Open Mike 22/12/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 22nd, 2017 - 101 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

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 …

101 comments on “Open Mike 22/12/2017 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Sanctuary 1
    22 December 2017 at 6:31 am

    Who else are at work for the last time in 2017???

    I got my Hawaiian shirt on and I am clock watching to lunchtime when it is beersies and breakup time, Back in three weeks. 🙂 🙂

    A big merry Xmas and Happy New Year call out to all the Standardnistas! 🙂 xxx

    • patricia bremner 1.1
      22 December 2017 at 8:13 am

      Have a good one.

    • Cinny 1.2
      22 December 2017 at 9:08 am

      Seasons Greetings Sanctuary and to all the amazing Standardnistas 🙂

      May everyone have a wonderful Summer Solstice, enjoy the holidays, love this time of year 🙂

      • greywarshark 1.2.1
        22 December 2017 at 9:30 am

        Bounce back that Christmas greeting to you Cinny and also Marty Mars – sort of locals to me and good to read your news and your thoughts. Hope you have a good time – a good break – and there will be plenty to think and write about in 2018 so I hope we will all be there then.

        Also to all Standardistas who think through their comments kia kaha and from the Maori Dictionary ‘Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia’ (with links in TS style) –

        Meri Kirihimete – Māori Dictionary
        http://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&phrase=&proverb=&loan=&histLoanWords=&keywords=Meri+Kirihimete

        Meri Kirihimete Play. 1. (loan) (noun) Merry Christmas. “Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia” (e kī ana te Pākehā) ki ngā iwi me ngā hapū katoa (HKW 12/1898:6). / “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” (as the Pākehā say) to all the tribes and hapū.

        and
        Kia kaha – Wikipedia
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_kaha
        Kia kaha is a Māori phrase used by the people of New Zealand meaning stay strong, used as an affirmation. The phrase has significant meaning for Māori: popularised through its usage by the 28th Māori Battalion during World War II, it is found in titles of books and songs, as well as a motto. Linguistically, kia kaha consists …

  2. Ad 2
    22 December 2017 at 6:52 am

    The U.N. is taking down names, and the first one is United States of America.

    In your eye Nicky Haley.

    • Grey Area 2.1
      22 December 2017 at 7:09 am

      The hubris, arrogance, bullying, blindness and more of the Trump’s USA is staggering.

      CNN report

      128 for (including NZ) 9 against (including Palau, Micronesia, Nauru, and Marshall Islands who may have heard the aid threat) and 35 abstained (including Canada and Australia).

      It really shows how weak your moral argument is when you have to threaten people to get them to vote with you.

      • OnceWasTim 2.1.1
        22 December 2017 at 12:53 pm

        And the unsurprising thing is that they try to charcterise themselves as the victim being bullied. Actually, there was a guy on Morning Report this morning representing the ‘Jewish view’ (or should I say the Zionist view) doing the exact same thing. That nasty, nasty United Nations has apparently been bullying them for years – probably because (like Trump) the world just doesn’t appreciate how exceptional they are.
        So exceptional are they, that they have/had a Divine Right to supply weaponry to the Sth Efrican apartheid regime, and to use white phosporus, and to disobey agreements they’d signed up to.

        Do you reckon that if Trump and his enterage of loving fans decides to hit the button and causes the inevitable – it may be the demise of the UN – somewhat akin to the demise of the League of Nations in days gone by?
        You have to wonder just who is holding him back from doing so at the mo’. I know there are reports of one General expressing concern and considering his options, but that Washington crew have some really big issues concerning how big they perceive the size of their balls to be.
        It’ll also be interesting to see how offended the Orange Man sees NuZull’s treachery after voting Trump’s wrong way. Foive Oise and all.
        How very dare us to have done so! What an offense to that Leader of the Free Whurl and champion of democracy!
        (/sarc)

        • Philberto 2.1.1.1
          22 December 2017 at 2:26 pm

          Hello All
          I caught that this morning had me spitting coffee at the radio again, and the repeating of it throughout the news Bulletins.
          Why was it repeated it was propaganda not news, and where was the right of reply?

