Open Mike 27/10/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 27th, 2016 - 161 comments
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161 comments on “Open Mike 27/10/2016 ”

  1. Paul 1

    This is the sort of news the New Zealand media should be telling.

    Climate change wars are coming and building walls won’t help, top general warns.

    Climate change is threatening to force millions of people to become refugees and spark major wars that could “completely destabilise” the world, a leading general has warned.

    And countries which attempted to deal with the coming crisis by resorting to “narrow nationalistic instincts” – for example, by building walls to keep out refugees – will only make the problem worse, according to Major General Munir Muniruzzaman, chairman of the Global Military Advisory Council On Climate Change (GMACCC).

    He added that, while countries had talked a lot about the problems posed by global warming and how to address them, there did not seem to be “much action” on the ground…….

    http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-wars-global-warming-conflict-refugees-walls-wont-help-general-warns-a7381031.html

    Not this
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11736453

    or this
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/85752230/reporter-eats-pies-for-a-month-loses-eight-kilos

  2. Paul 2

    John’s Key’s New Zealand.
    A better future.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTUN8LXHCqo

    • The Chairman 2.1

      It seems there is a lack of policing.

      • Paul 2.1.1

        Rowarth on RNZ defending animal cruelty.
        After her previous effort on behalf of agribusiness when she defended the levels of pollution in our waterways.
        She is proving to be quite a useful scientist.

    • tc 2.2

      Some Farmers do as they have always but not all treat them like this.

      IMO you can’t pin this on shonky as dairy has always had this dark side to milk production. National have made it more widespread though via their dairy push.

      My dearly departed uncle, a beef farmer, refused to have veal in his house as he considered it not only barbaric but a waste of perfectly fine livestock.

      • The real villain here is domestication, I think. Cruelty to animals is widespread across time and space and stems from our taming of wild animals. A hunted wild animal can at least act with integrity, where the docile “captured” sheep, goat, pig or cow behaves as though hypnotized. Compare the pre-domestication era hunter with the man who biffs helpless calves onto the back of a truck. One is wild, the other is corrupted.

    • “John Key’s New Zealand?” It’s also “Paul’s New Zealand.” He has about as much to do with this as you do. Believe it or not, animal cruelty pre-dates the current government.

      • marty mars 2.3.1

        + 1 Yep all meat eaters, dairy eaters, leather wearers are implicated. This is OUR NZ and it stinks.

        • weka 2.3.1.1

          I don’t think there is much high ground here for anyone marty. Ethical meat/dairy eaters choose to get their food from sources where the farmers have an obligation to treat the animals well. This isn’t perfect, but it is bringing change slowly in a different way that avoiding animal foods. Vegan foods are often unethical in other ways. In terms of the treatment of farm animals and ecosystems, it’s on all of us to work to protect life.

          • marty mars 2.3.1.1.1

            Yes all are implicated and i spose obligated to accept that. As pm says no need for cruelty.

            • weka 2.3.1.1.1.1

              The thing that got me was the spokesperson on RNZ who said that it wasn’t cruelty it was mistreatment or something. She had a whole rationale lined up for the differences between the two. There are people who just don’t give a shit about the experiences that animals have.

              • mosa

                “The thing that got me” was listening to some horses arse from Federated Farmers saying the treatment was standard farming practice and was not as bad as the torture case from last year !!!

                These people are part of the problem, they dont recognise cruelty when the footage is right in front of them and always protect their interests and the farmers and the perpetrators who are involved.

                The animal welfare act is failing the animals it is supposed to protect and the punishments need to be severe.

                Also the people who are ill treating these innocent animals have mental health issues , most people love animals and would never treat a living creature this way.

                Farm Safe are right its been a year and nothing has changed !!
                It needs to.

        • Psycho Milt 2.3.1.2

          We’re omnivores. We live off other critters the same as most other live things on the planet. Killing is inherent to the process (even for the whited sepulchres known as vegans), but cruelty doesn’t have to be.

    • b waghorn 2.4

      They really need to change the vehicle they use for picking up calves , lifting 200 calves up to those heights would wear any man out.

      • marty mars 2.4.1

        yeah poor buggers – not fair on those blokes – fuck the baby calves, those arseholes have ruined it for everyone

        ///verysarc

        • McFlock 2.4.1.1

          Well, Al Capone was done for tax evasion, not racketeering and murder.
          Might be an interesting approach for farmwatch to take 🙂

        • b waghorn 2.4.1.2

          what part of my post condoned it dick head, but unlike you perfect fuck wits i would rather find a solution than attack people.
          maybe i should start filming unemployed brown people to see if they are behaving properly all the time

          • marty mars 2.4.1.2.1

            You know the truth of it as do I — I don’t have sympathy for those caught being cruel – as you tried to be in both your comments. Nice one.

    • Richard Rawshark 2.5

      Paul find another frame for the pic, hurting looking at that.

    • The Chairman 2.6

      17 animal welfare inspectors.

