Open mike 21/08/2020

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 21st, 2020 - 172 comments
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Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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

Step up to the mike …

172 comments on “Open mike 21/08/2020 ”

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  1. Dennis Frank 1
    21 August 2020 at 6:31 am

    Former White House political adviser & Trump campaign chief Steve Bannon is federally charged with defrauding a charity that raised money to build a wall along the border with Mexico: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-trump-bannon-wall-showboating-20200820-qi2xm3pfkbb7dbno4optwzsmfe-story.html

    Trump claimed he never liked Bannon’s idea of soliciting donations to build a chunk of the wall alongside the government-built barrier that Trump infamously claimed Mexico would pay for. “I never liked that project. I thought it was being done for showboating reasons,” Trump said.

    Competitive showboating from the hired help was always gonna piss off the chief showboater, eh?

    Bannon, who served in the Navy and worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs before becoming a Hollywood producer, has been hosting a pro-Trump podcast called “War Room” that began during the president’s impeachment proceedings and has continued during the pandemic.

    Bannon led the conservative Breitbart News before being tapped to serve as chief executive officer of Trump’s campaign in its critical final months… After the election, he served as chief strategist during the turbulent early months of Trump’s administration.

    Trump tweeted in July that he “disagreed with doing this very small (tiny) section of wall, in a tricky area, by a private group which raised money by ads.” “It was only done to make me look bad, and perhaps it now doesn’t even work. Should have been built like rest of Wall, 500 plus miles,” he said.

    But hey, it's in the spirit of free enterprise! Why not crowd-source funding for lots of different teams of builders doing different sections? If you hire Mexicans to do that, you can even claim Mexico built the wall as predicted. The Don ain't thinking clearly.

  2. Tricledrown 2
    21 August 2020 at 6:45 am

    Seymour is making stuff up on RNZ about quarantine .

    • Treetop 2.1
      21 August 2020 at 8:09 am

      A big gap in breaking in, other guests being safe and the guest sticking to the strict rule of staying isolated is too big a risk.

      • mpledger 2.1.1
        21 August 2020 at 9:07 am

        Seymour's idea of isolating in BnBs is just stupid. His only method of control is that people have GPS on their phones and so they can be seen if they leave – ROTL – people can just leave their phones behind if they want to go out for a while.

        But the bigger problem is that people only get noticed after they break-out which is already too late. We need people to not break-out at all.

        • SPC 2.1.1.1
          21 August 2020 at 9:09 am

          It's about delivering tenants and profits to the Air BnB landlord class he cares more about than the rest of us.

          • greywarshark 2.1.1.1.1
            21 August 2020 at 9:53 am

            I've read that some country is using BNBs overseas. So of course – overseas! – we can do that too. That's where most right-wing policy comes from. They are too tight-fisted and narrow-minded to put money into funding our own people to be informed, professional about systems, and serve NZ's interests in a timely and effective way.

            • anker 2.1.1.1.1.1
              21 August 2020 at 10:44 am

              The air bnb idea is bonkers! Why do they think that we have bought the army into these facilities. How many very stupid people have attempted to break out now/????? How many people have attempted to break in???????

        • Sabine 2.1.1.2
          21 August 2020 at 9:32 am

          the biggest question of it all, who will do a deep clean of said BnB site if one has a positive test? The people running the Air BnB and will that be checked over by the government?
          edit: will they have to have a lisence, will they be checked up by the council staff like lisenced food premises? will they have to pay yearly registration fees, will they have to provide the same safeguards as hotels i.e. evac plan, house maintenance on site etc etc etc?

    • Stuart Munro 2.2
      21 August 2020 at 10:08 am

      Keep him talking – the more of this he spouts, the more votes he'll lose.

      • woodart 2.2.1
        21 August 2020 at 11:44 am

        agree stuart . media attention on act is a good thing. really shows there foolishness . looking forward to act having 5 or so m.p.s after election. seymour will spend most of his time putting out fires. his dancing prowess could really be a plus.

    • Draco T Bastard 2.3
      21 August 2020 at 1:44 pm

      And he gets away with it because its not illegal to lie. Immoral, yes. Illegal, no.

  3. Muttonbird 3
    21 August 2020 at 6:51 am

    Convicted credit card and share scam fraudster, Damien Grant, is having trouble passing a good character test. His application to operate as an insolvency practitioner has twice been rejected by his peers.

    There's no specific detail on what grounds. Is it the 30 month prison sentence he received in the 90s? Having run an insolvency business for 15 years now (without going to prison) this historic conviction would likely have little bearing on a good character test today, were he of good character today…

    So the new regulatory body, RITANZ, must see something else very wrong with Damien Grant. God knows, the rest of us do.

    A requirement of the new licensing regime is that an applicant is a “fit and proper” person.

    Could it just be that he's an arsehole?

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300087802/26yearold-convictions-could-end-insolvency-practitioner-damien-grants-career

    • Andre 3.1
      21 August 2020 at 7:15 am

      That's quite the image they've used where he's making a strong run at Nigel Farage for the title of "World's Most Punchable Face".

    • SPC 3.2
      21 August 2020 at 7:37 am

      He has done himself no favours with these comments

      An Auckland businessman says he claimed the Government's Covid-19 wage subsidy for his business despite believing it could survive without it, but he has no intention of paying it back.

      https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/businessman-took-wage-subsidy-despite-believing-company-would-survive-without-wont-pay-back

      He had a fair chance of winning in court before that point. It's so I'll do what I want current behaviour character.

      A man won a case before the Supreme Court 3-2, of being accepted as a lawyer. – despite a historic drink driving conviction record

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12357153

      • Rapunzel 3.2.1
        21 August 2020 at 7:43 am

        It's to be hoped it is that as it shows an intention to bend rules as he chooses that in cases of evasion & fraud don't fit with that role, there are basic rules of behaviour not dissimilar to those of law enforcement or Justice of the Peace

      • Muttonbird 3.2.2
        21 August 2020 at 8:01 am

        Yep. I don't buy the line from Susan Edmunds that his application was rejected twice because of his convictions.

        It seems clear he simply fails the good character test now.

        • Andre 3.2.2.1
          21 August 2020 at 8:43 am

          Well, I'm not one for much buying into big organisational conspiracy theories, but…

          Insolvency practitioners are the very definition of vulture capitalists. I doubt there's many people in that industry that most of us would consider "of good character".