          I been on my best behavior since the elections trying not to swear at the radio and now my streak is broken. :/

  4. Morrissey 4
    22 December 2017 at 9:01 am

    National Party emergency caucus meeting, Sept. 10, 2005
    Part 1 of 2

    DRAMATIS PERSONAE

    DOCTOR DON BRASH. Aging, decrepit, discredited liar who also happens to be leader of the National Party.
    MICHELLE BOAG. Complete bitch. Formidably well organised, well read and merciless political backroom operator. Former chairperson of the National Party, given the boot after guiding it to record defeat in 2002.
    MURRAY McCULLY. Fomer lover of Michelle Boag. National Party campaign “strategist”, therefore currently the most discredited and disrespected person in the southern hemisphere.
    JUDITH (“ROSA”) COLLINS. A brutal, intimidating woman with the looks and personality of the James Bond villain, Rosa Klebs. Collins has replaced the lovely K****rine R*ch as the National Party’s “social welfare” spokeswoman. To many observers, this position sits oddly against her former role as a corporate lawyer for the casino industry.
    K*****INE R*CH. The polar opposite to Collins. Blonde, curvy and gorgeous. Ignominiously tossed off National front bench because she was too “wet” .
    SIMON POWER. Former National defence spokesman. Removed from position due to gross incompetence.
    GEORGINA TE HEU HEU. Tall, aristocratic, a genuine example of Māori royalty. Ignominiously tossed off national front bench because she is Māori.
    GERRY BROWNLEE. Enormously fat former woodwork teacher who somehow has ended up as deputy leader of the National Party. A walking, talking disaster, funny for about two minutes, painful and tiresome thereafter.
    DR. LOCKWOOD SMITH. Notorious for his oft-stated willingness to act as an unquestioning lackey of the United States government. Former host of Australian children’s TV show Here’s Humphrey; Smith played the role of Humphrey. Later went on to front children’s quiz show W-3 in NZ, where he haughtily insisted the intermediate school contestants call him “Sir”.
    BILL ENGLISH, Dr. NICK SMITH, TONY RYALL. Sworn enemies of the current National Party leadership. A slyly subversive, potentially destabilizing trio of troublemakers.
    M________ BR**N. Political pollster.

    NOTE: The names of a couple of people who participate in a sexual act in the course of this documentary have been surgically amended, for privacy’s sake.

    ——————————————-

    SCENE: Saturday 10 September 2005, 9:25 a.m. The top suite at the James Cook Hotel, Wellington. The National Party’s former Welfare spokesperson MISS K*TH*R*N* R*CH sleeps, curled in the arms of her toyboy M_______ BR**N, the political pollster. While his “wet” Tory companion sleeps, BR**N watches the television show Agenda, while elegantly—some might say pretentiously and smugly—sipping from a tall glass of Pimms.

    Suddenly, MISS R*CH awakes with a jolt. BR**N only just manages to avoid a spillage of Pimms.

    MISS R*CH: [panting fearfully] Oh my GOD! Oh, M_________! I’m so worried….

    To be continued…..

    • OnceWasTim 4.1
      22 December 2017 at 1:11 pm

      And will this dramatic anecdote include any other of McMuff’s peca..peca…..pickles include that bastion of the 4th Estate – the one that used to get out the Elna and run herself up a business suit using the covering from the old chaise longue (you know the one that was sooooooooo passe Darling) ? Jeeze Morrissey – I hope, I hope!

      And what are you going to do in the second series?

      • Morrissey 4.1.1
        22 December 2017 at 1:39 pm

        Thanks Tim, some fine suggestions there! When I composed this, Maggie Barry was not yet in parliament.

        I wrote this in 2005, for the old Google Groups nz.politics site. It’s still going, but Google has done its best to ruin it.

  5. Cinny 5
    22 December 2017 at 9:12 am

    THANK YOU CHRIS HIPKINS, THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH 🙂 THANK YOU TRACY MARTIN 🙂 You’ve saved and changed lives, you’ve kept your word and so many many people are so very grateful.

    I’m so freaking happy, best news ever 🙂 It’s official Salisbury School stays open.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/100082589/salisbury-saved-hipkins-announces-end-of-closure-process-for-richmondbased-school

    • OnceWasTim 5.1
      22 December 2017 at 1:21 pm

      Now watch for the gNat counter. It’ll go something like “this from the man who can’t count”
      I agree! good call Messrs Hipkins nd Martin. They did keep their word.
      Actually, now I think about it, Morrissey’s 2nd season (above) could revolve around Ms Parata and her loving husband. But I’d suggest he takes some advice from the gorgeous Juuuudy Caaaalingham (BE’s utterly gorgeous wife darling), having made such a contribution to NuZull drama with Shorty Street.
      You’ll probably find them ‘coffeeing’ somewhere on the Ponce Road doncha know!

  6. Ed 6
    22 December 2017 at 9:16 am

    Are you pondering the best New Year’s resolution that can help animals, the planet and your health?

    There are heaps of reasons to eat kind this January. Not only is it the best way to help animals, it can also improve your personal health and protect our environment.

    Well, round up your friends, family and colleagues and sign up for the Veganuary Challenge! There’s never been a better time!

    Veganuary is a worldwide campaign that challenges people to try vegan in January…..Why not check it out for yourself?

    http://www.veganuary.co.nz

    By signing up, you’ll receive regular emails offering tips, menu plans, recipes, inspiration and more.https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/12/22/guest-blog-amanda-sorrenson-veganuary-the-best-nys-resolution-you-can-make/

    • Stunned mullet 6.1
      22 December 2017 at 9:21 am

      Looks interesting I’ll have a closer look later today after finishing the lunchtime BBQ.

