Oh come on, he’s had a full twelve hours to realise how badly he’s been treated. Being forced to apologise like that and then dismissed by a banker. Group hug for Dr. Nick.
What he wants is for an enquiry to reveal how he was removed by his “friends”. And what a twisted mess of joined dots that would be. John Key has spent the last few days saying it’s not the letters, per se, that got him dumped and Boag saying she would naturally help a 15 year old friend – but just out of the blue, a person who she hadn’t seen for so long – and Puller just by chance getting sent those “leaked” ACC files and then targetting Smith with a barrage of email requests. It was a plan that had a large helping of luck, I’d say, drawing in morons from far and wide, like a cyber vortex . The Nats just aren’t smart enough to set it up from scratch.
I guess Smith got to be too much of a liability, owed too much, and politicians being what they are, would have had to remove him in unusual ways if he were not the kind to go quietly. It’s the first sign that Nick Smith may be the unnamed MP so many predicted would end this government’s marginal hold on power.
A thorough independent enquiry of the whole issue would be a good thing to clear up some unanswered questions. But Smith should be careful of what he wishes for.
Smacks of a born-to-rule attitude that he can’t believe he’s fallen from grace.
“He seemed to openly accept responsibility and he emotionally displayed some remorse donât you think”
It does not matter if he or any of them show remorse, they are crocodile tears, of a pathetic man. He may have problems himself, but he has had a negative impact on the lives of thousands of people in this country, and in no way does he deserve a shred of emotion. Quite simply, he is getting a little of what he deserves! Natural Justice will sort out the difference at some stage IMO!
You take take your sad attempt at fellating the flacid Mr Smith, and run along Pete, the eternal fluffer!
@PG
Winston is more amusing than Nick Smith – his misdemeanours are judged with that in mind. Also he appears to puts forward the case for ordinary people, though mostly senior age, and doesn’t seem so focussed on neo lib economics.
Winston’s an old school National economic conservative, from the early 80’s era. Hence his permanent opposition to asset sales. He’s not a rogernome neoliberal.
Smacks of a born-to-rule attitude thanks Carol….as the minutiae of the Smith case disappears into the mists of time we will be left with another cypher born to rule nonentity taking his place. Another neo lib jerk intent on foisting the nasty agenda of privatisation, kill the poor etc.
Does not really matter who the fresh face of plutocracy is, or who the next ideologically driven newbie is, we will still suffer. We are no further ahead.
I see the Wharfies are trying to look like the good guys now ,and the Maritime Union has done acomplete uturn ,and asked please if it workers can go back to work this afternoon.
Mr Parsloe must be feeling very foolish now as his 1951 approach hasnt worked, and he has weakened their bargaining position. Any disruption at all will give POAL the justification to carry on down their path of contracted workers without union involvement
David Shearer has made it clear what standard he expects – as soon as a scandal blows up demand a immediate resignation.
No long winded justice process over years as for a few bomb throwers.
No waiting a day or two to make sure all the facts are known.
No giving the accused reasonable time to fully explain themselves.
Presumably this will apply to his own leadership. The odds are he will get a chance to demonstrate his commitment to instant justice.
I wonder if he will apply it to accusations of undermining leadership.
Did anyone else see the media pack swoop on Nick Smith at Wellington Airport yesterday and feel just a little nauseated?
No, I’ve avoided it, but the thrill of the chase was apparent elsewhere as well. Political blood sport. Our equivalent of a Muslim stoning or a Middle Age witch burning.
I hope that the journalists involved watch the tape again, and reflectâŚ
I doubt it. The story of the moment overrules any emotional quotient.
And while it’s probably not necessary here I did feel sadness for the manner that other MPs have fallen from grace very publicly, like Hughes and Carter. We all make mistakes, some make big career changing ones, but it shouldn’t be an excuse for modern day stocks with maximum public humiliation. We don’t do that in our justice system.
And the political attempts to put the boot into everything around the demise of Smith’s ministerial career, to try and inflict maximum damage on the Government of New Zealand, is also a piss poor abuse.
On Backbenches last night Hone Harawira didnât say much that stood up to scrutiny, but at least he did show real empathy for Nick Smithâs fall from grace.
Unlike Phil Goff who made a sympathetic stament but followed it up by kicking Smith in the guts. He may be more relaxed on the back benches but he retains some political vindictiveness.
NZ still losing our best asset – and for me the other form of a no confidence vote against the govt. NZ has low wages, high cost of living, prohibitative housing costs, and no ability to save. And No political ideas how to overcome these fundamental issues http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793720
Interesting that one Ianmac. I heard a top cop (might have been the Commissioner) saying about 10-12 days ago on Radio NZ that the decision would be made public in a matter of days rather than weeks.
As far as I know, its normal practice to advise the complainant of any decision – in this case John Key – in advance of publication.
Obviously some significant offending was involved but is this kind of bravado necessary?
If you choose to involve yourself with drugs, we will find out and we will come for you.
– Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan
It seems someone has been watching too many Rambo movies
It is high time (forgive the pun) that we had a rational approach to drug laws in this country – the war on drugs is a total failure – attitudes of people like Sheridan need to change.
The weakness of central government and our lack of reasonable and necessary measures from it is illustrated by the statement of the coroner on the death of the fireman in a coolstore fire. He is recommending licensing and closer controls which are long overdue. This is just another example to place alongside Pike River, leaky homes and….
The abandonment of regulation is a response to annoyance at the difficulties imposed by excessive bureaucracy, but is an example of taking an extreme position, a sort of puritan approach, which rejects the faulty system instead of problem-solving improvements.
While central government is so prone to this change and reorganising with diminishment of the nation’s services, we must not allow central government to strangle local government.
The abandonment of regulation is a response to annoyance at the difficulties imposed by excessive bureaucracy… Prism, I am not sure that it really is a response to annoyance at red tape, probably more a case of follow the money. I always see the “red tape” argument as one of “we don’t want to pay”.
One might say that if the ********s could be trusted with the welfare of employees, customers, users etc they could self regulate, no cost, no bureaucracy. We would not need ACC etc. Its a bit of a sad commentary on human nature…it is always someone else’s fault……and cost.
