Open mike 19/12/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 19th, 2015 - 75 comments
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75 comments on “Open mike 19/12/2015 ”

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  1. One Anonymous Bloke 1
    19 December 2015 at 7:57 am

    Meanwhile in Turkey…

    NATO allies agreed on Friday to send aircraft and ships to Turkey to strengthen Ankara’s air defences on its border with Syria, the alliance’s chief said, a package that is partly designed to avoid any more shoot-downs of Russian planes.

    Meanwhile in Turkey Kurdistan…

    Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party leader called for “honourable resistance” against security operations in southeast Turkey on Friday (Saturday NZ Time) as state media reported 55 Kurdish militants had been killed in three days of urban fighting there.

    Dangerously close to civil war.

    • greywarshark 1.1
      19 December 2015 at 8:49 pm

      I think the countries around Syria should declare a moratorium? and decide that a renewal of war will start again on 1 April. Everything being done is escalating the situation and the unreason in the minds of those plotting and planning against their opposition or enemies proceeds exponentially. Spray them with tranquillisers or something.

      Did everyone see that summary of the combatants and power positions from Private Eye. It makes it very clear that this is a murky situation.

      Private Eye has some useful points. (Approx date 7 Dec 2015)
      https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CV8KC-QWIAAE5MJ.jpg

  2. AsleepWhileWalking 2
    19 December 2015 at 8:16 am

    When the Fed raised interest rates by 1/4 of a percent, it incentivised banks to keep money in the reserves held by the Fed (risk free return as it also pays 1/4 percent to those banks).

    This incentive means less money will be lent to businesses in the US, reducing the velocity of money and potentially crashing the economy.

    • Reddelusion 2.1
      20 December 2015 at 10:29 am

      So you are for more QE then to keep asset bubble going , I don’t think .25 of a percent will crash the economy, there is also an opportunity cost of a ROI of .25 percent, not to mention threat of inflation leading to a negative return

  3. AsleepWhileWalking 3
    19 December 2015 at 8:24 am

    Last night Spanish PM punched in the face. Hard.

  4. Morrissey 4
    19 December 2015 at 8:26 am

    Latest ACT candidate announced

    At least this guy is a step up from the likes of Garrett, Whyte and Hide.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1
      19 December 2015 at 8:30 am

      That’s in fairly poor taste Morrissey: almost Prime Ministerial, akshully.

      • Morrissey 4.1.1
        19 December 2015 at 8:56 am

        Sorry. I withdraw and apologise.

      • weka 4.1.2
        19 December 2015 at 8:58 am

        I thought the use of [sic] was a nice touch in quoting Key. A journo or subeditor who’s had enough.

        • Anne 4.1.2.1
          19 December 2015 at 9:10 am

          At the risk of exposing my education (the lack thereof), ignorance, naivety, stupidity and plain gormlessness… what exactly does [sic] mean? And when do you use it? 🙁

          • Karen 4.1.2.1.1
            19 December 2015 at 9:33 am

            “sic” is a latin word meaning “thus” and it is used to indicate you are quoting something as it was written, even though you know it is spelt or used incorrectly in some way, and you want to highlight the fact that you have noticed the mistake.

          • Sans Cle 4.1.2.1.2
            19 December 2015 at 9:35 am

            Anne, I note a curious, enquiring and active mind in you….nothing else!
            “Sic.” means the mistake in whatever was written was by the original author, if someone is commenting on someone else’s writing. It’s like acknowledging a mistake that someone else has made, or saying “it was written like that”.

            • Anne 4.1.2.1.2.1
              19 December 2015 at 10:57 am

              Thank-you for the compliment Sans Cle. I was having a bit of a dig at me – you know… that notorious tendency of those “who” came from the Mother country (oops I reveal my bias) to laugh aloud at oneself.

          • ianmac 4.1.2.1.3
            19 December 2015 at 9:37 am

            sic used to point to an exact copy as it was written. “He said he was their (sic)”

          • weka 4.1.2.1.4
            19 December 2015 at 9:40 am

            It’s used when quoting someone’s words (written or spoken) where the person doing the quoting wants to make it clear that the mistake in the grammar or whatever is the original person’s mistake, not the quoter’s, and that the original is being quoted.

