Open mike 19/01/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, January 19th, 2024 - 111 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:


Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

111 comments on “Open mike 19/01/2024 ”

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  2. Robert Guyton 2
    19 January 2024 at 6:41 am

    The Crown…"prioritised European land owners' interests to the disadvantage of Māori land owners"

    Was that a "Crown thing, a pākehā thing, a coloniser thing or a farmer thing, I wonder?
    To whom do we sheet that kind of behaviour?

    • Dennis Frank 2.1
      19 January 2024 at 7:20 am

      Yeah, you got the right questions. One could perhaps deem it a commons thing: the state created a ludicrous situation in the colonial era, and in our neocolonial era the view we all hold in common is that democracy is incapable of fixing it.

      The proof of that lies in the track record of govts: a century of leftists & rightists working together in collusion to evade the problem is extremely compelling.

      It’s totally understandable that everyone still believes in democracy despite the evidence: you just ignore the evidence and everything's fine. Who could ignore such universally-successful magical thinking?

      • Pat 2.1.1
        19 January 2024 at 9:10 am

        I'll bite

        "It’s totally understandable that everyone still believes in democracy despite the evidence: you just ignore the evidence and everything's fine. Who could ignore such universally-successful magical thinking?"

        By all means describe a better alternative…..and then convince enough people your proposition will improve things.

        • Dennis Frank 2.1.1.1
          19 January 2024 at 9:36 am

          Persuasion usually doesn't work, so I leave it to those motivated to give it a go. In respect of Maori figuring there's got to be a better way (than a century of failed democracy), the wisdom of that crowd ought to prevail.

          Complaining about the Crown's behaviour hasn't solved the problem, so they ought to apply diy…

    • Tiger Mountain 2.2
      19 January 2024 at 7:27 am

      All four surely, maybe five, add in tory sheep shaggers.

      “infamy, infamy–they’ve all got it in for me”
      –Carry on Cleo 1964

      It is usually one step up and two steps back for Māori interests in this country.

    • bwaghorn 2.3
      19 January 2024 at 1:26 pm

      Crown, colonialism, and farmer where one in the same back then I believe.

      • Robert Guyton 2.3.1
        19 January 2024 at 1:32 pm

        Indeed. And now..?

        • bwaghorn 2.3.1.1
          19 January 2024 at 5:03 pm

          Most of them are that busy trying to keep their heads to gather while the hamster wheel spins faster they haven't got time to think.

          But on an ancadata front I recently got half a story about a farmer offering easement to a large piece of landlocked moari land but the vogons made it so hard everyone gave up,

  3. Dennis Frank 3
    19 January 2024 at 7:36 am

    Luxon's triad:

    Luxon says he wants his MPs focused on three things.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507019/pm-christopher-luxon-sets-the-scene-for-his-mps-let-s-go-get-this-thing-done

    That's sensible. Best way to wean simpletons off binary thinking is to make them focus on 3 not 2.

    First was a focus on the electorate. "I want you to be focused on the needs of your people, build those relationships across the local government, build those relationships across iwi, build them across the different community groups and the different businesses that are in your electorate, have presence and be very present in your electorate, take time to explain the problems and the reality that we're facing. Most importantly, take the time to explain how we're going to resolve that, how we're going to solve those problems.

    Building local community relations grounds your identity in their view of the world, and explaining how to solve problems differentiates the Nat brand from Labour.

    Second, he called for a focus on the work of Parliament. "We've got lots of new MPs, and we've talked a lot about it and recent caucus meetings, but make sure you become good Parliamentarians. You know, learn the House, learn Parliament, make diligent contributions."

    Finally, he urged the MPs to work together. "We've made immense progress over the last two years on because we've built a high performance team. And as I've said, from day one, politics is not an individual sport, politics is a team sport. We all play positions on our team.

    Playing as a team with due diligence also recycles traditional wisdoms. The vital thing is not doing anything clever or new – that would destroy conservative authenticity – but they all already know that anyway. Back to the future again…

    • Anne 3.1
      19 January 2024 at 8:54 am

      Corporate speak from someone who thinks he knows all the answers but who, in reality, doesn’t know much apart from how to make a bob or two.

      What he's telling them is what MPs have been doing since God made little apples. Sure, some are better at it than others but anyone who has to be told those things shouldn't be there.

      Finally, he urged the MPs to work together. "We've made immense progress over the last two years on because we've built a high performance team. And as I've said, from day one, politics is not an individual sport, politics is a team sport. We all play positions on our team.

      He'll probably have them performing ritualisitic type bonding sessions before each caucus. sad

      They've built a high performance team? With a few exceptions, I think they will prove to be a bunch of mediocres whose sole purpose is to look good on the debating chamber benches and wouldn't be capable of a complete original thought between them.

    • Muttonbird 3.2
      19 January 2024 at 9:27 am

      Being present in the electorate and learning parliament seem to competing priorities. One of the two, or both, will be diluted. Who knew?

    • George 3.3
      19 January 2024 at 7:55 pm

      This is the interesting bit

      "take time to explain the problems and the reality that we're facing. Most importantly, take the time to explain how we're going to resolve that, how we're going to solve those problems.

      " It reads to me that it's like an old sales pitch from a vacuum cleaner salesman – identify (invent) a problem that your product can solve so you can sell the story that you solved it and attach it to the product..so madam has a deep pile carpet that no matter how much you vacuum with a conventional cleaner won't be clean EVER and you NEED to have this thing the size and price of a truck to fix that problem – which didn't exist until he arrived at the front door and told you. Business is not like politics.

  4. Robert Guyton 4
    19 January 2024 at 7:44 am

    What will this Government be known for, asks Nick Rockel;

    https://nickrockel.substack.com/p/delivering-the-deliverables

    "So far it looks like cancelling things and changing names… but is it really what Kiwis were expecting when they voted to get the country, “Back on Track”?"

    Well, Nick, yes, I think that is what many of those who voted NACTFirst hoped for; cancelling things and changing names.

    • James Simpson 4.1
      19 January 2024 at 11:54 am

      I agree with you Robert.

      National didn't promise to do anything positive or new. It was simply "we will cancel, repeal or stop stuff".

