Open mike 17/12/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, December 17th, 2019 - 75 comments
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75 comments on “Open mike 17/12/2019 ”

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  1. millsy 1
    17 December 2019 at 7:16 am

    National's bright idea for transport. Put the cities behind a paywall.

    • Sacha 1.1
      17 December 2019 at 7:26 am

      Keeps the poors out.

    • Sanctuary 1.2
      17 December 2019 at 7:52 am

      There is something to be said for congestion charging, but only after you give people decent PT alternatives. National appears to think congestion charging is all about giving privileged SUV drivers a longer run up to hit a cyclist.

      • Bearded Git 1.2.1
        17 December 2019 at 1:48 pm

        congestion charging has worked really well in London

        • greywarshark 1.2.1.1
          17 December 2019 at 2:22 pm

          Is that so or is it being ironic?

          • Bearded Git 1.2.1.1.1
            17 December 2019 at 5:18 pm

            I would have put (sarc) if it had been. But I get your point, while congestion charging HAS worked in reducing traffic in central London it is all a matter of degree.

            If it was up to me there would be much harsher congestion charges across all areas of all towns and cities while the revenue from this would be 100% channelled into dedicated cycle lanes (i.e. cycle lanes physically separated from vehicles not by a line on the road FFS.)

        • Molly 1.2.1.2
          17 December 2019 at 5:27 pm

          However, London has a comprehensive public transport system and it also has a higher density than any New Zealand city. You can walk to many different activities and services in London when you get off the bus or tube.

          If we are going to consider "successful "overseas strategies we also need to include in those considerations the fact that most New Zealand planning took as given the fact that people would be travelling by car, New Zealand cultural expectations is for private vehicles and private stand alone dwellings, and our public transport system is not yet comprehensive and accessible enough to provide a reasonable alternative.

    • Jimmy 1.3
      17 December 2019 at 12:30 pm

      National seem to be a bit desperate at the moment with policy suggestions like this. And Cyclists to be fined for not using bike lanes?

      You can smell Simon's desperation.

  2. Jenny How to get there 2
    17 December 2019 at 7:24 am

    COP25 climate summit ends in 'staggering failure of leadership'

    Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2227541-cop25-climate-summit-ends-in-staggering-failure-of-leadership/#ixzz68IMhiUlX

    The unending COP process is not a 'staggering failure of leadership' it is a staggering failure of the consensus model.

    Trying for consensus is not how change happens.

    New Zealand's ineffectual Zero Carbon bill which also tried for consensus is a case in point.

    While bureaucrats dicker attempting for consensus before the agree to act….

    Real leaders lead from the front by taking bold action and setting an example.

    Real leaders set the pace and by so doing challenge others to follow their lead.

    Winston Churchill was such a leader.

    Greta Thunberg is another.

    The failure of establishment leaders leaves figures like Greta Thunberg filling the vacuum

    We need a climate change Churchill or Thunberg in this country.

    Will that person (or persons) come from our political classes or be another outsider?

  3. A 3
    17 December 2019 at 8:16 am

    One of the key aspects of the case involves evidence of an estimated $1 Trillion scandal — yes, Trillion with a "T". In one of the largest "bait and switch" crimes of all time, telecoms have been collecting subsidies to pay for fiber to the home, and giving us 5G instead. The amount of illegal cross-subsidies has been estimated at $60 Billion per year for 15 or more years.

    And this is just part of what the legal case will expose and prosecute.

    Scott McCollough, the lead attorney, calls the case "a knife in the heart of the underlying economics that currently drive 5G."

    Leading up to this case, this same court has ruled against the FCC twice in just the past 4 months. The D.C. Circuit Court is considered the second most important judicial body in the United States, after the Supreme Court.

    – quoted from 5G Crisis Summit email

    https://takebackyourpower.net/irregulators-vs-fcc-interview/

    The federal case, IRREGULATORS vs FCC, will be heard in the D.C. Circuit Court on January 17, 2020. BOOM!

