Open mike 22/10/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, October 22nd, 2019 - 38 comments
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38 comments on “Open mike 22/10/2019 ”

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  1. Sanctuary 1
    22 October 2019 at 7:20 am

    Looking at the leaked documents regarding light rail in Auckland in today's online Stuff – https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/116758191/aucklands-light-rail-under-queen-st-and-over-mt-eden-the-super-funds-tunneling-or-flying-tram – it seems to me we now need to exercise some caution in how we react.

    This is clearly a planned leak designed to a) make the project look flaky and b) do maximum political damage to the coalition government, and in my opinion it probably originates from someone on the board fired by Twyford.

    It is clear the leaker is in lockstep with the National party, who have leapt on this to engage in their now usual culture war bashing of PT.

    Labour has been blindsided, for which they deserve be condemned for breathtaking political idiocy. They – especially Tyford, does he not employ poltical advisors? – should have seen this coming, especially given how much the minister has been at war with the National party toadies who he recently cleared out at the NZTA. The blame must fall squarely on Twyford, who has been exposed for a second time as a bungling incompetent both operationally and – arguably worse – for his political management of two key, flagship policies for Labour. The only solution now is for Jacinda to publicly fire Twyford, dismiss the SuperFund bid, and direct AT to get on with their project with an aim to get some sort of political win with spades in the ground before next years election.

    One other thing is clear. Public transport has been elevated into a frontline culture war issue by National and it's ideological fanboys in the bureaucracy and online. Attack PT initiatives and you are attacking those smug environmentalists, urbanistas, immigrants, and hippies with their bikes and trains and their lectures about climate change. It is about rarking "everyday New Zealanders" in their dormitory suburbs who like their SUVs to hate their fellow country men and women for no other reason than a lust for power by an irresponsible and utterly unsuited for power Simon Bridges.

    Bridges went to Australia, saw how the Australian liberals used social media to spread hate and culture war to win and came back to NZ to clear out his team. He now has lots of money from China and 16 out of 20 staff doing social media and spinning bullsh*t, lies and division on issues like PT.

    The left – and Labour, who seem to have carried into government the utter incompetence of political messaging they displayed in opposition – need to start taking bridges use of hate and lies via social media seriously and start discussing not what he is saying, but what he is doing and the implications of such irresponsibility.

    • Ad 1.1
      22 October 2019 at 1:01 pm

      Bridges is now climbing in as you would expect.

      It's worth stepping back a bit and recognising that public transport in New Zealand is in the best place it's been in 60 years.

      NZTA is the right place for the blame at this point, and Sir Brian has fronted that yesterday.

      Further upstream the main issue is Treasury and DPMC for failing to intercept the NZInfra bid before it went direct to the Minister.

      Either way it's now a Cabinet decision early next year, which is as it should be for a deal this size. No one is covering themselves in glory, but Cabinet will unite on it.

      In Twyford's defence, he's the Minister who has sought the strongest reforms from the two most entrenched and hardest policy areas: transport and housing. The PM acknowledged as much in the reshuffle.

      Also, unless it really drags out, light rail is still going faster than the CRL decision.

      With about $60 billion of work currently sucking New Zealand human resources (eg CRLL), either proposal is going to need an awful lot of overseas help. A small delay is good for capacity reasons.

      No one other than the chattering class is bothered by the delay. PT users are fine with it, those affected by CRL and other city construction are fine with it, the construction industry is fine with it. Maybe the Greens are a bit, but they're more banking on their Carbon bill for any tangible result this term.

      All they have to do is sign before the 2020 election and it's underway.

      Odds for that are very good.

  2. Adrian Thornton 2
    22 October 2019 at 8:31 am

    So, Stuart Nash is making joining gangs unattractive, and on RNZ this morning he expressed the opinion that Gang members/Meth dealers of Wairoa should "get a job at the meat works, and make their kids proud of them".

    Like its 1975 again.

    Mr Nash appears to have a very selective memory, has he really forgoten the recent history of the Wairoa Meatworks?

    https://thestandard.org.nz/three-years-on-will-wairoa-affco-workers-finally-be-paid/

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/109167252/court-rules-locked-out-affco-workers-must-be-paid-lost-wages

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/affco-talleys-backs-down-over-leave-ban-helen-kellys-funeral

    and now?