      I am not entirely sure what the hell they will do once the 100 days are up and they have completed their 'stop stuff' campaign.

      • Chris 4.1.1
        19 January 2024 at 12:39 pm

        They'll then look to dismantle anything that works so they'll have a fresh set of problems they can say they're going to fix.

      • Cricklewood 4.1.2
        19 January 2024 at 12:40 pm

        I suspect Act will be more than willing to fill that vacuum and no doubt Winston will hop on the bandwagon if it helps get a pet project or 3 across the line.

      • George 4.1.3
        19 January 2024 at 7:57 pm

        James Simpson – I think the media are closely watching that very large and cavernous space.

    • Ad 4.2
      19 January 2024 at 1:10 pm

      Maybe a term of just stabilising the country, repairing what needs repairing, and otherwise not trying too hard is what we need.

      • Robert Guyton 4.2.1
        19 January 2024 at 1:36 pm

        Don't try too hard, don't rock the boat, because the wide-world is a benign, stable place, demanding nothing of us, except holding the line, sticking to our knitting.

        Baaaaa!

      • bwaghorn 4.2.2
        19 January 2024 at 5:07 pm

        When have this bunch ever repaired anything, the great undoing is this lots legacy, aucklanders are doomed to another 15 years atleast of idling their life away in their cars, now the light rail is dead, and I bet bo 2nd crossing come either.

  5. Dennis Frank 5
    19 January 2024 at 8:22 am

    Mental health is relative to normalcy. Who wants to be a norm?

    New Zealand’s first ever Minister of Mental Health, Matt Doocey, will be busy putting together a work programme for his return to Parliament at the end of summer. Labour failed to deliver on their promise of transforming mental health in their six years of power. What will be different about National’s approach and what advice will he be getting?

    Firstly, he will need no reminding that mental health will not be moving off the agenda. We are now a knowledge-based economy, and conditions that impact the way we think, feel and interact with others – the essence of our mental health – will continue to touch the lives of all New Zealanders.

    Current services, which remain largely unchanged since our asylums were decanted in the 90s, are no longer fit for purpose. These one-size-fits-all institutions were transplanted into the community but have retained their paternalistic and isolated ways. Mental illness now impacts one in five of us every year and half of us over our lifetime, and we need a suite of services and options to meet our needs that are fully integrated into the mainstream of health provision.

    Gosh, it's almost as if the prospect of reform looms. How ghastly a thing for a conservative to be forced to contemplate. A sad fate. Yet they do say `cometh the hour, cometh the man'. Judging by the state of that English, they've been saying so for quite a while. Maybe it means his time has come.

    https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/01/19/some-mental-health-advice-for-minister-doocey/

    • gsays 5.1
      19 January 2024 at 11:49 am

      Not meant to be a diversion from what you are highlighting, but…

      I am reminded of the observation of Jiddu Krishnamurti ; “It is no measure of health to be well–adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”

      https://kfoundation.org/it-is-no-measure-of-health-to-be-well-adjusted-to-a-profoundly-sick-society/

      Politically, economically, socially, by any measure, we live in a sick society.

      Aotearoa grows enough food to feed it's citizens amply. Yet, foodbanks are in greater demand. Working folk need welfare to 'get by'. Ecosystems are collapsing and flora and fauna are disappearing at a great rate.

      Mental ill health and the profoundly mentally ill are on the increase.

      I'm not pretending to have all the answers, but, again the answer is local. Share your food, your time, your love.

      This next sentences are probably a tad irresponsible, as I am gonna pop out for most of the day but here we go anyhow.

      The sick society aspect raised it's head for me back in 2007/8. Personal circumstance and growth, the state of the world etc, I was made aware of the Free man on the land concept. Quite possibly closely linked to the current manifestation of the Sovereign Citizens.

      When society is so broken; rising inequality and growing poverty, a big disconnect between the work done and the renumeration received (Covid and our essential workers care givers, nurses, home help etc), vs CEOs of companies or bankers and bank profits. Seemingly the only tool is to vote every three years to get a regime of a slightly different hue. Made a mockery when one considers the influence and hold of the trucking lobby, for instance.

      There can be a desire to question, if we live in a free society, are we free to leave it? What happens when a flesh and blood human being does not have a birth certificate? . The person is the legal subject or substance of which rights and duties are attributes. But not every human being is a person as was the case in Old England when there were slaves.

      I have no desire to convince anyone nor defend the worst of those that claim sovereign citizen status. (Lots that I have seen are putting the cart before the horse and shooting their mouths off. After all Jesus said, go quietly amongst your people.)

      At the heart of it, was to be let love be the rule. Where there is love, there is no law. Where there is law, there is no love.

      Edit; if you wanna have a looksie yrself try googling Robert-Arthur:Menard Freesoul-on-the-Land

      • Robert Guyton 5.1.1
        19 January 2024 at 12:18 pm

        Geewhizz, gsays, that's a big reveal!!

        I hope that when you return, you'll be ready to defend your quarter 🙂

        I attended a meeting of would-be, wanna-be Sovereign Citizens. I listened to their spiels. I asked some straightforward questions. I nearly got lynched!

        There were crackpots aplenty at that meeting. Each of them went on to protest Covid measures, some at Parliament, a couple were arrested.

        Can we know a person by the company they keep 🙂

        I wasn't invited back.

        • gsays 5.1.1.1
          19 January 2024 at 5:18 pm

          Heh, I imagine akin to turning up to a Biodynamic growers meeting espousing the benefits of potassium, nitrates and phosphorous.

          If yr opinion is that the last Labour government wasn't so bad, this isn't for you.

          • Robert Guyton 5.1.1.1.1
            19 January 2024 at 5:28 pm

            I didn't espouse anything at all, I just asked a couple of questions. Perhaps I could ask you? One woman described what to do and say when stopped by police; refuse to comply, make the Sovereign Citizen statement, show the certificate of exemption etc. She was adamant the police would wave her through. I asked if she thought the police might have discussed this possibility, given there had already been some instances and might have decided to simply arrest the Sovereign, despite their protestations. This flummoxed her mightily. and she left to her feet etc.

