Open mike 16/02/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, February 16th, 2022 - 147 comments
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147 comments on “Open mike 16/02/2022 ”

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  1. observer 1
    16 February 2022 at 7:41 am

    Well done to Parliament for passing the ban on "conversion therapy". And credit where it's due, to those National and ACT MPs who had previously expressed misgivings but voted for it in the end. 122-8 is a stonking result.

    Interviewed this morning on TVNZ's Breakfast (not online yet), Christopher Luxon made clear he voted for the ban (good) but then squirmed when asked about the 8 Nats who voted against the bill.

    He claimed MPs in other parties opposed the bill too. The interviewer (McClean) did not challenge this assertion. He should have.

    • I Feel Love 1.1
      16 February 2022 at 8:25 am

      Great stuff.

    • dv 1.2
      16 February 2022 at 8:26 am

      http://norightturn.blogspot.com

      So who were the eight? Simon Bridges, Simeon Brown, Melissa Lee, Todd McClay, Simon O'Connor, Chris Penk, Michael Woodhouse and Shane Reti. None of them bothered to speak to explain their hate – too ashamed, I guess

      • observer 1.2.1
        16 February 2022 at 8:31 am

        Yes, we know who the Nat MPs are, their votes are on the record.

        My point was that Luxon claimed there were other MPs who didn't vote against, but secretly were.

        We can speculate, of course (a few Labour and ACT MPs could be possible). But it's a claim that should be backed up with evidence. Otherwise it's just a diversion smear on all MPs from all other parties.

        • dv 1.2.1.1
          16 February 2022 at 8:35 am

          Sorry, wasn't challenging the point.

          • observer 1.2.1.1.1
            16 February 2022 at 8:38 am

            Cool, I realize that.

            Michael Woodhouse is the only one that is a bit surprising. The others are predictable conservatives (even though Reti is quite sensible on Covid and other matters).

      • Molly 1.2.2
        16 February 2022 at 10:20 am

        "None of them bothered to speak to explain their hate – too ashamed, I guess"

        It's not 'hate' that keeps me from your own self-congratulation, it's concern.

        I think – as shown in other countries where similar legislation has been passed – that due to the vague wording, and lack of separation between same sex orientation and gender identity 'conversion' therapy, we will see a tendency toward the affirmation only model in NZ. A conversion therapy of its own, which also creates harm.

        But call it 'hate' if that makes you feel better.

        • francesca 1.2.2.1
          16 February 2022 at 11:17 am

          Actually Molly , it may be possible to apply this law as a protection against those transwomen who badger lesbians for sex using their fully functional "female" penises.

          In effect these biological males attempt to convert lesbians from their natural sexual preferences

          • weston 1.2.2.1.1
            16 February 2022 at 11:34 am

            Geez francesca alls fair in love an war right ? You make it sound like there are hoards of these transgender males out harassing poor "natural " lesbians .Whats your actual experience ?

            • francesca 1.2.2.1.1.1
              16 February 2022 at 1:00 pm

              The BBC did a doco about it Weston .Not a lesbian , just recognise their right to same sex attraction without being vilified as bigots.

            • Molly 1.2.2.1.1.2
              16 February 2022 at 1:10 pm

              Stonewall (remember them, campaigning for homosexual rights in the UK in the 80's), has a CEO, Nancy Kelley that considers same sex orientation to be a form of societal prejudice.

              The article itself includes quotes from a statement released by Stonewall chief executive Nancy Kelley, in which she says:

              “If you find that when dating, you are writing off entire groups of people, like people of colour, fat people, disabled people or trans people, then it’s worth considering how societal prejudices may have shaped your attractions.”

              This is more explicit than previous statements. In the past Kelley has claimed that those who recognise the importance of biological sex are as morally reprehensible as those who hate Jewish people. It seems Kelley also believes homosexuality is akin to racism. Given this, one wonders on what basis Stonewall can claim to advocate for homosexuals?"

              Yes. The organisation that successfully advocated the repeal of Section 28, now considers those with a same sex preference (and I assume opposite sex preference) possess those preferences because of "societal prejudice."

              You can find many examples online on the coaching and grooming of (mainly lesbians) to accept males into their sexual partners pool.

              Ah, conversion therapy. So glad it's been banned.

            • Anker 1.2.2.1.1.3
              16 February 2022 at 5:02 pm

              https://freespeech.buzzsprout.com/370355/9954982-special-report-interview-with-the-public-service-advisor-censored-for-using-the-term-male-bodied

              You are possibly not going to listen to the podcast Weston. So just to sumarize a public servant was attending a training run by Inisde Outabout inclusivity at her workplace.

              The public servant bravely and within context pointed out that her sister was lesbian and surely she shouldn't be expected to have a sex partner who was male bodied. The tutor said, we don't use that term now. The public servant then got a letter from the Deputy CE chastising her for using this term and saying the tutor and other employees found her use of the word male bodied offensive. So challenging the rights of lesbians to not to have sex with male bodied trans women, gets you a letter from your boss. Trans women must not be referred to as male bodied. Make of that what you will.

              The ridiculous thing is it took a lot of bravery for the woman to stand up at her work meeting and say this and to assert her freedom of speech to her Boss

              • weston …
                21 February 2022 at 8:20 pm

                Hi ankor only just found your reply sorry .I did listen to the podcast golly dosnt sound like a very nice place to work for the particular public servant !orwelian is a fitting description .Have to confess i find all this stuff confusing , in the times ive been involved with lesbians there was just lesbians an gays an straights more or less and amongst the lesbians i know and count as friends theyve mostly settled down now and as far as i know are much less idiologically driven .In their time though they could scaresly have been thought of as reqiring protection and were very strong women in their own right heck one of them drove a tractor into town to get her groceries and on occasion fired shots over my head to let me know i was tresspassing { she mustve thought i was thinking of doing so cause i was walking on a private path at the time !}

                • Anker …
                  22 February 2022 at 11:14 am

                  Hi Weston, appreciate you took the time to listen to the podcast.

                  It is truly Orwelian. I have recently read 1984 in which the term newspeak was used whcih is exactly what is happening here.

                  Things have changed a lot over the last five or 10 years. How I see it is the universities are teaching young people gender ideology and if you don't accept it, it become very problematic. There have been many posts on this site about what is happening. If you are interested in finding out more about gender ideology let me know and I'll post some links.

