Open mike 20/07/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 20th, 2016 - 66 comments
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66 comments on “Open mike 20/07/2016 ”

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  1. Stunned mullet 1
    20 July 2016 at 6:44 am

    Yes quite right, there’s more than enough intellectually incompetent self opinionated wankers about already.

    [lprent: Opps. Hit send to OpenMike by accident. Need to write a revert function. ]

    • Draco T Bastard 2.1
      20 July 2016 at 8:16 am

      That really wasn’t unexpected. A lot of world leaders, especially in the developing nations, still cling to fossil fuels to drive their growth rather than looking to develop far better and sustainable Green Tech. Hell, we’ve still got ‘leaders’ that look to the 19th century model of development rather than accepting that we just can’t do that any more.

      • Pat 2.1.1
        20 July 2016 at 8:38 am

        although Duterte appears to be a head case, a position like this from the leader of a nation of islands suffering tangible CC impact already is certainly unexpected from my position……kick back may be expected, but from there?

  3. Jenny 3
    20 July 2016 at 7:11 am

    “Climate change needs to be treated with more urgency, says scientist”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11676325

    Leading climate scientist James Renwick comments on the failings in latest government paper on the environment that singles out climate change as an environmental research priority for New Zealand..

    The document set out a range of research questions, emerging ideas and capability needs, spanning from innovative techniques to slash methane emissions from ruminant animals, to risk-mapping and improved policies.
    But Renwick, who is travelling the country in a speaking tour raising awareness around climate change, said where the document was “less impressive” was the language around the scope and urgency of the issues.

    “It talks about a future with ‘relatively intact’ natural ecosystems and about the ‘trade-offs’ between environmental protection and economic growth,” he said.

    He noted the document pointed to a roadmap for the next two decades, by which time the globe’s budget of carbon emissions to keep warming below 2C would be spent, at present emissions rates.

    “Yet, the first 20-year vision given under the climate change theme is New Zealand understands the pathways that can lead to a low-carbon economy that will support its international commitments, as if we have 20 years to work out what to do.”
    Significant action needed to begin immediately, and emissions had to start coming down as soon as possible, he said.

    “While the Government has an Emissions Trading Scheme and is investing in agricultural emissions research, there is no hint that the country’s total emissions are decreasing, or are expected to decrease at any time in the coming 20 years.”

    However this latest government paper on the environment gets a more favourable response from another scientist, who said she welcomes the report.

    Echoing the strategy of the Green Party, Dr Macinnis-Ng deflects the criticisms raised by Professor Renwick around climate change, by steering the subject away from climate change, toward a less controversial, establishment approved, environmental direction.

    Dr Cate Macinnis-Ng, a senior lecturer in biological sciences at the University of Auckland, , said she welcomed the “broad scope and wide coverage” of the document.
    New Zealand had a number of pressing environmental challenges, specifically freshwater issues, invasive pests and ongoing soil degradation.

    I expect that Dr Macinnis-Ng will be getting a warm invitation to address a Green Party meeting soon, (not so much Professor Renwick).

  4. Paul 4
    20 July 2016 at 7:42 am

    Nick Smith.
    Train wreck interview with Guyon Espiner.

    Admits there is no affordable housing.
    Admits immigration is a cause of house prices (contradicting Stephen Joyce).

    Advice to young families ‘Be patient.’
    This mob are a disgrace.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1
      20 July 2016 at 8:21 am

      This mob are a bunch of psychopaths whose policies are debilitating the country.

      • Chooky 4.1.1
        20 July 2016 at 9:57 am

        yes and it looks like they want to spread the housing crisis to the rest of New Zealand…as if there are NOT New Zealanders struggling to afford housing there out in the provinces!!!

        …personally I am for the idea of bringing the value of all NZ housing down by 40% and stopping overseas investment in NZ housing

        ….New Zealand housing stock for New Zealanders only!

