Open mike 29/07/2020

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 29th, 2020 - 172 comments
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172 comments on “Open mike 29/07/2020 ”

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  1. ScottGN 1
    29 July 2020 at 6:17 am

    Not hearing much anymore from the Collins fanbois in the media who were so confident that she only had to turn up to Question Time to give Ardern a going-over.

  2. Robert Guyton 2
    29 July 2020 at 6:29 am

    Jacinda presents as supremely able and adroit in the House. Collins' attempts at delivering challenging questions thus far have been mediocre at best, flaccid in some instances and disappointing overall. There hasn't even been entertainment value for viewers. Perhaps she's keeping her powder dry, saving her most eyebrow-raising stuff for closer to polling day.

    • I Feel Love 2.1
      29 July 2020 at 7:02 am

      Someone here a week or so back suggested Adern needs to show more mongrel, I reckon she shows plenty, but it's quiet, big picture, 3d chess playing, for eg letting the Falloon thing just play out, compared to the tiddly winks Collins is playing. Woodhouse, Walker just shown to be short sighted light weights. Anti abortion, maga hats, & who the hell thought it was a good idea to have an 18 year old running??? I feel for that kid, he needs to bail & go get himself a Hitler free life.

      • Treetop 2.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 8:49 am

        Not so much showing more mongrel. Judgment being a bit off when it comes to all the components adding up and the people involved.

        The behaviour of MPs is compared to the standard which MPs set for theirselves. A too high standard is unrealistic and a too low standard is trouble.

        Consenting affairs, messy break ups, party donations, getting dirt on your opponent and how that dirt is used are all issues which MPs can face.

        When a situation is created to end the career of an MP this is a serious matter. Very good judgment is required on how to handle this and to hurry the process is a big mistake.

        I want our politicians to have a moral compass which is right for the situation. Once damage is inflicted which was not warranted this makes the person who instigated it worse than what the initial issue was which they wanted raised.

      • Anne 2.1.2
        29 July 2020 at 10:15 am

        That was me I Feel Love but my comment iirc said "a little bit of mongrel" and I intended to mean all of them not just Jacinda.

        I agree with you. There is a wee bit of mongrel and in Jacinda's case it is delivered with aplomb and sophistication. It shows in her answers to Judith Collins during QT when she delivers her replies with such assurance and a quite pronounced cutting edge to her tone.

      • Peter 2.1.3
        29 July 2020 at 1:16 pm

        Arden needs to show more mongrel? Why? There's already a female dog there.

  3. Dennis Frank 3
    29 July 2020 at 6:49 am

    Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics at Massey University, alerts aussies to "a tectonic shift in New Zealand politics": https://theconversation.com/rogue-poll-or-not-all-the-signs-point-to-a-tectonic-shift-in-new-zealand-politics-143529

    the political centre appears to be shifting to the left. Across the past four polls, support for Labour and the Greens sits at around 62 per cent. When nearly two out of three voters in a naturally conservative nation support the centre-left, something is going on.

    A day or two back, I commented here that centrists seem to have shifted massively to the left. Now the prof is seeing that too, and the next poll may entrench it as conventional wisdom: the new normal.

    Correspondingly, as the notional median voter shifts left, parties on the right are being left high and dry. The Reid Research poll put the combined support for National, Act and New Zealand First at 30.4 per cent, a touch under half the level of support for the centre-left.

    That ratio of two to one is indeed tectonic! But it does challenge the left parties to remain consistent. Any sharp turn to the left in policy carries the danger of stampeding those centrists back into the centre.

    What the prof hasn't considered is the reflexive nature of the electorate thinking and acting in unison. When you factor that in, you can see a real possibility of some centrists retreating from the left – in alarm at the prospect of Greens plus Labour in govt together. Winston may yet survive, given that his traditional stance (`insurance policy') has worked well for centrists in the past. Too soon for that collective reaction to the poll to emerge as yet – give it another week or two…

    • mauī 3.1
      29 July 2020 at 8:17 am

      So Dennis you are predicting a swing to the left and then a further swing back to the right? Dennis, that is superb analysis, thank you.

      • Dennis Frank 3.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 8:24 am

        Not so fast. It will only be valid if proven correct. And I didn't actually predict it – merely suggested the possibility, right? Call it the yo-yo theory if u like.

        Although I prefer the pinball theory of centrism, in which centrists rebound from different options on a daily basis as political hits are delivered. Pinball theory explains volatility better than yo-yo theory because the latter is too binary and Winston succeeds whenever centrists prefer his tertiary option…

        • Incognito 3.1.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 8:27 am

          😀

          How many eyebrows was that?

          • bwaghorn 3.1.1.1.1
            29 July 2020 at 11:11 am

            Probably one . All deep deep thinkers have a monobrow

            • greywarshark 3.1.1.1.1.1
              29 July 2020 at 12:13 pm

              Dennis F The Pinball Wizard – Who? Is that you in the fringes? With this sort of excitement we could draw in the youf and have a musical election hitting the high notes.

            • Incognito 3.1.1.1.1.2
              29 July 2020 at 12:57 pm

              I’ll have to think about that one.

    • Sacha 3.2
      29 July 2020 at 8:47 am

      It's almost like there has been some large opinion-shaping event while the current PM has been leader..

