Following on from that Sunday Column, cited here on theStandard, by David Slack on the popcorn spectacle provided by the Three Willies (or is that two Willies and a Won't He?), I received last week an email from the National Party suggesting I make a donation.
It began, "Voting is open in our critical Port Waikato by-election.
National and Christopher Luxon need this seat to strengthen our National-led government.
But (my name deleted), after we successfully defeated Labour in the general election our war chest is running low."
All that money spent and the three Willies still haven't released their album, "Closing the Deal".
Songs touted for this album include "The Party is Over", "Always on my Mind", "On the Road Again" and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", written by that other Willie, Willie Nelson.
These pieces of hippy you Tai are forcesing there mental drugs down my neck they don't have a judge ordered to make me take their poisons .
That's what the act say have to have a judge ordered if one refuses there drugs
Whano it true the drug companies are giving doctors q kick back to push their crap pills.
When you go to a doctor they for high blood pressure say take a pill instead of saying no caffeine sugar ect
And when you are stressed they say take a pill instead of saying get more sun and eat food with higher vitamin e and rest .they now say stop smoking because now everyone knows it bad but back in the day they never said stop smoking probley getting kick backs from big tobacco to
These people are not going obey the laws they are just craping on my human rights my right as tangata whenua.
Yes whanau the system is just shitting on me.
Legally they were to have a rehabilitation plan from the first few days I've been in here.
I had to demand a rehabilitation plan and quote the law to get a plan.
The person in charge is emotionally void the way they ran my rehabilitation plan was a sham as usual they were just antagonising me so they can keep me in their hinaki.
Thanks for that Mutton…I particularly like and support this said by Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister:
"The credibility of international law had fallen victim to its selective application. “If any other country in the world did a fragment of what Israel did, it would have sanctions imposed on it from every corner of the world.”
He said even those who accepted Israel was acting in self-defence “keep telling Israel to act within international law. It is not, so where do we go from here? Keep telling them to do it? They keep refusing to do it. People are being killed day in and day out.”
“International law has to apply to all. The message seems to be that Israel can do whatever it wants."
"International law has to apply to all" – the /sarc/ tag should have been applied!
The argument appears to be that international sanctions should apply to Israel, but the Arab allies can continue supplying Hamas with weapons (note, Hamas as a terrorist organization, already has international sanctions applied, which Jordan, among other ME countries, has happily ignored).
I don't recall Jordan describing "Denial of food, medicine and fuel" to Kurds in Iraq; or to civilians impacted by the civil wars in Yemen, Syria or Ethiopia – as "war crimes". How do these situations differ from what is going on in Gaza?
Indeed, Jordan rejected the UN claim that Saudi air-strikes in Yemen were war crimes.
Or, indeed, the actual ethnic cleansing going on in Nagorno Karabakh – between Armenia and Azerbaijan, right now. Anyone expecting a 'right of return' should not hold their breath….
He said Jordan would do “whatever it takes to stop” the displacement of Palestinians. “We will never allow that to happen; in addition to it being a war crime, it would be a direct threat to our national security.
So, the real reason that they won't take Palestinian refugees is that they see them as a threat.
And, adding the final sentence to the original quote:
He refused to join the calls to liken Hamas to Islamic State. “Hamas did not create the conflict. The conflict created Hamas,” he said, adding: “You cannot bomb an idea out of existence.
So, reinforcing that the 'idea' of Israel being destroyed – is the founding basis of Hamas – and explaining why there can be no peace between Hamas and Israel.
And, not even being willing to participate in post-war reconstruction
“There will be no Arab troops going to Gaza. None. We are not going to be seen as the enemy.”
He said all Arab governments were agreed on this, and that any discussion of Gaza’s future now was impossible. “By entertaining that, we are telling the Israeli government: ‘Do whatever you want. Go destroy Gaza. No one is stopping you and once you are done we will clean up your mess.’ No, we will not.”
So, if peace breaks out (though some miracle), tomorrow – no Arab country will participate in the reconstruction.
Who does he think should clean up the mess afterwards? Clearly not Israel (completely unacceptable to the Palestinian Arabs – not to mention the ME countries). Hamas is clearly unacceptable to Israel (because, yanno, terrorist organization which continually fires missles at Israel), as well as not having the capacity to govern in normal times, let alone carry out major reconstruction. Who does that leave? Clearly not the 'concerned neighbours'….
The really interesting difference between this Hamas war, and the 1948-9 All-Arab attack, the 1967 Six Day War, and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, is that in this war Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are not joining forces to actually attack Israel with everything they have in order to wipe the entire state of Israel out.
They are akin to pro-Palestinian protesters: doing fuck all about it other than emoting another round of their feelings.
None of those Arab countries will take in Palestinian refugees.
So their leaders just keep making speeches and have discussions about 'the law'.
The net result of no-one wanting to stabilise Gaza out of terrorist hands, is that Israel will have to do it. At which point all those Arab countries are of course "appalled" and smiling all the way to the next armed conflict, which suits their funder client states in Iran and UAE and Dubai just fine.
I agree. In addition, many of the Arab countries have been coming to a live-and-let-live relationship with Israel over the last few years. There is speculation that the timing of the Hamas attack was planned to disrupt the signing of an agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
And, given that all of those wars ended in spectacular failure for the Arab countries, and that their armies haven't got noticeably better over the last 50 years, discretion is almost certainly the better part of valour.
"None of those Arab countries will take in Palestinian refugees."
I'm not here to defend any Arab country – but why should they offer to do this? Particularly because if this offer is on the table, it constitutes only an incentive to Israel to keep killing Palestinians and destroying the infrastructure of Gaza until they all flee. And it seems pretty plain that this is the Israeli (or at least Likud) end game – expulsion out of Gaza and elimination of those who stay behind. The perfidiousness of the Arab states does not change the nature of what may become one of the worst humanitarian crimes in a long time.
"I can see how the hamas worldview might appeal to you."
Oh dear. It doesn't take long for total silliness to appear. From what I know of the "hamas worldview", I find it and their actions on October 7 totally repellent.
Egypt managed Gaza until the end of 1967 through a military governor. But is now building a most massive wall and gate against them.
Jordan's administration of the West Bank officially ended in 1988. Jordan welcomed Palestinians after the 1948 war and after the Six Day War. However fighting broke out in 1971 with Hezbolla and proto-Hamas since they thought they could actually take over the state and tried to kill the King. They were expelled for seeking to wreck the country from the inside.
Lebanon has Hezbolla now as part of their government, but Hezbolla and Hamas don't integrate at all well, and don't want Hamas to wreck the country.
Syria administered the Golan Heights until the end of 1967. They still want it back. But they don't want Palestinians to come in and wreck the country – (such as it is).
The UAE and Qatar and Iran massively fund Hamas who have been ruling over Gaza. Qatar only allows the Hamas leadership because they are high end hotel guests.
Saudi Arabia certainly funds Palestinian camps through the UN, but just won't have them in.
None of them take the actual humanitarian step of welcoming fellow Arabs as migrants inwards.
In 1991 Kuwait expelled nearly 200,000 Palestinians out of their land. The Palestinians sided with Saddam and were on side with wrecking the country.
In 1995 Libya expelled most of its Palestinian people – about 5,000 – because Ghadaffi believed the formation of the PLO meant they were no longer refugees. No sign of further "help" for them.
I wish there were no refugees anywhere in the world.
I wish countries around Israel were good international citizens that allowed international law to apply to them as much as they expect it applied to Israel.
Did you get upset when I called out your shit? As your response is just more bullshit – countries other than those at war are evil – so killing Palestinian civilians is OK? Anymore twists of logic you want to get involved in?
It seems you're parroting the whole – if your not with us, you are against us. George Bush and his far right horseshit.
Why should the first course of action be to find somewhere for the Palestinians to go, rather than try to prevent their expulsion by Israel and find a viable two or one-state solution? Seems extraordinary to me that one would just naturally start from that point.
NZ takes in a number of refugees from different countries. There are refugees from the Middle East and North Africa streaming into Europe. Likewise refugees from Latin America streaming into North America. Hundreds, if not thousands of refugees from Asia and the Middle East have fled to Australia.We are in the “west” are trying to help, many people on the left want to us to do more to take in as many refugees as possible. So I don’t see why the Arab countries won’t help.
[Please correct the typo in the email address in your next comment, thanks – Incognito]
The vast majority of whom are coming from countries where they are a persecuted minority (political, ethnic, religious – the reason doesn't much matter to the victims)
Should we all say, effectively, "stay in camps and rot – until the politics of your home country changes and you can go home"
I don't think that this is a very 'humanitarian' position.
Are you just as hot under the collar about the actual ethnic cleansing going on in Nagorno-Karabakh (involving Azerbaijan and Armenia)? Or does it only matter when Palestinians are involved?
But Bella the fact that the Israelis are unlawfully using violence against civilians makes them terrorists too.
You do not seem to be able to acknowledge that the war has been caused entirely by Israel because of the way it has illegally built a multitude of illegal settlements on ,the West Bank, stealing Palestinian land and killing many Palestinians in the process AND the Israelis have treated Gaza and it's 2 million plus Palestinians as an open jail where the people are not even permitted to swim in the sea.
I would be fighting in the streets if I was treated like that.
So is every government which engages in wars against terrorists/insurgents (wars which may have civilian impacts) – also a terrorist government?
That is not the usual definition. And doesn't seem to be the one proposed (by you or others) for any other state which has found itself in this situation (Russia, Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia – the list can go on).
Following your argument, that would make the Allies in WW2 (carpet bombing of Dresden and Tokyo amongst other instances) – terrorist states.
You do not seem to be able to acknowledge that the war has been caused entirely by Israel
Well, yes. That is because I do not believe that this war (or any of the other attacks on Israel) have been caused "entirely by Israel".
I think Israel has a part in the causes of the conflict. But so do Hamas (their founding document absolutely denies the right of Israel to exist – not to mention ongoing openly terrorist tactics on the civilian population); and so do the surrounding Arab states (refusing to re-settle those Palestinians who want to get out of a war zone).
Your simplistic acceptance of 'Palestine good' 'Israel bad' – doesn't reflect the real world. Nor is it helpful in finding a solution (if, indeed, one can be found).
