Open mike 20/04/2020

Written By: - Date published: 8:05 am, April 20th, 2020 - 99 comments
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Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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

Step up to the mike …

99 comments on “Open mike 20/04/2020 ”

  1. Tricledrown 1

    Winston Peter's is risking the vast majority of his support the elderly if he pushes for an early exit from lockdown.

    • Enough is Enough 1.1

      There won't be an early exit from lockdown for the elderly.

      They stay locked up and essentially quarantined until level 1.

    • KJT 1.2

      Not an NZF fan, but the Herald headline was rather different from the actual statement he made.

      We need actual Journalists, not the idiots that the media seem to increasingly, employ.

  2. Ad 2

    Great to see South Korea completing a Presidential election over the weekend, with all the health and safety measures in place.

    Hope we get some close observer reports out of it, to see what we will need to do here in 5 months time.

  3. XRN 3

    My guess is 70% chance of extending Level 4 for another 2 weeks. Even if the only criterion was the numbers of new/probable cases on the MOH media release page every day. No one in their right mind would stop so close to the "ultimate goal". You'd have to have a really good argument against the numbers, even if they were complete fabrications. It'd have to be something along the lines of "people are going to die anyway", like during a war. The still unconfirmed idea that there will be no immunity is not enough. In uncertain conditions where you can buy time, you buy time.

    Level 3 now would make the whole lockdown pointless. From the government's POV, a lift would allow doubts that "not enough was done", and those doubts recirculated later on would lose them the election. Schools are not ready, and you cannot have people deciding whether or not to return to normal life during a crisis, based on peer pressure, their personal finance fears, and media whims. The government would've lost control of the entire process. Level 3 can only be a few days transition period, after the prep work is done in Level 4.

    Personally, I would not have gone to Level 4, for reasons I don't need to explain because I am not the government. Simply from a political pov, if they lift it now, it's the end of them, and maybe the end of a lot of other people.

    • observer 3.1

      Your last sentence is strange.

      You don't "need to explain", but to say level 3 means the end of the government and (more importantly) a lot of other people doesn't make much sense.

  4. AB 4

    Made the mistake of flicking on the tv and watching Duncan Garner this a.m. And learnt that Paul Henry is returning to our screens tonight in a show called 'Rebuilding Paradise'. It sounds like a propaganda effort to make sure nothing fundamentally changes economically as we come out of the C-19 crisis. And probably accompanied by lots of soft, patriotic nonsense about how great we all are in our efforts to get on top of the virus and we just need to get back to way we were which was fantastic, i.e. all problems have been solved, history has ended etc. etc. We are going to get this sh*te in waves from the usual directions.

    • gsays 4.1

      In regards to Paul Henry this is the approach I am taking: eradication. Not to watch Mediaworks until that virus is wiped out.

      My meagre TV watching will not dent the ratings, but if we all isolate ourselves from this malaise then it will run out of lounge rooms to occupy and disappear.

      It is not as if Mediaworks is shy of another male, pale and stale point of view…

    • Incognito 4.2

      Rebuilding Paradise = double misnomer

      More like Restarting Recycling or Run Back to the Rat Race or Shopaholics Anonymous Storm Malls or Obese Attack Take-Aways or Freedom Regained to Fuck It Up Again and Even Faster This Time.

      Rant over.

      • Andre 4.2.1

        My body-mass index is 24.9. I'm desperately hanging out for some seriously life-shortening pepperoni pizza. Beware of denying me!

        • Incognito 4.2.1.1

          Your BMI is fine as long as long as you’re fit & healthy and don’t carry too much visceral fat in the mid-region. Pick your vice 😉

          • In Vino 4.2.1.1.1

            Regardless of visceral fatuity, exactly what paradise is Pawl Henrewy trying to restore? As I remember, we had a lot of problems, and only Maserati-drivers like Hoskings thought we were in paradisiac Golden Days – until he crashed his car. (Or was it a Lambo?)

        • mac1 4.2.1.2

          Andre, your distress moves me to offer this recipe. Onto a pizza base (can be home made or store bought) put a thick hummus layer and then place sliced fresh figs and slices of chorizo sausage on top, sprinkle with grated pizza cheese mix and cook. Do this twice. Once is not enough. I am about to try blue cheese in the mix.