          Licensing and professional bodies are quite often used as an underhanded means of restricting access to a trade or profession, and thereby keeping prices high for those services.

          So, adding A plus B, I find it plausible that this may be a case of other RITANZ members looking to feather their own nests by turfing out someone that's taking a chunk of their lunches.

          Or maybe he really is such an asshole that's he's unfit to work in the industry. (That's saying something!!!!)

          • Draco T Bastard 3.2.2.1.1
            21 August 2020 at 2:02 pm

            Ah, the old Who watches the watchers problem.

          • Muttonbird 3.2.2.1.2
            22 August 2020 at 10:51 am

            Farrar watch: David subscribes to your theory, @Andre.

            Unlucky.

            • Andre 3.2.2.1.2.1
              22 August 2020 at 12:35 pm

              That Farrar subscribes to an idea isn't proof that it's wrong, it's merely a strong indication. So it could still be valid.

              Or maybe Grant is a big enough asshole … come to think of it, both those things can be true at the same time.

              • Muttonbird …
                22 August 2020 at 12:45 pm

                Farrar reckons it's because Grant undercuts and the rest don't like it. I think that is bullshit, but undercutting in an industry is a good way for everyone to get a worse product so I'd not be surprised if they have an issue with it.

                One of Farrar's commenters made the important point that if you want to deal with other people's money you'd better not have been proven to have acted fraudulently with it in the past.

                SPC made another good point above that Grant's recent statements on the wage subsidy point towards unethical behaviour both from himself and from some of his 'clients'.

        • anker 3.2.2.2
          21 August 2020 at 10:46 am

          What I want to know is why the hell did someone like this get a to write columns for the Herald or wherever he was published????

        • Draco T Bastard 3.2.2.3
          21 August 2020 at 1:59 pm

          It seems clear he simply fails the good character test now.

          And all indications are that he will always do so as he simply doesn't have good character:

          A person with good character chooses to do the right thing because he or she believes it is the morally right to do so.

          And, as SPC points out, he almost inevitably chooses to do the wrong thing.

    • RosieLee 3.3
      21 August 2020 at 8:27 am

      Regular Stuff columnist. Says it all really.

      [Fixed typo is user name]

    • woodart 3.4
      21 August 2020 at 11:48 am

      so he's on strike two of the act law that he obviously supports . be a damn shame if he got caught up in someone elses phuckup, and got that third strike…..

  4. Andre 4
    21 August 2020 at 6:54 am

    Was Pootee's poisoning team just a bit bored and wanted something to do? A training exercise to keep their hand in? A new poison they wanted to check out?

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53844958

  5. Tricledrown 5
    21 August 2020 at 7:17 am

    Another Trump close aide heading to prison.

  6. Muttonbird 6
    21 August 2020 at 7:24 am

    Rydges Auckland is a weird place. It's a very cramped hotel. When you go in there you feel like you are very close to other people.

  7. Byd0nz 7
    21 August 2020 at 7:30 am

    On Putin Poison.

    What crap,. Mr 0.1 percent. No danger to Putin at all. Blown up by the West media as the main opposition leader, only in the immagination of the West. Navalny earlier announced that he would close his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) after a series of scandals around its activities and a criminal probe into the suspected laundering of around 1 billion roubles ($15.3 million), obtained by the foundation via criminal means. Hardly an opposition leader at all when the second most popular party is the Russian Communist Party, Navalny's wannabe party is the equivalent of ACT, FA chance of winning an election and no threat to any of the many political parties in Russia, so why bother trying to bump off a non starter like him (a Yale fellow), sounds more likely a CIA job in the vain hope of regime change and to point the finger. If any party could bring down the Totalitarian regime of Putin it would be the Communists.

    • Andre 7.1
      21 August 2020 at 8:25 am

      Ok, it's lockdown so a glimpse down the rabbit-hole might be some entertainment. So I'm curious what sources you use to come to those opinions. Mind linking?

      In a kleptothug totalitarian state, do you think there might still be some benefit in having an officially tolerated puppet opposition? Y'know, to create a facade for suckers to buy into?

      D'you reckon a totalitarian thug might still find some usefulness in having his apparatus hokey up charges to create a facade of due process, rather than just nakedly do whatever he wants? Y'know, for suckers to buy into?

    • Psycho Milt 7.2
      21 August 2020 at 10:59 am

      If any party could bring down the Totalitarian regime of Putin it would be the Communists.

      Projection, much? Putin's running a kleptocracy, it's in no sense totalitarian. The Communists, however…

    • Gabby 7.3
      21 August 2020 at 11:43 am

      Pooters would never trump up charges against an enemy. Guy prolly poisoned himself just to make Pooters look bad.

  8. gsays 8
    21 August 2020 at 7:31 am

    This may have been posted already…

    Jonathon Pie, getting things off his chest.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5TVLEaqqdI

    Issues that I struggle to convey, done with passion and conviction, acres of hyperbole too.

    • Andre 8.1
      21 August 2020 at 10:41 am

      Who's the Shirley he's ranting at?

      • greywarshark 8.1.1
        21 August 2020 at 11:49 am

        It takes acres of hyperbole to get through the shroud hanging over reasonable speech that can be used in discussion. I could put a big comment about 'woke' superior authoritarianism and control but there are more important things to discuss, and it will be the same going forward till the end of the century or as long as we are given by the planet to try to rise above our inertia.

        Jonathan Pie is great at expressing the feelings of progressives who can't because of blockades of some sort.

        • greywarshark 8.1.1.1
          21 August 2020 at 11:54 am

          I don't think he said Shirley. I think it was 'surely', slightly squeezed. But I found something about a Dame Shirley, what an amazing woman.

          ..Having experienced sexism in her workplace, "being fondled, being pushed against the wall", she wanted to create job opportunities for women with dependents, and predominantly employed women, with only three male programmers in the first 300 staff, until the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 made that practice illegal.

          She also adopted the name "Steve" to help her in the male-dominated business world, given that company letters signed using her real name were not responded to…

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

    • Robert Guyton 9.1
      21 August 2020 at 8:41 am

      What do Kiwiblog commenters think of National's border plan? Not a lot, on the whole. This character got to post this, unchallenged, which says a lot on a blog where anyone other than a Farrar sycophant routinely gets blanked-out or piled-upon.