Just an FYI – the population of Gaza is around 778K – not 2 million.
Bella-All quotes I have seen from many media sources have said Gaza has a population of 2 million plus. Corbyn said 2.2 million in his latest post.
I suggest you look up the definition of terrorism. Netanyahu is a terrorist.
You appear to be totally unaware of the history of Palestine, especially the Nakba.
(BTW there is definitely an argument that the allies should not have carpet bombed Dresden and other places in Germany. Similarly the Americans probably didn't need to destroy as many cities as they did in Japan and they certainly didn't need to drop the second atomic bomb)
I'm pretty well acquainted with the history of Israel and Palestine, also the Middle East, and the colonial history from the Romans onwards. Which is why I believe that there is no 'good' and 'evil' side here.
I suggest that you look up the definition of terrorist. Netanyahu is a political leader. You may dislike his policies, but as the leader of a legitimate state, you can't describe him as a terrorist. Any more than you can call Putin, Xi, or Kim terrorists. He is acting within the laws of Israel, and Israel is conducting a war against a foreign state (Gaza) which is the military base for Hamas – a terrorist organization which has made a terror raid into Israel, deliberately targeting civilians.
Hamas are not fluffy little kittens. There is a very good reason that they are designated as a terrorist organization, internationally. And very good reasons why Israel do not trust them to keep any agreement.
There is zero trust on either side. And mutually exclusive basic principles (Hamas doesn't believe Israel should exist, Israel believes that it should)
Perhaps you could also familiarize yourself with the virtually complete ethnic cleansing of Jews from every Arab state – going on before, during and after the Nakba. Or is does it only matter if Palestinians are affected?
The difference is that Israel took in and re-settled the Jewish refugees in Israel. Arab countries in the Middle East refused to do the same for the Palestinians.
Apologies for getting the pop wrong – I'd confused the city with the strip.
I'm pretty well acquainted with the history of Israel and Palestine, also the Middle East, and the colonial history from the Romans onwards. Which is why I believe that there is no 'good' and 'evil' side here.
Clearly that is complete bullshit because just a bit further down you said…
…and Israel is conducting a war against a foreign state (Gaza)…
Clearly you are too stupid or too lazy to be "…pretty well acquainted with the history of Israel and Palestine.." or its legal status.
Gaza is legally an occupied territory in a state of war. It has never been recognised as being sovereign state because of that occupation. In particular it has never been recognised as such by the state of Israel. That has been the legal basis of the air-land-sea siege of Gaza that Israel has maintained before and since the IDF left in 2005.
The difference is that Israel took in and re-settled the Jewish refugees in Israel. Arab countries in the Middle East refused to do the same for the Palestinians.
Or put another way, the Arab states refused to recognise that Israel's theft by force of Palestinian lands and properties. That was where Israeli settled Jewish refugees and the other carpetbaggers that came with them.
Your statements might have made sense if
You may dislike his policies, but as the leader of a legitimate state, you can't describe him as a terrorist.
I assume you are relying on the legal position of heads of sovereign states. But that is just means that you are a wanton and rather dumb hypocrite.
You cannot technically describe any Palestinian as a terrorist if they are resisting an force occupying or besieging their territory. They are partisans of the nascent state of Palestine that was to have been established in 1948 under the auspices of the UN, then occupied by Israel, Egypt, and Jordan.
Israel occupied parts of the Palestinian territories inside the armistice lines. Egypt and Jordan remained in occupation of Gaza and the West Bank respectively until they were occupied by Israel in 1967, and both have since renounced any claims that they might have had to those territories. Israel has not – they have simply withdrawn and maintain control on both territories.
Essentially both you and the Israelis are deliberately lying when they describe Palestinians fighting against a occupation or besieging force either within their own territory, or in the territories of their enemy state as terrorists. They are partisans or resistance. They are not terrorists.
That is the direct consequence of Israel never actually allowing the formation of an actual sovereign State of Palestine since 1948. There is no sovereign body with which to negotiate a peace treaty with. Nor have they made peace with any body that would allow them to formally annex the territory because that would have also made them formally responsible for their new citizens – more Palestinians.
Essentially Israel has been responsible for Palestinians behaviour and well being in Palestine under every international law in areas that they occupied since 1948 or 1967 depending on which occupation you're looking at. However Israel is fundamentally a state that hasn't been up to that basic requirement of any real state. Instead they just steal land, property and commit crimes against humanity – just as they are in Gaza right now.
It was noticeable that both Jordan and Egypt did a far better job of their occupations until 1967.
Israel simply haven't been up to the task of building relationships with them. Either that or they like the ambiguous position of Palestinians because it makes it easier for Israel to steal from them.
BTW: your idea of history appears to be to read really stupid propaganda and believe it. Now I have left some awesome holes in my narrative. But I’m betting that you are far too ignorant to see them or even to understand them. In the event you respond, I will happily point out the propaganda, that you are clearly incapable of researching and forming your own ideas – and my opinions about what causes your deficiencies…
So can you give an example of another government you would regard as a terrorist?
Plenty of governments do things we disagree with. I'm not too happy with Russia's actions in Ukraine, or China's against the Uighar's or pretty much any of the bloody, internecine conflicts in half the Middle East (Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, just to name a few). Would you regard those governments as terrorists? If not, what is the difference between them and Israel?
As an aging white male in provincial NZ, I'm in a very small minority amongst my peers when I rate Nania Mahuta highly.
Her interview on Q&A this morning has only raised my view of her intellect and ability. Fantastic review of her career. I wish her all the best, she leaves a gap I hope Labour doesn't struggle to fill.
I think you will be disappointed. The Labour talent chest is pretty bare. (As is National's).
A bit off topic but I wonder why, when our country and the world, have so many serious challenges impacting us, we seem to have so many small people leading us.
Politics is a rough business. MPs all go in thinking they will change the world, and find that the vast majority have little ability to change anything. Disillusionment (especially if you're an opposition back-bencher) sets in quickly.
It also chews up and spits out families. The number of marriage breakdowns must be higher than just about any other area of employment.
In addition, the media have a vested interest in finding out every tiny questionable detail about your past life, and writing it up for clicks. It seems that only the most anodyne, PR polished portfolios are suitable as candidates. And, these are rarely the best and brightest (most great leaders have made mistakes in their early life/career).
The cancel culture at its best/worst.
I do distinguish, here between past history, and current behaviour – bad behaviour in sitting MPs absolutely needs to be called out. Although I do think redemption should be possible. I sincerely regret the departure of Kiri Allen from politics – although, I bet she doesn't.
Even at the top party levels, people often decide that they can make more of a difference/have a better life – outside politics – cf Russel Norman & Jacinda Ardern. And, very few would ever go back (Sue Moroney was appalled by the idea when it was floated to her as a panellist on National Radio)
The interesting question is whether, if they were starting out today, they'd be selected as candidates by their party. I think, in many cases, the answer would be 'no'.
"(especially if you're an opposition back-bencher)"
I think that it would far worse to be a Government backbencher than it would be to be in the Opposition. At least in Opposition you may get the chance to ask real questions and if you can get a Minister ruffled you have some chance of promotion.
In Government a backbencher might, if they are very good, be given a question to ask so that a Minister can boast about how great they are. Anything else you do will be exactly what the whips order you to do.
The opposite will be the case if you are on the front bench. The Opposition frontbenchers can feel the pain of of not being someone with real power and perks.
I agree in the house, however select committees do provide the opportunity for government backbenchers to make a contribution to legislation with a good chance of being enacted.
TBH – I regard most of what goes on in Parliament as political theatre – rather than governance.
However, her actual achievements in government are …. less than spectacular.
She was an adequate Foreign Minister. Although, copped quite a bit of criticism for not travelling as much as the job requires. But no spectacular successes, even if there weren't dismal failures.
However, by any measure, she was a very poor Local Government Minister. Her big challenge was to get local government on board with the 3 waters changes. She failed.
Whether it was arrogance, or poor communications, or unwillingness to listen, or whatever combination of reasons; she not only failed to persuade local government, she left them feeling that they'd been lied to, and belittled by the infantile advertising campaign she authorized.
She also failed in her attempts to effectively communicate what co-governance means to the rest of NZ. How it would work in practice. And how everyone's rights to water (and potentially other resources) would be protected. Again, she failed badly.
I don't hold her solely responsible for this. Ardern needs to carry quite a bit of responsibility here, as well. Especially when everyone could see that it was going wrong. Ardern should have pulled the co-governance element, much earlier; or replaced Mahuta, much earlier; or put together a dream-team coms group to sell the concept (not sure if this would have been achievable at the beginning, but it certainly wasn't by the end)
In addition, she tried to pull a fast one in working with the GP to entrench the law – completely blind-siding her Labour caucus colleagues, who had been informed this was off the table. Ardern should have fired her as a minister for this.
She was an adequate Foreign Minister… However, by any measure, she was a very poor Local Government Minister.
…
Whether it was arrogance, or poor communications, or unwillingness to listen… she failed… she not only failed… she also failed… she failed badly.
IMHO the primary blame for the death of 3 Waters lies with MFE and Internal Affairs local government leads. It ain't that hard to design fulsome engagement processes that build towards bringing the entire public with you. To me it looks like MFE and DIA were half-hearted and just ramming the bill through was going to be enough.
I think you underestimate the extent to which provincial areas are essentially fiefdoms of local farming and business interests and Councils are the political wing of those interests. Anyone who proposes giving local Maori any meaningful influence over anything (not just water) that potentially threatens those interests is likely to call down a firestorm on the own head. The best way to rapidly progress 3 Waters would have been to remove co-governance before even starting. If this means more broadly that the progress made since the 1980's in recognising the Treaty and the Maori view of the world has reached it's terminus, or is about to be rolled back, we are in deep trouble.
I think you underestimate just how off-side she got with major urban councils as well.
I agree that co-governance was an unnecessary distraction if the aim was to get 3 waters embedded in law. However, I don't think that this is the case, for Labour/Greens – I think that co-governance was equally as important as water reform, in their minds.
But how exactly do, "MFE and Internal Affairs local government leads" combat outright racism in rural district councils and the farming community they represent?
