Open mike 28/11/2010

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 28th, 2010 - 58 comments
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58 comments on “Open mike 28/11/2010 ”

  1. just saying 1

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10690526

    Gee I didn’t think I’d be the first to post this, what with Matt taking issue with a post in the Standard.

    Quote:
    “This brings me to whether there’s a space for a new party if Labour continues to drift. This idea was surprisingly raised on the Labour Party-aligned Standard Blog during the Mana by-election. It suggested I’d been in cahoots with Hone Harawira and Sue Bradford in planning such a project.”

    I’m sure the “Labour-aligned” crack will get a bit of a rise from some around here.
    Anyway, he goes on to say that he hadn’t met with Bradford and Harawira and hadn’t been planning a new left party, however, he definitely wouldn’t be averse….

    Quote
    “Without such a presence outside, Labour tends to swing to the right to compete with National for the so-called centre vote. Labour’s been doing that for the past two and a half decades and trying to be National-lite won’t get Phil Goff into government next year”.

    Apart from being morally wrong, Labour’s continuing to woo the well-to-do, and turn up its nose at those who struggle is a glaring tactical mistake IMO. That it is apparently continuing on this path (just this week it again proudly endorsed the first ACT government (Cunliffe’s speech)) shows how woefully out of touch the leadership continues to be. As many have quipped lately ‘you’d think they wanted to lose in 2011’.
    Anyway Matt gives the following warning, though I’m pretty much certain the dye is already cast.

    Quote:
    “In the Mana campaign I promoted traditional Labour policies to working class people who loved them. Fortunately for you, enough of them went back to you last Saturday to save your party from humiliation.

    Next year they may not. That’s the real lesson of the Mana by-election”.

    • jcuknz 1.1

      The left talks of solidarity in its unions but in politics it seems to be always hiving off factions … new labour, alliance, greens, Maori, even ACT though that seems to have gone a fair way away. and narry a nice word spoken between them?. While National seems to have maintained its solidarity in contrast.

      • just saying 1.1.1

        I’ve noticed that.
        But maybe enduring what has effectively been a ‘grand coalition of the right’ government, in a rece/depre/ession, for two f#*king years, and looking down the barrel of three more, whilst our species faces its most important, and probably fatal crisis. Maybe something like that might galvanise the left.

        Maybe not.

        • ZeeBop 1.1.1.1

          Rubbish. The left just needs to do the deep analysis that the right does. The right does not hit the message everytime by mistake, they have panels, they do surveys to find what hits people’s bucket.

          Everyone knows that without regulation and rules you will get deaths (29 in Pike River), so why isn’t
          the left on the same page, pushing back the lies of the right that no regulation is really dopey, that free markets
          don’t mean no government rather free markets can’t come about without good regulation governance!

          The press, media mogals, destroyed the world economy once before, the great depression. Now they
          are doing it again. Read your history.

        • pollywog 1.1.1.2

          i don’t think global warming is going to be an issue at the election nor will it galvanise the left, it’ll be an anomalous distraction, a political football to kick around for rhetorics sake.

          campaigning will be all about the economy and showing ‘smile and wave’ up for the psychopath he appears to be, not the genius self made millionaire kid who made good and has a grand scheme for pulling us out of the financial mire we’re bogged down in.

          everyone knows the simple answer to our woes is to tax the rich more, but seeing as how the dipton dipshit just gave the fatcats a massive taxcut amounting to a rise in salary while raising the poor tax by way of GST and bailing out his investor mates who gamed Sth Canterbury Finance for all it’s worth means it just ain’t gonna happen

          and the fact that team red accepted the raise with nary a protest or an offer to stick the tax switch up their blue arses shows which side of the bread they’re buttered on too

          even forcing another brown stooge on us thru a by election caused by one of their own who couldn’t be arsed playing second fiddle anymore shows how little they care about constituents and more about rewarding the eatarse party faithful and jumping ship when the opportunity presents itself.

          i’m predicting massive voter apathy just like Mana where not voting is a tick against both major parties. if there were a real deal left party who could mobilise the young and disaffected without coming off like a bunch of vegan stoner hippies they’d go along way to restoring some faith in democracy and freedom of choice.

          • Bill 1.1.1.2.1

            The left mimics the organisational structures of the right, ie it employs hierarchy. And hierarchy is a structure for authoritarianism. And insofar as authoritarians want control, the left will endlessly split into factions defending and propagating their own turf.

