Open mike 19/05/2020

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 19th, 2020 - 105 comments
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105 comments on “Open mike 19/05/2020 ”

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  1. ObserverTokoroa 1
    19 May 2020 at 7:05 am

    Where have all the Flowers gone ?

    At the end of last year -1919 – Tourism was rolling in massive money. Indeed the word Billion$ was being bandied around. It was deemed New Zealand's biggest Asset !

    Just two short months later – year 2020 – there was not a penny to be found in the Tourism biscuit tin.

    All I want to know is where did that massive money go in 1919 ?

    And why is the Tourism coterie trying to Crush a decent man – Kelvin Davis ?

    Is he too honest for New Zealand's so called biggest Asset ? Will he dig too deep into the 1919 jar ? dragging
    Lisa Owen silently along full of her abuse.

  2. Cinny 2
    19 May 2020 at 7:10 am

    mark richardson is having a melt down about the poll, hehehehehe.

    • Dennis Frank 2.1
      19 May 2020 at 8:33 am

      Did you see Michelle Boag? "Mark, you'd be good!" As a Nat MP, perhaps. I wouldn't go further than that. Being grounded is good, being partisan isn't. Success as a politician comes when you can communicate with most folks easily.

      Toby Manhire made a similar observation to mine (last night): "The most astonishing of all the numbers in last night’s poll wasn’t expressly party-political at all. Echoing the result of Stickybeak surveys for The Spinoff, an extraordinary 91.6% said they believe the government made the right call in putting New Zealand into lockdown for four weeks. That number is the centre of gravity for the rest of the Newshub poll". https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-05-2020/simon-bridges-leadership-hangs-by-a-thread-after-mind-blowing-poll/

      That 90% holding up for so many weeks is a sustained political quake. The other poll results were consequences of that huge body of public opinion. That's what the Nats & Mark Richardson are up against. Not Labour.

  3. Dennis Frank 3
    19 May 2020 at 8:41 am

    Kate Hawkesby: "we all have Stockholm syndrome. We have fallen in love with our captor." https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=12332935

    Declaration of interest: I cite this for the entertainment value. I worked with Kate often enough long ago to develop an easy rapport (never discussed politics).

    • newsense 3.1
      19 May 2020 at 9:20 am

      NZ Herald and verbs:

      "National dropped to 30.6 per cent, the Green Party sunk to 5.5 per cent and NZ First slumped to 2.7 per cent."

      Can you spot the party which is in government, the one which is a margin of error from government and the one which is at historic lows?

      • Dennis Frank 3.1.1
        19 May 2020 at 9:56 am

        Arguable. Herald verbiage is to be expected. Someone who thinks National is at historic lows is ignoring the English wipeout due to Bolger/Shipley loathing, 2002.

        I'd go for Greens within margin of error of govt – but only due to Jacinda's thinking (collaboration, any other Labour leader too stupid with the possible exception of Parker).

        • Incognito 3.1.1.1
          19 May 2020 at 10:10 am

          And Andrew Little.

          • Dennis Frank 3.1.1.1.1
            19 May 2020 at 10:18 am

            Fair enough, given his surprise transcendence into big-picture thinking three years back – and good collaboration with NZF/Greens in referendum design.

        • Bearded Git 3.1.1.2
          19 May 2020 at 10:59 am

          No Dennis this is not something to be airily waved away.

          It should have been "National plummeted to 30.6, the Greens were steady on 5.5 while NZF look to be struggling to get 5 per cent".

          The Herald should report the facts.

        • Tricledrown 3.1.1.3
          20 May 2020 at 4:38 am

          Dennis Frank in combination with Michelle Boags massive f/up of not realizing the list vote counts

    • bwaghorn 3.2
      19 May 2020 at 10:35 am

      I'm picking she knows abit about Stockholm syndrome being tangled up with a road like hosking ,but shes got this one wrong.

    • Treetop 3.3
      19 May 2020 at 1:04 pm

      Next Hawkesby will be saying we all have another mental health diagnosis. She needs to be pulled up on using the term Stockholm syndrome.

      She needed to express her own anxiety, the National Party are in the shit and how she feels about having to stomach a Labour Government for another 3 years. I did read the link as painful as it was.

    • Gabby 3.4
      19 May 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Is she unable to escape the neocon Horeskin Den? What an horrible predickament.

    • Tricledrown 3.5
      20 May 2020 at 8:38 am

      Hawkesby is a victim of the Stockholm syndrome her and Hosking saying looking at how Sweden is dealing with covid is not damaging their economy.

