Open Mike 28/05/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 28th, 2018 - 160 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

160 comments on “Open Mike 28/05/2018 ”

  1. Ffloyd 1

    Why in the hell is Nathan Guy on rnz being interviewed for his opinion on what the Govt might be going to do regarding Mycoplasma bovis. WHY!!!

  2. tc 2

    Reply to Floyd at 1.
    Because the current govt lacks the bollocks and ability (Curran isn’t it ?) to sort out the national party shillfest that RNZ has become.

    By all means have the former minister on, but he doesn’t get to comment or blame an administration that followed the one that brought this disease into NZ I.e his.

    He should be grilled, flipped, charred to a crisp then tossed aside like the carbonised waste of space he is. Any half decent journo would viscerate him with the available evidence over his inaction confine it to that as that’s actually the story here mr guy….your dereliction of duties as a minister of the crown, not nationals mates.

    • John up North 2.1

      Yep, the ineptitude of current journalist (or is this by design) in putting to previous ministers the questions that really dig into their poor performance whilst in government is as blatant as dogs bollocks.

      The line being played by both media and Nats is plain for all to see, there’s no questioning how we got here…………. it’s just “you’re the government now, what you gonna do about it”

      This to me has got to be constantly countered and unpacked as the distraction it is, because if people buy into it they are not truly being made aware of/ nor able to understand the real problem……………… the underlying ideology that got us to this point.

      It wouldn’t take too much for an intelligent interviewer to show N. Guy as a big part of the reason Mblovis is about to cost a huge amount of public money to combat.

      Privatise profit, socialise cost……….. hip hip hooray go the shareholders.

    • cleangreen 2.2

      RNZ is the national party channel tc.

      Jacinda needs to sack Clare Curran as she supports national not labour.

      • tc 2.2.1

        ha ha ha….such a toothless bunch so far.

        They can afford a few free swings yet they appoint a dull edged luddite like Curran to faff about like an amateur.

  3. Sanctuary 3

    Today Susan Devoy quit the Human Rights Commission and goes out with a blast at some of the managers.

    She was a typically John Key inappropriate political appointment. Her job was to be an ineffective Commissioner and to neuter the voice of the HRC. As such, her appointment copped a lot of criticism from practically everyone on the left (including me) but IMHO she worked hard to grasp the job and IMHO has done an excellent job.

    • Anne 3.1

      Yes. I was one of those who expressed my disappointment in no uncertain terms when Susan Devoy was appointed. I now express my disappointment she is leaving. She was a breath of fresh air.

      Dr Jackie Blue who is also an Human Rights Commissioner is leaving too. Both women have made a positive contribution to human rights in NZ and are deserving of the utmost praise.

      And much as it pains me to say so… I think it was Judith Collins who appointed them. Well, I guess even rottweilers can get it right sometimes.

      • Puckish Rogue 3.1.1

        Jude is a fine example of an exemplary MP and she’ll be an even better PM, someone for girls and boys to look up to

        #Judecrush

        • Anne 3.1.1.1

          No more poems please. 🙁

          • Rosemary McDonald 3.1.1.1.1

            Aw, come on, we all love a bit of poetry….

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxPeIiU2kx4

          • Puckish Rogue 3.1.1.1.2

            I was lying in bed last night, lying awake and staring up at the ceiling and I started to think about Jude and something then rose within me that could not be contained, that demanded attention and would not stop until I released it into the world and here it is, for you and everyone

            My latest poem

            I call it…I’m in love with Judith Collins

            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love …with Judy C
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love …with Judy C

            Oh Judith Collins is so sexy
            She’s the girl for you and me
            I go red when she’s on the telly
            ‘Cos I think she fancies me

            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love …with Judy C
            I’m in love with Judith Collins Collins
            I’m in love a’ love a’ love a’ Judith Collins Collins
            I’m in love with Judy C

            Oh Judith Collins is so sexy
            She’s the girl for you and me
            I go red when she’s on the telly
            ‘Cos I think she fancies me

            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love …with Judy C
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love …with Judy C
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love …with Judy C
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love with Judith Collins
            I’m in love …with Judy C

            • Robert Guyton 3.1.1.1.2.1

              Your best work, ever , Pucky. I’ve sent Judith a copy, but am now realising, you’ll have already done that! She’ll probably send something similar back to you, scratched into flint with her fingernail.

              • Puckish Rogue

                I’m glad you liked it, I thought it was one of my better efforts

                • Anne

                  I think your effort the other day is better.

                  https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-25-05-2018/#comment-1487300

                  More substance to it. 😡

                  • DB

                    Well spotted. Word for word.

                    “My latest poem”. Hahaha.

                    Here’s how you do a love poem PR you bloody shipwreck.

                    Oh, what subtle art is she
                    So fine of form it could not be
                    that one as I could steal a kiss
                    and not be captured whole by this.

                    Class, not horses ass. 😀

                  • Puckish Rogue

                    Mines better 🙂

                    • alwyn

                      I’ll bet you wrote this one as well.
                      If not I suggest you copy it out in your neatest handwriting and send it off to Judith.
                      https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/there-is-a-lady-sweet-and-kind/

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      Heres a little something I’ve been working on, its a work in progress but I think it could be something special

                      Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
                      Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
                      Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
                      And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:

                    • alwyn

                      I saw Judith writing this one the other day. I think you would agree she knows the effect she has on you.
                      “I walk into a room
                      Just as cool as you please,
                      And to a man,
                      The fellows stand or
                      Fall down on their knees.
                      Then they swarm around me,
                      A hive of honey bees.
                      I say,
                      It’s the fire in my eyes,
                      And the flash of my teeth,
                      The swing in my waist,
                      And the joy in my feet.
                      I’m a woman
                      Phenomenally.
                      Phenomenal woman,
                      That’s me.”
                      I think the two of you are going to be so happy, curled up on the sofa on these cold nights and reciting these epistles to each other.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      Not a bad effort but this is probably more accurate:

                      I can feel a new expression on my face
                      I can feel a glowing sensation taking place
                      I can hear the guitars playin’ lovely tunes
                      Every time that you walk in the room

                      I close my eyes for a second and pretend it’s me you want
                      Meanwhile I try to act so nonchalant
                      I feel a summer’s night with a magic moon
                      Every time that you walk in the room

                      Baby it’s a dream come true
                      Standin’ right along side of you
                      Wish I could show you how much I care
                      But I only have the nerve to stare

                      I can feel a something pounding in my brain
                      Just any time that someone speaks your name
                      Trumpets sound I hear thunder boom
                      Every time that you walk in the room

                • rod

                  A couple of years ago pucky you were in love with John Key. Who’s next when jude goes to the pack?