            The right doesn’t have the same problem because their over aching commonality is over preserving the ‘here and now’ and the right to get ahead at the expense of others while excusing that state of affairs.

            Meanwhile, most of the left is a mess of contending prescriptions to the ‘here and now’, all predicated on establishing some form of elite control. If and when the left gets to a point where it unabashedly embraces basic tenets of democracy and doesn’t forego substantive democracy in the name of ‘pragmatism’ (read: elites are good and ‘the great unwashed’ need our guidance, not theirs), then we might get somewhere.

          • ZeeBop 1.1.1.2.2

            I disagree. Labour will win in a landslide if they want to win. I think most people believe it
            won’t matter who gets in, but just on the off chance Labour might actually change something
            because they’ve had two years of completely stupid and even businesses and farmers can
            see that rewarding weeds isn’t good for their consumers or the integrity of the economy.
            On the day that Pike River exploded! National made it illegal for union representatives
            to go into a workplace to discuss safety. That is a breach of so many human rights
            principles that National basically in one fell swoop trashed our democracy. We are
            all now slaves of the state, our lives are to be thrown away at the leisure of parliament.

          • just saying 1.1.1.2.3

            I was talking about the whole cocktail of crises: capitalism and social structures breaking down, the end of cheap oil, massive, continuing, pollution and ecodestruction, peak soil, climate change, an ever more powerful burgeoning police state ready to keep you and me away from those gated communities when we get angry or hungry in a few years time……..(and a whole lot more that doesn’t bear thinking about).

            But like you, I doubt any of them will get much of a mention in the election campaign. I’m also predicting mass apathy – unless those getting shat on worst come to believe there is an alternative to the ‘grand coaltion of the right’, at the same time, they they get to feeling more angry than ashamed.

        • KJT 1.1.1.3

          We have had a grand coalition of the lunatic right since 1984.

          If Labour got of their collective asses and decided to stand for what Labour should stand for then they may have a pleasant surprise. If they continue to drift along as NACT light then they will never be taken seriously.

          • Jim Nald 1.1.1.3.1

            More claptrap re the first comment at 1.
            Actually, it is the Right who are breaking up. But in their typical style of showing a different face, they are portraying like they are all in agreement. National has been working to hide its factions and internal dissatifaction from public view. After 9 years on the opposition benches, dead rats and anything distasteful are now being swallowed at all cost just to be in power. Just to enjoy the ministerial privileges and advance their private interests. Well, even the Zombie Brash now has to crawl out of his tomb and begin railing against Key:

            http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4399155/Brash-takes-aim-at-Key-in-race-speech/

            The country is fast going down the toilet because of bad decisions of the past two years and NACTS have only one way to deal with the challenges by smiling and waving away the real issues.

            • Herodotus 1.1.1.3.1.1

              No Ji,m we are not progressing because of a Lab govt 5 years ago was devoid of any ideas and broken dreams remember GDP and OCED rankings?
              The economy they based their legacy on was false. Housing boom (When we cannot even build houses that can cope with mositure), GDP growth based on part by immigration, We cannot grow our own economy without the need to import a pop to sustain growth or consumerism, and a rising commodity market predom Dairy.
              Look Lab have appologised for the mistakes from Helens time, a new direction as espoused by David, no detail. And how many ivy league are part of the Lab makeup?
              http://cunliffe.co.nz/?p=582
              On a side issue why does what was Rodney DC still get charged for toll calls to connect to the rest of the super city. Why is there no pressure being placed on Telecom to unit the city with toll free?

              • Colonial Viper

                Herod. no detail? Possibly a fair criticism but the broad strokes are there, in Cunliffe’s words. His speech detailed his thinking and the options and priorities being considered. He is clear on the failures of the past as well as current in-progress failures. Further its still 6-12 months from an election, there is some need to keep the powder dry.

                So I agree with you that Cunliffe needs to flesh out the bones but I would suggest that is what is actually happening behind closed doors now.

                On the other hand, if I were to reflect your same criticisms on our *Government*: where are their new and innovative ideas in power? What is their direction for the economy of NZ in power? Can they even see the dreams breaking in front of NZ’ers eyes while they are in power?

                From this perspective LAB is preparing to make a big break from the pre-GFC neo con past, while NAT is scouring over Richardson and Brash to see what ideas from the 1990’s they can resurrect.