I always see the âred tapeâ argument as one of âwe donât want to payâ.
I see it as We want to do whatever we want and not have to ask even though it will affect everyone else. In other words, the people agitating to get rid of regulation want to impose themselves upon everyone else with no come back which is oppression.
The NeoLiberal free market cult has to sacrifice people to the God Free Market!
Extending humanitarian assistance unless this enables free markets is verboten. This is the Cult Ideology the Nats and hangers on adhere to.
Let’s go to the bankrupt U$$$ to see one of God market’s successes!
“Feeding The Homeless BANNED In Major Cities All Over America”
However these hungry homeless could even now obtain a career and commit an offence where they will be redeemed as part of the U$$$ economy again in a privately run prison: Adding to the GDP and GOD PROFIT’s margin with job opportunities for guards and caterers plus maintenance and prison construction. HALELUJAH!!! SAVED AT LAST!!!
They have no assets BUT! They can help in the construction of other’s wealth and assets!
“Charge the bastards for the air they breath! Kill the poor (and send them at state expense to my private funeral service…), privatise bloody everything to which there is a real human need and no alternative and make me profit….”
We are dealing with a sick psychopathic theology that does not even believe in the thing they espouse most.. the “free market”. Oligarchic / monopolistic corporate business hates “free markets”. They love regulation for their benefit.
Moari aspirations, which are based on equality, accountability and fairness, are New Zealand’s aspirations. Read our founding document Te Tiriti o Waitangi (PDF), if you think otherwise.
Per normal PG you lack the intellectual breadth of thought to understand. Read the article and concentrate your meager intellect on the following statement They (some Maori) say the real revolutionaries of Maori aspirations are in suits, carrying law or business degrees, and storming the walls of Pakeha capitalism with no time for distracting sideshows. If you want to find terrorists go to the banks, forex floors etc where financial crime wrecks lives daily. Tama is tame comparatively.
Bore @14.1.1 – I agree that some aspects of the financial world are obscene., but are you suggesting we do away with finance and banks? If so perhaps you should try and argue how that will not wreck any lives.
Work with the real economy rather than the delusional one created by the banks and economists and we’ll fulfil lives and not wreck them the way the present banking system is.
Tried the Northern Gateway Tollroad for the first time the other day.
On the way up it was quite awesome. The spectacular views, the grand feats of engineering, the long, wide, luxurious empty lanes. I felt like a Randian superhero in a futuristic free world and I liked it.
Ditto on the Randian thing….I summited a “minor” Rimutaka hill recently, shrugged momentarily, did an Eros impression…shooting invisible arrows at the unloved spirit of St Ayn….so cool (that she died loveless).
Unconfirmed media reports in Australia suggest the Federal and South Australian governments are expected to announce an $A200 million assistance package for the General Motors brand.
Holden, which has been seeking government support to keep its Australian operations open, will also promise to stay in the country for another 10 years.
The car manufacturing industry has been suffering the effects of the high Australian dollar and faltering domestic sales.
I suppose that one day the politicians (and everyone else) will wake up to the fact that capitalism doesn’t – but I’m not holding my breath.
An interesting line of questioning in the House today from Winston. The PM says he only found out about certain letters yesterday. Winston’s questions met with evasion from English on behalf of Key.
If Key knew earlier than he said then he mislead the house and the country.
Trevor also has some questions about the Attorney General Findlayson since he wrote a letter of support for Fisher during that hoohar over the Judge’s conflict of interest.
So Dr Smith – resigned for writing in support for a person known to him..
Chris Findlayson- writing in support for a person known to him. Result?
Next week should be funny?
I thought it was very interesting that Lockwood Smith jumped up to protect Bill English and informed the house that John Key had answered the question… but when Winston Peters asserted that the question was not previously answered, he quickly backed off and then got petulant!
That’s a pretty big oops for the speaker… to reiterate English misleading the house of representatives. How long will Key remain in hiding I wonder and who else is going to stick their neck out onto the chopping block?
I suggest that you read the Hansard transcript for question time on the 21st March.
John Key DID give the dates and Winston is pretty clearly wrong.
I think you will find that Lockwood didn’t have the transcript immediately to hand and didn’t really want to accuse WP of lying without the proof in front of him.
What Key said, in answer to Shearer’s question, was
“The first letter … I was made aware of on Monday evening … second letter .. I was made aware of this morning”.
Seems to be a pretty definite answer to me.
It’s available on the Parliamentary website but my trying to create a link doesn’t seem to be working.
âStatistics New Zealandâs latest GDP release shows growth was just 0.3 per cent in the December quarter. That is just a third of what the government predicted six months ago in the PREFU.
Well, I suppose the investors in SCF got an aggressive recoveryâŚ
Where has the cetacean been lately in his one-man-crusade for “the-citizen’s-right-to-know” in name suppression cases? Perhaps he is selective when it comes to people close to his political mates.
I think he gave up when he worked out the publicity wasn’t worth the court costs and probably got a contempt of court warning if he kept up with it, too.
There’s a comment on the Jackal saying the Herald would’ve got it right if they’d linked her to the National Front instead of the National Party. I reckon it was a mistake and that’s precisely what the Herald meant to say.
“thinks”? Goodness gracious Rosemary if the front page of the paper with diagram in blue with the title for the subjected lady “National party links and roles” isn’t clear enough for you to see what they did I don’t know what else is.
I liken it to a staunch Green party member at present being stuck on a red diagram among a group of Labour activists and disgraced MPs. They would go ballistic too.
Given I have voted for and have joined the National Party precisely equal to the number of times the National Front, that sounds however to be the most accurate thing ever published on the Crackal’s blog. A step in a positive direction at least.
CK, it can be tough when a group one is associated with is gobbled, digested and subsumed within a larger group.
Particularly if the self-identity of that smaller, now assimilated group, has always been at least partly defined, in the minds of it’s members at least, in distinction to that larger group.
But it’s a dinnimik environment, change is good, you can’t stop progress, the market has its realities. You’ll just have to get on and carry on. Chin up, it’s not as bad as you think.
