Open Mike 16/08/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 16th, 2017 - 53 comments
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53 comments on “Open Mike 16/08/2017 ”

  1. Sanctuary 1

    Jacinda has handled her first minor kerfuffle over Barnaby Joyce adroitly, and as a result there is no traction here for Labour’s opponents and I hear the Aussie media is saying Julie Bishop’s attack has backfired. Nicely managed.

    • tc 1.1

      Watch the Oz media hopefully cut bishop to ribbons, they know turdbulls regime is ineffective/unstable/full of vipers like her, Chris pine and Abbott to name but a few.

      She’s had it coming awhile now, yet another litigator turned polly meddling for the cause.

      • patricia bremner 1.1.1

        Julie Bishop is a great friend of JK.

        Ergo a friend of National NZ.

        Looks and smacks of desperation .

        Looking forward to the polls in NZ … They must be dire!!

  2. miravox 3

    Rachel Stewart bluntly spoon-feeds the responses to the arguments against Labour’s freshwater policy.

    I listen to each and every argument from the industry and, because I’ve been writing about water issues for years, I sit back and wait patiently for their predictable lines. They never disappoint

    … You’d have to be high to think that a 1 to 2 cent royalty is the end of farming as we know it. Either that, or you simply don’t care about the future of our waterways. Which is it?

  3. Eco maori 4

    It’s good to see Jacainda handle the media with out using avoid answering the question tactics. Like most politicians.
    She is way above the other parties leaders National is out

  4. Plan B 5

    Reading the Sydney Morning Herald this AM
    I get the feeling that the Liberal Government attacks on NZ Labour are not working because Australians do not really think of us as particularly ‘foreign’ and definitely not a ‘power’

    • weka 5.1

      Lol, I’ve been thinking that too. Seymour is having a good go at making out we’ve destabilised the region cos North Korea though.

    • alwyn 5.2

      Ever lived in Australia?
      Your supposition about not thinking of us as a “power” is absolutely correct. “not particularly foreign” is unfortunately not true. They are, in general quite scornful about New Zealand and denigrate the country.
      They are also almost totally ignorant of New Zealand. I lived in Melbourne. If asked 4 out of 5 people would tell you the Capital of New Zealand was Auckland. It was the only city they had heard of.

  5. AsleepWhileWalking 6

    So…electric cars for the government fleet. I would hope NZ is careful about where components especially Cobalt come from.

    https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/01/Child-labour-behind-smart-phone-and-electric-car-batteries/

    • Molly 6.1

      Spent a wasted 20 minutes on the phone being put through to various people at Auckland Council, asking where I could get information about the current recycling process of all the things we put in the recycling bin. 20 min of my life I won’t get back, all I managed was to get some enthusiastic person telling me I could now mix all my recycling in one container. Apparently after it has been collected it disappears into a black hole.

      Our lack of knowledge regarding extraction methods, manufacturing, and recycling etc. means we don’t make informed choices. The issue around slavery is a relevant one, the incidence of slavery around the world is growing. Even is good ol’ NZ, we see the evidence of it.

    • mpledger 6.2

      We’ve got a Fair Phone although it was a bit of a job to get it to NZ.
      https://www.fairphone.com/en/

      • greywarshark 6.2.1

        mpledger
        That’s interesting, positive.

        Next thing to include, is a hang-around-neck cord and facility to press wait so that you can get on with something while you wait half an hour to speak to someone who will tell you that they aren’t the right person and to phone someone else.

        The phone will be left on wait mode and when a voice comes on it will let you know to listen so you don’t drop out of the queue and can do your jobs, concentrate on study while you wait.

        And it will go onto some cheaper phoning mode, perhaps you can get special lowpriced modes to your favourite government department, or other arrogant, uncaring entity that wants to keep you as a specimen connected electronically so they can send signals to you to make you jump. They will be working on methods so they can photo how high as I speak.

        Perhaps a phone that will go on hold for you while you get on with your life beside it has already been developed. If so it should be available for sale or hire purchase at special low rates each People’s Day which will be set for at least once a year, when it is the thing to consider other humans in a friendly, supportive and kindly way, even if it is just once a year.