            Where do you stand/sit on the issue of exemption from the laws of NZ?

            • Visubversa 5.1.1.1.1.1
              19 January 2024 at 5:46 pm

              The halfwits up the road from me have a bunch of signs on the gates saying that you are not allowed on the property unless you have a specific invitation. I bet the Police will just walk past it. They are there quite often as the "affordable accommodation" has a bunch of people with "ankle bracelets" so they will be doing bail checks.

            • weka 5.1.1.1.1.2
              19 January 2024 at 6:43 pm

              I understand what gsays is talking about. Most of their comment was about the social and political conditions that have given rise to the movement.

              I have friends who are into that stuff. I don't talk to people locally about it because I value the friendships, and because some of it is irrational. Of course the police are doing to arrest a free man if they have cause. That's just basic power analysis.

              The one that gets me is the faith in the position despite the evidence (I think gsays calls this cart before the horse, but it's also a lot of deception on some level).

              However, those people aren't wrong about the state of society. Call them nutters, but are they any more fucked up than successive governments that have resisted meaningful climate action? The main differences I see there are around who has power and who knows how to play the mainstream game in wielding that power. There are some who are batshit crazy too, but it's now how I would characterise the movement generally. They're just counter culture instead of NACT MPs.

              • Robert Guyton …
                19 January 2024 at 6:55 pm

                Sure you mean't not how…

                I believe I know what gsays means also, in the same way I believe I know what the anti-vaxxers mean, what the terfs mean 🙂 but it's the inability of those people holding those views to bat ideas about that don't fit the rigid confines that come with those positions that gets me; get a word wrong and all hell breaks loose 🙂

                The Soverigns though – Cooneys all 🙂

                • weka …
                  19 January 2024 at 7:07 pm

                  I'm highly confident that you don't actually know what Gender Critical Feminists mean, based on seeing what you have said on TS.

                  If you use terms like terf and cooney, I will moderate. Please stop with this, it says clearly in the site Policy that tone or language that has the effect of excluding others is not acceptable. I don't want a semantic argument about this, I've cut you a fair amount of slack on this already, but now the demeaning and dehumanising language has to stop. It's akin to flaming, and as far as I can see its usage is exactly to exclude people.

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    19 January 2024 at 8:25 pm

                    Sovereigns too?

                    Actiods?

                    Nats?

                    Happy-clappers?

                    It's a tangled web we weave!

                    • gsays …
                      19 January 2024 at 8:34 pm

                      Bro, from where I sit it's less the words it's the attitude behind them.

                    • weka …
                      19 January 2024 at 8:44 pm

                      As I said, I'm not interested in semantic argument.

                      I've watched you for a number of weeks using language that is either inflammatory or insulting to people that comment here. I'm asking you to stop because I don't want to moderate.

                      If you don't understand where the boundaries are here, please ask in a straightforward manner using whole sentences.

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    20 January 2024 at 7:32 am

                    Footnote:

                    You seemed to think "Gunnites" might be okay.

                    Liz Gunn's real last name is Cooney.

                    • weka …
                      20 January 2024 at 10:58 am

                      All I'm seeing is you ignoring moderation Robert. For the third time, I'm not interested in a debate about semantics. If you don't understand the boundaries, please ask as I suggested above.

                    • weka …
                      20 January 2024 at 11:05 am

                      and to pre-emptively clarify, the word cooney is a US pejorative. Most people won't know that it is also Liz Gunn's previous name. My reading right now is that you were making a play on words, and understood the pejorative well enough. I'm thinking that because in this whole conversation for the past weeks you've just shifted from one pejorative to another. I've explained the problem a number of times, you keep ignoring it.

                      And this is exactly the problem. Maybe you think it's a lighthearted thing, but a mod is starting to get pissed off at having to waste our time. Again.

                      Second rule of moderation, don't waste the mods' time. This is why you got banned last time. You took a position of not having to work within moderation of the site.

                      It's personally horrible for me, because I consider you an online friend.

                      I've offered you a relatively easy way through this. Ball is in your court.

                    • lprent …
                      20 January 2024 at 12:03 pm

                      Robert, I'd suggest that you listen to weka. It isn't what you're arguing that is the issue – it is repeatably using silly slogans without context or argument.

                      Using words for effect occasionally is one behaviour, using them repeatably is a whole different one and one that the moderators (including me) watch for.

                      Even a damned tree-fornicator should be able to understand that. 🙂

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    20 January 2024 at 10:20 pm

                    " My reading right now is that you were making a play on words, and understood the pejorative well enough."

                    I wasn't, I didn't. No matter, I understand the situation, thanks.

            • gsays 5.1.1.1.1.3
              19 January 2024 at 8:42 pm

              ”Where do you stand/sit on the issue of exemption from the laws of NZ?”

              Yr not gonna like this.. when you operate from love there is no need for law.

              • weka …
                19 January 2024 at 8:54 pm

                how does that work with rapists?

                • joe90 …
                  19 January 2024 at 8:56 pm

                  Or the rich?

                  @RBReich

                  Combined wealth of 5 richest billionaires…

                  In 2020: $405 billion

                  Today: $869 billion

                  They got $14 million richer…every single hour.

                  Meanwhile, 60% of the global population has become poorer since 2020.

                  Inequality is eating the world alive.

                  https://twitter.com/RBReich/status/1747748142336933962

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    19 January 2024 at 10:04 pm

                    The story of Master of Paxwax, Mann's second book, centers around the life of Pawl Paxwax. Pawl – and his name is significant – is the second son of the Fifth Family in a galaxy-wide empire ruled by Eleven Great Families.
                    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Paxwax

                    Top 10 Wealthiest Families in the World

                    • At $305 billion, the Al Nahyan family—oil tycoons, politicians, and royalty—is the richest family in the world.
                    • The Waltons are the second richest family in the world with a fortune estimated at $259.7 billion thanks to their massive stake in Walmart (and only recently, in 2023, were usurped by the Al Nahyan family for the top spot.)

                    NZ GDP (2022): $248 billion.
                    https://tradingeconomics.com/new-zealand/gdp

                    It's a ‘funny’ old world.