Along with National’s Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) bill, the Cold Creek Rural Water Supply Bill is designed to gift farmer’s unconditional control of our resources…
The Ardern Government’s chickens came home to roost yesterday with the news that the country is short of natural gas. In 2018, Labour banned offshore petroleum exploration, and industry executives say that the attendant loss of confidence by the industry impacted overall investment in onshore gas fields. Energy Resources Minister ...
Hi,If you’ve been digging through the newly launched Webworm store (orders are being dispatched worldwide as I type!) you’ll have noticed the best model we had was Calvin.This is Calvin.Calvin.Calvin is 7, and is the son of my producer over on Flightless Bird, Rob — aka “Wobby Wob”. Rob also ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Climate change is everywhere. And when something's everywhere it can feel like it's nowhere. So how do we get our heads ...
Its a law like gravity: whenever a right-wing government is elected, they start attacking democracy. And now, after talking to their Republican and Tory and Fidesz chums at the International Democracy Union forum in Wellington, National is doing it here, announcing plans to remove election-day enrolment. Or, to put it ...
Yesterday Winston Peters focussed his attention on the important matter at hand. Tweeting. Like the former, and quite possibly next, orange POTUS, from whom he takes much of his political strategy, Winston is an avid X’er.His message didn’t resemble an historic address this time. In fact it was more reminiscent ...
Buzz from the Beehive A significant decline in natural gas production has given Resources Minister Shane Jones an opportunity to reiterate his enthusiasm for the mining and burning of coal. For good measure, he has praised an announcement from Genesis Energy that it will resume importing coal. He and Energy ...
âFollow the moneyâ is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The political parties are legally obliged to make ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Here is my subjective ranking on a “most-left” to “most-right” scale of most of our major NZ Universities, with some anecdotal (and at times amusing) evidence to back up the claim.Extreme Left  Auckland University of TechnologyEvidenceThe ...
Eric Crampton writes –Â I hadn’t thought about this one until a helpful email showed up in my inbox.It’s pretty obvious that income tax thresholds should automatically index with inflation – whether to anchor the thresholds in percentiles of the income distribution, or to anchor against a real ...
Jacqui Van Der Kaay writes –Â Parliamentâs speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National ...
Gary Judd writes â The Dean of the law school at the Auckland University of Technology is someone called Khylee Quince. I have been sent her social media posting in which she has, over the LawNews headline âSenior Kingâs Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Maori studies for ...
Cleo Paskal writes – WASHINGTON, D.C.:Â âMany of us have received phone calls from [the opposing camp] telling them if they join the camp they will be given projects for their wards and $300,000 [around US$35,000] eachâ, says former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani. The elections in Solomon Islands arenât ...
With hindsight, it was inevitable that (a) Hamas would agree to the ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar and that ( b) Israel would then immediately launch attacks on Rafah, regardless. We might have hoped the concessions made by Hamas would cause Israel to desist from slaughtering thousands more ...
Placards and mourners outside the Kilbirnie Mosque following the Christchurch terror attack: MSD has terminated the Kaiwhakaoranga service, which has been used by 415 families since the attacks. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The Government’s pledge to only cut ‘back office’ staff rather than ‘frontline’ services is on increasingly shaky ground, with ...
There’s been a few smaller public transport announcements over the last week or so that I thought I’d cover in a single post. Fareshare I’ve long called for Auckland Transport to offer a way to enable employer-subsidised public transport options. The need for this took on even more importance ...
Parliamentâs speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National Minister Matt Doocey, reflects poorly on Genter and ...
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 ...
Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of MÄori Land) Amendment Bill (HĹŤhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing MÄori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
 Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion âinvestmentâ in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
Chris Trotter writes –Â 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 of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
The tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and appliedâŚÂ Gary Judd KC writes – I have made a complaint to Parliamentâs Regulation ...
The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...
TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...
A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...
Hi,I know it’s been awhile since there’s been any Webworm merch — and today that all changes!Over the last four months, I’ve been working with New Zealand artist Jess Johnson to create a series of t-shirts, caps and stickers that are infused with Webworm DNA — and as of right ...
The OECDâs chief economist yesterday laid it on the line for the new Government: bring the deficit under control or face higher Reserve Bank interest rates for longer. And to bring the deficit under control, she meant not borrowing for tax cuts. But there was more. Without policy changesâintroducing a ...
After a hiatus of over four months Selwyn Manning and I finally got it together to re-start the “A View from Afar” podcast series. We shall see how we go but aim to do 2 episodes per month if possible. … Continue reading → ...
In 2008, the UK Parliament passed the Climate Change Act 2008. The law established a system of targets, budgets, and plans, with inbuilt accountability mechanisms; the aim was to break the cycle of empty promises and replace it with actual progress towards emissions reduction. The law was passed with near-universal ...
Buzz from the Beehive Local Water Done Well – let’s be blunt – is a silly name, but the first big initiative to put it into practice has gone done well. This success is reflected in the headline on an RNZ report:District mayors welcome Auckland’s new water deal with ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate ConnectionsA farmworker cleans the solar panels of a solar water pump in the village of Jagadhri, Haryana Country, India. (Photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan/ IWMI) Decisions made in India over the next few years will play a key role in global ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – The Children’s Minister, Karen Chhour, intends to repeal Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 because it creates conflict between claimed Crown Treaty obligations and the child’s best interests. In her words, Â “Oranga Tamarikiâs governing principles and its act should be colour ...
Geoffrey Miller writes – The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealandâs foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. ...
Brian Easton writes – This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be (I will report on them ...
TL;DR:Winston Peters is reported to have won a budget increase for MFAT. David Seymour wanted his Ministry of Regulation to be three times bigger than the Productivity Commission. Simeon Brown is appointing a Crown Monitor to Watercare to protect the Claytons Crown Guarantee he had to give ratings agencies ...
The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealandâs foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. Carr had made highly ...
I could be a florist'Round the corner from Rye LaneI'll be giving daisies to craziesBut, baby, I'll wrap you up real safe Oh, I can give you flowers At the end of every dayFor the center of your table, a rainbowIn case you have people 'round to stay Depending on ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 12 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give a pre-budget speech on Thursday.Parliament sits from Question Time at 2pm on ...
The price of the foreign affairs “reset” is now becoming apparent, with Defence set to get a funding boost in the Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed that it will be one of the few votes, apart from Health and Education and possibly Police, which will get an increase ...