      ObligatoryMarxist

      Are you serious? This is the dumbest plan I’ve seen, and that includes ACTs plans to stick everyone in AirBnBs!

      You wanna create a completely new agency, from scratch, fill it, and expect it to be the highest level of competence all in a matter of weeks if not days?
      Require people to provide a negative covid test that tells us almost nothing given that a) the place they’re most likely to catch it is during travel and b) they’ll only show up if symptomatic, AND c) NZ cant require jack at the other end of the airports we can only control who comes in.
      Thermal Imaging, again at other countries airports? Again how is that even remotely possible, and as for thermal imaging here, sure, but what does it accomplish that isolation and testing doesnt? Huge waste of time and resources
      Contact tracing for all staff all the time, is casting a net the size of a rugby pitch to catch a whitebait. Massive amount of effort and resorces (which are limited) with almost no chance of actually catching what you want.

      These ideas are just awful, and by defending them DPF I’m starting to wonder why. They’re pulling Trump moves and you’re one of those republicans nodding at every crazy thing they do and calling it gold!

      [Re-formatted and used block-quotes to make it easier to see quoted text – Incognito]

    • Just Is 9.2
      21 August 2020 at 9:01 am

      An excellent graphic indication of Nationals alternative border control.

      History shows their previous Civil Emergengy Response strategies were outright failures.

      Probably why they don't use them as examples of thier competency today.

  10. Sabine 10
    21 August 2020 at 8:01 am

    poor thing…..when the grift is good and you get so sloppy that you get indicted and even your bosses biggest cheerleaders might see the need to throw you quickly under a passing bus to save bossman

    https://www.rawstory.com/2020/08/it-doesnt-look-good-for-him-fox-news-analyst-explains-why-steve-bannon-is-facing-20-years-in-jail/

    and dad then throws the Jr. under the bus too, cause why not – its not as if he has any value to dear dad.

    https://www.rawstory.com/2020/08/trump-says-hes-sad-about-steve-bannons-indictment-but-never-liked-the-project-his-son-endorsed/

  11. SPC 11
    21 August 2020 at 8:04 am

    We should have immediately formed a “grand coalition” and bi-partisan approach to this threat to NZ

    https://www.rotarynewmarket.org.nz/Stories/professor-des-gorman

    Des Gorman Posted on May 18, 2020

    So you can see why he is a regular on Hosking Speak Radio.

    The right wing black swan event coup programme now supposedly has top academics calling for an independent group to take over governments pandemic response.

    It appears he is acting in concert with Murray Horn – former Treasury Secretary, former head of Business Roundtable, and Chair of a Chinese Bank's New Zealand subsidiary.

    Top academics are calling for an independent body to take over New Zealand's Covid-19 response amid a damning assessment of the Government's management. In a letter published by the New Zealand Medical Journal today, authors say a group led by health and economic experts, free from bureaucracy and political interference, needed to be established immediately in order to undo the Government's failings.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12357866

    If you want to know what Murray Horn's politics are

    He believes that for a government to realise anything in the long term, they need to make it institutional in such a way a future government cannot undo. He was in Treasury in the 1984-90 period and was Sec 1993-1998.

    Hood, C. (1998). Book Review: Murray Horn, The Political Economy of Public Administration: Institutional Choice in the Public Sector (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995), pp. ix, 263,

    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/003231879804900216?journalCode=pnzb

    • SPC 11.1
      21 August 2020 at 8:26 am

      Gorman said the Minister of Health needed to focus on fixing the crippled health system, which was in significant distress, even before the pandemic struck.

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12357866

      Not much of a vote of confidence in Murray Horn then – who had a lot of involement in National's Health performance.

      The Health System Funding Review was led by Dr Murray Horn 2015

      https://www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/what-we-do/new-zealand-health-strategy-update/funding-review

      Ministerial Review Group (MRG), chaired by Mr. Murray. Horn 2009

      Health Minister, Tony Ryall says the Government has appointed Dr Murray Horn as the establishment chair of the new NHB Advisory Board (NHB).

      Dr Horn led the Ministerial Review Group (MRG) on Health which reported mid-year on improving public health services.

      The Government last week announced an administrative shake up aimed at improving patient services and driving better value for money in health.

      The National Health Board is a unit within the Ministry of Health, and will provide a more focused national supervision of the $9.7 billion DHBs spend on hospital and primary health care.

      The NHB Advisory Board will advise the Minister and Director General on the NHB's performance and activities. "Dr Horn will bring a depth of experience to the role. As chair of the MRG he has built up strong links across the health sector, and a firm appreciation of the challenges and potential of the public health service."

      https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-nhb-board-chair-appointed

    • I Feel Love 11.2
      21 August 2020 at 8:33 am

      Yeah nah fuck off, the current team is world class & prove that everyday.

    • greywarshark 11.3
      21 August 2020 at 10:09 am

      Very interesting SPC – 11. It helps to lift the mask and peer under to see who is that under there, and where his past experience has been that seemed right to get him/her to their present prominence.

      Transparency International always said we were honest and I thought good, but then I found out that they just asked people in the business and professional classes what they thought and if bribes were used. We have our own unique ways that only a place with a separation of three? can knit together! It is just a carousel and when you get on it, you can retreat from one place and pop up further along. It takes an eagle eye and a strong arm to pull the bigwig off the beltway.

    • anker 11.4
      21 August 2020 at 10:58 am

      FFS we have one of the best Covid responses in the world and Gorman and co want to change it?????? In the middle of the bloody pandemic?

      I am pretty certain that every health professional (or nearly every health professional) in NZ will think this letter in the NZ Medical Journal is utter shite. They will know that very few colleagues have contracted Covid and none have died from it, unlike the majority of countries in the world. They will know that mostly their colleagues don't go to work terrified of what they will face, even if they are not working in the front line.

      I hope health professionals find the time to respond to this disgraceful letter and show it the utter contempt it deserves. I really hope NZders can still see the incredibly great position we are in with the virus. Even if the border testing had of been rolled out the situation would not have been too much, if any different than what we have already. I.e nurse contracts covid at the border, one week shes tested and its picked up. It is already likely to have made it into the community…………..The latest cases were picked up extremely early. You can always tell whether its out there by hospital numbers. Approx one in 5 will need hospital treatment.