                • gsays …
                  19 January 2024 at 8:59 pm

                  Clearly with rape there is no love.

                  There is law for that.

                  • weka …
                    19 January 2024 at 9:07 pm

                    can you explain that a bit more please? I'm obviously not understanding the adages here

                    • gsays …
                      19 January 2024 at 9:32 pm

                      Hypotheticals are wonderful.,,

                      I am not 100% sure what yr question is.
                      Parrotdog may or may not have something to do with that.

                    • weka []
                      20 January 2024 at 11:15 am

                      Gsays: … At the heart of it, was to be let love be the rule. Where there is love, there is no law. Where there is law, there is no love

                      Robert: ”Where do you stand/sit on the issue of exemption from the laws of NZ?”

                      Gsays: Yr not gonna like this.. when you operate from love there is no need for law.

                      Weka: how does that work with rapists?

                      Gsays: Clearly with rape there is no love. There is law for that.

                      How I took that originally was you saying that society wouldn’t need laws if everyone related from a place of love.

                      Not everyone does relate from a place of love. So we need laws. Which means the aphorism “At the heart of it, was to be let love be the rule. Where there is love, there is no law. Where there is law, there is no love” is philosophically sound but has no meaning in real life terms in society.

                      What am I missing?

                    • gsays []
                      20 January 2024 at 2:06 pm

                      Not missing anything as such.

                      A rapist is not operating from love. There are laws and consequences to deal with them.

                      Police have two main roles. Primarily, keeping the peace. Then policy enforcement, hence the name.

                      Rape contravenes the peace and policy.

                      A rapist can not legitimately claim freeman on the land status.

                      Edit.”Where there is love, there is no law. Where there is law, there is no love” is philosophically sound but has no meaning in real life terms in society.”
                      Correct, and that is why some seek to remove their strawman, their personhood from said society.

      • Dennis Frank 5.1.2
        19 January 2024 at 12:59 pm

        I've been consciously aware of living in a sick society since I was a teenager in the 1960s, so this option seems like part of my cultural tradition (alt-Aotearoa):

        https://www.scribd.com/document/223339093/Robert-Arthur-Menard-The-World-Freeman-Society-Introduction

        Praxis of relativism applies though, and living within/without mainstreamers (simultaneously) has long been my pragmatic response option. The oscillating blend of the lifestyle & trajectory forms a triadic function, organic.

        Whilst it was 1% of the whole back then it now seems in the region of 20%, which is apparently the critical mass threshold – so I expect an increasingly alternative future.

        • gsays 5.1.2.1
          19 January 2024 at 8:26 pm

          Cheers Dennis, TBH I've had to let yr comment percolate bit.

          I reckon the 20% may be a tad high, but the commitment and enthusiasm is definitely there.

          Organisation is what is needed.

      • weka 5.1.3
        19 January 2024 at 7:01 pm

        yes, local, and love. I don't see any other way out of current predicament. I don't think it's possible to have love without law, or that law inherently means no love. We have to have ways of collectively managing society, that's law. And love.

        • gsays 5.1.3.1
          19 January 2024 at 8:15 pm

          Chur weka, appreciate yr elucidation above.

          I know a fully hardcore Greenie, organic and permaculture up the wahoo. Great source of knowledge and inspiration. Deals in the essence of flowers and homoeopathy.

          I wouldn't follow her to a toilet however. As grounded in her land and horses as she is, let her into the city, she is as prone to a supermarket rottisserie chicken as anyone.

          My laboured point is, none of us have it sussed and are true to our convictions. Ignore the extremes of folk, get the common ground and we are unstoppable.

          Robert and crew's initiative of the electric bus doing the produce loop in Riverton and environs is precisely the sort of thing that needs to happen.

          I don't wanna chip him for his lack of a response to a recent question about contributing to paying ACC levies or Road User Charges because it's a jolly good idea. Money/trade kept local, empowering primary producers and fresh fresh fresh. (This is my cyber equivalent of yr not wanting to talk to friends about it because you value their friendship). Just cause there is a wee wedge, no need to hit it.

          • weka 5.1.3.1.1
            19 January 2024 at 8:55 pm

            My laboured point is, none of us have it sussed and are true to our convictions. Ignore the extremes of folk, get the common ground and we are unstoppable.

            Completely agree. One of the reasons why I keep my relationships with people I disagree with going as much as I am able.

        • Obtrectator 5.1.3.2
          19 January 2024 at 10:52 pm

          Good ol' Aleister put it like this: "Love is the law: love under will". (I'll just have to wear any ticking-off.) Elucidations/interpretations abound all over the web.

          • weka 5.1.3.2.1
            20 January 2024 at 11:16 am

            are the free man/sovereign movements referencing Crowley? Because that would put a new and important spin on things.

            • gsays 5.1.3.2.1.1
              20 January 2024 at 2:11 pm

              I've never heard Crowley come up in these circles. It has been a while since I investigated it though.

    • George 5.2
      19 January 2024 at 8:10 pm

      "Current services, which remain largely unchanged since our asylums were decanted in the 90s, are no longer fit for purpose. These one-size-fits-all institutions were transplanted into the community but have retained their paternalistic and isolated ways"

      What does retain it's paternalism is the total lack of oversight of some of the support and conditions of whaiora who live in support homes and emergency accomodations while landlords who provide these disgusting conditions rake in the cash. Some of these landlords are upstanding citizens and in my mind also responsible for the actual financial and other emotional abuse that can take place there. The community trusts that are supposed to be helping very unwell people are also coining it from both ends. It's not new and it was there under previous national governments as well. National are equally responsible for these top heavy services and the capitalist corporatisation of mental wellness in our communities which happens at the detriment of vulnerable people. They DO NOT have the right to throw stones about this they encourage it. And it needs to be stopped. Btw I work in mental health with whaiora who are the people exploited by these slumlords and fake carers. These people need to be put in the frickin stocks but they'll probably run for council instead.