              • greywarshark

                Robert G and PR
                You two do bring some enjoyment and amusement to the daily grind of political discussion. I’ll give you a big red tick – meaning good one.

            • patricia bremner 3.1.1.1.2.2

              LOL LOL Words fail me!!

              • alwyn

                “Words fail me”.
                I can only suggest that I wish words had failed Puckish Rogue BEFORE he had started composing, or should that be composting?

                • Puckish Rogue

                  Philistine 🙂

                • One Anonymous Bloke

                  BEFORE he had started copy-pasting… FIFY

                  • Robert Guyton

                    Judith will be gutted !! Pucky’s poem was second hand, used that is, shop-soiled and falsely-presented.
                    Oh dear.
                    Judith doesn’t suffer fools gladly. I’m afraid Pucky’s buggered.
                    Oh well. There’s always Paula. Always.

                    • Robert Guyton

                      And there’s the matter of returning the half-tick, Pucky.
                      Sad day.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      Is someone suggesting that I couldn’t possibly whip up some of the finest poetry every committed while sitting in my office and doing work at the same time

                      I shall never give up half of the big red tick!

                    • Robert Guyton

                      I feel I’ve lost a friend…you’re still there, Pucky, I know, but it’s not the same somehow…a plagiarist !! And I’ve been talking with him…

                    • Robert Guyton

                      Still, Cam’ll be happy – the way is clear…

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      The way is not clear…

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2KWTEhyVX8

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      “Mediocre artists copy. Great artists steal.”

                      Pablo Picasso Banksy 😉

                    • alwyn

                      Second-Hand?
                      She may not be too unhappy.
                      A second hand, rather grubby, painting sold late last year at Sotheby’s. There is even some doubt about the whether the real artist was Leonardo and whether it was falsely-presented.
                      However somebody thought it probably was a da Vinci as claimed and paid $450 million US dollars for it.
                      I’ll take that over a new one as a gift and so, I imagine, would almost anyone else.

                    • Robert Guyton

                      Picturing Slater in tights here…
                      uuuuuugggh !!
                      You “sluggishly” built, Pucky, like your mate?
                      Would sticky-buns serve better than swords, d’ya think?
                      Safer for everyone and you can lick yourselves clean afterwards.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      Probably more closer to this (I’m the Man in Black)

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lISBP_fPg1s

                    • Robert Guyton

                      “You are using Bonetti’s defense against me, ah!”
                      Sacriledge! Don’t despoil a man’s childhood gods, Pucky! Equating Slater with Fezzik is just… sick and you couldn’t hold a candle, let alone a sword, to Westley! Mind you, that’s a clip from the film which doesn’t come close to the book, read cover to cover in one sitting. I remember ignoring the call to dinner because I was dueling atop the Cliffs of Insanity …rarely had I been so engrossed and thrilled by any book.

                  • Puckish Rogue

                    They made a book adaptation of the movie? 🙂

                    • Robert Guyton

                      It’s far more complex and far funnier, Pucky, so much of it will fly over you head; stick with the movie. Did you know The Lord of the Rings was originally in book form??? This’ll be a shock, but it’s a day for surprises; the Government’s chosen eradication! Wahoo!

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      I’ve actually read the trilogy a few times because I’ve found it to be quite…wait for it…are you ready…you’re going to like this…hobbit-forming 🙂

              • Patricia

                Big full moon due on Wednesday hence the poems of love an devotion.

            • Cinny 3.1.1.1.2.3

              Lolz PR, whatever turns your tyres when you are lying in bed dude. Very brave of you to share 🙂

            • AB 3.1.1.1.2.4

              A little more appropriate for Jude would be this from King Lear – Albany speaking to the horrifying Goneril, Lear’s oldest daughter:

              “See thyself, devil!
              Proper deformity seems not in the fiend
              So horrid as in woman”

            • OncewasTim 3.1.1.1.2.5

              She’s a pretty little fascist eh? But don’t waste your time @PR. She’s taken

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.2

          She’s going to be cursed throughout the rest of history for the damage that she’s done and will continue to do in her capacity as an MP and as a selfish capitalist.

      • tracey 3.1.2

        I agree with all your points. Pity Collins doesnt have tge same ability to step aside when caught behaving poorly

    • McFlock 3.2

      yeah, it’s nice to have pessimism proved wrong sometimes.

  4. saveNZ 4

    Beautifully and candidly written

    The Western Elite from a Chinese Perspective
    https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2017/11/western-elite-chinese-perspective/

    • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1

      It’s interesting that Puzhong’s talking about the overwhelming importance of chance, whereas the article is presented as a perspective on the ‘elites’. Or as they are more accurately described, ‘the lucky ones’.

      Furious denial from a ‘self-made man’ in 3,2,1..

    • DH 4.2

      It is a good read although I do wonder at the heading. He ends with this;

      “In Communist China, I was taught that hard work would bring success. In the land of the American dream, I learned that success comes through good luck, the right slogans, and monitoring your own—and others’—emotions.”

      His closing statement is obviously intended to be a bit flippant but I am curious as to what message he’s trying to convey. He doesn’t delve into how success in China is actually won, he only mentions what he was taught. I daresay success in China comes through similar means to the US, indeed I’m sure luck would play an even larger role.

      His comments about economists strikes a chord. They do live for formulas, from my very first introduction to economics I thought they reminded me of the old alchemists searching for the magic formula that turned lead into gold. It’s what makes them both boring and dangerous.

      • greywarshark 4.2.1

        DH
        You have turned that lead into a nail and pinned economists down accurately. That sentence is like gold!

      • DB 4.2.2

        For a more in-depth look into the Asian (business) mind, you can’t go past ‘Thick Face Black Heart’ by Chin-Ning Chu. Mandatory reading for diplomats imo.

      • Draco T Bastard 4.2.3

        He doesn’t delve into how success in China is actually won, he only mentions what he was taught.

        Considering that he left when he was 16 I doubt if he knows.

        I daresay success in China comes through similar means to the US, indeed I’m sure luck would play an even larger role.

        IMO, I think you’ll find that it’s based upon knowing the right people which itself is probably based upon luck – the family and area you were born into. Properties that very much exist within the Western system. Donald Trump would never have been rich if he’d been born poor.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 4.2.4

        …luck would play an even larger role.

