Open mike 20/08/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 20th, 2023 - 70 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).

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70 comments on “Open mike 20/08/2023 ”

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  1. gsays 1
    20 August 2023 at 9:06 am

    Yet another low point in neo-liberalism and it's current enabler, The NZ Labour Party.

    The shame isn't exclusively the governments though. From the news clip last week, it was said that these men were here for welding and driving jobs. This is how messed up this 'free-market' belief system masquerading as a political system is. Businesses no longer need to train, develop, nurture or invest in staff. Just get their industry lobby group to squeal like the stuck proverbial and get folk from overseas to do it cheaper.

    This is where we end up. Parasites masquerading as 'Employment Consultants' clipping the ticket, that is after 'Immigration Consultants' have had their go.

    This shameful episode should not be happening.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/08/four-more-auckland-properties-under-investigation-for-allegedly-housing-exploited-migrants.html

    C'mon Minister Little, get assertive, push back and show everyone this is not to be tolerated here. Confiscate any of the properties involved in housing these vulnerable people. Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 should do the trick.

    Meanwhile get these people on a benefit.

  2. SPC 2
    20 August 2023 at 9:14 am

    The system under which we have hundreds(known(thousands) here without accredited employers looking for work.

    They are supposed to have named accredited employers on their application.

    But "somehow", they are are here without actual jobs from these employers.

    Have they paid people (agents) to learn of an accredited employer, or did their agents fill in the forms for them in return for money?

    https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/accredited-employer-work-visa

    The expansion from 3 to 5 years from 27 November.

    3-5 years from 27 November.

    https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/accredited-employer-work-visa

    What could go wrong?

    MBIE is unable to check it all because of the numbers, so it's just a bureaucrats rubber stamp – and David Seymour wants to get rid of the rubber stamp, to make it officially open slather, while there is lack of housing and a cost of living problem.

    • gsays 2.1
      20 August 2023 at 10:04 am

      What could go wrong you ask?

      This is a view of Minister Little on Q&A.

      "So there’s Andrew Little last week on Q+A getting grilled by Jack Tame on the Worker Visa accreditation scheme that effectively trusts the 27 000 accredited to not exploit the 77 000 migrant workers.

      Jack challenges the process and argues the system, is only funded to review 15% of applications yet to date had barely reviewed 3% and of the 27 000 accredited, the Government had dumped only 2.

      The Minister struggled to look credible as he sat with a straight face and declared the current 3% was working fine."

      https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2023/08/20/andrew-littles-migrant-exploitation-arrogance-gets-bashed-and-it-aint-pretty/

      We may not like the source of the thinking, but I am keen to see where if the numbers are wrong. Funded for 15% but only 3% audited.

  3. ianmac 3
    20 August 2023 at 9:42 am

    ACT flags the Highways! In the 20km stretch of main Highway 6 from Renwick to Havelock, there are 18 shiny new election signs. All of them in farm paddocks.Those huge sign growth are presumably with the cooperation of the farmers. What does it mean if anything?

    There was one small Green sign but no other Parties in sight.

  4. Anne 4
    20 August 2023 at 9:55 am

    So this is how the befuddled minority who call themselves the Freedom Party and their mates in the Destiny Church plan to humiliate and up-end Labour's campaign trail?

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132776440/the-political-divide-drowns-out-chris-hipkins-splits-families-in-tara

    And I suspect this campaign by the "haters" everywhere is going to become more hysterical as election day draws nearer.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 4.1
      20 August 2023 at 10:03 am

      Hi Anne. "hysterical haters" , thats one description ! I did comment with a link already..

      https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-19-08-2023/#comment-1965169

      I reckon they will be seen as that.

    • Molly 4.2
      20 August 2023 at 10:13 am

      From your posted article:

      "And gender, specifically transgender inclusion, had been a hot button issue amongst conservative American politics. This has now reached New Zealand through groups such as Destiny Church…"

      This is a leading statement, and demonstrably untrue. Concerns about legislative and policy changes obscuring sex for an incoherent gender identity have been discussed on this left-wing platform for years.

      This framing occurs through the piece including the reference to BlackRock.

      It is really unusual to have this type of reaction to public politicking though, and it deserves more consideration and better analysis as to the why.