            • weka 1.2.2.1.1.4
              18 February 2022 at 11:13 am

              Geez francesca alls fair in love an war right ? You make it sound like there are hoards of these transgender males out harassing poor "natural " lesbians .Whats your actual experience ?

              All's fair in love and war? Let's make it plain then. Do you believe that lesbians should date male bodied people despite being only attracted to female bodies?

              • weston …
                21 February 2022 at 6:03 pm

                Sorry for the delay replying weka my reply tab only works about one time out of five ! Should is not a word i would use in this context and why would i agree with such a silly statement ?

                Lesbianism wasnt invented yesterday weka and lesbians are just human beings after all subject to pretty much all the same relationship issues as we all are whether we are seeking long term relationships or a one night stand .

                I queried francesca,s statement which suggested all these transgender males were harrassing lesbians , turns out she had whatched somthing produced by BBC .Are you saying i shoudnt have asked ?

          • Molly 1.2.2.1.2
            16 February 2022 at 11:44 am

            Silver lining it would be. But I think unlikely.

            As a non-conforming Asperger's teenager, I would have been a prime candidate for ROGD if I had the access to the internet that we have now. Discomfort with puberty and a sense of not being naturally feminine, and inquisitive for answers would have me prepped and ready for gender ideology. I don't honestly know what choice I would have made.

            However, I do know that the prevalence of autistic, and non-conforming children in the transgender community deserves some scrutiny and research. We may do irreparable harm to many, if the conversion therapy bill results in 'affirmation only' models of therapy and counselling. There is some indication that that is already occurring in NZ.

            The contradiction of providing medical interventions for a condition no longer considered medical is without precedent as far as I know.

            It strikes me that it is the Gender Critical that really don't have a problem with self expression and identity exploration. This has been ignored when discussing this issue that perpetuates gender stereotypes. It is also quite fascinating to see recent criticisms of Gender Critical Feminists being the ones to perpetuate gender stereotypes. I think this is indicative of a movement that avoids scrutiny and casts aspersions. We will see how they get on.

            We also know that while the promotion and celebration is public and uplifting, the isolation and lack of support for detransitioners is invisible. This has an effect on both transition and detransition.

            https://youtu.be/T9UYDyqkH2E

    • Chris T 1.3
      16 February 2022 at 8:35 am

      As long as it is clearly worded only "sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression" it seems an odd thing to vote against.

      Even if they are religious.

    • observer 1.4
      16 February 2022 at 8:52 am

      Self-correction: 112 votes for, not 122.

    • Molly 1.5
      16 February 2022 at 10:12 am

      Badly done to Parliament for passing the badly worded piece of legislation that relied on people's abhorrence of gay conversion therapy to avoid scrutiny.

      Despite not showing evidence of this particular practice being a concern in present-day New Zealand, this practice was deemed so harmful that the passing of this legislation (along with others) was considered a necessity. Despite submissions against, and requests for clarity. Despite concerns that it is not specified that effective therapy may result in a resolution of gender dysphoria. Despite the fact that this legislation in other countries had resulted in the 'affirmation only' model being practiced, a conversion therapy of its own, and so, with consequent harms. Despite the now familiar practice of including gender identity in a discussion about sexual orientation, and conflating the two.

      Oh, the bigots must of course be ignored.

      Strangely enough, the bigoted Equality and Human Rights Commission in the UK, recently issued a statement regarding very similar legislation for the Scottish government:

      https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/consultation-response-banning-conversion-therapy-26-january-2022.docx

      Before addressing the specific consultation questions, we have some general comments about the Government’s proposals and the consultation approach. We are supportive of measures to end harmful conversion therapy practices, but the likely significant and wide-ranging implications of the Government’s proposals for a legislative ban for criminal and civil justice, clinicians and therapists, families and religious organisations require careful and detailed consideration. The consultation document contains no clear definition of what will amount to “conversion therapy” caught by its proposals, nor of the meaning of “transgender” – a term which has no clear legal meaning, is potentially wider than the concept of gender reassignment in current UK law, and is understood by different people in different ways.

      Nor does the consultation address the possible need to consider a differentiated approach in relation to sexual orientation and being transgender so as to ensure, in particular, that clinicians and therapists are not prohibited from providing appropriate care and support for individuals with gender dysphoria. Given the documented lack of evidence about conversion therapy in relation to being transgender, recent attention and litigation on the implications of medical and surgical transition, and the ongoing NHS-commissioned independent review of gender identity services for children and young people led by Dr Hilary Cass OBE, we consider that these matters require further careful and detailed consideration before legislative proposals are finalised and the implications of them can be fully understood.

      Same bigoted areas of concern. Oh, well.

      Remember this day years hence, when you wonder how much harm resulted from such good intentions, when all you were trying to do was be kind.

      • Rosemary McDonald 1.5.1
        16 February 2022 at 10:40 am

        The consultation document contains no clear definition of …

        Of course not. Nothing can be clearly defined anymore. Anything means whatever the individual wants it to mean.

        Only a bigot expects actual definition. Actual clarity of meaning. Actual reality. Actual science. Actual critical thinking and perhaps a passing thought about long term (unintended) adverse effects.

        We need to get with the program Molly…get on board that feels good train…

        Grim day indeed.

        • Molly 1.5.1.1
          16 February 2022 at 10:54 am

          (I think I'll wait for the grown up's train, wink.)

          https://youtu.be/x1rEZ9TzD34?t=12

          • Ad 1.5.1.1.1
            16 February 2022 at 11:11 am

            With the passage of this bill and the Births Deaths and Marriage Bill, wasn't your essential female nature supposed to have evaporated along with your actual existence by now?

            Where's a parliamentary review when you need one?

            • francesca 1.5.1.1.1.1
              16 February 2022 at 11:20 am

              No Ad , just our sex based right to have privacy and segregation from male bodies once in a while

            • Molly 1.5.1.1.1.2
              16 February 2022 at 11:29 am

              Strangely enough Ad. Despite the slogans, and words on a piece of paper passed by parliament, I do still know what it is to be a woman, and the consequences of that reality.