  4. Adrian Thornton 4
    17 December 2019 at 8:21 am

    IG report exposes FBI, Congressional, and media deceit in Russia probe…

    " A new report from DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz confirms that the FBI relied on the Steele dossier – a DNC-funded work of fiction – during the Trump-Russia probe. The FBI used Steele's work to obtain surveillance warrants but concealed his errors and other critical information from the FISA court. Matt Taibbi joins Aaron Maté to discuss how Horowitz's investigation exposes not just the FBI's deceit, but also that of the prominent media and political figures who enabled it. "

    • Billy 4.1
      17 December 2019 at 8:23 am

      Matt Taibbi and Aaron Maté know who funded it all, too. Do you? They are funding plenty here, too.

      Can we please get rid of them now, well in advance of the next election?

    • Stuart Munro. 4.2
      17 December 2019 at 11:35 am

      There is abundant evidence of Russian interfeŕence favouring Trump in sources as careful as the Mueller report. Likely similar evidence exists in the report the Conservatives suppressed just prior to the UK election.

      Putin wants epicly corrupt ineffectual western leaders incapable of contesting his geopolitical ambitions. In Trump & Boris he has them. As Bridges adopts their full playbook it becomes increasingly likely that Kremlin assets like Fancybear will be deployed in his favour too.

      • Billy 4.2.1
        17 December 2019 at 2:34 pm

        Who is Fancybear?

        A Russian agent?

        Do people really think there are KGB stalking the country

        • Billy 4.2.1.1
          17 December 2019 at 2:46 pm

          Vlad: "Come in, Fancybear, Stuart Munro has made nother comment on Internet. Better we call Putin."

          • Stuart Munro. 4.2.1.1.1
            17 December 2019 at 5:06 pm

            If you don't know who Fancybear are you are not informed enough to discuss Russia.

            The same might be said of those mistaking Putin the genocidal espiocrat for a conventional western politician.

            • Billy 4.2.1.1.1.1
              17 December 2019 at 5:09 pm

              The source is Crowdstrike. lol

              I’m waiting for hacky bear no.3 because there were 3 BEARS and I am a child having been sucked in by laughable propaganda bolstered by DNC or IC adjacent thinktanks/contractors

          • Stuart Munro. 4.2.1.1.2
            17 December 2019 at 5:20 pm

            Have you anything to offer besides your unsubstantiated prejudices?

            Because creeping totalitarianism of the kind Putin spreads is something most on the Left don't want. Apart from Putin's menkurts of course.

      • Brigid 4.2.2
        17 December 2019 at 3:40 pm

        "There is abundant evidence of Russian interfeŕence favouring Trump"

        Actually, no, there's not.

        • Billy 4.2.2.1
          17 December 2019 at 3:46 pm

          That's right, Brigid. And those funding Russiagate are the same lot funding some interesting political frameworks in NZ.

        • Stuart Munro. 4.2.2.2
          17 December 2019 at 5:08 pm

          The interesting thing about Putin's dupes is how ferociously they defend their ignorance.

          Read the Mueller report- lots and lots of evidence. Confessions even.

          • Billy 4.2.2.2.1
            17 December 2019 at 5:15 pm

            I read it as he typed it from my underground lair near Moscow

            • Stuart Munro. 4.2.2.2.1.1
              17 December 2019 at 5:25 pm

              You think you're so funny – being the apologist for the man who killed half of all living Chechens.

              But Putin's useful idiots are as dangerous to western democracies as global warming.

              • Billy …
                17 December 2019 at 6:50 pm

                I'm not a Putin apologist. Certainly, the Chechen war was not my fault. At least, I don’t remember it that way. I’ll bring it up when I next catch up with the ‘tin man (our joke nickname for him) on World of Warcraft

                • Stuart Munro. …
                  17 December 2019 at 9:30 pm

                  i'm not a Putin apologist

                  While you run his disinformatsia on Russiagate yes you are.

