Open mike 21/03/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, March 21st, 2024 - 146 comments
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146 comments on “Open mike 21/03/2024 ”

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  1. SPC 1
    21 March 2024 at 6:56 am

    Got no money, got no plan for improving access to dental care.

    Still not an excuse for doing nothing.

    https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/20/dentists-call-for-sugary-drink-ban-in-secondary-schools/

    • Robert Guyton 1.1
      21 March 2024 at 9:46 am

      The Right have fought the banning of sugary-drinks-in-secondary-schools since the year dot.

      • Phillip ure 1.1.1
        21 March 2024 at 11:04 am

        The only way to fix the sugar problem…

        ..is to set maximum amounts allowed..in food/drinks…in legislation if necessary..

        To do any less is just a bandaid on a supperating wound..

        • Descendant Of Smith 1.1.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 11:33 am

          There was a NZ scientist who contributed to the WHO guidelines for exactly that It was removed in the final guidelines by the sugar industry. They are a powerful beast who are likely still crying over the abolition of slavery.

          The removal of the maximum was important as it shifted the responsibility for less sugar in food from the manufacturer to the consumer. The industry can kick into action pretty quickly when they want.

          "The sugar industry in the US is threatening to bring the World Health Organisation to its knees by demanding that Congress end its funding unless the WHO scraps guidelines on healthy eating, due to be published on Wednesday.

          The threat is being described by WHO insiders as tantamount to blackmail and worse than any pressure exerted by the tobacco lobby.

          The industry is furious at the guidelines, which say that sugar should account for no more than 10% of a healthy diet. It claims that the review by international experts which decided on the 10% limit is scientifically flawed, insisting that other evidence indicates that a quarter of our food and drink intake can safely consist of sugar."

          https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/apr/21/usnews.food

          And of course there was the true conspiracy to blame fat.

          The sugar-funded project in question was a literature review, examining a variety of studies and experiments. It suggested there were major problems with all the studies that implicated sugar, and concluded that cutting fat out of American diets was the best way to address coronary heart disease.

          For one thing, there's motivation and intent. In 1954, the researchers note, the president of the SRF gave a speech describing a great business opportunity.

          If Americans could be persuaded to eat a lower-fat diet — for the sake of their health — they would need to replace that fat with something else. America's per capita sugar consumption could go up by a third."

          https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/09/13/493739074/50-years-ago-sugar-industry-quietly-paid-scientists-to-point-blame-at-fat

    • gsays 1.2
      21 March 2024 at 12:17 pm

      All the above is good and I'm down with it, with one proviso, the sugar isn't replaced by artificial sweeteners.

      Cough 'accumulative neuro toxin' cough.

      • weka 1.2.1
        21 March 2024 at 12:21 pm

        which raises another question. How to help kids transition off sugar. And how to ensure kids get adequate nutrients especially where nutrient deficiency underlies sugar cravings.

        • gsays 1.2.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 12:31 pm

          I'm not pretending to have all the answers but food in schools done properly would be part of the solution.

          By properly I mean food cooked in-house or another school or high school. Not this neo liberal subcontracting food for profit carry on we have currently.

          Both Japan and France offer great models we could aspire to.

        • bwaghorn 1.2.1.2
          21 March 2024 at 4:40 pm

          . How to help kids transition off sugar

          Don't give it to them seems to work,

          • weka 1.2.1.2.1
            21 March 2024 at 4:59 pm

            have you ever hard stopped eating all sugars when you've been eating them daily for a long time? It's not pleasant. And even if that was ok, the impact on behaviours at school is an issue.

            • Phillip ure 1.2.1.2.1.1
              21 March 2024 at 7:00 pm

              Yes..I used to have two and a half sugars in tea..

              ..would smother porridge in brown sugar..etc etc..

              One day..a long time ago..I was getting a bit chubby..

              ..so I decided to kick sugar..

              ..on the difficulty of giving up scale..it ranks about 1.5..

              ..just a bit harder than cocaine..which was a doddle..

              ..and products will be able to still have sugar in them..just not the exorbitant amounts now permitted..

              ..given the damage it does…some grumpy kids for awhile..seems a bearable price to pay…

              .. anyway..there are also other natural sweeteners for them..

              Setting maximum amounts is a no-brainer..really..

              • weka …
                21 March 2024 at 7:03 pm

                what did the scale run from and to?

                • Phillip ure …
                  21 March 2024 at 7:17 pm

                  Zero to ten…

                  Heroin @ 8.5..

                  Alcohol/cigs 4.5..

                  I still have sugar in things I consume that have sugar in them..but not too much..

              • Phillip ure …
                21 March 2024 at 7:15 pm

                And so much stuff is sodden with sugar…and is peddled as being healthy for children..

                Go and have a look how much sugar is in milo..

                ..just reading the amount could give you a sugar rush..

                ..so..change to another hot chocolate that is what it claims…and is not just chocolate flavoured sugar..

    • Rose 2.1
      21 March 2024 at 7:17 am

      Frankly, one might more reasonably ask can NZ survive if kiwi rail don’t exit the cook straight? Quite happy for them to Choo Choo a few trains up and down the country when we have trucks as a realistic alternative. Meanwhile with their proven unreliability on the straight, maybe time for some one else to have a go.

      • Tony Veitch 2.1.1
        21 March 2024 at 7:35 am

        Yup, the usual neoliberal mantra – private companies can do it better.

        Just like they have in the UK with train and water services!

        • Rose 2.1.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 7:39 am

          Indeed. Train services in the Uk are fabulous.

          [Please fix the typo in your email address in your next comment, thanks – Incognito]

          • Incognito 2.1.1.1.1
            21 March 2024 at 8:32 am

            Mod note

          • alwyn 2.1.1.1.2
            21 March 2024 at 9:35 am

            Is HS2 a Government or a private company project?

          • Visubversa 2.1.1.1.3
            21 March 2024 at 10:13 am

            Train services in the UK are appalling. We were there late last year and of the 8 or so train journeys we did only one was anything like comfortable and on time. It does not matter if you have booked seats or not – if your train is cancelled (often because of driver shortages) then you are thrown into the melee.