            Key was quoted as saying,

            “It’s quite possible that it’s legitimate. There are people that [sic] have multiple passports because they have multiple citizenship. So there are lots of people who travel on both an Australian and New Zealand passport and might theoretically do that at one time.

            The person that wrote the article put [sic] there is show that it was Key that said ‘that’ instead of ‘who’. Normally I’d expect the Herald to let Key’s loose use of language stand on its own, but it was funny to see someone pointing it out.

            In places like ts, [sic] gets used by pedants who feel the need to point out the error of others as part of their debate strategy (as opposed to clarifying that the quote is the original).

            • Puddleglum 4.1.2.1.4.1
              19 December 2015 at 3:23 pm

              “The person that [sic] wrote the article put [sic] there is [sic] show that it was Key that [sic]…”

              From today’s pedant-in-residence 🙂

          • Wainwright 4.1.2.1.5
            19 December 2015 at 9:55 am

            Means they’re reporting exactly what was said and they know it looks like a typo. It’s like “not my bad”.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1.2.2
          19 December 2015 at 1:52 pm

          Now I’m wondering what the [sic] refers to. Is it the use of “that” instead of ‘who’? Or should that be ‘whom’?

          Grammar lessons 🙂

          • weka 4.1.2.2.1
            19 December 2015 at 2:25 pm

            Someone had to ask 🙄 (I only thought about it ;-P ).


            usage: 1 A continuing debate in English usage is the question of when to use who and when to use whom. According to formal grammar, who forms the subjective case and so should be used in subject position in a sentence, as in who decided this? The form whom, on the other hand, forms the objective case and so should be used in object position in a sentence, as in whom do you think we should support?; to whom do you wish to speak? Although there are some speakers who still use who and whom according to the rules of formal grammar as stated here, there are many more who rarely use whom at all; its use has retreated steadily and is now largely restricted to formal contexts. The normal practice in modern English is to use who instead of whom (and, where applicable, to put the preposition at the end of the sentence): who do you wish to speak to?; who do you think we should support? Such uses are today broadly accepted in standard English. 2 On the use of who and that in relative clauses see usage at that.

            So I’d say ‘who’ in both formal and modern usage.

            • Puddleglum 4.1.2.2.1.1
              19 December 2015 at 3:27 pm

              I remember being taught at school that if the ‘answer’ was ‘him’ or ‘her’ then use ‘whom’ – if it was ‘he’ or ‘she’ use ‘who’.

              E.g., ‘To whom did you address the email?’ Ans.: – ‘To her’.
              E.g., ‘Who received the email?’ Ans.: – ‘She did’.

              • Tracey …
                19 December 2015 at 3:41 pm

                OooooooOooooooo

              • One Anonymous Bloke …
                19 December 2015 at 6:34 pm

                So the [sic] is for using “that” not ‘who’, I guess. Who knows with journalists 😈

                • In Vino …
                  19 December 2015 at 9:11 pm

                  Thank you, Grant.

                  Everyone who thinks you cannot use ‘that’ for people should read Grant’s link. Sorry, but John Key’s use of ‘that’ was perfectly correct, and ‘sic’ should not have been used.

                  The correct ‘rule’ (i.e., accepted practice) is: Who/whom for people. Which for things.
                  All of these can be replaced by ‘that’ in a defining relative clause. It is optional.
                  When the defining relative pronoun is in the object case it can also be entirely omitted.

                  All these examples are correct;

                  ‘The boy whom I saw yesterday’.
                  ‘The boy who I saw yesterday’. (‘Whom’ is often seen as archaic in modern grammar books.)
                  ‘The boy that I saw yesterday’.
                  ‘The boy I saw yesterday.’ In all these sentences the relative clause is defining because it is telling you which particular boy.

                  ‘That’ cannot be used when the clause is not a defining one, but is just supplying extra info, and separated off with commas. Two such sentences where ‘that’ cannot be used are:

                  ‘Mrs Grey, who is very good at knitting, can speak Swedish.’
                  ‘This car, which has an V8 engine, belongs to Mrs Grey.’ These relative clauses are not telling you which car or which Mrs Grey, and if you try to substitute ‘that’ , you will instantly sense that it is wrong.