    • Stuart Munro 3.3
      29 July 2020 at 9:05 am

      These ideas of a centre and a tectonic shift are probably fallacious. Ordinarily, if we may call any period ordinary, the governed muddle along and are prepared to be nudged to some degree by the deteriorating and increasingly partisan media. A crisis, particularly one that carries an existential threat, suddenly makes the public pay attention. They found the handling of Covid reasonably professional, and the criticism of it ill-informed, mean-spirited, and often simply wrong. The centre has not shifted – it was never as far to the right as ridiculous commentators like Hoskings or Garner supposed.

      The public like professionalism – or as Dennis Dutton described it, virtuoso performance. So they liked Bloomfield & Jacinda. Whether NZ actually makes a modest but long overdue turn to the Left depends on whether some of these touted policies can be brought to good.

      National have overplayed their hand. They have demonstrated repeatedly that their toolbox is empty and that they have nothing to offer but slogans and bile – these are not vote winners.

      • Dennis Frank 3.3.1
        29 July 2020 at 9:18 am

        Yes, I agree with all that. However, only the election result can determine a realistic view of it. If some centrists do return to NZF, the tectonic thesis will seem illusory.

        That said, don't rule out human nature. People can change political identities. If Labour governs alone or with the Greens, some centrists will cast their anchor with them – provided the government, in those scenarios, remains consistent in exhibiting competence and reliability.

        And such identity shifts can then become habitual and long-term. That's where the strength of the tectonic thesis lies. Labour's political culture is likely to keep working against that however. Greens political culture is also problematic, but due to different reasons. So I suspect the academic will be proven wrong by random developments in future years. Stability is hard in these times.

        • Incognito 3.3.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 9:27 am

          Tectonic shifts, earthquakes, GFCs, mass killings, pandemics, natural disasters, CC, et cetera. I give you ‘status quo’ and that’s my ‘thesis’.

          • Dennis Frank 3.3.1.1.1
            29 July 2020 at 9:53 am

            Oh, true. Yet if a political party can not only promote resilience & sustainability, but also demonstrate cohesion within itself in a governance situation, that party will seem a rock of stability to rely on. Just a theoretical possibility at this stage, but can even work as a beacon of hope in dire times…

    • weka 3.4
      29 July 2020 at 11:20 am

      I'm a fan of Lynn's theory that much of NZ voting is based in perceptions of competency. Nat voters favouring Labour may simply come down to that. Swing voters are probably influenced by the policy as well, but it will be interesting also to see the conservative non-vote. The impression that I have is that the centre by and large could go either way at any point in time and covid has prompted many to centre values in their politics rather than economics primarily. Labour reminded them that it's important to do right by people, and Nat are utterly failing on that.

      I agree there's potential for NZF to regain their vote, but I also think it's possible this year that Peters has fucked up and misread the electorate. Kind of like he did the year he betrayed his left wing voters. We will see.

      That competency factor is also imo why the Green vote dropped in 2017. It wasn't Turei's speech, and it probably wasn't the details about her benefit. It was how the Greens floundered in conventional political terms, and then the mess created by the two MPs going against caucus publicly. Also obviously the rise of JA, but had the other not been happening I think the Greens would have held their vote.

      • Dennis Frank 3.4.1
        29 July 2020 at 11:30 am

        Re competency, I feel the Greens are trending well currently. Wouldn't surprise me to see them come in around 9% at the election. I agree about Winston misreading the public mood.

        As regards perception of Labour competency, the notion is so unusual that I will suspend judgment awhile yet! 😊 But yes, centrists seem to have gotten it into their heads. Will Labour produce another shambles to dissipate that? Time will tell.

      • Patricia Bremner 3.4.2
        29 July 2020 at 4:17 pm

        I agree Weka. Winston Peters feels his role in this Government went from "She's his puppet" to ""You don't know what I've saved you from"… but people are not buying either stance any more.

        Jacinda Ardern does not waste energy on such things, and has at times summed things up with brevity and clarity. Very competent indeed. Notice she says "We" not "I'.

  4. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 4
    29 July 2020 at 7:30 am

    Jamie-Lee Ross has threatened to table a leaked list of Natz donors from the 2017 election during General Debate today.

    Of course, he won't be allowed to, but I do hope Labour has given him a slot in the debate so he can talk about his list.

    Oh my, we do live in exciting times. It's not often you get to witness the demise of a political party.

    • Herodotus 4.1
      29 July 2020 at 9:31 am

      And how is that in the long term good for a country the demise of ideas and challenging ideas/policy in a duopoly ?

      You may not be older enough to have seen what can happen when 1 party has total control.

      the left or the right don’t have a monopoly of good ideas, life experiences or perspectives🤪

    • Nick 5.1
      29 July 2020 at 9:55 am

      The Greens Marama and Chloe billboard letter placement seems out. Should have had much bigger 'Green Vote twice' and push down the other white lettering as there's lots of dead, dark unused space below. The background image also has white bits under the white lettering.

      Also I have seen other Green marketing using another political parties name Act Now. This is poor messaging imo. Was there no other phrase available?

    • PaddyOT 5.2
      29 July 2020 at 11:08 am

      This was sent to me off instagram, The New Conservative NZ pitch. Startling !

      https://www.instagram.com/p/CC-SYtxsYoJ/?igshid=5fi5hkh84i6e

      Not sure if someone was taking the mickey.

    • Muttonbird 5.3
      29 July 2020 at 11:30 am

      Enjoyed that, thanks.

    • RedBaronCV 5.4
      29 July 2020 at 3:08 pm

      I wondered why the first billboard seemed to be about spark then realised it was ACT.

      Pretty much the same colours and placement as spark though!