      I am sick to death of the hysterical commentary around the border testing…..it was being implemented. These are very complex systems that are being implemented on the fly as the situation is happening now.

      We are in extremely good hands with Labour, Bloomfield and many if not all of the nameless staff who everyday go to work in risky situations to keep us safe………

      And lastly if Gorman et al and other complainers don't like the response here, piss off to somewhere else please.

      • Gabby 11.4.1
        21 August 2020 at 11:55 am

        You can't expect Gormless not to make a play for all that lovely money the government is borrowing now can you.

      • greywarshark 11.4.2
        21 August 2020 at 12:37 pm

        edit
        This from the Guardian April 2020.
        https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/06/nhs-doctors-lacking-ppe-bullied-into-treating-covid-19-patients

        This from nz stuff Aug.19/20
        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/122492980/coronavirus-frontline-health-works-treated-like-cannon-fodder-gp-says

        White had also bought his own personal protection equipment from a hardware store after receiving an email on Tuesday from WellSouth, the region’s primary health organisation. The email said he would have to source his own, rather than ordering through the district health board (DHB) stockpile.

        The email reads: “The current advice is that while we are in level 2, practices need to exhaust their commercial avenues of supply before accessing the DHB’s pandemic supplies”.

        In April, White had made his own improvised face shield from laminating pouches and cable ties because adequate PPE was unavailable.

        I don't like the sound of this. If anyone is out there with some agency can they improve on this toot sweet.

        I wonder if this matter is under the control of this experienced medical man. /sarc

        Practice Network Director: Paul Rowe leads our organisation’s practice support team and is responsible for managing our day to day relationship with general practices. This includes improving our performance against health targets and implementing projects such as Health Care Homes, National Enrollment Service, Patient Experience Survey and Foundation Standards.

        Paul was appointed Practice Network Director in August 2016 and has been at WellSouth in a variety of roles since 2013. Prior to working at WellSouth Paul worked at consultants Ernst & Young in Auckland and at Jones Lang LaSalle and Deutsche Bank in London.

        Paul holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in economics from Massey University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and Maori Studies from the University of Auckland.

        https://wellsouth.nz/community/about-us/senior-management-team/</i&gt;

        The Senior Management Team has 8 personnel.
        Personnel on the Wellsouth Board and Te Hauora Matua –
        Wellsouth Board: 9 personnel
        Te Hauora Matua: 7 personnel (includes one on Wellsouth Board)

        That is a mighty weight of people meeting and sucking up finances, their is presumably meeting costs, transport etc even if not fees or salary. Yet this large entity with so much input from all points of the compass can't look after the GPs and others on the front line as a Primary Concern in the Primary Healthcare Industry Roundabout.

        No wonder there isn't enough money to adequately treat citizens. Now is the time for change and some sharp changes to a few permanent employees under direct control of the Finance Director at the DHB perhaps. I don't know but something needs to be done. Let private enterprise at government services and you get as topheavy with people as before, only being paid more probably, with better-designed offices that are fully ergonomic and fung shei'd perhaps?

      • Draco T Bastard 11.4.3
        21 August 2020 at 3:20 pm

        FFS we have one of the best Covid responses in the world and Gorman and co want to change it?

        Yep. They're not making a profit from it so it obviously needs to be changed so that they can.

  12. Sabine 12
    21 August 2020 at 8:07 am

    and to those that still want to peddle the mis'truth about kids not getting covid, or getting ill from it, or dying from it. Well i guess we could call it a blatant mis'truth to add some gusto to the term.

    This little one was nine years old and according to the article it took her four month to die after her covid infection.

    https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/butler-county/middletown/middletown-girl-9-diagnosed-with-coronavirus-has-died

    I had someone tell me that the death rate is too small for them to care about Covid. I asked her what she thought about those that survived and chances are will live with severe health issues for the rest of their life. Personally i believe that that is actually the bigger issue of covid, not that it kills some of hte population quickly, but that one can be infected again and again and the illness will take a year or three to finish the job.

    But yes, dear Virginia, kids get it, and they die of it.

    • Treetop 12.1
      21 August 2020 at 8:30 am

      For the parents to need to raise money to off set medical bills for the care of the 9 year old this needs to change. This article touched my heart.

  13. Chess Player 13
    21 August 2020 at 8:18 am

    One of the more level-headed politicians we’ve had over the last while calls for a longer term perspective than just dealing with the virus.

    Hopefully with the extra time before the election we start to see analysis on what the various parties are proposing, and have that publicly debated, instead of just short term thinking of 1 or 2 years ahead.

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/election-delay-gives-us-time-to-talk-long-term-plans?utm_source=Friends+of+the+Newsroom&utm_campaign=0d31de6b20-Daily+Briefing+21.8.20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-0d31de6b20-97881763

    • Robert Guyton 13.1
      21 August 2020 at 8:44 am

      It's Peter Dunne (Chess Player's post should have carried a warning and it's interesting to note that he/she didn't name that politician).

    • SPC 13.2
      21 August 2020 at 9:05 am

      Dunne was never one for that in politics – having developed policy to advocate for would have got in the way of forming coalitions with National or Labour. Thus bland and middling muddled – bureaucrat speak cooomonsense jargon.

      It was always left to those to the left and to the right to debate policy stuff.

    • Tricledrown 13.3
      21 August 2020 at 10:27 am

      Politician are held to account by the people who put them there every 3 yrs.

      Govts who do a good job get longer but know they can't rest on their laurels!

    • anker 13.4
      21 August 2020 at 10:59 am

      FFS we have one of the best Covid responses in the world and Gorman and co want to change it?????? In the middle of the bloody pandemic?

      I am pretty certain that every health professional (or nearly every health professional) in NZ will think this letter in the NZ Medical Journal is utter shite. They will know that very few colleagues have contracted Covid and none have died from it, unlike the majority of countries in the world. They will know that mostly their colleagues don't go to work terrified of what they will face, even if they are not working in the front line.