                I’m going to hold LAB to account and I am certain you will too.

              • Jim Nald

                More rubbish.
                I’ll address one just before I step out to enjoy the sun that I will see a lot more of when I close the gap with Oz by buying a one-way ticket.
                The nation’s leaky homes were built thanks to Nats’ hands in lowering building standards and deregulating.
                I had my gripes with Labour circa mid-2000s for not putting together a fairer and speedier package for the blameless home owners and that’s a comment for another time.

                • Herodotus

                  In 2002 Helen Clark commented re Herald beatup story re leaky homes. So 8 years ago both parties thought there was nothing wrong with the building code. If it was sooo obvious why did nothing happen except protecting BRANZ from liability??
                  And CV my issue re David is the lack of time and detail we the voter will be given to critically analysis this new approach. The media will base the election like a boxing fight the title holder wearing blue trucks in the right undefeated Smashing Johnboy Keeeeey and in the left wearing red trucks with blue trim the challanger in his first title fight Phil where is he Goff. No time for addressing such minor issues as policy and detail. Great song by Living Colour summing up the problem

                • KJT

                  How were the home owners blameless. They were cheering on the cheaper houses with deregulation and the ability to pay cheap unqualified builders too.

                  Don’t tell me they did not know that cost cutting always resultts in shoddier products.

                  I lost quotes many time because I quoted for doing a house that did not leak.
                  The same people are moaning about regulation of builders increasing prices now.

                  • just saying

                    http://www.tumeke.blogspot.com/

                    The left are on a roll this fine Sunday. The above from Bomber at Tumeke deserves a thread of its own but it fits best with this conversation. Fine writing and well worth reading in full, but I’ll leave a lttle taste here.

                    Quote: “The next election will be down to the wire as New Zealanders wake up to the privatization agenda National will propose and a Social Equity Party with the welfare of beneficiaries and those on Minimum wage foremost on their agenda would be better placed than at any other time in our political history to force real concessions from major political parties to ensure the concerns of those on the bottom are foremost in decision making.

                    A new party on the left with social equity at its philosophical heart focused on making sure any changes benefit those on the bottom most would need to tap into every beneficiary support group and every minimum wage organisation to push myopically for the party vote. There are 338 000 beneficiaries in NZ, there were 2 376 480 votes in the 2008 election, those beneficiaries represent 14% of that vote, a new Political Party needs only 5% to gain representation, add those on minimum wage and a clearly defined Party with the concerns of beneficiaries and those on minimum wage foremost at their political manifesto can pass the 5% threshold, it’s as simple as that.”

                  • Draco T Bastard

                    They were cheering on the cheaper houses with deregulation and the ability to pay cheap unqualified builders too.

                    They still are. My nephew has the same problem – puts in quotes at bare minimum and doesn’t get them. Gets undercut by huge amounts which, quite simply, the people doing the job can’t possibly be making any money on. They go in, cut corners and run.

                    I heard of job sites that have been shut down by OSH (Leaving the people without a place to live but considering that they accepted a quote that was half what the builder could do it for… Hint: If the builder gives a quote and then someone cuts it down by 50% don’t assume that the builder is ripping you off), fences that topple over in a mild wind and MDF being used as joists. People don’t seem to be able to learn and actually think that the amount that they want to pay is the amount it costs. Hell, I’ve even heard that people think that builders are creaming it.

              • Jum

                This is happening in Franklin as well – Toll calls to an Auckland they did not wish to join. Disgraceful.

                As for Helen Clark – it was a bolstering time. It gave people time to regain some health; lower health costs, etc. gone now. Bringing back the railway into national ownership was not a mistake. The mistake is allowing Joyce to play god with it.

                • Herodotus

                  http://www.breastcancer.org.nz/reconstruction.htm
                  Not for all lower health costs. The cost to reconstruct is at least the same if not more for Cancer affected patients than for Pam Andersons of this world.
                  The phone issue is one many are not aware of as the majority live within the telecom zone of $0 cost, perhaps more of us affected folk should follow the line of making Len aware of this issue.
                  Also thanks to the unbundling, to get a new line takes 4+ weeks thanks to One World, reverting back to the 70\’s when you need to know someone to get your phone/internet connected.
                  A call to NZFP- Re Cunliffs speach – why would you tax inflows, I thought we would want to promote investment into the country and increase the difficulty of repatriation the $$. So if use a Tobin system, tax outflows or is there some advantage in Davids suggestion, as taxing inflows screws the exporter as well??