A listing of 26 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 28, 2024 thru Sat, May 4, 2024. Story of the week "It’s straight out of Big Tobacco’s playbook. In fact, research by John Cook and his colleagues ...
Yesterday I received come lovely feedback following my Star Wars themed newsletter. A few people mentioned they’d enjoyed reading the personal part at the beginning.I often begin newsletters with some memories, or general thoughts, before commencing the main topic. This hopefully sets the mood and provides some context in which ...
April 30 was going to be the day we’d be calling Mum from London to wish her a happy birthday. Then it became the day we would be going to St. Paul's at Evensong to remember her. The aim of the cathedral builders was to find a way to make their ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Can’t remember the last book by a Kiwi author you read? Think the NZ government should spend less on the arts in favor of helping the homeless? If so, as far as Newsroom is concerned, you probably deserve to be called a cultural ignoramus ...
Eric Crampton writes – Grudges are bad. Better to move on. But it can be fun to keep a couple of really trivial ones, so you’re not tempted to have other ones. For example, because of the rootkit fiasco of 2005, no Sony products in our household. ...
A new report warns an estimated third of the adult population have unmet need for health care.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāHere’s the six key things I learned about Aotaroa’s political economy this week around housing, climate and poverty:Politics - Three opinion polls confirmed support for PM Christopher Luxon ...
Today is May the fourth. Which was just a regular day when my mother took me to see the newly released Star Wars at the Odeon in Rotorua. The queue was right around the corner. Some years later this day became known as Star Wars Day, the date being a ...
Buzz from the Beehive Much more media attention is being paid to something Winston Peters said about former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr than to a speech he delivered to the New Zealand China Council. One word is missing from the speech:Â AUKUS. But AUKUS loomed large in his considerations ...
Is the economy in another long stagnation? If so, why?This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be ...
The annual list of who's been bribing our politicians is out, and journalists will no doubt be poring over it to find the juiciest and dirtiest bribes. The government's fast-track invite list is likely to be a particular focus, and we already know of one company on the list which ...
In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Southern Israel I wrote about the possible 2nd, 3rd and even 4th order effects of the conflict. These included new fronts being opened in the West Bank (with Hamas), Golan … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – It is one of the oldest truisms that there is never a good time for MPs to get a pay rise. This weekâs announcement of pay raises of around 2.8% backdated to last October could hardly have come at a worse time, with the ...
David Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House â but itâs not the first time ...
The Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand:Â The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasuryâs forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...
Winston Peters’ comments about former Australian foreign minister look set to be an ongoing headache for both him and Luxon. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guests on Gaza and ...
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...
Photo by Jari Hytönen on UnsplashIt’s that new day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when and I co-host our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm. Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news ...
Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when â during an interview on RNZâs Morning Report today – he criticised ...
The Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? âIt's not ...
As pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their âfutureâ amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events:The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected â and especially sharp ...
The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Councilâs District Plan recommendations. ...
David Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
Hon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion âThis House Believes British Museums are not Very Britishâ on May 23rd. ...
Green Party MP HĹŤhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of MÄori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of MÄori land. ...
A senior, highly respected Kingâs Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga MÄori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealandâs growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesnât know or care about the frontline cuts sheâs making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. Â ...
Todayâs Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and itâs only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. âThis is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. âThe government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicineâ, said Ayesha Verrall âThis is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoonâs interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour childrenâs spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te PÄti MÄori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veteransâ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veteransâ affairs spokesperson Greg OâConnor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxonâs management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonightâs court decision to overturn the summons of the Childrenâs Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about MÄori without evidence, says Te PÄti MÄori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. âThe judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last yearâs severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labourâs environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our countryâs most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Governmentâs Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a âget out of jail freeâ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te PÄti MÄori Justice Spokesperson, TÄkuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, MÄori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealandâs good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National governmentâs lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. âDespite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Governmentâs approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me.  Iâd like to acknowledge His Worship ...
Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Â Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Â Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Â Ladies and gentlemen -Â Â In diplomacy, we often speak of âcloseâ and âlong-standingâ relations. Â ...
The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. âThe medicines and products we are talking about ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. âWellington notified its District Plan on ...
Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. âWith 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. âWe are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayersâ money ...
New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in TairÄwhiti and Hawkeâs Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealandâs engagement with the region.  The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.  âNew Zealand has deep and ...
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealandersâ security and wellbeing. âCongratulations to this yearâs recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealandâs defence capabilities, ...
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealandâs digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. Â âThe immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Governmentâs school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealandâs next Ambassador to the United States of America.  âOur relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,â Mr Peters says.  âNew Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. âNew Zealand was built on gold, itâs in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is âan Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhereâ and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. âThis is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASAâs Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. âOur Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECDâs latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its membersâ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.  ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Councilâs Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.  "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Councilâs Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.  Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. âThese reforms are long overdue. New Zealandâs insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. âThree years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. âBeing able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canadaâs refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ânext moveâ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Childrenâs Commissioner. âThe Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.    âThe coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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. âOur Governmentâs thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening â  Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealandâs foreign policy, weâd 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. ...
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. âCreating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northlandâs 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 ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. âThis 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 countryâs total economic activity. ...
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. âThe beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ĺ-RÄkau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mĹ Ĺ-RÄkau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ĺ-RÄkau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Governmentâs plan to supercharge New Zealandâs EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four â and up to 10 ...
The Acumen Edelman Trust barometer reported that New Zealandâs political trust score now sits below the global average, a topic explored in a recent discussion paper by Maxim Institute. ...
Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman says, "The Fast-Track Bill is the most damaging piece of environmental legislation any Government has introduced in living memory. People are angry, and itâs time to march." ...
“Show us the bird,” I found myself muttering at times while reading Hard by the Cloud House by Peter Walker, a deeply thoughtful, often hilarious, at times rambling â but somehow delightfully so â search for the story of a big bird. But not just any bird: the bird. This ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition DPVUE .images/Shutterstock Your home was probably designed for a climate that no longer exists. As long as humanity continues to burn fossil fuel, padding the heat-trapping blanket of gases in Earthâs atmosphere, the ...
