Classic Herald headline. “Exports drive trade surplus to $1.2b”
A headline for the illiterate right to crow over.
But then read the full article and the future is nothing like so rosy……
The comments by the Deutsche Bank chief economist are particularly informative.
Funny the Herald didn’t write this headline.”Declining milk prices foreshadow future blowout in deficit.” But then that wouldn’t get Key re-elected, would it?
Here are selected sections that show the deficit is likely to increase again.
“But economists expect the improving trend in the annual trade balance to reverse when the sustained decline in dairy prices in Fonterra’s fortnightly auctions over the past three months is reflected in the value of shipments crossing the wharves.”
“April is usually a surplus month and the latest surplus, equal to 12 per cent of exports, was in line with the average 13 per cent of exports over the previous five April months.”
“On a seasonally adjusted basis dairy exports fell more by volume than by value last month compared with March, implying around a 3 per cent rise in export dairy prices.”
Deutsche Bank chief economist Darren Gibbs expects the 12-month running trade surplus to continue to rise over the next three months and to narrow the current account deficit to about 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product from the 3.4 per cent recorded in December 2013.
“[But] from later this year,” he said, “we would expect to see the deficit expand gradually as the trade data begins to reflect the lower dairy prices that have been seen in February and as import volumes continue to expand.”
“On a seasonally adjusted basis dairy exports fell more by volume than by value last month compared with March, implying around a 3 per cent rise in export dairy prices.”
They always talk about a great trade surplus but when you factor in the $15B p.a. that foreign owners take out of NZ per year, we end up in a nice fat long term current account deficit.
RNZ Morning Report now captured by the right. Just compare and contrast Espiner’s tone when interviewing Cunliffe today with his demeanour on Monday when chatting with Key.
We pay taxes to support such bias.
I noticed also that “David Cunliffe is planning to restrict immigration…his party is trailing 20 points behind National” featured on Morning Report as a news item. As if catching up to National was the only reason one might look at immigration levels. As if it was an FPP election.
The Nation had Colin Craig on this weekend debating Labour’s Sue Moroney.
Why does the media treat him as if he’s a member of parliament? He’s never won a seat. I don’t see members of Teh Libertarianz invited to debates on tv.
His money and the fact he’ll support Key’s corporatocracy.
Multinationals love people like that. As long as they can continue to pillage a country, they’ll probably allow some wacky policies.
I don’t think the media are flattering Craig and giving him air time because they like him. I think they’re giving him air time so he says something stupid on their television show and everyone goes to watch it.
Colin got 2.65% of the party vote at the last election, Libertarianz got 0.07%.
If you don’t see why that would make Colin someone the media might want to talk to, and whoever it is from the Libertarianz remains in obscurity, then I don’t know what to tell you.
Also according to Wikipedia, Libertarianz was dissolved in February, so another reason why they wouldn’t be interviewed.
Colin got 2.65% of the party vote at the last election, Libertarianz got 0.07%.
If you don’t see why that would make Colin someone the media might want to talk to
Yours is of course a logical assessment but partial IMO as we should not discount as relevant that the PM and his staff had been strategically lifting Colin’s profile in the media by mentioning him and the Conservatives in every conversation about coalition partners.
Hi Lanth, yeah I get why they might want to talk to him about why he’d like to be in parliament.
But what I’m seeing over and over again is Colin Craig being placed opposite actual MPs and presented as if he is already an elected representative speaking on behalf of one side of the house.
They even had him debating marriage equality opposite Louisa Wall who sponsored the bill!! They couldn’t find someone who was voting on the bill to oppose it?
Sure, talk to him about his policies, his party list, whatever. But they shouldn’t present him as a representative because as of yet, according to our democratic system, he isn’t representing dick.
Only “seems”? Henry and Hoskings have got the two networks covered. The only difference between the two is that Hoskings gives his pathetic holier than thou right-wing diatribe in a cult leader-like fashion at the end of the programme while Henry shoots off the same stuff throughout.
Putting one of the blue sock puppets like bridges up against moroney is not what ct want this year. The slimy one struggles on is own, imagine JLR v SM….ouch.
Loony distraction politics from the obediant msm, colon could be the new act as the nats like to blame the more extreme policies like charter schools on someone else.
National needs him to form a government after the election. John Key’s media friends are looking out for him by promoting his potential coalition partners every chance they get.
Felix, Why pick on Ms Moroney? She weems to be an able and likeable list MP
In looking at the records of the 48th, 49th and 50th elections, It would appear that Sue Moroney has won exactly as many electorate seats as has Colin Craig – namely none at all.
By virtue of the MMP system, she serves Labour in Parliament.
Seems to be so Phillip, there will be an announcement from the Mana/internet parties from the Parliament at 11am this morning,
IF this alliance does go ahead i can see at least 3–4% of the party vote going to Mana/Internet, as shown from the initial negotiations, and the publicity surrounding them, both Mana and Internet climbed in support on the following Roy Morgan poll, Mana to 1% and Internet to 1.5%,
This was extremely good news at the time for the Labour/Green parties both of which also went up in that particular poll, showing that Mana/Interent are not necessarily going to ”poach” votes from Labour/Green,
i am ”seeing” this election as being as tight or even tighter than 2011, a Mana/Internet alliance in the Parliament with 3–4% of the Party vote might just provide the perfect foil to Winston’s NZFirst where on the numbers National might not have an outright majority even with NZFirst counted on their side of the House,
Dotcom is said to have cashed up the Internet Party with a 240,000 dollar donation,
The ”ball” i would suggest is now in Labour’s court, do they do whip the rug out from under National by advising its voters in Te Tai Tokerau to split their votes electorate in favor of Hone and Party in favor of Kelvin Davis,
Is 3 more years of Slippery the PM’s National Government really an acceptable price to pay for electoral purity and holding ‘the moral high ground’…
Fortress Labour won’t have much say this time TM. The moderating committee which finalises the order of candidates is elected from the activist membership. I believe the Leader/Co-Leader and the President/General Secretary are automatically included. There’s a fresh leadership at the top and the old leadership will have little more input than the activist membership.
Having said that, the problem lies with the individual lobby groups (or one-horse-pony groups as I call them) whose primary aim is to get their candidates well placed. In some cases this is laudable, but it does carry the risk that some good people end up languishing too far down the list. That seems to be what happened to Kelvin Davis last time.
Yes Epsom, the ”other” crucial electorate in this years equation, it will be a tragedy of the highest order if both Labour and the Greens approach Epsom this election with any other intent than to have the National Party candidate ”win” there,
Last time round David Parker for Labour and David Hay for the Green’s between them picked up around 8000 electorate votes, Banks won that seat with less than a 2000 vote majority
David Parker and Julie Ann Genter this election will contest the Epsom electorate and if they approach this with the sole intent of installing the National Candidate as the winner the pair of them may well have ”won” the election outright for the ”left”,
Strategy for this election has gone way way past ”the message”, Labour in the Te Tai Tokerau and Waiariki Maori electorate seats hold the keys to the Treasury Benches in their hands,
In Epsom, the Labour/Green candidates hold a second set of keys to those Treasury Benches,
It sounds a little bizarre doesn’t it, BUT, the truth is for Labour, losing Te Tai Tokerau and losing Waiariki along with ensuring National win Epsom will ultimately ensconce Labour firmly on the Treasury Benches,
If David Cunliffe and Matt McCarten cannot see this and convince the Party of this then i for one will be a very unhappy camper for the next trimester…
If political expediency is to be practice of the opposition, then surely it would make more sense to gift an electorate to NZ1st, rather than mess about with a 1% party, who would at best, bring 1 or 2 extra members to the house.
