Open mike 29/06/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 29th, 2022 - 128 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 …

128 comments on “Open mike 29/06/2022 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. lprent 1
    29 June 2022 at 6:17 am

    Test saving a message

    Improved a lot with the innodb pool size increase. Still higher than I’d like.

    Try running an optimize to clean up any db issues. The site will be a bit slower for about an hour.

    • lprent 1.1
      29 June 2022 at 6:43 am

      Completed. I'll have a look at database performance under load today, but it appears to have been a issue with data pool sizes.

      • weka 1.1.1
        29 June 2022 at 1:35 pm

        better but still noticeably slow loading at my end.

        • lprent 1.1.1.1
          1 July 2022 at 10:43 am

          I'll have another look at it this weekend (assuming that my bug list from QA doesn't grow again today). My current server had problems with the upgrade to the latest LTS version.

          However the new server is sitting under my desk at the workplace. I just received the order of disk bays for it yesterday which was the last bit.

          So I'll transfer the TS array to it this weekend and get that running, then do a fresh install on the current server.

      • Incognito 1.1.2
        29 June 2022 at 1:40 pm

        Yes, seems better. DR missed its schedule last night, which tends to happen when there are speed issues with TS (aka a canary in the coalmine).

  2. Robert Guyton 2
    29 June 2022 at 7:04 am

    I/S @ No Right Turn doesn't treat Luxon's anti-abortionism lightly:

    "Over the weekend, the US Supreme Court followed through on its threat, and overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively outlawing abortion in much of the United States. People were outraged, in America and around the world. And in Aotearoa, this meant a lot of sudden questions for the National Party, which is led by a fundamentalist anti-abortionist, stuffed with fundamentalist anti-abortionist MPs, and which tends to take its lead from whatever crack the US Republicans are smoking this week. While National's fundy backbenchers celebrated the imposition of forced birth in America, Christopher Luxon desperately tried to backpedal on his past views and reassure the public that National had no intention of changing the law. Except that today, he's doubling down on being anti-abortion:"

    Read more: http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2022/06/still-digging.html

    • Ross 2.1
      29 June 2022 at 7:40 am

      he's doubling down on being anti-abortion

      In other words, his position today is the same as it was yesterday. Yeah I can see how that might be annoying for some in the media. 🙂

      • observer 2.1.1
        29 June 2022 at 8:14 am

        So what is his position, yesterday or today?

        Is he anti-abortion or is he not?

      • Blade 2.1.2
        29 June 2022 at 9:55 am

        Like I've said ad nauseam, when Jacinda needs a disaster, one appears. And this ones a beauty.

        As night follows day, dumb voters have knee jerked in response. HDA received texts saying people are now reconsidering voting for National. You can bet there are many others thinking similar.

        Seems they don’t understand abortion issues are the least of our worries.

        [citation needed for the HDA claim – weka]

        • weka 2.1.2.1
          29 June 2022 at 11:28 am

          mod note

          • weka 2.1.2.2.1
            29 June 2022 at 11:54 am

            this?

            I’ve already had two under 40-year-olds tell me they’re worried about the Nats and the abortion issue, and they’re both actually National voters. One of them now says they don’t think they can vote for National this time around.

            • Robert Guyton 2.1.2.2.1.1
              29 June 2022 at 12:29 pm

              "two"?

              Two?

              Yikes!!

            • Blade 2.1.2.2.1.2
              29 June 2022 at 1:16 pm

              No, there were others during open talkback, but that was the only link I could find to show I wasn't making stuff up. That link was her opening comments for that day's session.

              My point is, even just using those two examples, there would be thousands of other women having second thoughts about voting National just like them. All they see is National has too many fundies in their party. And Luxon is one, too. And he's the leader.

              From AB's post below.

              ''The might be the least of yours mate, but for women of childbearing age, it might be a bit different. And maybe a bit different too for men with daughters, sisters and female relatives in that category. Quite a few people then.''

              That's how middleclass women and others will be thinking. People who previously were considering voting for National.

              • weka …
                29 June 2022 at 1:30 pm

                thanks. What I’m hoping is that you will learn to explain your thinking up front like that, so I don’t have to drag it out of you as a mod or commenter. What you have since provided that wasn’t in yoru original comment:

                1. an explanation that HDPA opened her show with the example of two women
                2. that others texted in during the show and said similar
                3. your analysis of what women voters might be doing.