      I hope health professionals find the time to respond to this disgraceful letter and show it the utter contempt it deserves. I really hope NZders can still see the incredibly great position we are in with the virus. Even if the border testing had of been rolled out the situation would not have been too much, if any different than what we have already. I.e nurse contracts covid at the border, one week shes tested and its picked up. It is already likely to have made it into the community…………..The latest cases were picked up extremely early. You can always tell whether its out there by hospital numbers. Approx one in 5 will need hospital treatment.

      I am sick to death of the hysterical commentary around the border testing…..it was being implemented. These are very complex systems that are being implemented on the fly as the situation is happening now.

      We are in extremely good hands with Labour, Bloomfield and many if not all of the nameless staff who everyday go to work in risky situations to keep us safe………

      And lastly if Gorman et al and other complainers don't like the response here, piss off to somewhere else please.

      • anker 13.4.1
        21 August 2020 at 11:02 am

        This comment is in reference to AB’s article on suicide rates coming down….oh gosh that is encouraging……….I do hope it is a trend, not just a blip………..Some 30 lives or so not lost.

        Bloody Seymour was scaremongering about suicides in Queenstown. The man is an arsehole

  14. xanthe 14
    21 August 2020 at 9:21 am

    So deconstructing Collins border policy. Her stance is that operational health decisions in the face of a fast moving dynamic pandemic should be made at general elections.

    What could possibly go wrong!

  15. Dennis Frank 15
    21 August 2020 at 9:35 am

    Global warming update: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/20/greenland-ice-sheet-lost-a-record-1m-tonnes-of-ice-per-minute-in-2019

    Hard to imagine, this reality in which every minute of last year, on average a million tonnes of ice from the Greenland ice-cap melted and headed for the ocean.

    The Greenland ice sheet lost a record amount of ice in 2019, equivalent to a million tonnes per minute across the year, satellite data shows.

    The satellite data has been collected since 2003. The 2019 loss was double the annual average since then of 255bn tonnes.

    So hard to imagine, this reality, that Labour is campaigning on the basis of business as usual. Imagining a causal relation between the economy and climate change is too hard! Perhaps some kid like Greta Thunberg will have to explain it to them…

    • SPC 15.1
      21 August 2020 at 10:20 am

      I thought it was National that intended to go back on some of the stuff Labour had done so far, and interests associated with that party that lobbied hard against radical change in the short term.

      And some of the restraint on Labour came from requiring NZF to be in the coalition.

      • Dennis Frank 15.1.1
        21 August 2020 at 10:51 am

        What I'm not seeing is open, direct & forthright acknowledgment from any party other the Greens that business as usual is untenable.

        How many disasters have to hit the other-party dorks simultaneously to trigger it?? Many of us were exploring the progressive options onsite here last summer after the pandemic hit. I don't believe we're a different class of human – a class above politicians. I can't see why they feel unable to do likewise.

    • greywarshark 15.2
      21 August 2020 at 10:27 am

      Nelson City Council was thinking of getting out of it's present large and apparently strong building, and go further along at the same level, on what was formerly swamp land, and on a tidal river fairly close to the sea and build an expensive building there. But a report from a firm that is pretty reliable suggested that it would be good for many decades. Yes, but, we are caught by unprecedented climate changes so some reckons must come in, mustn't they?

      Well it seems that they did and the Council will stay where it is but be done up and gloomy prognostications abound as to that costing up to $32 million or something. I don't know all about it yet. To keep sane one has to not get too close to the maelstrom of ideas, warring countries and politicians, and bright young things seeing tech as the answer to all human and tech problems, provided you look at them with an old-fashioned Camera Obscura.

    • Draco T Bastard 15.3
      21 August 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Imagining a causal relation between the economy and climate change is too hard!

      Climate change is proof that our economic system is uneconomic and, for the majority of people, that will be hard to swallow. For the economists and politicians its even harder as they've based their entire careers and life on it.

      As the saying goes: Its difficult to get a person to understand something when their job depends upon them not understanding it.

  16. SPC 16
    21 August 2020 at 9:44 am

    A drunk 16 year old, an Eilat hotel, 30 men and the pretty legal defence.

    One positive, coalition partners Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz agree on something – charge them all.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53851825

    The issue of sexual consent and not while and with those who are drunk

    https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/maimonides

    • greywarshark 16.1
      21 August 2020 at 10:30 am

      I think it was Peter Sellers that had the answer to coping with sexual interplay of the young – separate them with a crowbar.

      • Sabine 16.1.1
        21 August 2020 at 10:52 am

        sexual interplay?

        intoxicated 16 year old on whom 30 men run a train?

        you have a funny idea about 'sexual interplay'.

        • greywarshark 16.1.1.1
          21 August 2020 at 12:57 pm

          edit
          I was being ironic. I hadn't read the whole thing. But it isn't new, far too common. And I have just read Mr Pip. So am feeling a bit drained. That one builds up some ennui isn't surprising unless it's you Sabine and others, always with extra outrage for the latest disaster. It would bring me out in psoriasis or at least exczema? – I don't know how you keep so sharp.

  17. AB 17
    21 August 2020 at 10:08 am

    Suicide drops to a three-year low though it's not a particularly large drop and there's no evidence that it can be attributed to any particular single cause. So just some cautious observations.

    It appears that the predictions we heard back in March and April about the adverse mental health effects of lockdowns were not accurate and were deliberately exaggerated for political and economic purposes (i.e. an attempt to limit the severity of lockdowns).

    There are certain characteristics of the pandemic world that may have some positive effect on mental health:

    • Social bonds are important. The sense of having a relationship with everyone else, a duty of care for everyone else, and a common purpose rather than perpetual competition, is valuable
    • Working less and differently. People are happier if they are able to work less (as long as there is no loss of financial security), and have more autonomy over their work (e.g. working flexibly from home)

    It could be that our habit of tinkering with the structure of mental health service delivery is much less effective than changing deeper ideological and economic factors.

    • greywarshark 17.1
      21 August 2020 at 10:33 am

      AB Working from home produces mental stresses and further isolates 'screenies' – ie those whose eyes are fixed to devices. Separate them with a crowbar?

    • Draco T Bastard 17.2
      21 August 2020 at 3:55 pm

      It could be that our habit of tinkering with the structure of mental health service delivery is much less effective than changing deeper ideological and economic factors.