              "With the passage of this bill and the Births Deaths and Marriage Bill, wasn't your essential female nature supposed to have evaporated along with your actual existence by now?"

              You've made this comment in various ways a couple of times now. It seems to be a projection of the external validation needed by some who claim they are being denied the right to exist. That's not me.

              I still have objections to the appropriation of words and language that accurately describe being a woman or female. But existence is not dependent on other's misuse of those terms.

              Don’t worry. You’ve earned your ticket …get on board.

      • Anker 1.5.2
        16 February 2022 at 5:14 pm

        Thank you Molly for articulating why some of us have concerns with this bill.

        Currently children are being taught at school at a young age that it is possible to be born in the wrong body (no it isn't) and that there are many genders (upwards of 70 are quoted). Many kids are gender non conforming. A close relative of mine was and she grew up to be gay, this is what the research supports. She had the freedom to be a tom boy and eventually realized she was gay, in her late teens.

        Now days these kids are being encourged to think they are trans. This is the beginning to social and medical transition. These kids are being given puberty blockers and cross sex hormones and the changes these cause to their bodies can not be rolled back to easily. So young women are being left with male sound voices, facial hair and Adams Apples (in some cases). So are using breast binders and some are having double masectomies and hysterectomies by the age of 19 years. this kids are left with irreversible damage. There are currently 25.000 such detransitioners on Reddit.

        The Bill will mean any parent or health professional that tries to stop the path of medical transition could be considered offering a conversion practice. Rainbow Youth and their allies only want affirmation therapy for these vulnerable teans who are not old enough to consent to life altering surgery.

        If you read Counting Ourselves, it is very clear that the transgender people in this survey felt they experienced conversion practice from a range of health professionals.

        There is very little evidence that health professionals use what is usually considered converstion practices. Certainly no ethical ones do. So the people in this survey I think consider anything other that affirmation and confirmation of the gender identity as conversion therapy.

        This is why this bill is so problematic.

        • Molly 1.5.2.1
          16 February 2022 at 5:21 pm

          "The Bill will mean any parent or health professional that tries to stop the path of medical transition could be considered offering a conversion practice. "

          I hope that is not the case. What is true, is that the legislation allows for interpretation where this may result. No clarification edits were made before passing.

          The Counting Ourselves publication is worth a critical read. The self validation of the survey takers, has no standard by which to judge credibility or bias.

          The dearth of robust data is commonplace on this issue, and its many impacts.

    • Blade 1.6
      16 February 2022 at 11:01 am

      ''The interviewer (McClean) did not challenge this assertion. He should have.''

      I agree, although I doubt National MPs who voted against the bill were all religious or anti gay.

      ''Luxon claimed MPs in other parties opposed the bill too .''

      I would say that's correct, given the high percentage of Maori and Island MPs in the Labour Party. No doubt walking past the political corpse of Louisa Wall cleared the sinuses and focused the mind when it came time to vote.

      Strange when you think Faʻafafines are a part of Polynesian life.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 1.7
      16 February 2022 at 11:05 am

      Thanks observer – great to see such a large majority of MPs showing some progressive common sense.

      Not as big a deal as voting rights for women (20 ayes, 18 nays), homosexual law reform (49 ayes, 44 nays), or even civil unions and same-sex marriage legislation (77 ayes, 44 nays), but still well worth celebrating as another nail in the coffin of bigotry, imho.

      • Molly 1.7.1
        16 February 2022 at 11:23 am

        "…but nevertheless worth celebrating as another nail in the coffin of bigotry, imho."

        Such nuance, detail and understanding.

        And yet, it could have been excellent legislation (although probably still unnecessary) if they had just addressed the concerns put forward by those 'bigots'. What was the prevalence of conversion therapy in NZ in 2021? Is there a difference between gay conversion therapy, and appropriate therapy for gender dysphoria that explores each individual's needs, and may result in a reconciliation between someone's biological sex and their gender identity? How do we ensure that the 'affirmation only' model for gender identity is not the result for therapists, counsellors, which in itself can be shown to be a type of conversion therapy?

        But at least we did have it explained particularly ambiguously, by the Minister. (Apologies for being unable to find the sound recording where he does exceptionally well at accurately portraying the undefined nature of what exactly is being converted, and how that will be determined. It was a masterclass in bumbling obfuscation) But only 'bigots' are concerned on those points.

        Robust discussion…well, it was good while it lasted.

        • Drowsy M. Kram 1.7.1.1
          16 February 2022 at 12:26 pm

          Molly, I was replying to observer @1; you were the first person (@1.5) to introduce "bigots" and "bigoted" into this "robust discussion." I can't help feeling differently to you about this legislation, nor (imho) will any amount of robust discussion shift our respective views. Let’s agree to disagree.

          • Molly 1.7.1.1.1
            16 February 2022 at 12:45 pm

            Talk about a continuation of redirect from relevant content.

            I have no concern with being called a 'bigot' or 'transphobic' on this issue. I have seen how and when this is deployed, and have no problem being included with those who have tried to raise concerns about the failure of such legislation to define terms and address unintended impacts and have been labelled in such a way.

            I have also been told that my understanding of the words 'woman' and 'female' are exclusionary. Well, the misuse and appropriation of language is a deliberate feature here. The fact that 'bigot' is used nonsensically is par for the course.

            "What was the prevalence of conversion therapy in NZ in 2021? Is there a difference between gay conversion therapy, and appropriate therapy for gender dysphoria that explores each individual's needs, and may result in a reconciliation between someone's biological sex and their gender identity? How do we ensure that the 'affirmation only' model for gender identity is not the result for therapists, counsellors, which in itself can be shown to be a type of conversion therapy?"

            Any thoughts on the above? Or on the concerns raised by the EHRC on similar points in the Conversion Therapy Bill in the Scottish government?

            No?

            Well, we may disagree, but I contend that our disagreement comes from a complete failure on your part to do investigation and look deeper.

            My evidence for this is your failure to even address those concerns listed above, and redirect to the most mundane of assumptions.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 1.7.1.1.1.1
              16 February 2022 at 1:37 pm

              Well, we may disagree, but I contend that our disagreement comes from a complete failure on your part to do investigation and look deeper.