  6. Rolling-on-Gravel 6
    19 January 2024 at 9:17 am

    What do you all make of this? He's rejecting Biden on Palestine.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to oppose a Palestinian state in any post-war scenario. Netanyahu’s comments underscored the growing rift between the Israeli and U.S. governments. The Biden administration has supported Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 24,000 people, according to Palestinian authorities, but has called on Israel to scale back its attacks and said the establishment of a Palestinian state should be part of the “day after” the war. Netanyahu, who has long opposed the formation of a Palestinian state, rejected any such notion on Thursday.

    https://www.salon.com/2024/01/18/from-the-river-to-the-sea-netanyahu-says-he-told-biden-he-opposes-any-palestinian-state-after/

    • Rolling-on-Gravel 6.1
      19 January 2024 at 9:23 am

      A shift in thinking at the European Parliament on the topic of ceasefire.

      The European Parliament has made a groundbreaking decision to tie a call for a ceasefire in Gaza to the condition of dismantling the terrorist organization Hamas and the immediate, unconditional release of all abductees. The resolution, passed with a resounding majority of 312 supporters against 131 opponents, sets a precedent in the European stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

      https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/europe/1705607509-european-parliament-conditions-ceasefire-on-hamas-dismantling-and-abductees-release

      Whatever works, I hope they find a route out of this hell somewhere.

      • Nic the NZer 6.1.1
        19 January 2024 at 9:43 am

        Sounds like the Europeans are saying no ceasefire then, but they would accept unconditional surrender by Hamas in return for ending the ongoing atrocities and collective punishment of every Palestinian.

      • SPC 6.1.2
        19 January 2024 at 2:45 pm

        This sounds like a warning across the bow to Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthi as much as to Hamas.

        This is a Europe facing Russia in Ukraine without much American help this year (and next year maybe), and letting everyone know they will not be heavied, by attacks on their shipping, into supporting a cease-fire and allowing Hamas to continue as they have been.

        If the Hamas political wing does not find shelter in the PLO, it looks they are going into exile when the PA (and if they refuse …. ) takes over Gaza.

    • Ad 6.2
      19 January 2024 at 10:11 am

      Blinken has enabled untagged weapons delivery to Israel and hence lost all leverage – and doesn't seem to be worried by the loss.

      Fully consistent with stronger US withdrawal out of anything from Afghanistan to Iraq to Syria, other than naval hits and the UAE bases.

      This is what dissolving US hegemony feels like in real time.

    • SPC 6.3
      19 January 2024 at 2:33 pm

      Biden needs a PA he can work with.

      A Gulf, EU/USA rebuild of Gaza based around Hamas in the PLO, the military wing dismantled and the PA back in Gaza and in control of the gun. Also parliamentary and presidential elections.

      From there two options, either a Gaza Palestine nation state (own borders, sea port, airport and economic zone) member of the UN while Israel continues to occupy the WB, or restoration of the peace process with Israel.

  7. Morrissey 7
    19 January 2024 at 9:25 am

    has called on Israel to scale back its attacks…

    What I make of that is what has been clear from the beginning of this slaughter: the U.S. supports it, but is squeamish about it. Sort of the same position it was in when it was Saddam Hussein's armourer and dipolomatic protector.

  8. Rolling-on-Gravel 8
    19 January 2024 at 11:29 am

    To bring it back to Aotearoa/NZ politics, here is the latest of what ACT is doing.

    The ACT Party has lodged a bill to put an end to trading restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. If passed, the private member's bill by ACT MP Cameron Luxton would allow retailers to keep their doors open as normal through Easter.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/01/act-lodges-bill-to-ditch-antiquated-easter-trading-restrictions.html

  9. Morrissey 9
    19 January 2024 at 11:52 am

    Jonathan Cook is a British freelance journalist formerly based in Nazareth, Israel. Like another outstanding independent, Glenn Greenwald, he used to work for the Grauniad, but he could not put up with that paper's complicity with the British state's campaigns of disinformation and its character assassination of dissenting journalists. This is his latest piece….

    Why is the real story of October 7 off-limits to western, but not Israeli, media?
    Israeli army 'ethics' chief says crimes committed by soldiers against Israel's own civilians are 'horrifying'. How is this not newsworthy for British journalists?
    Jonathan Cook
    18 Jan 2024

    The Israeli Haaretz newspaper interviewed this week the army's “ethics” chief, Asa Kasher, of Tel Aviv university, about two major incidents on October 7:

    1. An Israeli commander ordered a tank to fire into a home in Kibbutz Be'eri knowing that there were 14 Israeli civilians inside, incinerating them.

    2. Israeli helicopters fired missiles at dozens of cars with Israeli hostages inside, killing the inhabitants, again often by incinerating them.

    In both cases, the official Israeli narrative is that Hamas was responsible for these “barbaric” acts, supposedly justifying the genocide Israel is carrying out – “in response” – against the civilian Palestinian population of Gaza.

    Haaretz and Kasher ascribe these “friendly fire” incidents to Israel's classified “Hannibal directive”, which requires soldiers to stop Israelis being taken hostage at all costs. Kasher thinks – probably wrongly – that the directive was misunderstood and misapplied by commanders on the day.

    Urging an immediate investigation, Kasher says of the first incident: "How is it possible that a high ranking army official would give a command that so immediately and definitely endangers the life of so many civilians? It's just horrifying."

    And of the second incident, he says: "This sounds totally unacceptable from every aspect. Against orders. Against procedure. Against values. Against ethics. And possibly against the law."

    Efforts to re-examine the Israeli government's October 7 narrative are all over the Israeli media. Many of the families of the Israelis killed on October 7 are demanding an investigation.

    So how is it possible that the BBC and the rest of the western media keep revisiting the horrors of October 7 but never to raise these issues , even though they have been so prominent in the Israeli public space for many weeks?

    The only possible answer is that western media outlets are consciously censoring this story because it directly conflicts with the West's ideological and strategic agenda. It raises disturbing questions about western complicity in genocide. ….

    Read more….

    https://jonathancook.substack.com/p/why-is-the-real-story-of-october

    https://twitter.com/Jonathan_K_Cook/status/1678729702347776000

  10. Adrian 10
    19 January 2024 at 11:53 am

    It maybe what Blinken et al are afraid of is Israel turning into a real multi player shit fight and having to find space for batcrazy fundamentalist Israeli refugees in the US who would present real problems for the Democrats in particular. It probably can’t afford to have The IDF fail.