      • Anne 4.2.1
        20 August 2023 at 11:40 am

        I took that quote to mean that the ultra conservative (a polite way of putting it) among the American population are implacably opposed to any form of identity politics as a blasphemous conspiracy to take over the world – or some such barbaric nonsense. And their Kiwi counterparts have also taken up the cudgel.

        However you are far better informed on the subject and I agree it would be interesting to have some formal analysis as to how and why this situation as arisen.

        • Molly 4.2.1.1
          20 August 2023 at 1:07 pm

          I later readed your post about the billboards on the isthmus:

          https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-19-08-2023/#comment-1965146

          "Passed a piece of Council owned land on the North Shore isthmus used for election bill boards. The Labour billboard was down and someone had taken to it with an axe and chopped it into pieces. Rarely seen anyone go to that extent before."

          Coincidentally had just watched this on Twitter (If link doesn't work – a cyclist ineffectively kicking someone's "Trump Won" sign, then concerningly, returning a couple of days later at night to burn it.):

          https://twitter.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1692884225953779887

          This apparently growing aversion to even countenance anyone expressing a view or political position that is distasteful and disagreeable seems to be resulting in real world destructive acts.

          I don't know why this is occurring, but it is a very real concern, especially if becomes accepted as expected behaviour rather than condemned.

          (Above video not posted as whataboutery, just coincidence. I think all such acts should be called out.)

          • Anne 4.2.1.1.1
            20 August 2023 at 1:20 pm

            There's a sequel to that story. Went past this morning and a Labour billboard is back up only in a different spot. But the National billboard has been pulled down and axed up.

            Retribution on someone's part?

            It is funny but not funny. They used to be defaced or pulled down but rarely ended up completely wrecked. It is indeed a sign that people think they can take matters so much further than in previous times.

            • Molly 4.2.1.1.1.1
              20 August 2023 at 1:38 pm

              "It is funny but not funny. "

              I don't find i funny at all. I'd be less concerned it we knew the perpetrators were teenagers who are still developing impulse control, but I have a suspicion these are acts of adults. indecision

            • Drowsy M. Kram 4.2.1.1.1.2
              20 August 2023 at 3:00 pm

              Yesterday (Saturday) a Labour party representative knocked on the door and asked if he could put a couple of small electoral hoardings on my front fence. I said yes, and the two signs (one for Labour, and one for our local MP) went up later that day – the fences of two other nearby houses also had the same signs stapled up yesterday.

              This morning all the signs were gone – just a few shiny staples remain. I've contacted the local Labour party office to let them know they can replace the signs on my fence if they want to.

              Imho, such dull and dirty political tactics really speak to the character of some opposition party supporters. There will be ratbags in all political camps, but the National (and Green) party hoardings on our street still stand – for now.

              • Visubversa …
                20 August 2023 at 4:25 pm

                We have 2 Labour signs on our fence which survived the night. Mind you – we are not on a busy road and I have signs every election. Never lost one yet.

    • Patricia Bremner 4.3
      20 August 2023 at 9:48 pm

      Nick Rockell "Nick's Korero" had it right . Worth a read."Beyond the Fringe" on the side panel here.

      • Anne 4.3.1
        20 August 2023 at 11:10 pm

        Learnt today that Newshub political editor, Jenna Lynch (the author of the story) is married to ACT Chief of Staff, Andrew Ketels. Sums it all up!

        Surely that represents a conflict of interest.

  5. Blazer 5
    20 August 2023 at 11:05 am

    Q&A this morning observations.

    Tame is a very good interviewer.

    Simeon Brown is one of the Natz most polished performers…regurgitated 'our(insert policy)..will be released…shortly.

    ACT ,don't bother putting their candidates visage on alot of hoardings….just the twerkster=party vote .

    TOP- seems to be the only party that understands the real ramifications of ludicrous property prices and Raf has a plausible plan to address them.

    • bwaghorn 5.1
      20 August 2023 at 11:33 am

      "Simeon Brown is one of the Natz most polished performers

      Slippery things often give the appearance of being polished.

      • Anne 5.1.1
        20 August 2023 at 11:49 am

        His whiter than white crisp shirt together with his top to bottom shine from an over indulgent clean and polisher was too much for my aging eyes so turned the TV off.