          • Andre 4.2.1.2.1

            Hummus? Figs? For someone that's craving pizza? What is wrong wit you?

            Nek minnit, someone's gonna say canned spaghetti and pineapple can also be used for pizza.

            Savages.

          • Red Blooded One 4.2.1.2.2

            Pizza Base, Garlic Aioli, Cheese, Fig and Honey or Pizza Base, Garlic Aioli, Pear and Blue Cheese and a little other cheese. both yum

          • KJT 4.2.1.2.3

            Only one type of Pizza.

            Ham and pineapple.

            None of that foreign rubbish…

  5. joe90 5

    An astro-turf campaign strategy that kills.

    https://twitter.com/SarahTaber_bww/status/1251902219970101250

    https://twitter.com/JYSexton/status/1251193243364188160

    They point to emerging signs around the country. Trump-supported activists are protesting strict stay-at-home orders. Conservative groups’ internal polling in red-leaning and swing states show a significant uptick in Americans who favor reopening the country. A growing chorus of Republican lawmakers across the nation are on board.

    “If you don't see something start to happen … you’re going to see a conservative revolt by our base,” said Adam Brandon, president of FreedomWorks, a conservative group which recently polled on reopening the economy. “The worst strategy for him is to keep things shut until August. Trump is basically going to win or lose his election right now, in the next month.”

    https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/18/trump-reopening-economy-193885

    • AB 5.1

      The smart move for Trump is to not actually try to force a re-opening (thus keeping actual deaths trending downwards), but constantly agitate, dog-whistle and blame Democratic Governors for not opening (thus keeping his base fired up). A while ago he claimed 'absolute authority' as President – but he can easily turn on a dime and say that he doesn't have absolute authority after all, and so can't force a re-opening.

      Because the pre-Covid economy was deliberately designed to leave many people precarious anyway, many will be hurting very badly now. So the desire to re-open is most likely coming from across the political divide, not just from hard-line MAGA types.

    • Wensleydale 5.2

      I don't know if someone's already posted this, but this Reddit thread makes for interesting reading. Read the entry by Dr_Midnight regarding his detective work around the blatant astroturfing.

      Fun With Astroturfing

      All these websites and organisations pop up overnight, and Trump starts crapping on about 'liberating' states from the tyranny of quarantine. What a happy coincidence.

  6. Enough is Enough 6

    Today is the 20th of the month. The day when most business invoices become due for payment.

    The country has been under lockdown for just about 4 weeks now, so the ability for business to pay their bills will really be tested today. If there is widespread default, then the screams from business to reopen will become very loud over the next week.

    • Foreign waka 6.1

      Here is something to ponder, every business has to have a business contingency plan. Surely any accountant worth their salt would advise on that? This is not just a plan where the emergency exit is but also financial back up and insurance for income loss. If they don't than they haven't done their homework as this is applicable also to a/ an earthquake, b/ death or illness c/ fire, d/ other unforeseen circumstances.

      Besides, businesses have been able to dip into the taxpayer funded support package in support of employee expenses. Mind you, I hear that a few businesses – and not small ones – are making stuff redundant after claiming support. There is a saying: Trust is good, control is better. Beneficiaries would certainly not get away with any fraud.

      It remains to be seen whether any checks will be made and fraud will be found out. I am already having a cynical grin.

      • Enough is Enough 6.1.1

        The point is, if a business doesn't get paid because its customer has gone into liquidation, was poorly managed, or simply has no cash, then through no fault of their own, they become the business that can't pay its creditors, and so it spirals.

        That is the reality. Its peoples' lives, homes, dreams and mental health that are being damaged.

        But we can just sit here and say tough shit. You should have had a contingency.

    • Janet 6.2

      The only default for me has been I CAN,T log in to pay my monthly accounts and when I ring the help number I get because of Loak – down our hours are now only 9.00am – 5.00pm !!!!! So much for contactless banking with ASB

  7. RedBaronCV 7

    I see Stuff is asking for donations. I'd like a lot more disclosure before I'd even think about it. Have they set up a staff cooperative, have they killed all the big buck salaries and directors fees, are they going to stop pushing the RW agenda …

    • I Feel Love 7.1

      My thoughts exactly when I got the donate prompt.