                If you look at your first comment, it’s just some offhand, throw them out there reckons. But you can obviously formulate a decent political argument, so I’m asking that you do that up front.

                This isn’t twitter or FB, we’re not here for the reckons, we’re here for the robust debate. When people put there argument (and links and quotes) up front, the debate improves. Everyone knows what is being discussed and the context. Good and robust debate is the point of the commentariat (robust doesn’t mean fractious, it means vigorous and resilient and of a certain standard).

              • weka …
                29 June 2022 at 1:31 pm

                there is still another mod note for you to respond to, comments will be held back until that is attended to.

          • Robert Guyton 2.1.2.2.2
            29 June 2022 at 12:58 pm

            Gordon Campbell brings his wisdom to the tawdry situation:

            "After all… And starting at around 4 minutes into this December 2021 interview, Luxon (a) agreed that abortion is “tantamount to murder” and (b) refused to answer a question about whether he thought abortion should be allowed for victims made pregnant by rape or incest. This man is not a social liberal.

            Footnote One: Apparently, access to abortion is not something the National caucus regards as being important. In yesterday’s mea culpa to his colleagues O’Connor said that his offensive tweet “had caused distress and trouble for the party, that just wants to focus on big issues.” Women voters, take note. Abortion rights = no big deal. Blokes got more important things to talk about."

            http://werewolf.co.nz/2022/06/gordon-campbell-on-nationals-ongoing-problems-with-abortion/

        • AB 2.1.2.3
          29 June 2022 at 11:59 am

          abortion issues are the least of our worries

          The might be the least of yours mate, but for women of childbearing age, it might be a bit different. And maybe a bit different too for men with daughters, sisters and female relatives in that category. Quite a few people then.

          And let's consider what it is emblematic of. This basically:

          • Luxon calls himself 'pro-life' but appears not care about the quality of life of the woman forced to bring the foetus to term, the eventual child itself or any other children the woman may already be caring for
          • Nor is he offering to make this imposition on women any easier through free universal contraception, free universal childcare, job guarantees from the state when he private sector can't or won't provide them at a livable wage, or a guaranteed right in the BORA to freedom from financial and housing insecurity, etc.
          • In fact, this latter point seems to dovetail exactly with his anti-human (not pro-life at all) extremism on economic matters in general, such as tax-cuts overwhelmingly favouring people with the most already, re-inflation of the housing market through removing brightline extensions further impoverishing future generations without inheritances from parents and turning them into debt serfs or lifelong renters, wage suppression through opening immigration taps again, etc.

          In short – the guy is even worse than Key.

        • Nic the NZer 2.1.2.4
          29 June 2022 at 12:29 pm

          Your saying Luxons poll levelling was down to a large faction of dumb voters? Good of Heather to be so up front and tell it to their faces on newstalk then.

        • Mac1 2.1.2.5
          29 June 2022 at 1:04 pm

          Blade, there are people who vote on single issues- they're called single issue voters.

          The abortion issue is one such issue. People on both sides of the issue can be very passionate about it. Some will vote against Luxon because to their one issue passion, but not many on his side of that debate will be impressed by his conflicted approach.

          Even people who agree with Luxon's views on abortion as being 'tantamount to murder' will find it difficult to reconcile the seriousness of that moral position with his stated position not to have the National party do anything under his leadership.

          If I were in that position of having a very strong anti-abortion stance that is of the 'die in a ditch' moral standing, then I'd be very disappointed even if I realised the political implications for Luxon. I'd want him to be telegraphing that he'd be working to change his party policy for the future.

          Then there are voters who see inconsistencies in politician's views and summing them up accordingly vote for others.

          There are others who see extremism in one set of a politician's views and wonder whether there are other similar views not yet revealed but that would also be undesirable if acted upon.

          These are often middle of the road voters, centrist in nature who are suspicious of extremism.

          Luxon has shown extremism, conflicted beliefs and an authoritarian approach to party dissent.

          Some might argue that the member for The Upper Room might be better suited in a minority Christian conservative party, rather than leader of a political party that has been traditionally and largely liberal especially in its urban wing.