    Affco Talley are seeking approval to bring in migrant workers to its Wairoa and Rangiuru plants, but Cooke said: "It's absurd to try to import workers into a community where there are 600 job seekers — especially following past practices of Affco including lockouts of vulnerable workers, and the lack of any training programme to get new local workers employed.

    "Given the high level of under-employed or unemployed in the Wairoa district, and the limited ability of a small and relatively poor community like Wairoa to absorb and support new migrants we think Affco is taking the mickey."

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12267181

    Landlords in parts of Kaiti and Wairoa are reaping the highest returns in New Zealand as new data shows renters across Gisborne are paying $51 a week more than they were last year.

    Rental statistics from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment show mean rents in Gisborne are at record levels of $344 a week. That equates to an annual rental bill of $17,888 — $2652 more than renters paid last year.

    http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/4036639-135/wairoa-and-kaiti-rental-returns-best

    As usual Labour has an amazing disconect…sure, make joining the gangs unatractive, though given the recent 30% rise in Hawkes Bay gang numbers thats a joke, BUT, more importantly…Why not make normal life, as a normal, functional member of society the attractive option?.

    My advice if you want to weaken the allure of gang life..Wages, job security, housing, community(night classes, Health services, education)..start there.

    • marty mars 2.1
      22 October 2019 at 8:49 am

      + 1 nice post mate

    • Rosemary McDonald 2.2
      22 October 2019 at 9:46 am

      Seriously excellent post AT…thanks for the history lesson.

      I laughed out loud when Nash described Wairoa a ' lovely city'.

    • Siobhan 2.3
      22 October 2019 at 9:58 am

      ….nice piece Adrian. Very succinct, excellent spelling for a change. 10/10wink

      Note to self…remember to log out of Adrian's account before posting on TS at work.

      • veutoviper 2.3.1
        22 October 2019 at 10:14 am

        LOL. Agree with your assessment of his your piece. As Rosemary McDonald said a seriously excellent post. Enough so to actually prompt me to comment as I rarely bother commenting here these days.

      • marty mars 2.3.2
        22 October 2019 at 10:51 am

        It did seem a bit too good to be true tbh and leopards and spots and all that – but nevertheless a good piece ta

      • OnceWasTim 2.3.3
        22 October 2019 at 11:42 am

        Well I seriously hope that most of the commenters here do their bit by boycotting Talleys products.

        "Every little bit helps" said the old lady as she spat into the ocean

        • Siobhan 2.3.3.1
          22 October 2019 at 1:45 pm

          Indeed..that is very true, though avoiding Talleys products is easier said than done. And tbh the entire food industry from farm gate to plate is rife with exploitation. Hence the need for even more foreign workers. And the growth of gang culture and inequality and dangerous Drug use in 'thriving' horticultural areas like the Hawkes Bay.

          Maybe we should all take the time to contact places like RNZ when they uncritically allow Politicians to give their little speal without any context*..and directly confront politicians like Nash that they need to represent all levels of society*..not just the employers and industry…..

          Direct action is whats needed.

          * Adrian Thorntons approach. May he never change his spots.

          • OnceWasTim 2.3.3.1.1
            22 October 2019 at 2:25 pm

            Have been doing those things for a few years.

            You might be interested in this little gem:

            https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116767166/heinous-bottle-store-owner-fined-200000-for-exploiting-staff

            I am because the Labour Inspectorate spokesman seems to have suddenly had an epiphany.

            This is the man, whom shortly before the election, assured us on RNZ that there were a sufficient number of inspectors.

            This is the man, who given his senior position, should have been aware of the culture surrounding some of his colleagues – one of whom openly referred to some immigrants as "scum"

            This is also the man, who given his senior position, WAS aware of the degree of migrant exploitation, but, along with colleagues saw it as all a bit too hard to do anything about.

            And then this is the man who sat back and wondered why there was a reluctance to report exploitation, because when they did – they were fobbed off, and in some cases, ushered out of the country before you could say "boo".

            Instead of assuring us (his employer) that there were enough inspectors, and that we shouldn't worry our pretty little heads because 'thems know better', he should have been screaming blue murder, AND if necessary, blowing a very loud whistle. He actually did SFA. Maybe he had a big mortgage – who knows….