    • Psycho Milt 6.2
      22 December 2017 at 9:30 am

      There are heaps of reasons to eat kind this January.

      Doesn’t sound very kind to plants. Maybe you could alternate? Kind to animals one month, kind to plants the next.

      • Ed 6.2.1
        22 December 2017 at 10:04 am

        Looking forward to seeing evidence that plants suffer as animals do.
        Scientific studies only please.

        • Enough is Enough 6.2.1.1
          22 December 2017 at 10:26 am

          When those evil sharks stop murdering fish – I will stop eating bacon

        • One Anonymous Bloke 6.2.1.2
          22 December 2017 at 10:37 am

          Mycorrhizal networks: Mechanisms, ecology and modeling,
          Simard et al 2012.

          On the specific subject of “pain”, see Common mycorrhizal networks and their effect on the bargaining power of the fungal partner in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis Bücking et al 2016:

          These warning signals between plants within one CMN are transmitted rapidly, and non-infested plants up-regulated genes of the jasmonate defense pathway shortly after plants within their CMN were attacked by herbivores.

        • Johnr 6.2.1.3
          22 December 2017 at 1:00 pm

          Many years ago my wife was explaining to friends we hadn’t seen for some time why she had become a vegetarian. She finished her explanation with the quip “and yes I’ve heard all the screaming cabbage jokes”
          Clever woman.

        • Psycho Milt 6.2.1.4
          22 December 2017 at 1:16 pm

          Looking forward to seeing evidence that plants suffer as animals do.
          Scientific studies only please.

          Why? Are you saying a living thing has to be sufficiently like you to trigger your emotions for you to care about it? (Rhetorical question – of course that’s what you’re saying.)

          Every living thing on this planet is food for other living things, including apex predators like humans (although at our level we’re mostly food for microorganisms unless we get really unlucky). Feel free to be choosy about which living things you eat, but don’t try and make some moral bullshit story out of it.

          Plants don’t want to be killed and eaten any more than animals do, as demonstrated by the defence mechanisms they evolve, like thorns or toxins. The fact that they don’t make eye contact and express emotions recognisable to humans doesn’t alter that fact. The only difference it makes is that without those things you don’t feel any qualms about dismembering and eating them. You’re still dismembering and eating things that didn’t want you to, regardless of what kind of living thing it is.

          • Ed 6.2.1.4.1
            22 December 2017 at 1:20 pm

            I see why your nom de plume is psycho.

            • Psycho Milt 6.2.1.4.1.1
              22 December 2017 at 1:48 pm

              For people who peddle religious moralism, logic is always confronting. Vegans are no different in that respect.

              • Ed …
                22 December 2017 at 2:06 pm

                Were people who advocated against slavery ‘peddling religious moralism?’
                Were people who advocated against child sacrifice ‘peddling religious moralism?’
                Were people who advocated against whaling ‘peddling religious moralism?’
                Were people who advocated against the Holocaust ‘peddling religious moralism?’

                If so, I am happy to wear the badge you give me.

                However, logic tells me that adopting a plant based diet is better for the planet than eating animals, logic tells me that adopting a plant based diet is better for my health than eating animals and logic tells me that adopting a plant based diet is better for the welfare of animals than eating animals.

                • Stunned mullet …
                  22 December 2017 at 2:41 pm

                  your badge is on the post……

                • Psycho Milt …
                  22 December 2017 at 3:54 pm

                  I really don’t think you’d want to wear the badge that’s appropriate for people making the case that Jews are like livestock.

                  • Ed …
                    22 December 2017 at 4:34 pm

                    Be careful pushing that line.
                    Highly inflammatory.

                    For some reason you have gone super aggressive simply because I have made a case for a plant based diet.
                    It would appear many agree with me and others are open to discussing the idea.
                    Yet ever since I brought the subject up, you have exuded hostility. Why?

                    • SPC …
                      22 December 2017 at 4:59 pm

                      You face the smacked child syndrome. People who were smacked by their parents sometimes react by supporting the continued rights of parents to smack their children – albeit no longer tolerant of the beating of children.

                      Those fed meat by their parents and who continue to eat meat and feed it to their children … are just doing what humans have done since our existence, eat meat – albeit supporting the existence of animal cruelty laws and humane slaughter regimes.

                      That individual and planetary health advantages can be derived from a more vegetarian diet is a sustainable argument. It is harder to suggest that only life in the sea should eat fish, or that prey for meat predators should only exist where there are game parks (for the hunting cats).

