.1.1.1.2.1
              15 November 2023 at 9:44 am

              Yeah sure, cryptic crosswords are for the crowd stoned on weed … whatever … .

              It only requires being informed about a topic to get the inferences about it. If everything is dumbed down to the level where everyone gets it, it all becomes a bit meh.

              There is concept in the area of film and other art of semiology – it relates to levels (and creation) of meaning. So the intellectual can also be entertained.

              Reply
    • Adrian 5.2
      15 November 2023 at 9:54 am

      A lot of our birds have had their origin in Australia, the Puteketeke is one of them along with waxeyes, plovers, even the parakeet with its own support group, it fact shit loads of them, blame the wind. I’ve had first hand experience of a Puteketeke, which by the way is not an Aussie word, I attempted to rescue it off the road and got it home and can testify to its Australianess, its argumentative, prickly, agressive, a show off, loud and opinionated, in fact come to think of it, it would right in here at the Standard, oh and its an immigrant just like the rest of us here. Just thank Christ snakes can't fly.
      It survived btw, made a home in our reservoir found a mate, and raised a family the following year, all without a word of thanks. Bloody Australians.

      Reply
  6. Belladonna 6
    15 November 2023 at 9:14 am

    Swinging rate rises predicted for Wellington.

    And I don't think this even factors in the increases needed to repair the ageing water infrastructure (pipes more than 100 years old). Which will be (based on the Auckland experience) hugely expensive and disruptive.

    https://www.thepost.co.nz/a/nz-news/350109260/wellington-warned-unprecedented-rates-rises?utm_source=+stuff_website&utm_medium=+stuff_referral&utm_campaign=mh_stuff&utm_id=mh_stuf

    Reply
  7. Barfly 7
    15 November 2023 at 9:35 am

    Swinging Swingeing (apologies)

    Reply
    • Belladonna 7.1
      15 November 2023 at 12:04 pm

      Thanks for the spelling correction. Missed this one….

      [NB: not /sarc/, really do appreciate people quietly fixing obvious errors]

      Reply
  9. tsmithfield 9
    15 November 2023 at 12:27 pm

    I am thinking of putting a hundy on NZ to win the cricket tonight. They were paying $3.40 last time I looked.

    But, what the odds don't seem to take into account is the high impact of the toss on the outcome. They were talking about that on the news last night. Apparently at that ground the team batting first has averaged around 350 while the team batting second has averaged around 160. And the only team to win batting second in the pool stage was Australia against Afghanistan. And Australia was around 90 for 7 at one stage before Maxwell went mental.

    So, if it comes down to the toss, then there is basically a 50% chance to triple my money.

    Reply
    • gsays 9.1
      15 November 2023 at 5:23 pm

      Good 'investment'.

      Our team had a few wobbles after a great start, team basically fully fit, a couple of players coming into form against a team that has pressure and expectation on it that dwarfs anything the ABs experience.

      Kohli is the key, get him early and hear the alarm bells ringing.

      Reply
    • Spa 9.2
      15 November 2023 at 5:44 pm

      I think you will see the price change after the toss. If we win the toss we might come into 2:80 or 3:00 if we lose it then out to 4:00.

      Whoever wins the toss will have a better chance of winning the match but it doesn't make you a certain winner.

      Reply
    • gsays 9.3
      16 November 2023 at 6:41 am

      Oh well, I was off the mark.

      Congratulations India, thoroughly deserved, well done Black Caps for making a competition of it till the last 8 or so overs.

      Reply
  10. adam 10
    15 November 2023 at 1:51 pm

    Hearing about labour in the US. Which is a good thing, a slow rise of the interests of labour. Step by step.

    Then included in the below video the question that needs to be asked.

    How insane is the US senate. Republican Shrill front and center.

    At the 39th minute if you think you need any more proof the far right are scumbags.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcKtBD8IOIs

    Reply
  11. Mike the Lefty 11
    15 November 2023 at 4:07 pm

    Results of the other two electorate recounts are in.