            Kudos to an underling worker-bee Labour Inspector Ya Rachael Tsui who probably should be running the place.

            While the Minister might have "complete faith in his officials", sure as shit I, and quite a few others can't – even if he comes across as a 'nice enough bloke' (going forward, in the ecosystem of immigrant-labour relations).

            In many ways, it epitomises all that's gone wrong in the public service.

      • lprent 2.3.4
        22 October 2019 at 1:32 pm

        🙂

        I should have another look at that. But it is damn hard to prevent cookie caching.

        Ask any parent…

    • The Chairman 2.4
      22 October 2019 at 10:06 am

      My advice if you want to weaken the allure of gang life..Wages, job security, housing, community(night classes, Health services, education)..start there.

      Indeed, Adrian.

    • Tiger Mountain 2.5
      22 October 2019 at 10:38 am

      Well put Adrian Thornton. Talleys’ appalling record on safety particularly, and employment rights, and union busting, should see them slapped with all sorts of actions and restraints of trade. But they are experts at developing “company town” thinking, and sycophantic local and Parliamentary politicians.

      Talleys spend a lot on the regular cases taken against them by workers and Unions. They overwhelmingly lose, as TRP has outlined here previously, but they don’t care so deep are their pockets and anti Union attitude.

    • The Chairman 2.6
      22 October 2019 at 3:24 pm

      Adrian, your advice largely taps into what's been suggested in the link I posted (below) re suicide at comment 6.

  3. joe90 3
    22 October 2019 at 8:49 am

    Postol tried to get his conspiracy theory published. Thanks, but no thanks.

    Gregory Koblentz, a biological and chemical weapons expert at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, says the paper’s aim was clear: “While on its surface, Postol’s article appeared to revolve around a narrow technical question about whether a rocket or a bomb created the crater in Khan Sheikhoun, the purpose of the article was in fact to challenge the impartiality and competence of the OPCW and JIM,” he says.

    https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/10/prestigious-journal-pulls-paper-about-chemical-attack-syria-after-backlash

    https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/09/scientists-clash-over-paper-questions-syrian-government-s-role-sarin-attack

    • francesca 3.1
      22 October 2019 at 8:56 am

      Hmmm

      That reasoning is reminiscent of John Key's assertion that Mike Joy's findings were primarily anti dairying, thus dismissing the science.

      • Ngungukai 3.1.1
        22 October 2019 at 9:08 am

        Key unfortunately does not know much about History or Science ?

        He is a Financial Wizard.

      • francesca 3.1.2
        22 October 2019 at 9:24 am

        Carrying on from your quoted link Joe

        "In emails last month, Koblentz urged SGS not to publish the manuscript, saying it would be “misused to cover up the [Assad] regime’s crimes” and “permanently stain the reputation of your journal.” Initially, the journal’s three editors said they planned to go ahead with publication. Later, they decided to hold off, writing that they had identified a “number of issues with the peer-review and revision process” and would “examine whether the editors can rectify the problems that we identified.”

        The Editors have decided to return this manuscript to the authors without prejudice and not proceed further with considering it for publication.

        Science & Global Security

        The newly posted update makes clear that the decision not to publish the paper is final but does little to explain it. “The Editors have determined they cannot now rectify the problems that were identified, while others are outside of our control—including the manuscript, some comments from reviewers, and the authors’ responses now being in the public domain,” the statement says. “As a result, the Editors do not see a viable path to providing an independent, fair, effective, and conclusive blind peer review of this article by this journal.”

        very convenient

        So not so much the science I suspect , more the politics.

        Unless you are going to refer to the open source findings of that well known, rigorous science journal Bellingcat

        hah!

  4. joe90 4
    22 October 2019 at 9:04 am

    Brain spurs.

    President Donald Trump on Monday claimed he's receiving unfair scrutiny because of the "phony emoluments clause," as he defended his prior decision to host next year's G-7 summit at his Doral resort in Miami.

    […]

    “You people with this phony emoluments clause,” Trump said as he took questions from reporters during a Cabinet meeting.

    https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/21/trump-emoluments-clause-053289

  5. Ngungukai 5
    22 October 2019 at 9:06 am

    Richardson not happy about comments made about him by Winston Peters ?