                  • Billy …
                    17 December 2019 at 9:34 pm

                    Если бы не мистер Стюарт Монро, остров Стюарт был бы в наших руках!

  5. greywarshark 5
    17 December 2019 at 9:31 am

    This seems sound thinking from Chris Trotter musing on how left wing parties get elected in a capitalist state.

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/12/17/the-trick-of-winning-power-under-capitalism/

    …A democratic-socialist leader possessed of a sophisticated strategic sense would understand that election manifestos are best restricted to promoting policies that the electorate actually wants – not policies his (or her) comrades believe the electorate should want. Let the drift of events – economically and socially – propel the party in directions which the capitalists may not like, but which they no longer feel able to redirect. Most importantly, identify the one reform most likely to undermine the institutions upon which their opponents’ rely most heavily for protection. Implement it early, fast, and without compromise.,,,

    Also:

    …What I am suggesting, however, is that if you are a Labour leader who genuinely subscribes to the principles of democratic-socialism, then it would probably help a lot to keep your true ideological colours under wraps. Tactically, at least, it would make more sense for the powers-that-be to see you as a reasonable moderate – not a scary radical. Impress the electorate with your economic wisdom; demonstrate your deep understanding of, and sympathy for, the hopes and aspirations of your core working-class supporters. Speak with pride and passion about the contribution their party has made to the nation’s history. Whatever you do, don’t refuse to sing God Save The Queen. It would also probably help if you refrained from meeting with representatives of terrorist organisations – especially those hostile to the State of Israel!…

    • Dennis Frank 5.1
      17 December 2019 at 4:19 pm

      He sometimes gets it right, but this essay seems a squib. The only valid point was re promoting policies that the electorate actually wants – not policies his (or her) comrades believe the electorate should want.

      I made that point too, think it was here earlier today (without knowing about his) – synchronicity. Notice that he doesn't mention Brexit. Analysing an election result without reference to the reason for the election is just dumb.

      All that stuff around deducing general principles that apply to left parties elsewhere in the future can't be drawn from this election. His rationale would only be reasonable if it had been a normal election. The notion that anyone would read or even think about what Labour's policies are is laughable. Labour seems to have spent a lot of time ignoring the zeitgeist, muddying the waters, fussing over irrelevancies, etc. The leader is responsible for some of that, if he thought voters would be interested in his notion of "real change" as per Labour's campaign slogan.

  6. A 6
    17 December 2019 at 9:54 am

    OMG this story needs more coverage for the good of all women athletes. Video outlines system designed by men that destroys female bodies.

    Side note: Nike has crap shoes that are too narrow anyway.

    https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000006788354/nike-running-mary-cain.html

  7. adam 7
    17 December 2019 at 11:26 am

    Smears are business as usual from liberals



  8. greywarshark 8
    17 December 2019 at 1:00 pm

    Some like it hot!

    https://www.sbs.com.au/news/ex-fire-chiefs-vow-to-go-it-alone-if-pm-refuses-to-attend-proposed-bushfire-summit

    Governments can't, won't leave their comfortable bolt-holes and citizens have to look to their own energies. In Australia, there are still fires:

    Emergency Leaders for Climate Action – a coalition that's now grown to include 29 former emergency services bosses – is calling for a national summit to fill the "leadership vacuum" left by the Morrison government.

    Former Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner Greg Mullins says the group is prepared to act if the federal government doesn't.

    "I hope the prime minister will suddenly show some national leadership and say 'Yes, I get it and I can see it and we'll get people together to deal with the crisis'," he told AAP.

    "But I don't see any suggestion that's going to happen. They really are missing in action."

    “So we’ll go it alone. We’ll arrange a national summit that will look at building standards, fuel management practices, response capability and national coordination arrangements.

    https://www.sbs.com.au/news/more-properties-expected-to-be-lost-to-nsw-mega-blaze-amid-soaring-temperatures
    .