              We most certainly do disagree, and I'm trying not to be disagreeable about that. Since my reply @1.7 to observer seems to have riled you so, and since you have judged my considered and deeply held views to derive from a complete failure on my part, that leaves me nowhere to go except to express my genuine disappointment.

              • Molly …
                16 February 2022 at 2:00 pm

                Once again, failure to address concerns,

                Yes, I made comment on your direct comment to observer, because I will not stand quietly by watching the complacency pass without comment.

                The issues of concern are clearly stated, and always, always avoided.

                Your disappointment is a manipulation, rather than engagement. I don't respond to such with capitulation, perhaps it works with you.

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  16 February 2022 at 2:22 pm

                  Your disappointment is a manipulation…

                  My disappointment is genuine – "manipulation" is a misperception.

                  "Complacency", "failure" "failure" "failure", "manipulation" – no thanks.

                  I don't respond to such with capitulation…

                  None of my comments in this thread were made to elicit "capitulation" – again that's a misperception, imho. I don't need anyone's capitulation. As observer observed @1: "122-8 is a stonking result."

                  • Molly …
                    16 February 2022 at 2:38 pm

                    I respond to you in the hope that a discussion will ensue, about the concerns raised.

                    I don't use my emotive reaction to your comments as points worthy of expression. I consider it manipulation, I avoid the same when parenting. My comments to you are not unique in that regard.

                    I, however, persist in asking for discussion on the points raised.

                    But I understand the avoidance. There have been repeated examples of this on this topic. What is one more?

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      16 February 2022 at 4:04 pm

                      I respond to you in the hope that a discussion will ensue, about the concerns raised.

                      You and others have raised concerns. Some of these concerns I share to a greater or lesser extent. I have my own concerns. We have discussed this before, and in some of my comments I've provided a small amount of personal information as to where I'm coming from, but generally it seems that the more we correspond, the more heated the discussion becomes (like now), such that there is nothing to be gained by continuing – we disagree.

                      On balance, I support the legislation that has just been voted into law (see @1 and @1.7). The reasons underpinning my support relate mostly to personal experiences that I won't detail on this blog. If it turns out that the outcomes of that legislation are, on balance, negative for NZers, then trust me that I won't be part of a "see no evil, hear no evil" whitewash to cover up those negative outcomes.

                    • Molly …
                      16 February 2022 at 4:16 pm

                      @Drowsy M. Kram

                      "You and others have raised concerns. Some of these concerns I share to a greater or lesser extent. I have my own concerns. We have discussed this before, and in some of my comments I've provided a small amount of personal information as to where I'm coming from, but generally it seems that the more we correspond, the more heated the discussion becomes (like now), such that there is nothing to be gained by continuing – we disagree."

                      We have indeed discussed this before, and looking back on your link it is more of the same. No real addressing of content, just reiteration of perspective and feelings.

                      This discussion might feel heated for you, but that is not a view shared by me. I'm persistent in asking for a discussion of the issues, and not moved from this by your personal feelings.

                      "On balance, I support the legislation that has just been voted into law (see @1 and @1.7). The reasons underpinning my support relate in large part to personal experiences that I won't detail on this blog."

                      That's convenient. A possibility of actual discussion subverted once again.

                      "If it turns out that the outcomes of that legislation are, on balance, negative for NZers, then trust me that I won't be part of a "see no evil, hear no evil" whitewash to cover up those negative outcomes."

                      Yes, using a considered and precautionary approach that prevents harm occurring is such an outdated concept. I'm less reassured than you that any consequent harms for individuals won't have to number in the thousands before it gets addressed.

                      You have spent a considerable amount of time and words to contribute neither critique or justification.

                      Then given yourself permission to not provide any.

                      This is a pattern.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      16 February 2022 at 4:24 pm

                      That's convenient.

                      "Convenient" is your word. It wasn't, isn’t, and your concerns are moving me less and less with every comment – nonetheless I will continue to share some of them. Carry on.

                    • Molly …
                      16 February 2022 at 4:32 pm

                      @Drowsy M. Kram

                      I see you have participated in some discussion below with Rosemary.

                      I didn't aim to 'move' you with my concerns, I hoped to discuss them, and perhaps be persuaded that they were unwarranted. I'll have to go elsewhere for that as you say your points on this are unable to be articulated on this blog.

                      Well done, for at least making a start down below.

                      I'll concede that Rosemary has a more successful approach to drawing you out, and will read with interest what transpires.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      16 February 2022 at 5:31 pm

                      Molly, not interested in persuading you that your concerns are unwarranted – on the contrary, I think that some are warranted, to various degrees. We each have views and concerns that are informed by personal experiences and other information; my personal experiences are the single most important reason that I'm pleased this legislation has been passed, and (in this particular instance) I can't help how I feel.

                      Any and all negative outcomes will be regrettable, and if negative outcomes are actually as numerous and/or severe as some believe then NZ's legislation may be modified or repealed. Time will tell.

                    • Molly …
                      17 February 2022 at 9:54 am

                      @Drowsy M. Kram

                      "Molly, not interested in persuading you that your concerns are unwarranted – on the contrary, I think that some are warranted, to various degrees. We each have views and concerns that are informed by personal experiences and other information; my personal experiences are the single most important reason that I'm pleased this legislation has been passed, and (in this particular instance) I can't help how I feel."

                      Fair enough. But why engage at all if you are not prepared to discuss another perspective? I'm willing to have my ideas and perspectives challenged and be informed, but to do that I first have to articulate them and expose them for critique.

                      "…my personal experiences are the single most important reason that I'm pleased this legislation has been passed,…"

                      Once again, fair enough. But if you are unwilling to give that perspective, then don't engage.

                      My pseudonym comes from the Molly Whuppy story that used to be on Sunday mornings on 1ZB, and the phrase that leaps to mind is "Oh, if you could see what I see….". Said from inside a sack that was pitch dark.

                      Women on TS talking on various aspects of the legislation impacts have revealed sustained familial sexual abuse, personal experience of sexual attacks and other personal experiences not because they enjoy the reveal of past trauma, but in an effort to bring understanding.

                      Coy referrals to personal experiences, to my mind, is a dishonest method of engagement. Either keep those experiences and thoughts private, and enter the discussion regardless, or don't enter it at all. If you don't recognise this approach as manipulative in any way, then on this, we disagree.