    • swordfish 5.5
      29 July 2020 at 3:32 pm

      Slogan check: General consensus around The Spinoff office was that it sounds like a Celine Dion song. And we mostly like Celine Dion.

      I stopped reading at that point.

  6. Chris 6
    29 July 2020 at 9:55 am

    Collins wants to work with the government on policy to charge returning NZers for quarantine. The psychopathic outbursts keep coming. Thank you Judith. Please give us more of this:

    “Asked whether she thought charging kiwis to use their rights as citizens to return to New Zealand was unfair, Collins responded saying that sometimes life is unfair.”

    “I don’t think life is fair. If it was fair I’d be a 5ft 10 Slovakian model,” Collins said.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300068372/judith-collins-tells-labour-to-reach-across-the-aisle-on-border-scheme

    • ScottGN 6.1
      29 July 2020 at 10:00 am

      How many times has she used that old line?

      • Robert Guyton 6.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 10:08 am

        She makes a good point though: she'd be in Slovakia and we'd never have been subject to her attentions. Life clearly isn't fair (on New Zealanders).

        • woodart 6.1.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 10:33 am

          no, she perhaps thinks she would have been the fourth mrs trump.

        • anker 6.1.1.2
          29 July 2020 at 12:45 pm

          "I 'd be a Slovakian model…" or maybe she wishes she was married to Donald Trump?

          Oh snap woodart

    • Chris 6.2
      29 July 2020 at 10:12 am

      In the same piece Collins says she'd let people bust into Kiwisaver to keep businesses going because "it's their money". Typical selfish gutless right wing strategy: "look, aren't we wonderful" when the only cost is to people using retirement savings meant for later on. Complete and utter short-term thinking. No foresight whatsoever. Next they'll be making Kiwisaver part of the asset test to receive a social welfare benefit.

      It's "their" money – Collins doesn't see herself as part of a community.

      • woodart 6.2.1
        29 July 2020 at 10:44 am

        this is straight out of the muldoon playbook. buy votes and ruin a pension scheme. media need to call her out on this. muldoon ruined NZs financial future and security with this. collins is trying to do same.

      • Cinny 6.2.2
        29 July 2020 at 1:41 pm

        A person would have to think and plan long and hard to start up a business at this stage in the cycle.

        Also there are plenty of agencies who give funding to people starting up their own business already, with no need for people to dip into their kiwisaver.

    • Incognito 6.3
      29 July 2020 at 10:30 am

      It’s fair to say that this is an odd way to sum up Life’s unfairness. If Life were fair, I’d be at least 5ft 11.

      • Chris 6.3.1
        29 July 2020 at 11:01 am

        It's a way to sum up life's unfairness that's derogatory towards anyone who mightn't possess physical features consistent with media-driven notions of beauty. But this shouldn't be surprising coming from someone with at least a tendency to exhibit traits suggesting psychopathy and narcissism.

    • Muttonbird 6.4
      29 July 2020 at 11:34 am

      Asked what the point of the joke was, Collins said: "It's a public town hall meeting, people want to be entertained… It's called humour and actually, people need a bit more humour in their lives. If they were a little more happier we wouldn't actually have people looking so sad all the time."

      What the f**k is she on about about here? Collins sounds like a Year 5 child being interviewed.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/422242/judith-collins-on-polling-criticism-and-prison-escapees-joke

      • te reo putake 6.4.1
        29 July 2020 at 11:40 am

        "If they were a little more happier we wouldn't actually have people looking so sad all the time."

        An unintended insight into the mood in the National Party caucus room?

        • mac1 6.4.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 12:00 pm

          I watched Question Time yesterday. What a bunch of sad sack, facially immobile people beside and behind Judith Collins et al. It looked like they'd been told not to move lest they distract from the Prima Donna herself who looked distinctly sad, looking down at her script most of the time, reading from long quotes and using no body languages. Flat, sad and seriously 'meaningful' is the new National demeanour, it seems.

          Contrast that with the earnest but lively gravitas and ability to speak without a script of Jacinda Ardern who at one time looked like she was rolling up her sleeves to get into it in a big way; or with the exuberance of Megan Woods who looked like she was enjoying even quoting from scripts; or Carmel Sepeloni who engaged well, full body language and who was obviously thinking about her answers; or lastly, Peters with his sly smirk as he shafted the opposition with a question that rebutted Collins' allegation and then allows Ardern to come back in at a proper PM level.

          Popcorn optional…….

      • woodart 6.4.2
        29 July 2020 at 1:47 pm

        so, if you go to a p.n. nats meeting, you get some lies, raised eyebrows and feeble humour, and a promise of a road to avoid p.n… along with a teenager to represent you.

    • AB 6.5
      29 July 2020 at 11:44 am

      “I don’t think life is fair.”
      Interesting how conservatives use the existence of natural unfairness (we are not born equally smart or beautiful, etc.) as justification for imposing a layer socially-created unfairness on top. It's a blurring of categories that serves them well ideologically (or in propaganda terms), but it's tosh. Not surprising to see the intellectually shabby Collins doing it.

  7. aj 7
    29 July 2020 at 10:45 am

    Hard to use your kiwisaver to start a business, if you have already used it for your first home.

    • AB 7.1
      29 July 2020 at 11:53 am

      Then you can use it for your retirement too – that makes 3 times. Kiwisaver – which they would never have set up themselves and cut the employer contribution on becoming government – is truly the Nats' magic money tree. Could I use it to build myself a road as well? (4 times lucky)

    • Bearded Git 7.2
      29 July 2020 at 12:36 pm

      Cullen just said the same thing on Midday Report (RNZ).