    Assange needs to be cared about and for:

    https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-torture-must-stop-doctors-urge-australia-to-bring-julian-assange-back-home

    Diagnostic radiology specialist Stephen Frost said it was beyond belief doctors had to urge the Australian and UK governments to give treatment to a torture victim.

    "The torture must stop now, and Mr Assange must be provided with immediate access to the health care which he so obviously needs before it is too late," Dr Frost said.

    Australian doctor and former Democrats NSW state politician Arthur Chesterfield-Evans said it was "chilling" to see Mr Assange's medical care being obstructed.

    • McFlock 8.1
      17 December 2019 at 2:29 pm

      Belmarsh has a medical wing. How is his medical care being obstructed? The article doesn't say.

      • greywarshark 8.1.1
        17 December 2019 at 2:57 pm

        I am using it as a prod for me to take more interest and haven't found out more. It sounds as if he is needing more intensive care. I think medics are afraid that he will break down and want him away from UK control and where he will be within cooee in Oz.

        • McFlock 8.1.1.1
          17 December 2019 at 3:14 pm

          I think it's a beat-up, and that he's being treated the same as any other prisoner with his security rating.

          None of the medics have examined him. Nobody has described what medical care he is being denied. I believe it's just another lie from his supporters.

          • aom 8.1.1.1.1
            17 December 2019 at 4:28 pm

            So you think it's a beat-up – big deal. Who do you expect gives a flying fig about what you think, especially when you demonstrably base your conclusions on unfounded suppositions.

            • McFlock 8.1.1.1.1.1
              17 December 2019 at 4:38 pm

              Actually I base it on the fact that one of his lawyers said he was being investigated for "sex by surprise", another of his lawyers misrepresented the nature of red notices, on the fact that many of his supporters constantly minimise what he was accused of in 2010, and many other demonstrable lies from the assange camp over the years.

              And your response itself indicates that you care about what I say, so hugs, I guess…

              • Billy …
                17 December 2019 at 5:17 pm

                Nice one. I am sure you would have made excuses for the State destruction, torture and murder of dissidents in the GDR too

                • McFlock …
                  17 December 2019 at 5:35 pm

                  Oh, that's the other thing about the assange crowd that makes me think they're probably making up his imminent demise: they love to wank on about saying their critics support totalitarianism rather than just addressing the criticism. thanks for reminding me.

              • aom …
                17 December 2019 at 8:43 pm

                Ooooh – feels like an unwanted indecent groping from an inhuman monster!

                • McFlock …
                  17 December 2019 at 9:02 pm

                  The quality and expertise of your impeccable links, coupled with the eloquent and heartfelt words that brought me to tears, have completely persuaded me about the accuracy and basic humanity of your noble cause.

                  /sarc

          • Stuart Munro. 8.1.1.1.2
            17 December 2019 at 5:12 pm

            I expect it is a response to his excessive time in solitary, the effects of which are reasonably well documented.

            • McFlock 8.1.1.1.2.1
              17 December 2019 at 5:21 pm

              excessive time in solitary

              No more than any other high security prisoner. And he went to the medical wing when he needed treatment. So what medical care is he being denied?

              • weka …
                17 December 2019 at 6:22 pm

                I tend to agree with you generally on this McFlock (in the absence of actual evidence to the contrary, and the conspiracy needed to treat him worse than other prisoners). But it's also true that he went to prison after seven years restricted to one building. That's going to have taken its toll.

                • McFlock …
                  17 December 2019 at 6:28 pm

                  And in prison he gets the medical care required for that self-inflicted injury, whatever it might be.

                  • weka …
                    17 December 2019 at 6:38 pm

                    Probably not going to be adequate, but I agree it's likely to be in line with other prisoners of his security grade.

              • Stuart Munro. …
                17 December 2019 at 6:27 pm

                Britain is signatory to agreements limiting solitary confinement for health reasons. Security does not excuse them from these responsibilities, and the length of Assange's incarceration is likely to compound the effects.

                Suggesting that Assange is a security risk is most probably an institutional convenience – surrendering himself to rendition and torture is not required of him no matter how politically convenient it may have been for Britain.