        …as it is all these so called remedies are just making the situation worse for New Zealanders who can least afford a house in their own country!

        …it is an utter disgrace!

      • indiana 4.1.2
        20 July 2016 at 10:00 am

        http://aca.nine.com.au/article/9142606/new-zealand-slice-of-heaven

        Ummm…what do you mean by debilitating the country?

        • Draco T Bastard 4.1.2.1
          20 July 2016 at 10:03 am

          The increasing homelessness
          The increasing poverty
          The decreasing capabilities of the economy as stuff that should be done here is done elsewhere
          The over reliance on agriculture
          The decreasing health system
          The beneficiary bashing

          The list goes on and on and on.

          • indiana 4.1.2.1.1
            20 July 2016 at 11:09 am

            …and yet NZ is very desired country to live in. What keeps you in NZ if its all doom and gloom?

            • Draco T Bastard 4.1.2.1.1.1
              20 July 2016 at 11:42 am

              …and yet NZ is very desired country to live in.

              We’re still better than many other places but that doesn’t mean that this government isn’t turning us into a facsimile of those hell-holes.

              What keeps you in NZ if its all doom and gloom?

              1. This is my home
              2. I think we should work to make the place better rather than just giving up and going somewhere else
              3. I have no desire to live, or even go, anywhere else.

            • North 4.1.2.1.1.2
              20 July 2016 at 12:45 pm

              Desired ? Yeah someone from overseas said that and according to Indiana that negates the realities on the ground here. Immaturity and cheapness of thought there Indiana, as to be sociopathic. Try being the little 12 year old girl TA who was living in a van with about 5 family members. As she told the Weak Man Key, it’s not easy being her. Meanwhile he and McLay are swanning around in Jakarta claiming not to remember what went down in China the week before = covering the lies they told this week and got sprung on. Disgraceful people !

    • esoteric pineapples 4.2
      20 July 2016 at 9:01 am

      It seems the Reserve Bank caved in to pressure from the government to try and do something about house prices, so it is going to make it even harder for New Zealand first home buyers in order to stifle demand at the same time as overseas buyers can continue to push up the market indefinitely. By next year’s election average Auckland house prices will be well over $1 million while even fewer New Zealanders will be able to buy a house.

    • Bearded Git 4.3
      20 July 2016 at 10:38 am

      Agreed Paul. Smith’s arguments were:

      1. Houses are unaffordable in Akl.
      2. Be patient.
      3. There is no rule 3.

      Be patient for how long? And under this government what exactly are you being patient/waiting for? Apart from a few crappy small scale initiatives that don’t work they have shown no inclination to put in place a strategy to make houses affordable to first home buyers.

      Key never was a “big picture” PM. He is a fiddler around the edges PM who will soon be spending more time in Hawaii.

    • Muttonbird 4.4
      20 July 2016 at 12:24 pm

      Nick Smith to young Auckland families – give up, go somewhere else, we don’t want you here.

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/82280935/housing-minister-nick-smith-says-firsthome-buyers-in-auckland-need-to-be-patient

      • North 4.4.1
        20 July 2016 at 10:53 pm

        Wow……..Nick Smith’s absolutely amazing……..John Key’s government has fixed this housing “challenge”.

        Fuck you’re an arsehole Nick. A dirty reflexive liar. Like it just flows off your tongue. Lies.

  5. Stuart Munro 5
    20 July 2016 at 8:09 am

    According to the SMH a recent Roy Morgan in Australia showed that although official ‘unemployment’ is 5.8%, 18.8% of the workforce is in fact unemployed. I’m curious what the real unemployment rate is here in John Key’s cruel and stupid neo-liberal nightmare.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.1
      20 July 2016 at 8:23 am

      Well, we do know that 0.6% of the workforce who are unemployed and looking for work are no longer classed as unemployed because they used that most efficient of vehicles for looking – the internet.