      The whole point of Kiwisaver is to be a simple scheme that provides a retirement income, not to set up businesses or buy houses.

      This is another case of Labour being better long-term managers of the economy than national.

      • Chris 7.2.1
        29 July 2020 at 12:55 pm

        "This is another case of Labour being better long-term managers of the economy than national."

        Absolutely. Hope the government makes hay out of this.

      • RedBaronCV 7.2.2
        29 July 2020 at 3:58 pm

        Micheal Cullen? Wasn't he very ill/ on limited time? Sounding a bit better?

    • Graeme 7.3
      29 July 2020 at 12:54 pm

      So National want to stimulate the economy by getting those made unemployed by Covid to blow their retirement funds starting a business in the depths of a recession.

    • Treetop 7.4
      29 July 2020 at 7:37 pm

      In 1975 Muldoon said he would not implement a compulsory retirement scheme as Labour were going to. This helped Muldoon win the election. Labour were only in a term from 1972 – 1975.

      This election Collins is trying to get people to spend their retirement savings. First it is the 20K to start a small business, then it will be to have surgery privately so you can run the small business, next it will be to take a holiday to cheer yourself up because the small business failed.

      At least being able to use Kiwi saver to buy a home the home will increase in value.

      • Graeme 7.4.1
        29 July 2020 at 8:56 pm

        That's how Muldoon axed Labour's superannuation scheme in 1975, the Dancing Cossacks

        • Patricia Bremner 7.4.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 10:13 pm

          Yes, and I believe the cartoons were produced by Hanna Barbera.

          So a little foreign influence as a hang over from Mccarthyism???

        • Treetop 7.4.1.2
          30 July 2020 at 8:08 am

          Thank you for providing this. I knew about the term dancing cossacks but I had only seen a drawing of it.

          Muldoon looked so different in the footage compared to 9 years later when he announced the snap election.

          • Graeme 7.4.1.2.1
            30 July 2020 at 8:46 am

            The insular point of view, and lies, haven't changed.

            I remember well watching that with my mum on TV at dinner time, I think the Thursday night before the 1975 election. We looked at each outer open mouthed for a long time. I've never trusted the National Party since.

  8. Observer Tokoroa 8
    29 July 2020 at 10:59 am

    Whoever coached the Palmerston 18yr old kid ?

    Because, the extraordinary odd behaviors of Hitler ended up in complete Cowardice. He killed himself, The Creep – Running away from his Nation and its People.

    Why did national even think of Nazism!

    • Chris 8.1
      29 July 2020 at 12:28 pm

      Right wing politics and nazis share at least the same order – probably closer to genus.

    • Incognito 8.2
      29 July 2020 at 1:03 pm

      You seem to be conflating the actions of an emotional junior candidate and the actions of the Party. Don’t worry, it happens a lot.

    • Cinny 8.3
      29 July 2020 at 1:43 pm

      Every time that young fella makes a gaff it seems to be white power related. Say's it all really.

  9. roblogic 9
    29 July 2020 at 11:55 am

    (Via HackerNews:) Socialism's DIY Computer

    This fascinating article about the "Galaksija" and homebrew computer culture in 1980's Yugoslavia outlines an alternative history of the computer revolution… open source, widespread sharing, low cost, local manufacture.

    The reason for this resurgent interest in Galaksija is perhaps due to the fact that this exciting and little-known episode in computer-science history is pregnant with counterfactual potential. Galaksija embodies a destratification of today’s technological hierarchy, a tacit ideological assertion that computing machinery should be for the masses, cheap and available to everyone, and that neither money nor technical know-how need be barriers to entry. Paralleling the Yugoslavian alternative to the bipolar world order, the Galaksija saga signals to uninitiated technologists that alternative modes of practice are possible, paths wholly separate from those of Western manufacturing overlords like IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, or Apple.

  10. roblogic 10
    29 July 2020 at 12:04 pm

    .
    Billionaires Shouldn't Exist –

    A striking slideshow via reddit: r/LateStageCapitalism

    • roblogic 10.1
      29 July 2020 at 12:49 pm

      On a similar note, I hope everyone boycotts the America's Cup. It's costing Auckland $100 million at a time when the council is broke, so that a few billionaires can fuck around with yachts. And it's stealing more of our harbour and waterfront from the public.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/422226/america-s-cup-waterfront-businesses-hope-for-domestic-spending

      • Ad 10.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 1:20 pm

        Thats the spirit. Stick to sheep and butter.

        Its Fred Dagg Economics.

        • roblogic 10.1.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 1:42 pm

          The local superyacht industry is sinking just like the rest of the economy. Billionaires won't save us.

          • Ad 10.1.1.1.1
            29 July 2020 at 2:01 pm

            Not sinking from where I sit.

            All the superyacht berths are booked for the next year.

            The fitout businesses have certainly suffered through lockdown, but it's in full swing here now.

            We need more local billionaires, not less.

              • Ad …
                29 July 2020 at 3:06 pm

                That was definitely true in May and June since we were in lockdown and winter is always the worst season.

                The industry is ramping up well in preparation for the big fitout start date – which is without fail Labour Day.

                Come on down to the Auckland waterfront and I'll show you if you like.

            • AB 10.1.1.1.1.2
              29 July 2020 at 2:49 pm

              "We need more local billionaires, not less."