        It would have to be larger than 100% then.

  5. Pete 5

    I see a headline about Mike Hosking reckoning that Auckland International Airport is the pits.

    I’d read somewhere that he was going to England to cover a royal wedding. I guess the headline means he came back. And that New Zealand didn’t give him as a precious koha as a wedding gift.

    Here’s the thing, all money set aside and planned for public transport in Auckland should be re-directed to making the airport the flashest one in the world. Some should be kept though and added to money for planned cycleways to ensure the road between the airport and wherever Hosking lives is brilliant so that all of his travels are happy, easy ones.

    Or realistically, when you look at it, maybe he’s in a bitchy mood because the football team he ardently follows lost in the weekend.

    • DH 5.1

      I sometimes wonder if Hosking was taught the old story about Peter and the Wolf. If he was he didn’t learn from it. He sometimes makes a good point but he’s such a tosser with an opinion on everything his occasional wise observations get as much notice as a fart in a thunderstorm

      Ak airport is the pits, it’s a corporate milk cow.

      • greywarshark 5.1.1

        Hosking was the koha. But they thanked us politely and sent him back. No wonder he was aggrieved.

        • greywarshark 5.1.1.1

          But the Hosking did come up with a good point. Auckland airport spent a lot of money on alterations, modernising? that will have to be recovered from something, and a lot of it seems to have been spent on providing space for duty free shops in the passenger concourse which cause passengers to walk further around to avoid. Instead of going from A to B you now have to walk much further as you wind or zigzag around these impediments to access of gates, services and seating.

          https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12059947

  6. One Anonymous Bloke 6

    Re: interview with ex-CIA guy on Morning Report. Imagine the cognitive dissonance of those simultaneously irate at Beijing influence in the Beehive, and in denial of Moscow influence in the Oval Office.

    (but but but her emails!)

    • Pete 6.1

      I heard that. Dr Jian Yang wasn’t mentioned once.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1

        Yes, it’s a very selective reading of Mr. Mattis’ Congressional testimony that only reports his remarks about the NZLP. Here’s what he had to say about National (pdf):

        …anything on China that was briefed to Bill English was briefed to Mr. Yang Jian…

        • Anne 6.1.1.1

          I’ve read Peter Mattis’ “Opening statement” but that is all. Not inclined to wade through the rest of it.

          It strikes me as a one eyed analysis but I guess that is what one would expect from a former CIA employee. I couldn’t help noticing the pregnant pauses after each question from Espinor. It was as if he was weighing up each answer to ensure it complied with an accepted CIA meme before responding. Either that… or he was eating his cereal at the same time as the interview.

          As for the allegations he is making about the CCP’s modus operandi… I’m sure its true but where did they learn it? The USA of course who have been operating in the same way for umpteen decades.

          I also find it remarkable that the most notable “manifestation” of Chinese influence – the hundreds upon thousands of dollars donated to the National Party in the years leading up to the 2017 election and the equally notable absence of any meaningful donations (if any) to the Labour Party during the same period – was ignored. That suggests the influence was far greater under National than it is under Labour. Sheesh….

          • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1.1.1

            He cheerfully admits that his sources for the testimony are the media reports of Anne-Marie Brady’s findings, although he goes on to say that he’s verified some of her claims with third parties.

            Espiner’s questions concentrated solely on allegations against the NZLP.

            As for the pauses, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a considered response.

    • Rosemary McDonald 6.2

      Here you go OAB….the links to those interviews.

      The mumbling, stumbling Mattis sounding like someone exposing political dodgy- doing with extreme reluctance….

      https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018646774/ex-cia-analyst-admits-trump-irony-in-china-influence-warning

      And Nigel Haworth’s mumbling response….https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018646779/labour-responds-to-accusations-of-chinese-influence

      I don’t trust any of them…and to my jaded ear they all sound like they’re making shit up.

      We need a system where political parties are entirely state funded.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 6.3.1

        There is no way he (the witness, Peter Mattis) could have known how I interacted with the intelligence agencies as Prime Minister.

        Simon William English.

        Meanwhile, on Earth, Mattis’ allegation relates to English’s interactions with Yang #clayton’sdenial

      • Anne 6.3.2

        The most important sentence in that summary by Richard Harman:

        What is changing though, as evidenced by the Washington hearing, is that the United States is becoming much more hawkish on China as is Australia.

        And that is the bottom line. China is a rapidly emerging super power and the USA under the current administration is feeling very threatened. They are scared of losing their power and influence which they believe is their God-given destiny. As for the current Australian government… they are nothing but mindless puppets in the scheme of things.

        The longer the crazy Trump regime is in power, the less the chance the world’s trouble spots will be resolved and the greater the chance of a nuclear confrontation. Trump’s likely ultimate gift to mankind.

  7. Ffloyd 7

    On listening to rnz this morning I don’t believe that they got the memo that National is no longer our Government.

    • james 7.1

      “On listening to rnz this morning I don’t believe that they got the memo that National is no longer our Government.”

      They didnt send out a memo – Curran told them in little secret meetings.

      • cleangreen 7.1.1

        Ha ha at least I agree James;

        That Clare Curran is as useless as “Tits on a bull” to labour and they need to remove her from being a shil for; “Minister for National Party” and use someone who will finally gert our “independant TV channel up and running Curran promised to do as she failed at doing.

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102750720/Broadcasting-Minister-Clare-Curran-stands-by-RNZ-plan-in-wake-of-Hirschfeld-controversy

        “Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran stands by RNZ+ plan in wake of Hirschfeld controversy”
        Tracy Watkins
        13:01, Apr 01 2018

        “Labour’s election platform promised to throw $38 million at RNZ in an ambitious plan to turn the state broadcaster into a “fully multiplatform non commercial entity including a free to air television service”.

        That would pit it against TVNZ, Newshub and other media players for audience share in an increasingly fragmented and competitive media market.

        But Curran rejected suggestions it would be competition to other news and current affairs providers because RNZ + would not get advertising revenue.

        Final funding for RNZ+ is subject to the budget round, which is currently underway.

        Budget sensitivity meant she was unable to discuss whether the full amount of $38 million was still on the table, Curran said.

        Hirschfeld was forced to resign after misleading her RNZ bosses over the nature of a coffee meeting with Curran last December. The RNZ executive told her bosses it was an accidental meeting, but texts showed it had been planned for weeks.”

