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.

    • 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?

            • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1.1.1.1

              Naah nothing so interesting, I thought your comment wasn’t supposed to be serious, that you were being humorous so I was playing along like it was an old episode of Father Ted

              • pat

                tis brilliant

                • Puckish Rogue

                  Still funny and one of those comedies that will still be funny in decades to come

                  and just because:

                  and the video it was based on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLiTkF1XvF4

                  however it really needs a sax solo

                  • McFlock

                    I still remember fondly the day in my scrotty student flat when we were watching it at something like 7pm and distinctly heard “fucking hell”. Not feck, fuck.

                    Gobsmacked we were, and expected the show to be pulled without delay. Apparently none of the wowsers noticed though 🙂

          • 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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    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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