                    • Ed …
                      22 December 2017 at 5:05 pm

                      Maybe people will change once climate change becomes more serious.
                      If it’s a choice between some sort of life for their children and grandchildren – or a burger, then that might do it.

                      Or we shall wait till it’s too late.
                      And laws will be passed.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      22 December 2017 at 5:10 pm

                      I’d say it’s because you’ve made the case using judgemental and highly charged language.

                      It certainly set my teeth on edge.

                    • Psycho Milt …
                      22 December 2017 at 5:16 pm

                      Highly inflammatory.

                      And also highly accurate.

                      For some reason you have gone super aggressive simply because I have made a case for a plant based diet.

                      I can’t help the fact you interpret all disagreement as a personal assault. Also, you’ve never made a case for a plant-based diet, just asserted it and scattered links to propaganda videos or whatever.

                      Yet ever since I brought the subject up, you have exuded hostility. Why?

                      Every time you bring the subject up, you assert a claim of moral superiority over people who don’t follow your particular fad diet. I reject that claim and don’t like to let it pass in case people imagine that silence implies consent. You then interpret that disagreement as aggression or hostility, apparently unable to grasp the concept that people don’t have to share your views.

                    • Ed …
                      22 December 2017 at 5:19 pm

                      If it were not clear, I am making the case for a plant based diet.
                      I thought I had been clear.
                      Look at the start of this thread at 6.
                      I was sharing an idea of PETA’s. Is that not ok?

                      But you don’t want to hear, so just scroll past my comments.

                      Look at the language you use.
                      You are highly aggressive.

                  • Psycho Milt …
                    22 December 2017 at 5:38 pm

                    I was sharing an idea of PETA’s. Is that not ok?

                    Sure it’s OK. But it’s also OK for people to point out when others are peddling moralistic propaganda on a thread. I already told you why I don’t just scroll past that. If you could share your fad diet suggestions without asserting moral superiority over people who don’t follow that diet, there’d be fewer dissenting responses.

          • left_forward 6.2.1.4.2
            22 December 2017 at 4:08 pm

            The improbable idea that plants have sentience has no relevance whatsoever to the proven and blatantly obvious sentience of animals.

            We do not need to slaughter by the billions animals that feel pain, emotions, and have as much right to their lives as we have to ours. We can gain all of our sustenance from plants in a way that is environmentally sustainable and at the same time gain optimal health and well-being. Therefore there is no argument that can morally, socially or ethically support the consumption of animals.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 6.2.1.4.2.1
              22 December 2017 at 4:21 pm

              improbable

              Read the links at 6.2.1.2: it’s possible. Does that network possess a memory?

            • Stunned mullet 6.2.1.4.2.2
              22 December 2017 at 4:58 pm

            • McFlock 6.2.1.4.2.3
              22 December 2017 at 10:42 pm

              Actually, I suspect plant sentience is highly likely. Just completely alien.

              If all the magic books are wrong, and our own self-awareness is merely the result of100Billion simple response thresholds working together, then why do those threshold things need to be neurons? Sure, bioelectric neurons might be faster than, say, cells releasing a distress signal, but why rule out every other interactional system?

              I genuinely view it as a serious proposition, until we can determine the origin of our “spark” of sentience all bets are on the table. Could our planet or our galaxy be sentient? The gravitational interactions of 100billion stars and associated satellites are more complex than 100Billion neurons.

              • ropata …
                22 December 2017 at 11:18 pm

                But seriously, I do agree that plant intelligence is an interesting possibility and intelligence could be more pervasive than we realise. Are you a fan of Stephen Baxter? (he writes about this stuff)

                Even human intelligence is not exclusive to the brain, it’s linked to the whole body.

                intelligence is fundamentally linked to specific sensorimotor modalities, a specific environment, a specific upbringing, and a specific problem to solve

                This reality makes AI that much harder to achieve.

                • McFlock …
                  22 December 2017 at 11:51 pm

                  Haven’t really read up on it since uni, but it’s always an interesting thought. On the flipside, it’s the conundrum of self awareness that keeps me from being completely athiest.

          • francesca 6.2.1.4.3
            23 December 2017 at 8:23 am

            Rubbish Fruit most definitely wants to be eaten, its its seed dispersal device
            Acorns and nuts are are perfectly willing (if we carry on with your anthropomorphosis)to be squirreled away, knowing that some stashes will be forgotten about and new plants will arise.

      • Robert Guyton 6.2.2
        22 December 2017 at 2:15 pm

        “eat kind”

        Wow! Just Wow – an encouragement to cannibalize, on TS!!!

    • James 6.3
      22 December 2017 at 12:59 pm

      But you’re eating my foods food.

    • James 6.4
      22 December 2017 at 1:18 pm

      Sadly I’m off to the Jack Daniels BBQ competition in January so I will have to give it a miss.