                • McFlock …
                  17 December 2019 at 6:31 pm

                  Show me how Assange's treatment differs significantly from that of other prisoners, or how the treatment of maximum security prisoners in England violates these agreements.

                  • weka …
                    17 December 2019 at 6:44 pm

                    Otoh, I just read the wiki piece on the UN's non-medical assessment of Assange. Ignoring all the commentary of people who haven't spend time with him, it seems not unreasonable that Assange may be on the harsher end of normal treatment while in prison.

                    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Assange#Imprisonment_in_the_United_Kingdom

                    • McFlock …
                      17 December 2019 at 6:58 pm

                      He seems to be classified as category A, the highest security level. Which would figure given the nature of the charges and the effort he used to avoid the other investigation.

                      But good luck getting specifics on his conditions out of the google results.

                    • weka []
                      18 December 2019 at 1:21 am

                      I thought the value of the visit from the UN was that it was a first person account from someone who’d been in the actual room with Assange.

                    • McFlock …
                      18 December 2019 at 3:31 pm

                      Except he also makes clear Assange's observed condition was the result of his decision to abscond from bail.

                      And the only difference the UN guy suggests in how Assange is being treated compared to other prisoners is that, shock horror, Assange got a prison sentence for going through the entire british legal system and then skipping bail for years, costing the UK millions of pounds in the process. Frankly, I would expect someone who did that to get more of a penalty than someone who missed a court date and was picked up a couple of weeks later.

                    • weka []
                      18 December 2019 at 5:22 pm

                      that was an interesting read. I started off thinking, oh they’ve got about about his mistreatment and by the end it just seemed like another round of polemic.

                      I had thought the assessment was for his time in prison. I guess if it’s including the seven years in Ecuador, then the issue of coercion becomes relevant, which just takes us back to a really complex set of dynamics, events and circumstances that no-one can seem to agree on.

                      Re skipping bail, UN dude’s summation of that seemed to be ignoring the likelihood that Assange would attempt to evade the court if charges were brought against him. I would have thought that alone would warrant refusing bail.

                      The stuff about the judges was weird though.

  9. soddenleaf 9
    17 December 2019 at 3:22 pm

    UK. What's the chance the new rump of Tories, one termers, decide to break away from the Conservative party and form a new center right party? Keep Boris honest.

  10. OnceWasTim 10
    17 December 2019 at 3:39 pm

    An interesting take from Peter Harcher:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/118255194/rightwing-populists-look-poised-to-keep-winning

    Over-ambitious blokes and their self-entitled fragile puffed up egos. Could be some truth to it.

    Trump, Johnson, Putin, Bolsenaro, ScoMo, Netanyahu, Duterte, Xi, Modi ………. they've got a lot in common

  11. Phil 11
    17 December 2019 at 3:57 pm

    Interesting news from the corporate world today. SFO has filed criminal charges against CBL Insurance and the FMA have issued civil proceedings.

    https://sfo.govt.nz/sfo-files-charges-in-relation-to-cbl-insurance

    https://www.fma.govt.nz/news-and-resources/media-releases/civil-proceedings-against-cbl/

  12. McFlock 12
    17 December 2019 at 6:35 pm

    [edit – comment replying to got deleted]

  13. greywarshark 13
    17 December 2019 at 10:04 pm

    In October the readings for Whakaari were 1, then they went up to 2. What was the procedure then?

    Likelihood of eruption over time by expert judgement

    Likelihood of eruption over time by expert judgement

    What readings were there between 2 December when it went to level 2 and 9 December when it erupted? When it got to level 2 it should have been read every day at least? When it erupted it immediately wen up to 3.

    https://www.geonet.org.nz/news/60xDrUB7wRZPZXyBa8xYwE
    The time periods used for the expert judgements vary depending on the level of activity at the volcano – when activity increases, we do expert judgements more often and for a shorter time window to reflect the changing situation.
    .