  11. Robert Guyton 11
    19 January 2024 at 12:28 pm

    " This is why a coalition government under National party hegemony is perhaps the best expression of what New Zealand’s collective identity looks like; it may not be one the centre-left likes but it is the normative expression of our collective myths in power and action."

    Oh, yeah? TheLuxon/Peters/Seymour "monster mash" is what we see when we look in the mirror?

    https://pointofordernz.wordpress.com/2024/01/19/mike-grimshaw-societies-have-always-been-divided-its-the-degree-of-division-that-counts/

    • Dennis Frank 11.1
      19 January 2024 at 1:07 pm

      Dunno who he is but that citation only seems credible when Labour is in eclipse (like now). If Labour were to return to source to regain credibility his proposition would be tested! Nothing like a bit of pie in the sky thinking to ruffle normalcy, eh?

  12. Herodotus 12
    19 January 2024 at 12:33 pm

    Seen the results of wonderful work both in the Kaikōura rebuild and the efforts with wlike seals and dolphins everywhere to be seen up the coast and plenty of vantage points on the road – well done to all involved.

    But why do visitors bring their dogs and cats to doc camp grounds where there are signs everywhere that dogs and pets are not allowed in the camp grounds at any time ?? When you book there is info of this as well as signage everywhere, how to potentially destroy all the hard efforts my many doc staff and volunteers😤

  13. Adrian 13
    19 January 2024 at 2:06 pm

    Have you seen how much it costs to put them in kennels for a fortnight Herodotus ? Its cheaper to cyrogenicly freeze them and chuck them in the fridge while you're gone and thaw the buggers out when you get back.

    • SPC 13.1
      19 January 2024 at 2:51 pm

      Sounds like they should just have the dog walkers come around to walk them, feed and ensure available water.

  14. Grey Area 14
    19 January 2024 at 2:20 pm

    “The public service has been knee deep in this interpretation so it’s not surprising its advice mirrors this. New Zealanders want a respectful debate on the constitutional future of our country and that’s what they’ve voted for.”

    How to counter this sort of BS from Seymour? To say "New Zealanders" want and voted for a parliamentary bill on the principles of Te Tiriti implies a majority, when in fact only 8.7% of those who voted in the 2023 election voted for ACT and their divisive, racist policy.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350151916/highly-contentious-leaked-ministry-doc-raises-issues-treaty-principles-bill

    • Dennis Frank 14.1
      19 January 2024 at 3:23 pm

      Merely a shadow-boxing play. They're taking it to first reading, to give ACT their opportunity at due parliamentary process. Nats have signalling this with the tacit flag that they aren’t intending to support it further.

      I agree Seymour's framing is naive. At most those who voted to replace the govt are okay with a public debate but I bet any precisely directed science-based sampling of public opinion would discover the proportion of voters interested in any such public debate would be around a quarter max. Too many other concerns…

      • Grey Area 14.1.1
        19 January 2024 at 4:43 pm

        Agreed about the process for the bill. But I don't think Seymour's framing is naive. It's devious and disingenuous.

        And you hear it in other spaces – that "this" is what "the majority" voted for.

  15. Morrissey 15
    19 January 2024 at 2:21 pm

    Just looking at its providence (the would-be Kim Hill bête noir Karl du Fresne) will be enough to alert a discriminating reader that this article will be highly dodgy at best. Five words in it, however, confirm just how dodgy it is: those five words occur at the beginning of the second sentence in the eleventh paragraph.

    https://pointofordernz.wordpress.com/2024/01/19/karl-du-fresne-the-striking-outpouring-of-media-empathy-for-golriz-ghahraman/

    Right now, the object of du Fresne's contempt is Golriz Gharaman. In the early days of the Key regime, it was Kim Hill he could not stand. Her sin? Making an unsavoury politician a little uncomfortable….

    http://karldufresne.blogspot.com/2010/11/howard-deserved-more-balanced-treatment.html

    • roblogic 15.1
      19 January 2024 at 3:04 pm

      Ani O'Brien continues the same crap for natstalkzb, ignoring the facts that GG fronted up, resigned, and is fully cooperating w police. It's just a hate-fest at this point.

      Ani O'Brien: Making excuses isn’t taking responsibility (newstalkzb.co.nz)

    • roblogic 15.2
      19 January 2024 at 3:19 pm

      There's a guy on Xitter 💩 who was tweeting nasty things about GG and I asked him to show some christian compassion and kindness.

      This of course earned me mockery, scorn, and insults.

      (I will be deleting X soon as it's just too toxic. Elon and Matt Walsh are slagging off therapy and suggesting that people should just harden up. Tell that to combat veterans with PTSD. The platform is awash in fakeness and abuse.)

      • adam 15.2.1
        19 January 2024 at 3:33 pm

        The platform is awash in fakeness and abuse.

        Because that is how it makes money. Thank facebook for this brave new world.

        • SPC 15.2.1.1
          19 January 2024 at 5:00 pm

          One of the worst is SP, but I suppose he lives in fear of the loss of his turf to Cranmer's ZB+.

      • weka 15.2.2
        19 January 2024 at 4:20 pm

        Instead of deleting your account, you could try curating it. I have to go look for the abusive posts now (mostly). DM me if you want tips.

        • roblogic 15.2.2.1
          19 January 2024 at 5:06 pm

          Thanks 🙂

          The one about Golriz actually hurt, the guy broke a long term cordiality in favour of malice.

          I'll take a break and think on it.

      • SPC 15.2.3
        19 January 2024 at 4:37 pm

        I just glaze over D (ACT) and G (NZF) to get the zitgeist of the where the TF is these days, the corner of the paddock is the safest option – those with the wrong crowd but not as mean as those at the core.

        Our JC and MM, an odd couple – in the end a points win to JC, when MM left the GOP and became a libertarian.