          Others might argue that National is becoming a party with a growing and alarming group of social conservative, even extremist, MPs.

          They would already be worried by the exodus from their ranks of socially liberal women MPs like Adams and Bennett. National has been struggling to regain women voters. Luxon's views, and those of illiberal members like O'Connor and Brown, will not help.

          Lastly, if National is looking to reclaim the young vote with younger MPs like Brown and O'Connor, then they will be hard pressed with their espousal of illiberal causes that goes beyond the abortion issue but into other issues as gay rights and same-sex marriage where the young are far more liberal.

          In sum, then, I'd say that National looks like a party for the socially conservative, male, older voter.

          They're welcome………

          An important factor for National will be the removal of a President who presided over a selection of politically dodgy candidates. Will they also look to their selection procedures to allow through more acceptable candidates, more representative, more liberal, more reasonable and uncontroversial?

          The next few months as parties go into election and selection modes will be very revealing as to the direction of National- urban, liberal, centrist or rural, conservative, extremist?

          • Robert Guyton 2.1.2.5.1
            29 June 2022 at 1:18 pm

            Gordon Campbell adds a pithy footnote:

            " The voting gender gap is one thing. National‘s other dilemma on abortion is that it doesn’t want to alienate its Christian base before the election, but it also can’t risk looking to the general public as of it is captive to the Christian right. Answer: shut down the issue ASAP. Try to look as if you’re merely the steward of the status quo. Until such time as you can achieve the power to be otherwise."

          • Grumpy 2.1.2.5.2
            29 June 2022 at 1:46 pm

            I find it depressing that sections of the population think Roe v Wade is about banning abortion and even worse, it applies to New Zealand.

            New Zealand already has the most liberal abortion regime in the world, voted in overwhelmingly with bi partisan support from both parties. Sure some National MPs voted against as did some Labour MPs. It is NOT going to change.

            The US Supreme Court decision had little to do with abortion, it was about interpretation of the US Constitution and the separation of powers between the Legislative and Judicial Branches.

            • arkie 2.1.2.5.2.1
              29 June 2022 at 1:50 pm

              Your history of spreading citation-less bullshit consequence-free on here is depressing.

            • Incognito 2.1.2.5.2.2
              29 June 2022 at 2:04 pm

              That’s inaccurate. The final vote was 68/51 (for/against).

              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_Legislation_Act_2020#Third_reading

            • swordfish 2.1.2.5.2.3
              29 June 2022 at 4:17 pm

              .

              Certainly a highly contrived wedge issue in the NZ context at the moment … but that's how politics works … parties fighting tooth & nail for the affections of swing-voters (particularly those women – many of a morally-liberal disposition – who flowed from Clark to Key to Ardern then back to Luxon again).

              It'll all end in tears before bedtime … but whose tears ? That's the question.

              • Nic the NZer …
                29 June 2022 at 5:49 pm

                That doesn't really fit with a description of wedge issues, imo. They usually don't have a downside for the political faction pushing them forward.

                In particular with Luxon he has only really shown a very detached position on any issues. It seems to be all high level rhetoric without much substance.

                His actual policy positions are pretty extreme where he takes them. In particular on the economy he started regurgitating 80s monetarism as the only appropriate policy. I don't understand why saying most families should take a further pay cut so we can hand out tax increases to very few, is a viable political position. Never the less this was the proposal and it didn't seem relevant that QE was running for a decade without inflation, there has been massive supply side disruption, or that most families have taken a real wage cut due to inflation. Instead the only economic thinking of National is austerity must be the approach.

                • swordfish …
                  29 June 2022 at 7:57 pm

                  No, I'm saying Labour's indulging in the wedge politics here … not the Nats. [I'm not criticising, incidentally, it's a perfectly legitimate tactic in the game of electoral politics].

          • Patricia Bremner 2.1.2.5.3
            29 June 2022 at 2:05 pm

            Mac1, Well put .

        • observer 2.1.2.6
          29 June 2022 at 1:27 pm

          It's not only the "abortion issues". It's the Luxon issue.

          Today he declared that National is "a party for women".

          https://thespinoff.co.nz/live-updates/29-06-2022/luxons-morning-media-round-dominated-by-aftermath-of-roe-v-wade

          That sums him up. He constantly falls back on empty slogans and platitudes, and it only makes things worse.