    Informative from Stuff 31/10/2019 BROOK SABIN
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/117046859/rising-so2-gas-output-volcanic-tremor-at-white-island-could-suggest-eruptive-activity-more-likely

    The level of the White Island crater lake – shown here in a picture from earlier this year – has been rising since early-August. '

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405711/whakaari-white-island-fishing-and-tour-operators-struggling-with-rahui
    (Anyone who knows anything about Maori custom, and shopkeepers in Whakatane should, will know that a Rahui is placed on areas that have had tragic events happen there. It’s no use beefing about it. It’s how long for.)

  14. Eco maori 14
    18 December 2019 at 8:25 am

    Kia Ora Breakfast

    My dogs named Tai.

    Mana Wahine.

    I have developed some good skills to sort out the players.?????????.

    Ka kite Ano

  15. Eco maori 15
    18 December 2019 at 11:04 am

    Humanity is closely linked to our biodiversity of the world’s we need to conserve and protect our world creatures. Scientists studys show we came from our biological world. Hence Tangata Whenua o Aotearoa Culture they are all our relatives and should be treated as such.

    The age of extinction

    Flightless bird provides 'spark of hope' amid environmental crisis

    Ten species with improved numbers in IUCN red list unveiled amid call for more biodiversity focus at COP25

    The Guam rail, a flightless bird typically about 30cm long, usually dull brown in colour and adorned with black and white stripes, has become a rare success story in the recent history of conservation.

    Previously extinct in the wild, the bird has been saved by captive breeding programmes and on Tuesday its status was updated on the IUCN red list of threatened species to critically endangered, along with nine others whose numbers have recently improved

    Tuesday also showed 73 species declines despite conservation efforts, and the list now numbers 112,432 species around the world, of which more than 30,000 are on the brink of extinction.

    The IUCN update came as governments from more than 190 nations met in Madrid for two weeks of talks aimed at pushing global action on greenhouse gas emissions. Progress at the talks has been slow, despite public pressure, and campaigners have been frustrated that key issues such as the biodiversity crisis have received little official attention.

    “The tightly woven links between climate and biodiversity must be recognised at COP25 and there is good reason for this: the impact that a changing climate will have on the ability of ecosystems to support plant and animal life, and the challenges that biodiversity already face in a warming world are both vast,” said Gareth Redmond-King, the head of climate change at WWF UK.

    Quick guide

    The age of extinction

    Show

    Ecosystems are already under unprecedented pressure from human impacts, including habitat loss from encroachment by urbanisation and farming, pollution, hunting, overfishing and invasive species. But the accelerating climate crisis is pushing nature to breaking point around the world, wiping out vital ecosystems, putting unbearable pressure on species and leading some experts to declare a sixth mass extinction

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/10/previously-extinct-guam-rail-saved-in-rare-conservation-success-aoe

  16. Eco maori 16
    18 December 2019 at 6:26 pm

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    That's good charges drop on Rua kenana.

    Mike some people don't get it with discrimination.

    Ka kite Ano

  17. Eco maori 17
    18 December 2019 at 6:52 pm

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    I have a sore face with Te Rua kenana Bill passing through Parliament today and apologies given to restore his Mana Wairua his mokopuna will be happy.

    Australia is treating tangata whenua o Aotearoa very badly who move to their whenua they treat Tangata Whenua O Australia very badly.????.

    I think it's a under arm bowl having all the alcohol and gambling outfits group closed to Maori and Pacific comunitys.

    Ka pai to Ngapuhi opening a toi art centre. Te Tairawhiti has a Mana Toi centre in Turangi.

    Ka kite Ano

  18. Eco maori 18
    19 December 2019 at 8:38 am

    Kia Ora Breakfast.

    The problem I have with the roadside drug tests is the crown has made many mistakes Teina Porter so bad mistakes????? can be made and people can be imprisoned who are innocent with out any thing wrong being proven.

    Crown agents never admit liability hence pike river.