Happy birthday, mate! I wish you many more happy returns of the day. Have a good one!
Hopefully your own ‘new year’ will make you happier and wiser, fairer and better. Cheers and God bless!
Sure, that goes without saying, but from a practical point of view, ensuring Winston got a seat takes the possibility of 2008 happening again right out of the result equation.
I wouldn’t ever vote NZ1st, but then I would do as Sue Bradford has and not have anything to do with dotcon either.
Just saying, if gifting seats is to be the done thing, then you have to give wisely. If I were Labour and the Greens I’d have nothing to do with Hone’s dirty money, but then if you really look, it’s only the mana one percenters that see it as a good thing… Them and TV3’s news room that is.
Yes that is one hell of a Laugh Out Loud comment Alien, there is a big difference between NZFirst and InternetMana,
It is this,”In the heads of agreement that the two parties have signed that form the rules of the alliance both parties agree NOT to support the National Party”,
Well said bad. It would be tragic if the opportunity to promote tactical voting in edgy seats was lost, especially if it were through some pretence at adherence to “loyalty and morals”. It would be immoral not to! (see comment on Kohlberg’s theory of moral development on yesterday’s open mike – it’s about the post conventional level of morals: social contract and universal ethics).
Besides, the Nat candidate for Ohariu, limpid ex sales rep, Brett Hudson has been honest, clear and upfront about only seeking the party vote, so game on I reckon.
Yep Rosie, i specifically didn’t mention Ohariu in my comment above, i seriously think the ‘blocks’ of votes from across the 3 Parties Labour/National and Dunne are two big to seriously expect a big enough tactical vote to oust Dunne via a vote for the National candidate,
Labour are still if what David Cunliffe said on RadioNZ National news at 3 is the final word, still mired firmly in last centuries First past the Post system,
Words to the effect that Kelvin Davis will be fully contesting the Te Tai Tokerau electorate and He,(Cunliffe), fully expects Davis to win, along with, ”Labour expects to take back all the Maori electorates,
Go the Dinosaur Party, last centuries electorate tactics have little place in an MMP enviroment…
Bad – have you been picking my brain while I’m sleeping. My thoughts exactly.
Strategy, strategy, strategy! No point in ‘winning the battle’, only to have to concede the war.
Think bold, outside the narrow vision.
Bad 12. I don’t think Parker is standing for Epsom this time. As I understand it, it is Michael Wood who is an up and coming young Labour star. Very intelligent and articulate.
Tah for that Anne, my bad for not keeping abreast with the ‘facts’, i assume after listening to Cunliffe on the radio this afternoon that the Labour candidate will also be ”fully contesting” Epsom for the electorate vote,
Is this Labour strategy: ”wait for things to get so ugly for the masses under National that they have no choice but to vote for Labour”,
Slippery the PM must be laughing fit to bust, The choir boy with high morals versus the Bankster with the mega-bucks campaign fund happily gerrymandering elections,
So everything seems to be pointing at Shane Jones for the new leader of IP – Now that may be better for National than Labour, and certainly not good for the Greens..
“The ”ball” i would suggest is now in Labour’s court, do they do whip the rug out from under National by advising its voters in Te Tai Tokerau to split their votes electorate in favor of Hone and Party in favor of Kelvin Davis,”
Labour is too stupid to do anything as strategic as that. But hey! -that’s just the way Labour rolls!!!
No Labour voters will be voting for Davis and if Hone/Mana hook up with The Internet Party he may well be rolled. Labour may throw Mana a life line by candidate voting Annette Sykes in an attempt to remove Favell.
Minto lost all cred’s by favouring an alliance between the 2 party’s, given TIP founder Kim DotBlob is so pro deregulation. I wonder if their party’s foundation policy will be removing copy right laws?
phillip, it’s good to hear the view of a Mana member on this alliance and that the vote of the membership for the alliance was largely in favour – a good sign, I think.
I’m over my initial sense of weirdness and apprehension at the prospect of of such an alliance and now see it as something fresh and hopeful. Modern stylez eh? To reflect a modern voter base. Onya’s.
Interesting like the Chinese curse. I think this is the beginning of the end for Mana as a worthwhile movement. There may be some temporary electoral success, but the contradiction between Maori workers and libertarian net nerds, half of whom think Hone is racist, will tear things apart.
and in weather/poverty news..like many others in my position..
..in new zealand..after 30 yrs of neo-lib/randite ‘evil’ dismantling of the welfare state…from both national and labour..
(..and despite never having had my power disconnected for non-payment..being forced onto by supplier .. that rip-off-of-the-poor pre-paid electricity..(they make so much more profit from that..eh..?..
..and when the money runs out..?..pop..!..instant disconnection/darkness..)
..there is no way i can afford to run a heater..
..so i have to layer-up..
..and on this chilly morn..it’s thermal long-johns/thick tracks/thick socks on below..
..and the many poor in nz don’t only live in these (usually) benevolent climes..
..so it’s no ‘poor-me!’..
..’it’s more ‘poor them!’
..and then those sleeping-rough..who..funny story..!.. both the current mayors of wellington and ak promised to ‘help’/house ..at one time..when campaigning..
..and who since being elected..have both done sweet fuck all for..
..as i say..’in this oh so rich country’..
..thank you labour…thank you national..
.for what 30 yrs of yr mis-rule has wrought..
..and good luck there labour..!
..with yr reaching out to the disposessed non-voters..
..with yr middle-class fretting about ‘affordable-homes’..
..eh..?
..and about ending that institutional/grinding-poverty..?
..that is the reality/day-to-day life of ‘the poor’..?
I hear you brother Phil, all be it sitting here feeling sorry for myself having taken a sickie suffering from man flu. However lucky for me I’m in the warm comfort of my lounge with my Kent fire blazing away. In the corner of my eye I see one of my lizards under his heat lamp adding to the coffers of the rich pricks who robbed us of our power assets.
Even the charity stores put close to market rates on quality woolen clothing. Just goes to show the tentacles of the market have no boundaries in our capitalistic land of milk & honey!
I know all about prices rising in op shop.. It is the trend in the op shop I have been involved in. The workers are nearly all superannuitants and of course get a nice fortnightly cheque, not enough in some cases but definitely there without argy bargy. Their heads are all filled with memories of growing up in a different NZ. The news that people have had no wage rises or ones under the measured cpi inflation does not register, if they know someone who is hard up it can seem an individual difficulty. And the prices go up as if it was the old days with inflation bouncing along. If the garment has a clothing industry ‘label’ on it then they charge an extra $1 or $2 for it, and the condition may not even be good. But the talk goes, I think we can get more for this, when it is ordinary clothes needed for everyday. Just like a second hand charity shop. Which is not what I call true charity.
Interestingly mrs banks testimony mirrored her husbands, exactly. No one calling it a fit up? Interesting comments she made about the “type” of people the dotcoms were and how they wouldnt give banks money. Of course they did, more than anyone else apparently, so she is not a great judge of people it seems.
More interestingly was the former mp who gave evidence about how honest banks is. Seems ok til you recall
He resigned as deputy speaker after illegally parking by aschool pedestrian crossing and trying to get the police commissioner to revoke the fine. So, his yardstick for integrity aint very high. Ian revell.
i am still not clear if by not reading it before he signed it he LEGALLY cant have signed KNOWING it was false.
The thing is, as i understand it, signing the form as being true and correct without reading it isnt the offence. It should be, cos otherwise the declaration is meaningless. I hope i am wrong, i truly do.