                      The perspective you refer to – but don't articulate – may be of immense value in improving the discussion. But we will never know.

                      I see you have redirected once again on Rosemary's thread.

                      No more to say on how well you have done there.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      17 February 2022 at 10:48 am

                      Once again, fair enough. But if you are unwilling to give that perspective, then don't engage.

                      Thanks Molly, that's good advice. I've avoided replying to your comments for a few months now, and my attempt (@1.7.1.1) to disengage was a momentary lapse on my part. Won't happen again.

                    • Molly …
                      17 February 2022 at 11:57 am

                      @Drowsy M. Kram

                      Since you contribute nothing of substance, that's probably for the best.

                      Spend that energy talking with others about how mean some people on TS are, expecting discourse rather than taking note of your private feelings.

              • Rosemary McDonald …
                16 February 2022 at 2:01 pm

                ….deeply held views… Can I assume that you do truly believe that the appropriate way to manage gender dysphoria is with lifelong powerful drugs and surgery to amputate or modify healthy body parts?

                And that talking therapies that help a (usually quite young) person to accept the body they are born with and learn that it is perfectly ok to have a different gender is wrong and evil and should be criminalized?

                Asking for a friend.

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  16 February 2022 at 3:01 pm

                  Manipulation 'cuts' both ways, imho. Did you by any chance help to write the question for the 2009 NZ child discipline referendum?

                  Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

                  Asking for a friend wink

                  My immediate answers to your very even-handed questions were going to be 'Never', and 'Of course not', but, on reflection, 'Case by case' for Q.1, and for Q.2 'It should be an individual's (even if quite young) right to have an input into decisions about what 'therapies' they are subjected to.'

                  It's appropriate for our government and/or health services to determine what therapies are medically acceptible/justifiable, and those determinations should be based on data relating to treatment outcomes. Those who are of the view that it never hurts to 'talk' must have led charmed lives indeed.

                  • Rosemary McDonald …
                    16 February 2022 at 4:22 pm

                    See. That wasn't that difficult was it? This is almost a discussion.

                    It's appropriate for our government and/or health services to determine what therapies are medically acceptible/justifiable,

                    Hmmm…do you really expect me, of Misery/Mystery/Miserly of Health fame, to accept that? Of course the Ministry is keeping up with the trend… but clearly medical science left the building when this Advisory was written, because some fool seems to think that sex is "assigned" at birth rather than being a biological fact that was observed and noted by a health professional.

                    And while this is a very wordy Advisory…it details no therapy other than ….

                    Gender affirming health care, including surgical procedures such as those listed below, are the responsibility of DHBs. Patients seeking these procedures should be referred to their local DHB provider:

                    • feminising breast augmentation
                    • masculinising chest reconstruction
                    • hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
                    • salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes)
                    • orchidectomy (removal of testicles)
                    • facial feminisation
                    • laryngeal shave (reducing the size of the Adam’s apple).

                    And the government…who voted to allow people to, on a whim, change the sex on their birth certificate even though 'changing sex', in human beings is a scientific impossibility? You seriously think the disparate bunch of numpties who warm the Seats can be trusted with such important decisions? These are the people who persist in confusing sex with gender.

                    And the data? Where is the data? Its very complicated…but you'd hope that when it came to giving pre- teens drugs with unknown long term side effects the precautionary principle would prevail. First do no harm and all that.

                    • Molly …
                      16 February 2022 at 4:46 pm

                      Yes, the Ministry have a wonderful surgical and budget capacity for treating a non-medical condition with… medical interventions.

                      One that we can thank the Labour party for increasing:

                      We’re helping trans people to access the care they need. To help reduce wait times for gender affirming surgery, we lifted the cap on the number of publicly funded surgeries and increased funding for the service, supporting the mental health of our trans whānau.
                      Link to Labour bragging:
                      https://www.labour.org.nz/rainbow

                      Some questions:

                      Can a female request breast augmentation if she identifies as female – or is that considered cosmetic surgery and not covered? What about if she identifies as non-binary? Is it possible to access breast augmentation then? Or is it only available to males? In which case, isn't that discriminatory?

                      How has it been determined that the mental wellbeing of breast cancer patients who have asked for both breasts to be removed instead of one, is considered non-medically justified, but the removal of two healthy breasts is considered necessary?

                      How are medical interventions for young people that will reduce sexual sensation, intimacy and/or enjoyment, may impact on maturity and physiological changes that are of benefit, and will sterilise many considered a suitable treatment for an apparently non-medical problem?

                      What is the difference between a culture that promotes and implements surgeries such as those on offer, and a culture that still performs FGM? One is performed in a pristine surgery, but the effects are the same.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      16 February 2022 at 5:06 pm

                      As the implications sink in, maybe there'll be a huge public backlash over this legislation, even greater than that given form by the anti-mandate protesters & assorted hangers-on? Time these uppity self-important pollies and experts got a dose of reality – hang 'em high!!

                      You're not the boss of me now… Gawd save us.

      • Blade 1.7.2
        16 February 2022 at 11:31 am

        That bigotry would still be with us, if at the time, those suggested law reforms you mention were put to a public referendum.

        But as this Labour government is showing with Three Waters and handling the protesters -why let democracy stand in the way of a good thing?

    • McFlock 1.8
      16 February 2022 at 2:23 pm

      yeah, good to see.

  2. Blazer 2
    16 February 2022 at 8:15 am

    I guess it's not really an issue these days for people who have stable living situations.

    'New Zealand needs to stop talking about a housing crisis and accept the situation is catastrophic, the Salvation Army says.'

    ' “Housing is pivotal to other social issues. If we can’t get warm, safe, affordable housing for Kiwis it’s going to impact on other social issues we’re seeing now and going to see more of as the Covid tail drags on.”

    Salvation Army: It's a housing catastrophe, not crisis | Stuff.co.nz

  3. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 3
    16 February 2022 at 9:53 am

    From the farcical (the Wellington protest) to the irrelevant:

    Andrew Windsor settles out of court (for an undisclosed sum) with the girl [deleted]

    All in all, quite an expensive night out.

    • higherstandard 3.1
      16 February 2022 at 10:17 am

      Best not to open this blog up to a defamation lawsuit Tony.

    • Blade 3.2
      16 February 2022 at 11:03 am

      I must have missed the court case, tell me more?