      Febs not looking good either with Meatstock happening in Auckland – a great weekend out if you are interested in learning the views of others.

      http://meatstock.co.nz

      But hurry – apparently it sold out last year.

    • mickysavage 7.1
      22 December 2017 at 9:39 am

      Merry Christmas r0b!

    • Enough is Enough 7.2
      22 December 2017 at 10:06 am

      Come back r0b. We miss you

    • r0b 7.3
      22 December 2017 at 10:09 am

      Merry Christmas MS, and Merry Christmas to all!

      I’m still lurking here. But I’m in a hellish work crunch right now, with several months to go, so I’m trying to keep my politics addiction under control while I deal with it.

      Great to see the new authors here getting in to it!

      Ho ho ho…

    • Ad 7.4
      22 December 2017 at 10:49 am

      Yes.
      Ardern is competent, and I am glad we have her leading the country.

    • Incognito 7.5
      22 December 2017 at 2:42 pm

      That is indeed a good read.

      The second challenge is least elaborated on but I see it as an issue of very similar nature as the first and third challenges, i.e. one that is deeply rooted in how we treat each other.

      Arguably, jobs of the future will have more focus on what’s colloquially called “people skills” and less on “production” as such. Therefore, such skills should become more highly valued and thus paid much better than they currently are. In fact, I’d argue that generally people skills are utterly undervalued at present here in New Zealand and consequently they are generally not very good. Taken together, good people skills are better for the people & society and better for the economy as well – over 60% of New Zealand’s GDP is accounted for by Service Industries.

      He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. [One of the best proverbs ever and right up there with the meaning & spirit of Ubuntu IMHO]

  8. eco maori 8
    22 December 2017 at 10:21 am

    I see our Maori culture is getting to popular for some people and they are trying to damage our Maori culture a radio station called flav own by NZ me has found research on the most common prisoners names and translated them to Maori and post these name’s on social media. t
    This is disrespecting my te puna for some of those names belong to some of OUR great te puna a apologies is required please.
    The neo liberals who seed these actions against OUR Maori culture are scared about us Maori getting our Mana back because they know when we do we will never let them piss on OUR beautiful country and all the people of New Zealand. I’m a proud New Zealand Maori and so should all Maori on mother earth. Ka kite ano

    • ropata 8.1
      22 December 2017 at 2:17 pm

      On face value, it would be worth complaining to the BSA, but it seems quite weird for the Polynesian oriented Flava station to be this tasteless

  9. Morrissey 9
    22 December 2017 at 10:30 am

    National Party emergency caucus meeting, Sept. 10, 2005
    Part 2 of 2

    SCENE: The pollster M_________ BR**N is in the top suite of the James Cook Hotel, Wellington, with the National Party’s recently deposed Welfare spokesperson MISS K*TH*R*N* R*CH. It’s 9:25 a.m. and MISS R*CH has awoken with a jolt…..

    MISS R*CH: [panting fearfully] Oh my GOD! Oh, M_________! I’m so worried….

    BR**N: [busses her then laughs reassuringly] Don’t worry, my dear. Your husband’s in Dunedin. And even if he did turn up here at the James Cook Hotel, I’ve got my batman Scr**ge keeping a look out. He’s armed and he’s ornery.

    MISS R*CH: No, no — not that. I’ve just had this horrifying dream. I was on this — this jumbo jet… and it was utterly OUT OF CONTROL and heading inexorably for DISASTER, and everybody on it realized that too — but it was too late, though, because it was TOO LATE to change the captain, and the co-captain was a FAT FOOL who nobody believed in, and everybody on board realized the captain was too old and had no idea and he was a blithering, hopeless liar and… and people up and down the country were just LAUGHING at us, and everyone was so grim and unhappy, especially that awful butch cow Judith Collins….

    BR**N: [gathers MISS R*CH in closely] Sssssshhhh, don’t worry, my dear. Let moi interpr—

    MISS R*CH: No need to interpret it, M__________. I know perfectly well what it means: the National Party is doomed. Doomed like New Orleans. [She gives BR**N her well-rehearsed “helpless yet sultry” look] That means I’m doomed, too. Do you like doomed, wet women, M_________?

    BR**N: [with well-rehearsed tone of deep sincerity] I ADORE doomed, wet women. [Growls roughly] Especially from the National party. Come ‘ere….

    [We draw a discreet veil over proceedings for eight steamy minutes.]

    MISS R*CH: [shrieking] Oh God, it’s nine thirty-eight! The emergency shadow caucus meeting starts at ten sharp! That uber-bitch Michelle Boag is coming to give us all a rark up! [bestows a long, lascivious kiss on BR**N] Gotta fly! I’m late.