              For each billionaire, I reckon 8,000 people worth an extra $125,000 each would be better for the economy.

              • Ad …
                29 July 2020 at 3:08 pm

                Let's hear it for reckons!

                Imagine a New Zealand in which there were 12 businesses the size of Fonterra, instead of one.

                All the salaries, all the local shareholders.

                At the moment all we tend to focus on is welfare and concrete and Kiwisaver … and just hanging on.

                • Incognito …
                  29 July 2020 at 4:05 pm

                  Imagine a New Zealand in which there were 12 businesses the size of Fonterra, instead of one.

                  All the salaries, all the local shareholders.

                  No problem as long as they don’t wreck the environment and the fine thread of society by increasing inequality.

                  No problem as long as “salaries” and “local shareholders” are euphemisms for direct benefits to all New Zealanders.

                  Imagine no possessions

                  I wonder if you can

                  No need for greed or hunger

                  A brotherhood of man

                  Imagine all the people

                  Sharing all the world

                  – John Lennon –

                • AB …
                  29 July 2020 at 4:32 pm

                  Those 8,000 people who are all a bit more wealthy will also spend and invest – but diversely. The risk is therefore lower than the vanity projects of individual billionaires. But hey – my reckons are mere reckons, your reckons are cutting-edge insights, so it's all cool.

                  • Ad …
                    29 July 2020 at 5:13 pm

                    12 billionaire companies would hire a lot more than 8,000 $125,000 salaries. We probably have not too many more than 8,000 people on that figure across the whole of Auckland. And we are in the most massive and growing inequality, and we have a rapidly declining tax base.

                    People wonder why there's 20% of the country living elsewhere: the opportunities just weren't here.

  11. Molly 11
    29 July 2020 at 12:23 pm

    Like everyone else, we've had a lot going in during this year. Not least of which has been a fraught experience with our tenants that lasted several months.

    During this time, the tenant stopped paying rent and his mother, I guess, as a trustee, started paying rent from their family trust. This continued for several weeks, until – as she told me – she thought he was going to be sent to jail – and the payments stopped.

    I know that I shouldn't be using TS for legal advice, but we are a bit at a loss at the moment, and would appreciate any of the lawyers here giving a bit of direction if they feel so inclined.

    Primarily, do the financial transactions that took place between the trust and us create a financial agreement, and make the trust liable for the damage that was done to the property, or are they insulated from us including them on our application for compensation?

    • roblogic 11.1
      29 July 2020 at 12:50 pm

      Get out of the landlord game if you don't know what you're doing.

      • Molly 11.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 1:02 pm

        Thanks, roblogic. Removing a very affordable place to rent in Auckland sounds like a great plan, and will help with housing our people.

        (Although we have had four couples stay with us for several years, and have then been able to afford to buy their first homes, and this is our first bad experience with tenants, so…)

        It's interesting to know that advice such as this, is the best you have to offer. Especially given the fact you have absolutely no details about the situation. And apparently have no need to find out.

        Apologies to anyone else in the TS community, who feels I have overstepped the line. I'll look elsewhere for advice.

        • Muttonbird 11.1.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 1:39 pm

          https://www.tenancy.govt.nz

          Before you speak to them you will want to have read over the tenancy agreement which both you and the tenant will have signed.

          Good luck.

          • Molly 11.1.1.1.1
            29 July 2020 at 1:47 pm

            Thanks, muttonbird. Have been through all the paperwork and filing etc in regards to the situation, regarding rent arrears and aggressive behaviour. We have been very careful to meet our responsibilities as landlords and keep to the advice of the Tenancy Services.

            Have already had a Tenancy Hearing, and obtained the termination order and only just regained access to the property after the tenants vacated in the middle of the night.

            So, just looking at the process of filing another application to the Tenancy Tribunal for the damages to property, and just wondered if it was worth it, as we are undergoing some serious health concerns at present. I am thankful that they have left as they were on our property, and the ongoing abuse was quite stressful, however, the damage is quite significant and will be costly to remedy but just trying to decide where to concentrate my energy at the moment.

            • Muttonbird 11.1.1.1.1.1
              29 July 2020 at 2:24 pm

              Ok. Sorry to hear about the health issues. I assume, even though it won't cover the damage, you at least have the bond?

              Not an expert, but I would say the agreement is between yourselves and the tenant, not the tenant's mother. This may make recovery from her difficult.

              • Molly …
                29 July 2020 at 2:35 pm

                That's OK, muttonbird. Will just have to file and go through the process all over again I expect.

                The bond has already been allocated to us, in regards to offsetting the rent arrears, which was considerable as the Covid-19 restrictions on top of the waiting for hearing dates ended up with 3 months of rent being unpaid. So it's no longer available to offset damages now the property has been returned.

                This assumption of landlord irresponsibility and breaches by roblogic above, is a problem, as much as all the horror stories about tenants.

                I will continue to advocate when possible for decent rental housing at an affordable price for all NZers, and hope at some point we will be able to continue to offer one place at least.

            • RedBaronCV 11.1.1.1.1.2
              29 July 2020 at 2:51 pm

              Sorry to hear about your health plus these excess problems. Hopefully the actual abuse at first hand has ceased and will not reappear with any more dealings being in a controlled setting like tribunals.

              FWIW I have seen a few disputes over years ( mostly tax) and I think you have really gone for the correct question – is this worth it overall?