      10% of farms inspected annually.

      Will National commit to increasing these numbers?

  3. BM 3

    Check out this hi-tech kiwi company, I can see Talleys becoming a big customer going forward.

    http://www.businessinsider.com.au/jbs-meatpacking-testing-robot-butchers-2016-10?r=US&IR=T

    Scott technologies
    https://www.youtube.com/user/ScottTechnologyLtd

    • Draco T Bastard 3.1

      I think it’s great. It’s the type of stuff that we should have been doing for years now rather than the excessive focus on farming that we’ve had over the last few decades that have destroyed our environment.

      It also shows up that private ownership only ever leads to rentier capitalism and poverty.

      • BM 3.1.1

        It also shows up that private ownership only ever leads to rentier capitalism and poverty.

        This sort of technology does rather put people out of work.

        Going forward it would be a good idea for meat workers to demonstrate to the owners of these meat works that they’re better value and less hassle than their robotic counterparts otherwise it’s highly likely they’ll become obsolete.

        • Robert Guyton 3.1.1.1

          Bring back the Luddites!

          • BM 3.1.1.1.1

            I wouldn’t be surprised if we do see a return.

            Lots and lots of peoples ability to earn money is going to disappear in the next few decades, which will lead to a lot of resentment and anger.

            Eventually, I sort of see society dividing into two camps, one group living a hi-tech existence within the cities and the others probably put out of work by robotics moving to or creating smaller low -tech communities outside of the main cities where they can still have a purpose.

            • Puckish Rogue 3.1.1.1.1.1

              Sounds a bit like the Eloi and Morlocks

            • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.1.1.2

              I don’t. Go the way that you think it should and what we’ll get is a re-run of the French Revolution.

              • BM

                It’s a just a guess, but

                if robotics takes hold like many people think it will, then society is going to look dramatically different in a very short period of time and there’s going to be quite a period of upheaval as the country goes through the transition to a robot centric work force.

                What do all the people put out of work do, sit around and pull their puds all day?, people need purpose, so I can see them moving to areas where that need can be fulfilled.

                I would if I was in that situation.

                • Draco T Bastard

                  people need purpose, so I can see them moving to areas where that need can be fulfilled.

                  I would expect that to happen – in a non-capitalist society.

                  In our capitalist society I just see them getting pushed onto the dole queue and then have all their support cut from them when the government decides that they need to give the rich more tax cuts. Exactly what National have been doing for the last eight years in fact.

                  • ropata

                    there is PLENTY of work to be done, in occupations that are currently volunteer, underpaid, understaffed or not recognised.
                    i.e.
                    social work, childcare, nursing, counselling, mental health, refugee resettlement
                    community advocacy, maintenance of public amenities (libraries, pools, )
                    environment protection, DOC work, biodiversity, cleaning up pollution

                    There are other occupations that are highly skilled but we *still* can’t get enough of, despite a torrent of new immigrants… it’s a no brainer that the govt should *invest* in upskilling people, not use them as a tertiary fees cash cow

                    • Draco T Bastard

                      there is PLENTY of work to be done, in occupations that are currently volunteer, underpaid, understaffed or not recognised.

                      Yes there is but work that can’t be done under a capitalist system.

                      There are other occupations that are highly skilled but we *still* can’t get enough of

                      That too. In fact, IMO, all the people who will become unemployed should be trained up and placed into those positions. Many will be simply in R&D.

                      But, again, it’s not something that can be done under a capitalist system as it means foregoing profit.

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.2

          This sort of technology does rather put people out of work.

          Which I’m in favour of.

          Going forward it would be a good idea for meat workers to demonstrate to the owners of these meat works that they’re better value and less hassle than their robotic counterparts otherwise it’s highly likely they’ll become obsolete.

          No, it’s for private ownership to show that it brings about the best result for the community. And so far thousands of years of private ownership have proven otherwise.

        • Psycho Milt 3.1.1.3

          Going forward it would be a good idea for meat workers to demonstrate to the owners of these meat works that they’re better value and less hassle than their robotic counterparts otherwise it’s highly likely they’ll become obsolete.

          In other words, meat workers should stop expecting decent working conditions from their employers or the employers will replace them with robots. That’s a seriously fucked-up attitude you’ve got there.

          If it’s more expensive to have humans do a particular job for reasonable pay and conditions than it is to have a robot do it, the job is already obsolete, by definition. Only someone who regards the working class as a commodity would argue otherwise.

          • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.3.1

            +1

          • BM 3.1.1.3.2

            In other words, meat workers should stop expecting decent working conditions from their employers or the employers will replace them with robots. That’s a seriously fucked-up attitude you’ve got there.

            That’s just the reality of the situation that many workers will find themselves in, in years to come

            Personally I don’t think it’s very good, but how else does the worker compete with the robot?