    Both him and Garner are RWNJ's ?

    Richardson needs to have a Cup of Concrete and Harden Up ?

  6. The Chairman 6
    22 October 2019 at 10:10 am

    The link below is a very insightful read re New Zealand's suicide problem and how to help address it.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/10/opinion-a-view-from-the-sharp-end-of-new-zealand-s-suicide-problem.html

  7. marty mars 7
    22 October 2019 at 11:11 am

    the tepid turd turnip – no need to pretend anymore

    Donald Trump made clear on Monday that those US forces remaining in eastern Syria would be there to protect the oil rather than the people.

    “So we have a small group there, and we secured the oil. Other than that, there’s no reason for it, in our opinion,” the president told reporters. “Where’s the agreement that said we have to say in the Middle East for the rest of humanity, for the rest of civilization to protect the Kurds? We never said that.”

    …The US defence secretary, Mark Esper, confirmed that the US was keeping troops “in north-east Syria that are located next to the oil fields”.

    “The troops in those towns are not in the present phase of withdrawal,” Esper told journalists during a visit to Saudi Arabia. “A purpose of those forces, working with the SDF [Kurd-led Syrian Democratic Forces] is to deny access to those oilfields by Isis and others who may benefit.”

    The admission that the troops the US was leaving behind would be there exclusively to guard the oil, rather than the Kurds and the several other minorities in the area, seemed likely to further inflame already widespread feelings of betrayal.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/21/residents-of-syrian-city-pelt-retreating-us-troops-with-potatoes

    • Sabine 7.1
      22 October 2019 at 5:08 pm

      he never did pretend – it is just that some where really taken by that economic anxiety of the white working class man – that of course out weighted the economic anxiety of all other working class people, and thus people did no see nor hear the shit he said I mean really calling all Mexicans rapists and murderers is not racist, its humor really he was just doing a funny, and grabbing women by their pussy without consent is also not sexist and predatory, and of course he will just keep the oil, use the soldiers of shitfacelandia to guard 'his' oil – they knew what they were signing up to, and if Turkey does not pay up Turkey is gonna get attacked by the US, all this is just the shitface doing a funny, did you not know?

      He Did Never Pretend.



      • marty mars 7.1.1
        22 October 2019 at 5:43 pm

        thanks for stating the obvious

        many times the pretense is that the oil is not the issue – the oil is the issue as WE ALL KNOW and now they just say it instead of saying other things like protecting the people or other lies

  8. greywarshark 8
    22 October 2019 at 11:27 am

    Brexit –

    The DUP has threatened to unite with Labour to back a customs union this week as it warned it will unleash “guerilla warfare” to bring down Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal.

    In a move that could torpedo the Prime Minister’s strategy for delivering Brexit by Oct 31, senior DUP figures have threatened to back proposals which could prevent the UK from pursuing its own trade policy.

    Should MPs back an amendment for customs union this week, Mr Johnson could be forced to pull the legislation required to ensure the UK leaves the European Union on time.
    from Henry Yorke of the Telegraph

    Also on The Telegraph
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/brexit/

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50132790
    PM aims to push Brexit bill through in three days

    The Guardian's seemingly thorough summary.
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/oct/21/brexit-johnson-to-push-for-deal-as-labour-woos-rebel-tories-eu-extension-live-news

  9. Ngungukai 9
    22 October 2019 at 11:57 am

    Three x3 Mongol Gang cars were torched Sunday night in the Tauranga//Mt Maunganui Area in the Bay of Plenty.

    None of these cars had number plates on them ?

    What's going on here ?

    Evidently they are a ruthless American Gang who have set up branches here in NZ, no doubt to facilitate the drug trade from Central & South America ?

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12278400

    • David Mac 9.1
      22 October 2019 at 12:59 pm

      Yep, Est. USA 1969. Well established chapter in Oz, deportee is establishing a chapter in NZ.

      It would be good to see some initiatives to assist these deportees become assets to NZ rather than press on with the social and financial expense they're currently totting up. A solid straight path must be the best way to get back across the Tasman.

      What's a man covered in tattoos, that hasn't had a proper job in 10 years and accustomed to living on $200k pa income to do? Lining up some basic probationary requirements but essentially ignoring the situation is the very worst solution of all.