  4. newsense 4
    19 May 2020 at 9:28 am

    Also from Hosking- Boris and Trump are popular. Not keeping up with current polls then. He cites a lot of numbers, but none for those two.

  5. RedLogix 5
    19 May 2020 at 10:01 am

    Quite a few stories like this keep popping up:

    Professor Garner is just one of thousands discovering how tiring COVID-19 can be.

    Scientists are still uncovering the deadly secrets of the virus and the long-term impact for those who recover from the disease is yet to be fully understood.

    In serious cases there are concerns about major organ damage.

    The World Health Organisation states those with less severe cases of COVID-19 should recover within two weeks, and serious cases could take up to six weeks.

    But even patients with what are considered mild bouts of the virus, are experiencing fatigue and breathlessness well beyond the suggested recovery period.

    On a much brighter note NZ had another all zero day with only 45 active cases left. As a country we should take exceptional pride in getting this far collectively. If we can do this, we can face the challenges ahead.

  6. greywarshark 6
    19 May 2020 at 10:14 am

    After the Dunedin chocolate factory went wonkers, they didn't give up and looked for viable alternatives. Hail OCHO. Coping with Covid-19 and giving it whatever it takes.

    https://ocho.co.nz/pages/chocolatetour (Tours are off luv just now, but on-line biz is going full tilt.)

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/new-chocolate-factory-opens-in-dunedin-one-year-after-cadbury-closes-its-doors

    Huh to all foreign owners playing us like dice in a bored game. https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/112529623/cadburys-owner-mondelez-sees-nz-business-shrink-29-per-cent

    • RedLogix 6.1
      19 May 2020 at 10:31 am

      The two Whittaker brothers in Porirua ate their lunch.

      I commissioned an imported moulding machine for them back in the 90's and it was a lot of fun working for Andrew and Brian. Two quite different characters who have worked to each other's strengths to take a small multi-generational family business to a true kiwi success story.

      Actually in that small area around the back of Porirua there were quite a few strong kiwi manufacturing stories. Tough little survivors of the neo-liberal onslaught.

      • Ad 6.1.1
        19 May 2020 at 3:10 pm

        I'm sure Cadbury's still has it's place in Pak n Save, but Whittakers is trouncing Cadbury's most elsewhere. Good to see your part in it.

  7. bill 7
    19 May 2020 at 10:22 am

    ~sigh~

  8. AB 8
    19 May 2020 at 10:29 am

    Kemrin Begrie – the perpetual truculent adolescent – now on the Epidemic Response Committee calling for asset sales to pay for the larger government deficit due to COVID-19. The amount of cover the deficit will give some future National government to re-implement the neolib playbook is frightening. In truth as Mark Blyth says, we shouldn't 'sweat the deficit' – but the false comparison to household budgets still has hold of the public mind. Grant Robertson will need to be very smart in his defusing of this danger.

    • roblogic 8.1
      19 May 2020 at 11:13 am

      Asset sales are a huge vote loser. He should campaign for National

      • gsays 8.1.1
        19 May 2020 at 9:25 pm

        I'm sure you recall them campaigning on selling their asses and winning an election on said promise.

        Power company shares anyone?

  9. joe90 9
    19 May 2020 at 11:28 am

    A helping hand and history will repeat.

    Cellphone location data suggests that demonstrators at anti-lockdown protests – some of which have been connected with Covid-19 cases – are often traveling hundreds of miles to events, returning to all parts of their states, and even crossing into neighboring ones.

    The data, provided to the Guardian by the progressive campaign group the Committee to Protect Medicare, raises the prospect that the protests will play a role in spreading the coronavirus epidemic to areas which have, so far, experienced relatively few infections.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/18/lockdown-protests-spread-coronavirus-cellphone-data

  10. joe90 10
    19 May 2020 at 11:36 am

    tRump's war on facts has a new name.

    President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign announced Monday a new “investigative” website that prioritizes “truth over facts.” The site, in fact, is called TheTruthOverFacts.com.

    https://www.thewrap.com/trump-biden-truth-over-facts-website/

  11. Gosman 11
    19 May 2020 at 11:57 am

    Is there a reason my comments are not appearing? Have I been put on a ban for some reason?

    [No the machine put you into auto moderation for some reason. Now letting you through – MS]

    • Muttonbird 11.1
      19 May 2020 at 12:20 pm

      Quality filter.

    • weka 11.2
      19 May 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Actually you are in premod, not the ban list. My note there says troll watch. I'll let you out, but you do seem to be popping up on my radar a bit. Sometimes you bring good debate to the table, other times it just looks like poking at the lefties /shrug.