            • Psycho Milt 3.1.1.3.2.2

              Workers can’t compete with robots and shouldn’t. It wouldn’t be a good thing if car assembly workers had found ways to make themselves cheaper than robots and cars were still being completely assembled by hand. The cars wouldn’t be as good and the pay and conditions in car assembly would be abysmal.

              It’s not a new problem – the Stranglers wrote Rise of the Robots in 1978, and it still holds true:

              “You won’t have to grease their palms
              Shorter hours longer arms

              ….

              They’re good workers, they don’t get bored
              Don’t get mad at bosses yet”

              A robot isn’t going to have a problem working for a shit like Talley, but any human with a sense of self-worth will. We’re just going to have to figure out how to deal with a large surplus of labour.

  4. The Chairman 4

    How are we going to add value to NZ forestry when we own little of it?

    http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/trustees-our-trees-video-6498869

  5. Skinny 5

    Natcorp Boss John Key caught out with an embellishment of the truth. India doesn’t want a sham corporate free trade deal peddled by former rogue Wall Street trader;

    “But New Zealand Herald political reporter Nicholas Jones says in a statement after the meeting between the men in Delhi, Mr Modi’s only reference was to a closer economic cooperation, no mention of a free trade deal.”

    http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/trade-talks-on-the-table-during-pms-visit-to-new-delhi/#.WBD6Xq6v8dQ.facebook

    • Richard Rawshark 5.1

      Excellent see how he spins stuff, I knew this was a waste of money and time pre election stunt shennanighans specially when he took Brendan, Expect more stuff like this from Herr Key coming up in a Propaganda media outlet near you soon.

      • Wayne Mapp 5.1.1

        Are you both suggesting the NZ PM ignore India?

        Surely even those opposed to John Key as PM can remove their blinkers just enough to see that it is in New Zealand’s benefit that the govt make a big effort to upgrade the relationship with India from a multitude of perspectives.

        It takes a PM visit to actually get time to engage with PM Modi and his top team. And despite what you think, Key has a strong reputation with overseas leaders, and he is now one of the longest serving leaders in the democratic world. That is one of the reasons he has the level of access that he does.

        A trade deal will be harder with India than China. There are strong overhangs from the licence raj, and there are still lots of protected areas. For instance supermarkets with global links are a recent innovation for India.

        • Skinny 5.1.1.1

          That is laughable if you think this leader of India is going to be any different than the last your more deluded that I thought Mapp. I recall the Natcorp boss John Key got the bums rush from their former leader.

          It didn’t look like Modi was impressed with the snake oil trick of rocking up with a former Black Caps captain in a three way hand shake greeting. Besides India looks after their farmers and won’t be fooled by a former Wall Street trader who has thrown our farmers to the wolves.

        • Garibaldi 5.1.1.2

          The junior party in “free trade” deals always dips out.
          Let’s go for Fair Trade instead, otherwise we will dip out yet again.
          ” We” aren’t benefitting from our current trade deals – we have simply become more and more dependant on cheap imported shit, and have lost our ability to be almost self sufficient.
          The only ones who do benefit from these deals are the usual suspects…. the 0.01%ers. The rest of us crap out, whilst we are slowly losing our independence.

          • Draco T Bastard 5.1.1.2.1

            +1

          • ropata 5.1.1.2.2

            FTA with China has screwed up our rivers, poisoned thousands of people, and sold off huge tracts of land to foreign interests.

            New Zealand’s sovereignty is gone, our “environment protection” & “human rights” record is a joke,,, but the 1% have been making fat profits.

          • Chuck 5.1.1.2.3

            “and have lost our ability to be almost self sufficient”

            That depends on what you (and the rest of NZ) want to give up. For example, NZ has no problem feeding itself, providing basic building materials and a few other things.

            However, NZ has never been self sufficient with most of the other modern conveniences.

            • Draco T Bastard 5.1.1.2.3.1

              NZ has never been self sufficient with most of the other modern conveniences.

              That’s where you’re actually wrong. We had quite an electronics industry here that got trounced when neo-liberalism was brought in. It’s been slowly building up again but it should have been far more along than it is.

              Free-trade almost stopped the continued development of our economy.

              With proper government support and research we should have had full electronics production capability a long time ago.

        • Gangnam Style 5.1.1.3

          Hello Dr Wayne, have you got time to answer this question put to you on another thread (understand you might not have seen it)…

          “This should be Wayne’s area of expertise. Come on Wayne, spill the beans on your perks and what they mean for you.”

          https://thestandard.org.nz/ex-mp-travel-expenses-its-a-fair-question/

          Thank you in advance, GS.

  6. Punk Is Bread 6

    Since when is it been police business what private people discuss? The cops setting up roadblocks to get the names of euthanasia campaigners is just not on, it is not illegal for people to discus controversial topics in NZ, yet?

    • ianmac 6.1

      Perhaps the Police bosses being good Catholics and therefore anti suicide, have misused power to intimidate little old ladies.

    • Richard Rawshark 6.2

      Don’t twist it to suit your narrative, they were not discussing it, it was a group preparing and aiding each other to commit suicide. Assisted by a UK man leading them.