    • TC 5.2
      20 July 2016 at 9:13 am

      Polls in oz that ask the question ‘Do you have enough work…’ Over the last 5 years have shown rates triple the official unemployment rate.

      As the nats have shown official stats are rubbery and easy to manipulate, just ask judith about police stats.

  6. Ad 6
    20 July 2016 at 9:31 am

    Is anyone thinking that the world is getting far more brittle than it was even last year, and we’re in for some kind of rupture?

    • Gangnam Style 6.1
      20 July 2016 at 9:37 am

      A lot of chickens finally coming home to roost.

    • Puckish Rogue 6.2
      20 July 2016 at 9:41 am

      Maybe but then I’d imagine that people were thinking the same thing during the cold war in the 80s, the Cuban missile crisis, Vietnam, WWII and so on

      Eventually though the push back against mass immigration into the West will at some point begin and things will then subside back to normal (or what passes for normal these days) in a couple of years (being one of the drivers though I’m sure there are others)

      I also could be completely and utterly wrong and we could be headed for a global breakdown in law and society

    • mauī 6.3
      20 July 2016 at 10:24 am

      Massive economic, resource and political changes are underway. If you don’t like change this era isn’t going to be fun, things aren’t going to be boring either. Lets hope that people’s suffering is at the low end and we do our best to minimise it.

  7. Chooky 7
    20 July 2016 at 10:00 am

    Blair called to account at last…lets hope this is a precedent for other politician warmongers who play with sovereign countries and people’s lives

    ‘Blair in the dock: Bereaved military families crowdfund nearly £50k to sue former PM over Iraq’

    https://www.rt.com/uk/352097-iraq-blair-court-crimes/

  8. Andre 8
    20 July 2016 at 10:06 am

    Trump the Putin puppet? Does this explain some of our local commenters’ enthusiasm for him?

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gop-trump-russia_us_578e44bae4b0a0ae97c37acd?section=

    • Chooky 8.1
      20 July 2016 at 10:11 am

      ha ha…Trump wants detente with Russia(quite sensible) NOT risk a third world war, unlike Killary and friends

      • joe90 8.1.1
        20 July 2016 at 10:51 am

        Yeah, you have Drump’s word, the US will only indulge in racist pogroms, torture, reprisal killings and indiscriminate bombardment.
        /

        • Colonial Viper 8.1.1.1
          20 July 2016 at 7:06 pm

          You’re talking about Obama’s 8 years.

          Oh, and Guantanamo Bay is still open after all his promises way back in 2006/2007, and all those known innocent men still blindfolded and kept on their knees in orange jump suits.

    • Puckish Rogue 8.2
      20 July 2016 at 10:14 am

      Trump might be the closest thing we have to a real-life comments section 🙂

      • Andre 8.2.1
        20 July 2016 at 10:18 am

        Well, we can be fairly confident he won’t plagiarise anyone. Even if it’s only coz he can’t put together a coherent sentence that’s long enough.

  9. Chooky 9
    20 July 2016 at 10:17 am

    Will the New Zealand Labour Party’s chickens come home to roost?…Maori Party and Mana merge?…in a joint effort to take ALL the Maori Seats off Labour?

    (sigh… too bad Labour did not cooperate with Mana/internet over the TTT electorate and not stand Kelvin against Hone…thereby losing the united Left a win in the last Election ….)

    ‘Deciphering the machinations in Maori Party – and Mana’

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201808945/deciphering-the-machinations-in-maori-party-and-mana

    “New Maori Party president Tukoroirangi Morgan says talking with Mana Movement leader Hone Harawira is a “no brainer”. RNZ’s Maori issues correspondent Mihingarangi Forbes gives her view.”

    ‘New Maori Party president offers olive branch to Harawira’

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201808934/new-maori-party-president-offers-olive-branch-to-harawira

    “The Maori Party’s new president is on a mission to repair one of the most bitter fallouts in Maori politics – the division between the Mana and Maori parties. We talk to Tukoroirangi Morgan about just how he thinks he can make this happen.”