      More than likely. Of course, then the right-wing will come out with the belittling term of social engineering. Which, of course, would be exactly what it would be but they would also be ignoring all their own social engineering that they do when in power. All the beneficiary bashing and their sale of state assets to the wealthy to make them wealthier increasing inequality and other socially disastrous policies.

      Their preference for opening the borders during a pandemic would also be social engineering as it would cause massive social displacement as the number of dead ramped up.

  18. Dv 18
    21 August 2020 at 10:28 am

    TRUMP again

    yesterday nz recorded a MASSIVE outbreak of 6

    we only had 46000 cases

    if we had the massive outbreak like nz we would have 360 new cases

    see how well we are doing

    • Andre 18.1
      21 August 2020 at 10:34 am

      To be fair to Dementia Donnie, the US only had 1260 deaths yesterday, which is only around four per million. He might not be very clear on why that's not better than having 6 cases in a population of 5 million.

      • Sabine 18.1.1
        21 August 2020 at 10:42 am

        to be fair they only counted 1260 death then they stopped.

        • Andre 18.1.1.1
          21 August 2020 at 10:45 am

          Someone else must have been counting. Tangerine Tantrump can't count past 1.

          • Sabine 18.1.1.1.1
            21 August 2020 at 10:50 am

            the hospitals are no longer reporting the death to the CDC but directly to some person at the white house. So no one has any idea what really happens and what not, other then there are a lot of refrigerated trucks stationed outside hospitals in Texas, Florida, Missoury, Georgia etc.

            So like russia and china i would take the information with a lot of salt thrown over the shoulder.

            https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/white-house-hospitals-bypass-cdc-report-covid-19-data-directly-hhs

            https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/us/politics/trump-cdc-coronavirus.html

            https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/15/891351706/white-house-strips-cdc-of-data-collection-role-for-covid-19-hospitalizations

            https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/coronavirus-deaths/

            https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-8518593/Florida-coronavirus-infections-eight-countries.html

            it depends on who counts not on who votes or fills out the forms. I think Stalin said something to this extend.

            • Andre 18.1.1.1.1.1
              21 August 2020 at 10:59 am

              They were trying to juke the stats from long before they got as blatant as cutting the CDC out of the reporting chain.

              In the end, the best and most useful estimate is going to come from excess deaths data, because it will also include otherwise-preventable deaths that occurred due to the health system being overwhelmed. That's going to somewhat harder to spin.

              • SPC …
                21 August 2020 at 11:04 am

                The excess deaths were 200,000 when the total was 160,000.

                Our deaths were lower than for the year before.

                • Andre …
                  21 August 2020 at 11:09 am

                  Including fewer suicides than usual. Which is what the RWNJ Nostradumbasses were saying were going to skyrocket in lockdown.

                  • Sabine …
                    21 August 2020 at 2:58 pm

                    No that is something that i have said as well, not just right wing nuts, unless i know qualify as rightwing nut.

                    Depression is on the rise, goes hand in hand with job loss, loss of income, no sense of stability and the dawning realisation that we have no longer any control of our live until we have a. gotten rid of the virus, b. have a working vaccine for all the strains currently running rampant and any of the future ones.

                    We are now 5 month in in what can and probably will a pandemic for another 15 month at the very least (globally). I am not the only one that says that either. So i really would not consider today as the hallmark of the future.

                    The worst of this covid mess is yet to come, and i am neither a negative person, nor a pessimist, but i don't subscribe to hope that shit will get better soon as a future prediction. Reality and a proper risk assessment suits me better.

                • woodart …
                  21 August 2020 at 12:08 pm

                  with our death rate falling, and 3000 kiwis per week coming home, it will be interesting to see the population figures. all of those returnees need a house and a car. maybe thats one of the reasons that the economy HASNT hit the skids like many experts predicted-hoped. anecdotal evidence , new and second hand car sales very strong, house sales and prices have continued to rise, and builders in my provincial area still very busy.

                  • RedBaronCV …
                    21 August 2020 at 12:34 pm

                    We still have more outgoers than incomers. Even if they were on limited visa's they likely rented accommodation so the total number of people we are accommodating will be falling slowly

                    but yes incomers may be buying more than renting. ditto cars.

                    • woodart …
                      21 August 2020 at 2:22 pm

                      disagree redbaron. more people flying into the country than flying out.many of the P.I. seasonal fruit pickers in nelson area have chosen to stay and send a few dollars back to their islands ,rather than go home to ?

          • logie97 18.1.1.1.2
            21 August 2020 at 3:57 pm

            With this being the third rant by Trump about our situation in as many days, does he know something or expect something to happen here that we are unaware of. Surely he wouldn't know the source of the currently unidentifiable strain!

            • Andre 18.1.1.1.2.1
              21 August 2020 at 4:13 pm

              He doesn't know anything. He truly is a literal know-nothing.

              He's just consumed by the idea that the only reason we might have had to achieve elimination was to make him look bad. So now we don't currently have elimination status, he's trying to puff it up so he doesn't look bad anymore, and to rub it in to us for making him look bad.

              He's going to be pissed when we achieve elimination again, which he thinks we're only trying to do to make him look bad again, of course. The idea of doing it for the well-being of our citizens simply doesn't enter his universe.

              • Treetop …
                21 August 2020 at 8:02 pm

                Is Trump rubbishing NZ because both the US and NZ are having an election?

                If so Trump might be saying no one can eliminate Covid so vote for me and he does not feel so insecure.

                • Andre …
                  21 August 2020 at 8:14 pm

                  He says what he says because it's what makes him feel better in the moment.

                  In this case, he's trying to slam a put-down on something (our covid response) that has been widely cited as something that's been done much better than what he's done. He's trying to belittle us to feel better about himself. Any effect that might have on his re-election prospects is a secondary consideration, if it even enters his impulse of the moment at all.

                  I doubt he knows we've got an election coming up, and I'm very certain he doesn't care.

      • Psycho Milt 18.1.2
        21 August 2020 at 11:07 am

        To be fair to Dementia Donnie, the US only had 1260 deaths yesterday…

        For those like me who struggle with comparing US figures to NZ, that's the equivalent of 19 people of dying of Covid-19 in NZ yesterday.

    • Alice Tectonite 18.2
      21 August 2020 at 10:47 am

      Left wing fascism is a thing too (apparently).