              Without knowing the cost of the repair is there any low hanging fruit:

              Is the mother is likely to voluntarily stump up some of the cost of the damage from the trust if asked.

              Can the bond be kept with minimal stress and paperwork.

              If any extra money is awarded through hearings – are the tenants able to pay if they are told they have to.

              Did the extra time they stayed depend on the trust involving itself and did the damage take place before or after the trust involved itself?

              After any low hanging money is retrieved is it worth chasing a balance?

              Any slightly under employed family who would help with this?

              Other than that – the only other thing I personally felt was really useful was to have a "cutout" for contacts on the matter. Some thing like getting mail sent to a PO box and having a separate email address for any contacts and no phone calls. That way it doesn't spill all over the rest of your lives and you can then access and deal with it on a business like basis when you fell like it. (After a sufficient amount of coffee in my case)

              • Molly …
                29 July 2020 at 3:07 pm

                Thanks for the advice. To be honest, the thought of having to attend another hearing with the tenant present in order to pursue the damages claim is very offputting, which is why I brought it up

                As mentioned, the bond has already been allocated to us, but only covers part of the rent arrears, so is not available to offset the property damage.

                We don't make money on this rental, so although the rent arrears and financial cost of the repairs will impact on us quite considerably, I'm thinking – at present, it will be best to let it go. Just a hard financial decision to make when we are already quite stretched, but probably the right life decision.

                (Also, if we can get it clean and livable it can be a place where my mother can come so she can help out as required, and we'll look at doing the more extensive repairs to get it back to renting standard if/when she is no longer needed. So, my mother's cooking may mitigate the pain somewhat… home baking to go with that strong coffee.)

                • RedBaronCV …
                  29 July 2020 at 3:25 pm

                  Yep I can see that attending and having to interact can be pretty awful.Overall that sort of thing isn’t a cost less exercise

                  Other than that some years ago some friends had a house and a local builder wanted some temporary housing for workers he had on a local job. Offered to ensure the place was okay when they left. Well they were delighted – he sorted everything – it was better than when they gone into the arrangement.

                  Is it or would it be possible for a short term let at a higher rate to cover the repair costs before returning to a value rental? Not ideal but at least it would possibly return a value rental to the market a little sooner? And looking ahead – good tenants can also be given a goodbye gift if the rental is 5 dollars a fortnight dearer.

                  • Molly …
                    29 July 2020 at 3:52 pm

                    Thanks for that practical advice – after talking with my partner, I think we will take the path of less additional stress. With our current situation, needing a place for friends and family to stay may mean that the short term option is one that would work, although it goes against the grain in terms of what we have been trying to provide. It may also allow us to recover a bit financially as well, so will likely concentrate on what WILL benefit us, as opposed to what MAY.

                    (As for the gifts for good tenants, we have been able to scrape together enough for a few housewarming gifts as the long-termers have moved on. A mutual appreciation society in that respect. It's always nice to see young people move onto homes of their own, and for a while there was a daisy chain of recommendations for new tenants. This was the first in over a decade that was not a referral from a previous tenant so it has worked very well in the past.)

                    • RedBaronCV …
                      29 July 2020 at 4:15 pm

                      Hope all goes well – good thoughts to you – look after yourselves. Now trying to word this correctly – but a short term break can mean greater benefits in the longer term and you have already given substantial help to others which I totally admire.

                      (and enjoy that mother's cooking).

                    • Shanreagh …
                      29 July 2020 at 7:03 pm

                      Just a wee thought for the future…..perhaps think about having a property manager?

                      I interviewed several and chose one as I did not want to have to attend TT hearings and the such, working full time at a stressful job. They charge a % of the rent but in my case this was money well spent. They offer a range of options re finding tenants from do it all to – to working with your chosen tenants.

                      The firm I chose in the end was not associated with a real estate agency but one who was niche in the area I was renting and only worked in that area and rented baches as well as full term.

                    • Molly …
                      30 July 2020 at 6:38 am

                      Hi Shanreagh,

                      In our case, we are almost incidental landlords. It is our granny flat that is available for rent as my in-laws are both deceased. Our bedroom window is 3m away from the separate unit. Privacy – is quite good as we both have outdoor spaces and separate entrances, but was impacted on by the deliberate behaviour of the last tenant who would come outside during the early hours of the morning to yell and scream under our window.

                      We do the gardening and lawnwork – usually when the tenants are out – and are on hand to respond to any issues immediately, so the use of a property manager in this case would be superfluous.

                      It was our first – and hopefully only – attendance at a Tenancy Tribunal hearing. And as mentioned our previous experiences have all been straightforward and easy to manage. (There are some really good tenants out there.)

                      I think we'll just have to chalk it up to experience, particularly as all the evidence we had to gather for the harassment would still have had to be done by me anyway. (The rent arrears documentation was just a printout of a spreadsheet.)

                      But I can appreciate the benefit of using an effective property manager for other situations.

                • Patricia Bremner …
                  29 July 2020 at 5:35 pm

                  Hello Molly. We had to write off $2000 rent plus the "Do-up" after a rotten tenant. Like you we had really lovely people before that.

                  You are making the right decision. Relegate this to its true importance and put it behind you as life and energy have to be rationed, and spent on positives.

                  You appear to be a good Landlord who has struck a bad tenant. Good wishes to you on the health front, enjoy the coffee and the baking and the company of you Mum.

                  • Molly …
                    30 July 2020 at 6:55 am

                    Thanks Patricia. I've spoken to my partner, and he seems to be in agreement with that approach.