If a minor itinerant preacher can do a nationwide tour to sell their anti-Treaty message, it wouldn't have killed MfE and DIA to do the same with a passel of Labour Ministers in tow.
Do a short movie, a monthly Youtube uplift, a social marketing campaign apropos MMP or anti-smoking, organise a few marches, a couple of rousing anthems. Jesus it's not hard.
There is no persuading those people. Racism in colonial, rural New Zealand is ingrained, and on top of that profit is at stake. Water use must be controlled by white farmers. Local councils have managed to ensure this continues.
You're missing the fact that a significant part of provincial opposition to 3 Waters was loss of local control to a centralised body. I support co-governance, but no way would I trust an urban organisation in Christchurch designed by Wellington to know what is needed in the rural SI, and I'm not alone in that.
My feeling is that most of the opposition to centralisation was that a central body would take into account the concerns of the whole rather than the most powerful. This is what centralisation means.
Rural councils are populated by, and represent farming interests. They don't have to answer to the disenfranchised, the low income, and the asset-less class because local body democracy simply does not work for these people.
Low turnout and highly funded farming industry campaigning is a sweet spot for profit at the expense of the environment and those who supply labour. The vehemence with which these groups and their proxies fought Three Waters showed how much they rely on control of water. The thought of having Maori at the table just wouldn't do.
The effect of co-governance on the 3waters governing bodies, meant that the area covered by each body had more to do with iwi groupings, than watersheds. FFS – one crossed over the Cook Strait.
This comment shows the campaign by the faming industry worked. They appealed to intolerance and fear, leaving supposed middle voters convinced 3 Waters was about Maori stealing things rather than improving water infrastructure and management.
I met Nanaia 10 years ago and was very impressed with her intelligence and grasp of politics. It did not surprise me when Jacinda gave her Foreign Affairs. The problem was, she was Maori and she made sure everyone knew she was there to represent Maori.
Racism is just below the surface of a large proportion of the population.
When I turned 18 I got a nice letter from a bank letting me know my trust investments was now accessible without the need for a trustee signature. Neither my parents nor myself knew anything about this.
Well off Aunty had trust accounts all in our kids names – enough for each of us to buy a house and have some left over. Unsurprisingly I still haven't seen a cent and I'm in my late 50's now.
Should be a register of beneficiaries of all trusts for this and other reasons.
Did no one think of having water hoses or sprinklers during the day for cooling (before the concert) places to shelter and access to water (water bottle refills)?
One wonders if the bi-partisan foreign policy position is going to hold throughout the interminable duration of the preparation for the 100 day government …
The White House says there is "no deal yet" to halt the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, after media reports emerged claiming a five-day ceasefire had been agreed.
White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson added the United States would "continue to work hard to get a deal," but that no agreement had been finalised on Sunday.
Her statement came following a report from The Washington Post, which claimed Israel and Hamas would suspend the conflict and release women and children hostages, sparked a wave of speculation that an official announcement may be imminent.
Speaking during a lengthy press conference, Netanyahu also dismissed “a lot of incorrect reports” about imminent agreements to free some or all of the roughly 240 people being held, adding that “as of now there is no deal.” He said that if a deal emerges the Israeli public will be updated.
Excerpt:
Hipkins said he was speaking as Labour leader not as the caretaker prime minister.
"I want to acknowledge that this is an unusual period for New Zealand. While we wait for a government to be formed, we will continue to uphold the caretaker convention and as prime minister I will work within what can be agreed with the incoming government.
"However I speak today as the Labour Leader. I, and the Labour Party, cannot stand by any longer in the face of the horrific scenes we are witnessing without calling for a ceasefire."
Good on you Chris Hipkins. Caught them on the hop. Too wrapped in their own coalition bubble to give a hoot about a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Now they cry foul "Hipkins is playing politics". Large black pots calling a wee kettle black.
Agree, finally but hands are tied. "Hipkins is caretaker Prime Minister while the new Government is being formed, but his latitude to act and speak in that role is limited because he must consult with members of the incoming Government.
On Friday, the caretaker Government had talked with National about calling for a ceasefire. National did not agree to that so Hipkins decided to go it alone and call for a ceasefire as Labour leader, rather than Prime Minister of the caretaker Government."
In 2019, the AB's lost to the team who lost the final.
In 2019, the Black Caps scored 241 for 8 and England tied the score to draw the game ..
In 2023, the Black Caps lose to India who are playing Oz in the final
India score 240 all out, so Oz have to match the England total of 2019 for there to be a winner this time round.
Sports a bit like elections, it's the end result that counts – except that errors made by officials do not change the final count (TMO was wrong to stop the awarding of a try etc but the result on the day stands).
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Data released today by Statistics NZ shows that unemployment rose to 5.1%, with 33,000 more people out of work than last year said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “The latest data shows that employment fell in Aotearoa at its fastest rate since the GFC. Unemployment rose in 8 ...
The December labour market statistics have been released, showing yet another increase in unemployment. There are now 156,000 unemployed - 34,000 more than when National took office. And having thrown all these people out of work, National is doubling down on cruelty. Because being vicious will somehow magically create the ...
Boarded up homes in Kilbirnie, where work on a planned development was halted. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāLong stories short, the top six things in our political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, February 5 are;Housing Minister Chris Bishop yesterday announcedKāinga Ora would be stripped of ...
This week Kiwirail and Auckland Transport were celebrating the completion of the summer rail works that had the network shut or for over a month and the start of electric trains to Pukekohe. First up, here’s parts of the press release about the shutdown works. Passengers boarding trains in Auckland ...
Through its austerity measures, the coalition government has engineered a rise in unemployment in order to reduce inflation while – simultaneously – cracking down harder and harder on the people thrown out of work by its own policies. To that end, Social Development Minister Louise Upston this week added two ...
This year, we've seen a radical, white supremacist government ignoring its Tiriti obligations, refusing to consult with Māori, and even trying to legislatively abrogate te Tiriti o Waitangi. When it was criticised by the Waitangi Tribunal, the government sabotaged that body, replacing its legal and historical experts with corporate shills, ...
Poor old democracy, it really is in a sorry state. It would be easy to put all the blame on the vandals and tyrants presently trashing the White House, but this has been years in the making. It begins with Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan and the spirit of Gordon ...
The new school lunches came in this week, and they were absolutely scrumptious.I had some, and even though Connor said his tasted like “stodge” and gave him a sore tummy, I myself loved it!Look at the photos - I knew Mr Seymour wouldn’t lie when he told us last year:"It ...
The tighter sanctions are modelled on ones used in Britain, which did push people off ‘the dole’, but didn’t increase the number of workers, and which evidence has repeatedly shown don’t work. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāLong stories short, the top six things in our political economy around housing, ...
Catching you up on the morning’s global news and a quick look at the parallels -GLOBALTariffs are backSharemarkets in the US, UK and Europe have “plunged” in response to Trump’s tariffs. And while Mexico has won a one month reprieve, Canada and China will see their respective 25% and 10% ...
This post by Nicolas Reid was originally published on Linked in. It is republished here with permission. Gondolas are often in the news, with manufacturers of ropeway systems proposing them as a modern option for mass transit systems in New Zealand. However, like every next big thing in transport, it’s hard ...
This is a re-post from The Climate BrinkBoth 2023 and 2024 were exceptionally warm years, at just below and above 1.5C relative to preindustrial in the WMO composite of surface temperature records, respectively. While we are still working to assess the full set of drivers of this warmth, it is clear that ...
Hi,I woke up feeling nervous this morning, realising that this weekend Flightless Bird is going to do it’s first ever live show. We’re heading to a sold out (!) show in Seattle to test the format out in front of an audience. If it works, we’ll do more. I want ...
From the United-For-Now States of America comes the thrilling news that a New Zealander may be at the very heart of the current coup. Punching above our weight on the world stage once more! Wait, you may be asking, what New Zealander? I speak of Peter Thiel, made street legal ...
Even Stevens: Over the 33 years between 1990 and 2023 (and allowing for the aberrant 2020 result) the average level of support enjoyed by the Left and Right blocs, at roughly 44.5 percent each, turns out to be, as near as dammit, identical.WORLDWIDE, THE PARTIES of the Left are presented ...
Back in 2023, a "prominent political figure" went on trial for historic sex offences. But we weren't allowed to know who they were or what political party they were "prominent" in, because it might affect the way we voted. At the time, I said that this was untenable; it was ...
I'm going, I'm goingWhere the water tastes like wineI'm going where the water tastes like wineWe can jump in the waterStay drunk all the timeI'm gonna leave this city, got to get awayI'm gonna leave this city, got to get awayAll this fussing and fighting, man, you know I sure ...
Waitangi Day is a time to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and stand together for a just and fair Aotearoa. Across the motu, communities are gathering to reflect, kōrero, and take action for a future built on equity and tino rangatiratanga. From dawn ceremonies to whānau-friendly events, there are ...
Subscribe to Mountain Tūī ! Where you too can learn about exciting things from a flying bird! Tweet.Yes - I absolutely suck at marketing. It’s a fact.But first -My question to all readers is:How should I set up the Substack model?It’s been something I’ve been meaning to ask since November ...
Here’s the key news, commentary, reports and debate around Aotearoa’s political economy on politics and in the week to Feb 3:PM Christopher Luxon began 2025’s first day of Parliament last Tuesday by carrying on where left off in 2024, letting National’s junior coalition partner set the political agenda and dragging ...
The PSA have released a survey of 4000 public service workers showing that budget cuts are taking a toll on the wellbeing of public servants and risking the delivery of essential services to New Zealanders. Economists predict that figures released this week will show continued increases in unemployment, potentially reaching ...
The Prime Minister’s speech 10 days or so ago kicked off a flurry of commentary. No one much anywhere near the mainstream (ie excluding Greens supporters) questioned the rhetoric. New Zealand has done woefully poorly on productivity for a long time and we really need better outcomes, and the sorts ...
President Trump on the day he announced tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China, unleashing a shock to supply chains globally that is expected to slow economic growth and increase inflation for most large economies. Photo: Getty ImagesLong stories short, the top six things in our political economy around housing, climate ...