  16. Dennis Frank 16
    19 January 2024 at 4:19 pm

    I'm thrilled that our public service is proposing to make me a chief of the land I own. In the second of its proposed principles as it appears in the video from the Maori Party co-leader, I mean: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507090/government-confirms-leaked-document-was-a-ministry-treaty-principles-bill-memo

    It said there was a need for the legislation because the principles of the Treaty were not defined in legislation, and "their importance requires there be certainty anc (sic) clarity about their meaning.

    Parliament should be intentional n (sic) the principle's (sic) definition, and how they operate in law and society".

    Looks like they might have had a few beers first. I can imagine their glee in composing the thing: `this'll rattle the mental cage of those prats!'

    What are the chances Lux will bite? Zilch. Any aspiring aristocrat knows you widen the circle at your peril. Every capitalist knows profit-sharing must be stingy to teach hired help their place in the social hierarchy. Exceptions in Silicon Valley? Yeah, them dudes are naturally progressive. However his stance could wobble if conservatives agree their inner chieftainship ought to be acknowledged so it can then be acted out in real life.

    If so, the young guys who kept on calling me chief a few decades back may become precognitive in retrospect (no big deal as they called other guys chief too – it was echoing Maxwell Smart of the 1965 tv comedy Get Smart)…

  17. Pat 17
    19 January 2024 at 8:04 pm

    An open letter from Brian Easton to the PM….which as Mr Easton is wont to do, contains some well considered advice.

    https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/the-prime-ministers-biggest-challenge

    • Muttonbird 17.1
      19 January 2024 at 9:49 pm

      Easton wants to do two things:

      Dilute identity by appealing to diversity within a group. Divide and conquer. Colonialism, cultural erosion and David Seymour come to mind.

      Reduce decision making to the lowest and most flawed host of democracy, local government. Extremely poor turnout consolidates power to the already wealthy.

      • Pat 17.1.1
        19 January 2024 at 9:53 pm

        Obviously you didnt read the letter…..or at least one would hope not if your comment is any indication

        • Muttonbird 17.1.1.1
          19 January 2024 at 9:56 pm

          I read it. My comment is several times more full of content than either of yours.

          Why don't you ever provide thoughts of your own?

      • aj 17.1.2
        19 January 2024 at 10:45 pm

        Easton is writing this to a fundy with a gaggle of other fundies with his party who feel threatened by the very changes which Easton thinks are great. No hope.

        New Zealand is a diverse society. For over a century we suppressed this truism by relegating women to the kitchen, Māori to the pa, gays to the closet, and ignoring the role of religion in secular life. We practised majoritarianism by a group – who among other things were straight, Pakeha, Anglican, middle-class, male, rugby followers – which pretended theirs was the only acceptable lifestyle and the country should be run in their interests. Those who did not conform to this majority were ignored, treated as quaint eccentrics, or repressed.

    • SPC 17.2
      20 January 2024 at 1:08 am

      Presumably Brian Easton means well, yet he admits supporting the move to market organisation of society (from 1984) while conceding the results were poor (because of …. excuses).

      And wants the government to go further in that direction (as too does Douglas), he calls it the government not being authoritarian, not controlling from the centre (despite it being the area reformed via MMP and accountability via both financial and oversight systems) instead devolving to the more local level (without any reference to funding and capacity issues, competence and lack of media oversight/informed consent processes).

      To the extent this has been done already, we have foreign companies providing ECE for profit and Australians profiting from managing ownership of assets from older New Zealanders to foreign organised/centralised/corporate capital).

      And he wants to encourage more of this to the government, in education and health etc … . He seems to imagine a society as somehow more coherent and less divided, if managed around NGO's secular and or religious, rather than centralised government supply and delivery. It seems of a nostalgia for a time when there was a more active voluntary community – eroded by the necessity two working partners to afford housing, end of the 40 hour week – fragmentation of shift work (reducing participation) and of late, living cost pressures.

      He is encouraging the right to move where it intends to go, without thought to the consequences – just as in 1984.

      • Pat 17.2.1
        20 January 2024 at 12:02 pm

        "… yet he admits supporting the move to market organisation of society (from 1984) while conceding the results were poor (because of …. excuses)."

        Although I have never seen him state it, I suspect his reasoning is that NZ as a small trading nation had no choice but to follow the international order as was being constructed by the neolibs at the time….the (….excuses) are a recognition that while we may have had little choice we could have done the transition considerably better and with less damage. (something I have seen him state on numerous occasions)

        He calls for more de-evolution of decision making as opposed to centralisation….something many here have also called for in their areas of interest…the funding and oversight are not that difficult to implement if the will is there, and are unnecessary for the purposes of the article.

        Subsiditarity is not (necessarily) privatisation and may explain why you attribute a right wing bias that is not apparent.

  18. Morrissey 18
    19 January 2024 at 11:00 pm

    Jewish activists shutting down Grand Central Station to protest against Israel's genocidal onslaught in Gaza was only the start

    Rabbi's daughter Ilana Cruger-Zaken: "We're in the building. Anti-Zionist Jews are here to stay, and there's no way that Zionists can hold a meeting now without hearing us."

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  • Justice for Bainimarama!
    In December 2006, Fiji's military leader Voreqe Bainimarama overthrew the elected government in a coup. He ruled Fiji for the next 16 years, first as dictator, then as "elected" Prime Minister. But now, he's finally been sent to jail where he belongs. Sadly, this isn't for his real crime of ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • March for Nature in June
    Don't like National's corrupt Muldoonist "fast-track" law? Aotearoa's environmental NGO's - Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, WWF, Coromandel Watchdog, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, and others - have announced a joint march against it in Auckland in June: When: 13:00, 8 June, 2024 Where: Aotea Square, Auckland You ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Thursday May 9
    Seymour describes sushi as too woke for school meals. There are no fish sushi meals recommended by the School Lunches programme. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Government will swap out hot meals for packaged sandwiches to save $107 million on school lunches for poor kids. MSD has pulled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • The non-woke $3 Lunch.
    I don't mind stealin' bread from the mouths of decadenceBut I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled, yeahBut it's on the table, the fire's cookin'And they're farmin' babies, while slaves are workin'The blood is on the table and the mouths are chokin'But I'm goin' hungry, yeahSome ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Labour’s chickens come home to roost
    The Ardern Government’s chickens came home to roost yesterday with the news that the country is short of natural gas. In 2018, Labour banned offshore petroleum exploration, and industry executives say that the attendant loss of confidence by the industry impacted overall investment in onshore gas fields. Energy Resources Minister ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • Calvin Reviews Lord of The Rings
    Hi,If you’ve been digging through the newly launched Webworm store (orders are being dispatched worldwide as I type!) you’ll have noticed the best model we had was Calvin.This is Calvin.Calvin.Calvin is 7, and is the son of my producer over on Flightless Bird, Rob — aka “Wobby Wob”. Rob also ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