                  Now have a Merry Christmas, and make sure you get all this right in your Happy New Year!

  5. Rodel 5
    19 December 2015 at 9:33 am

    Morning….
    sic 1 |sik|
    adverb
    used in brackets after a copied or quoted word that appears odd or erroneous to show that the word is quoted exactly as it stands in the original, as in a story must hold a child’s interest and “enrich his [ sic ] life.”
    ORIGIN Latin, literally ‘so, thus.’

    In, ‘other words he/she said it ..not my words.’

  6. marty mars 6
    19 December 2015 at 10:00 am

    a Saint Teresa
    miracle upon miracle
    gods knows, god no!
    Suitable to purpose
    that reindear warrior
    and santa’s going down.
    My memories don’t fade
    a steel steal silences as a sharpened cross,
    abused idols abuse.
    Detritus is a beach
    as the bodies float
    stare up at upwards.
    A Saintly body, a teary
    tree, a snowy sun and
    my hand is still dirty

  7. veutoviper 7
    19 December 2015 at 10:07 am

    One of the aspects of the Hager raid was the speed with which NZ Police moved on Slater’s complaint last year – first informally to Assistant Commissioner Burgess and then a formal complaint about a week later.

    With the release of the Court decision on the Judicial Review into the illegality of the police raid on Hager, similarities (and questions of political pressure) have been drawn to the speed with which the Police moved on the Teapot Tapes episode prior to the 2011 election, involving Bradley Ambrose.

    Back on 2 December I posted an update (including links) on Bradley Ambrose’s defamation claim against John Key on Open Mike.
    http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-02122015/#comment-1103686

    In brief, Ambrose filed this claim a year ago in December 2014 seeking $1.25m in damages from Key for remarks he made about Ambrose at the time of the Teapot Tapes saga.

    In March this year, the AKL High Court set down a two-week trial to commence on 16 February 2016. Several pre-trial conferences have been held during 2015, including on 2 Dec – hence my earlier post that day.

    RNZ News reported on this High Court hearing on Dec 2 here:
    https://t.co/PVvQuj5I60 [deleted by request]

    A further ‘case management’ conference was held yesterday in the High Court, which does not appear to have been reported on by media.

    So it would appear that the defamation trial is still likely to go ahead in February 2016, unless an out of court settlement is reached beforehand.

    To date, Key has maintained that he would not settle with Ambrose or resile from his statements etc that led to the defamation claims and “in the end it will go through the court process”.

    IMHO, the timing of the trial, a week after Parliament resumes and as the second flag referendum starts, will not be a good look or start to the year for Key. It may also well reignite discussion on the Hager raid decision due to the similarities. So, will he do a flip flop and settle to avoid these consequences?

    • veutoviper 7.1
      19 December 2015 at 11:02 am

      After writing the above comment, I read the discussion last night on Daily Review starting with Karen’s at 7 re Assistant Police Commissioner Malcolm Burgess being a common factor in both the Ambrose teapot tape case and the Hager raid. I had forgotten that commonality.

      http://thestandard.org.nz/what-was-nationals-role-in-the-police-raid-on-nicky-hager/#comment-1110497

      In that thread, Seeker at 7.2 questioned the role of Burgess and raised Burgess’ remarks at the time (Mar 2012) that the police decided not to prosecute Ambrose BUT that he was probably guilty.

      I have replied to Seeker providing links to Burgess’ press release on this and also to a Graeme Edgeler post on this at the Public Address blog. As mentioned in the reply, I would not be surprised if Burgess’ inappropriate* remarks re Ambrose form part of the defamation claim.

      * Inapproriate because it is the role of the judicial system, not that of the Police, to determine innocence or guilt.

      • Tracey 7.1.1
        19 December 2015 at 3:44 pm

        Always great to read your stuff.

        • seeker 7.1.1.1
          19 December 2015 at 7:02 pm

          Agreed Tracey. Thanks once again vv.
          How often are assistant commissioners changed and who appoints them? What criteria is used? I noticed the commissioner changed after two or was it three years. M.Burgess seems to have been assistant comm. for quite a while.