    Helen White holds onto Mt Albert for Labour, majority now 20.

    Takutai Kemp confirmed winner for Te Pati Maori in Tamaki Makaurau, majority increased to 42.

    Reply
  12. Craig H 12
    15 November 2023 at 4:12 pm

    https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/all-judgments/re-an-application-for-a-recount-of-electorate-votes-in-the-maori-electorate-of-tamaki-makaurau-2023-nzdc-24875/

    https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/all-judgments/re-an-application-by-melissa-lee-for-a-recount-of-electorate-votes-in-the-mt-albert-district-2023-nzdc-25093/

    Tamaki Makaurau and Mt Albert recounts are finished, no change in the outcomes. Takutai Tarsh Kemp's majority was increased by 38 votes to 42 and Helen White's majority was reduced by 2 votes to 18.

    Both had discrepancies in the counts, and there are some suggestions for future elections – particularly the statement that you get 2 votes seems to have caused some electors to cast 2 votes for the parties and candidates ie 4 votes in total. Hopefully the forms are updated to avoid that.

    Reply
    • Mike the Lefty 12.1
      15 November 2023 at 4:25 pm

      I'm pretty sure that the instructions on the ballot paper say explicitly that you can only make one mark (vote) on each side of the ballot paper. Perhaps it is a literacy problem.

      Reply
  13. newsense 13
    16 November 2023 at 1:23 am

    Everyone immediately spots the problem:

    Checkpoint also spoke to several Aucklanders for their views on the charge.

    Emily said it was "outrageous" because not everyone could choose when they started and finished work.

    "Firstly, we need more access to public transport and probably more affordability for that as well."

    Simon said he thought congestion charges only worked in cities with viable alternative transport options.

    "It seems pretty steep. I don't know what it is overseas but … if you're doing that everyday, with no other way to do it, then ($5) would be quite expensive."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/502518/auckland-councillor-residents-industry-groups-against-congestion-charge

    Reply

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    Though New Zealand First may have had ambitions to run the infrastructure portfolios, National would seem to have ended up firmly in control of them.  POLITIK has obtained a private memo to members of Infrastructure NZ yesterday, which shows that the peak organisation for infrastructure sees  National MPs Chris ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • At a glance – Evidence for global warming
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Who’s Driving The Right-Wing Bus?
    Who’s At The Wheel? The electorate’s message, as aggregated in the polling booths on 14 October, turned out to be a conservative political agenda stronger than anything New Zealand has seen in five decades. In 1975, Bill Rowling was run over by just one bus, with Rob Muldoon at the wheel. In ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • Sanity break
    Cheers to reader Deane for this quote from Breakfast TV today:Chloe Swarbrick to Brook van Velden re the coalition agreement: “... an unhinged grab-bag of hot takes from your drunk uncle at Christmas”Cheers also to actual Prime Minister of a country Christopher Luxon for dorking up his swearing-in vows.But that's enough ...
    More than a fieldingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Sanity break
    Cheers to reader Deane for this quote from Breakfast TV today:Chloe Swarbrick to Brook van Velden re the coalition agreement: “... an unhinged grab-bag of hot takes from your drunk uncle at Christmas”Cheers also to actual Prime Minister of a country Christopher Luxon for dorking up his swearing-in vows.But that's enough ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • National’s murderous smoking policy
    One of the big underlying problems in our political system is the prevalence of short-term thinking, most usually seen in the periodic massive infrastructure failures at a local government level caused by them skimping on maintenance to Keep Rates Low. But the new government has given us a new example, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • NZ has a chance to rise again as our new government gets spending under control
    New Zealand has  a chance  to  rise  again. Under the  previous  government, the  number of New Zealanders below the poverty line was increasing  year by year. The Luxon-led government  must reverse that trend – and set about stabilising  the  pillars  of the economy. After the  mismanagement  of the outgoing government created   huge ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    3 days ago