  7. Richard Rawshark 7

    I just read a bad article on Italy 2 real, real bad aftershocks last one was 6.1 just demolished the country, Lets all take a moment to think about the loss of life, and wish them a speedy recovery and safe night.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11736622

  8. Richard Rawshark 8

    STOP THE WORLD I WANT TO GET OFF!!!

    So I just read the Prime Minister of New Zealand is Paula Bennett.

    I threw up.

    • Puckish Rogue 8.1

      I’m surprised, I didn’t think you were the sexist type

      • Richard Rawshark 8.1.1

        NO I just loathe her with every fibre of my being..PR
        I would not swear allegiance to that C&*(*T

        • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1.1

          So you’re not sexist anymore, that’s good to know. If its not too personal can I ask when you stopped being sexist?

          [maybe I’m missing some context here, but this looks like out and out baiting (RR didn’t say anything in his comment that could be construed as sexist), so here’s the troll catcher telling you to pull your head in – weka]

          • Richard Rawshark 8.1.1.1.1

            Does the fact of my dislike for someone being of the female gender make me sexist, are you looking for the 5 minute argument or the 10 minute one?

            Seeing you asked me twice now, I get a feeling you have formed an opinion are sure of yourself and are prepared to stake your reputation on it?

          • Robert Guyton 8.1.1.1.2

            Troll-catcher! Love it. Will you keep the trophy-head on your virtual wall, above the virtual open fire place and will you lean nonchalantly against the mantle with a glass of port in one hand and a cigar in the other and recall the hunt; how that troll did wriggle and squirm and howl once your trap was sprung?
            Hope so.

            • greywarshark 8.1.1.1.2.2

              @ Robert
              If you are still around, and seeing it is Open Mike, perhaps you could help me on another topic.

              Do you have any subterranean clover in your plantation? I’ve got this rampant clover with hairy stems and three little whiteish tubular florets in my berm and wonder if I should rejoice that it is filling up the bare patches or not. I couldn’t see in the reports on line that I have identified it from, that there are any prickles as such though I think that the hairy stems do get through skin enough to annoy. Any comments?

              • Hi, greywarshark. I love all of the clovers, but amongst my collection I don’t have subterranean, so can’t be sure of what you’ve got. I believe it doesn’t do well in the South. I do know that the several subterranean clovers we have in NZ are poor performers compared with the Australian versions and that the forage science guys would like to import the gruntier species, but can’t. White clover is a wonderful plant and very manageable, red is prettier and medicinally useful but prone to being overwhelmed by other plants and needs to be resown regularly. I’ve crimson clover, a beautiful annual clover. I’d recommend that you keep and try to enhance your clover crop, if that’s what it is, just because it’s useful to its neighbours, capturing atmospheric nitrogen the way it does. Sorry I could help with the identification, but as I can’t see your plant… 🙂

  9. saveNZ 9

    God help Auckland if this arrogant guy representing ‘middle aged Ponsonby white guy” gets on the AT board. See for yourself how unpleasant he is… and what reward is he going to get (as well as nearly 50k already from AT) for his rabid role in pushing through the unitary plan.

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/08/03/waatea-5th-estate-is-the-unitary-plan-a-scam/

  10. saveNZ 10

    and this from Granny –

    Phil Goff supports blogger on Auckland Transport board

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11736212

    “Patrick Reynolds, of the Transport Blog, has applied for an observer role on the board, despite the blog stating it “is not associated in any way with Auckland Transport”.

    Reynolds is seeking a customer focus committee board observer role – a non-voting and unpaid position.

    In a letter to the board, Reynolds said he was a highly engaged customer and commentator on Auckland Transport issues who believed his “other side of the counter” perspective would be extremely valuable.

    “There is now significant commonality between our aims and official AT policy. We are highly aligned with AT,” Reynolds said.

    Today, Reynolds said he applied for a board position earlier in the year and received no formal notification of any position being decided.

    Reynolds said if he got a board role “I would likely cease posting on the blog, or only do so with full disclosure and approval of the board. Like all boards there is a confidentiality agreement to adhere to.”

    • Molly 10.1

      Been to a couple of meetings with Patrick Reynolds there in attendance as speaker or panel member.

      What struck me most about him, (even though I agree with some – but not all – of his perspectives) was his arrogance.

      When responding to an young audience member who was asking about how to discuss politics with his peers – Patrick Reynolds took the mike from another speaker to say something along the lines of: “Don’t. Don’t discuss politics. Stay away from politics altogether. When I’m writing a post I frame it so that all the questions that can be asked can be rebutted.” (The context was a Generation Zero meeting about climate change and transport)

      That response – the how and content explained a lot about the debate on the transport blog for me.

      He (and Matt L) provide a lot of information and present their conclusions well but don’t seem encourage or practise any active listening or change of opinion. And perspective is limited to quite well-off localised areas, not much on South Auckland or places they are unfamiliar with.