  8. Ffloyd 8

    Ummm James. ?????? Does that even mean anything?

  9. Sanctuary 9

    Well I see Dick Quax died today. A lovely middle distance runner whose latter years were somewhat spoiled by a near evangelical embracing of far-right free market dogma.

      • Herodotus 9.1.1

        Sad to hear about his death, a great servant to the sport and to the community.
        You may not agree with his political positions , but at least he was putting an alternative view out there and good on him for that, and being out there, same for anyone else on the political spectrum. RIP

        • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1.1

          Sad to hear about his death

          Why? People die – it’s in the nature of life.

          You may not agree with his political positions , but at least he was putting an alternative view out there and good on him for that

          Reality didn’t agree with his political position which makes his political position outright dangerous.

          • Herodotus 9.1.1.1.1

            Reality also that NZ cannot cope with 60-70k increase in pop. 70%+ residing in Auckland. Yet All our political parties/govts. continue with this policy, so apply your thinking ….
            People die, we can still convey our compassion and sympathy.

        • Sacha 9.1.1.2

          “at least he was putting an alternative view out there”

          As is any flat earther or fascist. Need to do more than that to earn my gratitude.

          • Herodotus 9.1.1.2.1

            I don’t remember Dick Quax ever being quoted believing that the world was flat.
            So how do you feel about Labour, NZ1 and The Greens regarding that “Waka Jumping Bill” and IT’S attack on democracy ? Even The Nats & Sue Bradford (Unusual bed fellows) can see the danger of this bill. So there cannot be many, if any that earn your gratitude.
            Sometimes when someone dies we can show a little consideration of what they achieved, even if not entiely palatable to us.

  10. Woody 10

    Monday started surprisingly well with Gyon Espinar interview with a ex CIA analyst regarding alleged collusion between NZ Labour government and Chinese government. The suggestion was NZ should be excluded from the 5eyes network.
    It was to say the least a car crash of an interview for the ex CIA analyst topped by Gyon suggesting the irony seeing as the US President being investigated for collusion with Russia.
    I not however that all morning report interviews show up on their Web site except this one which I find very odd.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 10.1

      Look again: it’s there. Stories don’t appear on the website as soon as they air.

      Interesting point Mattis made about ‘announcing the presence of the party’.

    • SPC 10.2

      Once we sort out free trade with the EU/UK and RCEP would be the time to initiate any move to withdraw from Five Eyes (and close down their spy bases). By this time the US economy will have been superseded by China, the period of the American dollar as a reserve currency would be coming to an end and with it the affordability of their imperial military capability. Their leadership could be more unstable then, than under Trump now. A declining imperial regime bullies those closest to it – let’s leave that burden to those of the Americas.

      However if they ask us to leave Five Eyes now, we should do so and close down the bases.

    • Cinny 10.3

      ROFL…. the ex CIA agent giving their angle, text book manipulation right there 🙂

      Pro-war pundits on US airwaves

      “During the run-up to the Iraq War in 2003, false intelligence reports and a compliant US news media helped sell the invasion to Americans.

      Five years later, the New York Times revealed that part of that media sales pitch had been scripted by the Pentagon itself, in the person of retired generals it had trained to deliver talking points through the news media.

      Have the US media learned from the Iraq experience? It doesn’t look that way.

      Cable news coverage of US involvement in Syria features a phalanx of former military and intelligence officials: among them, some of the same faces that helped pave the warpath to Iraq, and others who have proven to have a casual relationship with facts.

      Not that that seems to bother the news producers who keep calling them up and providing them with on-air platforms.”

      https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/2018/05/israel-palestine-split-screens-dissonant-narratives-180519062314386.html

    • veutoviper 10.4

      That was indeed a car crash of an interview, Woody, and I am pleased Guyon bringing up the irony of proposing that NZ should be excluded from 5eyes for alleged collusion with the Chinese government when POTUS is being investigated for alleged collusion with Russia.

      I kept looking for the link which took a much longer time than normal to come up on the RNZ website but I suspect that the delay may have been to seek legal advice and clearance to put it up. But here it is for anyone who wants to hear it:

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018646779/labour-responds-to-accusations-of-chinese-influence

      • Anne 10.4.1

        Thanks for that link veutoviper. Nigel Hawthorne’s response fits in quite well with my response @ 6.1.1.1 to the ex-CIA interview.

        If there was any significant influence being applied by the Chinese it was during the time of the Nats not the current govt. It seems to me that this fellow, Peter Mattis is exhibiting pre-determined prejudice against the election of a Labour-led coalition govt. in NZ. Not at all surprised.

      • NZJester 10.4.2

        What about the POTUS collusion with the Chinese as well?
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljtMji-ddps

  11. Jilly Bee 11

    An interesting and even inspired choice of people to the panel to advise the Government on overhauling the sad state of welfare in New Zealand. It will be interesting to read what they come up with and whether the Government will act on any recommendations. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059902

    • patricia bremner 11.1

      Thanks Jilly Bee. I wonder what Rosemary thinks of the group. Phil O’Reilly? He gets too many chances to push his barrow IMO. Great Carmel wants “lived experience.”

  12. Ad 12

    Auckland Councillor Quax dies.

    Anyone keen to contest?

  13. Venezia 14

    I agree Jilly Bee. The Welfare Expert advisory group has included people with a wealth of experience in their fields. I couldn’t have chosen better myself. Lets just hope their recommendations are accepted by government.

    The members:
    Professor Cindy Kiro (chairwoman) – responsible for Māori/indigenous education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Auckland

    Professor Innes Asher – paediatrician and health spokeswoman for the Child Poverty Action Group

    Kay Brereton – Welfare advocate and co-convenor of the National Beneficiary Advocates Consultative Group

    Dr Huhana Hickey – Member of the NZ Human Rights Review Tribunal and chairwoman of the Auckland Council Disability Strategic Advisory Panel

    Professor Tracey McIntosh – head of department for Sociology at the University of Auckland

    Dr Ganesh Nana – Chief economist at BERL

    Phil O’Reilly – Former chief executive of BusinessNZ and current managing director at Iron Duke Partners

    Robert Reid – President of First Union

    Trevor McGlinchey – Executive officer of New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services

    Latayvia Tualasea Tautai – Young Pacific leader from Auckland and university student

    Charles Waldegrave – Founder of the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit 1991 and co-lead of the New Zealand Poverty Measurement Project

    • Rosemary McDonald 14.1

      Which one is currently having to survive on a WINZ benefit?