  8. Rodel 8
    19 December 2015 at 10:18 am

    I used to be proud of being a New Zealander for a time in the Lange era but especially in the Helen Clark years. Some time ago on a European train journey I met an Italian athlete and others from various countries who admired her, felt positive toward our nation and wanted to talk about New Zealand.and our values.
    But now….dunno if I’d mention my nationality thanks to the clownish antics of the current PM as reported on CNN…cringe…
    Call me old fashioned but I think/hope our next PM will have a sense of dignity and a little more integrity.

    • weka 8.1
      19 December 2015 at 11:11 am

      Yes, and I’m sure that there are people who vote National that cringe as well.

    • One Two 8.2
      19 December 2015 at 2:01 pm

      Why would anyone handover their sense of self worth to a political system or any 3rd party..

      Pride is a nation state is a flawed concept

      • weka 8.2.1
        19 December 2015 at 7:15 pm

        We are tribal beings, evolved to value the collective.

        • Bill 8.2.1.1
          19 December 2015 at 8:36 pm

          Really? And if ‘the collective’ or ‘the tribe’ is state fascism (Leninism/Stalinism etc) or corporate fascism (Mussolini, Hitler etc) – then what? You think people are ‘hard wired’ to value those things? (Some do value them). But what you’re implying is that there can be no critical evaluation that protects autonomy within a collective or societal context; that forms of fascism are inevitable.

          Big topic. And sorry. Any discussion is going to have to wait. Or do I do a ‘break’ post on authoritarianism – on ‘left and right’ – on the position of ‘social democracy’ within that (apparent) dichotomy? Hmm.

          edit. Why is there no ‘ism’ for Hitler or Mussolini, but there is for Lenin and Stalin and Mao et al? Just a throw-away…probably unimportant, quiet puzzling.

    • Naki man 8.3
      19 December 2015 at 3:41 pm

      “Call me old fashioned but I think/hope our next PM will have a sense of dignity and a little more integrity”

      I am sure you will be proud of PM Paula Bennett

    • John Shears 8.4
      19 December 2015 at 3:42 pm

      Rodel ,
      Nicely put.
      You have reminded me of a previous era and a PM called
      Sidney George Holland which was much like the present and quite the opposite to the Lange /Clark era that you have mentioned.

      Holland was invited to be a member of the WW11 non-partisan non political cabinet, he attended for a short period and then left and never returned. His next notorious act was of course how he handled the waterfront strike in 1951.
      Must be something in the Nat PM’s DNA or they drink the wrong
      stuff , dunno but it is becoming a pain again.
      Bring on integrity and dignity.

    • Reddelusion 8.5
      20 December 2015 at 10:37 am

      Solution, don’t let politicians define you. otherwise every few years you will be disappointed, unfortunately for the left more years than not.

  9. Penny Bright 9
    19 December 2015 at 10:31 am

    I agree with David Farrar’s prediction – Phil Goff won’t be elected Auckland Mayor.

    Only 36% of Auckland voters bothered back in 2013.

    No disrespect Labour MP Phil Goff – but what on earth is ‘inspiring’ about your policies, or more importantly, your proven track record as a pro-corporate ‘Rogernome’ – who helped inflict the neo-liberal Rogernomic$ agenda upon unsuspecting New Zealanders in the 1984 – 87 LABOUR Government?

    Why would the 64% of Auckland voters – who didn’t bother back in 2013 – be inspired to vote for you as Auckland Mayor in 2016?

    What underpinning ‘Rogernomic$’ legislative pillars did you or the Helen Clark led 1999 – 2008 Labour Government ever help to dismantle?

    (Nothing personal here Phil – but FACTS are FACTS and TRUTH is TRUTH.)

    Also – don’t forget that the Auckland Water Pressure which led public opposition to the hated Metrowater, was founded in Avondale, and with their support in the 2000 Auckland City Council Avondale -MT ROSKILL by-election in 2000, I polled 2nd, 700 votes behind Noelene Raffills, and over 4000 votes more than the City Vision (Labour / Alliance) candidate.