    —————————————–

    10:05 a.m. The Brethren’s Churchill Road Gospel Hall in Crofton Downs. The National Party caucus is in session. The former chairwoman of the party, MICHELLE BOAG, is reading the riot act. Demoralised politicians with sour, defeated expressions listen in gloomy silence. At first glance, everyone appears shell-shocked. However, closer inspection shows that several members are rather more sanguine. Deposed leader BILL ENGLISH actually seems to be enjoying it somewhat. To the anger of many, and the amusement of some, he is ostentatiously reading Nicky Hager’s explosive book The Hollow Men. BOAG bores on relentlessly…

    BOAG: …. and in all fairness the less we hear of Don Brash over the next seven days the better.

    BILL ENGLISH: You chose ‘im!
    BOAG: [grimly ignoring the disaffected former leader] And we will be hearing no more at all from our former “strategist” — if that’s the right word for what he’s been up to over the last fortnight. [she glares at MURRAY McCULLY like a basilisk] From now on, I and seven friends, who will remain anonymous, will be directing this campaign. For the last week of the campaign we need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot and remind people of our CORE PRINCIPLES. I sometimes wonder whether anybody remembers what the National Party STANDS for any more.

    DR LOCKWOOD SMITH: [excitedly waving hand in the air] Ooh! I know, I
    know!

    BOAG: [nervously] Ye-e-e-e-e-e-e-esss, Lockwood?

    DR LOCKWOOD SMITH: Never pay in cash, Never tell the truth, and Never play by the rules!

    BOAG: [closes eyes in despair, buries face in hands] Give me str-r-r-r-r-r-r-rength!

    DON BRASH: No, no, no, no, no, no, no! That’s not right, Lockwood! Eeeeeeehhhhhh….

    JOHN KEY: [cool, smiling, unfazed] Actually, that IS the National Party philosophy.

    SIMON POWER: And it’s a darned fine philosophy too.

    DON BRASH: Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no……

    TONY RYALL: [in disgust] The right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.

    BILL ENGLISH: [shaking his head] These right wing ideologues are tearing this party apart! IT’S A FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP!!

    JOHN KEY: [cool, smiling, unfazed] We stand for… ooooohhhhh… taking the tax off petrol.

    RYALL: Eh? You said the opposite two weeks ago!

    ROGER SOWRY: It’s ANOTHER flip-flop!

    BROWNLEE: [with boyish excitement] Right, that’s enough thinking! Let’s go GET Helen Clark with our new flip-flop policy!

    BOAG: [tartly, between clenched teeth] Shut up and sit down, you fatuous, footling fathead.

    BROWNLEE: [aggressively] You can’t call me fatuous! That’s size-ist!

    DON BRASH: Eeeeeeeehhhh, Gerry, when Michele calls you “fatuous”, it does not mean you are fat, it means you are foolish.

    BROWNLEE: [cheerfully] Oh! Well, that’s all right, then!

    DISAFFECTED CAUCUS MEMBER: Shut up and sit down, Brash! Michelle’s in
    charge, not you!

    DOCTOR DON BRASH: Oh no, no, no, no, no, no. Eeeeeeeehhhhhh…..

    BOAG: [doggedly ignoring the mounting turmoil] Now we also need an attack strategy to get at Margaret Wilson, and —

    SIMON POWER: We could base our strategy on the fact she’s got a wooden leg!

    BOAG: Yes! For once, a bright idea! Now let’s brainstor—-

    [BOAG is interrupted mid-sentence by the late arrival of the deposed shadow welfare spokesperson.]

    MISS R*CH: Sorry I’m late.

    BOAG: [acerbically] Sit down quickly at the back of the room, next to Tony Ryall and Nick Smith, and that Maori woman.

    DAVID CARTER: Siberia!

    CAUCUS: Ha ha ha ha ha!

    BOAG: Stop that! This is a party in crisis! The time for levity is after we win the election!

    RYALL: Ha! THAT’ll be the day! [imitating Fraser from Dad’s Army] We’re DOOMED! We’re all DOOOOO-O-O-O-OOOMED!

    CAUCUS: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! ….I’d rather have Captain Mainwaring in charge than Don Brash! …. We’re TOAST, let’s face it, fellas! … Don’t PANIC!!!! … Ha ha ha ha ha!

    DOCTOR DON BRASH: Oh no no no no no no no no no. That’s not funny.

    CAUCUS: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

    BOAG: Stop this nonsense NOW! We need to FOCUS!

    DOCTOR DON BRASH: Eeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhh….

    [The room descends into uproar. After the laughter has roiled around the room for an extended period, the hubbub eventually dies down. K*TH*R*N* R*CH moves toward the back of the now silent room. Unfortunately, this necessitates moving past her successor, the bulldog-like JUDITH COLLINS…]

    COLLINS: [sotto voce, acidly] Being “grilled” by a “pole-ster”, were we?