      • newsense 5.1.2
        21 August 2023 at 5:57 am

        A reminder perhaps that some otters are exceeding vicious and violent.

        Himiona if you please. His non-Kiwi name confuses me…

    • Bearded Git 5.2
      20 August 2023 at 12:45 pm

      Bollocks Blazer. TOP are not the only party to address the issue of house prices.

      Both Labour and the Greens have, to different degrees, decried stratospheric property and house prices.

      Labour has done several things to sort this out. They have built an extra 8000 state houses with many more in the pipeline (Keys government sold off state houses to finance tax cuts), they have brought in the 10 year bright line test , stopped most overseas purchases and stopped interest being claimed as an expense on rental houses. This has resulted in a roughly 12 percent drop in house prices, much more if inflation is taken into account.

      Labour has also enacted rules to densify housing development in the major cities which reduces development costs and so house prices. Luxon has pathetically reneged on this.

      In fact Luxon and Seymour will reverse all of these gains that have finally helped first time buyers.

    • mikesh 5.3
      20 August 2023 at 1:18 pm

      I must admit I don't think much of National's policy of making all road usage subject to road user charges. It would mean that if I drive 100 km in my relatively low emission Suzuki Ignis I would be paying the same mount as someone driving the same distance in a gas guzzling monster. It certainly won't do anything to discourage the purchase of gas guzzlers. Their proposed policy of gradually reducing the emissions profile of cars coming into the the country will take years, and perhaps even decades, to have any effect; and in the meantime I'll be paying more for my road usage, assuming the government wishes to collect the same amount of revenue as they do now.

      • The Chairman 5.3.1
        20 August 2023 at 1:42 pm

        National's policy of making all road users subject to road user charges also seems to be overlooking New Zealand's commitment to the Just Transition Declaration.

        https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-commits-just-transition

        I can't seem to find any policy (from any party) that specifically aims to ensure it (a just transition). Nor do I see the media holding anyone to account.

        • Incognito 5.3.1.1
          20 August 2023 at 1:58 pm

          You must have not looked hard, if at all. Because if you had it would have made your idiosyncratic negatively loaded concern narrative null and void.

          • The Chairman 5.3.1.1.1
            20 August 2023 at 2:14 pm

            Can you point me to any policy (from any party) that specifically aims to ensure it?

            • Incognito 5.3.1.1.1.1
              20 August 2023 at 2:29 pm

              I think you should stop wasting my time and that of others.

              If you need a tutorial for doing internet searches then you’re in the wrong place here.

              It should be quite easy to find policies of parties that at least refer to it.

              It should be quite easy to find NZ media articles that talk about it.

              I could do the mahi for you but for each link that I find I’ll ban you for a month for lazy time wasting and concern trolling.

              Deal?

  6. Bearded Git 6
    20 August 2023 at 12:50 pm

    Bollocks Blazer. TOP are not the only party to address the issue of house prices.

    Both Labour and the Greens have, to different degrees, decried stratospheric property prices.

    Labour has done several things to sort this out. They have built an extra 8000 state houses with many more on the pipeline (Keys government sold off state houses to finance tax cuts), they have brought in the 10 year bright line test , stopped most overseas purchases and stopped interest being claimed as an expense on rental houses. This has resulted in a roughly 12 percent drop in house prices, much more if inflation is taken into account.

    Labour instigated cross party rules to densify housing in the major cities which also greatly helps to reduce house prices. Luxon has pathetically reneged on Nationals support for this.

    Luxon and Seymour will reverse these gains all of which have helped first time buyers.

    • Incognito 6.1
      20 August 2023 at 1:01 pm

      As does TMP.

    • mikesh 6.2
      20 August 2023 at 1:40 pm

      TOP have said they will get rid of the brightline tax and make interest once again deductible. The latter would seem to be counterproductive as non deductibility probably discourages the purchase of houses for investment purposes. However they do have a couple pf worthwhile policies: the introduction of a land value tax, offset presumably by reductions in income tax, and insisting on a 100% deposit when purchasing an investment properties. The former would probably have a longer term effect rather than an immediate one.