    • Incognito 11.3
      19 May 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Because a Moderator had put you in Pre-Moderation and on troll-watch.

      You are still in Pre-Moderation until that Moderator decides you’re behaving yourself.

    • Kevin 11.4
      19 May 2020 at 4:07 pm

      The algorithm knows you well Gossy.

  12. Cinny 12
    19 May 2020 at 12:35 pm

    I heard today that there will be another poll released at the end of the week via TVNZ. Has anyone else heard the same please?

  13. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 13
    19 May 2020 at 1:29 pm

    My goodness, Ashley Bloomfield is good!

    Asked a 'gotcha' question in the presser – "Use one word to describe Jacinda Ardern," obviously designed to elicit 'political bias,' he paused a moment, then answered, "Can I use two! Prime Minister."

  14. McFlock 14
    19 May 2020 at 1:48 pm

    So despite the scaremongering, hopes, and even wagers by some tories, Level 4 did not see an increase in suicides – actually the reverse is true.

    The coming depression/recession will be tough, but we can do without the political scaremongering.

    • weka 14.1
      19 May 2020 at 2:08 pm

      may or may not be statistically significant. Good to know there wasn't an obvious spike during lock down though.

      • McFlock 14.1.1
        19 May 2020 at 3:02 pm

        That's the main thing. There were a couple of folks I was worried about

    • Gabby 14.2
      19 May 2020 at 2:40 pm

      The alarmists will no doubt be asked to justify their nonsense now.

  15. AB 15
    19 May 2020 at 2:00 pm

    This is important for a couple of reasons – suicide rate went down slightly under L4 lockdown rather than up.

    First it reveals the right's preparedness to make stuff up in order to justify their "cure is worse than the disease" message. More importantly, it suggests that a sense of common purpose, collective responsibility, mutual aid and kindness is good for mental health. Much better than being an isolated individual locked in mortal economic competition with everyone else. The danger of course – is that as we go back to that alienating sh*tshow called 'the economy', especially in a deep recession, it will all get worse again.

    Edit: Snap to McFlock above at 14.

    • weka 15.1
      19 May 2020 at 2:10 pm

      will be very interesting if someone does some research on this. I'm not going to be surprised if there are more suicides in places like the US. Ardern's leadership around framing and messaging has served us well in helping build the sense of we're all in this together despite the stress.

      • mac1 15.1.1
        19 May 2020 at 2:59 pm

        Life expectancy in the US went up during the Great Depression! Something to do with purpose, diet and a disease prevention discovery.

        • francesca 15.1.1.1
          19 May 2020 at 3:18 pm

          And I wouldnt mind betting increased solidarity and an "all-in-it-together" mentality

          Inequities tend to promote self esteem issues and bad mental health outcomes

          My mother had lots of stories of how people helped each other during those depression years, even when they had very little themselves

    • Adrian 15.2
      19 May 2020 at 2:20 pm

      Í'm pleased to hear it went down and as I recall I thought/hoped on these pages a couple of months ago that that would be the case as the same trend happened in the Second World War and in other times of threat. Sometimes things are just a bit bigger than your own problems.

      I also thought that NZs population would go up slightly if we got the lockdown done effectively, less road deaths , work fatalities, murders and other all-round stupidities would leave more Kiwis alive at the end than at the start.

      What I didn't factor in was 250,000 ( was it? ) coming home in a hurry. Welcome back.

      • McFlock 15.2.1
        19 May 2020 at 3:19 pm

        I wouldn't be surprised if there's a wee population bump in nine months, either. L4 was boring… 😉

  16. Herodotus 16
    19 May 2020 at 2:38 pm

    our missing health minister appears about 1:30 into this, just as well this will get no coverage, and does the Hon. D.Clark read what he said FFS look after the disadvantaged

    perhaps after the recent polling success we could extend the strength of our triumvirate within the Labour Party and that they could seek out some achievers and not allow some desk warmers to bask in the success of our PM

    https://m.facebook.com/WHO/videos/565543234382636/?v=565543234382636

    • Ad 16.1
      19 May 2020 at 3:01 pm

      He's toast in September: won't even get in Cabinet again.

    • Craig H 16.2
      19 May 2020 at 8:51 pm

      The new batch in 2017 were very strong, they will make a great cabinet (touch wood) in October.

  17. RedLogix 17
    19 May 2020 at 3:27 pm

    Big boys playing big boy games.

    China has slammed claims it backed down and Australia had a victory over the probe into COVID-19 as a “joke”.