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on UnsplashHere’s what we’re watching in the week to February 9 and beyond in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty:Monday, February 3Politics: New Zealand Government cabinet meeting usually held early afternoon with post-cabinet news conference possible at 4 pm, although they have not been ...
Trump being Trump, it won’t come as a shock to find that he regards a strong US currency (bolstered by high tariffs on everything made by foreigners) as a sign of America’s virility, and its ability to kick sand in the face of the world. Reality is a tad more ...
A listing of 24 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, January 26, 2025 thru Sat, February 1, 2025. This week's roundup is again published soleley by category. We are still interested in feedback to hone the categorization, so if ...
What seems to be the common theme in the US, NZ, Argentina and places like Italy under their respective rightwing governments is what I think of as “the politics of cruelty.” Hate-mongering, callous indifference in social policy-making, corporate toadying, political bullying, intimidation and punching down on the most vulnerable with ...
If you are confused, check with the sunCarry a compass to help you alongYour feet are going to be on the groundYour head is there to move you aroundSo, stand in the place where you liveSongwriters: Bill Berry / Michael Mills / Michael Stipe / Peter Buck.Hot in the CityYesterday, ...
Shane Jones announced today he would be contracting out his thinking to a smarter younger person.Reclining on his chaise longue with a mouth full of oysters and Kina he told reporters:Clearly I have become a has-been, a palimpsest, an epigone, a bloviating fossil. I find myself saying such things as: ...
Warning: This post contains references to sexual assaultOn Saturday, I spent far too long editing a video on Tim Jago, the ACT Party President and criminal, who has given up his fight for name suppression after 2 years. He voluntarily gave up just in time for what will be a ...
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 from the Gigafact team in collaboration with members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is global warming ...
Our low-investment, low-wage, migration-led and housing-market-driven political economy has delivered poorer productivity growth than the rest of the OECD, and our performance since Covid has been particularly poor. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāLong stories short, the top six things in our political economy around housing, climate and poverty this ...
..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.As far as major government announcements go, a Three Ministers Event is Big. It can signify a major policy development or something has gone Very Well, or an absolute Clusterf**k. When Three Ministers assemble ...
One of those blasts from the past. Peter Dunne – originally neoliberal Labour, then leader of various parties that sought to work with both big parties (generally National) – has taken to calling ...
Completed reads for January: I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson The Black Spider, by Jeremias Gotthelf The Spider and the Fly (poem), by Mary Howitt A Noiseless Patient Spider (poem), by Walt Whitman August Heat, by W.F. Harvey Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White The Shrinking Man, by Richard Matheson ...
Do its Property Right Provisions Make Sense?Last week I pointed out that it is uninformed to argue that the New Zealand’s apparently poor economic performance can be traced only to poor regulations. Even were there evidence they had some impact, there are other factors. Of course, we should seek to ...
Richard Wagstaff It was incredibly jarring to hear the hubris from the Prime Minister during his recent state of the nation address. I had just spent close to a week working though the stories and thoughts shared with us by nearly 2000 working people as part of our annual Mood ...
Odd fact about the Broadcasting Standards Authority: for the last few years, they’ve only been upholding about 5% of complaints. Why? I think there’s a range of reasons. Generally responsible broadcasters. Dumb complaints. Complaints brought under the wrong standard. Greater adherence to broadcasters’ rights to freedom of expression in the ...
And I said, "Mama, mama, mama, why am I so alone"'Cause I can't go outside, I'm scared I might not make it homeWell I'm alive, I'm alive, but I'm sinking inIf there's anyone at home at your place, darlingWhy don't you invite me in?Don't try to feed me'Cause I've been ...
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ star is on the rise, having just added the Energy, Local Government and Revenue portfolios to his responsibilities - but there is nothing ambitious about the Government’s new climate targets. Photo: SuppliedLong stories short, the top six things in our political economy around housing, climate ...
It may have been a short week but there’s been no shortage of things that caught our attention. Here is some of the most interesting. This week in Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt took a look at public transport ridership in 2024 On Thursday Connor asked some questions ...
The East Is Red: Journalists and commentators are referring to the sudden and disruptive arrival of DeepSeek as a second “Sputnik moment”. (Sputnik being the name given by the godless communists of the Soviet Union to the world’s first artificial satellite which, to the consternation and dismay of the Americans, ...
Hi,Back on inauguration day we launched a ridiculous RFK Jr. “brain worms” tee on the Webworm store, and I told you I’d be throwing my profits over to Mutual Aid LA and Rainbow Youth New Zealand. Just to show I am not full of shit, here are the receipts. I ...
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the week’s news with regular and special guests, including: on the week in geopolitics, including the latest from Donald Trump over Gaza and Ukraine.Health expert and author David Galler ...
In an uncompromising paper Treasury has basically told the Government that its plan for a third medical school at Waikato University is a waste of money. Furthermore, the country cannot afford it. That advice was released this week by the Treasury under the Official Information Act. And it comes as ...
Back in November, He Pou a Rangi provided the government with formal advice on the domestic contribution to our next Paris target. Not what the target should be, but what we could realistically achieve, by domestic action alone, without resorting to offshore mitigation. Their answer was startling: depending on exactly ...
Photo by Mauricio Fanfa on UnsplashKia oraCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with myself , plus regular guest David Patman and ...
I don't like to spend all my time complaining about our government, so let me complain about the media first.Senior journalistic Herald person Thomas Coughlan reported that Treasury replied yeah nah, wrong bro to Luxon's claim that our benighted little country has been in recession for three years.His excitement rose ...
Back in 2022, when the government was consulting internally about proactive release of cabinet papers, the SIS opposed it. The basis of their opposition was the "mosaic effect" - people being able to piece together individual pieces of innocuous public information in a way which supposedly harms "national security" (effectively: ...
With The Stroke Of A Pen:Populism, especially right-wing populism, invests all the power of an electoral/parliamentary majority in a single political leader because it no longer trusts the bona fides of the sprawling political class among whom power is traditionally dispersed. Populism eschews traditional politics, because, among populists, traditional politics ...
I’ve spent the last week writing a fairly substantial review of a recent book (“Australia’s Pandemic Exceptionalism: How we crushed the curve but lost the race”) by a couple of Australian academic economists on Australia’s pandemic policies and experiences. For all its limitations, there isn’t anything similar in New Zealand. ...
Mr Mojo Rising: Economic growth is possible, Christopher Luxon reassures us, but only under a government that is willing to get out of the way and let those with drive and ambition get on with it.ABOUT TWELVE KILOMETRES from the farm on the North Otago coast where I grew up stands ...
You're nearly a good laughAlmost a jokerWith your head down in the pig binSaying, 'Keep on digging.'Pig stain on your fat chinWhat do you hope to findDown in the pig mine?You're nearly a laughYou're nearly a laughBut you're really a crySongwriter: Roger Waters.NZ First - Kiwi Battlers.Say what you like ...
This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Climate denial is dead. Renewable energy denial is here. As “alternative facts” become the norm, it’s worth looking at what actual facts tell us about how renewable energy sources like solar and wind are lowering the price of electricity. As ...
Our originating document, theTreaty of Waitangi, was signed on February 6, 1840. An agreement between Māori and the British Crown. Initially inked by Ngā Puhi in Waitangi, further signatures were added as it travelled south. The intention was to establish a colony with the cession of sovereignty to the Crown, ...
Te Whatu Ora Chief Executive Margie Apa leaving her job four months early is another symptom of this government’s failure to deliver healthcare for New Zealanders. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Prime Minister to show leadership and be unequivocal about Aotearoa New Zealand’s opposition to a proposal by the US President to remove Palestinians from Gaza. ...
The latest unemployment figures reveal that job losses are hitting Māori and Pacific people especially hard, with Māori unemployment reaching a staggering 9.7% for the December 2024 quarter and Pasifika unemployment reaching 10.5%. ...
Waitangi 2025: Waitangi Day must be community and not politically driven - Shane Jones Our originating document, theTreaty of Waitangi, was signed on February 6, 1840. An agreement between Māori and the British Crown. Initially inked by Ngā Puhi in Waitangi, further signatures were added as it travelled south. ...
Despite being confronted every day with people in genuine need being stopped from accessing emergency housing – National still won’t commit to building more public houses. ...
The Green Party says the Government is giving up on growing the country’s public housing stock, despite overwhelming evidence that we need more affordable houses to solve the housing crisis. ...
Before any thoughts of the New Year and what lies ahead could even be contemplated, New Zealand reeled with the tragedy of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming losing her life. For over 38 years she had faithfully served as a front-line Police officer. Working alongside her was Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson will return to politics at Waitangi on Monday the 3rd of February where she will hold a stand up with fellow co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. ...
Te Pāti Māori is appalled by the government's blatant mishandling of the school lunch programme. David Seymour’s ‘cost-saving’ measures have left tamariki across Aotearoa with unidentifiable meals, causing distress and outrage among parents and communities alike. “What’s the difference between providing inedible food, and providing no food at all?” Said ...
The Government is doubling down on outdated and volatile fossil fuels, showing how shortsighted and destructive their policies are for working New Zealanders. ...
Green Party MP Steve Abel this morning joined Coromandel locals in Waihi to condemn new mining plans announced by Shane Jones in the pit of the town’s Australian-owned Gold mine. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to strengthen its just-announced 2030-2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and address its woeful lack of commitment to climate security. ...
Today marks a historic moment for Taranaki iwi with the passing of the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill in Parliament. "Today, we stand together as descendants of Taranaki, and our tūpuna, Taranaki Maunga, is now formally acknowledged by the law as a living tūpuna. ...
Labour is relieved to see Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has woken up to reality and reversed her government’s terrible decisions to cut funding from frontline service providers – temporarily. ...
It is the first week of David Seymour’s school lunch programme and already social media reports are circulating of revolting meals, late deliveries, and mislabelled packaging. ...
The Green Party says that with no-cause evictions returning from today, the move to allow landlords to end tenancies without reason plunges renters, and particularly families who rent, into insecurity and stress. ...
The Government’s move to increase speed limits substantially on dozens of stretches of rural and often undivided highways will result in more serious harm. ...