    I say drug testing party pills to analyse is the content is needed some of our youth could be eating bad crap that could stuff them up.

    Climate change Global warming is our reality.

    That's is what we should be celebrating love happiness and harmony.

    The weather has been a year of extreme hottest records most rain most things our Scientists have been telling us for the last 30 years is now reality.

    Ka kite Ano

  19. Eco maori 19
    19 December 2019 at 10:59 am

    It's excellent that Tangata Whenua O Aotearoa Culture is recognised as excellent morel values that needs to be respected. I have seen this change over the last few years Ka pai. This phenomenon will please our Tipuna.

    Iwi gaining back authority across the country, one disaster at a time.

    Remember

    when, not very long ago, we could easily ignore Māori perspectives and practices? We can't any more.

    It's becoming very difficult to exclude the use of tikanga Māori and te reo Māori at any event or in everyday life in Aotearoa. It's being used more every day, everywhere, by everyone, incrementally changing our Kiwi way of life

    It's becoming very difficult to exclude the use of tikanga Māori and te reo Māori at any event or in everyday life in Aotearoa. It's being used more every day, everywhere, by everyone, incrementally changing our Kiwi way of life.

    It's becoming our new normal whether we like it or not

    A former colleague once said my use of tikanga in the workplace was "PC bull….". His anger was a reaction to fear that he felt because I challenged his worldview by insisting he consider my cultural beliefs.

    That was 15 years ago. I'm sure he's changed his thinking now, as many of us have.

    Western scientists have been telling the world we need to use indigenous knowledge to help resolve the man-made ecological and climate crisis threatening our planet. It's a neon sign of change because mātauranga Māori is being recognised as having equal status to science.

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/opinion/118266516/iwi-gaining-back-authority-across-the-country-one-disaster-at-a-time

  20. Eco maori 20
    19 December 2019 at 12:21 pm

    Whanau we can not keep over spending at Christmas then next minute the stuff ends up in the environment killing our wildlife. We should be putting the putea aside to build a Maunga for our Mokopuna to have a better future.

    How to have a joyful Christmas without hurting the environment

    For several years our friend Diana has had rules for Christmas giving.

    We have humoured her and complied because they make a lot of sense in a world that is struggling to survive under a mountain of consumer goods.

    Many families and individuals have enough stuff in their lives. It's tricky avoiding adding to this mountain with just more stuff, while still showing you care. I'm not saying don't buy gifts, or that we shouldn't enjoy the process of finding and giving the right present. I love giving and receiving gifts.

    I simply want to re-examine the way I buy, what I buy, and why.

    According to Diana's rules, gifts should be one of the following: second-hand, re-gifted (something you have received but no longer need or want), edible, home-made or experiential.

    Finding second-hand gifts is surprisingly easy.

    My final, and hottest tip to help make a perfect Christmas is to focus on family, friends and love. As a parent, I want to make the most of the holidays and give my children excellent memories. Remember, Christmas is not a competition.

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/environment/118222817/how-to-have-a-joyful-christmas-without-hurting-the-environment

  21. Eco maori 21
    19 December 2019 at 6:28 pm

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    That's the way the people have to let the pollies know that Global Warming is now our reality.

    The conditions of the chicken on that chicken farm is crap.

    We never liked those bouncy nets for Te pepi.

    Ka kite Ano

  22. Eco maori 22
    19 December 2019 at 6:48 pm

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    That's is awesome the Tauranga council following through with giving the Whenua back to Omataua Tauranga Iwi Trust.

    Ka pai to have Tangata Whenua O Aotearoa on the new Health Board in the North land District that will help improve the bad stats of Maori health.

    2019 will be a year to remember in Aotearoa and over Te Moana.&nbsp
    Awsome to Cut above teaching Maori and others cultures the Barbara trade there is good putea in cutting hair Mana Wahine ;

    Ka kite Ano

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    18 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

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

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

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

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
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    20 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
    22 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
    24 hours 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. ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
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    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

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

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

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

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

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
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    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • '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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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