      • solkta 3.2.1
        16 February 2022 at 11:13 am

        For someone who reads a lot you sure miss a lot.

        • Blade 3.2.1.1
          16 February 2022 at 11:22 am

          I'm listening. Fill me with your wisdom. Start at the part where Andrew has been found guilty in a court of law.

          • solkta 3.2.1.1.1
            16 February 2022 at 11:40 am

            Yeh nah, if you want to know what is going on then off you go.

            • Blade 3.2.1.1.1.1
              16 February 2022 at 11:42 am

              Next time before you troll, engage your brain.

              • solkta …
                16 February 2022 at 11:44 am

                Are you still here? don't you have reading to do?

                • weka …
                  16 February 2022 at 2:08 pm

                  both of you stop it, now.

                • aom …
                  16 February 2022 at 2:16 pm

                  Don't bother Solkta, if people don't understand the difference between a criminal case and a civil case in the US, they are unlikely to know what is meant by a settlement.

                  • Blade …
                    16 February 2022 at 2:51 pm

                    I'm well aware of what is what, Aom. However, when you make a statement such as Tony Veitch did; since deleted by Weka, I believe that has to be proven in criminal court of law, otherwise you open yourself up to legal action.

                    An out of court settlement doesn't necessarily mean an admission of guilt.

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 3.3
      16 February 2022 at 1:35 pm

      Yes, I agree. Delete the word 'molested' and substitute the word 'knew.'

      • weka 3.3.1
        16 February 2022 at 2:10 pm

        I've deleted the half sentence. I don't have time to sort out other people's mistakes or check what’s legal or not, the onus is on the commenter to get it right. Next time, put in a link and then it's easy to fact check, better yet check yourself. This isn't FB, for casual, slanderous comments. Another sentence and you could have made a clear political argument.

  4. observer 4
    16 February 2022 at 10:49 am

    Sometimes it's unfair to demand a simple "Yes/No" answer. There are nuances, variables, unknowns.

    But sometimes there aren't any. Sometimes it's really, really easy. Do you agree: Yes, or No?

    Luxon couldn't handle it.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300518896/christopher-luxon-cant-say-whether-or-not-national-supports-minimum-wage-boost

  5. Ad 5
    16 February 2022 at 11:08 am

    With the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations will begin on Thursday, June 2, 2022, and through June 5th, that would be a great time to start to strip the monarchy right back, resign as Queen and hand over to Prince Charles.

    Charles can then pull the whole royal family farce back to a minimum, and chuck out the taxpayer entitlements for all but those children directly in line of succession.

    Chuck out the industry of pervert Dukes, star-fucking low-rent z-grade actors, horse-worshippers, contitutional nobodies, and the entire swirling shit-constellation of psychobabble tv and film industries.

    Even the Maori Party wants them gone. Hopefully we give them all the heave in time for our bicentennary in 18 years.

    • Puckish Rogue 5.1
      16 February 2022 at 11:34 am

      How would the treaty negotiations go on if we became a republic, would they have to end because the Crown is no longer, would the treaty have to be renegotiated with the government, would there still be a legally binding treaty?

      • McFlock 5.1.1
        16 February 2022 at 2:39 pm

        Not sure how it's worked with every peaceful independence transition, but generally it seems to be a bit like buying a company: the new structure (parliament, president, Grand Moff, whatevs) assumes the rights and responsibilities of the previous owner.

        If I've got a lease, and the building owner changes without nixing the lease, I just call them about the broken washing machine, not the old owner.

        • Puckish Rogue 5.1.1.1
          16 February 2022 at 2:58 pm

          Thats a shame.

          This could have been a chance to renegotiate the treaty, have one written that both parties agree on, that is updated for the world we live in today

          To fix it

          • McFlock 5.1.1.1.1
            16 February 2022 at 3:00 pm

            I doubt Māori will cede their sovereignty this time, either.

            • Puckish Rogue 5.1.1.1.1.1
              16 February 2022 at 3:12 pm

              I doubt lawyers and elites would, willingly, give up gravy trains

              • McFlock …
                16 February 2022 at 3:24 pm

                Weird you link that with sovereignty.

                Since your current gig has made you a staunch ally of the working classes, maybe your next stint could be in Te Puni Kōkiri? We could turn you into a full-spectrum wokish warrior, one govt department at a time…

            • higherstandard 5.1.1.1.1.2
              16 February 2022 at 4:23 pm

              "The Chiefs assembled including Chiefs not present at the assembly hereby cede absolutely to the Queen of England for ever the Government of all of their lands"

              "Her Majesty the Queen of England confirms and guarantees to the Chiefs and Tribes of New Zealand, and to the respective families and individuals thereof, the full, exclusive, and undisturbed possession of their Lands and Estates, Forests, Fisheries, and other properties which they may collectively or individually possess, so long as it is their wish and desire to retain the same in their possession; but the Chiefs of the United Tribes and the Individual Chiefs yield to Her Majesty the exclusive right of Pre-emption over such lands as the proprietors thereof may be disposed to alienate, at such prices as may be agreed upon between the respective Proprietors and persons appointed by Her Majesty to treat with them in that behalf".

              http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-NgaTrea-t1-g1-t1.html

          • Robert Guyton 5.1.1.1.2
            16 February 2022 at 3:29 pm

            It's not broken.

            • Puckish Rogue 5.1.1.1.2.1
              16 February 2022 at 3:38 pm

              Yes it is.

              We need one treaty that the government and the tribes can agree on so we can then we forward rather than always looking backwards and falling over

              NZ becoming a republic would be the perfect time to do it

              • Robert Guyton …
                16 February 2022 at 3:43 pm

                Not isn't. It's a living, vital treaty. Live it, PR. Your conservative, regressive views are blocking the natural flow between cultures, ideologies and concepts.

                Stop dragging the chain.

                Let the lively, the young, the energised, attend to these matters.

  6. Puckish Rogue 6
    16 February 2022 at 12:37 pm

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/127789940/teenager-indecently-assaulted-by-taxi-driver-driving-her-home

    'Judge Farish said she did not think a sentence of imprisonment was necessary to meet the principles and purposes of sentencing.'

    “You are not a sex offender. You have offended in a sexual way, but you are not a sex offender,” she said.