      • Molly 6.2.2

        I have a couple of technology interested sons, so knew about the Fairphone. Bit of a hefty price tag for us, unfortunately, but a good example of ethical business practice and supply chain accountability. (We usually make do with being the first leg of re-use, and buy second-hand. If we ever have a surplus, this is the type of business I would prefer to support). The website is really worth looking at to see how they approach the sourcing of materials and manufacturing.

        I believe it is also important to allow initiatives like this to make mistakes (as long as they correct them), because there are few frameworks around to design your business to, and few if any mentors, or support services that can offer experienced advice.

    • Ms Fargo 6.3

      I think the Nats are frightened and are thinking very small…
      Why only float the idea of replacing fossil fueled cars with electric ones?
      All they are doing is replacing like with like.
      This will only mean the same number of vehicles (and number still increases…) with one occupant in it are on the road. All the while, still clogging roads and forcing more numpty ideas like roads of national inpotence to be initiated.
      If they had any vision they would have cut out the middle man and gone hard out on public transport.

  6. Penny Bright 7

    Seen this?

    “UN prepares to grill NZ government

    14 Aug 2017 15:36 PM

    New Zealand’s performance on racism and human rights comes under scrutiny this week at the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Geneva.

    As well as holding two three-hour sessions with government representatives, the committee will take into account reports from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, Action for Children & Youth Aotearoa, Peace Movement Aotearoa, Save Our Unique Landscape and other non-government organisations.

    Examples of where the Government has fallen down on compliance include the New Plymouth District Council (Waitara Lands) Bill, Ihumatao and the Special Housing Area in Mangere, the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary, deep-sea oil seismic exploration and drilling, and the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011;

    There are also concerns around the care and protection of Maori children, the treatment of Maori children in state care, and access to education, health services and a minimum standard of living for Maori and Pasifika children;

    Some submitters has also alleged institutional racism and structural discrimination in the administration of justice, employment, and the health system. ”

    #ChangeTheGovernment

  7. Muttonbird 8

    Here’s this week’s John Key fluff piece, brought to you by the National Party campaign team.

    Watch for these appearances and endorsements of the National Party to continue and for Key to get ever closer to English…

    Watch for them to increase if National’s poll numbers continue to drop.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/08/sir-john-key-big-mark-richardson-fan.html

    • tc 8.1

      Key will want to distance himself given the Barclay saga hes in as deep as Bill is on and what attempts he made to matain equal rights for kiwis in Oz now his mates across the ditch have put that into play.

      Oh what a web we weave etc etc

    • Red Blooded 8.2

      After watching that it makes me wonder if all the bottles of wine he has given to “so called” journalists and now at least one box of golf balls to a National Party shill, are gifts like that (when so publically made) classified as election spending?

  8. Robert Guyton 9

    “taxation is the price we pay for civilisation” quotes Chris Trotter in his latest Bowally Road piece.
    It’s certainly one of the prices we pay, Chris.

    • Molly 9.1

      Picked up a gardening magazine with you in it this afternoon at the library, Robert.

      In it you talked about propagation, and I thought of the recent Gardener’s World I watched on Youtube, where Monty Don was attempting propagation in the midst of summer, suggested by Jimi Blake from Ireland, earlier in the programme.

      A couple of episodes later, he showed the results. Eighteen astrantia plants showing strong growth. I’ve been successful with propagation while plants are dormant, but might give this a try this year.

      (Uncomfortable sensation of being a child teaching a grandmother to suck eggs, but FWIW )

      • Robert Guyton 9.1.1

        Thanks, Molly, that’s really interesting and I’ve recently talked with two people who recommend “out of season” propagation; for plum and blueberry. Both are masters at their art and I’ve seen the results. I’ve also learned recently about shade houses and the benefits they offer for recently grafted trees- the success and growth rates are significantly higher when the plants are shaded in that way. I’m pretty much propagating at all times now – there’s no time to waste and a whole planet that needs to be reclothed – as Masanobu Fukuoka said, our only hope lies in the initiating a 2nd Genesis. I’m giving it all I’ve got. I reckon we’ll do it 🙂 I’ll look at your link tonight, thanks again.