    • te reo putake 9.1
      20 July 2016 at 10:25 am

      I’ve been contemplating the Maori Party recently, chooky. While they have no hope of getting all 7 seats and realistically they would be thrilled to just retain the one they have, a tie up with what’s left of mana does make sense. There is a slim chance Hone could win back TTT if the MP endorsed him and you’d have to hope that Hone could drag the MP to the left, which might make a Lab/Green government more likely. But, really, the best thing would be for the Maori Party to get no seats at all and be dumped into the dustbin of history. They’ve chosen to be part of a Government that has made life worse for most maori. They deserve to be punished by their voters for that decision.

    • North 9.2
      20 July 2016 at 12:55 pm

      Snobbery was inherent in the Labour Party attitude to Hone in the 2014 campaign. And a little bit of “Born To Rule TTT”.

  10. ianmac 10
    20 July 2016 at 10:34 am

    “…and be dumped into the dustbin of history.”
    Key always said that the Maori electorate should be closed down, at least he said so until National became the Government. The loss of the Maori Party would be a big step in that direction.

  11. Draco T Bastard 11
    20 July 2016 at 10:45 am

    Gotta catch ’em all? It’s a lot easier if you’re white.

    Pokemon Go illustrates systemic inequities. The tech-savvy, mostly male Ingress players who built this map didn’t just happen to end up where they did: A neighborhood’s tax base determines how good the local public schools are. Because white people earn more money on average, their kids get to go to better public schools. Those kids who have better backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are better suited to help games like Ingress create maps. Now, they’ve got a leg up on the most popular smartphone game on the planet — and they’re safer when they play it. That’s how systemic inequity works: It influences every facet of life, even in augmented reality.

    Essentially, a self-reinforcing built in bias.

  12. Andre 12
    20 July 2016 at 11:15 am

    Six months ago this would have been bizarro fantasy from…say, Douglas Adams. Now it’s all factual truth.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-north-patterson/leading-the-lemmings–the_b_10988724.html

    • gsays 12.1
      20 July 2016 at 12:55 pm

      thanks andre for the link.

      his Superbity,
      his Vacancy, brilliant.
      reminds me of another leader.. i can’t quite put my finger on…

    • Colonial Viper 12.2
      20 July 2016 at 7:03 pm

      The only reason that you could have thought it a “bizarro fantasy” is by misunderstanding the real situation on the ground. Trump however, got it.

    • TC 13.1
      20 July 2016 at 2:02 pm

      Hilarious and scary all at once having seen it in action by many a ‘dropped in’ exec complete with the rest of the slogan kitbag.

  15. Chooky 15
    20 July 2016 at 3:02 pm

    This is thought provoking and a discouragement for indulging in war against other countries…it can come back to bite you

    ‘France descending into militarized state ruled by fear’

    https://www.rt.com/op-edge/352041-france-militarized-dystopia-state/

    …”French citizens, as with other Western countries, need to ask themselves: do we really want to live like this? That is, under a permanent siege of fear and arbitrary state power that is also expressing itself in despotism, as seen in the banning of public protest to cuts in workers’ rights and economic austerity policies.

    It may not lead to an immediate eradication of terrorism, but the way forward is for citizens to demand accountability of their governments. Washington, London and Paris – the chief NATO powers – must not be allowed to trample on international law by launching wars and covert plots for regime change in sovereign countries.

    Western governments and political leaders must be prosecuted for crimes against peace. When have they ever?..

    and

    ‘Britain’s ‘forgotten generation’ of impoverished, mentally damaged military veterans’

    https://www.rt.com/uk/352082-veteran-ptsd-poverty-ssafa/

  16. Murray Simmonds 16
    20 July 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Joe Biden visit to NZ to meet . . .umm, . . . wotzhizname:

    THE IDEAL:

    ‘Look Joe, here in NZ we don’t give a monkey’s about the self-appointed role of the U.S. as the World’s policeman. if China wants its 9-dash line in the South China sea, that’s fine by us. And we don’t want to encourage terrorism in NZ by committing more troops to Afghanistan or IRAQ or anywhere else for that matter. S o o o o o – Sorry!”