  • Climate Adam: How to visualise Climate Change (ft. Katharine Hayhoe)
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Climate change is everywhere. And when something's everywhere it can feel like it's nowhere. So how do we get our heads ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • The wrong direction
    Some good news on climate change today: the energy transition away from fossil fuels is picking up speed, and renewables now make up 30% of global electricity supply. Meanwhile, in Aotearoa, we're moving in the opposite direction, with Genesis Energy announcing that it will resume importing Indonesian coal. Their official ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • National hates democracy
    Its a law like gravity: whenever a right-wing government is elected, they start attacking democracy. And now, after talking to their Republican and Tory and Fidesz chums at the International Democracy Union forum in Wellington, National is doing it here, announcing plans to remove election-day enrolment. Or, to put it ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • No Tikanga Please, We're Lawyers.
    Yesterday Winston Peters focussed his attention on the important matter at hand. Tweeting. Like the former, and quite possibly next, orange POTUS, from whom he takes much of his political strategy, Winston is an avid X’er.His message didn’t resemble an historic address this time. In fact it was more reminiscent ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Member’s Day
    Today is a Member's Day, and it seems we've entered the slowdown as things emerge from select committee. First up is the committee stage of Greg O'Connor's Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (Overseas Travel Reporting) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the second readings of Stuart ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Hurrah for coal – Shane Jones welcomes Genesis Energy’s import plans as natural gas production s...
    Buzz from the Beehive A significant decline in natural gas production has given Resources Minister Shane Jones an opportunity to reiterate his enthusiasm for the mining and burning of coal. For good measure, he has praised an announcement from Genesis Energy that it will resume importing coal. He and Energy ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Following the political money
    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The political parties are legally obliged to make ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • A Left-Right ranking of universities in NZ: a practical guide for students and parents
    Rob MacCullough writes – Here is my subjective ranking on a “most-left” to “most-right” scale of most of our major NZ Universities, with some anecdotal (and at times amusing) evidence to back up the claim. Extreme Left   Auckland University of Technology Evidence The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  •  Inflation and GST thresholds
    Eric Crampton writes –  I hadn’t thought about this one until a helpful email showed up in my inbox.It’s pretty obvious that income tax thresholds should automatically index with inflation – whether to anchor the thresholds in percentiles of the income distribution, or to anchor against a real ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Jacqui Van Der Kaay writes –  Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • A law school to be avoided – Auckland University of Technology
    Gary Judd writes – The Dean of the law school at the Auckland University of Technology is someone called Khylee Quince. I have been sent her social media posting in which she has, over the LawNews headline “Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Maori studies for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 17 people in Malaita stand in way of China’s takeover of the Solomons
    Cleo Paskal writes – WASHINGTON, D.C.: ‘Many of us have received phone calls from [the opposing camp] telling them if they join the camp they will be given projects for their wards and $300,000 [around US$35,000] each’, says former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani. The elections in Solomon Islands aren’t ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the Hamas Ceasefire Offer, and Mark Mitchell’s Incompetence
    With hindsight, it was inevitable that (a) Hamas would agree to the ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar and that ( b) Israel would then immediately launch attacks on Rafah, regardless. We might have hoped the concessions made by Hamas would cause Israel to desist from slaughtering thousands more ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    6 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Wednesday May 8
    Placards and mourners outside the Kilbirnie Mosque following the Christchurch terror attack: MSD has terminated the Kaiwhakaoranga service, which has been used by 415 families since the attacks. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The Government’s pledge to only cut ‘back office’ staff rather than ‘frontline’ services is on increasingly shaky ground, with ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • A few PT announcements
    There’s been a few smaller public transport announcements over the last week or so that I thought I’d cover in a single post. Fareshare I’ve long called for Auckland Transport to offer a way to enable employer-subsidised public transport options. The need for this took on even more importance ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago

  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National Minister Matt Doocey, reflects poorly on Genter and ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

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

  • Nothing to sneer at
    Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • Still on their bullshit
    When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Drawn
    A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • A nod and a wink that will unnecessarily cost Aucklanders tens of millions per year
    Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Correcting the Corrections announcement – a fiscal farce that should bother the OECD
     Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  •  Like it or not, the Kiwis are either going into ‘Pillar 2’ – or they are going to China
    Chris Trotter writes –  Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • A balanced and an unbalanced article
    David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Deeply unserious country
    Every bit of this seems insane. And people wonder why productivity is falling through the floor. Energy News reports that the Environment Court finally threw out Allan Crafar’s appeal against a solar farm. From the story: Consent was granted in 2022. Crafar appealed November 2022. On what grounds? That ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students
    The tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and applied…  Gary Judd KC writes –  I have made a complaint to Parliament’s Regulation ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/?p=77196
    The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    7 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, May 7
    TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • HM Prison Aotearoa.
    A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • Get Your Webworm Merch!
    Hi,I know it’s been awhile since there’s been any Webworm merch — and today that all changes!Over the last four months, I’ve been working with New Zealand artist Jess Johnson to create a series of t-shirts, caps and stickers that are infused with Webworm DNA — and as of right ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    7 days ago

  • Top OECD economist puts Willis between a rock and a hard place
    The OECD’s chief economist yesterday laid it on the line for the new Government: bring the deficit under control or face higher Reserve Bank interest rates for longer. And to bring the deficit under control, she meant not borrowing for tax cuts. But there was more. Without policy changes—introducing a ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    7 days ago

  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago

  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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