Yes it all hangs on that Tracey – I think. But if I sign any legal document (and now an email?) I am held to that. It cannot be that I cannot renege on a deal simply because I didn’t read the small print. Loan Sharks get great returns from such signage.
yea but loan sharks have a contract. I am definitely agreeing signing a declaration that something is true and correct should matter. banks is heaping alot onto the guy who filled out the form but he could never know what banks received anonymously outside his presence if banks didnt tell him. I think that guy is being unfairly tainted by banks behaviour.
not to bust to solicit money from all and sundry like a desperate whore but too busy to comply with responsibilities… thats mr banks.
online stuff and herald act as tho a senior politician is not on trial for electoral fraud… cf with brown coverage.
Yes Tracey, not having researched the question might have me commenting from a position of ”i thunk it therefore”, but, i have to assume that an electoral return of finances is an actual Statuary Declaration and as such those who sign such are legally responsible for what it contains no matter who filled it out or if those who sign such actually read its contents,
Perhaps in the fine print of the Law, those who wrote it, politicians, gave themselves a little ”out” for just such ocassions…
Banks might have been able to confuse a jury to the the extent they’d swallow his “I obeyed the letter of the law” defence but I hope the judge won’t be so lenient. It’s clear what Parliament’s intent is, unless you take the view that Parliament is a deeply cynical establishment. You or I might very well think that. The court will not.
The difference is that the issue Banks is facing is a criminal one so even if he signed it off as true and correct the offence still may not have been committed. This is as opposed to, for example, if the matter were a contractual one where signing something is generally binding, subject of course to specific exceptions/protections.
the wording of the charge is crucial he has to have known it was not true and correct. his defence is by signing it without reading he never knew. couldnt know.
hes called all his character witnesses. all swear on his abhorrence of deceit. yet he was ed of hujlich… took fees and didnt ask any questions… had a deal with key but didnt think the electorate should know what they said…. watched key mislead parliament… took dotcoms hong kong gift and upgrade…
and with ian revell as a character referee… dame jenny gibbs… restauranteur wife of ” tony”… you wonder what passes for integrity in some circles…
and lets not forget that honest john signed someghing as true and correct, he says, without reading it… = honest? integrity?
“the wording of the charge is crucial he has to have known it was not true and correct. his defence is by signing it without reading he never knew. couldnt know.”
Yes, precisely, but I can’t see a judge taking too kindly to statements from “character witnesses” as evidence in a criminal trial too well. If the defence feels it has to stoop to doing that my guess is that it knows it’s stuffed. Having said that, this is New Zealand where everyone knows everyone including the judiciary which means anything can happen.
xox
Hilarious,on The panel, Jim Mora and Boag calls him out for talking ‘rubbish’! Three times in quick succession. Jim was forced to back down and had no chance against the National juggernaut. And Brian Edwards, deferred to the dragons flaming. Really funny. The power of the woman. Mora and Edwards had no chance. The program needs some balance if it’s not to become a joke.
Brian Edwards Gosman, in my opinion is not a leader, He is a follower, and, as such, has followed Labour as it departed its left wing roots into neo-liberalism and from there into the confining electoral space of chasing a small flake (5%), of the middle class vote which has been the election battleground for far too long now,
As Labour have increasingly pandered to this over-coat changing slice of the middle class it has provided less and less for those further down the income scale,
My belief is that Labour is still very much stuck in that space fighting for that small flake of the middle class vote and until it can snap out of this will continue to bleed the support of the low waged/low income demographic that was its traditional support base…
Nanaia Mahuta quoted on RadioNZ National this morning, ”Maori home ownership is down to 22%”,
Right Nanaia, that is the problem, where is the proposed solution from Labour???,
i would suggest that in the other Labour heartland, the Pacifica-belt of South Auckland the figures for Pacifica peoples home ownership is even more dire than 22%,
And herein lies Labour’s big ”Problem”, cannot Labour see that among its South Auckland vote the building of 10,000 ”affordable homes” goes down like a lead brick,
Its Pacifica vote, mostly low waged, the first to be fired and the last to be hired will never be able to ”afford” one of these 10,000 homes,(unless Labour adopts the Green party variable mortgage payment policy),
This is the same for Labour’s Maori heartland, an ”affordable home” in the provinces is obviously going to be less costly than one in Auckland but a bank mortgage will never address the issues of Maori employment where as like the Pacifica people Maori are the first to be fired and the last to be hired when the financial poo becomes entangled in the ventilation system,
The 10,000 affordable homes policy, no matter what it actually is, is perceived in the wider electorate as homes for the middle class, Labour need to come up with additional policy that directly addresses that perception,
“Labour need to come up with additional policy that directly addresses that perception,”
I agree with that. Kiwis in general are still a pretty egalitarian bunch but the middle class voter won’t give up their own lifestyle for the poor. Labour look to have decided they can’t win votes if they lower property values so their solution to the housing problem is raising incomes. On paper it sounds ok but we’ve been there, done that. It hasn’t worked yet & people are getting a bit jaded with the same old. What we really need is some creative thinking; do something different that people can get excited about.
There’s plenty of options, it’s not as if the problem is insurmountable. They could capitalise accommodation supplements into a large deposit for a home, presently that annual $1.2 billion plus supplement is just pissed against the wall for no economic return. At existing Govt borrowing rates $100 per week pays the interest on a $130,000 loan. The Govt could retain title to the section or strata title until the loan is paid back.
Another option is for the Govt to create a new housing market for low income earners. The state buys the land, leases it at peppercorn rates to the home buyer who builds their own dwelling. The lease itself should act as the security for the loan to build the dwelling.
It’s only the price of land that makes houses unaffordable, and only the inability to come up with a deposit that stops those who can afford a mortgage. So remove land from the equation and use it as the deposit. It’s not rocket science.
joe90 put this comment up yesterday, with a link to the NY Times, in which the term “hedge cities” is suggested for cities in which the international rich park their money.
The author of the linked article suggests charging these people “parking fees,” but this doesn’t offer a solution as to where the locals are to live, or how they might attain housing security. The whole business looks like a basis for huge tension between people who need houses as dwellings and people who see them as poker chips in an international casino. And huge problems for governments who do not want to bring down their economies, but who do need to ensure that people are housed. Not only that, it has such potential to suck the life out of an economy that those with property really do become dependent on its putative “value”, and not just bewitched by the numbers.
Yes, it could also be a way of getting some of the funds needed to rebuild the local economy. But I do have an aversion to the term “social housing” – it suggests that a house is a poker chip first and a dwelling second.
Creative but a waste of time. Just have the government build enough state houses that come with a lifetime lease. People get affordable living and get to be part of the community.
I suggest if you want policy results from Nanaia Mahuta take a pad and pen on any given Friday to a certain Hamilton yum cha restaurant. I kid you not every time my side kick and me treated ourselves low and behold who is in the house lol.
Lolz Skinny, if i still had my house-truck i might just take you up on that, but alas, i am earth bound in Wellington at the moment,
Do i detect a small modicum of criticism of Nanaia in your comment Lol, can’t be right, you being there as many times as She,
Yeah the point of my comment about what Nanaia was saying on radio this morning was in the vein of ”She had the airtime to point out the low rate of Maori home ownership,(abysmal at 22%), but She didn’t have the policy to announce about what Labour intend to do about this”,
As i point out above, Maori like everybody else need ’employment prospects’ that will ladst 40 odd years to be able to sign up to ‘Kiwibuild’, increasingly rotational employment would suggest that that aint going to happen…
Looks pretty suss to me (and NZ Herald). Cunliffe “helps out” a major overseas based donor while ranting about overseas buyers pushing up housing prices. Imagine if John Key had done that!
serious question grumpy – in what capacity did cunliffe help his friend and what did he do?
if youve got a claim that cunliffe used his position as an MP to help with the purchase, and/or the rules were broken re: real estate sales, then lets hear it – because thats the only complaint that could be made
hope it’s not too far over your head grumpy … try really hard on this cold and frosty morning … maybe a wee nip of stone’s ginger wine would warm you up?