    • AB 7.2

      Heh – good luck with getting answers on those questions. When the possibility of a 'media bailout' was raised in one of the press conferences, not one journo asked the PM the obvious question – since commercial media has been consistently hostile to the Labour Party for decades, why would they bale it out, or what conditions might they impose on such a bailout? So far the PM has said a couple of interesting things about any media bailout – that the media had "pre-existing conditions" and that it is important to maintain a "plurality of voices". I hope these statements are good signs – because a "plurality of voices" is absolutely something we did not have pre-Covid.

    • indiana 7.3

      If in their disclosure they did agree to stop pushing the RW agenda, but kept all the big buck salaries, would that entice you to donate?

      • RedBaronCV 7.3.1

        Big buck salaries are a feature of RW agendas so nope. It would be a cosmetic change only – despite the facelift the body remains the same age so to speak.

        I want to support journalists doing the fearless enquiry thing – particularly at business government and local government level.

        As a consumer of media, particularly business news, the current model is patchy. A good number of our best journalists – hardly surprising – no longer work in the mainstream but off a website. Older journalists still in mainstream tend to be shock jocks or ranters and are hardly a diverse group. The younger journalists have been largely brought up on the RW kool aid and don't seem to know how to ask a question to save themselves if the 1p.m press conferences are anything to judge by. They seem to want to be the news not find it. Facts are a poor second in most stories.

        Anyway, it's difficult for me as a consumer to support all the websites that give me a broad range of news. I could support 1-2 but more than that gets hard. So I'd quite like to pay a fee that gives me access to a number sites across a range of topics.

        Another concern is business news. If this becomes largely, by more expensive subscription, access to the knowledge is assymetrical which can impede the free flow of knowledge to ensure that something like the stockmarket works for all.

        Reading a daily newspaper/site I also find expands my horizon in that I will browse an article of something outside my direct interests if it catches my eye.

      • Gabby 7.3.2

        You agree they push a rightwing agenda.

    • JanM 7.4

      Why on earth would we make donations to an australian owned company?

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 7.5

      I'd support Newsroom or The Spinoff first I think (not to mention RNZ!)

  8. Tricledrown 8

    Enough is Enough Banks have been backed by the govt to free up money to keep businesses afloat.Will they fund businesses only those with viable futures I suspect.

  9. pat 9

    "Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said a mandatory code would help "level the playing field" by requiring digital platforms such as Google and Facebook to pay news media businesses for the content they produce.

    "It's only fair that those that generate content get paid for it," Frydenberg said."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/414634/australian-government-tells-facebook-and-google-to-pay-for-news

    A model to emulate?

    • RedBaronCV 9.1

      I wouldn't want to wind up funding conspiracy theory click bait sites or government propoganda sites ( shape shifting reptiles?) so I think any funds distribution back to content providers would need some rules ( below to a journalist organisation ? or the facebook disinformation cycle could get worse.

  10. greywarshark 10

    This for your delectation a comment from TDB yesterday that is like a cartoon in words from Mike Hosking, you have to imagine them framed in froth and spittle:

    The Daily Blog – Dear Brothers & Sisters of NZ – we are almost through lockdown and history salutes you for two reasons:

    [Comment] Mike Hosking April 19, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    What a load of rubbish. The limited number of deaths and infections in NZ shows that this was a beat up from the start. Jacinda’s weak and inexperienced leadership has led to economic devastation. The Government has been outwardly hostile to business owners and has used COVID19 as an opportunity to push its extreme agenda of increasing benefits. In addition, it has unashamedly targeted gun owners.

    This wouldn’t have happened under a John Key-led government.

  11. Fireblade 12

    Covid-19 in the U.S. April 19, 2020, 8:15 P.M (ET).

    Positive cases: 753,035
    (2,294.2 per 1 mil people)

    Deaths: 40,552
    (123.5 per 1 mil people)

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EVvg86dXYAUNw9L?format=jpg&name=medium

      • mauī 12.1.1

        The Dems perpetual scream continues.

        • joe90 12.1.1.1

          And you'll never shake the Planet Piza/Qaon stupidity virus.