                  • Draco T Bastard

                    Taxing inflows will decrease the demand for NZ$ dropping its value on the market.

                    • Herodotus

                      Taxing outflows, means that good overseas investment is rewarded when $$ are repatriated, exporters are not disadvantaged, they send goods offshore and $$ return no tax, reward for + behaviour. Importers are taxed, $ go out goods return. Also overseas investment is would be like Chine, where you can invest here yet there is a disensentive to take profits, and on a wee personnel side Banks would take less back to Aussie as the tax would reduce cash dividends, only watch out for transfer pricing from corp H/O.
                      Also tourists can spend her and are penalised when they cashin unused kiwi$ and holidaying overseas has a wee additional cost.

            • millsy 1.1.1.3.1.2

              Ah yes, just when you thought it was safe…

              Brash flits round the countryside spouting the same crap he has been spouting for the past 20 years, about wanting to throw the poor, the sick the young and the elderly under a bus so we can win some kind of pissing contest with Australia.

              With a gold plated pension topped up by luractive consultancy, he doesnt have to worry about making ends meet when he retires.

              • ZeeBop

                Brash, like Key, even Goff, can’t be talking any leftwing shit and cause huge problems
                for the UK, US, right who will get even.

                Brash isn’t criticising Key out of revenge, its money. Brash very much worries that
                there won’t be any lucrative consultancy or praliamentary pensions if ther kitty is empty.

                And when the US is printing money, when the reserve currency of the world, is
                printing money, and soverign funds like Ireland, Spain, Greece, Italy, and yes
                NZ private sector, all have huge debts, you have top wonder why he wouldn’t
                be speaking out. Like everyone on the right squeeze to be silent from their
                right, and wanted to introduce leftwing policy on their left to recenter the
                economy but can’t be seen doing it, or wanting it.

              • KJT

                Brash. NZ’s highest paid welfare beneficiary.

  2. nilats 2

    GW is dead, it ain’t happening as Jones @ CRU said himself there is no STATISTICAL warming over the past 15 years at 95% CL. Cancun is a forum to discuss wealth re distribution. Wll I say F%@k You UN/IPCC, I already support too many people already, without having to support poor ole sand dweller in Africa.

  3. I have always believed and still do that we imprison to many people.However I draw the line at crimes of violence and murder. Violent people must be put away for some time not only to pay for their crime but to protect other people. I was concerned that murderer Bruce Emery recieved only four years for the brutal murder of Pihema Cameron. Emery caught this young boy tagging so he went into his house fouind a knife then chased this silly boy caught him and stabbed him to death . He then went home washed the knife and sat down with his family to watch TV

    • continued from above.
      this is the classical behavour of a pathological killer.One can only wonder what the outcome would have been if the roles had been reversed and a Brown lad had murderer a white man.?
      What makes this case even worse is that the self appointed spokeperson on morals the chairperson of the misnamed Sensible Sentencing Trust believes this is a good decision. Worse still he believes this murderer should never have been sentenced. Its obvious that McVicar and his cronies believe that if a person is white and a church goer they should not be charged with cfrimes of violence. These obsene remarks by McVicar
      show just what a nasty dispicable man he is.

      • Vicky32 3.1.1

        I absolutely agree with you, pink postman… I am shocked that Emery got such a short sentence, and that it’s all so blatant!
        They can’t even be bothered hiding the inequality and elitism of the sentencing…
        Deb

      • Anne 3.1.2

        Sensible Sentencing Trust is a depository for psychopaths. The SST types have a neanderthal look about them too. Narrow foreheads… eyes close together… and prominent jaws. Have a good look at McVicar next time he’s on TV.

  4. Sanctuary 4

    A post from a reader called “DennisP” in this guardian.co.uk story – http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/27/new-zealand-mine-tragedy-safety – has been more informative to me (along with googling some of his key technical words) in 600 or so words about aspects of mining technology than a week of wall to wall coverage of Pike River in the New Zealand media.

    Why has our media not bothered to explain what sort of mine Pike River is? Why has it not bothered to explain how the mining process worked at Pike River, and how this can lead to an explosion? Why have they not bothered to try and put Pike River, it’s mining method and this disaster into some sort of global context? They’ve had plenty of time to tell us.