  • KARL DU FRESNE: Media and the new government
    Two articles by Karl du Fresne bring media coverage of the new government into considerations.  He writes –    Tuesday, November 28, 2023 The left-wing media needed a line of attack, and they found one The left-wing media pack wasted no time identifying the new government’s weakest point. Seething over ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PHILIP CRUMP:  Team of rivals – a CEO approach to government leadership
    The work begins Philip Crump wrote this article ahead of the new government being sworn in yesterday – Later today the new National-led coalition government will be sworn in, and the hard work begins. At the core of government will be three men – each a leader ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Black Friday
    As everyone who watches television or is on the mailing list for any of our major stores will confirm, “Black Friday” has become the longest running commercial extravaganza and celebration in our history. Although its origins are obscure (presumably dreamt up by American salesmen a few years ago), it has ...
    Bryan GouldBy Bryan Gould
    3 days ago

  • In Defense of the Media.
    Yesterday the Ministers in the next government were sworn in by our Governor General. A day of tradition and ceremony, of decorum and respect. Usually.But yesterday Winston Peters, the incoming Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister, of our nation used it, as he did with the signing of the coalition ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Top 10 news links at 10 am for Tuesday, Nov 28
    Nicola Willis’ first move was ‘spilling the tea’ on what she called the ‘sobering’ state of the nation’s books, but she had better be able to back that up in the HYEFU. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere at 10 am ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • PT use up but fare increases coming
    Yesterday Auckland Transport were celebrating, as the most recent Sunday was the busiest Sunday they’ve ever had. That’s a great outcome and I’m sure the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • The very opposite of social investment
    Nicola Willis (in blue) at the signing of the coalition agreement, before being sworn in as both Finance Minister and Social Investment Minister. National’s plan to unwind anti-smoking measures will benefit her in the first role, but how does it stack up from a social investment viewpoint? Photo: Lynn Grieveson ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Giving Tuesday
    For the first time "in history" we decided to jump on the "Giving Tuesday" bandwagon in order to make you aware of the options you have to contribute to our work! Projects supported by Skeptical Science Inc. Skeptical Science Skeptical Science is an all-volunteer organization but ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Let's open the books with Nicotine Willis
    Let’s say it’s 1984,and there's a dreary little nation at the bottom of the Pacific whose name rhymes with New Zealand,and they've just had an election.Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, will you look at the state of these books we’ve opened,cries the incoming government, will you look at all this mountain ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Stopping oil
    National is promising to bring back offshore oil and gas drilling. Naturally, the Greens have organised a petition campaign to try and stop them. You should sign it - every little bit helps, and as the struggle over mining conservation land showed, even National can be deterred if enough people ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Don’t accept Human Rights Commission reading of data on Treaty partnership – read the survey fin...
    Wellington is braced for a “massive impact’ from the new government’s cutting public service jobs, The Post somewhat grimly reported today. Expectations of an economic and social jolt are based on the National-Act coalition agreement to cut public service numbers in each government agency in a cost-trimming exercise  “informed by” head ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The stupidest of stupid reasons
    One of the threats in the National - ACT - NZ First coalition agreements was to extend the term of Parliament to four years, reducing our opportunities to throw a bad government out. The justification? Apparently, the government thinks "elections are expensive". This is the stupidest of stupid reasons for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • A website bereft of buzz
    Buzz from the Beehive The new government was being  sworn in, at time of writing , and when Point of Order checked the Beehive website for the latest ministerial statements and re-visit some of the old ones we drew a blank. We found ….  Nowt. Nothing. Zilch. Not a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • MICHAEL BASSETT: A new Ministry – at last
    Michael Bassett writes – Like most people, I was getting heartily sick of all the time being wasted over the coalition negotiations. During the first three weeks Winston grinned like a Cheshire cat, certain he’d be needed; Chris Luxon wasted time in lifting the phone to Winston ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Luxon's Breakfast.
    The Prime Minister elect had his silver fern badge on. He wore it to remind viewers he was supporting New Zealand, that was his team. Despite the fact it made him look like a concierge, or a welcomer in a Koru lounge. Anna Burns-Francis, the Breakfast presenter, asked if he ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • LINDSAY MITCHELL:  Oranga Tamariki faces major upheaval under coalition agreement
     Lindsay Mitchell writes – A hugely significant gain for ACT is somewhat camouflaged by legislative jargon. Under the heading ‘Oranga Tamariki’ ACT’s coalition agreement contains the following item:   Remove Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 According to Oranga Tamariki:     “Section ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • BRIAN EASTON:  Peters as Minister
    A previous column looked at Winston Peters biographically. This one takes a closer look at his record as a minister, especially his policy record. Brian Easton writes – 1990-1991: Minister of Māori Affairs. Few remember Ka Awatea as a major document on the future of Māori policy; there is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Cathrine Dyer's guide to watching COP 28 from the bottom of a warming planet