          /

          No, what made me so sick – so uncomfortable – was the sense that something had to have gone horribly wrong in this world to have put me in this voyeuristic situation. But however wrong it felt, I kept going. I felt like I had to.

          The claim that the Podesta emails proved that the Democrats and their cohorts were secretly involved in some sort of satanic pedophile cult is repeated far and wide across the internet: from the most esoteric QAnon followers and the culture-warrior MAGA moms on twitter, to casual FOX News viewers you meet on the street.

          This lie has made its way through far left circles as well, eager for a narrative that demonizes the Democratic establishment. This is arguably why many who supported Bernie in the 2016 primaries found it impossible to vote for Hillary in the general election.

          https://jurneywrites.wordpress.com/2020/04/17/pizzagate-and-the-research-that-nobody-wanted-to-do/amp/

  12. Janet 13

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12326124

    “ Drury's plan to allow foreign billionaires to build bolt-holes in New Zealand is one of several ideas he will present to Parliament's Epidemic Response Committee on Thursday.”

    Trying to sneak rich mates into NZ while we are in turmoil…..no, no, no.

    • Stunned Mullet 13.1

      Disagree – I have no issue with them coming here as long as they spend a truck load of their cash and don't bring any COVID-19 with them.

      • Gabby 13.1.1

        Specially if they spend it on election advertising, amiright?

        • Stunned Mullet 13.1.1.1

          🙄 No, my preference is that they would spend it in and on the community they live in when in NZ and on wider investment into manufacturing, tech and even primary produce.

          • KJT 13.1.1.1.1

            Except they will just bid up the prices of existing assets and land. Then take the profits away, again.

            Despite the myths, the wealthy are not into entrepreneurial risks, with their own money.

      • Andre 13.1.2

        They might not be that keen on coming if their first two weeks here is cooped up in a hotel room with a grocery bag of provisions pushed through a slot in the door every now and then.

        • Stunned Mullet 13.1.2.1

          You never know I would've thought there'd be no shortage of nice hotels to provide high end lockdown if you were prepared to drop an extra 20k a day into the pot, or for those that already have a holiday home here they could isolate there no doubt ?

          Really can't see an issue in taking money from billionaires who want to spend their money here ?

          • Andre 13.1.2.1.1

            Well, the point of a quarantine is to eliminate contact with locals so that the new arrival can't pass on whatever they've brought in with them. As a group, billionaires tend to be in close-ish contact with a wide variety of people in their daily lives, so they'd actually be kinda high-risk of being carriers relative to the general population.

            So from a public health view, I'd be especially wary of creating loopholes for them. Particularly if it means the people they would come into contact with are themselves likely to be in contact with a large group of other people.

          • lprent 13.1.2.1.2

            Except billionaires, who are so crass as not to actually do any real work, probably won’t like the guards placed on them to prevent them acting like spoilt children. You only have to point to Trump as a public exemplar.

            I bet they won’t like the prisons we toss them in, after the idiots do something to endanger kiwis. I’d suggest reopening Mt Eden prison for the purpose. It has the penitent feel to it.

        • Gabby 13.1.2.2

          That wouldn't be the rule for exalted ones, surely.

      • Incognito 13.1.3

        I don’t have a problem with rich tourists as long as they only leave their footprints behind when they leave.

        • Stunned Mullet 13.1.3.1

          Why would it be so terrible if they left some of the substantial funds invested in NZ ?

          • Incognito 13.1.3.1.1

            Because it would be disaster Capitalism with a capital “C”. How much of the profits would go off-shore? Who sets the agenda and makes the decisions and in whose interest? Do we get to keep the tips? If you know what I think about this, read my recent Post on it. You can’t miss it as it has a photo of nice wee birdies circling above.

            I’d favour partnership models with shared risk and a restriction that all new investments remain NZ owned and operated for at least 51% at all time. This country needs to protect itself from becoming a flea market for bargain-hunting wealthy ones looking for some kind of fire sale.

            • Stunned Mullet 13.1.3.1.1.1

              If you know what I think about this, read my recent Post on it.

              I just had a quick scan through..

              I’d favour partnership models with shared risk and a restriction that all new investments remain NZ owned and operated for at least 51% at all time. This country needs to protect itself from becoming a flea market for bargain-hunting wealthy ones looking for some kind of fire sale.