In her first announcement as Economic Growth Minister, Nicola Willis chose to loosen restrictions for digital nomads from other countries, rather than focus on everyday Kiwis. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to stand firm and work with allies to progress climate action as Donald Trump signals his intent to pull out of the Paris Climate Accords once again. ...
The Government’s commitment to get New Zealand’s roads back on track is delivering strong results, with around 98 per cent of potholes on state highways repaired within 24 hours of identification every month since targets were introduced, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is ...
The former Cadbury factory will be the site of the Inpatient Building for the new Dunedin Hospital and Health Minister Simeon Brown says actions have been taken to get the cost overruns under control. “Today I am giving the people of Dunedin certainty that we will build the new Dunedin ...
From today, Plunket in Whāngarei will be offering childhood immunisations – the first of up to 27 sites nationwide, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. The investment of $1 million into the pilot, announced in October 2024, was made possible due to the Government’s record $16.68 billion investment in health. It ...
New Zealand’s strong commitment to the rights of disabled people has continued with the response to an important United Nations report, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has announced. Of the 63 concluding observations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 47 will be progressed ...
Resources Minister Shane Jones has launched New Zealand’s national Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals List, documents that lay a strategic and enduring path for the mineral sector, with the aim of doubling exports to $3 billion by 2035. Mr Jones released the documents, which present the Coalition Government’s transformative vision ...
Firstly I want to thank OceanaGold for hosting our event today. Your operation at Waihi is impressive. I want to acknowledge local MP Scott Simpson, local government dignitaries, community stakeholders and all of you who have gathered here today. It’s a privilege to welcome you to the launch of the ...
Racing Minister, Winston Peters has announced the Government is preparing public consultation on GST policy proposals which would make the New Zealand racing industry more competitive. “The racing industry makes an important economic contribution. New Zealand thoroughbreds are in demand overseas as racehorses and for breeding. The domestic thoroughbred industry ...
Business confidence remains very high and shows the economy is on track to improve, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. “The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey, released yesterday, shows business confidence and expected own activity are ‘still both very high’.” The survey reports business confidence fell eight points to +54 ...
Enabling works have begun this week on an expanded radiology unit at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital which will double CT scanning capacity in Hawke’s Bay to ensure more locals can benefit from access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. This investment of $29.3m in the ...
The Government has today announced New Zealand’s second international climate target under the Paris Agreement, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55 per cent compared to 2005 levels, by 2035. “We have worked hard to set a target that is both ambitious ...
Nine years of negotiations between the Crown and iwi of Taranaki have concluded following Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its third reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the historical grievances endured by the eight iwi ...
As schools start back for 2025, there will be a relentless focus on teaching the basics brilliantly so all Kiwi kids grow up with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to grow the New Zealand of the future, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “A world-leading education system is a key ...
Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson have welcomed Kāinga Ora’s decision to re-open its tender for carpets to allow wool carpet suppliers to bid. “In 2024 Kāinga Ora issued requests for tender (RFTs) seeking bids from suppliers to carpet their properties,” Mr Bishop says. “As part ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today visited Otahuhu College where the new school lunch programme has served up healthy lunches to students in the first days of the school year. “As schools open in 2025, the programme will deliver nutritious meals to around 242,000 students, every school day. On ...
Minister for Children Karen Chhour has intervened in Oranga Tamariki’s review of social service provider contracts to ensure Barnardos can continue to deliver its 0800 What’s Up hotline. “When I found out about the potential impact to this service, I asked Oranga Tamariki for an explanation. Based on the information ...
A bill to make revenue collection on imported and exported goods fairer and more effective had its first reading in Parliament, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today. “The Customs (Levies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill modernises the way in which Customs can recover the costs of services that are needed ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Department of Internal Affairs [the Department] has achieved significant progress in completing applications for New Zealand citizenship. “December 2024 saw the Department complete 5,661 citizenship applications, the most for any month in 2024. This is a 54 per cent increase compared ...
Reversals to Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions begin tonight and will be in place by 1 July, says Minister of Transport Chris Bishop. “The previous government was obsessed with slowing New Zealanders down by imposing illogical and untargeted speed limit reductions on state highways and local roads. “National campaigned on ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced Budget 2025 – the Growth Budget - will be delivered on Thursday 22 May. “This year’s Budget will drive forward the Government’s plan to grow our economy to improve the incomes of New Zealanders now and in the years ahead. “Budget 2025 will build ...
For the Government, 2025 will bring a relentless focus on unleashing the growth we need to lift incomes, strengthen local businesses and create opportunity. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today laid out the Government’s growth agenda in his Statement to Parliament. “Just over a year ago this Government was elected by ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes students back to school with a call to raise attendance from last year. “The Government encourages all students to attend school every day because there is a clear connection between being present at school and setting yourself up for a bright future,” says Mr ...
The Government is relaxing visitor visa requirements to allow tourists to work remotely while visiting New Zealand, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say. “The change is part of the Government’s plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential by shifting the country onto ...
The opening of Kāinga Ora’s development of 134 homes in Epuni, Lower Hutt will provide much-needed social housing for Hutt families, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I’ve been a strong advocate for social housing on Kāinga Ora’s Epuni site ever since the old earthquake-prone housing was demolished in 2015. I ...
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Australia today for meetings with Australian Trade Minister, Senator Don Farrell, and the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF). Mr McClay recently hosted Minister Farrell in Rotorua for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ meeting, where ANZLF presented on ...
A new monthly podiatry clinic has been launched today in Wairoa and will bring a much-needed service closer to home for the Wairoa community, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“Health New Zealand has been successful in securing a podiatrist until the end of June this year to meet the needs of ...
The Judicial Conduct Commissioner has recommended a Judicial Conduct Panel be established to inquire into and report on the alleged conduct of acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken in an incident last November, Attorney-General Judith Collins said today. “I referred the matter of Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct during an incident ...
Students who need extra help with maths are set to benefit from a targeted acceleration programme that will give them more confidence in the classroom, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Last year, significant numbers of students did not meet the foundational literacy and numeracy level required to gain NCEA. To ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced three new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ...
Ki te kahore he whakakitenga, ka ngaro te Iwi – without a vision, the people will perish. The Government has achieved its target to reduce the number of households in emergency housing motels by 75 per cent five years early, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The number of households ...
The opening of Palmerston North’s biggest social housing development will have a significant impact for whānau in need of safe, warm, dry housing, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The minister visited the development today at North Street where a total of 50 two, three, and four-bedroom homes plus a ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the new membership of the Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC), who will serve for a three-year term. “The Committee brings together wide-ranging expertise relevant to disarmament. We have made six new appointments to the Committee and reappointed two existing members ...
Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora, good morning, talofa, malo e lelei, bula vinaka, da jia hao, namaste, sat sri akal, assalamu alaikum. It’s so great to be here and I’m ready and pumped for 2025. Can I start by acknowledging: Simon Bridges – CEO of the Auckland ...
The Government has unveiled a bold new initiative to position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) that will create higher paying jobs and grow the economy. “Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, to increase capital investment ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced the largest reset of the New Zealand science system in more than 30 years with reforms which will boost the economy and benefit the sector. “The reforms will maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into ...
Turbocharging New Zealand’s economic growth is the key to brighter days ahead for all Kiwis, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. In the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation Speech in Auckland today, Christopher Luxon laid out the path to the prosperity that will affect all aspects of New Zealanders’ lives. ...
The latest set of accounts show the Government has successfully checked the runaway growth of public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “In the previous government’s final five months in office, public spending was almost 10 per cent higher than for the same period the previous year. “That is completely ...
The Government’s welfare reforms are delivering results with the number of people moving off benefits into work increasing year-on-year for six straight months. “There are positive signs that our welfare reset and the return consequences for job seekers who don't fulfil their obligations to prepare for or find a job ...
Jon Kroll and Aimee McCammon have been appointed to the New Zealand Film Commission Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint these two new board members who will bring a wealth of industry, governance, and commercial experience to the Film Commission. “Jon Kroll has been an ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hailed a drop in the domestic component of inflation, saying it increases the prospect of mortgage rate reductions and a lower cost of living for Kiwi households. Stats NZ reported today that inflation was 2.2 per cent in the year to December, the second consecutive ...
Two new appointed members and one reappointed member of the Employment Relations Authority have been announced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today. “I’m pleased to announce the new appointed members Helen van Druten and Matthew Piper to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) and welcome them to ...
The new minister of transport has opened the door for public consultation on at least some of the speed limit changes the government said would be automatic. ...
Officially, they’re called ‘memecoins,’ but Kōura Wealth founder Rupert Carlyon says the crypto world has another name for them: ‘shitcoins’.In digital finance, that phrase is used for tokens that have no true value – in essence, a money-grab.A few days before his inauguration, US President Donald Trump launched his own ...
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. Guy Williams has made a whole show off the joke that he is a “volunteer” journalist. So getting publicly owned by David Seymour while trying to act as a journalist is a good and timely reminder not to underestimate the nuance and ...
Many of Sāmoa’s beloved dishes are the result of cultural collaboration, writes Madeleine Chapman. All photos by Jin FelletIf you ever find yourself at a barbecue in a Sāmoan home, there’s 99% chance that sapasui (chop suey) will be on the table. For the past century, sapasui has ...
The funnyman takes us through his life in television, including Jono and Ben mayhem, live Telethon flubs, and funnelling all those experiences into his new comedy Vince. There’s an inciting incident in Three’s new comedy Vince where morning television presenter Vince Walters (Jono Pryor) is visiting sick kids in hospital ...
People often claim they just want Waitangi Day to be a celebration. At Waitangi, away from the headlined political acrimony and the marae ātea, celebrating is what most people are doing. The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous ...
Is there anything more fashionable than a Māori get together? One of the best things about Northland is that nobody cares what they look like — probably because they’re all naturally more stylish than the rest of us, famously. Māori from the Far North, especially. In 27 degree heat, wearing ...
Books of Mana: 180 Māori-Authored Books of Significance, edited by Jacinta Ruru, Angela Wanhalla and Jeanette Wikaira has just been released by Otago University Press. In this essay, Books are Taonga, Jeanette Wikaira explores her personal relationship to books and their value.For me, books are taonga. The knowledge ...