David Cunliffe asking questions in the House again that don’t demand an answer and Carter again giving Key free rein to say what he wants. Meanwhile, Metiria Turei asking proper questions Key is forced to answer properly, whether correctly or not but putting him on record in relation to real issues. When will Cunliffe learn how to use the questions for oral answer properly? So dumb.
it wont happen but for the left to get true representation in nz greens need more vote than labour. labour acts like a party of entitlement. they behave like its fpp… cosying up to nzf and not conceding some seats.
seemingly to labour if they cant be dominant they are happy to inflict another 3 years of national on the nation.
Lolz, thanks MS, i win the dumby of the day award, my stubby fat little fingers weren’t made for typing and i managed to hit the s at the same time i hit the d..
Who we are owned by
Watercare is a council organisation, wholly owned by the Auckland Council. The council appoints the company’s board of directors who in turn appoint the chief executive.
Now, if you’d said that’s what happens when the service needs to make a profit you’d probably have been more correct.
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Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
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 ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
Te Pāti Māori 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 veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The 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 year’s 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, Labour’s 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 country’s 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 Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ 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 Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori 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 Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
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Classic Herald headline. “Exports drive trade surplus to $1.2b”
A headline for the illiterate right to crow over.
But then read the full article and the future is nothing like so rosy……
The comments by the Deutsche Bank chief economist are particularly informative.
Funny the Herald didn’t write this headline.”Declining milk prices foreshadow future blowout in deficit.” But then that wouldn’t get Key re-elected, would it?
Here are selected sections that show the deficit is likely to increase again.
“But economists expect the improving trend in the annual trade balance to reverse when the sustained decline in dairy prices in Fonterra’s fortnightly auctions over the past three months is reflected in the value of shipments crossing the wharves.”
“April is usually a surplus month and the latest surplus, equal to 12 per cent of exports, was in line with the average 13 per cent of exports over the previous five April months.”
“On a seasonally adjusted basis dairy exports fell more by volume than by value last month compared with March, implying around a 3 per cent rise in export dairy prices.”
Deutsche Bank chief economist Darren Gibbs expects the 12-month running trade surplus to continue to rise over the next three months and to narrow the current account deficit to about 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product from the 3.4 per cent recorded in December 2013.
“[But] from later this year,” he said, “we would expect to see the deficit expand gradually as the trade data begins to reflect the lower dairy prices that have been seen in February and as import volumes continue to expand.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11262240
I didn’t look at the article, but I did wonder about the headline – what else would most likely drive a trade surplus, other than exports?
Lower import costs. Do you have evidence that volumes or prices have declined in this area?
Well, there is this from Paul’s comment above:
“On a seasonally adjusted basis dairy exports fell more by volume than by value last month compared with March, implying around a 3 per cent rise in export dairy prices.”
Sorry, you meant in imports. My mistake.
are you pleased with the picture painted for the next year or two relating to exports and in particular the large decline in price for milk solids?
They always talk about a great trade surplus but when you factor in the $15B p.a. that foreign owners take out of NZ per year, we end up in a nice fat long term current account deficit.
Of course they won’t put that in a headline.
RNZ Morning Report now captured by the right. Just compare and contrast Espiner’s tone when interviewing Cunliffe today with his demeanour on Monday when chatting with Key.
We pay taxes to support such bias.
This interview was appalling, Espiner was shrieking by the end …
But didn’t David do well!
And yes Guyon’s rule of thumb is “Cuddle John” but “Scratch David’s Eyes out.”
I noticed also that “David Cunliffe is planning to restrict immigration…his party is trailing 20 points behind National” featured on Morning Report as a news item. As if catching up to National was the only reason one might look at immigration levels. As if it was an FPP election.
I like it when it Espiner’s questions are so off the mark his bias shows. Morning Report really has shown Espiner as the crap journalist he is.
The Nation had Colin Craig on this weekend debating Labour’s Sue Moroney.
Why does the media treat him as if he’s a member of parliament? He’s never won a seat. I don’t see members of Teh Libertarianz invited to debates on tv.
What makes Colin special?
His money and the fact he’ll support Key’s corporatocracy.
Multinationals love people like that. As long as they can continue to pillage a country, they’ll probably allow some wacky policies.
I don’t think the media are flattering Craig and giving him air time because they like him. I think they’re giving him air time so he says something stupid on their television show and everyone goes to watch it.
The Herald’s obsession with ACT is the odd one.
There are plenty of idiots who want votes and will say stupid things. I gave Teh Libertarianz as one example.
What makes Colin special?
Colin got 2.65% of the party vote at the last election, Libertarianz got 0.07%.
If you don’t see why that would make Colin someone the media might want to talk to, and whoever it is from the Libertarianz remains in obscurity, then I don’t know what to tell you.
Also according to Wikipedia, Libertarianz was dissolved in February, so another reason why they wouldn’t be interviewed.
Yours is of course a logical assessment but partial IMO as we should not discount as relevant that the PM and his staff had been strategically lifting Colin’s profile in the media by mentioning him and the Conservatives in every conversation about coalition partners.
they seek him out more than those currently in parliament or with higher %.
How do you know?
It seems quite likely to me that other MPs they might approach to talk about a particular subject:
1. Don’t want to, or
2. Don’t have the time
Colin Craig on the other hand will make time to get as much media coverage as possible.
The question is whether the media are going to him first as an interviewee, or if he’s farther down the list (as rightfully befits him).
Oh come on Lanth, how many Nat MPs are there? They’re not all busy at once.
The ACT MP is probably busy but his leader is always happy to provide villiage idiot content.
Then there’s Peter Dunne, then there are three maori Party MPs.
And then we get to unelected non-representatives.
Hi Lanth, yeah I get why they might want to talk to him about why he’d like to be in parliament.
But what I’m seeing over and over again is Colin Craig being placed opposite actual MPs and presented as if he is already an elected representative speaking on behalf of one side of the house.
They even had him debating marriage equality opposite Louisa Wall who sponsored the bill!! They couldn’t find someone who was voting on the bill to oppose it?
Sure, talk to him about his policies, his party list, whatever. But they shouldn’t present him as a representative because as of yet, according to our democratic system, he isn’t representing dick.
And the tv3 poll keeps putting in the Conservatives with seats in their graphic.
They must be assuming a gifted seat. Kind of legitimising or ‘socialising’ the idea.
They really, really should not be doing that.
They give the other minor parties seats on the basis that they retain their seat. Conservatives have no seat to retain.
Paul Henry too seems an ACT and NAT fan. One can discern his overt and covert support to those parties and personalities.
Only “seems”? Henry and Hoskings have got the two networks covered. The only difference between the two is that Hoskings gives his pathetic holier than thou right-wing diatribe in a cult leader-like fashion at the end of the programme while Henry shoots off the same stuff throughout.
Putting one of the blue sock puppets like bridges up against moroney is not what ct want this year. The slimy one struggles on is own, imagine JLR v SM….ouch.
Loony distraction politics from the obediant msm, colon could be the new act as the nats like to blame the more extreme policies like charter schools on someone else.
Who/what is ct and JLR?