            The trains that do go are horrendously overcrowded – we got one from York to Manchester that was full to the doors and the air conditioning had failed. The only fresh air was that which came in during the less than a minute dwell times at the stations. Two days later a driver refused to take a Manchester train out of Euston station because it was so overcrowded it was not safe.

            We had another booked journey for a direct route from Manchester to Birmingham which was cancelled at the last minute and we were redirected to a change at Crewe and another change at Tamworth. It took 3 times the journey time and we had to stand on an outdoor platform at Tamworth for 30 minutes between connections.

            If you are older and have luggage it can be very distressing to deal with. If we go back there again – we will travel intercity by coach. It may take longer, but they stow luggage properly and you actually get the seats you book.

            • Tony Veitch 2.1.1.1.3.1
              21 March 2024 at 10:28 am

              Yes, I had similar experiences with UK trains about 5 years ago.

              But . . . but private companies do it better! (Repeat until you've got it by heart!)

              • Visubversa …
                21 March 2024 at 10:57 am

                We did the same sort of journeys in 2019 without so much drama. Our overall impression of England this time is that nothing seems to work properly.

                The local CO-OP supermarket in Leeds regularly ran out of baskets as people would come into the store, fill them up, and just walk out without paying, basket and all. The shop staff were not going to put themselves at risk stopping them.

                We certainly did not want to go out at night at all.

            • Bearded Git 2.1.1.1.3.2
              21 March 2024 at 10:53 am

              John Major, who idiotically privatised British Rail, splitting it into numerous uncoordinated and self-interested private companies, has much to answer for.

            • Rose 2.1.1.1.3.3
              21 March 2024 at 10:56 am

              Ah yes, but you got a train going when and where you wanted. Meanwhile here we have / had Te Huia and …. Crickets

              • Visubversa …
                21 March 2024 at 10:59 am

                Well, no we didn't. Not without a lot of bother, and at some risk to our health and wellbeing.

          • Macro 2.1.1.1.4
            21 March 2024 at 11:26 am

            I think the data shows your contention above to be completely false. The only time the trains in the UK ran on time was during covid – when obviously everyone avoided them.

      • SPC 2.1.2
        21 March 2024 at 7:44 am

        The same quality of argument is that if the RNZAF struggle with old transport planes, they should not get new ones.

        It is this government that blocked KiwiRail plan to get replacement ferries, because they had $30B of roads to fund and a $5B hole.

    • SPC 2.2
      21 March 2024 at 7:40 am

      Enabling a privately owned monopoly, unable to efficiently shift freight off rail, would be of an effort to end rail freight and give road trucking a monopoly.

      There would need to be an investigation of the connections between this government and all involved in this industry for corruption on a grand scale.

      • Sanctuary 2.2.1
        21 March 2024 at 8:13 am

        Rentier capitalism is the economic model of choice for NZ's decadent new right aristocracy. Our captains of industry would love nothing better than investing in a private sector shipping company that charges monopoly rents to cross Cook Strait while offering a level of service and safety that would make the owners of the MV Doña Paz uneasy.

    • Graeme 2.3
      21 March 2024 at 1:25 pm

      Leaving aside the ability of Kiwi Rail to provided ongoing service across Cook Strait, there's got to be some Government control / regulation of the service. It is a vital single point link on SH 1, and just a bit important the Country's economy.

      Down here we found out just how important that link was when it got disrupted by the Kaikoura earthquakes and covid, freight rates went through the roof and delivery / supply became patchy at best.

      The current link through Picton is a legacy of 1940's thinking and maybe could be reviewed, but there's been many alternatives that haven't survived or made it of the plans. So Picton is probably the best option we've got.

      But it's dangerous political waters for any party that wants to try and fuck with. Empty or expensive supermarket shelves and businesses closing or moving north because of freight issues won't go down well at elections. A lot of the South is quite marginal electorally and seats and party vote can and does switch abruptly. Nicola and Simion will have to come up with a solid plan to ensure an adequate and affordable service across Cook Strait or there'll be a lot of their voters asking some very impertinent questions.

      • bwaghorn 2.3.1
        21 March 2024 at 1:40 pm

        there'll be a lot of their voters asking some very impertinent questions.

        Looking at the slow car wreak this government is turning into the aging ferries will be here long after them .

  3. bwaghorn 3
    21 March 2024 at 9:23 am

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/350220152/investors-have-top-rent-payments-hundreds-week

    Why are we expected to have sympathy for poor investors?

    Cut subsidies today, if a person can prove they have paid rent consistently for 2 years allow no deposit mortgages, build more apartments.

    • weka 3.1
      21 March 2024 at 9:39 am

      at a guess, a deposit is required so banks don't lose money if there is a mortgagee sale. Which seems a bit daft given how much property prices increase, but it's probably not going to change.

      • bwaghorn 3.1.1
        21 March 2024 at 9:42 am

        Saving for deposit while paying rent must be a hell of an impediment

        • weka 3.1.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 10:33 am

          yep. We could be setting up systems that give people access to deposits. Government did this for women on the DPB in the 80s/90s.

          • weka 3.1.1.1.1
            21 March 2024 at 10:34 am

            maybe a deposit that is paid back to the government when the house is sold.

            • joe90 3.1.1.1.1.1
              21 March 2024 at 11:02 am

              Finance and extend coverage of the, currently over-subscribed, Kāinga Ora shared ownership scheme.

              What is Shared Ownership?

              Shared ownership means that you initially share ownership of the home with a third party who purchases the home with you (in this case Kāinga Ora). You are the majority homeowner and occupier, but we will own a share in the home, that you will buy out over time.

              The make-up of shared ownership will be determined by several factors, including:

              1. How much of a deposit you have
              2. How much a participating lender is willing to lend you
              3. How much contribution Kāinga Ora will make towards purchasing the home with you.