    Is COP28 largely smoke and mirrors and a plan so cunning, you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel? Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: COP28 kicks off on November 30 and up for negotiation are issues like the role of fossil fuels in the energy transition, contributions to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Top 10 news links at 10 am for Monday, Nov 27
    PM Elect Christopher Luxon was challenged this morning on whether he would sack Adrian Orr and Andrew Coster.TL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere at 10 am on Monday November 27, including:Signs councils are putting planning and capital spending on hold, given a lack of clear guidance ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the new government’s policies of yesteryear
    This column expands on a Werewolf column published by Scoop on Friday Routinely, Winston Peters is described as the kingmaker who gets to decide when the centre right or the centre-left has a turn at running this country. He also plays a less heralded but equally important role as the ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • The New Government’s Agreements
    Last Friday, almost six weeks after election day, National finally came to an agreement with ACT and NZ First to form a government. They also released the agreements between each party and looking through them, here are the things I thought were the most interesting (and often concerning) from the. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • How many smokers will die to fund the tax cuts?
    Maori and Pasifika smoking rates are already over twice the ‘all adult’ rate. Now the revenue that generates will be used to fund National’s tax cuts. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The devil is always in the detail and it emerged over the weekend from the guts of the policy agreements National ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • How the culture will change in the Beehive
    Perhaps the biggest change that will come to the Beehive as the new government settles in will be a fundamental culture change. The era of endless consultation will be over. This looks like a government that knows what it wants to do, and that means it knows what outcomes ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • No More Winnie Blues.
    So what do you think of the coalition’s decision to cancel Smokefree measures intended to stop young people, including an over representation of Māori, from taking up smoking? Enabling them to use the tax revenue to give other people a tax cut?David Cormack summed it up well:It seems not only ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #47
    A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science  Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Nov 19, 2023 thru Sat, Nov 25, 2023.  Story of the Week World stands on frontline of disaster at Cop28, says UN climate chief  Exclusive: Simon Stiell says leaders must ‘stop ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Some of it is mad, some of it is bad and some of it is clearly the work of people who are dangerous ...
    On announcement morning my mate texted:Typical of this cut-price, fake-deal government to announce itself on Black Friday.What a deal. We lose Kim Hill, we gain an empty, jargonising prime minister, a belligerent conspiracist, and a heartless Ayn Rand fanboy. One door closes, another gets slammed repeatedly in your face.It seems pretty ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • “Revolution” is the threat as the Māori Party smarts at coalition government’s Treaty directi...
    Buzz from the Beehive Having found no fresh announcements on the government’s official website, Point of Order turned today to Scoop’s Latest Parliament Headlines  for its buzz. This provided us with evidence that the Māori Party has been soured by the the coalition agreement announced yesterday by the new PM. “Soured” ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • The Good, the Bad, and the even Worse.
    Yesterday the trio that will lead our country unveiled their vision for New Zealand.Seymour looking surprisingly statesmanlike, refusing to rise to barbs about his previous comments on Winston Peters. Almost as if they had just been slapstick for the crowd.Winston was mostly focussed on settling scores with the media, making ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • When it Comes to Palestine – Free Speech is Under Threat
    Hi,Thanks for getting amongst Mister Organ on digital — thanks to you, we hit the #1 doc spot on iTunes this week. This response goes a long way to helping us break even.I feel good about that. Other things — not so much.New Zealand finally has a new government, and ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • Thank you Captain Luxon. Was that a landing, or were we shot down?
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Also in More Than A FeildingFriday The unboxing And so this is Friday and what have we gone and done to ourselves?In the same way that a Christmas present can look lovely under the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • Cans of Worms.
    “And there’ll be no shortage of ‘events’ to test Luxon’s political skills. David Seymour wants a referendum on the Treaty. Winston wants a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Labour’s handling of the Covid crisis. Talk about cans of worms!”LAURIE AND LES were very fond of their local. It was nothing ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Disinformation campaigns are undermining democracy. Here’s how we can fight back
    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Misinformation is debated everywhere and has justifiably sparked concerns. It can polarise the public, reduce health-protective behaviours such as mask wearing and vaccination, and erode trust in science. Much of misinformation is spread not ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Peters as Minister
    A previous column looked at Winston Peters biographically. This one takes a closer look at his record as a minister, especially his policy record.1990-1991: Minister of Māori Affairs. Few remember Ka Awatea as a major document on the future of Māori policy; there is not even an entry in Wikipedia. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    7 days ago