    That was over fifteen years ago ….

    So – in Phil Goff’s ‘home base’ Mt Roskill electorate – where he is very well known – so am I.

    Penny Bright

    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

    • Visubversa 9.1
      19 December 2015 at 11:21 am

      Yes but you didn’t win the by-election Penny. And Metrowater remained. The Water Pressure group achieved nothing except to give Banks his Council majority in 2001 so he could sell the Council Housing and the Airport shares. And in Roskill you ensured that the “Sage of the Whau” had many years to spread her ignorance and christianist bigotry around Council.

      • Karen 9.1.1
        19 December 2015 at 11:42 am

        +1 Visubversa

        • Colonial Viper 9.1.1.1
          19 December 2015 at 2:43 pm

          Neither of you seem to have expressed a problem with Penny’s major points:

          That Goff has no inspiring policies, and is deeply tied to the ongoing Labour era of Rogernomics-style thinking.

          • Visubversa 9.1.1.1.1
            19 December 2015 at 3:32 pm

            Rogernomics? yawn – 25 years ago. Move on brother.

            • adam 9.1.1.1.1.1
              19 December 2015 at 3:43 pm

              Visubversa you need to get handle of economics and what the fundamental changes to our economics has been since the mid 80’s.

              At present you sound like a fool.

              • Visubversa …
                19 December 2015 at 5:12 pm

                Don’t insult people you don’t know. I was there in the 1980’s – working for a Union and against the Rogergnomes. As far as Phil Goff is concerned I have know him since 1981 and I have seen him all the way through. I am not what I was in 1987 and neither is he. I think he is the person in the best position to be elected to be Mayor of Auckland for the widest number of people.

          • Karen 9.1.1.1.2
            19 December 2015 at 5:00 pm

            I’m no fan of Goff but at least he has an idea of how local and national politics work, he supports public transport and he is opposed to further privatising of Auckland’s assets. The only policies I have seen from Penny are ones that as mayor she would not be able to achieve, as has been explained to her many times. In addition, her responses to Generation Zero at the last local elections were bizarre, and I have yet to see her resile from them.

            Goff’s policies may not be inspiring (whatever that means) but they are a lot better than those being offered by the candidates on the right. I also hope Goff becomes Auckland’s mayor because I would like to see him out of the Labour caucus.

    • stigie 9.2
      19 December 2015 at 1:10 pm

      VICTORIA CRONE:- New Mayor for Auckland.

    • Cricklewood 9.3
      19 December 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Strange I haven’t seen you at any of the public meetings regarding the quarry redevelopment ando the iffy deals done around land swaps etc.
      It’s so bad the local board is intending on filing with the ombudsman given the rights they were given under the supercity have been vetoed by council and the whole thing is headed to the environment court. Not to mention fletchers drafting emails for the minister to send to len brown. (Whose antics during council on this matter have to be seen to be believed…) I would have thought if you regarded yourself a serious candidate you would have been involved with this especially given the slightly wiffy odour eminating from the whole deal…

  10. Morrissey 10
    19 December 2015 at 10:35 am

    The Most Heart-warming Photo of the Year

    “Hope is the thing with feathers….”

    —Emily Dickinson

    http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/aresize/835×529/img/photos/2015/12/10/fa/a7/trump_eagle_2.PNG

  11. Whispering Kate 11
    19 December 2015 at 10:37 am

    Am wondering if Peter Dundas Walbran who obtained a NZ passport but originally had held an Australian one should now, be deported back to Australia. Key is saying he obtained the NZ passport illegally, why cannot our government just remove the passport off him and send him back to presumably where he originally came from Australia?? The NZ passport is the most recent one he has obtained. Walbran is obviously a recidivist pedophile and NZ was his second choice for a passport. Why should we have to put up with his noxious habits. Australia may not like it but they are doing much the same with our criminal offenders, many who have often lived there almost all of their lives. Just a thought and will Key will have the guts to do it.