I’ve been in love with him since last July, but it’s only now in this tepid hotel room that I find myself wondering why. The first thing he does when we arrive is smoke a cone in the bathroom – he emerges, hacking up a lung, fists thrust into his ...
MONDAY“Name,” barked a representative of the lower orders.I regarded him with a look of stern disapproval, and told him from up high, “May I remind you that I have name suppression. I shall also thank you to ask with more respect as befits a former president of the Act Party, ...
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Following on from that Sunday Column, cited here on theStandard, by David Slack on the popcorn spectacle provided by the Three Willies (or is that two Willies and a Won't He?), I received last week an email from the National Party suggesting I make a donation.
It began, "Voting is open in our critical Port Waikato by-election.
National and Christopher Luxon need this seat to strengthen our National-led government.
But (my name deleted), after we successfully defeated Labour in the general election our war chest is running low."
All that money spent and the three Willies still haven't released their album, "Closing the Deal".
Songs touted for this album include "The Party is Over", "Always on my Mind", "On the Road Again" and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", written by that other Willie, Willie Nelson.
Brilliant Mac1. "On the Road Again" being our favourite.

You see whanao I never used hard drugs now the state is forcing me to take their drugs WTF
The state is bent as
These pieces of hippy you Tai are forcesing there mental drugs down my neck they don't have a judge ordered to make me take their poisons .
That's what the act say have to have a judge ordered if one refuses there drugs
Whano it true the drug companies are giving doctors q kick back to push their crap pills.
When you go to a doctor they for high blood pressure say take a pill instead of saying no caffeine sugar ect
And when you are stressed they say take a pill instead of saying get more sun and eat food with higher vitamin e and rest .they now say stop smoking because now everyone knows it bad but back in the day they never said stop smoking probley getting kick backs from big tobacco to
Ka kite ano
Whano
O I forgot the NZ human rights only apply to Neanderthals and wealth people .
Us broke ass people have NO human rights because Neanderthals
Recon we are savages I can see it in their eyes looking down on us brown savages
Ka kite ano
https://youtu.be/GIEU6zie42k?si=qwIQ2MgJ9dXUz1uL
These checky asholes are trying to force me to take their poise pill now fuck
I'm over this shit if these asholes keep this shit up.
I bet no white man in nz gets treated like they are treating me.
This SYSTEM is fucked. no person is going to be happy and complying when you know that there pills are going to fuck my brain
Whanau
These people think it funny forcing me to take their poisoning pills
This SYSTEM IS designed to fuck tangata whenua.
I have seen a lot of positive effects because of ECO MAORI for maoridom.
And not 1 of you are helping me out what the fuck all the positive effects will be losted if I'm not around tangata.
Ka kite Ano
These people are not going obey the laws they are just craping on my human rights my right as tangata whenua.
Yes whanau the system is just shitting on me.
Legally they were to have a rehabilitation plan from the first few days I've been in here.
I had to demand a rehabilitation plan and quote the law to get a plan.
The person in charge is emotionally void the way they ran my rehabilitation plan was a sham as usual they were just antagonising me so they can keep me in their hinaki.
Ka kite Ano whanau
https://youtu.be/fKopy74weus?si=Ppdls6-VFoEYsDnw
You think you words can effect me muppets you know what you can go and do.
This is open mic take that hand out of your ass
And too much dope makes you paranoid mate.
How many Pakeha do you know that get "treatment" without consent?
The MHA of 1992 was supposedly amended in 2021 to end that.
Still no advocates for “patients” – not funded, no one hired?
(unable to edit)
How many Pakeha do you know that get “treatment” without consent?
The MHA of 1992 was supposedly (to be) amended in 2021 to end that.
Still no advocates for “patients” – not funded, no one hired?
https://www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/release-ministerial-decision-making-documents/cabinet-material-policy-decisions-transforming-mental-health-law
Its gibberish to me thats for sure
Powerful stuff.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/18/arab-forces-gaza-jordan-foreign-minister-criticism-israel-us
Thanks for that Mutton…I particularly like and support this said by Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister:
"The credibility of international law had fallen victim to its selective application. “If any other country in the world did a fragment of what Israel did, it would have sanctions imposed on it from every corner of the world.”
He said even those who accepted Israel was acting in self-defence “keep telling Israel to act within international law. It is not, so where do we go from here? Keep telling them to do it? They keep refusing to do it. People are being killed day in and day out.”
“International law has to apply to all. The message seems to be that Israel can do whatever it wants."
Because Jordan is an active and willing participant in UN sanctions…. not….
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-un-idUSKBN1XL2E6/
"International law has to apply to all" – the /sarc/ tag should have been applied!
The argument appears to be that international sanctions should apply to Israel, but the Arab allies can continue supplying Hamas with weapons (note, Hamas as a terrorist organization, already has international sanctions applied, which Jordan, among other ME countries, has happily ignored).
I don't recall Jordan describing "Denial of food, medicine and fuel" to Kurds in Iraq; or to civilians impacted by the civil wars in Yemen, Syria or Ethiopia – as "war crimes". How do these situations differ from what is going on in Gaza?
Indeed, Jordan rejected the UN claim that Saudi air-strikes in Yemen were war crimes.
https://www.newarab.com/news/jordan-rejects-damning-un-human-rights-report-yemen
Or, indeed, the actual ethnic cleansing going on in Nagorno Karabakh – between Armenia and Azerbaijan, right now. Anyone expecting a 'right of return' should not hold their breath….
https://reliefweb.int/report/azerbaijan/guarantee-right-return-nagorno-karabakh
How about another couple of quotes:
So, the real reason that they won't take Palestinian refugees is that they see them as a threat.
And, adding the final sentence to the original quote:
So, reinforcing that the 'idea' of Israel being destroyed – is the founding basis of Hamas – and explaining why there can be no peace between Hamas and Israel.
And, not even being willing to participate in post-war reconstruction
So, if peace breaks out (though some miracle), tomorrow – no Arab country will participate in the reconstruction.
Who does he think should clean up the mess afterwards? Clearly not Israel (completely unacceptable to the Palestinian Arabs – not to mention the ME countries). Hamas is clearly unacceptable to Israel (because, yanno, terrorist organization which continually fires missles at Israel), as well as not having the capacity to govern in normal times, let alone carry out major reconstruction. Who does that leave? Clearly not the 'concerned neighbours'….
The really interesting difference between this Hamas war, and the 1948-9 All-Arab attack, the 1967 Six Day War, and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, is that in this war Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are not joining forces to actually attack Israel with everything they have in order to wipe the entire state of Israel out.
They are akin to pro-Palestinian protesters: doing fuck all about it other than emoting another round of their feelings.
None of those Arab countries will take in Palestinian refugees.
So their leaders just keep making speeches and have discussions about 'the law'.
The net result of no-one wanting to stabilise Gaza out of terrorist hands, is that Israel will have to do it. At which point all those Arab countries are of course "appalled" and smiling all the way to the next armed conflict, which suits their funder client states in Iran and UAE and Dubai just fine.
I agree. In addition, many of the Arab countries have been coming to a live-and-let-live relationship with Israel over the last few years. There is speculation that the timing of the Hamas attack was planned to disrupt the signing of an agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
And, given that all of those wars ended in spectacular failure for the Arab countries, and that their armies haven't got noticeably better over the last 50 years, discretion is almost certainly the better part of valour.
"None of those Arab countries will take in Palestinian refugees."
I'm not here to defend any Arab country – but why should they offer to do this? Particularly because if this offer is on the table, it constitutes only an incentive to Israel to keep killing Palestinians and destroying the infrastructure of Gaza until they all flee. And it seems pretty plain that this is the Israeli (or at least Likud) end game – expulsion out of Gaza and elimination of those who stay behind. The perfidiousness of the Arab states does not change the nature of what may become one of the worst humanitarian crimes in a long time.
Oopsy, you let the mask slip a little there. So force Palestinian civilians to stay in harms way, i.e. use them as a human shield.
I can see how the hamas worldview might appeal to you.
Wow, your own straw man, or did you get some help from the IDF?
Why should people be forced to leave their homeland?
Why should people be forced to become refugees?
Oh your world view is Palestinians are less than human and have no rights, because they have terrorists in their midst?
"I can see how the hamas worldview might appeal to you."
Oh dear. It doesn't take long for total silliness to appear. From what I know of the "hamas worldview", I find it and their actions on October 7 totally repellent.
Apologies. I shouldn't assume.
Egypt managed Gaza until the end of 1967 through a military governor. But is now building a most massive wall and gate against them.
Jordan's administration of the West Bank officially ended in 1988. Jordan welcomed Palestinians after the 1948 war and after the Six Day War. However fighting broke out in 1971 with Hezbolla and proto-Hamas since they thought they could actually take over the state and tried to kill the King. They were expelled for seeking to wreck the country from the inside.
Lebanon has Hezbolla now as part of their government, but Hezbolla and Hamas don't integrate at all well, and don't want Hamas to wreck the country.
Syria administered the Golan Heights until the end of 1967. They still want it back. But they don't want Palestinians to come in and wreck the country – (such as it is).
The UAE and Qatar and Iran massively fund Hamas who have been ruling over Gaza. Qatar only allows the Hamas leadership because they are high end hotel guests.
Saudi Arabia certainly funds Palestinian camps through the UN, but just won't have them in.
None of them take the actual humanitarian step of welcoming fellow Arabs as migrants inwards.
In 1991 Kuwait expelled nearly 200,000 Palestinians out of their land. The Palestinians sided with Saddam and were on side with wrecking the country.
In 1995 Libya expelled most of its Palestinian people – about 5,000 – because Ghadaffi believed the formation of the PLO meant they were no longer refugees. No sign of further "help" for them.
So odd that you think forcing people to become refugees is OK.
A whole lot of shitty arguments you put forward to then say no one wants them, is just more of the fucked up dehumanising of Palestinians.
So well done, as you strip people of the humanity, killing their children is so much simpler.
I wish there were no refugees anywhere in the world.
I wish countries around Israel were good international citizens that allowed international law to apply to them as much as they expect it applied to Israel.
I wish sparkleponyrainbows.
There you go pet.
Did you get upset when I called out your shit? As your response is just more bullshit – countries other than those at war are evil – so killing Palestinian civilians is OK? Anymore twists of logic you want to get involved in?