      His position on the AT board will not be out of place with the others already there. But I would much prefer a diversity being sought.

      And I’m starting to want representatives who commit to being a listening ear and advocate for those they purportedly represent instead of being a “voice”.

      • saveNZ 10.1.1

        @Molly – I think AT need board members who come from a real life transport perspective, i.e. commuters who commute in from Wellsford and South Auckland. The board need to have members who actually commute from a distance and on average wages, and what is going to work for them.

        I would love to see Patrick Reynold’s commute to work to arrive at 8:30 am from Wellsford to Pamure – and leave at 5pm on the average income for New Zealand to work out what percentage of his income it is and how much time it takes. Add in a wife who commutes to CBD and do the same equation. Work out their transport costs and option available to them under AT.

        I think most of these commentators in transport are a joke, they live in the CBD, Eastern or central suburbs, don’t commute at all and then set themselves up as a transport commentators and experts. What is Patrick Reynolds commute, probably 5 minutes to his office in Grey Lynn? No wonder he doesn’t need to be paid, his house in central Auckland is appreciating more than the average wage. Real people on the board please!!!!

        Get rid of Rebstock and put back Mike Lee. Think about people like Christine Rose who I think live further out.

        • Sacha 10.1.1.1

          “The board need to have members who actually commute from a distance and on average wages”

          That would be great, if they also have experience governing a very large organisation. That’s probably the reason Mr Reynolds was not accepted as a candidate for full member of the Board either.

          • saveNZ 10.1.1.1.1

            I think being a councillor at the council is considered a ‘large organisation’.

            Sasha, are you some sort of PR person/council or COO worker for the council because you seem to be trolling pro council corporate PR speak in all your responses.

            • Sacha 10.1.1.1.1.1

              I agree that a Councillor has the right background for another governance role. Auckland Council is one of the biggest organisations in NZ.

            • Sacha 10.1.1.1.1.2

              I do not work for Auckland Council or any ‘CCO’ (controlled – as if’). Have worked for and with and against some of its predecessors, enough to learn the landscape. Want evidence-based advocacy is all. Plenty to challenge, done well.

  11. greywarshark 11

    Look for life streaming of union tribute to Helen Kelly tomorrow – time? May be on link I haven’t time to look as yet.
    http://union.org.nz/news/2016/details-farewell-helen-kelly

  12. saveNZ 12

    Poor Labour, you have to feel for them, after jettisoning Goff these are the headlines he is creating and the decisions he is supporting

    So far Goff’s legacy for his first week?,

    get rid of elected councillors off AT, potentially allow a white middle aged Ponsonby guy who comes across as extremely unpleasant and out of touch and zealous to be an observer (what happened to confidentiality?) on AT instead, look to cut hours and make library staff redundant to cut costs, all while supporting a 1 billion dollar sports stadium on rail way line land.

    Thanks Goff (sarc) for contributing to ‘trust issues’ with Labour supporters and why right wingers love to say Labour does it too?

  13. Herodotus 13

    The Reserve Bank may finally get its way, by dropping the OCR.
    From chats with corporate bankers they are telling me that any further drop will not result in mortgage or business interest rates being reduced. As banks are on very tight margins and need to widen the gap ( read this to mean maintain profit) But an OCR drop would most likely assist in the NZ$ being “devalued”.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/73612560/asb-anz-bnz-and-westpac-rake-in-459-billion-of-profits

  14. saveNZ 14

    From TDB

    “The Daily Blog understands that Senior staff from Mangere Budgetary services are quitting.

    After 2 days in Wellington with Paula Bennett they have had it confirmed that 30 established services will be closed.

    17 new contracts have been awarded, the name of the services will be changed & all personal details of all clients using services have to be passed on to MSD.

    It is a fatal gutting of social services more focused on spying on clients personal details than any genuine concern for beneficiaries. Mandatory reporting of data will kill NZPC, Women’s Refuge and emergency rape services.”

    • Manuka AOR 14.1

      & all personal details of all clients using services have to be passed on to MSD.

      This seems so very wrong. Those who sought help have no legal right to privacy whatsoever? And were not informed of this at the time the help was given?

      It is a fatal gutting of social services more focused on spying on clients personal details than any genuine concern for beneficiaries. Mandatory reporting of data will kill NZPC, Women’s Refuge and emergency rape services.”

      • Sacha 14.2.1

        There is a set mechanism for sharing information between agencies – still problematic: https://privacy.org.nz/data-sharing/information-sharingapproved-information-sharing-agreements/

        • Manuka AOR 14.2.1.1

          a set mechanism for sharing information between agencies

          These are not government agencies. They are community groups including church agencies, women’s refuges and other community support groups, which had received funding through the Community Investment arm of the MSD:

          The move is raising fears that people fleeing violent relationships or in financial need may be scared off seeking help in case their disclosures are used to take their children off them, stop their benefits or arrest them for past crimes.