A senior lawyer has filed a complaint about tikanga becoming a required law school module. Law lecturer Carwyn Jones explains what heâs getting wrong. ââŚthe first law of Aotearoa, a law that served the needs of tangata whenua for a thousand years before the arrival of tauiwi.ââ Ani Mikaere ...
In 2019, an Auckland woman woke up from surgery to find that she had undergone a treatment she didnât consent to. She tells Alex Casey about her experience. From her very first period at the age of 14, Laura experienced âdebilitatingâ levels of pain that forced her to withdraw from ...
Comment: Concerns about the state of the economy are creeping up to the top of firmsâ list of challenges. Thatâs evident in both surveys and the tone of our recent client discussions. Skimming the past few weeks of eco-news, itâs not hard to see why. – Retail card spending fell ...
Opinion: Could former co-leader James Shaw still make a difference to working with National? The post How the Greens could be contenders appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Opinion: What if we got rid of our existing drug laws and replaced them with a new law that legalised and carefully regulated all psychoactive substances, from cannabis to MDMA, methamphetamine and LSD to magic mushrooms? And which also included legal drugs such as alcohol and nicotine. âWow,â you might ...
In the gloom following director-general Al Morrisonâs job cuts in 2013, the Department of Conservation restructured its operations arm. Eleven conservancy districts were whittled into six new âconservation deliveryâ regions, under which the RÄkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands area, comprising 40 scattered islands more than 800km east of Christchurch, was tethered to the ...
One of th e country’s top litigation lawyers says New Zealand is seeing a lift in court action between companies. Chapman Tripp partner Justin Graham, who oversees a team of around 80 litigation specialists, says the courts are now so log-jammed that it’s taking over two years to get cases ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 9 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government is talking up the crucial role of gas as a transition fuel âthrough to 2050 and beyondâ. In a gas strategy to be released on Thursday, the government envisages the fuelâs ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Next week the government will again next try to get its legislation through to deal with non-citizens who wonât cooperate with efforts to deport them. The bill, which the opposition and crossbench refused to rush ...
A long-term project that will set out an alternative vision for Aotearoa that looks beyond the narrow confines of the policy straight jacket adopted by successive governments. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bree Hurst, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Law, QUT, Queensland University of Technology TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock A much-awaited report into Coles and Woolworths has found what many customers have long believed â Australiaâs big supermarkets engage in price gouging. What started ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Ghezelbash, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney The Albanese government wanted to avoid an inquiry into its migration amendment bill. The report, handed down yesterday by a senate committee that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne Lobbying is at the heart of government. Who has access to and influence over key government officials shapes the decisions governments make â and how they make them. The ability to influence ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myfany Turpin, Associate Professor, Ethnomusicology, Linguistics and Ethnobiology, University of Sydney The act representing Australia at this yearâs Eurovision contest has sadly not qualified for the grand final. Yet for Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross, the duo that makes up Electric Fields, ...
In announcing changes to the school lunches programme, David Seymour said kids would no longer be served âwokeâ foods. To clear up any confusion, The Spinoff has compiled a guide to the wokeness levels of some common food items. Apple = NOT WOKE Avocado = WOKE Avocado, smashed = EVEN ...
The Minister Responsible for GCSB and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security have been notified of this review, and have been provided a finalised Terms of Reference. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Minglu Chen, Senior Lecturer, Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Robert Way/Shutterstock As the past few years have illustrated so clearly, the Australia-China relationship is complicated. As such, it is crucial for Australians to develop a more nuanced understanding of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mariana Campbell, Research Lecturer, Conservation, Charles Darwin University Marilyn Connell Australian freshwater turtles are facing an alarming trend. Almost half of these species are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. The Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) is one of Australiaâs ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Debbie Passey, Digital Health Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Algorithms have become integral to our lives. From social media apps to Netflix, algorithms learn your preferences and prioritise the content you are shown. Google Maps and artificial intelligence are nothing without ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Josephine Barbaro, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, Psychologist, La Trobe University Unsplash Weâve come a long way in terms of understanding that everyone thinks, interacts and experiences the world differently. In the past, autistic people, people with attention deficit hyperactive disorder ...
PNG Post-Courier Papua New Guineaâs deputy opposition leader James Nomane has accused the government of âreckless economic managementâ that has forced devaluation to manage loan repayments in foreign currency and placate the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Prime Minister James Marape âmust stop lying to the people of Papua New Guineaâ, ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoaâs booksellers. This week: Jane Arthur, author of Brown Bird, and former bookseller at Good Books.The book I wish Iâd writtenI have been working on not comparing myself to others. On accepting that what I can ...
The final decision on the Wellington District Plan makes it official: High-density housing is legal across most of Wellington. Housing minister Chris Bishop has announced his decision on the Wellington District Plan, approving a series of amendments to radically upzone most of Wellington, allowing tens of thousands of new townhouses ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. âFollow the moneyâ is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to ...
RNZ News As Israel presses ahead with strikes in Rafah and seizing the Rafah crossing from Egypt, aid agencies are sounding the alarm of a âcatastrophic humanitarian situationâ. Rafah was âsignificantâ because it was the only part in Gaza that had not been terribly damaged by the conflict, United Nations ...
With funding set to be scrapped for the Hamilton-Auckland commuter train, Te Huia enthusiast Georgie Dansey argues for it to be thrown a lifeline. Itâs 5.45am and the chain of my crappy old bike falls off slugging up the one hill in Hamilton. I contemplate yeeting the bike into the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Cooke, Honorary Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland We feel ecological grief when we lose places, species or ecosystems we value and love. These losses are a growing threat to mental health and wellbeing globally. We all see ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shauna Brail, Associate Professor, Institute for Management & Innovation, University of Toronto A shift to hybrid and remote work continues to affect worker presence in Toronto’s downtown.(Shutterstock) Downtown Toronto, the core of Canadaâs largest city, continues to reel from the lingering ...
Responding to an Auditor-General's report slamming failures in the administration of the 2023 General Election, Taxpayersâ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: ...
Productivity apps now make up a big chunk of the software market. But do they work? And why do they all have AI integrations?Despite being firmly on the record as a physical planner fan, I sometimes dream of something better than my pretty diary and its scrawled, ugly, interior ...