              For example, you may have saved 10% of the purchase price of a home and a participating bank is willing to lend you 75%. Kāinga Ora then contributes 15% to purchase the home with you in return for a 15% share of ownership in the home.

              https://kaingaora.govt.nz/home-ownership/first-home-partner/

            • Phillip ure 3.1.1.1.1.2
              21 March 2024 at 8:37 pm

              Or just folded into the mortgage…

    • alwyn 3.2
      21 March 2024 at 9:43 am

      "allow no deposit mortgages".

      A person who wants a repeat of the subprime mortgages that was a major cause of the GFC of 2007-2008. As George Santayana so eloquently put it.

      “Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.”

      • bwaghorn 3.2.1
        21 March 2024 at 9:57 am

        https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-subprime-mortgage-en-110/

        “””A subprime mortgage is generally a loan that is meant to be offered to prospective borrowers with impaired credit records. The higher interest rate is intended to compensate the lender for accepting the greater risk in lending to such borrowers.””

        You might have the wrong definition it would appear

        • gsays 3.2.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 12:27 pm

          After reading and watching Michael Lewis's The Big Short as well as others I can assure you Alwyn is wrong.

          Brokers were renowned for NINJA loans. No Income No Job but that didn't stop them being signed up for mortgages.

          You often hear parasites landlords regurgitate the refrain "the tenants can't afford a mortgage", when it is clear the tenant can afford the landlord's mortgage and rates and insurance and…

          • alwyn 3.2.1.1.1
            21 March 2024 at 3:07 pm

            Why did you leave out the full meaning of NINJA?

            You say it was "No Income No Job". Why did you leave out the final bit that was No Assets? What is a no deposit loan but a loan to someone who has no assets?

            • gsays 3.2.1.1.1.1
              21 March 2024 at 6:40 pm

              Because I made my point.

              You don't need assets to service a mortgage in the fractional reserve banking environment that we operate in.

  4. Phillip ure 4
    21 March 2024 at 9:44 am

    So…john key led a gummint that refused to bring in open banking..

    …which the monopolist-banksters didn't want..

    ..and which was the norm in most other countries..

    ..and then he went on to become one of those banksters..

    .. corruption in nz isn't usually briefcases bulging with cash..

    .. it's more of a physical-interaction..

    ..involving lots of mutual back-scratching..

    ..I would submit that is the case here..

  5. joe90 5
    21 March 2024 at 10:44 am

    How Russia treats the (700,000) children they've kidnapped.

    /

    @DrJadeMcGlynn

    This is such a terrifying piece, especially the longer Russian version. The English one is terrifying enough though.

    Lilia Yapparova

    @lilia_yapparova

    It was genuinely scary to cull through the docs leaked from Russia’s Education Ministry. They force deported Ukrainian kids into an indoctrination course — and carry out surveillance on those who’re not instilled with “Russian identity” quickly enough.

    https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/11/they-could-start-to-resist

    https://twitter.com/lilia_yapparova/status/1767886887274815809

    https://twitter.com/DrJadeMcGlynn/status/1770519669901778979

  6. Bearded Git 6
    21 March 2024 at 10:46 am

    Tarras International Airport in Central Otago may well be applied for any day now under the new fast track legislation. Simian will doubtless wave it through and there will be nothing the fine folk of Godzone will be able to do to stop it.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512259/the-unprecedented-power-the-government-is-handing-three-of-its-ministers-under-its-new-fast-track-approval-bill

    • weka 6.1
      21 March 2024 at 10:47 am

      is that why they pulled back last year, waiting for this?

    • JeremyB 6.2
      21 March 2024 at 3:33 pm

      "nothing the fine folk of Godzone will be able to do to stop it."
      There is always the option of direct action.

      • weka 6.2.1
        21 March 2024 at 3:50 pm

        yep. I'm really hoping the climate activists will step up on this one. Lots of resistance from locals too.

      • Bearded Git 6.2.2
        21 March 2024 at 4:47 pm

        I'm with you there Jeremy….I will be helping the people of Tarras (I know some of them) if the fast-track starts.

        While direct action is unlikely (IMHO) to influence somebody like Simeon Brown (who doesn’t give a toss about climate change), turning Tarras and the fast-track process into a major NZ-wide issue could help the Left win in 2026.

  7. Phillip ure 7
    21 March 2024 at 10:51 am

    Memo to labour party looking for policy ideas:

    Finland has the happiest citizens on the planet award in an iron grip..

    And this in a country very cold most of the time..and living under the direct shadow of putin…

    It could be a useful exercise to have a look at what finland does for it's citizens ..and how it could fit here..

    We seem to be going in the wrong direction..and we seem to know this..

    ..we have just slipped out of the top ten happiest countries..

    ..so…y'know..!

    ..it wouldn't hurt..would it..to have a look at their winning formula…

    .. whaddya reckon..?

    • Bearded Git 7.1
      21 March 2024 at 11:00 am

      The Happiness survey was taken between the years 2021-2023 when NZ was happily continuing as usual under lockdown while the rest of the world (apart from WA) was being disrupted by masses of covid cases and millions of covid related deaths.

      How did we end up in only 11th place?

    • bwaghorn 7.2
      21 March 2024 at 11:07 am

      What??? Use evidence over ideology, what a silly idea.

      • Phillip ure 7.2.1
        21 March 2024 at 11:22 am

        I have long thought that would/could be the seed of a new political party..

        To pick new/fresh policies ( for here)…from proven successful policies elsewhere..

        ..so really it's a no-brainer for labour to look over there..

        ..for policy ideas that will excite the electorate ..

        ..an electorate very tired of the same-old same-old..

        ..we don't have to reinvent the wheel all the time..

        ..the answers to our burning questions are already out there..

        • Belladonna 7.2.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 11:45 am

          My understanding is that this is what TOP tried to do…..

          Basically, it seems to be 'too hard' to shift the electorate from the familiar parties – to trying something new – in the short term.

          Suspect that it requires multiple elections and decades, to actually gain enough traction to even be a contender to make a difference.

          The trajectory of the Green Party rather illustrates the point.