          Ministry of Social Development (MSD) deputy chief executive Murray Edridge says all 823 agencies funded by the ministry’s $330 million Community Investment arm will have to provide client details for funding by next July.

          Details will include each client’s name, address, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, iwi, country of birth, number of dependent children, birth date of the youngest dependant, and details about the service they receive.
          ——
          Trevor McGlinchey said the move was a step towards a “surveillance society” and would undermine people’s trust in non-government agencies.

          “The gathering of that identifiable data may cause some of the most vulnerable people with major issues not to come forward because they may feel that information could end up in the hands of the Government,” he said. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11730063

  15. saveNZ 15

    Record of Bad news, with National..

    NZ trade deficit widens to a record in September as meat exports fall

    On an annual basis, the country’s trade deficit was $3.4b, compared with an annual deficit of $3.17b in September last year. Annual exports totalled $48.58b in the year through September, while imports totalled $51.99b, according to the data.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11736933

    • Draco T Bastard 15.1

      Well, if the forex was working as the economists tell us it does then we should expect the NZ$ to fall in line with the increased deficit.

      Unfortunately, it’s likely to do the opposite at the next OCR round.

  16. repateet 16

    Todays hard question:

    Guess which got more prominent treatment in the Herald online?
    a) “NZ trade deficit widens to a record in September as meat exports fall”
    or b) Max Key posts: ‘Real men ride women’

  17. Paul 17

    When your Dad abuses workers by repeatedly pulling their hair when not asked to, it’s predictable his entitled and spoilt son would treat women with similar disrespect .
    There are words to describe Key senior and junior.

    http://m.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11737059

    • Richard Rawshark 17.1

      Yeah I read that, Young Key, He should be on all the Labour posters coming election with that comment under it.

      Funny how these protected, sheltered and guarded and privileged youth get to spout off stuff that at a public forum would get the shit kicked out of them for saying.

    • Draco T Bastard 17.2

      Clearly he didn’t mean to make the sort of comment that he made in the way he did

      Yeah he did – that’s why he made it.

  18. North 18

    Can’t imagine Mummy Key being too stoked about punk’s carry-on. The fucked genes must be down to Daddy Key.

    To the trolls with their pious “Keep the kids out of it!” exhortations…….nah, game on.

    • Chuck 18.1

      Yes please….North and any other far left activist out there go after Max and while you are at it his sister too.

      The result will be a couple more % points on election day to National.

      Nasty is not a vote winner… I would have thought that lesson had been learnt by now?

      • Gangnam Style 18.1.1

        Whats Jason Ede up to these days? Sunday school teaching? If he’s not up to anything nasty on behalf of the Nats &/or their cronies then I will eat my hat.

      • joe90 18.1.2

        Max and Master ‘white whiney faggots’ English really are chips off the old block.
        /

      • Paul 18.1.3

        So why do you support Dirty Politics?

        • Chuck 18.1.3.1

          Dirty Politics only matters to the activist left.

          Everyone else looked, yawned and voted.

      • Draco T Bastard 18.1.4

        Why do you think we should allow people to get away with despicable behaviour?

        Doesn’t matter who they are – they should be called out on it.

        • Chuck 18.1.4.1

          Just cooking dinner and watching One news…and guess what?

          Dad (John Key) has told junior off…a conversation that properly has occurred untold times between parents and teenage / young adult children all over NZ.

          North’s point to attack the Key children will be a disaster for the left…I guess that’s why Andy Little will never do it.

          • Paul 18.1.4.1.1

            What disgusting behaviour don’t you defend when enacted by your heroes?

            • Chuck 18.1.4.1.1.1

              Paul, I would have done the same thing as John Key.

              Told my son off, why it was wrong and to learn from it.

              • Gangnam Style

                Why is it wrong Chuck? Keen to hear.

                • Chuck

                  I don’t think for one moment that you are stupid…so the only possible reason you have asked me that question is to try and twist what I reply with.

                  However if by chance I am wrong please let me know, and I will explain to you in simple terms why Max needed to be told off.

                  • Gangnam Style

                    Yes I am interested in how YOU would frame it, I actually heard someone mention the comment was homophobic as well as misogynist, what do you think? (I think the comment was homophobic & misogynist & stupid, just so you know.)

                    “the only possible reason you have asked me that question is to try and twist what I reply with” – well that’s quite a jaundiced view you have there. I just want to see what you think was ‘wrong’ with the comment.

                    (I play a lot of online games, & hear a lot of people about the same age as Max talk & its quite atrocious & outright scary.)

                    • Chuck

                      Ok fair enough…

                      I would not go as far as bringing up misogynist, but yep homophobic (real men) and disrespectful to women.

                      Gauging the reaction from your son (in this case Max) would determine any further action.

                      BTW I have a 21 year old son and 2 teen daughters, so have a understanding of what the young generation talk about these days.

                    • Muttonbird

                      Hey Chuck. Would any of your three pull a stunt like Max Key did, and post it?