The Taxpayersâ Union says the Beehive need to lead by example, following reports of more than $50,000 spent upgrading video conferencing equipment and furniture in the Prime Ministerâs office. Taxpayersâ Union Campaign Manager, Connor Molloy, ...
An objective list of the 50 most powerful people in New Zealand, as judged by the Spinoff Editorial Board. Itâs power list season, baby, and we want in on the action. Sure, thereâs the rich list and the powerful âc-suiteâ list and the young people with power (hmmm) but here, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney ShutterstockThis article contains information on deaths in custody and the names of deceased people, and describes ongoing colonial violence towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. First Nations people in Australia ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Macquarie University Netflix Baby Reindeerâs phenomenal success has much to do with its writer and lead, Richard Gadd, who plays Donny in a tender semi-autobiographical account of sexual abuse, harassment and stalking. Gaddâs story has ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle KarolinaGrabowska/Pexels If you didnât have food allergies as a child, is it possible to develop them as an adult? The short answer is yes. But the reasons why are much ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Moon, Professor of History, Auckland University of Technology Ans Westra, self-portrait, c. 1963. National Library ref AWM-0705-F They try but invariably fail â those writers who believe they are capable of encapsulating in prose or verse the essence of ...
Stewart Sowman-Lund looks at the growing concern around the world in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Whatâs all this? When Covid-19 arrived on our shores in early 2020, some argued we were too slow, or crucially, ill-prepared for a pandemic. So ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Franco Montalto, Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering and Director, Sustainable Water Resource Engineering Laboratory, Drexel University Water runs into a storm drain in a Los Angeles alley on Aug. 19, 2023, during Tropical Storm Hilary.Citizen of the Planet/Universal Images ...
The inquest into the death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones has turned up a new witness who says he saw two teenagers and a small child in a high vis vest in the area where the boyâs body was found the day he died. Lachieâs body was discovered face up ...
Stories from the tenancy trenches, featuring spider infestations, cupboard rats and same-sex discrimination. Lucyâs brother was living in a damp 1930s building in Mt Eden where âhe had to tie the cupboard doors closed so the rats didnât get inâ. Although he shared custody of his six-year-old son, his property ...
Simeon Brown, Chris Luxon, and Wayne Brown climbed into a hole and announced a plan to solve Aucklandâs water woes. This is how itâll work. New Zealandâs pipes are munted. Theyâre cracked and leaking, and struggling to handle all the extra poos excreted by our rising population. Itâs a big, ...
After replacing a fifth of their caucus in just four months, the Greens’ opportunity to reset, reshuffle and refocus on the Government is quickly slipping away The post Persistent Green Party scandals delay caucus reset appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Nick Smith wants an inquiry to “clear his name”.
I guess that’s a majority of one for an inquiry then… đ
You have to wonder if the man is playing with a full deck at the moment? (No disrespect to anyone else intended)
Oh come on, he’s had a full twelve hours to realise how badly he’s been treated. Being forced to apologise like that and then dismissed by a banker. Group hug for Dr. Nick.
What he wants is for an enquiry to reveal how he was removed by his “friends”. And what a twisted mess of joined dots that would be. John Key has spent the last few days saying it’s not the letters, per se, that got him dumped and Boag saying she would naturally help a 15 year old friend – but just out of the blue, a person who she hadn’t seen for so long – and Puller just by chance getting sent those “leaked” ACC files and then targetting Smith with a barrage of email requests. It was a plan that had a large helping of luck, I’d say, drawing in morons from far and wide, like a cyber vortex . The Nats just aren’t smart enough to set it up from scratch.
I guess Smith got to be too much of a liability, owed too much, and politicians being what they are, would have had to remove him in unusual ways if he were not the kind to go quietly. It’s the first sign that Nick Smith may be the unnamed MP so many predicted would end this government’s marginal hold on power.
Some peoples’ names crop up at odd times, don’t they?
Wine box, Recruitment for Auckland Super Council. ACC issues.
And how much closer are we to discovering the source of the “Hollow Men” emails?
All the work of “close friends” in the National Party, even if “just at an electoral level”.
And how much closer are we to discovering the source of the âHollow Menâ emails?
Ahhhh, yes, speaking of Bill English, whats his relationship with Dr Nick these days?
A thorough independent enquiry of the whole issue would be a good thing to clear up some unanswered questions. But Smith should be careful of what he wishes for.
Smacks of a born-to-rule attitude that he can’t believe he’s fallen from grace.
That struck me too: this is completely consistent with the stereotype.
He seemed to openly accept responsibility and he emotionally displayed some remorse don’t you think?
His downfall does seem to have been due to an arrogant in-power carelessness, but from what I’ve seen he realises that to an extent at least.
Compare that to say Winston Peters who still denies past wrongdoing. I can’t remember if his sign said No or Yes but that doesn’t really matter.
“He seemed to openly accept responsibility and he emotionally displayed some remorse donât you think”
It does not matter if he or any of them show remorse, they are crocodile tears, of a pathetic man. He may have problems himself, but he has had a negative impact on the lives of thousands of people in this country, and in no way does he deserve a shred of emotion. Quite simply, he is getting a little of what he deserves! Natural Justice will sort out the difference at some stage IMO!
You take take your sad attempt at fellating the flacid Mr Smith, and run along Pete, the eternal fluffer!
@PG
Winston is more amusing than Nick Smith – his misdemeanours are judged with that in mind. Also he appears to puts forward the case for ordinary people, though mostly senior age, and doesn’t seem so focussed on neo lib economics.
Winston’s an old school National economic conservative, from the early 80’s era. Hence his permanent opposition to asset sales. He’s not a rogernome neoliberal.
Another wholly enlightening expose from the deep thinking Wormtongue.
Smacks of a born-to-rule attitude thanks Carol….as the minutiae of the Smith case disappears into the mists of time we will be left with another cypher born to rule nonentity taking his place. Another neo lib jerk intent on foisting the nasty agenda of privatisation, kill the poor etc.
Does not really matter who the fresh face of plutocracy is, or who the next ideologically driven newbie is, we will still suffer. We are no further ahead.
@ Bored
Please please stop being so realistic, give us some PR feel-good hope for the future won’t cha.