    Instead of trying to give New Zealanders an understanding of coal mining, something that might provoke the higher level though processes in their audience and allow us to contextualise what has occurred, our miserable media have yet again revealed what they really think of their audience by feeding us a ghastly drivel of low order, human interest disaster porn, designed to elicit knee jerk emotion and re-traumatise rather than educate.

    • Colonial Viper 4.1

      Yeah, keep ’em in the dark and feed them…oh you know the rest.

      Shortland Street is NOT supposed to start at 6pm.

    • pollywog 4.2

      good lookin out sanctuary !

      captcha : escape

    • Bill 4.3

      Thanks for providing the link to that bloody excellent first hand explanation/description of mining environments Sanctuary. The same person has more comments offering further insights to mining environments through the link below. Worth the read. Scroll down his comments to the ones titled “Pike River:The Miners Worst Fears”

      http://www.guardian.co.uk/discussion/user-comments/DennisP

    • Swampy 4.5

      Why don’t you wait like everyone else until the enquiry has finished?

      What sort of mine is it? It is a coal mine. We don’t need a commentator from halfway around the world grinding his own axe to tell us that.

      • Colonial Viper 4.5.1

        His axe is a damn sight sharper than many I’ve seen on this issue so far. He conveyed a lot of valuable information in his comments. The fact that he has industry expertise but independent of the situation in NZ also has considerable value.

  5. joe90 5

    The Mudflats is blogging America By Heart… .

  6. Bill 6

    One hundred thousand Irish protest against the bank bailouts. That’s from a population base that’s about the same as NZ.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/nov/27/ireland-bailout-dublin-protest

  7. just saying 7

    http://liberation.typepad.com/

    Bryce Edwards’ analysis of a nascent rift in the National Party – Brash speaks out in OrewaII

    My God this guy is fast (Edwards not Brash)

    • Bill 7.1

      But the Nat’s are neither moderate nor centrist. They are pushing as far as they can with one eye obviously on the next election, after which they can rip shit and bust.

      Could be wrong, but I see Brash’s ‘criticism’ as being feigned in an attempt to sucker any potential concern of the KO policies the Nats will inevitably run out should they win the coming election.

      • ianmac 7.1.1

        There was recent speculation of a far right party being formed to take up the slack caused by ACT being in trouble. Brash was mentioned in this regard. However it would suit National to have such a group because they would carry out the function that National wants, while Nat appears to keep the centre. Keeps John’s hand clean you see.

    • Draco T Bastard 7.2

      Don Brash’s return to Orewa – opening up divisions in National
      Actual link

      Hmmm, a lot of words to say that Brash is a little upset about the direction and the lack thereof that Jonkey is taking the National party. Of course, if Brash was true to his beliefs he’d be joining the Act party.

    • Gotham 7.3

      Edwards also hitting out at the Greens again too – though this article is mostly just a paraphrase of the Weekend Dom magazine piece from last weekend:

      http://liberation.typepad.com/liberation/2010/11/the-beige-party-formerly-known-as-the-green-party.html

      (I do declare I am a Green member, but even I agree with about 30% of Edward’s comments. That makes me a bit sad…)

      So…the maybe/maybe not formation of a ‘new left party’ because Labour’s just not getting it; Brash positioning himself as ‘critic and conscience’ of the Nats, because they’re just not getting it; and the ‘reinvention’ of the Greens because, well, seems they aren’t getting it either.

      Uninspired, much?

  8. Jum 8

    When is this going to be out on real physical paper? You have to shove information under people’s noses before they begin to understand what is happening. If the Left don’t do this, they will lose the next election. If they lose the next election, as far as I am concerned, it is because they wanted our assets to be sold to private interests. They are not pulling out all the stops; they are not meeting at the places people go; instead they’re having high end discussions at places like the University Business School that had Bernard Hickey and Selwyn Pellett talking about an economic rethink, but sounding sadly more like an e-loop of Key (so much for the epiphany Bernard). Then there’s David Cunliffe who has learned nothing about the damage any sort of private ownership of monopoly community good assets brings. How can he sew up all the loopholes that the pond-scum of Wealth Street spends OUR money on opening up for exploitation? Borrowing by government or council must be cheaper than giving private interests our assets to tear apart. There are no savings in contracting (privatising) out.