      Perhaps a solo mum under a section 70A sanction?

      Someone barely surviving on the Supported Living Payment?

      Someone who is only a beneficiary courtesy of this….https://www.pundit.co.nz/category/tags/public-health-and-disability-amendment-act-2013 ?

      Hmmm…didn’t think so.

      • Kay 14.1.1

        Oh come on Rosemary, that would be too reasonable and sensible. We can’t have politicians exposed to reality now, can we?

      • mikes 14.1.2

        Yeah I totally agree. They should have at least 2 or more actual beneficiaries or maybe advocates on the team. I hope they at least get round to talking with or interviewing actual beneficiaries.

        also, I hope there’s going to be the ability for the public to have some input, even if it’s like what they did with the tax working group. I for one would like to make a few suggestions in regards to how the government interacts with beneficiaries.

      • Venezia 14.1.3

        Rosemary… I am familiar with the work and research over many years of both Charles Waldegrave and Innes Asher. Through my own work I have met both of them, and heard them speak in the public domain on many occasions. Both are strong advocates for the poor, dispossessed and disabled. So they bring to the expert group evidence based information as well as ongoing contact with the people in our society for whom they are advocating.
        I think this group brings varied expertise to the work – a real change from the one sided, rigged attempts by the last government over nine years.

        • Rosemary McDonald 14.1.3.1

          Well, whew! That’s all good then. I’m sure they’re all worthy.

          But, I’d like to see actual, real life “poor, dispossessed and disabled” sitting on the panel as equals. Speaking for themselves. With their own voices.

          Government chosen experts have spoken on our behalf for too long.

          This could very well be yet another pantomime consultation.

          SSDD.

          • mary_a 14.1.3.1.1

            Rosemary McDonald @ (14.1.3.1) … wholeheartedly agree with you here.

            Definitely lacking from the panel are the voices of those living the rawness of deprivation and poverty. They after all are the unfortunate victims who can speak of the harsh reality of their circumstances with any conviction!

            However, acknowledging the core truth from those who do not have a voice, is not palatable for some, politicians in particular!

            Without those voices, the panel means nothing IMO.

    • Kay 14.2

      I realise I’m extremely bias, but what on earth could Phil O’Reily bring to the table? Isn’t he part of the business crowd who “encourage” governments to keep benefit rates down as a reason not to increase the minimum wage (Happy to be corrected) Does he provide some legitimate input or there for “balance”?

      • McFlock 14.2.1

        Seems to be a pretty wide net they’d pulled – he’d be there to ‘balance’ First Union and so the the tories can’t claim it’s stacked solely with lefty advocates.

      • Jilly Bee 14.2.2

        I agree with you Kay about Phil O’Reilly being part of that panel. I took a sharp intake of breath when I scrolled through the names. I reckon he’ll be a lone voice (hopefully). Charles Waldegrave is and has been a strong voice for the homeless and dispossessed for many years now working at the coalface.

        • greywarshark 14.2.2.1

          Some good thinking going on about the Welfare Advisory Group.

          The Public Service Association said frontline Work and Income staff should be asked for their perspectives in the review.

          “They will have their own perspectives on where the stresses are in the system and how they can be remedied,” PSA national secretary Glenn Barclay said.
          “We are proposing mechanisms by which employees can feed their knowledge and concerns to the Welfare Expert Advisory Group, not just in the form of submissions but throughout the process.”

          The expert group will report back to the Government with its recommendations in February 2019.

          (And other matters of interest and exact reading time for those who have it allocated in 2 minute slots:)

          Related articles:
          NEW ZEALAND
          Terminally ill man gets extra Govt funding
          25 May, 2018 9:57am
          2 minutes to read
          WANGANUI CHRONICLE
          Your Views: Why no report on the living wage? And more …
          24 May, 2018 2:00pm
          7 minutes to read
          NEW ZEALAND
          The most fascinating findings about NZ children
          20 May, 2018 5:00am
          7 minutes to read
          NEW ZEALAND
          Government injects $1.9m into longitudinal child study
          15 May, 2018 8:30am
          3 minutes to read

          • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.2.1.1

            “The Public Service Association said frontline Work and Income staff should be asked for their perspectives in the review.”

            These would be the same front-line Work and Income staff, members of the PSA, who failed to stand up to two successive governments with an agenda to make the lives of beneficiaries unbearable?

            I could be wrong…but I don’t recall ever reading any PSA statement challenging any government on their punitive welfare policies.

          • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.2.1.2

            “Related articles:
            NEW ZEALAND
            Terminally ill man gets extra Govt funding
            25 May, 2018 9:57am
            2 minutes to read”

            Is this the article? https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12058474

            I can’t see where it says the Lovetts are going to get extra Govt. funding.

            • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.2.1.2.1

              “I can’t see where it says the Lovetts are going to get extra Govt. funding.”

              Amendment….it is very difficult to assess if the Lovetts are going to get extra Government funding because there is an unfortunate lack of clarity about how much exactly they were receiving at the time of the first article…

              https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12050788

              Before we graduated to the lusher pastures of National Super, Peter and I lived the high life on the SLP…so this is familiar territory.

      • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.3

        I guess there would be howls of protest were there no representatives of the status quo.

        One group of workers who are not represented on this panel are those employed under the Funded Family Care Notice. https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2013-go6248

        The rules around Funded Family Care are set in concrete. Regardless of how many hours of hands on care or support the family carer provides they can only be paid for a maximum of forty hours per week at the minimum wage.

        https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/funded-family-care-operational-policy-mar16.pdf

        Those being paid for forty hours per week at the minimum wage are not allowed, by law, to have any other paid employment.

        Someone, very possibly a sociopath, decreed that a family carer of someone with very high disability support needs deserves only a minimum wage existence. Forever.

        A living wage would be nice.
        Equity with other disability support workers would be better.
        But no….

        Labour and the Greens both had this issue as part of their election campaigns…yet have failed as yet to repeal the Part 4 amendment or revise Funded Family Care.

        No doubt, if enough shit is kicked up, they will set up an Advisory Panel…such as this one for WINZ…and I look forward to seeing who they consider qualified to advise them on this issue.

      • mikes 14.2.4

        Probably for balance but also it is good to get business input surrounding certain areas. For instance what are the best ways to help unemployed and disabled beneficiaries into work and how can business make things easier or provide training, etc.