              • repateet

                I wonder if anyone has told the Herald off. Not for portraying the guy as an idiot but foisting him on the world as if he is important.

                • BM

                  The Herald is now a sleazy tabloid paper on par with the News of the World or The Sun.

                  I would’nt even wipe my arse on it, it’s that bad.

                  Really disappointing the way it’s gone and does rather point out the down side of foreign ownership.

                  • Gangnam Style

                    “and does rather point out the down side of foreign ownership.” No shit Sherlock! There was probably some ‘daft leftie’ moaning about this a few years back that you would have shallowly dismissed as ‘pious’ or ‘hysterical’ or some shite. On the wrong side of history yet again.

                    • Gangnam Style

                      Can’t reply but cheers Chuck, I have daughters so it is something close to my heart, young men & how they treat women. I just wanted you to clarify your ‘tell them it was wrong’ coz I just was nosey to know if it was just a hollow platitude, glad to know I was wrong. Keep on rockin!

          • North 18.1.4.1.2

            They really need to repeal the repeal of s.59 for about half an hour and send the snotty up-his-own-botty wee punk round the back of the gym to ‘chat’ with Joe Biden.

      • North 18.1.5

        Said nothing about the sister Chuck. That’s your Trumpite shit. Guess you think it’s cool. “Real men ride women!” Dork Much! The punk and you.

        • Chuck 18.1.5.1

          Then why did you say kids North?

          “To the trolls with their pious “Keep the kids out of it!” exhortations…….nah, game on.”

          Kid = one, Kids = more than one.

          Me thinks it’s North shit 🙂

    • Paul 18.2

      It’s of sufficient concern to the Nat’s propaganda piece the Herald they are running a poll on the matter.

    • ianmac 18.3

      Wonder if he could get a ticket for using a cell phone while driving? Nah. It is OK for a Key to do this.

    • BM 18.4

      Big fucking deal, young guy does something stupid, that’s never happened before 🙄

      Anyway, Stop the presses !!! , Pious old lefty has panties in a bunch about a young man doing idiotic young man stuff.

      • ianmac 18.4.1

        To be fair BM, Max has been used to bolster the John Key Family man image, and has chosen to be visible. What goes around…

        • BM 18.4.1.1

          He’s still a young guy,, the human brain isn’t fully developed until you hit 25. like all young people he’s going to do stupid spire of the moment shit.

          We’ve all been there, It’s just not that big of a deal, the key thing is if he learns from his fuck ups and doesn’t do it again.

          • Muttonbird 18.4.1.1.1

            His dad has put him in the public eye for political purposes so that’s where he shall reside.

            • North 18.4.1.1.1.1

              Wow! Key’s ‘New Camelot’ gets fucked up everytime punk opens the surly mouth. Further to “Caught napping on Air Force One” for Christ’s Sake.

              Take your entitlement for a stroll down Robertson Road, Mangere…….boy. See how that goes.

              OK……the punk’s a dumb punk……speaks volumes about Daddy though. And I say that knowing that largely it’s down to the parents. Now who said that ?

              • BM

                Take your entitlement for a stroll down Robertson Road, Mangere…….boy. See how that goes.

                What are saying?, are they all savages in Robertson Road Mangere,?, attack any person who just walks down the street?

                • Muttonbird

                  Not just ‘any person’. Just the bandana-wearing, abusive son of the prime minister who doesn’t care about Mangere.

                  • BM

                    I’m not interested in watching the video, it just encourages the wankers at the herald, did Max Key shit all over Mangere or something?

                • North

                  Piss reply Bowel.

                • North

                  “savages” in Robertson Road. That’s your reflexive, gratuitous response. You exposing yourself ain’t my problem, egg.

          • Sacha 18.4.1.1.2

            if only Key the younger would stop pimping himself about our (social) media, most of us would have nothing to miss. Bliss.

        • Muttonbird 18.4.1.2

          This.

          John Key regularly uses his children to align himself with ‘the ordinary Kiwi parent’, musing the other day of his worries about his son getting king-hit and his daughter raped. These are his words.

          If it’s ok for him to use his kids as part of National Party marketing then it’s ok for their behaviour to be analysed.

        • Gangnam Style 18.4.1.3

          What other politicians children willingly lust after public attention like the PMs?

      • Muttonbird 18.4.2

        That’s no ordinary young man. He could do a lot of damage to his dad, ‘specially with the women’s vote.

  19. Gangnam Style 19

    Just read in the paper my suburb of South Dunedin has a lot of dodgy power poles, South Dunedin is one of the poorest suburbs of the country so no surprise there that we get treated sub par. I just walked up Richardson St & nearly every 2nd/3rd pole is bent over, especially the poles carrying the transformers (or whatever they are called, the big square things), 100s of kids walk this road to & from one of Dunedins biggest primary schools. I must say the whole thing is ‘sub optimal’ & points to a major cluster fuck of managerial incompetence.