    THE REAL:

    “Yes, Joe, yes, yes, anything you say. Of course we can – and will.
    And please give my love to Barack – I’m looking forward to meeting him on the golf course again soon.”

  17. Morrissey 17
    20 July 2016 at 4:44 pm

    Jim Mora’s crass and ill-informed comments are still stinking up the airwaves
    The Panel, RNZ National, Wednesday 20 July 2016
    Jim Mora, Brodie Cane, Sue Wells, Caitlin Cherry

    4:35 p.m. …

    That idiot Jim Mora has just compared Melania Trump’s sub-kindergarten-level plagiarism to Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues”. He wasn’t being ironic or deliberately employing black humour: he was serious.

    A little later, he mentioned another infamous example of plagiarism, then made another cretinous statement: “Was it really so bad what Joe Biden did because he was obviously inspired by a great idea from Kinnock?”

    Why on earth is Mora still on radio?

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/frenzy/biden.htm

    • Paul 17.1
      20 July 2016 at 5:02 pm

      It’s great to have you back dissecting this appalling show.
      Did you hear him fawning to the braying Boag yesterday?

      The Panel – one hour of first world problems enunciated by the privileged class of New Zealand. Today’s inisights: Sue Wells on how she spent $10k on her teeth and Brodie Kane tells us New Zealand is great because her family cares for her.

      Neither obviously have a clue of the ravages destroying the fabric of society for the working class.

    • North 17.2
      20 July 2016 at 5:42 pm

      I understand your concern Morrissey but the truth is as follows – Mora is an affable ‘chatty’ whose reputedly Mensa level intelligence has been subjugated to the overwhelming caution of NEVER being seen as antipathetic to power. He’s a willing cipher in the world of Crosby Textor and ‘John’. Poor man enjoying no respect. Gratitude perhaps from those he so gratutitously serves, but no respect.

      Michelle Boag would’ve fixed a few invites to Parnell Xmas BBQs to keep the snob/weakling assured of his (humph) pedigree. Parnell BBQs are very potent for nothing people. Ask Billy Boy Ralston.

    • Gabby 17.3
      20 July 2016 at 8:40 pm

      Sue Wells savoured every long drawn out syllable in her fascinating account of something or other. At least she seemed to find it entertaining.

    • North 17.4
      20 July 2016 at 10:02 pm

      Mora’s still on radio because he licks the arse of power. Brilliant dinner guest I’m sure but a nothing fuck nevertheless !

  18. North 18
    20 July 2016 at 5:03 pm

    The best 59 minute watch for a long time. George Galloway and others on BBC Question Time – post-Chilcott, post-Brexit.

    ‘Georgous George’ near his indefatigible best.

    His best was this – found it easily by googling “George Galloway Owns US Congress” – was a US Senate committee ackshully where it was sought to project on George the corrupt raison d’etre of prominent US Republican senators.

    Finally, there’s this – reputed to be the best George comeback ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHaR3Z8yTAM

    • Paul 18.1
      20 July 2016 at 5:06 pm

      Look out for this film he’s made about Blair. Out in the UK at the end of the month.

      • North 18.1.1
        20 July 2016 at 6:08 pm

        Yes. So looking forward to that. A very close friend of mine, for years and years and years a UN “international civil servant” as he fashions himself, hardly radical, recently remarked to me that Blair is “the most hated man in Britain”.

        The misdeeds, the lies, and the amassing of fabulous wealth post-Iraq, and even post-Chilcott I’ll bet, would explain that assessment.