    • alwyn 11.1
      19 December 2015 at 12:40 pm

      I fear you may have missed one word in what Key said Kate. He didn’t say that he had obtained it illegally, at least in the story I read.
      In the Herald he is quoted as saying “”But if it’s an illegal passport, that’s a very different issue but I don’t have any advice about that.”
      There is that little word “if” in the statement.
      On the other hand Key may have made a later statement that I have not seen. Have you seen a further comment where he did label it as being obtained illegally?
      Even if he had obtained the passport illegally it wouldn’t be sufficient reason to deport him though. He would still be, unfortunately, a New Zealand citizen wouldn’t he?
      The people that Australia are deporting aren’t Australian citizens, as far as I am aware. They are people who haven’t taken out citizenship there, for whatever reason.

      • Whispering Kate 11.1.1
        20 December 2015 at 8:27 am

        I confess Alwyn that I thought he said it was obtained illegally. Even if it wasn’t, because of his criminal activities if the Government revoked his NZ passport he then would have to live in an airport lounge out of danger to the public, a stateless person – he was a holder of an Australian one previously where he was probably born. It seems crazy to me that he was able to obtain a NZ one anyway. Are Australians able to apply for NZ passports ad hoc for no good reason would you not have to have legitimate criteria to be accepted for dual citizenship. He had a criminal record before he applied so it seems insane he was allowed a NZ passport in the first place. Our Internal/External Affairs needs a good shake up.

  12. Penny Bright 12
    19 December 2015 at 10:54 am

    Which of private business woman Victoria Crone’s local government knowledge, experience, proven track record and stated policies, makes her ‘fit for duty’ as Auckland Mayor?

    Any information or views on this one?

    Penny Bright

    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

    • weka 13.1
      19 December 2015 at 12:38 pm

      That’s pink ;-p

    • ianmac 13.2
      19 December 2015 at 3:18 pm

      Brilliant Morrissey. You have captured the embedded National bloke so well. I know quite a few others just like him except some wear suits. No wonder some of the responses are wild – like seeing their real selves in a mirror. Ha!

  15. Draco T Bastard 15
    19 December 2015 at 4:56 pm

    Nasty Christmas present for seniors

    “The Prime Minister has been talking about tax cuts in future but he is funding them by cutting services to people who have given years of work to our country.

    “The Auckland Council has already looked at chopping free non-peak transport and today ECan is considering cuts as well. This is a short-sighted decision by the Government and will be a Scrooge-like Christmas present for our seniors,” Ruth Dyson says.

    National: Kicking poor people in the goolies since forever.

    • sabine 15.1
      20 December 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Free non peak travel on local busses got nothing to do with poor people.

      We are talking about the gold card holders, our good ole citizens above 65 and they all receive the Gold Card irrespective of income.

      But, for many of the retired population that gold card allows them to get out and about a little bit every now and then, and with something like 10 – 15 $ one way from south akl to inner city, or from the shore to innercity it does hurt those on a fixed income.

      John Key, the National Posse and their voters / enablers are starting to eat their own.

  16. Gangnam Style 16
    19 December 2015 at 5:40 pm

    Micky Hager, https://overland.org.au/previous-issues/issue-219/feature-nicky-hager/ talks about keeping sources safe & why he loves doing investigative journalism. The last sentence is a zinger!

  17. Draco T Bastard 17
    19 December 2015 at 6:29 pm

    ‘Enough power for Mars lander’: NASA tests first 3D-printed space engine (VIDEO)

    A fully 3D-printed rocket engine is almost complete: 75 percent of all the necessary parts have already been manufactured, put together and successfully tested by NASA.

    As I’ve said before, 3D printing is the future of manufacturing. It is the engine that will destroy global trade as with it any country can produce anything at the same economies of scale and efficiencies as any other country.

    For this reason our government should be spending billions per year developing our own 3D printing capabilities.

  18. Rodel 18
    19 December 2015 at 11:56 pm

    I’ve noticed that the PM in parliament question time and interviews, in his desperation to make a goading point usually misses (or tries to ignore) the real issue being discussed.
    Also noticed that Nat or ACT supporters who contribute (sic) to debates on TS try to emulate John Key by doing the same thing usually inefficaciously.

    Is it caused by Crosby Textor mantras, or a fear of engaging in real debate or just intelligence deficit?

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  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

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

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

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

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

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

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

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

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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