    'She said she did not think the man was a risk to the public.'

    This is how you guarantee lower prison numbers

    • Molly 6.1
      16 February 2022 at 12:56 pm

      "“You are not a sex offender. You have offended in a sexual way, but you are not a sex offender,” she said."

      That statement doesn't even require comment to critique, it is perfectly circular.

      'She said she did not think the man was a risk to the public.'

      Well, she could be right. He really has only shown himself to be a risk for an inebriated 17 year old woman, walking home in the dark. How many of those are there?

      A man's behaviour is protected from further censure because of the impact it would have on his wife. If only all non sexual offenders could boast the same, we would reduce the need for rehabilitation.

      • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1
        16 February 2022 at 3:43 pm

        "“You are not a sex offender. You have offended in a sexual way, but you are not a sex offender,” she said."

        I read that and I thought I had read it wrong so I had another look and yep it still didn't make any sense

  7. Blade 7
    16 February 2022 at 12:44 pm

    I said when the last political poll was taken that people would still be happy and in a holiday mood. But as the year ground on things would change. Well, the year hasn’t ground on very far and already a new poll is showing a shift in all directions.

    Quote:

    ”The poll also found that an upswing in the overall national mood experienced over summer had dropped away”.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300518993/new-poll-national-surge-up-closer-to-labour-greens-and-act-down

    • swordfish 7.1
      16 February 2022 at 7:01 pm

      .

      Curia Poll for the Taxpayers Union:

      [Fieldwork: Feb 1-10]
      .

      Party Support

      Labour ……….. 42.3% (up 1.1)

      Green …………. 6.3% (down 4.4)

      Lab +Green … 48.6% (down 3.3)

      .

      National ……… 38.4% (up 5.4)

      ACT ………………. 6.6% (down 4.9)

      Nat + ACT …….. 45.0% (up 0.5)

      .

      Preferred PM

      Ardern …………. 38.9% (up 1.4)

      Luxon ………….. 28.5% (up 10.1)

      .

      • swordfish 7.1.1
        16 February 2022 at 10:11 pm

        Luxon is starting to look competitive in much the same way Brash was over the months immediately following his Orewa speech … It'll be interesting to see if the trend is confirmed by the TV Polls.

      • Blade 7.1.2
        16 February 2022 at 10:15 pm

        Thanks for posting the graphics. That always puts things in a more perspective frame.

  8. Robert Guyton 8
    16 February 2022 at 1:08 pm

    Is this correct, I wonder?

    "FEB 15, 2022 —

    Today on STUFF it was confirmed that Destiny Church had been removed from the register of Charities.

    A HUGE THANKYOU TO ALL THOSE WHO SIGNED THE PETITION.

    On Tuesday, February 15, the Charities Services changed the listings for Destiny Church Auckland Trust, Destiny Church Taranaki, Destiny International Trust and Te Hahi o Ngā Matamua Holdings Limited.

    Their removal from the register comes two months after Charities Services revealed it launched an “initial inquiry” into the charities, having received 28 complaints about Destiny Church in the space of a few months."

    https://www.change.org/p/destiny-church-revoke-destiny-church-s-charitable-status/u/30212420

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 8.2
      16 February 2022 at 1:28 pm

      Stuff story here. Unfortunately seems they are deregistered due to failure to file annual returns, rather than their “uncharitable” vile beliefs and practices. In my view religions generally should be ineligible, unless they are doing some specific and material community work.

      But good news! His bank account is something the Eftpostle will really care about.

    • Patricia Bremner 8.3
      16 February 2022 at 7:50 pm

      yes

  10. UncookedSelachimorpha 10
    16 February 2022 at 1:35 pm

    1160 new cases today. And 9 people in intensive care (after being at zero the last few days) – presumably most with Omicron? It won't be mild for all, unfortunately.

  11. gsays 11
    16 February 2022 at 1:36 pm

    I've put this here to try and avoid cheap, glib covidesque quips.

    There is a big of concern for the fear of the health system being overwhelmed.

    I would suggest, in pockets around the country, it already is.

    A couple of nights ago, a Stat 2 patient with cardiac issues was put in the ED, on a chair because the ED was full, chocka. The Ed was full because the hospital was full.

    He sat on the chair for an hour and a half until he inevitably arrested.

    This then added to the stress of an understaffed, overworked nursing crew, with a VERY junior skillmix who were already unable to advocate for their patients and providing the bear basics to the sick and needy.

    Every pay round this issue comes up and the DHBs want a new metric, a new system to evaluate staffing needs. (I can't recall the name of the latest as my health professional isn't home ATM.)

    It was suggested that perhaps the Board gets fined each time the hospital reaches a certain crisis point. Since they are the neo-liberal governance part of the system, bearing a financial penalty may motivate them. Have no fear, those at the coal face have personal consequences every shift this happens and really dire ones when there is a death or very bad outcome.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/456765/patients-with-mental-health-needs-dhb-blames-poor-rating-on-difficulty-of-filling-liaison-role

    • Barfly 11.1
      16 February 2022 at 1:58 pm

      Hospitals have been stretched to the limit for years – I remember being hospitalised for a bad infection and needing to have IV antibiotics – after several hours I ended up in the heart ward…literally the only bed that was available in Auckland Hospital and this was in the last NACT governments era.

      • gsays 11.1.1
        16 February 2022 at 2:00 pm

        Yep, I suppose I am talking about systemic failures.

        Any surplus in a budget is a shameful state of affairs.

        We have the money but lack the will.

    • McFlock 11.2
      16 February 2022 at 2:57 pm

      The hospital understaffing is largely due to central government, rather than the boards. The boards end up creating new systems to manage the number of towels, but that doesn't hire 50 more nurses or a registrar. It just shows effort when the minister sends another letter about the dhb "debt".

      But I like the idea – if the fines are nixed and the minister is held accountable. Make it home D. A day for every time a crisis level is hit during their tenure as minister. That'll get them begging more money out of their cabinet colleagues.

      • gsays 11.2.1
        16 February 2022 at 6:49 pm

        Ironically, I have just found out, the Safe Staffing Review Report of the Care Capacity Demand Management (CCDM) Programme is being released tomorrow arvo.