Crobsy/Textor and Jamie Lee Ross
National needs him to form a government after the election. John Key’s media friends are looking out for him by promoting his potential coalition partners every chance they get.
Felix, Why pick on Ms Moroney? She weems to be an able and likeable list MP
In looking at the records of the 48th, 49th and 50th elections, It would appear that Sue Moroney has won exactly as many electorate seats as has Colin Craig – namely none at all.
By virtue of the MMP system, she serves Labour in Parliament.
In other words, she’s been voted in whereas Craig hasn’t been at all.
I’m sorry you don’t understand how our democracy works, The Lone Haranguer.
Sue Moroney most certainly won her seat as part of the Labour Party list.
ps is this another reason righties hate MMP so much: that it requires cooperation and collective effort as part of a greater whole?
the mana party/internet party deal is happening..
..woo-hoo..!
..now things will start to get interesting..
Seems to be so Phillip, there will be an announcement from the Mana/internet parties from the Parliament at 11am this morning,
IF this alliance does go ahead i can see at least 3–4% of the party vote going to Mana/Internet, as shown from the initial negotiations, and the publicity surrounding them, both Mana and Internet climbed in support on the following Roy Morgan poll, Mana to 1% and Internet to 1.5%,
This was extremely good news at the time for the Labour/Green parties both of which also went up in that particular poll, showing that Mana/Interent are not necessarily going to ”poach” votes from Labour/Green,
i am ”seeing” this election as being as tight or even tighter than 2011, a Mana/Internet alliance in the Parliament with 3–4% of the Party vote might just provide the perfect foil to Winston’s NZFirst where on the numbers National might not have an outright majority even with NZFirst counted on their side of the House,
Dotcom is said to have cashed up the Internet Party with a 240,000 dollar donation,
The ”ball” i would suggest is now in Labour’s court, do they do whip the rug out from under National by advising its voters in Te Tai Tokerau to split their votes electorate in favor of Hone and Party in favor of Kelvin Davis,
Is 3 more years of Slippery the PM’s National Government really an acceptable price to pay for electoral purity and holding ‘the moral high ground’…
if Matt McCarten is earning his money Labour will give Davis a high list ranking, but my instinct says fortress Labour will rule as in Epsom last time
Fortress Labour won’t have much say this time TM. The moderating committee which finalises the order of candidates is elected from the activist membership. I believe the Leader/Co-Leader and the President/General Secretary are automatically included. There’s a fresh leadership at the top and the old leadership will have little more input than the activist membership.
Having said that, the problem lies with the individual lobby groups (or one-horse-pony groups as I call them) whose primary aim is to get their candidates well placed. In some cases this is laudable, but it does carry the risk that some good people end up languishing too far down the list. That seems to be what happened to Kelvin Davis last time.
Yes Epsom, the ”other” crucial electorate in this years equation, it will be a tragedy of the highest order if both Labour and the Greens approach Epsom this election with any other intent than to have the National Party candidate ”win” there,
Last time round David Parker for Labour and David Hay for the Green’s between them picked up around 8000 electorate votes, Banks won that seat with less than a 2000 vote majority
David Parker and Julie Ann Genter this election will contest the Epsom electorate and if they approach this with the sole intent of installing the National Candidate as the winner the pair of them may well have ”won” the election outright for the ”left”,
Strategy for this election has gone way way past ”the message”, Labour in the Te Tai Tokerau and Waiariki Maori electorate seats hold the keys to the Treasury Benches in their hands,
In Epsom, the Labour/Green candidates hold a second set of keys to those Treasury Benches,
It sounds a little bizarre doesn’t it, BUT, the truth is for Labour, losing Te Tai Tokerau and losing Waiariki along with ensuring National win Epsom will ultimately ensconce Labour firmly on the Treasury Benches,
If David Cunliffe and Matt McCarten cannot see this and convince the Party of this then i for one will be a very unhappy camper for the next trimester…
If political expediency is to be practice of the opposition, then surely it would make more sense to gift an electorate to NZ1st, rather than mess about with a 1% party, who would at best, bring 1 or 2 extra members to the house.
Ha, ha, ha you are funny and a cunning misleading dicky to boot!
Maybe a birthday endorphin rush, but nothing cunning or misleading about it.
Happy Birthday AlIen! 😀
Bless your heart 🙂
Celebrating?
On the peasant’s lifeline? Only on the inside 🙂
Happy birthday, mate! I wish you many more happy returns of the day. Have a good one!
Hopefully your own ‘new year’ will make you happier and wiser, fairer and better. Cheers and God bless!
“Hopefully” 😆
you cant gift to nzf as long as the rule out declaring pre election allegiances. imo.
labour needs to put parker in a different seat. how do ordinary labour voters not vote for their partys deputy leader.i
Sure, that goes without saying, but from a practical point of view, ensuring Winston got a seat takes the possibility of 2008 happening again right out of the result equation.
I wouldn’t ever vote NZ1st, but then I would do as Sue Bradford has and not have anything to do with dotcon either.
Just saying, if gifting seats is to be the done thing, then you have to give wisely. If I were Labour and the Greens I’d have nothing to do with Hone’s dirty money, but then if you really look, it’s only the mana one percenters that see it as a good thing… Them and TV3’s news room that is.
That Kim.Com’s is ‘dirty money’ is debatable.
In any case, what is to say for sure that the money coming from the donors of National and ACT is not ‘dirty money’ too?
Yes that is one hell of a Laugh Out Loud comment Alien, there is a big difference between NZFirst and InternetMana,
It is this,”In the heads of agreement that the two parties have signed that form the rules of the alliance both parties agree NOT to support the National Party”,
Now whats Winston’s position on this again???…
+100 Bad
Well said. MMP calls for such pre-election pragmatic strategies. We are no longer in FPP.
Well said bad. It would be tragic if the opportunity to promote tactical voting in edgy seats was lost, especially if it were through some pretence at adherence to “loyalty and morals”. It would be immoral not to! (see comment on Kohlberg’s theory of moral development on yesterday’s open mike – it’s about the post conventional level of morals: social contract and universal ethics).
Besides, the Nat candidate for Ohariu, limpid ex sales rep, Brett Hudson has been honest, clear and upfront about only seeking the party vote, so game on I reckon.
Yep Rosie, i specifically didn’t mention Ohariu in my comment above, i seriously think the ‘blocks’ of votes from across the 3 Parties Labour/National and Dunne are two big to seriously expect a big enough tactical vote to oust Dunne via a vote for the National candidate,
Labour are still if what David Cunliffe said on RadioNZ National news at 3 is the final word, still mired firmly in last centuries First past the Post system,
Words to the effect that Kelvin Davis will be fully contesting the Te Tai Tokerau electorate and He,(Cunliffe), fully expects Davis to win, along with, ”Labour expects to take back all the Maori electorates,
Go the Dinosaur Party, last centuries electorate tactics have little place in an MMP enviroment…
Agreed, re your scenario.
Disappointing about Cunliffe’s stance though…………….
Sigh.
Bad – have you been picking my brain while I’m sleeping. My thoughts exactly.
Strategy, strategy, strategy! No point in ‘winning the battle’, only to have to concede the war.
Think bold, outside the narrow vision.
Bad 12. I don’t think Parker is standing for Epsom this time. As I understand it, it is Michael Wood who is an up and coming young Labour star. Very intelligent and articulate.
god I hope you are right.