          An electoral answer would be to move the dial on the vote percentage required for election – down to 1-2%. Which would enable some of these minor parties to get into parliament – and (potentially) into government as part of a coalition. Once you're in parliament, you have a much greater chance of the support/funding required to increase the size of your representation.

          ATM – it's much easier to finagle the electoral rules in order to gain an electorate seat, than it is to rely on party vote (David Seymour for ACT and Jim Anderton for New Labour are both examples of this happening).

          There are downsides to reducing the threshold – in terms of making coalitions more difficult to form, and the risk of the tail wagging the dog. We see examples of both in Europe – when it can take months to form a government, and minor parties often wield influence far greater than the numbers.

          • Phillip ure 7.2.1.1.1
            21 March 2024 at 7:29 pm

            If so..top did a crap job of selling those ideas..

            ..all the action around them seemed to focus on the leader winning a chch seat..

            • Belladonna 7.2.1.1.1.1
              21 March 2024 at 9:20 pm

              So is there any political party that you think has a fresh kit of ideas?

              Or does one have to spring from the brow of Zeus?

              The point that I was making is that – unlike you – the electorate doesn't seem to get very excited over new and innovative policies and new and untried parties.

        • Descendant Of Smith 7.2.1.2
          21 March 2024 at 12:54 pm

          Many are there in our own history. From my post back in 2010.

          These are the sorts of policies that if espoused by a party would get my vote.

          1. The principle of an egalitarian society with all citizens being looked after and supported
          2. A clear statement that an increasing gap between the top and the bottom is not to be desired due to the negative social impacts. That the country should move forward as a whole.
          3, A fair days work for a fair days pay. The 8 hour working day and the 40 hour working week should be re-instated. Anyone working more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week should be paid time and a half. Salaries – by which some employers currently use to get around the minimum wage rules – should be set a a minimum equivalent of 40 hours per week X 120% of the minimum wage.
          4. Benefit rates should be increased immediately by the $20-00 per week cut made years ago. Labour should be deeply embarrassed by reinstating this for NZS but not for benefits.
          5. Government should undertake as part of their social commitment to provide jobs for young people and people with disabilities – particularly in times of recession. Government Departments should be funded specifically for this. The private sector should be supported to provide jobs for people with significant disabilities by having their health / productivty assessed on a 3 yearly basis and having the difference between the productivity assessment and the Invalids Benefit paid to the employer – until the person turns 65 and qualifies for NZS if need be. Workers must be paid at least the minimum wage.
          6. All shop trading should cease on Sundays from 12:00 pm so workers all have half a day a week to spend with their families. This includes bars. This will also be positive for people running small businesses who have currently little choice but to open because their big competitors are.
          7. Alcohol should not be able to be sold in dairies and similar outlets.
          8. Gambling machines except in the casinos should be banned – this includes pubs and RSA’s.
          9. A clear progressive tax system should be implemented with the proviso each year that 20% of any surplus should be returned to all tax payers in equal shares as a lump sum payment.
          10. Depreciation should be clearly removed as a tax deduction. The basic principle should be to claim your costs when you actually incur them.
          11. All employers can claim a flat $500-00 per year per employee for costs associated with keeping employees motivated – social clubs, Christmas and staff functions etc. No other costs beyond this can be claimed as a taxable expense. This puts all workers and all employers on an even footing.
          12. Families with non-working or part-time working partners ( less than say $15,000 per annum) should be able to split their income for tax purposes.
          13. Family Benefit should be re-introduced so all people with children get this assistance regardless of income. Raising children should be valued.

          There’s some thoughts anyway.

          https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-11062010/#comment-224176

        • Drowsy M. Kram 7.2.1.3
          21 March 2024 at 1:14 pm

          Multiple reviews of Aotearoa NZ's MMP voting system have recommended decreasing the 5% party vote threshold – presumably they had their reasons.
          But these recommendations have not been followed – funny that wink

          Drop threshold from 5% to 4% – MMP review [14 August 2012]

          Electoral Commission urges Parliament to lower 5 per cent party vote threshold and abolish coat-tailing – again [18 May 2021]

          Electoral review recommends 3.5% threshold, voting age of 16
          [5 June 2023]
          An independent review of New Zealand’s electoral system has concluded a major shake-up of MMP is needed to ensure a fairer and more accessible democracy

          Electoral review’s major recommendations ruled out on release of final report [17 Jan 2024]

          • Belladonna 7.2.1.3.1
            21 March 2024 at 9:23 pm

            But these recommendations have not been followed – funny that

            Turkeys don't vote for Christmas.

            Reducing the electoral threshold would automatically reduce the significance of the major parties – of course they're not going to agree.

            Unless it gets bundled in with something they do want but is electorally unpopular (e.g. 4 year terms)

            • Drowsy M. Kram 7.2.1.3.1.1
              21 March 2024 at 10:30 pm

              Turkeys don’t vote for Christmas.

              Turkeys don’t vote, period smiley

              Reducing the electoral threshold would automatically reduce the significance of the major parties – of course they're not going to agree.

              NZ's major political parties didn't particularly relish the idea of MMP either:

              The politicians respond
              Few of Labour's leaders welcomed the commission's recommendations, however, and the government tried to sideline the issue. Although National's leadership also disliked the idea of MMP, they saw an opportunity to embarrass the government over its failure to respond to the commission's proposals.

              And yet here we are, with an arguably fairer, more progressive and more popular voting system.

              Perhaps then the fairest way to establish whether our MMP system should adopt recommended tweeks would be via indicative and binding referendums, similar to those that ushered in MMP in the first place.

              In response to submitter feedback to the second consultation, we reconsidered whether a four per cent or three per cent party vote threshold would strike a better balance between a representative parliament and an effective parliament. We acknowledge the strong arguments in favour of each option, and we note these below.
              https://electoralreview.govt.nz/assets/PDF/Independent-Electoral-Review-Final-Report-November-2023.pdf

              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_threshold

            • Phillip ure 7.2.1.3.1.2
              22 March 2024 at 1:26 pm

              I have mixed feelings on the four year term..

              As essentially now gummints usually get two bites of the apple..six years..