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12275576

    • OnceWasTim 12.1
      22 October 2019 at 3:24 pm

      Indeed. And as long as they are: Oh Dear! HOW VERY SAD!.

      I guess on the upside, laundry operations will have to be shifted to Christchurch or outsourced to the TAB. There'll be a few bottlenecks of course with one less high roller operation available

    • Ad 12.2
      22 October 2019 at 4:53 pm

      Because the Sky City Convention Centre is the most critical piece of infrastructure to New Zealand being able to host APEC in 2021, we are likely to see a Cabinet response to this event.

      SKy City Convention Centre is uniquely designed for the degree of security that APEC will require, separating for example Putin from Xi from Trump and all their entourages.

      The fire will knock out their already much-delayed completion timetable to this APEC-critical infrastructure.

      Some unique art and installation items will have been irrevocably damaged.

      Until literally the smoke clears we will not be able to gauge how the APEC timetable milestones are affected.

      But it will have Prime Minister Ardern's full attention from a national preparedness perspective.

      • greywarshark 12.2.1
        22 October 2019 at 7:15 pm

        Talk of a torch being left to start a fire as a possibility. I wonder whether the work force is a trained one, whether it is a trained one from NZ, trained in what is needed for this type of building work, or is a sketchily trained workforce from outside NZ?

        You get to reap what you sow.

        • Exkiwiforces 12.2.1.1
          22 October 2019 at 10:07 pm

          At least I'm not the only thinking along those lines, who the bloody hell uses a blow torch on combustibles such plastics, rubber etc? Haven't they heard of a heat gun etc for plastic welding.

          It all sounds very dodgy to me either AUS/NZ Standards or NZTA Standards all whatever they are called these days are shit house or a ill trained worker not trained to AUS/NZ Standards from Overseas.

  14. ScottGN 14
    22 October 2019 at 3:33 pm

    CBC is predicting a return to office for Liberal Party in Canada. Polls are still open in BC but Trudeau appears to have done enough in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario, particularly the 905 around Toronto where there are loads of seats.
    interestingly the Libs and the Tories are pretty even with about 37/38% of the vote each. FPTP however is delivering tight seats to the Liberals. Maybe the Tories should take up the cause of proportional representation in Canada?

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    “Members of Parliament don’t work for us, they represent us, an entirely different thing. As with so much that has turned out badly, the re-organising of MPs’ responsibilities began with the Fourth Labour Government. That’s when they began to be treated like employees – public servants – whose diaries had ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Lobbying for Waikato’s Medical School causing problems for the Govt
    It’s becoming a classic case study for why lobbying deals with politicians need greater scrutiny. Former National Minister Steven Joyce runs a lobbying company with a major client – the University of Waikato. The University desperately wants $300m+ of taxpayer funding to establish a third medical school in New Zealand, ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Picking Sides.
    Time To Choose: Like it or not, the Kiwis are either going into AUKUS’s  “Pillar 2” – or they are going to China.HAD ZHENG HE’S FLEET sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 day ago