  • The New Government: 2023 Edition
    So New Zealand has a brand-spanking new right-wing government. Not just any new government either. A formal majority coalition, of the sort last seen in 1996-1998 (our governmental arrangements for the past quarter of a century have been varying flavours of minority coalition or single-party minority, with great emphasis ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    7 days ago

  • The unboxing
    And so this is Friday and what have we gone and done to ourselves?In the same way that a Christmas present can look lovely under the tree with its gold ribbon but can turn out to be nothing more than a big box holding a voucher for socks, so it ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • A cruel, vicious, nasty government
    So, after weeks of negotiations, we finally have a government, with a three-party cabinet and a time-sharing deputy PM arrangement. Newsroom's Marc Daalder has put the various coalition documents online, and I've been reading through them. A few things stand out: Luxon doesn't want to do any work, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • Hurrah – we have a new government (National, ACT and New Zealand First commit “to deliver for al...
    Buzz from the Beehive Sorry, there has been  no fresh news on the government’s official website since the caretaker trade minister’s press statement about the European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement. But the capital is abuzz with news – and media comment is quickly flowing – after ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Christopher Luxon – NZ PM #42.
    Nothing says strong and stable like having your government announcement delayed by a day because one of your deputies wants to remind everyone, but mostly you, who wears the trousers. It was all a bit embarrassing yesterday with the parties descending on Wellington before pulling out of proceedings. There are ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • Coalition Government details policies & ministers
    Winston Peters will be Deputy PM for the first half of the Coalition Government’s three-year term, with David Seymour being Deputy PM for the second half. Photo montage by Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: PM-Elect Christopher Luxon has announced the formation of a joint National-ACT-NZ First coalition Government with a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • “Old Coat” by Peter, Paul & Mary.
     THERE ARE SOME SONGS that seem to come from a place that is at once in and out of the world. Written by men and women who, for a brief moment, are granted access to that strange, collective compendium of human experience that comes from, and belongs to, all the ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand welcomes European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement
    A significant milestone in ratifying the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was reached last night, with 524 of the 705 member European Parliament voting in favour to approve the agreement. “I’m delighted to hear of the successful vote to approve the NZ-EU FTA in the European Parliament overnight. This is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Further humanitarian support for Gaza, the West Bank and Israel
    The Government is contributing a further $5 million to support the response to urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, bringing New Zealand’s total contribution to the humanitarian response so far to $10 million. “New Zealand is deeply saddened by the loss of civilian life and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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