              Whereas a four yr term gives the electorate more time to decide if the then current mob are a waste of space..or not..

              ..and so save us from them sooner than usual…

              (Heh..!..have to admit this far-right three-headed hydra isn't doing much for the case for four year terms..)

              • Belladonna …
                22 March 2024 at 1:31 pm

                I find that your last point is the one holding most sway with people.
                They're perfectly happy to consider 4 years terms, so long as 'their' party (or at least a government they can live with) is in power. But when the roles are reversed, 3 years is too long.

              • Drowsy M. Kram …
                22 March 2024 at 4:28 pm

                Fun fact: For the first 25 years, New Zealand's parliamentry term was five years. The term was reduced to three years in 1879, and since then has only been altered (increased/prolonged) on three occasions.

                https://elections.nz/assets/Report-of-the-Royal-Commission-on-the-Electoral-System-1986/Chapter-6-the-term-of-parliament.pdf

                The major challenges that fully democractic countries are facing on overshoot spaceship Earth will likely bring those in genuine need, not to mention inconvenienced well-to-do moaners, more to the fore, and that won’t favour longer parliamentary terms, imho.

                Still, major global challenges might just knit us together – dreams are free.

    • joe90 7.3
      21 March 2024 at 11:42 am

      It could be a useful exercise to have a look at what finland does for it's citizens

      Affordable, quality housing and heating means warm, happy people.

    • gsays 7.4
      21 March 2024 at 12:37 pm

      Replace fluoride with MDMA in the water supply.​​​​​​devil

  8. James Simpson 8
    21 March 2024 at 10:59 am

    Thanks National

    Officially in recession. Economic geniuses.

  9. Tiger Mountain 9
    21 March 2024 at 11:02 am

    Is there any remaining vulnerable group for these tory scum to attack and demean? They have had a go at state tenants, school kids lunches, endangered animal species, low paid workers, and now disabled…

    Fightback time people, haunt these fuckers whenever they appear in public. And, if public housing tenants are evicted they should consider occupying the nearest “ghost houses” or even empty commercial property–there should be enough so affected to stretch the cops resources–who have also got a kicking from Mercenary Mitchell over their wages and conditions.

    Restricting Free Prescriptions is another negative measure…

    https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/better-health-services-and-access-due-free-prescriptions-survey

    • Obtrectator 9.1
      21 March 2024 at 12:38 pm

      Predictions:

      * prescription fees return

      * independent (community) pharmacies have no choice but to charge them

      * meanwhile, big international chains like Chemist Warehouse refrain from charging them because they can afford the temporary dip in cash flow, until

      * most or all of the independent pharmacies have been squeezed out of business, and then …

      * up go all the prices (including prescription fees), to whatever level the big firms think they can get away with the market can stand

  10. Jilly Bee 10
    21 March 2024 at 11:16 am

    Onya – Phillip Mills. If only some more well off people with a conscience would do the same. His stance has been published previously, but I just hope he doesn't face a backlash from the usual suspects. https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350210940/richlister-behind-les-mills-gym-empire-reveals-why-he-donates-political-parties

  11. Rose 11
    21 March 2024 at 11:54 am

    Robbos parting gift, a double dip recession.

    Thanks mate, you won’t be missed.

    https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8563046/double-dip-new-zealand-recession-confirmed/

    [TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]

    [you are starting to look like a troll. I suggest you figure out how things work here and up your game with regard to political discussion and debate rather than this lazy slur politics. Feel free to ask if you are unclear – weka]

    • weka 11.1
      21 March 2024 at 12:10 pm

      mod note.

    • Robert Guyton 11.2
      21 March 2024 at 5:19 pm

      "starting"???

    • KJT 11.3
      21 March 2024 at 6:27 pm

      National and the Reserve Bank have been talking the country into a recession for at least a year.

      And real business confidence, as reflected by investment in plant and staff, not the perceptions held by the delusional, in the near future is non existent, with the Coalition of Chaos's intentions to remove even more wealth/spending from the internal economy. Ruthanasia reprise!

      Why are you surprised that we are now getting one.

    • weka 11.4
      21 March 2024 at 6:36 pm

      mod note.

      • SPC 11.4.1
        21 March 2024 at 8:09 pm

        Doxxing? Moderators refer to the history of commentators quite a lot you know.

        • weka 11.4.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 9:03 pm

          yes, because we have looked up their history on TS and know it is already in the public domain. That's not doxxing.

          I have no idea what you were talking about and what you were referring to, because you didn't say and you provided zero context or links. Why is this difficult to understand?

          • SPC 11.4.1.1.1
            21 March 2024 at 9:11 pm

            I thought this was enough,

            She first came on here back in September 2008 to quote Michael Bassett on Helen Clark and mention Cullen's expensive train set.

            not using a link, is not doxxing.

            I’ll link to past posts, if mentioned, so people don’t have to go back and check.

            • weka 11.4.1.1.1.1
              21 March 2024 at 9:21 pm

              you made vague claims about a current commenter, including references to having an affair and another blog. I still have no idea what you were on about. You could easily have been doxxing. Seriously, you need to stop and listen to what I am saying here.

              If you had backed up all the things you were saying at the start we wouldn't be having this conversation.

      • Rose 11.5.1
        21 March 2024 at 7:06 pm

        I think you’ve taken aim at a target and ended up shooting yourself in foot.

        This Rose at least only became aware of this site in the past 18 months. This rose was living in the UK in the timeframe you mentioned and blissfully unconcerned with NZ politics at that time.

        Nice try but no cigar m.

        [Please fix the same typo again in your email address in your next comment, thanks – Incognito]

        • Incognito 11.5.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 8:49 pm

          Second Mod note.

        • SPC 11.5.1.2
          21 March 2024 at 9:01 pm

          I'll leave it to the management to clean up your "site history record".

          So your experience of functioning trains in England is recent?

          Some coincidence, the first post on the site by someone named Rose talked about Cullen and his expensive train set and about the debt left by Labour.

          And here you are, after the following Labour government leaving office talking about trains and debt.