    MISS R*CH: [sotto voce, sweetly] You weren’t. I was.

    [COLLINS glowers, her face turning a deep, angry shade of purple as MISS R*CH moves on to take her seat in “Siberia” next to GEORGINA TE HEU HEU, MURRAY McCULLY, TONY RYALL and NICK SMITH.]

    McCULLY: K*th*rin*, I’m free tonight and for the rest of the week, if you need any help with your “poling”….

    http://morrisseybreen.blogspot.co.nz/2017/12/national-party-emergency-caucus-meeting.html

    • OnceWasTim 9.1
      22 December 2017 at 1:42 pm

      Of fuck @ Morrissey. I didn’t realise part two would cum so soon!
      And gawsh!!! That Crofton Downs setting is oh so familiar darling. I remember a few of its casualties quite well.
      I’m not so sure that wonderful North and South investigative journalist, the previous foreskin of consumer rights, you know – the one that regularly appears on those Sunday morning NZoA-funded raisin affairs ‘shows’ as a talking head giving us his words-for-the-wise, the one that can’t handle a tab of the Jolly Green Giant without resorting to mummy’s bosom….s.s.S.S.Si something or other.

      Morrissey darling!! Be careful darling, There are powerful forces at play (legends in their own minds even). And always remember – what plays in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas

      • Morrissey 9.1.1
        22 December 2017 at 2:16 pm

        Thanks for the heads up, Tim.

        Those forces you mention have been stirred up by the release of these caucus notes. Forty-four angry down votes so far for Part 1, and 28 for Part 2. And a whole lot of very testy comments…

        https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2017/12/general_debate_22_december_2017.html/comment-page-1#comment-2104326

        • OnceWasTim 9.1.1.1
          22 December 2017 at 2:49 pm

          OMG Morrissey – you forced me to stoop! I’ve never done that before (accessed that horrid horrid web site thingy), and my back is bloody killing me!
          I do have a few ideas for a 3rd, 4th and 5th series though.
          I’m just not sure which should come 3rd, 4th and 5th.
          I mean, I was thinking of people like that poor poor HdPA and partner- the raspy voiced thing who, in days gone by, used to really concern all those Wellington Eastern Suburbs bloody do-gooders. You know, the ones that were worried about things like violence towards women and wife beating, and male ownership of their woifies (silly silly people!)

          But then I thought about playing and staying in Vegas stuff and early morning jogs down lower Tory Street – you know, where that gay thingy/secret bathhouse thing is – by that blubber boy gNat 2IC.

          I’m not sure a NZ version of Coronation Street could be sustained or even whether public NZ would actually engage.
          Besides, I’m old enough to have signed the Official Secrets Act, and basically, if there isn’t a few of them held to account before too long, an easier option is to simply fuck off to places where they actually care about corrupt politicians and wimpy public servants, and where they care about things like preserving the purity of the water table.
          Comes a time where pushing shit uphill is not actually worth it

    • Robert Guyton 9.2
      22 December 2017 at 2:22 pm

      Nice. Funny. “[she glares at MURRAY McCULLY like a basilisk]” – (She glares, like a basilisk, at MURRAY McCULLY) – no?

  10. UncookedSelachimorpha 10
    22 December 2017 at 11:43 am

    Minimum wage to increase to $16.50 on 1st April 2018

    I’d rate that a strong “Pathetic” from Labour. Better than NAct, but still pathetic.

    The living wage (i.e. enough to have basic living needs met) is $20.20. We are a wealthy country – why not “Let’s Fix This”?? And now?

    • The Chairman 10.1
      22 December 2017 at 4:06 pm

      Another piss poor effort from Labour.

      Labour, the party the left can count on to let them down.

  11. One Anonymous Bloke 11
    22 December 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Which one, the one where Britain voted for the resolution but you were in such a hurry to display your masculinity you missed it?

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

    • weka 11.1
      22 December 2017 at 12:25 pm

      Trying to think of a good reason why when I’ve just spent some of my time moderating to de-escalate flaming, and you post another comment poking at someone, I shouldn’t also moderate you. Especially seeing it was only a few days ago you were moderated for a particularly inflammatory comment.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 11.1.1
        22 December 2017 at 12:28 pm

        Ok Ok sorry.

        • Robert Guyton 11.1.1.1
          22 December 2017 at 2:24 pm

          Jeeze, OAB, get a garden! 🙂

          • adam 11.1.1.1.1
            23 December 2017 at 3:38 am

            Could not agree more, does wonders for piece of mind.

            Just sowed another crop of lettuce, basil (eating heaps at the moment, it’s growing well) and my late season crop of Tarragon – which I hope will last me through the winter after I dry it.

            • weka 11.1.1.1.1.1
              23 December 2017 at 11:10 am

              I agree to.