Bugger, a bit of realism hurts. Might use my spade to hit some “optimistic hope” into myself rather than call it a spade……
I see the Wharfies are trying to look like the good guys now ,and the Maritime Union has done acomplete uturn ,and asked please if it workers can go back to work this afternoon.
Mr Parsloe must be feeling very foolish now as his 1951 approach hasnt worked, and he has weakened their bargaining position. Any disruption at all will give POAL the justification to carry on down their path of contracted workers without union involvement
Alternatively James 111, they might from the get-go have simply tugged the collective forelock to their “superiors”, and reacted not at all.
Beats me how idiots like you think it’s the paramount obligation of anyone being raped to maintain at all costs a “polite” demeanour.
“We have always been at war with Eastasia”.
Doubleplusgood doublethinking James. Top marks.
I don’t think he got it, Pascal’s Bookie. Wee Jimmie was born way after………
David Shearer has made it clear what standard he expects – as soon as a scandal blows up demand a immediate resignation.
No long winded justice process over years as for a few bomb throwers.
No waiting a day or two to make sure all the facts are known.
No giving the accused reasonable time to fully explain themselves.
Presumably this will apply to his own leadership. The odds are he will get a chance to demonstrate his commitment to instant justice.
I wonder if he will apply it to accusations of undermining leadership.
What’s Peter Dunne’s approach to bad behaviour from his Ministers?
Ministers???? What Ministers?? he’s just a one hair party.
Hair today, Gone tomorrow.
More importantly, whatâs Peter Dunneâs approach to fly-away hair?
Mods
My time is up sanity, pragmatism, realism has returned please free up my name for posting
[lprent: we agree on the date this time. Removed from auto moderation. ]
Yay, fresh meat! Well, not exactly fresh, but you know what I mean.
Yay! Month old meat!
The day of the jackals?
No, I’ve avoided it, but the thrill of the chase was apparent elsewhere as well. Political blood sport. Our equivalent of a Muslim stoning or a Middle Age witch burning.
I doubt it. The story of the moment overrules any emotional quotient.
And while it’s probably not necessary here I did feel sadness for the manner that other MPs have fallen from grace very publicly, like Hughes and Carter. We all make mistakes, some make big career changing ones, but it shouldn’t be an excuse for modern day stocks with maximum public humiliation. We don’t do that in our justice system.
And the political attempts to put the boot into everything around the demise of Smith’s ministerial career, to try and inflict maximum damage on the Government of New Zealand, is also a piss poor abuse.
On Backbenches last night Hone Harawira didnât say much that stood up to scrutiny, but at least he did show real empathy for Nick Smithâs fall from grace.
Unlike Phil Goff who made a sympathetic stament but followed it up by kicking Smith in the guts. He may be more relaxed on the back benches but he retains some political vindictiveness.
Dr Nick deserves some sympathy, I agree. Imagine being knifed in the back by your own team like that.
Just awful.
I’m also a bit hurt that you’d say such nasty, cruel things about Phil Goff. A ‘gut-kicker’? What a horrible thing to say, Pete.
You certainly seem to have some political animosity stored up there.
Do we suspect the stiletto blade of Madame Boag?
NZ still losing our best asset – and for me the other form of a no confidence vote against the govt. NZ has low wages, high cost of living, prohibitative housing costs, and no ability to save. And No political ideas how to overcome these fundamental issues
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793720
Does anyone know exactly what this woman Bronwyn Pullar is demanding from ACC? We know she wants a benefit but how much per week?
We do know she has a branding and marketing job so she’s not unemployed.
She lives in a $700,000 apartment with her accountant boyfriend who is sure to be on a good financial wicket.
She comes from a very good South Island family. Translated: they have pots of dough?
The mind boggles when you consider the harrowing circumstances of some ACC victims.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793724
Great fortunes, great crimes, and all that. I’d just be happy to see section 237 of the Crimes Act enforced. Dreams are free.
Born to rule wealthy Tories love their state entitlements. Even willing to involve Tory Ministers to get what they think they are due.
Hypocritical, isn’t it.
That reminds me. Where is the decision on Tea-gate?
Where is Bradley Ambrose and who paid his high court costs he said he couldn’t afford ?
Interesting that one Ianmac. I heard a top cop (might have been the Commissioner) saying about 10-12 days ago on Radio NZ that the decision would be made public in a matter of days rather than weeks.
As far as I know, its normal practice to advise the complainant of any decision – in this case John Key – in advance of publication.
We’re still waiting!
Obviously some significant offending was involved but is this kind of bravado necessary?
– Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan
It seems someone has been watching too many Rambo movies
It is high time (forgive the pun) that we had a rational approach to drug laws in this country – the war on drugs is a total failure – attitudes of people like Sheridan need to change.
The weakness of central government and our lack of reasonable and necessary measures from it is illustrated by the statement of the coroner on the death of the fireman in a coolstore fire. He is recommending licensing and closer controls which are long overdue. This is just another example to place alongside Pike River, leaky homes and….
The abandonment of regulation is a response to annoyance at the difficulties imposed by excessive bureaucracy, but is an example of taking an extreme position, a sort of puritan approach, which rejects the faulty system instead of problem-solving improvements.
While central government is so prone to this change and reorganising with diminishment of the nation’s services, we must not allow central government to strangle local government.
The abandonment of regulation is a response to annoyance at the difficulties imposed by excessive bureaucracy… Prism, I am not sure that it really is a response to annoyance at red tape, probably more a case of follow the money. I always see the “red tape” argument as one of “we don’t want to pay”.
One might say that if the ********s could be trusted with the welfare of employees, customers, users etc they could self regulate, no cost, no bureaucracy. We would not need ACC etc. Its a bit of a sad commentary on human nature…it is always someone else’s fault……and cost.
I see it as We want to do whatever we want and not have to ask even though it will affect everyone else. In other words, the people agitating to get rid of regulation want to impose themselves upon everyone else with no come back which is oppression.
The NeoLiberal free market cult has to sacrifice people to the God Free Market!
Extending humanitarian assistance unless this enables free markets is verboten. This is the Cult Ideology the Nats and hangers on adhere to.