          Is it in the troll farm playbook?

          • Rose 11.5.1.2.1
            21 March 2024 at 9:07 pm

            In relation to your second paragraph. Yes. I’ve taken dozens of trips on UK trains each year for the past 31 years.

            In relation to your other accusations, in your mind you think you’ve found a smoking gun. I know for a fact you are 100% incorrect, but there you have it. I leave you with the thoughts in your own head.

            • SPC 11.5.1.2.1.1
              21 March 2024 at 9:14 pm

              Thanks for the gaslighting.

              • weka …
                21 March 2024 at 9:23 pm

                that's not gaslighting. It's someone saying you made things up. I don't know who is right here, and neither do you. I suggest you leave it alone.

  12. gsays 12
    21 March 2024 at 12:43 pm

    I heard an interesting tid-bit on the radio this morning.

    Concerning bottom trawling for minerals in Taranaki, one of the uber ministers, Shane Jones, has recused himself from the decision making process.

    Edit.https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018931059/around-the-motu-robin-martin-in-taranaki
    Nearer the end of the piece.
    The whisper is Talley's don't like the idea of their fishing being disrupted.

  13. joe90 13
    21 March 2024 at 1:06 pm

    One person, one vote, unless you own land.

    /

    A party vote was called for on the question, That the Local Electoral (Abolition of the Ratepayer Roll) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.

    Ayes 55

    New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.

    Noes 68

    New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.

    Motion not agreed to.

    https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20240320_20240320_40

    Last week, a bill that proposes to abolish the ratepayers roll – which allows people who own properties in multiple council areas to vote in local elections in each of those areas – was drawn from the parliament biscuit tin. Shanti Mathias explains.

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-02-2024/a-new-members-bill-wants-to-stop-landlords-getting-extra-votes-in-local-elections

    • weka 13.1
      21 March 2024 at 5:06 pm

      it's hard to know how to manage that one. If you own a holiday home in another area, or even a rental in another area, it's understandable that you want a vote in the election of the people who determine things like rates, rules around housing and such.

      Maybe cap it at two properties?

      Also, are the left now arguing one person, one vote?

    • Belladonna 13.2
      21 March 2024 at 7:00 pm

      No taxation without representation?

      It's important to note that it doesn't matter how much property you own within a single local government area, you only get one vote.

      It's only where you own property in two different local government areas, that you get to vote in both.

      The majority of people who are affected by this are not landlords (who tend to own their properties in a single city) – it's people with a holiday home or bach.

      Even the article says this isn’t a significant issue (as in most people don’t bother to enrol, even though they’re eligible) – it’s rather a matter of philosophical ‘fairness’.

      I should have thought the Labour Party had significantly more important issues to address…. [Yes, I know it’s a private members bill – but a bit more thought into what bills go into the biscuit tin, wouldn’t go amiss]

      There is also nothing in the legislation preventing the putative Machiavellian multiple-property owner from declaring their primary residence to be in the holiday-home area where they want to influence the outcome.

      • joe90 13.2.1
        21 March 2024 at 7:37 pm

        it's people with a holiday home or bach.

        And this how they behave.

        /

        A 30-year battle over a Coromandel skate park between locals and bach owners that involved “dirty tricks”, “bribery” and accusations of nimbyism has reached its conclusion in court.

        The community and waterfront property owners had been pitted against each other over a skate park in Tairua’s Cory Park Domain, near the estuary.

        A High Court judge has this week dismissed the request for a judicial review, mounted by Preserve Cory Park Domain Inc. This group, many of whom were from Auckland, opposed the park for its proximity to houses, potential noise, anti-social behaviour and sanitary fears about toileting.

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300952830/30year-spat-with-bach-owners-over-skate-park-won-by-locals-fighting-for-their-right-to-shred

        • Belladonna 13.2.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 8:16 pm

          That's how some of them behave. Do you equally condemn all Kainga Ora residents because some are anti-social?

          Note the word 'many' in the article – which implies that at least some who oppose the development are permanent residents.

          It sounds like NIMBYism – not wanting their nice peaceful waterfront area to be contaminated by nasty skateboarding yoof. The fact that some are owners of holiday homes is a bit of a red herring.

          And the proposed legislation still wouldn't resolve this – as the out of towners could declare their holiday home their primary residence for electoral purposes.

          Nor would it prevent property owners taking cases to the High Court (you don't need to be a resident to do this)

  14. Peter 14
    21 March 2024 at 1:10 pm

    Hundreds to lose jobs as Ministry of Primary Industries cuts costs.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350220974/hundreds-lose-jobs-ministry-primary-industries-cuts-costs

    "MPI has wide-reaching responsibilities. It was tasked with growing and sustaining primary industries such as farming, forestry, fishing, wine and food production."

    "It also employed fisheries officers, responsible for patrolling marine protection areas and checking quotas.

    Its (sic) also employed Biosecurity officers at airports and ports, who check for invasive pests and disease which could decimate the primary industries. With cuts also confirmed at Customs, that meant there would be fewer people protecting the border by the end of the year."

    As long as those wallowing in the gains from tax cuts don't start grizzling about the wheels falling off somewhere in the system. There's plenty of scope thereconsidering the range of areas covered.

  15. Stephen D 15
    21 March 2024 at 1:24 pm

    Let’s hope MBovis doesn’t make a comeback.

  16. Stephen D 16
    21 March 2024 at 1:29 pm

    Economics 101, charge what the market can bear. Not cost plus

    So why do supposedly economically literate MPs in the CoC think rents will come down?

    No self respecting landlord in their right mind will pass on savings.

  17. joe90 17
    21 March 2024 at 3:42 pm

    Dollars to donuts a certain former PM knew about this.

    A foreign agency ran a spy operation out of New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau for years without the government knowing.

    The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security has revealed this in an investigation out on Thursday.

    It has found the GCSB knew when it agreed to host the signals intelligence system it could be used to support "military operations by foreign partners".

    "The capability clearly had the potential to be used, in conjunction with other intelligence sources, to support military action against targets," the report by IGIS Brendan Horsley said.