    • Richard Rawshark 19.1

      I like the words SUB OPTIMAL.. fucking hill hairy arse.. sub optimal..

      you mean they are farked.

      • Gangnam Style 19.1.1

        Yeah, one on the corner of the street is fucked, the one thats connected to the Inidian food outlet down the road is fucked, heres what the ODT published today.

        https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/detailed-map-dangerous-poles

        I just being cheeky with the word ‘sub optimal’ coz John Key used it, my wife had to ask me what ‘sub optimal’ means, I basically said what you just said ‘it means fucked’ & she said ‘why didn’t he just say so?’.

        • Pasupial 19.1.1.1

          I mentioned the other day that the Duddingstone steps one shown in the ODT (on Tuesday? [edit: actually Saturday’s ODT – second link at the end of comment) was outside two schools. It’s actually across the street from DNI (right near the crossing though), but there’s plenty more to provide electrocution hazards:

          Eight power poles lining the road beside Dunedin North Intermediate school have been red-tagged. Five are deemed to be ”condition zero”, meaning they are in urgent need of replacement.

          The school’s principal, Heidi Hayward, said Delta had not been in contact to alert them of the danger their pupils could be in.

          https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/poles-ticking-time-bombs

          https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/call-heads-roll-delta

          • Gangnam Style 19.1.1.1.1

            I did see your post, & I know Duddingstone steps. I think we have all got used to this old run down city, especially suburbs like South Dunedin & Opoho. I wonder if this is our ‘leaky buildings’ & maybe other towns will have similar problems too. I do remember reading about the infrastructure melt down of the USA some time ago.

            But walking up Richardson St today (where I have been walking to & from the school for the last 10 years or so) & now I can see these toppling power poles everywhere. I know people who live right in front of some that have decayed at the bottom, on the corner or East Ave (across the Rd from Kings) is a concrete power pole where the concrete has crumbled off & you can see the steel reinforcement inside.

            The one outside the Indian takeaways (Tandoree Garden on Prince Albert St) amazed me because it goes through the awning & the awning & building must be well over 50-70 years old! People have no idea. Thank goodness for this whistle blower & the ol’ ODT, it’s a right wing rag but at least it writes about Dunedin issues & is independent.

  20. TopHat 20

    I have a suggestion for a better use of police time than running breath tests as intel gathering exercises, get them to address address the use of cell phones while driving: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11737059

    I wonder, would the police consider charges? It is after all against the law, about as stupid as drink driving with results somewhat alike.

    And the comment he makes has got to earn him some acrimony ? 😉

    • ropata 20.1

      I have at least 3 near death experiences a week from useless drivers round Auckland,

      1 x bus running a red light on pedestrian phase, nearly hit me and a cyclist
      1 x bus failing to indicate and pulling out without looking, nearly hit me, then later blasted thru a give way, nearly hit me again!
      1 x truck running a red light on pedestrian phase, seemed oblivious
      1 x oncoming car crossing double yellow lines at 100k (passing) into my face, too aggressive
      1 x oncoming SUV driving on wrong side down a hill (around parked bus) into my face, failing to give way, trying to intimidate me, obviously didn’t want to slow down
      1 x oncoming people mover driving on wrong side down a hill (around parked car) into my face, failing to give way, forcing me to stop (I had kids on board too)
      1 x oncoming boy racer driving on wrong side down a hill (for no reason) into my face, failing to give way, forcing me to stop

      I am getting a dashcam, this is disgusting.
      People routinely ignore stop signs, don’t give a shit about indicating or keeping left or general safety.
      There are just not enough cops around.

  21. weka 21

    [In order to keep OM and DR free for other conversations, all comments, link postings etc about the US election now need to go in the dedicated US election discussion here.

    If you are unsure, post in that thread rather than here. It’s not possible for moderators to shift comments from OM to there, so any comments here may get deleted – weka]

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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
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  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
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  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
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    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
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    PolitikBy Richard Harman
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  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
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    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
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    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
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  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
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    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
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  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
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    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
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    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
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    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
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  • AT Need To Lift Their Game
    Normally when we talk about accessing public transport it’s about improving how easy it is to get to, such as how easy is it to cross roads in a station/stop’s walking catchment, is it possible to cycle to safely, do bus connections work, or even if are there new routes/connections ...
    6 days ago
  • Christopher's Whopper.
    Politicians are not renowned for telling the truth. Some tell us things that are verifiably not true. They offer statements that omit critical pieces of information. Gloss over risks, preferring to offer the best case scenario.Some not truths are quite small, others amusing in their transparency. There are those repeated ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
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    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
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    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
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    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
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    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
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  • Government delivering on tax commitments
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    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
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    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
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    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
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    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
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    5 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
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    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
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    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
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    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
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  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
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    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
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    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
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  • Trustee tax change welcomed
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    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
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    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
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    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
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    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
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    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
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    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
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    1 week ago
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
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    1 week ago

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