          Trying not to say what you really believe is rarely a smart approach in politics. But Luxon no doubt has advisers whispering in his ear "Don't be you. Be empty".

          He can't keep that up for long. Nobody can.

    • SPC 2.2
      29 June 2022 at 7:41 am

      G, K and B, from the anti-abortion stable, saying that they respect the law of the land, then when on SOCTUS with a case before them then change the law. Team Luxon we have no plan to change the law, but individually will vote our conscience should a bill be before the House.

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 2.3
      29 June 2022 at 8:08 am

      Never trust a religious fundamentalist!

      When the crunch comes, he'll do what his god (conveniently) tells him to do.

      And it’ll all be justified by words in his little book of myths!

    • Patricia Bremner 2.4
      29 June 2022 at 10:00 am

      Robert, that is illuminating. Thank you.

  3. Jenny how to get there 3
    29 June 2022 at 8:46 am

    Got a text from our local medical centre telling us that they are having to put their prices up because of inflation.

    I texted them back, "Putting prices up, is what causes inflation."

    • arkie 3.1
      29 June 2022 at 9:00 am

      Well put. Now time for those in power to do something about one of the main sources of this inflation, those making record profits:

      Banks making record profits, but impact of economic shocks to come

      The country's banking sector continues to rack up record profits as it counters a slowdown in lending with improved margins, and lower expenses, but it could soon be the end of the golden weather.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/469976/banks-making-record-profits-but-impact-of-economic-shocks-to-come

      • Nic the NZer 3.1.1
        29 June 2022 at 9:56 am

        While lots of people think that a low interest rate environment is the ideal one for commercial banks and what they lobby for this is miss leading.

        It's actually a high interest rate environment which is more profitable for banks.

        • arkie 3.1.1.1
          29 June 2022 at 10:36 am

          I don't think it matters what environment banks want, record profits are record profits and when regular depositors are struggling with inflation related cost increases it's unacceptable that banks are setting profit records,

          And then there's the global petrol companies record profits:

          Largest oil and gas producers made close to $100bn in first quarter of 2022

          Shell made $9.1bn in profit, almost three times what it made in the same period last year, while Exxon raked in $8.8bn

          https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/13/oil-gas-producers-first-quarter-2022-profits

          • Nic the NZer 3.1.1.1.1
            29 June 2022 at 11:29 am

            In most countries, including NZ, commercial banks are directly involved in central bank lobbying activities via the media. Thats why this is relevant.

            • arkie 3.1.1.1.1.1
              29 June 2022 at 11:45 am

              Regardless, my point is that bragging about profits while the majority of society is being pummelled by inflation costs and stagnant wages, should really be seen as the industry publicly requesting a windfall tax on their rampant profits.

    • Anker 3.2
      29 June 2022 at 11:03 am

      Govt don’t fund the health services properly. So the health centre needs to cover its costs. Write to Andrew Little about it

      • weka 3.2.1
        29 June 2022 at 11:34 am

        when you change your email address, or make a typo, or can't remember what it is, your comments get treated as a new person and held back for manual approval. Might be good to take a note of the exact email address you are using 👍

  4. SPC 4
    29 June 2022 at 9:24 am

    Once upon a time the English told their cricket venues to develop pitches that lasted 5 days. A team toured the country and was put into bat first in two tests. In both tests England demonstrated they could score runs quickly and in great volume on the final day and thus no target set for them would be enough.

    Then in the third test KW, the so called best captain in the world, decided to bat first. Is it the elbow, the time in the IPL or covid?

    The next team to tour there will not make the same mistake and England will get burnt.

    • Puckish Rogue 4.1
      29 June 2022 at 2:05 pm

      We need a change in the leadership thinking so we can encourage our spinners and stop selecting bits and pieces players

      Williamson to stop playing IPL and to relinquish the captaincy would also help immeasurably

  5. Sanctuary 5
    29 June 2022 at 9:48 am

    I can't believe how badly National have bungled this abortion issue. Luxon is hobbled by his own Christian fundamentalism, which leave him gruesomely floundering between credibility and electability on this issue and between him and his dumb as a sack of hammers fundy caucus they just can't help keeping the story alive. Judith Collins must be laughing her head off. What it shows is how brittle, undisciplined and bumbling their unrepresentative caucus is under pressure.