    In the latest diplomatic war of words between the two nations, the Chinese embassy has lashed out at claims it has backed down over the investigation under international pressure.

    “The draft resolution on COVID-19 to be adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) is totally different from Australia’s proposal of an independent review,” a spokesman said.

    Again the CCP blatantly acting to piss as many nations off as possible. And also openly admitting that the investigation they have committed to is totally different from Australia’s proposal of an independent review.

    The fix is in.

  18. joe90 18
    19 May 2020 at 6:03 pm

    Probably.

    https://twitter.com/antihobbes/status/1262541231394963456

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 18, 2020– Moderna, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA), a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of $1.25 billion in shares of common stock. In addition, Moderna expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $187.5 million in shares of common stock in connection with the public offering. All shares of common stock will be offered by Moderna.

    https://investors.modernatx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/moderna-announces-proposed-public-offering-shares-common-stock-0/

  19. Muttonbird 19
    19 May 2020 at 6:08 pm

    Hawkesby thinks we all have Stockholm Syndrome.

    Honestly, how patronising can a person be? She probably tanked National and Bridges' another 2-3% with this idiot column.

    Good times.

  20. Cinny 20
    19 May 2020 at 6:16 pm

    Dang! Newshub asked voters for one word to describe Jacinda and simon, they then formed those words into word clouds. The bigger the font the more often the word was said.

    What a great idea, using word clouds in polls to show the public's perception, awesome.

    Will post a link when it comes up 🙂

  21. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 21
    19 May 2020 at 6:19 pm

    Air NZ being difficult with refunds – according to Checkpoint.

    Luxon's legacy!

    • ScottGN 22.1
      19 May 2020 at 7:01 pm

      She’s the Washington Post’s Asia correspondent too. What passes for journalism at the Herald must be a terrible shock for her.

    • Dennis Frank 23.1
      19 May 2020 at 8:27 pm

      Hot Toddy! Actually, as someone who always had an extremely hostile attitude to Bolger, I thought he came across well. Balanced, sensible, seems to have mellowed with age. Wouldn't surprise me if his advice turns out to be more influential than Key's.

      • Craig H 23.1.1
        19 May 2020 at 10:09 pm

        I listened to his interview on the 9th floor, and he has really had a few changes of mind since he was PM, would probably fit in the centre left of current NZ economic orthodoxy, but is obviously tribal National.

  25. Pat 25
    19 May 2020 at 10:46 pm

    "In the past the MoW took the positive planning approach to making New Zealand. In partnership with elected representatives they identified projects that would advance the development of the country. The MoW had their own economists who could evaluate and determine how nation-building projects might fit into wider considerations, such as, the economic cycle. The Ministry was at odds with a neo-liberal Treasury, as it could hold its own in economic debates. Given this fight for political-economic attention it is not surprising the MoW was dis-established."

    https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/105080/brendon-harre-sees-ministry-works-template-how-we-should-develop-our-national

    • McFlock 25.1
      19 May 2020 at 11:20 pm

      Many government departments had their own economists prior to lab4. Then Treasury said there was an inefficient duplication of roles.

      Then Treasury became pretty much the sole source of government economic advice. A monopoly, one might say…

  26. Eco Maori 26
    20 May 2020 at 8:51 am

    Kia Ora The Am Show.

    There is some positive news the worlds carbon footprint shrinks

    That's is cool the virus contact tracking AP.

    Buying New Zealand made that the way.

    That's a great way to raise funds for water shortage solution for South Africa auctioning a famous painters painting.

    Ruby will have a good future as a reporter.

    I say that Our government has the $20 billion backstop money set aside because we don't know the true impact of long the virus effects will last you can't take it back once its spent.

    Ka kite Ano

  27. Eco Maori 27
    20 May 2020 at 6:31 pm

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    Yes the price of Kai hit the roof during isolation.

    Telcompowder has aspestos in That's not on.

    I don't think that person should be fined for savings the baby whale caught in that shark net.?????.

    Ka kite Ano.

  28. Eco Maori 28
    20 May 2020 at 6:55 pm

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    All Iwi should invest in Whare for their Tangata it will good for the tangata and the Iwi may be sheared ownership models.

    Ka kite Ano.

  29. Eco Maori 29
    21 May 2020 at 8:47 am

    Kia Ora The Am Show.

    Looks like a nice day in London Lloyd.

    Its good to respect our elderly people.

    The problem with having wealth business people leading a country is they are to self centered to have a great economy you need to take everyone up there economic ladders not just the wealthy.

    Ka kite Ano.

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    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
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