Let’s go to the bankrupt U$$$ to see one of God market’s successes!
“Feeding The Homeless BANNED In Major Cities All Over America”
Link: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/feeding-the-homeless-banned-in-major-cities-all-over-america
However these hungry homeless could even now obtain a career and commit an offence where they will be redeemed as part of the U$$$ economy again in a privately run prison: Adding to the GDP and GOD PROFIT’s margin with job opportunities for guards and caterers plus maintenance and prison construction. HALELUJAH!!! SAVED AT LAST!!!
They have no assets BUT! They can help in the construction of other’s wealth and assets!
“Charge the bastards for the air they breath! Kill the poor (and send them at state expense to my private funeral service…), privatise bloody everything to which there is a real human need and no alternative and make me profit….”
We are dealing with a sick psychopathic theology that does not even believe in the thing they espouse most.. the “free market”. Oligarchic / monopolistic corporate business hates “free markets”. They love regulation for their benefit.
Ignore where this is and have a good laugh: West Auckland Give Way rules from this weekend.
Some of you have a sense of humour don’t you?
this may be the one and only time you visit the Whale
without needing a decontamination shower afterwards
Tame Iti – Hero of the Week
Moari aspirations, which are based on equality, accountability and fairness, are New Zealand’s aspirations. Read our founding document Te Tiriti o Waitangi (PDF), if you think otherwise.
I doubt many people will view hamming around with weapons playing at being terrorists as being heroic.
Per normal PG you lack the intellectual breadth of thought to understand. Read the article and concentrate your meager intellect on the following statement They (some Maori) say the real revolutionaries of Maori aspirations are in suits, carrying law or business degrees, and storming the walls of Pakeha capitalism with no time for distracting sideshows. If you want to find terrorists go to the banks, forex floors etc where financial crime wrecks lives daily. Tama is tame comparatively.
Bore @14.1.1 – I agree that some aspects of the financial world are obscene., but are you suggesting we do away with finance and banks? If so perhaps you should try and argue how that will not wreck any lives.
I agree that Tama is relatively tame.
“are you suggesting we do away with finance and banks?”
What the fuck are you on about?
Do you know what the word “crime” means?
Work with the real economy rather than the delusional one created by the banks and economists and we’ll fulfil lives and not wreck them the way the present banking system is.
Tried the Northern Gateway Tollroad for the first time the other day.
On the way up it was quite awesome. The spectacular views, the grand feats of engineering, the long, wide, luxurious empty lanes. I felt like a Randian superhero in a futuristic free world and I liked it.
On the way back it was full of commoners.
Ditto on the Randian thing….I summited a “minor” Rimutaka hill recently, shrugged momentarily, did an Eros impression…shooting invisible arrows at the unloved spirit of St Ayn….so cool (that she died loveless).
And another example of corporate welfare:-
I suppose that one day the politicians (and everyone else) will wake up to the fact that capitalism doesn’t – but I’m not holding my breath.
An interesting line of questioning in the House today from Winston. The PM says he only found out about certain letters yesterday. Winston’s questions met with evasion from English on behalf of Key.
If Key knew earlier than he said then he mislead the house and the country.
Trevor also has some questions about the Attorney General Findlayson since he wrote a letter of support for Fisher during that hoohar over the Judge’s conflict of interest.
So Dr Smith – resigned for writing in support for a person known to him..
Chris Findlayson- writing in support for a person known to him. Result?
Next week should be funny?
I thought it was very interesting that Lockwood Smith jumped up to protect Bill English and informed the house that John Key had answered the question… but when Winston Peters asserted that the question was not previously answered, he quickly backed off and then got petulant!
That’s a pretty big oops for the speaker… to reiterate English misleading the house of representatives. How long will Key remain in hiding I wonder and who else is going to stick their neck out onto the chopping block?
I suggest that you read the Hansard transcript for question time on the 21st March.
John Key DID give the dates and Winston is pretty clearly wrong.
I think you will find that Lockwood didn’t have the transcript immediately to hand and didn’t really want to accuse WP of lying without the proof in front of him.
What Key said, in answer to Shearer’s question, was
“The first letter … I was made aware of on Monday evening … second letter .. I was made aware of this morning”.
Seems to be a pretty definite answer to me.
It’s available on the Parliamentary website but my trying to create a link doesn’t seem to be working.
Slip Sliding Awaaaay
Well, I suppose the investors in SCF got an aggressive recoveryâŚ
Where has the cetacean been lately in his one-man-crusade for “the-citizen’s-right-to-know” in name suppression cases? Perhaps he is selective when it comes to people close to his political mates.
I think he gave up when he worked out the publicity wasn’t worth the court costs and probably got a contempt of court warning if he kept up with it, too.
StatsNZ Yearbooks
This has to be the funniest things to come out of the Smith saga, Odgers getting annoyed because she thinks she’s been linked to the National Party.
http://asianinvasion2006.blogspot.com/2012/03/nz-herald-gutter-reporting.html
There’s a comment on the Jackal saying the Herald would’ve got it right if they’d linked her to the National Front instead of the National Party. I reckon it was a mistake and that’s precisely what the Herald meant to say.
Rosemary
“thinks”? Goodness gracious Rosemary if the front page of the paper with diagram in blue with the title for the subjected lady “National party links and roles” isn’t clear enough for you to see what they did I don’t know what else is.
I liken it to a staunch Green party member at present being stuck on a red diagram among a group of Labour activists and disgraced MPs. They would go ballistic too.
Given I have voted for and have joined the National Party precisely equal to the number of times the National Front, that sounds however to be the most accurate thing ever published on the Crackal’s blog. A step in a positive direction at least.
CK
CK, it can be tough when a group one is associated with is gobbled, digested and subsumed within a larger group.
Particularly if the self-identity of that smaller, now assimilated group, has always been at least partly defined, in the minds of it’s members at least, in distinction to that larger group.
But it’s a dinnimik environment, change is good, you can’t stop progress, the market has its realities. You’ll just have to get on and carry on. Chin up, it’s not as bad as you think.
Shane Ardern’s conflict of interest
Along with National’s Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) bill, the Cold Creek Rural Water Supply Bill is designed to gift farmer’s unconditional control of our resources…