    Goodfellow has a lot to answer for. One only hopes that now he is gone National can get some people into realistically electable positions who are representative of what constitutes the the bounds of NZ's social attitudes.

    • Ad 5.1
      29 June 2022 at 9:55 am

      Agree.

      But it also shows that our MSM are ridiculously loaded into specialist minor-use health areas when in terms of thousands of people using the service the far more important health crises are in Emergency Departments and Eldercare. Those areas are where rights to health are in NZ under direct threat.

      • Anker 5.1.1
        29 June 2022 at 11:07 am

        Agree Ad about the health cate crisis. Under this govt abortion likely to become less available cause of staffing shortages. Ironic isn’t it…….but never mind we will have our marvellous new health authority!

      • Sanctuary 5.1.2
        29 June 2022 at 11:34 am

        Well that is the lazy news cycle writ large. Morning Report and Checkpoint etc etc love these specialist minor-use health stories because they practically write themselves – and fact often do, given a lot of them seem to come from drug company funded lobby groups that want Pharmac to buy their latest incredibly expensive wonder drug.

        Format for human interest health story (guaranteed outage and clicks):

        < Desperate Deserving Person> with <specialist minor-use health problem>

        complains to <outraged presenter> they can't get <specialist minor-use health outcome>

        < Desperate Deserving Person> gives heart rending interview about their imminent demise

        <outraged presenter> declares scandal and demands answers from <relevant minister>

        And that is the lead 10 minutes of checkpoint or Morning Report four out of ten days.

        Nine to Noon can then do a full thirty minutes twice a week talking about the health crisis du jour related to the above.

        • Visubversa 5.1.2.1
          29 June 2022 at 1:36 pm

          My partner went to the Dr last week and mentioned a mole on her toe. The Dr took a pic and mailed it to the Dermatology specialist at Auckland Hospital. On Monday she got an email from Green Lane hospital giving her an appointment with Dermatology for next Thursday.

          You cannot complain about that sort of service.

          • Patricia Bremner 5.1.2.1.1
            29 June 2022 at 5:12 pm

            VV Glad you got good service. Good wishes for a good diagnosis.

    • Bearded Git 5.2
      29 June 2022 at 10:22 am

      "dumb as a sack of hammers fundy caucus"….brilliant….excelling yourself today Sanc.

    • Puckish Rogue 5.3
      29 June 2022 at 2:06 pm

      The abortion issue in NZ is a nothing burger led by the media desperate to create another 'controversy'

      • Anker 5.3.1
        29 June 2022 at 8:56 pm

        100% PR.

        • Mac1 5.3.1.1
          29 June 2022 at 9:05 pm

          Dreadful PR, actually. Luxon with three explanations about National's varied abortion views and then telling the women of New Zealand that National is their party was terrible public relations……

      • Muttonbird 5.3.2
        29 June 2022 at 9:32 pm

        The National Party created the controversy when one of their MPs celebrated the US Supreme Court decision.

  6. SPC 6
    29 June 2022 at 10:11 am

    Trump watch resumes on Capitol Hill

    1. Trump wanted armed people waved onto the Hill because they were not there to threaten him

    2. After calling for the crowd to go to Congress to protest the EC vote he wanted to join them – and tried to take control of the vehicle from secret service agents.

    3. Meadows and his staff were given legal advice that anyone from the White House involved in trying to block the EC vote by attending the protest would likely go to prison.

    • Peter 6.1
      29 June 2022 at 1:43 pm

      According to what was said in the hearing this morning Trump was happy for armed people to be in his crowd. Get them there, rouse them, stir them up, get them heading for the Capitol. Angry and armed.

      "Backstage at the rally, Trump was irate that people with weapons were not being let through the magnetometers by Secret Service officers and agents who screen all attendees at any event featuring a sitting president. But Trump wanted the armed individuals to be allowed to attend the rally and complained that the magnetometers were adversely affecting his crowd size, Hutchinson overheard."