    • anker 18.3
      21 August 2020 at 11:05 am

      I can't help but wonder if Trumps ridiculous references to NZ aren't helping Labour's chances right now. What he is saying is absurd in the extreme, but sometimes that helps people get perspective. Also helps feel a bit patriotic re NZs efforts. against the virus compared to US. BTW I regularly check the worldometer for covid stats and NZ case numbers continue to drop down c/p to others. I think currently was are 138.

  19. aj 19
    21 August 2020 at 10:35 am

    TRUMP again

    He literally makes my head hurt

    • Tricledrown 20.1
      21 August 2020 at 11:46 am

      Why did Bridges get rolled in the first place looks like his days numbered.

      Theirs and old saying about Tory MP's being the left overs incompetants who can't do well in the real world they become MP's become mouth piece's in parliament.

      When looking at the present line up including Silly Seymour most don't have a clue.

  21. Koff 21
    21 August 2020 at 11:13 am

    This (link below) is a damning evaluation of the effect of private enterprise on the Covid-19 response in Australia. It focuses on Victoria but could apply to many other places where neoliberalism has taken hold. Perhaps someone should point this article to David Seymour and his bonkers idea of using AirBnBs for quarantine.

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/20/the-spread-of-coronavirus-is-not-the-fault-of-individuals-but-a-result-of-neoliberalism

    • Peter 22.1
      21 August 2020 at 12:01 pm

      I wouldn't have said Sir Brian Roche took Hosking to task.

      Hosking: "Is there too much politics in this?"

      Next question: Hosking: "As a New Zealander, just step back from you job for a minute, as a voter what have you observed this week?"

      That's just an example of Hosking being unable to seperate politics from anything he wants to be political and he wants to use to political advantage. It's not Roche taking Hosking to task but Hosking taking on the task of making himself out to be pillock. And succeeding.

  23. Ad 23
    21 August 2020 at 12:09 pm

    This one goes out to everyone who still has to travel in each day … where commuting is the only moment you have for daydreaming and processing, which is our vestigal time of utopian meanderings, the reconciliation of the pressure of home and relationships with the history that got you right there at that time …

    …Richter is good at meditative pacing that evokes reflective thinking…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWrc6ihmaE0

  24. RedBaronCV 24
    21 August 2020 at 12:25 pm

    I finally went and read the Nact policy document for the border.

    Basically it's a damp squib – they intend to set up an agency

    "to provide professional coordination and comprehensive management of the potential entry of COVID-19"

    so looks like everyone working there is going to get all tooled up and rush into an office to order other government agencies to comply with the policies it sets. "compliance focused". It's also a weird mix of high level policy and basic operational stuff about testing their workers weekly. Indeed it really doesn't specify how they will enforce compliance with their policy for the implementers.

    But there is also this – a money grab

    "The Agency will be responsible for managing co-payment for the costs of managed isolation"

    Now I may be too suspicious but once people are out of the airport I see nothing in the policy that would prevent the letting of privately managed isolation contracts.

    Has Judith actually denied that theywill use private contracts for isolation or is this something that is just being generally assumed by the media? Even if she does deny this should we believe the denial? The potential is certainly there to ramp that up.

    https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/nationalparty/pages/14711/attachments/original/1597878401/Securing_Our_Border_-_policy_document.pdf?1597878401

  25. Robert Guyton 25
    21 August 2020 at 1:43 pm

    Jacinda's response to questions about the trial in Christchurch were elegant and reflective of her real self.

  26. RedBaronCV 26
    21 August 2020 at 1:49 pm

    Have the cops investigated running a covid convoy from Northland through Auckland to the south? Line them up every hour, photos of the licence plates and all passengers/ drivers and then with a cop car fore and aft , Lights and a run down the motorway.

    • greywarshark 26.1
      21 August 2020 at 2:54 pm

      Sounds sensible for those needing to move, especially trucks, business. There would be a charge I think, as it is a special deal and the police need to boost their funds for car chasing at night.

  28. greywarshark 28
    21 August 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Seeing we are all going tech! And gaming is so big – why don't we make our dear leaders fight their battles out on computers like some high tech chess game. After a battle is over and the horrific outcomes fade into world memories though not of those involved you think was it worth it? For what was achieved.

    My fish and chips suppliers are Vietnamese, small brown people with big smiles. I asked them if they were Thai and they replied, No Vietnamese. I said oh, that explains the hard cover book about the Vietnam War over with the magazines. They said Yes, we thought people might look at it and get to know about it. (It doesn't get mentioned much in NZ but sometimes here when one of the vets writes in, and tells how it seems forgotten.)

    So let's go high tech and let the aggressives make their moves, after explaining their reasons quite clearly. I've just partially read Mr Pip about a Bougainville violation and found it chilling and yet hopeful. A tale with a twist.

    • The Al1en 28.1
      21 August 2020 at 4:44 pm

      why don't we make our dear leaders fight their battles out on computers

      Yeah, and if they don't agree, we should send the military in to make them.

  29. Ad 29
    21 August 2020 at 3:17 pm

    Transmission Gully update.

    OMG another reason to remove the layer of MoT from enabling direct Ministerial scrutiny of major projects.

    The opening of Transmission Gully will be delayed until September 2021 after settlement negotiations concluded to the tune of $208.5 million.

    Don't forget NZTA have already got a $1b loan facility from government to make up for an income deficit from Covid 19. So there's 20% of that gone already.

    The 27-kilometre road was meant to be open by April 2020, then it was pushed back to before Christmas this year, and now it's another year away.

    It's currently about 85 per cent complete.

    NZTA announced the settlement money and new completion date this afternoon, which is solely related to the Covid-19 lockdown period.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12358387

    And of course: does not improve public transport, has no cycle lane or footpath, is not tolled, and pushes a great fat jam of congestion into the Hutt Valley.

    • Muttonbird 29.1
      21 August 2020 at 3:53 pm

      I don't get what you mean about cycle lanes and footpaths, particularly footpaths, being associated with this project. It's 30km motorway. Who the fuck is walking that and why?

      Also not sure what you mean about congestion in the Hutt Valley. If TG has a bearing on Hutt Valley traffic then that is just another issue which needs to be solved regarding the complicated entry points into Wellington.

      Transmission Gully was necessary, if not entirely for the benefit of the country as a whole, at least for the region. This concept does not apply to an Otaki to Levin extension which is ridiculous right now.