    The system operated from 2013 until 2020, when it was stopped by an equipment failure.

    But government ministers were not told despite the agency knowing how sensitive it was.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/512310/foreign-agency-ran-spy-operation-out-of-gcsb-for-years

  18. weka 18
    21 March 2024 at 4:10 pm

    Um…

    EU ambassador to New Zealand Lawrence Meredith said the deal had the “highest approval rating” of any free trade deal in the European Parliament, which had already ratified it.

    “We think that's an excellent deal for both sides.

    “We're see big economic opportunities for European Union businesses and I would look in particular at the investment area and infrastructure. We're looking forward to the Government's upcoming privatisation of public infrastructure.

    "We believe that on the EU side there's opportunities on wind energy, wind turbines, but potentially in other areas of major infrastructure.“

    my emphasis.

    https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/politics/350219383/nz-eu-free-trade-deal-be-ratified-force-may

    • weka 18.1
      21 March 2024 at 4:12 pm

      This video explains how European publicly owned rail profits from ownership of UK privatised rail. Seems pertinent (someone linked on reddit)

    • newsense 18.2
      21 March 2024 at 8:41 pm

      Already in the shop window for spring sales!

  19. randal mcmurphy 19
    21 March 2024 at 5:55 pm

    NZ slipping down happiness index since nationals government took power

  20. Rosielee 20
    21 March 2024 at 6:12 pm

    Way past time we had some serious labour support actions. Strikes, protests, demos, whatever. Clearly, under this government, working people are screwed. Labour Party please take note.

    • weka 20.1
      21 March 2024 at 6:39 pm

      Too right. Lots of damage being done. Reminds me of the early 90s. Why aren’t we taking to the streets?

      • Rosielee 20.1.1
        21 March 2024 at 6:48 pm

        yes

      • gsays 20.1.2
        21 March 2024 at 6:50 pm

        Last time we got up on our hind legs, more than a few were ready to blather on about nazi's, freedumb, foreign right wing interference, death threats and repeat the rivers of filth moniker.

        Better take that energy and organise, and look out and care for those that have been screwed over.

    • Descendant Of Smith 20.2
      21 March 2024 at 6:56 pm

      I've pointed out previously you can only legally strike at the end of a contract and unions keep negotiating three year contracts. They need to start exerting a bit more power through one year contracts. Why the fuck you would limit your only strength to being able to be exercised only once every three years I don't know.

      (There are a few exceptions for health and safety reasons)

      Even the strike process is convoluted. Labour of course did sweet FA about strengthening the right to strike that we used to have eg going on strike to support other unions.

      "Let’s say one union covers the employees of one workplace, and they share a collective agreement. Before any strike takes place, the following things need to happen:.

      • The union needs to gather its members to vote on whether they should ask for more money, or begin ‘bargaining’ with the employer.
      • Wait until there is three months or less before the last agreement expires, then ask the employer to begin bargaining.
      • Once bargaining begins – something that can be full day affairs – it needs to pass the 40-day mark.
      • The union then needs to go back to its members and ask for a majority vote on whether they should strike.
      • The union then writes to the employer and Government to tell them it’s keen to strike, what the strike would look like, where it will happen and how to end it.
      • Workers may then serve a notice period before the strike begins, depending on what kind of work they’re in. For essential services, that could be up to 28 days."

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/explained/130057198/explained-what-does-a-strike-actually-mean-or-do

      • weka 20.2.1
        21 March 2024 at 7:02 pm

        unions can organise protests and demos right though? They were central in the early 90s protests.

        • Descendant Of Smith 20.2.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 7:06 pm

          Absolutely. Been on a few of them myself. Took annual leave – or was already on annual leave.

    • KJT 20.3
      21 March 2024 at 7:42 pm

      Illegal.

      Unlike civilised countries. Finland Strikes.

      Though note the new right wing Government wants to place limits on the right to strike.

      Strikes, as a non violent political protest, should have remained legal in any society which pretends to be Democratic.

  21. Descendant Of Smith 21
    21 March 2024 at 7:04 pm

    I'm still waiting for Darien Fenton to give me an example of getting people to go on strike during the period of a contract.

    “I always said to workers who wanted to strike, go for it. Why do you need the law or a government to tell you it's okay?”

    Give me one example where your advice resulted in workers striking during the term of their contract. Every strike I have seen has been on expired contracts.

    In Roger Douglas's own words.

    "We now have fixed term contracts. All contracts are now for a fixed term, determined by the parties to the contract. During the term of the contract, it is illegal to have a strike or lockout against the provisions of the contract."

    https://thestandard.org.nz/political-comeback-getting-the-sequencing-right/#comment-1981613

    • KJT 21.1
      21 March 2024 at 7:48 pm

      In NZ it is illegal to strike for any other reason than the negotiation of an expired employment contract. And only the workers directly involved can strike.
      Supposedly, you can also strike for safety reasons.

      An infringement on human rights, to withdraw your labour. One of the reasons why Finland, for example, is a much happier country. Mind you, like us, for some inexplicable reason they have voted for right wing Government that wants to remove those rights.

      • Belladonna 21.1.1
        21 March 2024 at 9:05 pm

        I don't know that the right to strike is a significant factor in the happiness index of the ordinary Finn.

        I suspect that there are much more significant social, economic and cultural reasons for their high levels of happiness.

        An interesting take here on the current strike campaign against government policies in Finland.

        https://jacobin.com/2024/03/finland-orpo-right-wing-labor

        The question remains – as outlined at the end of the article – what happens if even a general strike doesn't shift the government's attitude?

        • KJT 21.1.1.1
          21 March 2024 at 9:13 pm

          significant social, economic and cultural reasons for their high levels of happiness.

          Such as Unions right to strikes, effect on equality and social welfare, access to education and opportunity?

          Noting that Parnells contractors work to rule, for an 8 hour day, would now be illegal in NZ.