              Sure no problem with that for existing businesses although you'll have some push back with privately owned enterprises at the moment who will reasonably ask why the shouldn't be allowed to sell to whoever they want as long as it's within the OIO rules.

              For greenfield investment I personally have no issue with the investor having 100% ownership as long as it passes OIO scrutiny – especially where it offers significant local employment/infrastructure/investment/export opportunities – understand that many will take a different view – that 's fine.

              • Incognito

                Well, you’ve highlighted one of the problems, which is that Kiwis are priced out of their own market. At a fundamental level, I think that is not something that should be continued and encouraged.

                As usual, the ones with deep pockets get ear-time with politicians. Is ERC going to interview some owner-operator of a small eatery on how they feel about some cashed-up folk jetting in and buying up large of property and businesses?

                Set some very clear and firm rules around foreign investment and make sure it is tilted in favour of New Zealand and not towards the investors primarily. It shouldn’t be just about the money but a clear and genuine commitment to New Zealand and the people who live here.

                Here you go, they can tick this box: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/agencies-policies-and-budget-initiatives/vision-matauranga-policy/

                • KJT

                  Already see the problems, with Ozzie shopping mall owners, refusing to freeze rents for small business tenants, who can't do business.

                  It's not like they aren't receiving any. Their anchor tenants, supermarkets,

                  are still paying rent.

                  You would think with all the millions they've taken out of New Zealand they could carry it for five weeks, rather than "The Government", paying it.

                  Where are the "tax payers Union" when you need them?

                  • Incognito

                    We’re becoming a nation of mall rats if small retailers and shops in the main street go under.

                    • KJT

                      If our local shops are any indication, it has already happened.

                      Most have long gone. Replaced by $2 shops and coffee shops.

                      The ridiculous rental rates, commercial landlords still expect doesn’t help. It seems they would rather “land bank” empty shops, than meet the rent small businesses can pay.

                      The malls, all with the same franchises and big stores, are bloody boring.

                      But the shift to online and malls, and consolidation of retail under a few big brands, I think was inevitable. This is just speeding the process up.

                      I don't have to like it though. It is even more money being extracted from communities, to outside shareholders and finance.

                    • Incognito []

                      Malls are capitalist sewers occupied by people toiling for a minimum wage or close to it and visited by people with plastic fantastic and bulgy eyes keen to satisfy their compulsive consumerism and hedonistic hunger and insatiable appetite for junk food. They are a blot on what used to be a community-minded and –spirited society and a danger for general health.

      • weka 13.1.4

        nope, they can fuck off. They end up with disproportionate influence and it's the last thing we need right now.

        • AB 13.1.4.1

          "disproportionate influence"

          Yes – that's the key point. And that influence is both economic and political and applies to the domestically-grown super-wealthy also.

      • Janet 13.1.5

        Try listening to this link when you have time …its quite long …then tell me what you think

        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI-Am0t4qQaP_Do9FwMWw3Q

        • Stunned Mullet 13.1.5.1

          A 2015 Soros-funded think tank predicted a 2020 breakdown of the global food supply following an outbreak — just as Bill Gates' 2019 "event 201" simulated a global pandemic. Why are multiple billionaires been speaking to outbreaks and food insecurity in 2020? Because Agenda 21/2030 isn't just a name: it's a war on all of us, and it has gone HOT.

          I got 5 minutes in and gave up …sorry looks like nonsense to me

          https://massawakening.org/how-does-agenda-21-is-being-implemented-worldwide/

  13. joe90 14

    Not too sure how effective this would be, but when you really need to cover up.

    https://twitter.com/gryking/status/1245919661276819458

    • weka 14.1

      That's very cool. In terms of not spreading droplets this is probably as good as many of the handmade masks being sewn. Maybe better given the seal. Issues in terms of taking on and off though.

  14. Cinny 15

    Feeling mighty proud of our PM, thanks Jacinda.

    The accolades for her are flying via twitter.

  15. Muttonbird 16

    Why doesn't Porky the government waste pig spread out and harass all top earners for their salary?

    That too is "our money", is it not?