                    We've had a few significant events to deal with alongside my health, and it almost is a relief to decide not to do the next available step, and move on. That seems to be the most realistic and best advice so far. (We are out around $4,000 with the rental arrears (primarily due to the Covid restrictions that required a longer rental arrears period before application to the tribunal – and then the subsequent wait for the hearing), and it will be about $2,500 to repair the damage, but the thought of re-engaging without certainty of reimbursement is that it is not worth it.)

                    On the flip side, it was a very good night's sleep having an empty unit next door, so the situation has already improved immensely. wink

        • Red Blooded One 11.1.1.2
          29 July 2020 at 2:02 pm

          Hi Molly, Sorry I don't have any advice for you but just to let you know not all of us reading the Standard share roblogic's snarky bitchy opinion. I hope it all works out for you so you can get back to tenanting your property in a mutually beneficial basis. Regards

            • Molly 11.1.1.2.1.1
              29 July 2020 at 2:19 pm

              Doubling down, roblogic?

              What makes you think I haven't read this? or been interested in housing NZers, rental protection and commenting on it extensively on this site for years?

              Be better in your engagement.

              • roblogic …
                29 July 2020 at 2:34 pm

                Housing inequality is the core social problem of this country causing widespread unnecessary misery. Don't expect everyone to be polite about it. (It’s not personal; I am commenting on politics and society in general)

                • Molly …
                  29 July 2020 at 2:44 pm

                  Stop making assumptions. My partner and I currently live – with four children in a two bedroom house, that happens to have a two-bedroom granny flat on it, that is no longer required because my in-laws are both deceased.

                  Instead of making more money by Air BnB or similar, we followed our values and offered it for rent. According to Tenancy Services, our weekly rent – which does not quite cover the proportion of the mortgage it relates to – is in the lower quartile and includes electricity, utilities and gardening.

                  As mentioned, we have had four long-term couples that have found that this low accommodation cost has allowed them to save for their first home, and have received thanks from them when they left.

                  Our last tenant, was treated with the same courtesy and respect as all our previous, even when his own behaviour was threatening and aggressive. A very stressful situation when sometimes you have to leave your children alone in the house with him right there.

                  So, roblogic, I suggest that advocating for great housing for all NZers does not require a tribal, or one-eyed view. In fact, to be solved it needs more than that.

                  I spent several years following Auckland Council’s efforts at affordable housing, and many submissions have been made in that regard.

                  I have the same disdain for exploitation whether it be landlords or tenants. Try considering another perspective, and see if you can come up with a better comment than all tenants good – all landlords bad.

          • Molly 11.1.1.2.2
            29 July 2020 at 2:16 pm

            Thanks, RBO.

    • Cinny 11.2
      29 July 2020 at 1:45 pm

      Molly do you have a community law place where you are? They offer free legal advice. Hope that helps and it all works out for you.

      Edit… here’s the link
      https://communitylaw.org.nz/

      • Molly 11.2.1
        29 July 2020 at 1:56 pm

        Thanks, Cinny, I appreciate you taking the time.

        Unfortunately, they are unable to help as their kaupapa doesn't allow them to give advice to "employers or landlords".

        • rawsharkyeshe 11.2.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 2:06 pm

          Molly .. Citizens Advice Bureau might be helpful for you .. if you're in Auckland, the Sylvia Park office is excellent and knowledgeable.

          • Molly 11.2.1.1.1
            29 July 2020 at 2:20 pm

            Sylvia Park is my old stomping ground, although I am no longer living there.

            Coincidentally, my mother volunteered for years at the CAB.

            Thanks for the advice.

    • millsy 11.3
      29 July 2020 at 4:31 pm

      TS contributor RedLogix is a landlord so should be able to give you some advise.

      My advise would be to cut your losses and give them a 90 day notice.

      • Molly 11.3.1
        30 July 2020 at 6:59 am

        Already gone, millsy. The Tribunal issued a termination order, and an order for repayment of rental arrears, which we have to take to the District Court to see if it will be upheld.

        The order did not include the damages to the property that were apparent when we regained access after they left in the middle of the night. For that we have to go through the whole process again. Just wondering whether it was worth it, and think that is probably is not.

    • weka 11.4
      29 July 2020 at 7:10 pm

      If I've understood correctly you want the tenant to pay for damages, and you're not sure who the tenant is? I would have thought it is whoever the tenancy agreement is with, irrespective of who was paying the rent. But Tenancy Services should be able to answer this question.

      Ah, just reread. I'm assuming you would be better off financially if the trust was deemed the tenant (the actual tenant probably not having any money)?

      • Molly 11.4.1
        30 July 2020 at 7:25 am

        The tenancy agreement – is not with the trust. But on request of the tenant, our account details were sent to his mother, who paid the rent from the family trust.

        Those payments stopped when she thought he was going to be sent to jail – as she told me. In the one conversation I had with her, it became apparent that she really didn't want him back at home, and had been encouraging him to think he had grievances to take to the Tenancy Tribunal which resulted in an escalation of really aggressive behaviour on his part. Her desire to not have him return, did not consider the impact this would have on us as his landlords and neighbours, and made interactions much more difficult.

        His parents were also the employers of both the tenant and his partner who worked in their retail shop, and they were eligible for the wages subsidy for Covid, but the parents did not obtain the subsidy as far as I know and terminated employment. Seems to be a snakesnest of family issues and vehicles for tax arrangements going on, that I think – on reflection – it's best to avoid.