          • Belladonna 21.1.1.1.1
            21 March 2024 at 9:38 pm

            The right to strike isn't a significant social, economic or cultural reason for happiness (I guess, unless you're a Union leader)

            The right to strike doesn't appear anywhere in this survey of why Finns are happy – though a lot of other factors are canvassed.

            https://finland.fi/life-society/we-asked-people-in-finland-what-makes-them-happy/

            Nor in this analysis of the comparative results of the happiness survey (why are the Finns so much happier than the Norwegians – given the same social outcomes?)

            https://finland.fi/life-society/we-asked-people-in-finland-what-makes-them-happy/

            Meanwhile, this slightly older article explores whether the Finns really are 'happy' or just have more limited horizons – which comes right back to the cultural argument (BTW, the right to strike doesn't appear here, either)

            https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/04/finland-happiness-lagom-hygge.html

          • Belladonna 21.1.1.1.2
            21 March 2024 at 9:44 pm

            Note that Parnell was not an employee – he was an independent contractor. And thus perfectly able (under the existing laws, let alone today's ones) to negotiate his hours of work, and pay.

            He didn't strike. He simply didn't accept contracts which didn't meet his requirements.

            https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/samuel-parnell

            • KJT 21.1.1.1.2.1
              22 March 2024 at 1:44 am

              It was, effectively, a strike.

              I am fully aware that he was a contractor.

              Individually he could refuse contracts that didn't suit him.

              However!

              "Colluding" with other contractors is nowadays illegal. As is getting unconnected employees to strike in support.

              Commerce Commission – Commission issues anti-collusion reminder to businesses supplying essential services (comcom.govt.nz)

              The Commerce Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements between firms such as agreements to fix prices, allocate markets or restrict output.

              Note. "Restrict output".

              • Belladonna …
                22 March 2024 at 8:54 am

                No it was not "effectively a strike"

                In order for someone to strike they need to be employed.

                Parnell simply did not accept contracts which required more than 8 hour days.

                It's an interesting legal question over whether an independent contractor is a 'firm'. I'm inclined to think that they are not for the purposes of the Commerce Act. Which is designed to prevent chain supermarkets or petrol colluding to keep prices high (how well it works is another question).

                Nothing in the current law prevents a self-employed contractor (a builder or a plumber, for example) deciding their hours of work stop at 2pm on a Friday (for example) and going fishing for the rest of the day.

                They are either paid for the job (and it's up to them how they allocate time to it during the week) or by the hour (and, again, they can juggle their hours to suit their own circumstances).

                I do agree that there is a very strong temptation – especially when there is a lot of work around, and a desire to pay off the mortgage quickly – to pack in as many hours as possible; but there is nothing in the legislation requiring or preventing this.

                • KJT …
                  24 March 2024 at 8:50 am

                  You didn't bother reading. Or didn'understand?

                  A "strike" is a collective withdrawal of Labour.

                  If a Telecoms "contractor" individually refused to work it is a breach of contract. Illegal.

                  If they all clubbed together and refused to work asking for more pay.

                  It is not only breach of contract, but also "collusion to limit output. Both illegal. Under the commerce act and "contract" law. What Purnell and the builders in Wellington did to gain an 8 hour day, could these days wind up in court.

                  Ergo. They do not have a legal right to "withdraw their labour".

                  Same with employees. Striking, except in very limited circumstances is illegal.

                  A human right accepted in most democratic countries is illegal in NZ.

                  UN rights expert: “Fundamental right to strike must be preserved” | OHCHR

                  the right to strike is a fundamental one enshrined in international human rights and labour law, and that its protection is necessary in ensuring just, stable and democratic societies:

                  The new right leaning Finnish Government wants to head the same way. Which, like NZ, will led to increasing inequality and reduced social cohesion, with all the detrimental effects we have seen here. If it is enacted, we will again see a counter example of how effective Unions increase social wellbeing. In the decreasing Happiness.

                  • Belladonna …
                    25 March 2024 at 9:17 am

                    You clearly didn't bother reading or understand, either.

                    It is not possible to 'strike' unless you are employed.

                    Refusing to bid on a contract (because you don't like the terms or remunderation) is not a strike.

                    I'm not arguing about the rest of your points – and whether or not striking or withdrawal of labour is justified – just that Parnell did not implement a strike. He set the ground-rules for him to accept a contract. The two are very different things.

      • Drowsy M. Kram 21.1.2
        21 March 2024 at 11:32 pm

        Strike wave in Finland—a legacy of trust in transition? [13 Feb 2024]
        The strike wave in Finland is not only a symptom of this upheaval. It also demonstrates that the changes being pushed through by the government may not only erode the core content of workers’ rights but also endanger a trust-based social model.

        Endangering a trust-based social model suits some more than others, at least in the short-to-medium term, but no-one wins in the long run. I'm grateful the TEU had my back when I encountered a particularly rough 'pocket of turbulence' in the workplace.

        Attacks on trade union rights in Finland – the fight goes on
        [14 March 2024]
        Strikes and protests have resumed in Finland this week as Finnish unions across the spectrum keep up the pressure on the Orpo government to withdraw its highly controversial proposals to liberalise the labour market. The main aims of the reform are to decentralise collective bargaining, weaken the right to strike and allow more precarious employment.

        https://www.sak.fi/en/serious-grounds

  22. weka 22
    21 March 2024 at 9:45 pm

    SPC, I've dumped the whole thread in Trash because I don't have time for this. Again, if you had done these two things with your first comment, there wouldn't have been a problem (assuming you weren't doxxing)

    1. provide links to back up what you were saying
    2. explained what you were meaning.

    However, on the face of it, I've not seen evidence that demonstrates the two commenters are the same. You are guessing. I don't know why, but just leave it alone now please.

    • weka 22.1
      21 March 2024 at 9:48 pm

      also, I don't read every comment on this site. In future, link to every comment you are referring to. Onus is on you do the work. I'm trying to finish a post, you know, the reason the site exists.

    • SPC 22.2
      21 March 2024 at 9:51 pm

      No worries.

      Normally you ask people to change names, if they are using the name of an existing commentator. Did this not happen because the name Rose, went to Christine Rose and then to Compass Rose and then back to Rose?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

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