      There will however be a lot of pain before it is operating as imagined with all the flaws fixed.

      • Ad 29.1.1
        21 August 2020 at 4:03 pm

        NZTA should not be building any road highway without cycleways or public transport capacity. SH16 up Auckland's northwestern, and SH20 tunnel in the southwest, shows it can be done. The era of transport assets solely for the privilege of combustion engine use is well due for consigning to the dustbin of history. NZTA is the one remaining direct instrument this government has to direct us away from fossil fuel use, and motorway design is a massive part of what they do.

        All it takes is future-proofed multi-modal design – which is not that hard once you direct NZTA's Board, policy specification team, Capital Delivery, and Procurement staff the right way. Especially their Board.

        • Muttonbird 29.1.1.1
          21 August 2020 at 4:08 pm

          So put it in later if everyone is e-biking from Paekakariki to Parliament twice a day. Somehow I doubt it.

          SH16 devices a huge and fast growing population in Auckland’s North-West. Lots of potential bike commuters.

          There is literally zero potential for bike traffic along TG.

          • Ad 29.1.1.1.1
            21 August 2020 at 4:28 pm

            People thought the same about SH16, 20 years ago. No-one argues for later patch-ups now, not even the AA. The same old resisters within NZTA said the same thing as well.

            In 2010 similar people occupied Kiwirail, referring to commuters as 'self-loading freight'. Since then, Auckland rail use has surpassed that of Wellington. And Kiwirail and and NZTA are right now building cycleways along their corridor right into Wellington central. 30 years late, but it's happening.

            In Transmission Gully all NZTA have is a mess, and no certainty that even combustion vehicles will use it at an appropriate volume for what we are all now paying for it.

  30. greywarshark 30
    21 August 2020 at 4:33 pm

    TINA is leading to nightmares in the UK. Neolib isn't working for them any more and they can't find their dummy and their teddy.

    Britain is about to be sucked into a catastrophic economic doom loop
    Huge state spending is set to trap the UK in a vicious circle of higher taxes and permanently lower growth

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/08/19/britain-sucked-catastrophic-economic-doom-loop/

  31. McFlock 31
    21 August 2020 at 5:17 pm

    Testing seems to be back down to 15k a day. Have any of the briefings looked at some of the factors around this? I would have thought they'd be pushing to test as many people in the geographic area as possible.

    Been almost ten days since we raised the levels, in the next few days we'll hopefully see a consistent decline in case numbers.

    • RedBaronCV 32.1
      21 August 2020 at 6:32 pm

      It's been much the same for as long as I remember. I wondered if the earthquake might shake up their ultra conservative very insular pretensions but maybe not. Ti me to remove some one’s visa?

      Caught a TV programme some years back where the primary school history lesson showed the provincial history as starting with 6 ships arriving from England. Takes a while to move that sort of stuff along

      Plus it's always for some reason had the dodgiest of the sex crimes.

      • Muttonbird 32.1.1
        21 August 2020 at 6:37 pm

        Unfortunately for the decent people of Christchurch, that city has had a terrible reputation for intolerance since its birth.

        • greywarshark 32.1.1.1
          21 August 2020 at 9:03 pm

          But it looks so orderly, nice, wide straight streets, trees everywhere. Any crime is probably a reaction to all that toffy-nosed pureness.

  33. McFlock 33
    21 August 2020 at 5:43 pm

    Fair call.

    • McFlock 33.1
      21 August 2020 at 5:58 pm

      Hmm. Reply button doesn't seem to work in same window, but open link as new window goes ok.

      Firefox 79 on windows.

  34. Morrissey 34
    21 August 2020 at 6:22 pm

    Twitter, the enemy of debate and suppressor of democracy

    https://twitter.com/MaxBlumenthal/status/1296525232069578754

    • Muttonbird 34.1
      21 August 2020 at 6:28 pm

      David Seymour should be all over this. Chavista's have the right to free speech too.

      We should defeat the Maduro regime not with censorship, but with AirBnBs and Charter Schools alone!

  35. greywarshark 35
    21 August 2020 at 8:57 pm

    I've brought this over from the right to the centre – that is from the feed on the right-hand of the page. Ex Treasury view on government doings re Covid-19. I feel that it is possible that any observations made about government being remote etc could also apply to The Treasury.

    And on a quick reading with much being given the thumbs-down I wonder if these boffins divide the work they are responsible for, as much-criticised unions did eg jokes about 'I don't do the spanner work. That's for Fred from the Trade Tools and Waterwheels Union'. How come he can be employed at Treasury to supposedly make things efficient and effective and well-balanced and leave, still happily taking pot-shots at democracy and government in a patronising way. Sounds like a lot of narcissistic hoopla.

    Tony Burton has also been Economic Advisor to the UK Dept of Health.

    ...When I was part of the government machine I was struck by how little understanding even those receiving the eye-watering fees to teach “Masters in Public Policy” have of the way government operates. (If you want an example, look up “policy cycle” in a textbook on government where you will find a hamster wheel schematic and text describing how, apparently, government is run by hamster bureaucrats scuttling round it.)…

    This is a one-eyed interpretation:- At its most extreme, a former Chief Executive of MSD commanded “no problems without solutions” so only problems that had already been solved could be presented to senior managers…

    …Ministers very rarely talk to people at the front line. Their decisions are largely informed by meetings with people at the upper end of the hierarchy who are equally ignorant of what is happening where services are delivered.

    https://democracyproject.nz/2020/08/21/tony-burton-govt-depts-debacle/

    This article can be republished under a Creative Commons CC BY-ND 4.0 license. Attributions should include a link to the Democracy Project. With Bryce Edwards involvement.

  37. gsays 37
    22 August 2020 at 5:14 pm

    Yipee.

    A small step in the right direction.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/122520689/calls-heard-for-speed-reduction-at-fatal-intersection

    Meanwhile here is a captivating solution for freight on Railway Road.

    Restored film from 1902 in Gemany, a flying train.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQs5VxNPhzk

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    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 hours ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    5 hours ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 hours ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 hours ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 hours ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 hours ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    11 hours ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    19 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    21 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    22 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    23 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
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    1 day ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
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    2 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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    2 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
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    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
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    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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    3 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
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    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    5 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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