      “I don’t f—ing care that they have weapons. They’re not here to hurt me,” Trump said, according to Hutchinson’s recollection. “Take the f—ing mags away. Let my people in. They can march to the Capitol from here. Let the people in. Take the f—ing mags away.”

      https://rollcall.com/2022/06/28/trump-wanted-armed-supporters-allowed-into-jan-6-rally-and-to-lead-capitol-charge/

  7. Ad 7
    29 June 2022 at 10:16 am

    Great to see central government put its stake in the ground for public transport in central Wellington. Next test is to see Wellington Council and GWRC get on board and formally align.

    Right before an election, this is what elections were for.

    'Once in a generation': Government backs light rail for $7.4b Wellington transport overhaul | Stuff.co.nz

    • Sabine 7.1
      29 June 2022 at 10:20 am

      is that like light rail in Auckland?

    • Bearded Git 7.2
      29 June 2022 at 10:25 am

      Brilliant-well done the government. Light rail will do wonders for Wellington.

      From personal experience it works really well in Sydney and Seville.

      Of course if fundy Luxon is elected as PM this will be canned and it will be roads roads roads.

      • Macro 7.2.1
        29 June 2022 at 2:03 pm

        It also worked really well before they decided to trolley bus and then just bus. Enjoyed many a ride from the station to the zoo, Athletic Park, and the Basin on the trams light rail.

      • Patricia Bremner 7.2.2
        29 June 2022 at 5:17 pm

        And the Gold Coast QLD.

    • Patricia Bremner 7.3
      29 June 2022 at 5:14 pm

      This is what Wellington needs. Great. We are gathering momentum.

  8. Ad 8
    29 June 2022 at 10:26 am

    It would be great to see any passenger train in New Zealand get to 80kms an hour, whereas now from Huntly to Karapiro you can now put the pedal down and go 110km an hour.

    Speed limit on parts of Waikato Expressway increasing to 110km/h (1news.co.nz)

    That's the result of all that money put into cars.

    Ladies and gentlemen, start your Polestar.

    • Bearded Git 8.1
      29 June 2022 at 11:39 am

      I heard on RNZ yesterday something along the lines of "submissions received strongly supported the 110 km limit."

      Well d'oh. There is huge gung-ho car/truck lobby out there always demanding higher speed limits. That doesn't mean it makes sense for safety and environmental reasons.

      • Ad 8.1.1
        29 June 2022 at 12:29 pm

        TBF I'm looking forward to bypassing Hamilton post haste and doing a circuit of the Cambridge and Paeroa antique shops in an easy day.

        • Macro 8.1.1.1
          29 June 2022 at 2:09 pm

          The antique shops in Paeroa suffered a bit over the past couple of years – but still a good supply of children's dolly prams to be had. 🙂

        • Macro 8.1.1.2
          29 June 2022 at 2:20 pm

          I drive the Waikato express way reasonably frequently ( It is in fact the easiest and quickest way to Te Rapa, Te Awa, The Base, and Hamilton from here. There are many sections where 110kph is quiet safe* – a very well formed road right up to international standards. Not unreasonable in my view to raise the limit a notch.

          *personal view after 60+ years of incident free driving and having raced motorbikes and organised motorcycle racing events.

  9. Anne 9
    29 June 2022 at 10:45 am

    NZ is well placed to use the NATO summit to accentuate this message:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300624319/misinformation-is-a-threat-and-affecting-nz-jacinda-ardern-says-ahead-of-nato-speech

    Ardern said misinformation, often originated as propaganda from foreign actors such as Russia, was harming New Zealand’s social cohesion and was proven to duel terrorism.

    She described it as a threat which could stoke anything from war and terrorism to public health risks.

    The response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the riot on Parliament’s grounds in Wellington, and the March 15 terror attack all had expressions of misinformation, she said.

  10. Ad 10
    29 June 2022 at 10:55 am

    NATO expansion is all on. Turkey agrees.

    Turkey ready to back Sweden, Finland NATO bids | News | DW | 28.06.2022

    In your eye Putin.

  11. Belladonna 11
    29 June 2022 at 11:09 am

    I think this is a really big shift.
    Turkey has been remaining very cautiously neutral over the Ukraine situation (I think because of Russian involvement in Syria – and therefore the Kurdish situation on their border).