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/121103143/topearning-auckland-officials-targeted-in-lobby-groups-nameandshame

    • RedBaronCV 16.1

      Yes they should go after the big earners where the company has taken the wage subsidies. But they are using this as a diversionary tactic to take the heat off the RW that have their hand out while preserving their own position. They are very very scared of the higher taxes coming their way. Needy people.

      I think I may feel the need very soon to help The Warehouse with their financial projections to enable some load spreading and put it on here. I see they are TV advertising – suspect they have had some negative comment about their grab to stay open so are trying to fix their reputation.

    • AB 17.1

      That – or make the clarion call to: "Liberate Tauranga! Liberate Westport! Liberate Waipukurau!

  16. joe90 18

    Are we excluding businesses that shift their tax obligations offshore?

    Denmark extended the duration of its aid programs to businesses and workers and added some new measures to increase spending by about 100 billion kroner ($15 billion).

    […]

    The government also said that companies which pay out dividends, buy back own shares or are registered in tax havens won’t be eligible for any of the aid programs, which now amount to a total of 400 billion kroner, when including loans and guarantees.

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-18/denmark-extends-business-aid-to-increase-spending-by-15-billion

    The prime minister also said that one aim of the support was to help Polish firms protect themselves from being “squeezed by foreign entities, including Chinese companies”.

    “We cannot allow this,” said Morawiecki, adding that large firms only qualify for support if they pay taxes in Poland. “Let’s end tax havens, which are the bane of modern economies.”

    https://notesfrompoland.com/2020/04/08/poland-launches-e22-billion-support-package-for-firms-in-effort-to-save-up-to-5-million-jobs/

  17. Eco Maori 19

    Kia Ora The Am Show.

    Earth day cool mother Earth will be breathing easier now a lot of carbon has not entered our environment during virus isolation.

    I say we invest in our future a energy efficient future create mahi around that and once things calm down in the near future we won't have to export all our gains from Aotearoa natural resources to the rest of the world. Our 2 biggest trading partners are also mitigating the virus problems better than most .

    Ka kite Ano

  18. Eco Maori 20

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    All the opposition supporters trying to use the virus as a tool to dent our government come on.

    That's is awesome people making donations to keep that wildlife park afloat.

    Gypsies day Its good that the virus isolation is not going to effect it negatively.

    Ka kite Ano.

  19. Eco Maori 21

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    There you go some will call any brown face a gang member.

    Sports is awesome for Te tangata and te tamariki.

    Using the Internet and devices to help Tangata navigate the virus isolation Ka pai.

    Tangata Whenua O Aotearoa made a big contribution to the 2 world wars I have more knowledge on why so many Maori went to fight.

    Ka kite Ano

  20. Eco Maori 22

    Kia Ora The Am Show.

    Flue spread has been minimized by people being isolated.

    The government is not putting our tamariki at risk its called minimiseing the risk and keeping the country functioning some countries are pridicted to run out of Kai.

    Yes its A big reset Aotearoa will have to create employment for the local people.

    Ka kite Ano 🖕

  21. Eco Maori 23

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    I say a stimulis program should be targeted to flow through the economy.

    Cool that people will be able to go hunting when we go down to alert level 3.

    Marketing Aotearoa secess is best
    It would be good if a good % of people could work from home.

    Ka kite Ano

    • Eco Maori 23.1

      Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

      Sounds like contracting the virus is quite painful and draining it's great that It has been minimized in Aotearoa.

      Ka kite Ano

      • Eco Maori 23.1.1

        Kia Ora The Am Show.

        One only has to look around the world to see why some people are worried about coming out of level 4 isolation.

        Correct it's not on making threats to people and their Whanau.

        That is cool sending that boy who was being bullied because of his name a typewriter.

        Ka kite Ano

  22. Eco Maori 24

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    Sure sounds like he was not taking his job seriously.

    Come on that will sent any living thing to the upper dimension.

    Ka kite Ano.

  23. Eco Maori 25

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    That is awesome the Tane marching in Gisborne.

    Times have changed everyone will know that it doesn't take much to rock our World we should be grateful and care for her and her creatures more.

    Ka pai to the virus testings at Marae.

    King fish farming gifting their fish Awsome.

    Ka kite Ano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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
    21 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
    23 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

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