Tah for that Anne, my bad for not keeping abreast with the ‘facts’, i assume after listening to Cunliffe on the radio this afternoon that the Labour candidate will also be ”fully contesting” Epsom for the electorate vote,
Is this Labour strategy: ”wait for things to get so ugly for the masses under National that they have no choice but to vote for Labour”,
Slippery the PM must be laughing fit to bust, The choir boy with high morals versus the Bankster with the mega-bucks campaign fund happily gerrymandering elections,
Not a pretty sight…
So everything seems to be pointing at Shane Jones for the new leader of IP – Now that may be better for National than Labour, and certainly not good for the Greens..
um… even if true how would it impact greens???
“The ”ball” i would suggest is now in Labour’s court, do they do whip the rug out from under National by advising its voters in Te Tai Tokerau to split their votes electorate in favor of Hone and Party in favor of Kelvin Davis,”
Labour is too stupid to do anything as strategic as that. But hey! -that’s just the way Labour rolls!!!
No Labour voters will be voting for Davis and if Hone/Mana hook up with The Internet Party he may well be rolled. Labour may throw Mana a life line by candidate voting Annette Sykes in an attempt to remove Favell.
Minto lost all cred’s by favouring an alliance between the 2 party’s, given TIP founder Kim DotBlob is so pro deregulation. I wonder if their party’s foundation policy will be removing copy right laws?
skinny..if davis gets a good list-placing..harawira can credibly argue that northland can get two mp’s for the price of one..
..and from the position of a mana party member..(who voted for this deal to go thru..)
..i can tell you that you cannot overestimate the degree of respect with which minto is afforded by mana party members..so you are wrong there..
..and..having taken part in one of those meetings that decided for this to go ahead..
..i can report that many who i saw initially opposed to this deal..
..are now able to see how this could well get us more mp’s into parliament..
..and that we should roll with it..
..which is why the voting was overwhelmingly in support of this alliance-lite deal going thru..
..this grouping of poverty/surveillance-smashing parties is the politics of the future..
..and the mood for change is here/upon us..
..both national and labour are what came before..
..and the greens seem stuck in a limbo between the two..
..and as for what support will this new grouping get on election day..?
..well..because a recent poll had the mix on 2.5%..(before any official announcement..)
..i don’t see it as unrealistic-expectation for a well-run/funded/innovative election-campaign/advertising..
..to add 4-5% to that total..
..in fact..i think i am being comservative..
..there is one historical fact not to forget..
..bob jones with his party..captured/rode the public appetite for change..
..and got 22% of the popular-vote..
..if this new grouping is clever enough in marketing their new brand/model of politics..
..and can catch that current mood for change..
..both labour and the greens should be very very nervous..
phillip, it’s good to hear the view of a Mana member on this alliance and that the vote of the membership for the alliance was largely in favour – a good sign, I think.
I’m over my initial sense of weirdness and apprehension at the prospect of of such an alliance and now see it as something fresh and hopeful. Modern stylez eh? To reflect a modern voter base. Onya’s.
cunliffe ruled out effectively having kelvin just contest party vote.
Labour still live in an FPP world.
Interesting like the Chinese curse. I think this is the beginning of the end for Mana as a worthwhile movement. There may be some temporary electoral success, but the contradiction between Maori workers and libertarian net nerds, half of whom think Hone is racist, will tear things apart.
and in weather/poverty news..like many others in my position..
..in new zealand..after 30 yrs of neo-lib/randite ‘evil’ dismantling of the welfare state…from both national and labour..
(..and despite never having had my power disconnected for non-payment..being forced onto by supplier .. that rip-off-of-the-poor pre-paid electricity..(they make so much more profit from that..eh..?..
..and when the money runs out..?..pop..!..instant disconnection/darkness..)
..there is no way i can afford to run a heater..
..so i have to layer-up..
..and on this chilly morn..it’s thermal long-johns/thick tracks/thick socks on below..
..and t-shirt/thermal long-sleeved top/ thermal hoodie/thermal waistcoat/over-jacket..
..(i look like the fucken michelin-man..)
..and mittens with fingers cut out..(so i can type..)
..and a duvet wrapped around my legs..
..and i am one of the lucky ones..
..after several years of this..
..i am prepared..i have those layers to put on..
..and i get pretty angry when i think about all those others in my position unable to warm themselves..
..and those sleeping rough..(in this oh so rich country..)
..and those residents in christchurch..
..in their still..after all this time..broken/unrepaired homes..
..freezing their arses off..
..and i get even fucken angrier..
welcome to the brighter future phil.
Whereabouts in nz are you living?
that’s what i mean..!..i am in sub-tropical ak..!
..and the many poor in nz don’t only live in these (usually) benevolent climes..
..so it’s no ‘poor-me!’..
..’it’s more ‘poor them!’
..and then those sleeping-rough..who..funny story..!.. both the current mayors of wellington and ak promised to ‘help’/house ..at one time..when campaigning..
..and who since being elected..have both done sweet fuck all for..
..as i say..’in this oh so rich country’..
..thank you labour…thank you national..
.for what 30 yrs of yr mis-rule has wrought..
..and good luck there labour..!
..with yr reaching out to the disposessed non-voters..
..with yr middle-class fretting about ‘affordable-homes’..
..eh..?
..and about ending that institutional/grinding-poverty..?
..that is the reality/day-to-day life of ‘the poor’..?
..like before…you are offering sweet-fuck-all..
..eh..?
Well said Phil.
I hear you brother Phil, all be it sitting here feeling sorry for myself having taken a sickie suffering from man flu. However lucky for me I’m in the warm comfort of my lounge with my Kent fire blazing away. In the corner of my eye I see one of my lizards under his heat lamp adding to the coffers of the rich pricks who robbed us of our power assets.
Even the charity stores put close to market rates on quality woolen clothing. Just goes to show the tentacles of the market have no boundaries in our capitalistic land of milk & honey!
don’t get me started on charity shops that start getting ideas above their station/role in life…
..and start to charge accordingly..
when did second hand become “vintage”…..
when it meant the price goes up
about the same time the “personnel dept” (actual people !) became the “human resources” (to be exploited) dept ?
I know all about prices rising in op shop.. It is the trend in the op shop I have been involved in. The workers are nearly all superannuitants and of course get a nice fortnightly cheque, not enough in some cases but definitely there without argy bargy. Their heads are all filled with memories of growing up in a different NZ. The news that people have had no wage rises or ones under the measured cpi inflation does not register, if they know someone who is hard up it can seem an individual difficulty. And the prices go up as if it was the old days with inflation bouncing along. If the garment has a clothing industry ‘label’ on it then they charge an extra $1 or $2 for it, and the condition may not even be good. But the talk goes, I think we can get more for this, when it is ordinary clothes needed for everyday. Just like a second hand charity shop. Which is not what I call true charity.
Interestingly mrs banks testimony mirrored her husbands, exactly. No one calling it a fit up? Interesting comments she made about the “type” of people the dotcoms were and how they wouldnt give banks money. Of course they did, more than anyone else apparently, so she is not a great judge of people it seems.
More interestingly was the former mp who gave evidence about how honest banks is. Seems ok til you recall
He resigned as deputy speaker after illegally parking by aschool pedestrian crossing and trying to get the police commissioner to revoke the fine. So, his yardstick for integrity aint very high. Ian revell.
Banks problem remains sky city.
“..Banks problem remains sky city..”
aye..!..the sky city evidence is far more precise/clinical/damming than the dotcom stuff..
..and just removes any uncertainties around the dotcom stuff..(not that there is much to be ‘uncertain’ about..)
i am still not clear if by not reading it before he signed it he LEGALLY cant have signed KNOWING it was false.
The thing is, as i understand it, signing the form as being true and correct without reading it isnt the offence. It should be, cos otherwise the declaration is meaningless. I hope i am wrong, i truly do.