    And then there’s the little problem of what a Left under McCarten will bring; will it be equality or will it be the same crap NActMU have been dishing out to women. The National Council of Women advocated for women (although it is certainly full of NAct supporters) and was removed from the Charitable Funding membership, along with sensible sentencing. The two don’t compare. I was told by ? that the NCW removed the right of Maori women to have the moko. Is the Maori Party taking out Utu? Mickey Savage took me to task about the work Labour had been doing for women, but why tell me? Tell the women who voted for NActMU.
    _____________________________________________________________________________
    This blog could go one step further; why are they afraid to foot it on the streets and hand out info sheets telling the real stories about the gummint the extreme right media won’t print? Time is running out guys.
    _____________________________________________________________________________
    If you won’t do it maybe a new Women’s Party will…

    • Colonial Viper 8.1

      Money and networks of people ready to hand copies out, at a guess. Plus The Standard’s admins and writers already have their hands full as it is.

      Also consider that most people on the streets these days look at you like you are a leper if you try and hand them anything. They consider that they are too posh for it. I mean, getting $14.75/hr means you’ve lifted yourself above the rest of the minimum wage scum through your own hard work and initiative, time to vote NACT. Seriously thats the way some people seem to think.

      In essence I agree with you though, The Standard needs to be way more visible, known and in peoples’ faces.

      I suggest twice weekly You Tube segments to begin with, 10 mins long each, 6 mins covering the most interesting news, posts and comments, 4 mins for an exclusive interview with someone sensible.

      Advertising opportunities galore, too.

      Don’t forget the Facebook page, etc.

      • Vicky32 8.1.1

        Hey, if someone would produce a print version, I’d help hand it out! (I am unemployed, and have nowt else to do – at least, I’d would be doing something useful!)
        Deb

        • Bill 8.1.1.1

          Could be produced and sold on a similar basis to the Big Issue. That was (is?) a newspaper about and by the homeless that homeless people could buy an initial bundle of from money loaned from ‘Big Issue’. They sold (as independent sub contractors responsible for dealing with tax etc) at a cover price that was (I think) double what they paid. They could always rip the 20 pounds up front they received, or use the 40 pounds to pay back the 20 and reinvest some of the remaining 20 to buy more copy to sell and either declare the earnings or not as they saw fit in view of their legal responsibilities.

          But logistics for ‘The Standard’? Can the cost of layout/design and printing and issues of editorialising plus a fairly small market be overcome?

          I’d sell it.

      • M 8.1.2

        Excellent CV, re YT segments, maybe it could be under a banner like the Workers’ Channel? like the Fkn News has all its video posts.

        LOL, the $14.75/hour rate lifting a person above the minimum wage scum and time to vote NACT – poor fools, a small taste of sugar and they fall into line.

  9. john 9

    What is the outlook for NeoLiberal America, the country our ACT-nat government thinks is the way to go whose sad road they want us to copy!? Refer link:

    http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/BreakingNews.html

  10. Draco T Bastard 10

    Will Europe Face Defaults?

    So why not bite the bullet and just get it over with? Because the European banking system would not survive even the best-case restructuring scenario. As a consequence we are fated to witness several years of difficult economic adjustment while everyone pretends that these countries, under the right policies, can work their way through their debt burdens. What will really be happening is that European banks will aggressively rebuild their capital bases, with the unwilling help of the poor household sector, until they are sufficiently well capitalized to begin taking the write-offs. Only then will we recognize that some countries cannot repay their debts.

    Sounds about right – the poor bailing out the rich so that the rich can remain rich rather than lose from the risks that they took.

    Capitalism – pure theft.

  11. North 11

    Who the hell named Minister of Justice Simon Power the politician of the year ? Some/one/thing called TransTasman Roll apparently.

    Imagine my shock when I read of that distinction, having earlier today read that a spokesperson for Simon Power is quoted by NZPA as saying there will be no reopening of the Crewe murders case because it is “the police who determine guilt or innocence…..”……..???

    Presumably this spokesperson reflects Power’s actual position. Is Power incompetent or what ? Peter Williams QC called him “the boy minister……” when he presumed to lecture the Chief Justice on the separation of powers. I agree with Williams. He’s an inmcompetent wee laddie. Politician of the year bah !

    • Jum 11.1

      North – just another rightie media. They were disappointed Key didn’t get picked. This is a sick up group and they regularly beat up on Labour. They’re very keen on sell offs of anything New Zealand owns.

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    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    24 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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