    For them to come out supporting an expansion of NATO – when it's clearly an area Russia want to veto for their cordon saintaire countries (more Finland than Sweden) – is significant.

    • Sanctuary 11.1
      29 June 2022 at 11:41 am

      The Turks are playing a canny game. They may be neutral, but that didn't stop Bayraktar donating three TB2 drones in additional to the four a donation drive purchased (apparently fifty have now be delivered to the Ukraine.

      Johnny Turk is happily hunting with the hounds and running with the hares and getting concessions and $$$ everywhere for their troubles.

      • Grumpy 11.1.1
        29 June 2022 at 1:40 pm

        It's called "field testing" and remarkably successfully too. Orders from observing countries will be flooding in.

    • In Vino 11.2
      29 June 2022 at 6:17 pm

      I agree, Belladonna – a really big shift.

      In a very bad direction – towards nuclear escalation.

      The Russians have effectively stated with this war that they are fed up with meaningless negotiations, with USA and NATO negotiating in bad faith.

      The Russians do not trust the West's bad faith negotiations any more. They have been planning this for some time.

      Don't expect them to conform to our standards of morality. They don't believe we have any.

      They will escalate. Be very careful of what you wish for.

      Personally, I do not like Putin, but I fear that we in the West have been propagandized to the point where we have no idea of the dangers that now face us.

      Nor of the duplicity of our own leaders.

  12. Belladonna 12
    29 June 2022 at 11:21 am

    Those of you who are more dialled into local body politics in Wellington – do you think that Eagles is likely to take the mayoralty? And will it make a difference?

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rongotai-mp-paul-eagle-announces-wellington-mayoral-bid/ZD5WUG3IOJLSLDWMFZVR3UCJ74/

  14. Herodotus 14
    29 June 2022 at 1:42 pm

    Why are those managing Kiwibuild now approaching lead contractors requesting fixed price contracts and the message is being relayed to sub contractors with expectations of those prices to both drop and be adhered to? All so price ceilings announced 4 years ago can still be achieved. I am aware of a development exceeding 50 Kiwibuild will be cancelled as the head provider can not provide product and still achieve ANY financial benefit(unless subbies reduce price) and that is not factoring in the element of risk.
    https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/129103773/weve-never-seen-anything-like-it-cost-increases-leave-builders-scrambling

  15. Adrian 15
    29 June 2022 at 2:15 pm

    Turkyie may well have had a rethink and does not favour having on almost half its borders a belligerent Russia, if it is not stopped or contained. The Black Sea is more Turkyies sea with almost half the coastline and with a vulnerable Georgia and Bulgaria north and east of it, a Russian ally in Syria to the south the future huge costs and problems of defence and refugees etc would loom large.

  16. Adrian 16
    29 June 2022 at 2:28 pm

    Kiwibuild did its job, the building industry got its arse into gear and started building and selling houses and suddenly finding land that had been forgotten in the “ bank “, because it could see that Govt would dictate the future direction and it did not want to be sidelined. We must be close to peak house anytime soon with the number already consented and with the Govt continuing to build State Houses, downward price pressure may leaven the product inflation.
    Dont fear a building bust so long as the Auckland and now Wellington light rail, Lake Onslow and other big badly needed infrastructure projects go ahead.

    • Puckish Rogue 16.1
      29 June 2022 at 2:33 pm

      'Kiwibuild did its job'

      I thought its job was to build 100 000 houses

      • Incognito 16.1.1
        29 June 2022 at 3:37 pm

        You thought wrong, which you would have known if you had read your own link.

      • Jester 16.1.2
        29 June 2022 at 5:46 pm

        Yes Kiwibuild did its job. The job of kiwibuild was never to build 100,000 homes, it was simply to get Labour in to government. Job done. Everyone with half a brain said it was not achievable and have been proved right.

    • arkie 17.1
      29 June 2022 at 2:53 pm

      These are all completely unrelated

      /

      Three people hospitalised following violent attack during Dublin Pride

      Three people have allegedly been hospitalised following a suspected transphobic attack which occurred in Dublin’s Stephen’s Green on Saturday, June 25 at 6.50 pm. According to a message received by Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain, the assault was carried out on a group of five LGBTQ+ people following Pride celebrations.

      https://gcn.ie/three-people-hospitalised-violent-attack-dublin-pride/

      Gender Dynamix building fire labelled 'suspicious' by police

      A building used by Gender Dynamix – an organisation that aims to meet the mental health needs of the transgender and nonbinary community in the Bay of Plenty – has been targetted by a ‘suspicious’ fire.