        It’s also good to have diversity of opinion.

        • Sacha 14.2.4.1

          The biggest barrier for disabled people getting and keeping employment is ignorant stereotyping by employers – so no, let’s not ask them for their reckons about that. Have them at the table by all means.

  14. greywarshark 15

    Something that should be thought about was on Radionz this morning. There is a trend from government that bothers me greatly and that is the wish to not only have smaller government, but to have less interaction people-to-people government and citizens. The trend under way already is for government to be like a machine, and interaction to be through a machine, with automated machine-set responses with little opportunity to deal with questions beyond those set by the machine. We probably all have noticed how hard it is to get an answer to some personal or local problem or question through FAQ when dealing with large organisations on-line.

    Now it is the IRD. They are going direct to taxpayers and wanting them to deal directly through a system called AIM and cutting out tax accountants, agents and book-keepers telling the businesses they approach that it will be cheaper. It seems dangerously heavy-handed to me.

    There was a good interview about it and worth a listen for businesses wanting to stay ahead and alert and government watchers. And one should always remember that cheerful slogans about a change being better, are unlikely to mention what will not be better, and will have paid little attention to thinking about the unintended, unforeseen consequences.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018646789/ird-changes-cause-more-issues-for-tax-agents
    business
    9:22 am today
    IRD changes cause more issues for tax agents
    From Nine To Noon, 9:22 am today
    Listen duration 26′ :36″

    Tax agents say they’ve been left frustrated again by the latest round of updates and changes to the Inland Revenue’s systems and website. This is the latest rollout of the IRD’s 1.7 billion dollar Business Transformation programme which has been going live in stages. To discuss how these changes are affecting taxpayers and tax agents, Kathryn is joined by Richard Abel, chair of ATAINZ (Accountant and Tax Agent Institute), Di Crawford-Errington from the BookKeepers Association and Terry Baucher, an Independent Tax Agent.

    • SPC 15.1

      Turning government into a gated community, access via invitation (net ID) and for a range of services reached via a standard format. The AI system will take bureaucratic barriers to a whole new level.

      A bit like voter ID in Missouri …

    • Draco T Bastard 15.2

      Tax agents say they’ve been left frustrated again by the latest round of updates and changes to the Inland Revenue’s systems and website.

      Sounds like tax agents are upset that their rort is coming to an end.

      • greywarshark 15.2.1

        The tax agents are mainly employed by small business people I understand.
        It is reasonable for them to need guidance on how to deal with the tax laws as the costs of not doing so are high. Being in business makes a business for someone else and so on. That’s how the economy works DTB don’t you think. And without this economy where would we be?

        • mikes 15.2.1.1

          In my experience Draco is correct. Accountants are a rip off for small businesses. They’re probably frustrated because they might have to get off their arses and actually do a bit of hard work for a change..

          I got so sick of teaching our accountant about tax (I know right) that I started doing our returns myself. It’s actually really quite easy to do say GST returns or tax returns for a small business and IRD are helpful you just need to be honest and upfront with them. (In my experience)

        • Draco T Bastard 15.2.1.2

          It is reasonable for them to need guidance on how to deal with the tax laws as the costs of not doing so are high.

          Tax agents are the ones that you hear advertised on radio and TV that say that they’ll get you a return from IRD for free. They fill out tax returns for individuals and charge them for it. Thing is, the individuals can go online and fill them out themselves for free. The tax agents aren’t a benefit in this case.

          And someone running a business should know the taxes that they need to pay. If they don’t then they’re not actually doing their job.

          And then there’s software like MYOB and Xero that do it all as well. All the business needs to do in fill in the numbers.

          Tax agents are becoming obsolete – just like many other jobs throughout history.

          • humma 15.2.1.2.1

            The thing is with MYOB and Xero is that it is costly for small businesses too. They have a minimum per month that is more than the fee that my tax agency charges for small clients. Many of my clients have bills in the range from $250-$500 (for an annual report and IR filing) and the Xero minimum is $50 per month and on top of that you still need an accountant to do the final bits. So you are a bit off the mark there Draco. Granted there are a lot of accountants (tax agents) that do charge far too much for what they do.

            • tracey 15.2.1.2.1.1

              Agree

            • Draco T Bastard 15.2.1.2.1.2

              The thing is with MYOB and Xero is that it is costly for small businesses too.

              And there’s stand alone examples as well. My point being that with a modicum of intelligence and actually knows what they need to do don’t need a tax accountant.

              Now, what happens if the IRD made their own online software available free along with the free advice that they already provide?

              To me it makes sense but I can already hear the whinging from the private sector.

            • KJT 15.2.1.2.1.3

              IRD requiring businesses to use costly private tax software to, supposedly, make it easier, sticks in my craw.

              At present we use an easy to use, intuitive and cheap software, which does all a small business requires for a one off purchase cost around $500.

              I do not want to pay the excessive monthly fees for MYOB, Xero, or whatever, to use AIM..

  15. SPC 16

    An entrapment piece in the Dominion Post.

    Someone seeking evidence that Pakeha are a little bit racist/racist as fxxk.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104216640/joel-maxwell-thieving-pkeh-neighbours-have-been-stealing-our-stuff-for-years

    There is a clearly an abundant need to preach the fake news gospel of there being people here before the Maori, to deny them indigenous people status and infer they deserved what they got (and what iwi were trying to do to each other). Which is the closest some will get to admitting the metaphor used in this story is quite accurate.  

    The black mirror reveals a truth they cannot handle and want to suppress. Colonialism is stealing the stuff of indigenous peoples and the consequence is being fearful of them wanting it back.

  16. DB 17

    I reckon content like Professor Margaret Mutu’s course Te Ao Maori should be compulsory for all NZ’ers. Especially white ones like me. Such an eye opener.

  17. DB 18

    So, Elon Musk tweets that he’s to start a company/website to spotlight the MSM and how much they talk shite. Over time a reporters or publications veracity will be uncovered as information from the reporter/publication is verified for accuracy and bias.

    LEGEND!

  18. Ad 20

    A curious lack of confidence expressed by media release from the Salvation Army about lack of confidence in KiwiBuild to deliver on its promises.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1805/S00415/stop-kiwibuild-uncertainty.htm

    Does this programme need more than “build more houses fast as possible”?