        • Molly 9.1.1.1

          Have the One-Straw Revolution book, it’s a good read (and a bargain, withdrawn from the library for 20c).

          • Robert Guyton 9.1.1.1.1

            Molly – I’m reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” at the moment and there’s a lovely line therein discussing “Man’s” position in the hierarchy of creatures saying, ‘Plants know how to make food and medicine from light and water, and then they give it away”. Humans are regarded as the “younger brother” who knows least about the world and how to function in it.

    • Extinction is the other price )

  9. rod 10

    Surprise Surprise, Sir John Key is a great fan of Mark Richardson. Who would have thought that.

  10. Ad 11

    Jacinda Ardern pauses for a selfie with schoolchildren, and they sing a song for her, and so of course she will get TV1 news for it tonight.

    On top of that, she announced dedicated mental health workers for Christchurch children:

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-jacinda-ardern-serenaded-in-te-reo-talented-christchurch-school-kids-pose-fun-selfie

    At this point it’s pretty hard to see her doing any wrong at all.

  11. greywarshark 12

    As time goes on towards the election, and bits of furrin news drip into my ears and I find I get stressed, sharp and unpleasant I think I will treat myself to a regular witticism or wry comment from a book from Guardian readers.

    New political and ecological crusade?:

    ‘My son has cost me a fortune with his chronic Lego addiction.
    It is time to ban this plastic brick filth.’

    (I believe that Lego are seeking to do exactly that. So things do progress somewhere in the world if not here.)

  12. Eco maori 13

    I’m mowing my new clients and all the police can do to me is tell my new clients lies and try and intimate me by following me .Did anyone no that the police can use a witness with no credibility offer them money and a get out of jail free card to give manufactured everdance . That is why the jails are so full in a public litigating
    These witnesses would be deemed in fit to give evedince

    • greywarshark 13.1

      Eco maori
      Hope all goes well with you. Can you get an advocate and get an appointment to see the police, and ask – calmly – why they are following you? The advocate should be someone who has good standing, a good hearted pastor or lawyer.
      Ask for a chance to do some work without having the police shadow you and spoil your efforts. But have someone with you, might give the police a surprise to actually talk to you man to man, sort of. It might take you a while to impress them but you want to get free of this profiling.

      • Eco maori 13.1.1

        There is no way that’s going to happen I rang a big wig In the police force talk for about 20 min and they stepped up the intimidation Greywarshark

  13. Eco maori 14

    Think about The Tina Porter case you cannot even defend against these lieing wittness because they are classed as confidential witnesses WTF

  14. adam 15

    Every get the feeling that the Tory’s in this country are actually racists?

    Why say such a thing??!?

    We have had a major terrorist attack in the USA, and the deathly quite from the usual rowdy suspects when it is Muslims based terrorist attack is staggering.

    Where is the outcry from them, where is the wringing of hands, the calls for bans, annihilation, and bombs.

    Deathly quite, not even a condemnation.

    If I was a Tory in this country – I be scared some leftist wanker would point this out.

  15. Eco maori 16

    My client’s are to scared to be a witness for my case against the cops because they are being threatened with charges of aiding and abiding a criminal

    • Eco maori 16.1

      I got pissed off when I first talked to my 90 year old client she said she would pay when I finished mowing is that all right I replied you are the boss and we had a laugh I shook her hand when I finished mowing she looked terrified and open the scean door just enough to put check out the door I asked if she was all right she looked scared . The police don’t care that this old lady is frail as she could have health problems because of there actions.But the police don’t care so long as they are intimidating me I no they got nothing on me I feel sorry for my client’s they did nothing to be treated like this The old lady well being means nothing to them WTF she just a old Asian I’m going to try and sell run I can handle these Muppets but my clients don’t need there shit she lives by her self to it looks like she gets home help

      • greywarshark 16.1.1

        It seems you need an outside mentor. Sorry about this happening to you. Police and other forces set in their ways can be hard to convince. Have you spoken to any of the helping agencies that have actual experience of this and can understand where you are coming from. Blokes who know the hard life but have either turned themselves around or have been able to live with or near it and not fall into negative ways themselves.