Yes it all hangs on that Tracey – I think. But if I sign any legal document (and now an email?) I am held to that. It cannot be that I cannot renege on a deal simply because I didn’t read the small print. Loan Sharks get great returns from such signage.
May be they should play this in the court to clear things up all round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CvRSZxqk_I
yea but loan sharks have a contract. I am definitely agreeing signing a declaration that something is true and correct should matter. banks is heaping alot onto the guy who filled out the form but he could never know what banks received anonymously outside his presence if banks didnt tell him. I think that guy is being unfairly tainted by banks behaviour.
not to bust to solicit money from all and sundry like a desperate whore but too busy to comply with responsibilities… thats mr banks.
online stuff and herald act as tho a senior politician is not on trial for electoral fraud… cf with brown coverage.
Yes Tracey, not having researched the question might have me commenting from a position of ”i thunk it therefore”, but, i have to assume that an electoral return of finances is an actual Statuary Declaration and as such those who sign such are legally responsible for what it contains no matter who filled it out or if those who sign such actually read its contents,
Perhaps in the fine print of the Law, those who wrote it, politicians, gave themselves a little ”out” for just such ocassions…
Banks might have been able to confuse a jury to the the extent they’d swallow his “I obeyed the letter of the law” defence but I hope the judge won’t be so lenient. It’s clear what Parliament’s intent is, unless you take the view that Parliament is a deeply cynical establishment. You or I might very well think that. The court will not.
The difference is that the issue Banks is facing is a criminal one so even if he signed it off as true and correct the offence still may not have been committed. This is as opposed to, for example, if the matter were a contractual one where signing something is generally binding, subject of course to specific exceptions/protections.
the wording of the charge is crucial he has to have known it was not true and correct. his defence is by signing it without reading he never knew. couldnt know.
hes called all his character witnesses. all swear on his abhorrence of deceit. yet he was ed of hujlich… took fees and didnt ask any questions… had a deal with key but didnt think the electorate should know what they said…. watched key mislead parliament… took dotcoms hong kong gift and upgrade…
and with ian revell as a character referee… dame jenny gibbs… restauranteur wife of ” tony”… you wonder what passes for integrity in some circles…
and lets not forget that honest john signed someghing as true and correct, he says, without reading it… = honest? integrity?
hell in a handbasket peolle
“the wording of the charge is crucial he has to have known it was not true and correct. his defence is by signing it without reading he never knew. couldnt know.”
Yes, precisely, but I can’t see a judge taking too kindly to statements from “character witnesses” as evidence in a criminal trial too well. If the defence feels it has to stoop to doing that my guess is that it knows it’s stuffed. Having said that, this is New Zealand where everyone knows everyone including the judiciary which means anything can happen.
xox
Hilarious,on The panel, Jim Mora and Boag calls him out for talking ‘rubbish’! Three times in quick succession. Jim was forced to back down and had no chance against the National juggernaut. And Brian Edwards, deferred to the dragons flaming. Really funny. The power of the woman. Mora and Edwards had no chance. The program needs some balance if it’s not to become a joke.
Brian Edwards is not left wing enough for you then?
Brian Edwards Gosman, in my opinion is not a leader, He is a follower, and, as such, has followed Labour as it departed its left wing roots into neo-liberalism and from there into the confining electoral space of chasing a small flake (5%), of the middle class vote which has been the election battleground for far too long now,
As Labour have increasingly pandered to this over-coat changing slice of the middle class it has provided less and less for those further down the income scale,
My belief is that Labour is still very much stuck in that space fighting for that small flake of the middle class vote and until it can snap out of this will continue to bleed the support of the low waged/low income demographic that was its traditional support base…
Brian Edwards is left wing? When did that happen?
how many left wing panelists on the panel or kathryn ryan have shouted down the host or the other commentator…
@ felix..
..no no..it’s ‘left winging’…
..(i think it must have been a typo…the ‘ing’ being left off..)
..edwards winges about the concerns of herne bay residents..
..(oh how they suffer..!..the poor-darlings..!..)
..and the trials/travails of/from buying/selling multi-million dollar houses..
..these are the concerns/politics of ‘left wing'(ing) edwards..
It’s an illusion created only when he’s on The Panel with Michelle Boag.
Solution…turn it off and listen to some music.
Much better for the blood pressure….
“The power of the woman.”
No, just a rude and arrogant and in my view ill-informed mouthpiece the lazy media go to for a talking head.
what about you then gooseman?
Nanaia Mahuta quoted on RadioNZ National this morning, ”Maori home ownership is down to 22%”,
Right Nanaia, that is the problem, where is the proposed solution from Labour???,
i would suggest that in the other Labour heartland, the Pacifica-belt of South Auckland the figures for Pacifica peoples home ownership is even more dire than 22%,
And herein lies Labour’s big ”Problem”, cannot Labour see that among its South Auckland vote the building of 10,000 ”affordable homes” goes down like a lead brick,
Its Pacifica vote, mostly low waged, the first to be fired and the last to be hired will never be able to ”afford” one of these 10,000 homes,(unless Labour adopts the Green party variable mortgage payment policy),
This is the same for Labour’s Maori heartland, an ”affordable home” in the provinces is obviously going to be less costly than one in Auckland but a bank mortgage will never address the issues of Maori employment where as like the Pacifica people Maori are the first to be fired and the last to be hired when the financial poo becomes entangled in the ventilation system,
The 10,000 affordable homes policy, no matter what it actually is, is perceived in the wider electorate as homes for the middle class, Labour need to come up with additional policy that directly addresses that perception,
And fast…
reactive not proactive…
thats why
look elsewhere for ideas to address real problems by people who bother to get shoulder to shoulder with real life in nz for so many
“Labour need to come up with additional policy that directly addresses that perception,”
I agree with that. Kiwis in general are still a pretty egalitarian bunch but the middle class voter won’t give up their own lifestyle for the poor. Labour look to have decided they can’t win votes if they lower property values so their solution to the housing problem is raising incomes. On paper it sounds ok but we’ve been there, done that. It hasn’t worked yet & people are getting a bit jaded with the same old. What we really need is some creative thinking; do something different that people can get excited about.
There’s plenty of options, it’s not as if the problem is insurmountable. They could capitalise accommodation supplements into a large deposit for a home, presently that annual $1.2 billion plus supplement is just pissed against the wall for no economic return. At existing Govt borrowing rates $100 per week pays the interest on a $130,000 loan. The Govt could retain title to the section or strata title until the loan is paid back.
Another option is for the Govt to create a new housing market for low income earners. The state buys the land, leases it at peppercorn rates to the home buyer who builds their own dwelling. The lease itself should act as the security for the loan to build the dwelling.
It’s only the price of land that makes houses unaffordable, and only the inability to come up with a deposit that stops those who can afford a mortgage. So remove land from the equation and use it as the deposit. It’s not rocket science.
joe90 put this comment up yesterday, with a link to the NY Times, in which the term “hedge cities” is suggested for cities in which the international rich park their money.
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-26052014/#comment-819968
The author of the linked article suggests charging these people “parking fees,” but this doesn’t offer a solution as to where the locals are to live, or how they might attain housing security. The whole business looks like a basis for huge tension between people who need houses as dwellings and people who see them as poker chips in an international casino. And huge problems for governments who do not want to bring down their economies, but who do need to ensure that people are housed. Not only that, it has such potential to suck the life out of an economy that those with property really do become dependent on its putative “value”, and not just bewitched by the numbers.
Charge overseas speculators an extra 50% of the property value, then invest this “parking fee” in building social housing!