  • Universities offer course in self-serving cowardice
    Henry Ergas writes –  When in Randall Jarrell’s Pictures from an Institution, a college president is accused of being a hypocrite, the novel’s narrator retorts that the description is grossly unfair. After all, the man is still far from the stage of moral development at which the charge ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • The teacher trainee challenge
    David Farrar writes –  Radio NZ reports: The Education Review Office says too many new teachers feel poorly prepared for their jobs. In a report published on Monday, the review office said 60 percent of the principals it interviewed said their new teachers were not ready. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Words and (in)actions
    New Zealand’s economic performance and the PM’s vision   Michael Reddell writes –  When I wrote yesterday morning’s post, highlighting how poorly both New Zealand and its Anglo peer countries have been doing in respect of productivity in recent times (ie, in the case of New ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What do you hope for/fear from the budget?
    Hi all,Firstly - thank you! You guys are awesome. The response I’ve received to last night’s mail has been quite overwhelming. It’s a ghastly day outside, but there are no clouds in here.In case you didn’t read my email and are wondering what on earth I’m talking about you can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on ACT’s charter schools experiment
    If there was still any doubt as to who is actually running this government – and it isn’t the buffoon from Botany – then this week’s announcement of a huge spend up on charter schools has settled the matter. While jobs and public services continue to be cut in the ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Drought fuels wildfire concerns as Canada braces for another intense summer
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Gaye Taylor As widespread drought raises expectations for a repeat of last year’s ferocious wildfire season, response teams across Canada are grappling with the rapidly changing face of fire in a warming climate. No longer quenched by winter, nor quelled by the ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus and pick ‘n’ mix for Thursday, May 16
    Half of Christchurch City Holdings Ltd’s directors and its chair resigned en masse last night in protest at Christchurch City Council’s demand to front-load dividends File Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The chair of Christchurch City Council’s investment company and four of its independent directors resigned in protest last ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Controversial proposal could threaten coalition
    The University of Waikato has reworded an advertisement that begins the tender process for its new $300 million-plus medical school even though the Government still needs to approve it. However, even the reworded ad contains an architect’s visualisations of what the school might look like. ACT leader David Seymour told ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • Of Rings of Power Annatar, Dramatic Irony, and Disguises
    As a follow-up to the Rings of Power trailer discussion, I thought I needed to add something. There has been some online mockery about the use of the same actor for both the Halbrand and Annatar incarnations of Sauron. The reasoning is that Halbrand with a shave and a new ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    2 days ago