        Can anyone suggest a muscular organisation that deals in help and kindness to others trying to make good?

  16. Molly 17

    Sanctions – corporate style.

    Fletcher’s Mark Adamson paid a $2.9m exit package.

    My partner works closely with Fletchers and says that no-one had anything good to say about the CEO, who was encouraged – very strongly – to leave (…to wreak havoc elsewhere no doubt.)

  17. OncewasTim 18

    Jesus Christ!
    …. watching Oz Parlyarmint QT.
    DOES Joolie Bishop not seriously understand that the opposition was laughing at HER?
    I SUSPECT NOT.
    Thank Christ I got the hell out of there in the early 70s.
    And I realise NZ gNats are so in awe of them, my hope is they’ll do the decent thing and fuck off and join them

  18. mikesh 19

    If Bill English is not “delivering for NZ”, Brett Hudson certainly is. I’ve just had a letter from him asking me to party vote National in Ohariu. The letter had no stamp so it must have been hand delivered.

  19. odysseus 20

    Any inklings from anyone on what the TV1 political poll will reveal tomorrow?

  20. http://robinwestenra.blogspot.co.nz/2017/08/july-hottest-on-record-despite-no-el.html

    I think if you are alive in 5 years you are going to be a lonely radioactive cannibal.

    • lprent 21.1

      In 5 years? I always knew you were an optimist.
      But after the tragic and missed death of travelleve, I guess she is over compensating.

      The trick is to pace yourself. Yeah it is completely stupid. But it takes time to educate the stupid to the point where they have alternatives and those become fashion items. I’ve been at it for 40 years…

  21. mosa 22

    Clutha Southland have their new MP Hamish Walker.
    He has the perfect National party pedigree……Business advisor , Degree in business , commercial fisherman and police jailor , and gold miner with a seat on the lotteries board to boot.

    And not forgetting the all important rugby credentials he is a world class rugby referee just to put the icing on the Clutha cake.

    Not that any of this matters because the good people of Southland would vote for a dog turd as long as it was standing for the National party.

    Well he is not Todd and has not been selling backey so he will be a safe bet as long as he does not remark ” can i get that on tape ” even as a joke.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1708/S00342/national-selects-clutha-southland-candidate.htm

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  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
    The thing about life’s little victories is that they can be followed by a defeat.Reader Darryl told me on Monday night:Test again Dave. My “head cold” last week became COVID within 24 hours, and is still with me. I hear the new variants take a bit longer to show up ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • AT Need To Lift Their Game
    Normally when we talk about accessing public transport it’s about improving how easy it is to get to, such as how easy is it to cross roads in a station/stop’s walking catchment, is it possible to cycle to safely, do bus connections work, or even if are there new routes/connections ...
    6 days ago
  • Christopher's Whopper.
    Politicians are not renowned for telling the truth. Some tell us things that are verifiably not true. They offer statements that omit critical pieces of information. Gloss over risks, preferring to offer the best case scenario.Some not truths are quite small, others amusing in their transparency. There are those repeated ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Funding hole for tax cuts growing by the day
    The pressure is mounting on the Government as it finalises its Budget Policy Statement, but yet more predicted revenue ‘goes missing’. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Climate Commission has delivered another funding blow to the National-ACT-NZ First coalition Government’s tax-cutting plans, potentially carving $1.4 billion off the ‘climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Luxon’s brave climate change promise
    The Government now faces the prospect of having to watch another tax raise the price of petrol when, only six days ago, it abolished the Auckland Regional Fuel tax. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon argued that the regional fuel tax imposed costs on lower-income people with less fuel-efficient vehicles  and that ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
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    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
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    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
    This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti.  Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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