  19. Robert Guyton 21

    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

    The Government will attempt to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis (M Bovis).
    This will involve the culling of around 126,000 cattle over the next 1-2 years. Around 26,000 are already in the process of being culled.
    Farmers will be compensated, with the Government picking up just over two thirds of the cost.
    It’s still not clear how the disease came to NZ.
    No other country has managed to eradicate M Bovis.
    Mycoplasma bovis (M bovis) is a bacterium that causes illness in cattle including udder infections (mastitis), abortion, pneumonia and arthritis. It does not infect humans and presents no food safety risk.
    The full cost of the eradication will be around $886m, compared to a cost of around $1.2b to manage the disease.
    There is no cast-iron guarantee that this will work but MPI director Geoff Gwyn said they had a good shot at it given they had detected the disease quite early.

    • Puckish Rogue 21.1

      Is it possible, in your opinion, to eradicate this from NZ?

      • Robert Guyton 21.1.1

        I think it’s possible, but I think the attempt will fail; another threat will appear and complicate the issue to the point that everyone will throw their hands up in despair 🙂 It’s what happens with near-as monocultures mixed with capitalism.

      • Exkiwiforces 21.1.2

        Yes, it would’ve a lot easier if they had enforced the movement ban in Sth Island and no moo moo’s crossing the strait then we might have a chance at eradicating this from NZ, but I think the horse has bolted from the starters gate already.

        Any half decent reporter that’s left in NZ should be asking the last Mo-MPI why he sat on hands and did SFA about M Bovis as it appears to me it should’ve not to this stage if the movement ban was in place.

        There is a lot of questions that need to be answered starting with last MoMPI especially if they saying the first infection was back in 2014…….

    • Ad 21.2

      Not a great country in which to be a cow.

      Sure hope Ardern hands out not a single cent until every farmer signs up to compulsory movement tracking.

    • adam 21.3

      Begs the question, why are farmers being paid out if some sort of criminal behaviour is involved here?

      From what I have seen, at least some farmers were selling stock without tags, and moving stock to avoid tax. I’m not convinced this is only one or two people, it is systemic.

  20. Robert Guyton 22

    “Q: What have farmers done wrong?

    A: Many have not complied with a system introduced in 2012 called National Animal Identification Tracing (Nait). When cattle or deer are born, they are meant to be tagged and registered and their movements around the country have to be recorded. That is what has made it so tough for MPI to track stock.

    But MPI has also been guilty of being too soft on non-compliant farmers. In the six years since Nait was introduced, only one infringement fine of $150 has been handed out. The maximum fine is $10,000.

    Q: How about the “cash for calves” business?

    A: Some farmers have not registered calves and then sold them off for cash. This has not only made it more difficult for MPI to track the calves; it’s also attracted the attention of the taxman.”

    • adam 22.1

      I’m not comfortable paying out farmers if this is proven to be a common practice.

      • Cinny 22.1.1

        Listening to radiolive and they are doing a poll on that very topic.
        Adam, your feelings are shared with the majority of responders to said poll.

        • greywarshark 22.1.1.1

          Let’s not say farmers as if they are all at fault. Please let us stop throwing that blame around, bwaghorn notices this as he is in the farming sector and rightly points out the error. It is no good dividing off into town good, farming bad. Reminds of Animal Farm doesn’t it! The animals didn’t know who to trust, thought they were all working together. We have to work together but understand the sly ones who squirm out of their responsibilities, who aren’t on the good side. Let’s be aware of the dark force.

          I have been reading about the Romans round about Cicero’s time. Stabbing in the back, grabbing power, holding deep grudges unto death. Can we do better today!! (Oh and by the way, one photograph of a bust of Cicero looks very like our own John Clarke aka Fred Dagg.)

          Fighting the Dark Side Mark Hamill updates:
          (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Niggo6MHG9M

          KJT
          Have to pay them something, definitely less, but give them some help otherwise they will get all bitter and twisted, subvert the system for coping, and their families will suffer, and don’t remember they are not good at complying, following the law and good practice, as they didn’t with NAIT. This is at the same time that our farming promotion is going on about how good we are at keeping up with international requirements like the field to the table idea. Many farmers, in general, have a slogan ‘Being a farmer is never having to say you’re sorry.’

          • adam 22.1.1.1.1

            So what are they if they are not farmers?

            I’m not saying farmers bad. I’m saying I don’t think there can be blanket pay out, if the disease was spread and embedded becasue of willing criminal behaviour. The fact they happen to be farmers, is just a reality you have to face.

            • greywarshark 22.1.1.1.1.1

              Why the question? I made the point that often ‘farmers’ are talked about as if they are all the same, and they don’t like this blanket description, which is a reasonable response.

              I quite agree that there should not be a blanket payout. However I also don’t think it wise to choose not to assist some who have not followed the requirements of the NAIT system. They should get far less than those who have tried to conform with the NAIT requirements. If they can be charged on a criminal basis then do that. But then government will need to step in and ensure their animals and properties are controlled to ensure they comply with the remedial actions. This is separate from any money they may be paid or be fined.

              • adam

                But what are they if they are not farmers? Is it a use of language thing here? Have property, farm it, hence a farmer.

                From webster.

                Definition of farmer
                1 : a person who pays a fixed sum for some privilege or source of income
                2 : a person who cultivates land or crops or raises animals (such as livestock or fish)
                3 : yokel, bumpkin

                • greywarshark

                  You are too literal I think Adam – you lack nuance. I won’t comment further on this.

    • tracey 22.2

      Too soft means Nats didnt want to upset its rural voters by asking them to partake in this. Finally something the media should ask Nats opinion of

    • KJT 22.3

      Pay out farmers who have followed the rules, for all of their costs.

      Those that did not. Pay them nothing!

      Dodging taxes, then expecting tax payers to bail them out?

  21. tracey 23

    I went to Reid Research site but coukdnt find a link to the latest poll methodology and questions. Anyone got the link?