  • The future of Nick's Kōrero.
    This isn’t quite as dramatic as the title might suggest. I’m not going anywhere, but there is something I wanted to talk to you about.Let’s start with a typical day.Most days I send out a newsletter in the morning. If I’ve written a lot the previous evening it might be ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • The PM promises tax relief in the Budget – but will it be enough to satisfy the Taxpayers’ Union...
    Buzz from the Beehive The promise of tax relief loomed large in his considerations when  the PM delivered a pre-Budget speech to the Auckland Business Chamber. The job back in Wellington is getting government spending back under control, he said, bandying figures which show that in per capita terms, the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Fucking useless
    Yesterday de facto Prime Minister David Seymour announced that his glove puppet government would be re-introducing charter schools, throwing $150 million at his pet quacks, donors and cronies and introducing an entire new government agency to oversee them (the existing Education Review Office, which actually knows how to review schools, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Setting things straight.
    Seeing that, in order to discredit the figures and achieve moral superiority while attempting to deflect attention away from the military assault on Rafa, Israel supporters in NZ have seized on reports that casualty numbers in Gaza may be inflated … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Far too light a sentence
    David Farrar writes – Newstalk ZB report: The man responsible for a horror hit and run in central Wellington last year was on a suspended licence and was so drunk he later asked police, “Did I kill someone?” Jason Tuitama injured two women when he ran a red ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Unwinding Labour’s Agenda
    Muriel Newman writes –  Former US President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation.” The fight for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Sequel to “Real reason Waitangi Tribunal could not summons Chhour”
    Why Courts should have said Waitangi Tribunal could not summons Karen Chhour Gary Judd writes – In the High Court, Justice Isacs declined to uphold the witness summons issued by the Waitangi Tribunal to compel Minister for Children, Karen Chhour, to appear before it to be ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • The Govt’s Fast-Track is being demolished by submissions to Parliament
    Bryce Edwards writes –  The number of voices raising concerns about the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill is rapidly growing. This is especially apparent now that Parliament’s select committee is listening to submissions from the public to evaluate the proposed legislation. Twenty-seven thousand submissions have been made to Parliament ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A generation is leaving at a rate of one A320-load per day
    An average of 166 New Zealand citizens left the country every day during the March quarter, up 54% from a year ago.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The economy and housing market is sinking into a longer recession through the winter after a slump in business and consumer confidence in ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • NZUP RORS back to life
    The government has made it abundantly clear they’re addicted to the smell of new asphalt. On Tuesday they introduced a new term to the country’s roading lexicon, the Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS), a little brother for the Roads of National (Party) Significance (RoNS). Driving ahead with Roads of Regional ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • School Is Out.
    School is outAnd I walk the empty hallwaysI walk aloneAlone as alwaysThere's so many lucky penniesLying on the floorBut where the hell are all the lucky peopleI can't see them any moreYesterday morning, I’d just sent out my newsletter on Tama Potaka, and I was struggling to make the coffee. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • How Are You Doing?
    Hi,I wanted to check in and ask how you’re doing.This is perhaps a selfish act, of attempting to find others feeling a similar way to me — that is to say, a little hopeless at the moment.Misery loves company, that sort of deal.Some context.I wish I could say I got ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • The Rings of Power: Season Two Teaser Trailer
    I have hitherto been fairly quiet on the new season of Rings of Power, on the basis that the underwhelming first season did not exactly build excitement – and the rumours were fairly daft. The only real thing of substance to come out has been that they have re-cast Adar ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – What ended the Little ice Age?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Talking Reo with the PM
    “The thing is,” Chris Luxon says, leaning forward to make his point, “this has always been my thing.”“This goes all the way back to the first multinational I worked for. I was saying exactly the same thing back then. The name of our business needs to be more clear; people ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Waitangi Tribunal’s authority in Chhour case is upheld – but bill’s introduction to Parliament...
    Buzz from the Beehive It’s been a momentous few days for Children’s Minister Karen Chhour.  The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision which blocked a summons order from the Waitangi Tribunal for her. And today she has announced the Government is putting children first by introducing to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Australia jails another whistleblower
    In 2014 former Australian army lawyer David McBride leaked classified military documents about Australian war crimes to the ABC. Dubbed "The Afghan Files", the documents led to an explosive report on Australian war crimes, the disbanding of an entire SAS unit, and multiple ongoing prosecutions. The journalist who wrote the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Some “scrutiny”!
    Back in February I blogged about another secret OIA "consultation" by the Ministry of Justice. This one was on Aotearoa's commitment in its Open Government Partnership Action Plan to "strengthen scrutiny of Official Information Act exemption clauses in legislation" (AKA secrecy clauses). Their consultation paper on the issue focused on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • TVNZ is loss-making, serves no public service due to bias, and should be liquidated
    Rob MacCulloch writes –  According to the respected Pew Research Centre, “In seven of eight [European] countries surveyed, the most trusted news outlet asked about is the public news organization in each country”. For example, “in Sweden, an overwhelming majority (90%) say they trust the public broadcaster SVT”. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • The conflicted Covid Chair
    David Farrar writes –  Kata MacNamara reports:    Details of Tony Blakely’s involvement in the New Zealand Government’s response to the pandemic raise serious questions about the work of the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry over which he presides. It has long been clear that Blakely, a ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Attacking the smartest and most resilient people in the room is never a good idea
    Chris Trotter writes – Are you a Brahmin or a Merchant? Or, are you merely one of those whose lives are profoundly influenced by the decisions of Brahmins and Merchants? Those are the questions that are currently shaping the politics of New Zealand and the entire West. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A fortune-telling failure, surely, if the tarot cards can’t see a bulldozer coming
    RNZ reports –  It’s supposed to be a haven of healing and spiritual awakening but residents of the Kawai Purapura community say they’ve been hurt and deceived. It’s the successor to the former Centrepoint commune, and has been on the bush block opposite Albany shopping centre since 2008. It ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • The climate battleground heats up
    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. Usually we have a video chat to go with this wrap, but were unable to do one this week. We’ll be back next week.Several reports ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Tuesday, May 14