      • The Chairman 6.2.1
        20 August 2023 at 1:48 pm

        A land value tax will add to the costs of homeownership.

        • mikesh 6.2.1.1
          20 August 2023 at 6:52 pm

          A land value tax will add to the costs of home ownership.

          That's the general idea, the assumption being that the wealthy would probably live where land is most expensive, easing the burden on the poor who would very likely be living in less expensive areas. It would also encourage the more efficient use of land, perhaps encouraging greater densification. The whole system would of course be offset to some extent by reductions in income tax rates.

          • The Chairman 6.2.1.1.1
            21 August 2023 at 9:00 am

            That's the general idea

            Making the cost of homeownership more expensive doesn't help people get on to the property ladder. And the extra costs could result in more costs being passed on to tenants.

            As for the tax offset, those on lower incomes tend to pay less tax, thus the offset is less likely to stack up. Potentially putting more costs onto the poor opposed to the wealthy.

            • mikesh 6.2.1.1.1.1
              22 August 2023 at 12:41 am

              I worked out that, based on the land value of our property, my wife and I would be better off if TOP were to introduce its 0.75% land tax, assuming they they also introduced their tax free zone of 0 – 30,000 dollars at the same time. Though we are not planning to by a house (we already have one), our ability to get on the property ladder would be enhanced if were planning to do so. I assume also that if the tax were, say, $5,000 we would actually be paying $2,500 each.

              Renters would also be benefiting from the same tax savings.

              • The Chairman …
                25 August 2023 at 1:57 pm

                That's really great that it works out for you and no doubt others.

                My opposition to it is it doesn't work out for a number of lower income earners. I don't support a tax that hits lower income earners harder.

      • bwaghorn 6.2.2
        20 August 2023 at 1:58 pm

        , and insisting on a 100% deposit when purchasing an investment properties

        Don't think it'd called a deposit if you've paid full price.

    • Blazer 6.3
      20 August 2023 at 2:52 pm

      ' the only party that understands the real ramifications '

      You can 'decry' them all you like -when you are in a position to really address an issue and tip toe around it..you are responsible.imo.

      Yes I agree TPM also have sound policy re property affordability.

  7. bwaghorn 7
    20 August 2023 at 1:56 pm

    https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a44852031/how-long-do-electric-car-batteries-last/

    Not politics, but interesting facts about ev batteries, hopefully my next ute has a battery powering it!

    • ianmac 7.1
      20 August 2023 at 5:21 pm

      Yes bwaghorn. If true, it seems that an e-car has a much longer life expectancy that I believed.

  8. Joe90 8
    20 August 2023 at 4:42 pm

    Obviously National's Simeon Brown has never traveled on an InterCity bus.

    National argues the Government's decision to invest tens of millions into inter-regional public transport, focused on trains, is unnecessary as InterCity buses already exist.

    https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/08/20/intercity-buses-better-than-govts-105m-regional-trains-pitch-national/

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    Thus far May has followed on from a quiet April in the blogging department, but in fairness, it has been another case of doing what I am supposed to be doing, namely writing original fiction. Plus reading. So don’t worry – I have been productive. But in order to reassure ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    4 days ago

  • Pretending to talk other people’s languages
    Fakes can come in many forms.A Rolex, for instance.A tan can be fake. Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • What’s new? A social agency with an emphasis on “investment” instead of “wellbeing” – b...
    Buzz from the Beehive A new government agency will open for business on July 1 – the Social Investment Agency. As a new standalone central agency effective from 1 July, it will lead the development of social investment across Government, helping ministers understand who they need to invest in, what ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • Following the political money
    Bryce Edwards writes –    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Hipkins would rather no one remember that he was Minister of Education
    Alwyn Poole writes –  After being elected to Parliament in 2008 the maiden speech of Hipkins was substantially around education policy. He was Labour’s spokesperson for education 2011 – 2017. He was Minister for Education from 2017 until February 2023. This is approximately 88% of the time Labour ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Fashionable follies
    Eric Crampton writes –  A fashion industry group is lobbying for protections. They make the usual arguments and a newer one. None of it makes sense. An industry group says it pumped $7.8 billion into the economy last year – that’s 1.9 percent of New Zealand’s GDP. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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