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/128986082/gender-dynamix-building-fire-labelled-suspicious-by-police

      A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and terrorist acts after a shooting in the centre of Norway's capital, Oslo.

      Two people died and 21 were wounded early on Saturday in what police called an "act of Islamist terrorism".

      The shootings were in and near the London Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, the Herr Nilsen jazz club and another pub.

      https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61933817

    • Incognito 17.2
      29 June 2022 at 3:38 pm

      What’s your point, this time?

    • joe90 18.1
      29 June 2022 at 5:56 pm

      Not a bunch of unarmed yahoos, eh Pucks.

      /

      In Tuesday’s hearing, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) — vice chair of the House select committee investigating the Capitol attack — played police transmissions that described people carrying firearms near the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., where Trump held his rally the morning of Jan. 6.

      “Three men walking down the street in fatigues carrying AR-15s… at 14th and Independence,” a voice says in one transmission.

      “White male… stock of an AR-15,” someone can be heard saying in another recording. “Green fatigues… Glock-style pistols in their waistband.”

      “Elevated threat in the trees… American flag face mask… weapon on the right-side hip,” a third transmission says.

      Cheney noted that among the supporters who chose to pass through metal detectors so they could get closer to Trump, security screened weapons and equipment including pepper spray, knives, batons and gas masks. Several thousand more people did not go through metal detectors and watched from the nearby Washington Monument lawn.

      The committee also showed a report sent by Secret Service at 11 a.m. that day warning of a man with a rifle near the Ellipse, where Trump was speaking.

      https://finance.yahoo.com/news/house-committee-describes-weapons-trump-190545024.html

  19. pat 19
    29 June 2022 at 6:07 pm

    Just as we dont have the same problem with gun control legislation as the U.S. ,we dont have the same problem with abortion rights…our political systems are worlds apart so whipping ourselves into a moral panic over Roe v Wade appears to me to be superfluous.

    • Nic the NZer 19.1
      29 June 2022 at 6:28 pm

      Its highly relevant. Candidates for office and Parties will never have the opportunity to tell us precisely what they will do for every issue. We need to make future voting decisions based on how they approach issues which come up. In this case were observing the differences between a Luxon and an English approach to conscience questions.

  20. newsense 20
    29 June 2022 at 9:47 pm

    Hilarious to see the Herald come out as anti-capitalist on behalf of rural NZ and then try and blame the government too.

    Two vodka entrepreneurs try to do something a bit different on a farm, which like their vodka is a bit kooky, but market focused and the absolute rural fap sees them top of the Herald online.

    • Graeme 20.1
      29 June 2022 at 10:07 pm

      The rural establishment has a bit of trouble rationalising someone buying a farm and making more money off the land by not 'farming' it.

      You start to wonder what, or rather, who, is being farmed.

      But in reality most of the land between Queenstown and Wanaka is now retired / carbon farm / private conservation estate now. And one by one the old high country runs are going that way.

      Halfway Bay sold last month and was immediately de-stocked and the farm manager laid off, going into carbon farm / conservation / high end tourism. Property covers the Lochy catchment which is one of the best trout fisheries around and has always been private, and has excellent hunting, so they should do better than the farm, and probably be a lot easier on the land.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 27

    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 27 were:1. The Minister for Ford Rangers strikes againTransport Minister Simeon Brown was again the busiest of the Cabinet ministers this week, announcing an ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 hours ago
  • Ticket To Anywhere

    You got a fast carAnd I want a ticket to anywhereMaybe we make a dealMaybe together we can get somewhereAny place is betterYesterday’s newsletter, Trust In Me, on the report of abuse in state care, and by religious organisations, between 1950 and 2019, coupled with the hypocrisy of Christopher Luxon ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 hours ago
  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    20 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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 ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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 ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    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 ...
    Bowalley Road
    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
    19 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
    22 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
    22 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
    1 day ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T02:13:07+00:00