              I’ve never grown tarragon. What do you use it for?

              I’ve been putting in another round of lettuces too. Plus some basil outside, which is kind of a risk down south. Just been harvesting a great crop of black currants.

              • adam …
                23 December 2017 at 11:59 am

                Tarragon, goes well with eggs and egg dishes. Chicken for those who eat that, I used it dried when cooking it with chicken.

                Do you have a glass house or window cill you can use for basil? It likes warm, I’ve been able to grow it over winter here in Auckland.

                Yummy black currants cheesecake, with double cream topping – a old fav of mine 🙂

                • weka …
                  23 December 2017 at 12:46 pm

                  I’ll have to see if I can find some tarragon to transplant.

                  Basil grows here ok in pots outside but on the porch. It should be ok in the garden so long as we don’t get a cold snap, and even then it might be ok, I’ve planted it in a more sheltered spot. Growing things on a window sill is riskier due to neglect 😉 I do have a nice sunny window sill though, so maybe I’ll put some there too and cover all bases.

                  I love black currants, cheesecake sounds fantastic.

                  • adam …
                    23 December 2017 at 12:50 pm

                    Thing in Auckland, you get in the habit of watering pots everyday. Or your precious plants die. Sometimes twice a day with some.

                    I’ll see if I can find the recipe – think it was in the Edmonds cook book.

  13. Ed 13
    22 December 2017 at 4:14 pm

    Jim Mora’s panel.
    Listen if you want to know the concerns of the elderly upper middle class.
    It would be interesting to compare the socio-economic backgrounds of the panellists with the overall population.

  14. The Chairman 14
    22 December 2017 at 5:02 pm

    PM makes donation appeal for Auckland needy

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/99882671/pm-makes-donation-appeal-for-auckland-needy

    It’s a shame she and her colleagues couldn’t put together a little Xmas bonus for beneficiaries.

  15. The Chairman 15
    22 December 2017 at 6:00 pm

    Time being wasted in an era of heightened seismic risk.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/nz-earthquake/100080788/dozens-of-wellington-buildings-still-havent-done-urgent-earthquake-strengthening

    If only the Government of the day (National) and or the city council offered loaning money to make buildings safe in the first place, things would be moving along more quickly.
     

  16. eco maori 16
    22 December 2017 at 6:59 pm

    I would not give david seenothing the time of day but this is a important issue. I would like to see him live on the minamim wage for a year these people born with a silver spoon should not comment on the minamim wage its hipocyce. Look at our Australian cousins we would have to add $10 a hour to catch up to them they have strong unions and everyone has disposable income. That is why they will be able to launch a Lady’s Rugby league competition in Australia because they have fans that can afford to support the teams. It would be to hard a task for Steve Chew to launch a Lady’s Rugby professional competition because there is not enough people with disposable income to support the teams.
    david seenothing thinks he and his other neo liberal m8 should keep all the money and stuff the rest of us we he can go and get _________ he is just a puppet for national Ana to kai

    • ropata 16.1
      22 December 2017 at 11:29 pm

      I’d be surprised if there is enough audience interest in a professional women’s league. It’s more of a male boofhead thing.

    • Blue rinse 16.2
      22 December 2017 at 11:29 pm

      I suggest population is a bigger factor here Eco making women’s rugby league viable also tied to nrl clubs and only 6 teams , games will be curtain raises and a very short season hey but don’t let facts get in the way of a good socialist story

  17. eco maori 17
    22 December 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Some people think that they can play me with out me working out there objective but no the big pictures is the muppets are playing them you like being fools and being played well good on you puppet fools I’m not going anywhere I can read yous like a book also I no you’ve been in this play for years ECO is going to win Ana to kai

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Brainwashed People Think Everyone Else is Brainwashed
    Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 hours ago

  • Peters’ real foreign policy threat is Helen Clark
    Winston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 hours ago

  • NZ’s trans lobby is fighting a rearguard action
    Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    10 hours ago

  • Your mandate is imaginary
    This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    15 hours ago

  • 14,000 unemployed under National
    The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    18 hours ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Discontent and gloom dominate NZ’s political mood
    Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    18 hours ago

  • Taking Tea with 42 & 38.
    National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    19 hours ago

  • Beware political propaganda: statistics are pointing to Grant Robertson never protecting “Lives an...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”. As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    19 hours ago

  • Winding back the hands of history’s clock
    Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
     Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    20 hours ago

  • Business confidence sliding into winter of discontent
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the coalition’s awful, not good, very bad poll results
    Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    23 hours ago

  • New HOP readers for future payment options
    Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    24 hours ago

  • 2024 Reading Summary: April (+ Writing Update)
    Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 day ago

  • At a glance – Clearing up misconceptions regarding 'hide the decline'
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-01T19:52:48+00:00