It seems you're parroting the whole – if your not with us, you are against us. George Bush and his far right horseshit.
1971 was PLO vs Jordan – they got kicked out into Lebanon (and became a target of Israel in 1978 and again 1982).
Libya was responding to the founding of the PA in 1994 after the 1993 Oslo Accords (allowing the PLO/Fatah back into the West Bank).
Why should the first course of action be to find somewhere for the Palestinians to go, rather than try to prevent their expulsion by Israel and find a viable two or one-state solution? Seems extraordinary to me that one would just naturally start from that point.
NZ takes in a number of refugees from different countries. There are refugees from the Middle East and North Africa streaming into Europe. Likewise refugees from Latin America streaming into North America. Hundreds, if not thousands of refugees from Asia and the Middle East have fled to Australia.We are in the “west” are trying to help, many people on the left want to us to do more to take in as many refugees as possible. So I don’t see why the Arab countries won’t help.
[Please correct the typo in the email address in your next comment, thanks – Incognito]
Mod note
Well, why should any country take refugees?
The vast majority of whom are coming from countries where they are a persecuted minority (political, ethnic, religious – the reason doesn't much matter to the victims)
Should we all say, effectively, "stay in camps and rot – until the politics of your home country changes and you can go home"
I don't think that this is a very 'humanitarian' position.
Are you just as hot under the collar about the actual ethnic cleansing going on in Nagorno-Karabakh (involving Azerbaijan and Armenia)? Or does it only matter when Palestinians are involved?
Love this. Israeli supremacists hate it when the whole of Arab nations take up arms, but then complain when they don't, and use diplomacy instead.
You can't have it both ways.
But Bella the fact that the Israelis are unlawfully using violence against civilians makes them terrorists too.
You do not seem to be able to acknowledge that the war has been caused entirely by Israel because of the way it has illegally built a multitude of illegal settlements on ,the West Bank, stealing Palestinian land and killing many Palestinians in the process AND the Israelis have treated Gaza and it's 2 million plus Palestinians as an open jail where the people are not even permitted to swim in the sea.
I would be fighting in the streets if I was treated like that.
So is every government which engages in wars against terrorists/insurgents (wars which may have civilian impacts) – also a terrorist government?
That is not the usual definition. And doesn't seem to be the one proposed (by you or others) for any other state which has found itself in this situation (Russia, Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia – the list can go on).
Following your argument, that would make the Allies in WW2 (carpet bombing of Dresden and Tokyo amongst other instances) – terrorist states.
Well, yes. That is because I do not believe that this war (or any of the other attacks on Israel) have been caused "entirely by Israel".
I think Israel has a part in the causes of the conflict. But so do Hamas (their founding document absolutely denies the right of Israel to exist – not to mention ongoing openly terrorist tactics on the civilian population); and so do the surrounding Arab states (refusing to re-settle those Palestinians who want to get out of a war zone).
Your simplistic acceptance of 'Palestine good' 'Israel bad' – doesn't reflect the real world. Nor is it helpful in finding a solution (if, indeed, one can be found).
Just an FYI – the population of Gaza is around 778K – not 2 million.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/gaza-population
Bella-All quotes I have seen from many media sources have said Gaza has a population of 2 million plus. Corbyn said 2.2 million in his latest post.
I suggest you look up the definition of terrorism. Netanyahu is a terrorist.
You appear to be totally unaware of the history of Palestine, especially the Nakba.
(BTW there is definitely an argument that the allies should not have carpet bombed Dresden and other places in Germany. Similarly the Americans probably didn't need to destroy as many cities as they did in Japan and they certainly didn't need to drop the second atomic bomb)
I'm pretty well acquainted with the history of Israel and Palestine, also the Middle East, and the colonial history from the Romans onwards. Which is why I believe that there is no 'good' and 'evil' side here.
I suggest that you look up the definition of terrorist. Netanyahu is a political leader. You may dislike his policies, but as the leader of a legitimate state, you can't describe him as a terrorist. Any more than you can call Putin, Xi, or Kim terrorists. He is acting within the laws of Israel, and Israel is conducting a war against a foreign state (Gaza) which is the military base for Hamas – a terrorist organization which has made a terror raid into Israel, deliberately targeting civilians.
Hamas are not fluffy little kittens. There is a very good reason that they are designated as a terrorist organization, internationally. And very good reasons why Israel do not trust them to keep any agreement.
There is zero trust on either side. And mutually exclusive basic principles (Hamas doesn't believe Israel should exist, Israel believes that it should)
Perhaps you could also familiarize yourself with the virtually complete ethnic cleansing of Jews from every Arab state – going on before, during and after the Nakba. Or is does it only matter if Palestinians are affected?
The difference is that Israel took in and re-settled the Jewish refugees in Israel. Arab countries in the Middle East refused to do the same for the Palestinians.
Apologies for getting the pop wrong – I'd confused the city with the strip.
Clearly that is complete bullshit because just a bit further down you said…
Clearly you are too stupid or too lazy to be "…pretty well acquainted with the history of Israel and Palestine.." or its legal status.
Gaza is legally an occupied territory in a state of war. It has never been recognised as being sovereign state because of that occupation. In particular it has never been recognised as such by the state of Israel. That has been the legal basis of the air-land-sea siege of Gaza that Israel has maintained before and since the IDF left in 2005.
Or put another way, the Arab states refused to recognise that Israel's theft by force of Palestinian lands and properties. That was where Israeli settled Jewish refugees and the other carpetbaggers that came with them.
Your statements might have made sense if
I assume you are relying on the legal position of heads of sovereign states. But that is just means that you are a wanton and rather dumb hypocrite.
You cannot technically describe any Palestinian as a terrorist if they are resisting an force occupying or besieging their territory. They are partisans of the nascent state of Palestine that was to have been established in 1948 under the auspices of the UN, then occupied by Israel, Egypt, and Jordan.
Israel occupied parts of the Palestinian territories inside the armistice lines. Egypt and Jordan remained in occupation of Gaza and the West Bank respectively until they were occupied by Israel in 1967, and both have since renounced any claims that they might have had to those territories. Israel has not – they have simply withdrawn and maintain control on both territories.
Essentially both you and the Israelis are deliberately lying when they describe Palestinians fighting against a occupation or besieging force either within their own territory, or in the territories of their enemy state as terrorists. They are partisans or resistance. They are not terrorists.
That is the direct consequence of Israel never actually allowing the formation of an actual sovereign State of Palestine since 1948. There is no sovereign body with which to negotiate a peace treaty with. Nor have they made peace with any body that would allow them to formally annex the territory because that would have also made them formally responsible for their new citizens – more Palestinians.
Essentially Israel has been responsible for Palestinians behaviour and well being in Palestine under every international law in areas that they occupied since 1948 or 1967 depending on which occupation you're looking at. However Israel is fundamentally a state that hasn't been up to that basic requirement of any real state. Instead they just steal land, property and commit crimes against humanity – just as they are in Gaza right now.
It was noticeable that both Jordan and Egypt did a far better job of their occupations until 1967.
Israel simply haven't been up to the task of building relationships with them. Either that or they like the ambiguous position of Palestinians because it makes it easier for Israel to steal from them.
BTW: your idea of history appears to be to read really stupid propaganda and believe it. Now I have left some awesome holes in my narrative. But I’m betting that you are far too ignorant to see them or even to understand them. In the event you respond, I will happily point out the propaganda, that you are clearly incapable of researching and forming your own ideas – and my opinions about what causes your deficiencies…
Gaza City (historic place) is only part of the Gaza Strip.
"So is every government which engages in wars against terrorists/insurgents (wars which may have civilian impacts) – also a terrorist government? "
Not necessarily, but going on their actions stretching back for decades in the case of Israel, yes.
So can you give an example of another government you would regard as a terrorist?
Plenty of governments do things we disagree with. I'm not too happy with Russia's actions in Ukraine, or China's against the Uighar's or pretty much any of the bloody, internecine conflicts in half the Middle East (Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, just to name a few). Would you regard those governments as terrorists? If not, what is the difference between them and Israel?
The conflict looks to be uncreating hamas at present.
As an aging white male in provincial NZ, I'm in a very small minority amongst my peers when I rate Nania Mahuta highly.
Her interview on Q&A this morning has only raised my view of her intellect and ability. Fantastic review of her career. I wish her all the best, she leaves a gap I hope Labour doesn't struggle to fill.
Ditto, from another old white fart.
I think you will be disappointed. The Labour talent chest is pretty bare. (As is National's).
A bit off topic but I wonder why, when our country and the world, have so many serious challenges impacting us, we seem to have so many small people leading us.
Politics is a rough business. MPs all go in thinking they will change the world, and find that the vast majority have little ability to change anything. Disillusionment (especially if you're an opposition back-bencher) sets in quickly.
It also chews up and spits out families. The number of marriage breakdowns must be higher than just about any other area of employment.
In addition, the media have a vested interest in finding out every tiny questionable detail about your past life, and writing it up for clicks. It seems that only the most anodyne, PR polished portfolios are suitable as candidates. And, these are rarely the best and brightest (most great leaders have made mistakes in their early life/career).
The cancel culture at its best/worst.
I do distinguish, here between past history, and current behaviour – bad behaviour in sitting MPs absolutely needs to be called out. Although I do think redemption should be possible. I sincerely regret the departure of Kiri Allen from politics – although, I bet she doesn't.
Even at the top party levels, people often decide that they can make more of a difference/have a better life – outside politics – cf Russel Norman & Jacinda Ardern. And, very few would ever go back (Sue Moroney was appalled by the idea when it was floated to her as a panellist on National Radio)
Though one can name those who both do more than 3 terms and achieve substantial stuff for New Zealand. On both sides of the house.
The interesting question is whether, if they were starting out today, they'd be selected as candidates by their party. I think, in many cases, the answer would be 'no'.
"(especially if you're an opposition back-bencher)"
I think that it would far worse to be a Government backbencher than it would be to be in the Opposition. At least in Opposition you may get the chance to ask real questions and if you can get a Minister ruffled you have some chance of promotion.