Yes, it could also be a way of getting some of the funds needed to rebuild the local economy. But I do have an aversion to the term “social housing” – it suggests that a house is a poker chip first and a dwelling second.
Creative but a waste of time. Just have the government build enough state houses that come with a lifetime lease. People get affordable living and get to be part of the community.
Bad 12
I suggest if you want policy results from Nanaia Mahuta take a pad and pen on any given Friday to a certain Hamilton yum cha restaurant. I kid you not every time my side kick and me treated ourselves low and behold who is in the house lol.
Lolz Skinny, if i still had my house-truck i might just take you up on that, but alas, i am earth bound in Wellington at the moment,
Do i detect a small modicum of criticism of Nanaia in your comment Lol, can’t be right, you being there as many times as She,
Yeah the point of my comment about what Nanaia was saying on radio this morning was in the vein of ”She had the airtime to point out the low rate of Maori home ownership,(abysmal at 22%), but She didn’t have the policy to announce about what Labour intend to do about this”,
As i point out above, Maori like everybody else need ’employment prospects’ that will ladst 40 odd years to be able to sign up to ‘Kiwibuild’, increasingly rotational employment would suggest that that aint going to happen…
Will the opposition try to skewer key in the House today on his blatant lies about how Fletcher was appointed?
If they do the speaker will probably eject them…or allow Key not to answer the question.
the future queen of england goes commando..(pic..)
..whoar..!..who knew..?
http://www.bild.de/unterhaltung/leute/catherine-mountbatten-windsor/und-kim-kardashian-schoene-kehrseiten-36136770.bild.html
The description is in German : Luckily, I was able to read the translation using this:
https://translate.google.com/#auto/en/
Easily the best of the three!
Just reading today’s The Spectator LabourList which can be read here LabourList which says some things that are applicable to NZ Labour in my opinion
Some key points:
Understand what makes people vote UKIP This means, in part, understanding concerns about Europe and immigration
Be positive: The way to win over those who believe that all politicians are the same is not to run a negative campaign attacking politicians
Door knocking is important – but it doesn’t win seats on its own
Listening to the polls that matter
All these items have relevance to NZ situation so read article and comment.
Oh dear……
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11262561
Oh dear….
Did you read beyond the headline lumpy?
Mr Keenan is a NZ citizen, not an overseas speculator!
So are many of the Chinese house buyers Labour are complaining about. but he is also a Cunliffe donor…..
“So are many of the Chinese house buyers Labour are complaining about”
You need to pay attention. It’s overseas “investors” Labour are talking about, these people aren’t NZ citizens.
OK, fair enough – but he’s a “rich prick” working for the Boston Consulting Group – and a campaign donor for Cunliffe.
Yeah he donated money towards Cunliffes leadership campaign..
Maybe one day when you ditch the grumpy persona you may gain a friend or two, and then you may learn what friendship is about.
which is utterly irrelevant and is just you desperately hanging onto your attempted slur even though its fallen over
that is one sad/shallow beat-up…
(tho..i do think..that like with raising the pension-age..
..that labour are on the wrong foot with immigration..
..and them becoming winston-peters-lite on the subject..
..is actually quite unedifying to watch..
..(and the anti-asian thread running thru it..doesn’t help that ew!-perception..)
..and i know that most i vote with wouldn’t agree with me on this..
..but i can’t get past the fact that the japanese know of/call nz ‘the empty islands’..
..we are so far from being over-populated..(and with our seriously under-populated/stagnating provincial-centres…)
..it is ridiculous to make any claims that ‘we have no room’..(go and drive around this country..see how ’empty’ it really is..)
..i put that together with our miserable/shaming levels of refugee-acceptance..(750 a year..?..)
..(and we often don’t even make that quota..!..)
..and all of that leads me to a desire to seriously upgrade the numbers of refugees we offer new homes/lives to..
..and to relax our immigration-hurdles to a serious degree..
..(and this can be done in conjunction with stopping bus-loads of australian ‘investors’..
..cruising around auckland..and buying a brace of homes each..)
..and as for immigrants ‘changing’ our lives..i feel they change our lives for the better..
..auckland has only become an interesting city by the threading of asian/p.i/dutch/dalmatian/immigrant-cultures..
..with the white/working-class english/scots/irish/welsh immigration that prevailed ..
..up until the dutch started arriving..
..as the first wave of change..
..(and of course..at that time maori/maori-culture was mainly rural..
..so those working class celts/english pretty much had it to themselves..)
..who would want to go back to that..?..(shudder..!..)
..and further multi-cultural/nationalities/immigrant populations will only add to the richness/wealth of the new zealand culture/life..
thats bullshit grumpy.
why dont you speak for yourself?
stop peddling that crap from the flacks at the auckland rag.
Looks pretty suss to me (and NZ Herald). Cunliffe “helps out” a major overseas based donor while ranting about overseas buyers pushing up housing prices. Imagine if John Key had done that!
A NZer living overseas wants to buy a house in his own country and you think it looks “suss”.
You must be livid with the corrupt practices of Judith Collins then.
Can you quote the passage that shows the NZ Herald find it “suss”…..please….
serious question grumpy – in what capacity did cunliffe help his friend and what did he do?
if youve got a claim that cunliffe used his position as an MP to help with the purchase, and/or the rules were broken re: real estate sales, then lets hear it – because thats the only complaint that could be made
It’s just arrived and I haven’t read it yet, but here is Memorandum of Understanding twixt Mana and Internet Party .. here we go !
https://internet.org.nz/news/31
Memorandum of Understanding wow!
hope it’s not too far over your head grumpy … try really hard on this cold and frosty morning … maybe a wee nip of stone’s ginger wine would warm you up?
So we have the Heads of Agreement coming soon then……..
Don’t wait up for the Statement of Intent.
Missing Rogue Trooper these days.
So anyway, this is for others enjoying a delicious, sunny, indolent snow day.
Nick Cave “Fifteen Feet of pure white Snow” Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sfhvxTZ0wo
+1 on both points (except for the snow bit).
David Cunliffe asking questions in the House again that don’t demand an answer and Carter again giving Key free rein to say what he wants. Meanwhile, Metiria Turei asking proper questions Key is forced to answer properly, whether correctly or not but putting him on record in relation to real issues. When will Cunliffe learn how to use the questions for oral answer properly? So dumb.
it wont happen but for the left to get true representation in nz greens need more vote than labour. labour acts like a party of entitlement. they behave like its fpp… cosying up to nzf and not conceding some seats.
seemingly to labour if they cant be dominant they are happy to inflict another 3 years of national on the nation.
Good afternoon Mods, every comment of mine made this arvo has gone into moderation, is there a specific reason???,
If a comment today has been in any way offensive can i have a hint which one???…
[It is your name. Correct it and all should be fine – MS]
Lolz, thanks MS, i win the dumby of the day award, my stubby fat little fingers weren’t made for typing and i managed to hit the s at the same time i hit the d..
Ah, that explains it! I was wondering why you were leaving out the ‘tar’ before the d!
Ah, your comment explains why i have never had to wonder why you lack any skin on your knuckles…
The 1% support the banks’ heist of the economy in 2008 and think they saved the world
Well, that was worth knowing, NZ Herald.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11262214
For those who haven’t already seen it, there’s a re-run of The Shock Doctrine coming up on Maori TV at 8.30pm tonight.
This is what happens when you privatise public resources…
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11262808
http://www.watercare.co.nz/about-watercare/about-watercare/Pages/default.aspx
Now, if you’d said that’s what happens when the service needs to make a profit you’d probably have been more correct.