        There is a feeling of SSDD. Whatever the results I am sure it will lack teeth and accountability for those at senior management or governance levels.

        Edit, TBF, this isn’t the same all through the country, but it is particularly bad here in Mid Central.

  12. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 12
    16 February 2022 at 2:21 pm

    Just watching Question Time in our House.

    2 observations: 1 – a) Luxon reading from a prepared list of questions, not able to think on his feet and b) Simon Bridges able to extemporise as he goes along. Not as mentally agile as his shadow Finance Minister, or just inexperienced?

    2 – Jacinda wiped the floor of Luxon, and so did Robertson of Bridges. No contest really!

    • aj 12.1
      16 February 2022 at 2:54 pm

      Jacinda wiped the floor of Luxon, and so did Robertson of Bridges.

      Will never be reported as such in the MSM. Tripled hammered both of them. Almost embarrassing.

      • Enough is Enough 12.1.1
        16 February 2022 at 4:35 pm

        Will never be reported in the media because its meaningless.

        Question time is a sport. Nice for entertainment but who on earth takes it seriously.

    • observer 12.2
      16 February 2022 at 3:00 pm

      Bridges was National's best opposition leader at Question Time, his experience as a prosecutor came through, and – as you point out – he could pick up on a previous answer and think on his feet. (Bridges' problem was not in Parliament but the other areas, like being grumpy on TV).

      As for Luxon, I get the impression Ardern enjoys squashing him, she's more feisty these days. Her body language says "you think you're such a big shot CEO, let's see what you got".

      Always makes me laugh when people say she's just hugs and smiles. If they can't see the steel they really should watch Question Time.

      • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 12.2.1
        16 February 2022 at 3:45 pm

        In military terms (and I'm a pacifist!) – she's conducting a pre-emptive strike.

        The poor bugger (Luxon) will never get up to speed if JA keeps shoving him down!

      • Puckish Rogue 12.2.2
        16 February 2022 at 3:45 pm

        Her body language says "you think you're such a big shot CEO, let's see what you got".

        So you reckon shes got a bit of an inferiority complex then, you'd have thought she'd have gotten over that being the PM and all

        • McFlock 12.2.2.1
          16 February 2022 at 3:53 pm

          Nah, it must be nice having a fish in a barrel to shoot, rather than dealing with a serious opposition.

          • Puckish Rogue 12.2.2.1.1
            16 February 2022 at 3:58 pm

            I don't understand her issue, she went from working in a fish n chip shop to working for someone alleged to be a war criminal to being PM

            Thats a not too shabby rise in circumstances, I'd have thought anyone would be pleased with that

        • observer 12.2.2.2
          16 February 2022 at 3:57 pm

          Fly-swatting is not one of the symptoms of an inferiority complex.

          Still, Luxon ran an airline. You'd think he might have mentioned it. He ran an airline.

          "What's your policy on the minimum wage?". "I ran an airline."

      • mac1 12.2.3
        16 February 2022 at 4:08 pm

        Great to hear a tribute to the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, from Hon. Kiritapu Allan in today's debate on the PM's statement.

        The ‘Boss’.

        "Humble', "compassion with innate wisdom'. a 'very clear sense of purpose which gives us a sense of clarity.”

    • mac1 12.3
      16 February 2022 at 4:21 pm

      Agreed. The Prime Minister is in command of her material, her debating skills are so apparent and the opoosition have no reply to the rejoinders that they in government did little or even nothing to develop health, education, housing.

      Today, Finance Minister Robertson informed the House in Question Time that the previous National government for two years spent nothing at all on new Health expenditure!

      A great leadership team.

    • alwyn 12.4
      16 February 2022 at 9:04 pm

      " Jacinda wiped the floor of Luxon, and so did Robertson of Bridges. No contest really!"

      But you claimed that you were watching Question Time.

      Can I suggest you turn the TV to Channel 31 and turn the sound on in future?

  13. Sanctuary 13
    16 February 2022 at 4:07 pm

    Who is going to tell the NZ Herald that Julie-Anne Genter hasn't been a minister for over a year, and Richard Prebble is now… a senile old man?

    Update: It looks like they've pulled the story online (hence no link) but the opinion piece where Prebble spends an entire column attacking Julie-Anne Genter as the "associate transport minister" for reducing speed limits it is still in the print edition.

    An utter debacle for the Herald.

  14. Puckish Rogue 14
    16 February 2022 at 4:25 pm

    Another reason why I'm glad to live here and not elsewhere, just imagine if the NZ government did this

    • weka 14.1
      16 February 2022 at 6:27 pm

      sorry, but if he can't give a clue as to what he is on about in the first thirty secs I'm struggling to know why I should spend time listening to the polemic of a RW youtuber.

      • Puckish Rogue 14.1.1
        16 February 2022 at 6:33 pm

        Basically this:

        https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60383385

        ‘With no need for court orders, banks can freeze personal accounts of anyone linked with the protests.’

        ‘Critics have noted that the prime minister voiced support for farmers in India who blocked major highways to New Delhi for a year in 2021, saying at the time: “Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest.”

        • Molly 14.1.1.1
          16 February 2022 at 6:41 pm

          "Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken the unprecedented step of invoking the Emergencies Act to crack down on anti-vaccine mandate protests.

          Mr Trudeau said the scope of the measures would be "time-limited", "reasonable and proportionate" and would not see the military deployed.

          With no need for court orders, banks can freeze personal accounts of anyone linked with the protests."

          Well, that will just confirm protestors fears about overreach. It looks like an intention to add fuel to the fire.

          I always considered him a numpty, and not in a good way. Now I consider him a dangerous authoritarian.

  15. McFlock 15
    16 February 2022 at 4:43 pm

    Tsk. More wokism.

    Guy tweets a fight from finger poking to cops breaking it up, another dude asks how the cops knew who to arrest and who to ignore.

    https://twitter.com/BeauTFC/status/1493781019375276037

  16. Stephen D 16
    16 February 2022 at 5:25 pm

    If you want to see what an opioid crisis looks like, fuelled by greed, watch Dopesick. Michael Keaton is superb.
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopesick_(miniseries)

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/16-02-2022/preventing-an-avoidable-health-crisis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
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  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

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    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
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    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
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    7 days ago
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    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
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  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

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  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
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