        Yeah……put the bastard on trial ! For the blood his machinations spilt. And the wife. Went to Australia to give an after dinner speech for some charity. Mongrel charged a hundred grand. Her office has never denied it. These are the scum who have control of this world. And the Weak Man Key, the willingly weak man Key, is not a shred different.

    • Colonial Viper 18.2
      20 July 2016 at 7:00 pm

      Galloway in front of the US House committee was just awesome.

      • North 18.2.1
        20 July 2016 at 10:12 pm

        Shit CV……you hoha me sometimes but good to be with you re George. A true person !

  19. Paul 19
    20 July 2016 at 5:05 pm

    The banks are worried.

    Bank boss warns of property market mess

    There are storm clouds on the horizon for sure and when they break who knows what will happen.
    One thing is certain, if employers start laying off staff because exports to an uncertain world are dropping, those people won’t be able to afford their mortgages and when that happens they will sell their houses. If unemployment rises and the dollar drops, overseas investors will cash in their chips and sell, most probably in a stampede.
    The Baby Boomers who have become property investors in recent years based on shallow deposits will soon realise what I’m already seeing – more and more rental properties where owners either can’t find a tenant, or the rent can’t cover the mortgage. Salaries and wages have hardly changed whilst house prices have risen – this can’t continue so it’s a matter of when, not if, the market adjusts.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11678081
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11678082

    • North 19.1
      20 July 2016 at 6:16 pm

      And that’s when we’re gonna get the Herald crying tears on it’s front page for the poor ‘investor’ whose mongrel tenants denied him/her their birthright, viz. to get rich at the expense of poor people who’ve got fuck all.

      Well for mine…….good job ! Frankly I don’t even care if those tenants smashed your place over. You invoked “The Market” to rape them, sickening wannabe John Key, well before they hit back. Good job !

  20. mac1 20
    20 July 2016 at 5:33 pm

    Hoo boy. What a portrayal of Donald Trump by his ghost writer partner on his book The Art of the Deal, Tony Schwartz.
    http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/19/us/politics/trump-book-tony-schwartz.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

    An article in the New York Times in which such gems as “I should have named the book, “The Psychopath”, ” are found. Nothing new, really!

  21. Andrea 21
    20 July 2016 at 9:27 pm

    It all seems to have gone quiet on the ‘export a crim Kiwi from the Lucky Country’ front so we’re not hearing enough – or pushing enough – for the other captives on Australia’s ‘offshore islands’.

    How do you get through to the like of Peter Dutton?

    Our WINZ is Bad. Their immigration is borderline evil.

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/20/the-terrible-true-story-of-mr-eaten-fish-manus-island-cartoonist

  22. North 22
    20 July 2016 at 10:38 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11678189

    The Weak Man Key is gonna go down in history as just that. An effete showboat, a weak man dependent for backbone on Crosby Textor. Such a terribe shame. New Zealand really was special once. Now we have a ponce to reflect us. Oh God !

  23. ianmac 23
    20 July 2016 at 10:59 pm

    The Key Government is desperate to not be blamed for when the bubble bursts. They see it is better to be accused of inaction rather than the unholy mess that will happen when the crash happens.
    Labour’s fault. Council’s fault. Bank’s fault. Australia’s fault. But please, please do not blame the Key lot!

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    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 day ago

  • At a glance – Clearing up misconceptions regarding 'hide the decline'
    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
    1 day ago

  • Road photos
    Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
    The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • NZDF is still hostile to oversight
    Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Winding Back The Hands Of History’s Clock.
    Holding On To The Present: The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

  • Sweet Moderation? What Christopher Luxon Could Learn From The Germans.
    Stuck In The Middle With You: As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

  • A clear warning
    The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Poll results and Waitangi Tribunal report go unmentioned on the Beehive website – where racing tru...
    Buzz  from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example.  This shows National down ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Listening To The Traffic.
    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • At a time of media turmoil, Melissa had nothing to proclaim as Minister – and now she has been dem...
    Buzz from the Beehive   Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
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