  22. eco maori 24

    Good morning The AM Show those were nice gifts for Jacinda and Clarke baby I like Amanda one Daddy’s from Gissy.
    With the eradication of the bovine virus you see Jacinda is making a brave call to eradicate the virus instead of flickering the buck to someone else to make the call I believe it will work the eradication of this virus.
    Its good that the nurses are reaching a settlement with the DHBs.
    Yes Duncan Nathan Guy dropped the ball on the dairy farming well he dropped the ball on all farmers.
    Ka kite ano P.S what a mess national have left for The Labour Lead coalition government

  23. eco maori 25

    This music is for the national party and you know who link.

    https://youtu.be/6ad4MH7fMLs

  24. eco maori 26

    This is a good article by Jole Maxwell this it OUR European nabours our other country culture should be working with Maori culture people so we can leave the mokos a better future. Not just grab the bits of OUR culture like the Haka and discard the rest Maori we just want to be treated with respect and have Equality is that such a big ask isn’t that what the book says link below.
    https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/104216640/joel-maxwell-thieving-pkeh-neighbours-have-been-stealing-our-stuff-for-years

    Ka kite ano

  25. eco maori 27

    Some ECO MAORI music been busy link is Below.

    https://youtu.be/fKopy74weus

    https://youtu.be/CevxZvSJLk8

    Ka kite ano

    • eco maori 27.1

      The sandflys in Tauranga and Hamilton behave them selves they were still escorting me and the Auckland ones did to they will learn not to – – – – – – with ECO MAORI I see Hamilton had a bit of flooding. I seen a glider in Tauranga last week to?????????. One idiot actor asked if was scared and I should run from the sandflys I said – – – no not with the kohas my tipunas gave me he turn tail and crept back into his whare.
      Ka kite ano

  26. eco maori 28

    P.S ECO MAORI does not miss much

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – Does CO2 always correlate with temperature?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    6 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: In today’s ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Tuesday, March 19:Kāinga Ora’s dry rot The Spinoff DailyBill McKibben on ‘Climate Superfunds’ making Big Oil pay for climate damage The Crucial YearsPreston Mui on returning to 1980s-style productivity growth NoahpinionAndy Boenau on NIMBYs needing unusual bedfellows Urbanism SpeakeasyNed Resnikoff's case ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 hours ago
  • Relentlessly negative
    Negative yesterday, negative today. Negative all year, according to one departing reader telling me I’ve grown strident and predictable. Fair enough. If it’s any help, every time I go to write about a certain topic that begins with C and ends with arrrrs, I do brace myself and ask: Again? Are ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    8 hours ago
  • Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    Bryce Edwards writes –  It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago
  • Promiscuous Empathy: Chris Trotter Replies To His Critics.
    Inspirational: The Family of Man is a glorious hymn to human equality, but, more than that, it is a clarion call to human freedom. Because equality, unleavened by liberty, is a broken piano, an unstrung harp; upon which the songs of fraternity will never be played. “Somebody must have been telling lies about ...
    9 hours ago
  • Don’t run your business like a criminal enterprise
    The Detail this morning highlights the police's asset forfeiture case against convicted business criminal Ron Salter, who stands to have his business confiscated for systemic violations of health and safety law. Business are crying foul - but not for the reason you'd think. Instead of opposing the post-conviction punishment and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    9 hours ago
  • Misremembering Justinian’s Taxes.
    Tax Lawyer Barbara Edmonds vs Emperor Justinian I - Nolo Contendere: False historical explanations of pivotal events are very far from being inconsequential.WHEN BARBARA EDMONDS made reference to the Roman Empire, my ears pricked up. It is, lamentably, very rare to hear a politician admit to any kind of familiarity ...
    10 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support for the various parties in ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    10 hours ago
  • Bishop scores headlines with crackdown on unwelcome tenants – but Peters scores, too, as tub-thump...
    Buzz from the Beehive Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered news – packed with the ingredients to enflame political passions – worthy of supplanting Winston Peters in headline writers’ priorities. He popped up at the post-Cabinet press conference to promise a crackdown on unruly and antisocial state housing tenants. His ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    11 hours ago
  • Will it make the boat go faster?
    Ele Ludemann writes – The Reserve Bank is advertising for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor. The Bank has one mandate – to keep inflation between one and three percent. It has failed in that and is only slowly getting inflation back down to the upper limit. Will it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi The fact that a ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    14 hours ago
  • Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Bryce Edwards writes – Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    15 hours ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' at 10:10am on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Gavin Jacobson talks to Thomas Piketty 10 years on from Capital in the 21st Century The SalvoLocal scoop: Green MP’s business being investigated over migrant exploitation claims Stuff Steve KilgallonLocal deep-dive: The commercial contractors making money from School ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    15 hours ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things on Tuesday, March 19
    It’s a home - but Kāinga Ora tenants accused of “abusing the privilege” may lose it. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government announced a crackdown on Kāinga Ora tenants who were unruly and/or behind on their rent, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop saying a place in a state ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    16 hours ago
  • New Life for Light Rail
    This is a guest post by Connor Sharp of Surface Light Rail  Light rail in Auckland: A way forward sooner than you think With the coup de grâce of Auckland Light Rail (ALR) earlier this year, and the shift of the government’s priorities to roads, roads, and more roads, it ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    17 hours ago
  • Why Are Bosses Nearly All Buffoons?
    Note: As a paid-up Webworm member, I’ve recorded this Webworm as a mini-podcast for you as well. Some of you said you liked this option - so I aim to provide it when I get a chance to record! Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    19 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on March 18
    TL;DR: In my ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Monday, March 18:IKEA is accused of planting big forests in New Zealand to green-wash; REDD-MonitorA City for People takes a well-deserved victory lap over Wellington’s pro-YIMBY District Plan votes; A City for PeopleSteven Anastasiou takes a close look at the sticky ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Peters holds his ground on co-governance, but Willis wriggles on those tax cuts and SNA suspension l...
    Buzz from the Beehive Here’s hoping for a lively post-cabinet press conference when the PM and – perhaps – some of his ministers tell us what was discussed at their meeting today. Until then, Point of Order has precious little Beehive news to report after its latest monitoring of the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Labour’s final report card
    David Farrar writes –  We now have almost all 2023 data in, which has allowed me to update my annual table of how  went against its promises. This is basically their final report card. The promise The result Build 100,000 affordable homes over 10 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • “Drunk Uncle at a Wedding”
    I’m a bit worried that I’ve started a previous newsletter with the words “just when you think they couldn’t get any worse…” Seems lately that I could begin pretty much every issue with that opening. Such is the nature of our coalition government that they seem to be outdoing each ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Dune 2, and images of Islam
    Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
    2 days ago
  • New Rail Operations Centre Promises Better Train Services
    Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things at 6.36am on Monday, March 18
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • 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
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 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
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    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

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours 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
    13 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
    15 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
    15 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
    1 day 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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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
    5 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • 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
    7 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,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • 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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-19T11:57:32+00:00