    The Transport Minister has set a hard 'fiscal envelope' of $6.54 billion for transport capital spending. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The economy is settling into a state of suspended animation as the Government’s funding freezes and job cuts chill confidence and combine with stubbornly high interest rates to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on why anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitic
    To be precise, the term “anti- Zionism” refers to (a) criticism of the political movement that created a modern Jewish state on the historical land of Israel, and to (b)the subjugation of Palestinians by the Israeli state. By contrast, the term “anti-Semitism” means bigotry and racism directed at Jewish people, ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Climate change is making hurricanes more destructive
    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Because hurricanes are one of the big-ticket weather disasters that humanity has to face, climate misinformers spend a lot of effort muddying the waters on whether climate change is making hurricanes more damaging. With the official start to the hurricane ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Wayne Brown’s PT Plan
    Yesterday the Mayor released what he calls his “plan to save public transport” which is part of his final proposal for the Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP). This comes following consultation on the draft version that occurred in March which showed, once again, that people want more done on transport, especially ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Potaka's Private Universe.
    And it's a pleasure that I have knownAnd it's a treasure that I have gainedAotearoa’s coalition government is fragile. It’s held together by the obsequious sycophancy of Christopher Luxon, who willingly contorts his party into the fringe positions of his junior coalition partners and is unwilling to contradict them. The ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Our slow regional councils
    The Select Committee hearing submissions on the fast-track consenting legislation is starting to become a beat-up of regional councils. The inflexibility and slow workings of the Councils were prominent in two submissions yesterday. One, from the Coromandel Marine Farmers Association, simply said that the Waikato Regional Council’s planning decisions were ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law after all
    Back in April, the High Court surprised everyone by ruling that Ministers are above the law, at least as far as the Waitangi Tribunal is concerned. The reason for this ruling was "comity" - the idea that the different branches of government shouldn't interfere with each other's functions. Which makes ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • NZTA takes the wheel after govt gives it the road map for regional roads (and puts a speed governor ...
    Buzz from the Beehive  Tolling was mentioned when Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the government was re-introducing the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme, with 15 “crucial” projects to support economic growth and regional development across New Zealand. All RoNS would be four-laned, grade-separated highways, and all funding, financing, and ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Change in Catalonia?
    or the past 14 years, ever since the Spanish government cheated on an autonomy deal, Catalonia has reliably given pro-independence parties a majority of seats in their regional parliament. But now that seems to be over. Catalans went to the polls yesterday, and stripped the Catalan parties of their majority. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Having an enrolment date is not depriving anyone of a vote
    David Farrar writes –  Radio NZ report: Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said the Electoral Commission should make sure the system ran smoothly and “taking away the right of thousands of people to vote” was not the answer. “Thousands of people enroled and voted on the day. If ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Perhaps house prices don’t always go up
    Don Brash writes –  There was a rather revealing headline in the Herald on Sunday today (12 May). It read “One in 8 Auckland homes on market were bought during boom, may now sell for loss”. The first line of text noted that “New data shows one in ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Can’t read, can’t write, can’t comprehend – and won’t think…?
    Mike Grimshaw writes –  At a time when universities are understandably nervous regarding the establishment of the University Advisory Group (UAG) and the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) it may seem strange – or even fool-hardy – to state that there are long-standing issues in the tertiary sector ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Time for some perspective
    Lindsay Mitchell writes –  A lack of perspective can make something quite large or important seem small or irrelevant. Against a backdrop of high-profile, negative statistics it is easy to overlook the positive. For instance, the fact that 64 percent of Maori are employed is rarely reported. For ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Will NZ Herald’s ‘poor journalism’ cost lives?
    Earlier this year, the Herald ran a series of articles amounting to a sustained campaign against raised pedestrian crossings, by reporter Bernard Orsman. A key part of that campaign concerned the raised crossings being installed as part of the Pt Chevalier to Westmere project, with at least 10 articles over ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    5 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to May 19 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 19 include:PM Christopher Luxon is expected to hold his weekly post-cabinet news conference at 4:00pm on Monday.Parliament is not sitting this week. It resumes next week for a two-week sitting session up to and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • Webworm Popup Photos!
    Hi,Thanks to all the beautiful Worms who came to the LA Webworm popup on Saturday.It was a way to celebrate the online store we launched last week — and it was super special.As I talk about a lot, I really value our community here — and it was a BLAST ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #19
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, May 5, 2024 thru Sat, May 11, 2024. (Unfortunate) Story of the week "Grief that stops at despair is an ending that I and many others, most notably ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
    "On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.  “I raised my concerns after being ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Unions should put learning ahead of ideology
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools.     “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMA
    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguard
    Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationship
    New Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says.  “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019.  “It is my pleasure ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New Caledonia
    New Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.  “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of State
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card funding
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Further sanctions against Russia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • One year on from Loafers Lodge
    A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaboration
    New Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says.    “This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Penk travels to Peru for trade meetings
    Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Minister attends global education conferences
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA Chair
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call Foundation
    New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.   This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Panel announced for review into disability services
    Distinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Minister welcomes Police gang unit
    Today’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners.  “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Chief of Defence Force appointed
    Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
    Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
    Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
    The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
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