In Government a backbencher might, if they are very good, be given a question to ask so that a Minister can boast about how great they are. Anything else you do will be exactly what the whips order you to do.
The opposite will be the case if you are on the front bench. The Opposition frontbenchers can feel the pain of of not being someone with real power and perks.
I agree in the house, however select committees do provide the opportunity for government backbenchers to make a contribution to legislation with a good chance of being enacted.
TBH – I regard most of what goes on in Parliament as political theatre – rather than governance.
However, her actual achievements in government are …. less than spectacular.
She was an adequate Foreign Minister. Although, copped quite a bit of criticism for not travelling as much as the job requires. But no spectacular successes, even if there weren't dismal failures.
However, by any measure, she was a very poor Local Government Minister. Her big challenge was to get local government on board with the 3 waters changes. She failed.
Whether it was arrogance, or poor communications, or unwillingness to listen, or whatever combination of reasons; she not only failed to persuade local government, she left them feeling that they'd been lied to, and belittled by the infantile advertising campaign she authorized.
She also failed in her attempts to effectively communicate what co-governance means to the rest of NZ. How it would work in practice. And how everyone's rights to water (and potentially other resources) would be protected. Again, she failed badly.
I don't hold her solely responsible for this. Ardern needs to carry quite a bit of responsibility here, as well. Especially when everyone could see that it was going wrong. Ardern should have pulled the co-governance element, much earlier; or replaced Mahuta, much earlier; or put together a dream-team coms group to sell the concept (not sure if this would have been achievable at the beginning, but it certainly wasn't by the end)
In addition, she tried to pull a fast one in working with the GP to entrench the law – completely blind-siding her Labour caucus colleagues, who had been informed this was off the table. Ardern should have fired her as a minister for this.
Possibly a combination of arrogance and tone…
She was excellent up close and very principled.
IMHO the primary blame for the death of 3 Waters lies with MFE and Internal Affairs local government leads. It ain't that hard to design fulsome engagement processes that build towards bringing the entire public with you. To me it looks like MFE and DIA were half-hearted and just ramming the bill through was going to be enough.
Entirely possible. But still Mahuta's failure to manage her department.
And the coms – especially the reversal of 'you can opt out' to 'you have no alternative' – was absolutely in her court.
I think you underestimate the extent to which provincial areas are essentially fiefdoms of local farming and business interests and Councils are the political wing of those interests. Anyone who proposes giving local Maori any meaningful influence over anything (not just water) that potentially threatens those interests is likely to call down a firestorm on the own head. The best way to rapidly progress 3 Waters would have been to remove co-governance before even starting. If this means more broadly that the progress made since the 1980's in recognising the Treaty and the Maori view of the world has reached it's terminus, or is about to be rolled back, we are in deep trouble.
I think you underestimate just how off-side she got with major urban councils as well.
I agree that co-governance was an unnecessary distraction if the aim was to get 3 waters embedded in law. However, I don't think that this is the case, for Labour/Greens – I think that co-governance was equally as important as water reform, in their minds.
Yup fair
But how exactly do, "MFE and Internal Affairs local government leads" combat outright racism in rural district councils and the farming community they represent?
This, of course, is where the primary blame lies.
If a minor itinerant preacher can do a nationwide tour to sell their anti-Treaty message, it wouldn't have killed MfE and DIA to do the same with a passel of Labour Ministers in tow.
Do a short movie, a monthly Youtube uplift, a social marketing campaign apropos MMP or anti-smoking, organise a few marches, a couple of rousing anthems. Jesus it's not hard.
Just basic retail politics.
The minor itinerant preacher is preaching to the converted. The converted hold all the power in local rural politics.
If you begin by characterising those who you want to persuade as 'racist' – there is little chance of any bridges being built.
There is no persuading those people. Racism in colonial, rural New Zealand is ingrained, and on top of that profit is at stake. Water use must be controlled by white farmers. Local councils have managed to ensure this continues.
You're missing the fact that a significant part of provincial opposition to 3 Waters was loss of local control to a centralised body. I support co-governance, but no way would I trust an urban organisation in Christchurch designed by Wellington to know what is needed in the rural SI, and I'm not alone in that.
My feeling is that most of the opposition to centralisation was that a central body would take into account the concerns of the whole rather than the most powerful. This is what centralisation means.
Rural councils are populated by, and represent farming interests. They don't have to answer to the disenfranchised, the low income, and the asset-less class because local body democracy simply does not work for these people.
Low turnout and highly funded farming industry campaigning is a sweet spot for profit at the expense of the environment and those who supply labour. The vehemence with which these groups and their proxies fought Three Waters showed how much they rely on control of water. The thought of having Maori at the table just wouldn't do.
I'd say the comment shows that the infrastructure aspects of 3Waters were subordinated to the co-governance aspects.
But – you go on in your patently obvious belief that the rest of the world is out to get you.
The effect of co-governance on the 3waters governing bodies, meant that the area covered by each body had more to do with iwi groupings, than watersheds. FFS – one crossed over the Cook Strait.
This comment shows the campaign by the faming industry worked. They appealed to intolerance and fear, leaving supposed middle voters convinced 3 Waters was about Maori stealing things rather than improving water infrastructure and management.
The default of calling everyone who disagrees with co-governance 'racist' – effectively makes it impossible to debate the topic with you.
Your position means you have zero chance of convincing any of the middle voters – and so your politics is bound to fail, in a democracy.
Possibly.
I note that you're not defending her record.
So noted
The international moves of any note were led by O'Connor in trade.
Who was a truly excellent trade minister. One of the best I recall.
Yes, and soon we will have the Winnie and Dodgy show…
I don't have any information on who the Trade Minister will be in the new government, and I doubt you do.
Much better to wait and see who is tapped for this role, before pouring scorn.
Agree aj.
I met Nanaia 10 years ago and was very impressed with her intelligence and grasp of politics. It did not surprise me when Jacinda gave her Foreign Affairs. The problem was, she was Maori and she made sure everyone knew she was there to represent Maori.
Racism is just below the surface of a large proportion of the population.
Signs the net is slowly closing on wealthy fraudsters in New Zealand. I hope scrutiny of trust abuse continues.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/teens-among-the-highest-earning-beneficiaries-of-trusts-inland-revenue/HXGLJ3LWMVHWZLH4SNTACNYS64/
Paywalled.
Pfft IRD have known about this for years.
When I turned 18 I got a nice letter from a bank letting me know my trust investments was now accessible without the need for a trustee signature. Neither my parents nor myself knew anything about this.
Well off Aunty had trust accounts all in our kids names – enough for each of us to buy a house and have some left over. Unsurprisingly I still haven't seen a cent and I'm in my late 50's now.
Should be a register of beneficiaries of all trusts for this and other reasons.
Presumably if you die at a Taylor Swift concert you go directly to heaven.
https://www.salon.com/2023/11/18/taylor-swift-reacts-to-of-young-fan-at-eras-tour-concert-in-rio-de-janeiro/?in_brief=true
Did no one think of having water hoses or sprinklers during the day for cooling (before the concert) places to shelter and access to water (water bottle refills)?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/301011294/taylor-swift-fan-dies-at-concert-during-heat-wave
One wonders if the bi-partisan foreign policy position is going to hold throughout the interminable duration of the preparation for the 100 day government …
https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/19/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-calls-for-immediate-gaza-ceasefire/
Developments
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/national-accuses-labour-leader-chris-hipkins-of-playing-politics-with-gaza-ceasefire-call.html
Foreign developments.
Evacuation of Khan Younis.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67462610
Hostages release and 5 day cease-fire.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2023/11/israel-us-and-hamas-reportedly-reach-tentative-deal-to-free-dozens-of-hostages-and-pause-fighting.html
Or not.
The White House says there is "no deal yet" to halt the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, after media reports emerged claiming a five-day ceasefire had been agreed.
White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson added the United States would "continue to work hard to get a deal," but that no agreement had been finalised on Sunday.
Her statement came following a report from The Washington Post, which claimed Israel and Hamas would suspend the conflict and release women and children hostages, sparked a wave of speculation that an official announcement may be imminent.
https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/no-deal-yet-white-house-denies-reports-of-fiveday-israelhamas-ceasefire-confirms-talks-are-in-progress-to-halt-conflict/news-story/9eae9cc62fef9e2ad65a08071d49630a
Speaking during a lengthy press conference, Netanyahu also dismissed “a lot of incorrect reports” about imminent agreements to free some or all of the roughly 240 people being held, adding that “as of now there is no deal.” He said that if a deal emerges the Israeli public will be updated.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/pm-says-bucking-intl-pressure-against-gaza-op-stresses-as-of-now-no-hostage-deal/
RNZ full press statement:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/502776/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-calls-for-a-ceasefire-in-israel-gaza-conflict
Good on you Chris Hipkins. Caught them on the hop. Too wrapped in their own coalition bubble to give a hoot about a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Now they cry foul "Hipkins is playing politics". Large black pots calling a wee kettle black.
Hipkins finally looks down into his trousers and discovers he does have two after all. Better late than never.
Agree, finally but hands are tied. "Hipkins is caretaker Prime Minister while the new Government is being formed, but his latitude to act and speak in that role is limited because he must consult with members of the incoming Government.
On Friday, the caretaker Government had talked with National about calling for a ceasefire. National did not agree to that so Hipkins decided to go it alone and call for a ceasefire as Labour leader, rather than Prime Minister of the caretaker Government."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/israel-hamas-war-labour-leader-chris-hipkins-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-breaking-convention-it-has-become-untenable-for-me/IQ7TK6XBMBFF5ERRMPPUHQITHY/
I'd be doing way more of this. There is a political vacuum created but the ineptitude and/or stubborn entitlement of Chris Luxton.
Why wouldn't a government and/or opposition make the most of it?
While lprent sleeps some sports news.
In 2019, the AB's lost to the team who lost the final.
In 2019, the Black Caps scored 241 for 8 and England tied the score to draw the game ..
In 2023, the Black Caps lose to India who are playing Oz in the final
India score 240 all out, so Oz have to match the England total of 2019 for there to be a winner this time round.
Sports a bit like elections, it's the end result that counts – except that errors made by officials do not change the final count (TMO was wrong to stop the awarding of a try etc but the result on the day stands).