        I'm usually someone who methodically persists in following the correct avenues, but alongside other comments left for me on here, I think in this case, I'll let it go.

        • weka 11.4.1.1
          30 July 2020 at 11:33 am

          this makes a lot of sense, good decision I reckon. I too tend to follow through on things like this, but in this case it sounds like it's going to be very messy. I'm also finding that covid is making me figure out what really matters and where I want my time to be spent, keeping in mind that more shocks are probably on the way.

  12. Bearded Git 12
    29 July 2020 at 12:42 pm

    The RMA is to recommended to be ditched by a report released today. A bloke said 20 seconds ago on RNZ that the RMA is "biased towards retaining the status quo".

    Retaining the status quo protects rural landscapes from inappropriate/unsightly development. What this guy clearly wants instead is legislation that will permit widespread subdivision and development of NZ's precious landscapes.

    The legislation to replace the RMA will be developed under the next (hopefully) Labour/Green government. It is yet another reason to Party Vote Green.

  13. anker 13
    29 July 2020 at 12:54 pm

    If he arrived on the 18th March, that was before lockdown and so the country was still open with exceptions such as China and Iran (I think). He would have almost immediately have gone into lockdown with the rest of us.

    Be very glad to hear the results of yesterdays testing, which I hope will be reassuring.

  14. nzsage 14
    29 July 2020 at 12:59 pm

    As polls swing leftwards I do wonder if a contributing factor (other than the implosion of the National party) is the influence of the younger generation.

    From my experience, the current younger generation (18-25) are significantly more politically aware and active than their predecessors. They also appear to favour the policies of progressive parties that look to address areas such as the climate control, sustainability and the environment.

    Seeing these youngsters participating in democracy warms my heart and gives me some hope for the future.

    Go youngsters!!

    (From an oldie!)

    • I Feel Love 14.1
      29 July 2020 at 1:21 pm

      On RNZ Checkpoint last night they had vox pops of 18 years olds, questioning them about the upcoming election & referendums, they were incredibly well informed and very well considered views. I'll try find link.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018756939/first-time-voters-prove-top-of-the-class-on-election-2020-referendums

    • Just Is 14.2
      29 July 2020 at 1:35 pm

      Yes, the young voters are certainly more savvy than most of us today when we were at the same age, there are still plenty of young who will vote according to their parents entrenchment of politics, but many more are now making their decisions based on their own beliefs and expectations of Govt.

      There are many political issues that young people are concerned about, about how it will effect them and their future family, real concerns of real global dangers.

      Youngsters are our future and I think this younger Generation will play a much more influential roll in the future of NZ than any time previously in our future.

      Roll on Election day.

    • woodart 14.3
      29 July 2020 at 1:52 pm

      good post nzsage. think environmental awareness has had a huge impact on younger people. this will only grow. conservatives have been left behind.

  15. Muttonbird 15
    29 July 2020 at 1:16 pm

    Came across this in my travels:

    Right-wing PR man Matthew Hooton told RadioLIVE Drive there is a “despicable smear campaign underway” against the National Party leader.

    “Aid and abetted by an extreme left-wing, anti-National Party journalist called Tova O’Brien, who is a disgrace to the profession and a disgrace to Newshub, and is running a personal campaign to get rid of Simon Bridges.”

    Turns out it was Matthew himself who ended up "running a personal campaign to get rid of Simon Bridges."

    And people wonder why the Nats are not trustworthy…

    https://thestandard.org.nz/is-tova-obrien-really-a-closet-leftie/

    • I Feel Love 15.1
      29 July 2020 at 1:24 pm

      O'Brien is a intriguing person, she's being harangued about picking on Collins at the moment, prob just more Hootonisms.

      • Muttonbird 15.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 1:28 pm

        No doubt she can be very annoying but I thought her line of questioning to Collins about her prison escapees lie was totally appropriate because she was referencing the poll question about who Kiwis trust and don't trust.

    • RedBaronCV 15.2
      29 July 2020 at 2:28 pm

      Loving it:

      now remind me again who used to run smear campaigns??

      and picking fights with Tova – even better – just asking her to join any pile on.

  16. Muttonbird 16
    29 July 2020 at 1:25 pm

    Question for Green voters. In the remote event of Labour being able to govern alone, what would you like to see?

    1. A full Labour/Green government with cabinet positions and Green ministers

    2. A Labour government supported by the Greens with portfolios outside cabinet for Green ministers.

    3. No Greens involvement in government.

    4. The status quo with Labour/NZF inside and Greens outside.

    • Bearded Git 16.1
      29 July 2020 at 1:27 pm

      No. 1, Mutton

    • Just Is 16.2
      29 July 2020 at 1:49 pm

      Muttonbird, option one is my preference, lets give as much representation in Parliament by Like minded parties and show how democracy really works to benefit more NZers.

    • woodart 16.3
      29 July 2020 at 1:56 pm

      option five. a full labour green nzfirst gov, with labour holding outright power. look to the future, there will always be a centrist party, better to keep them in the tent.

      • Sacha 16.3.1
        29 July 2020 at 2:49 pm

        We do not have the luxury of granting Winston another three years of blocking urgent climate action, etc. Had his chance.

    • AB 16.4
      29 July 2020 at 2:44 pm

      As a human being, no.1. Strategically though, I wonder if no.3 makes sense, i.e. let Labour eat all the moderately palatable parts of National's lunch in an attempt to kill National off, and so open up a bigger space on Labour’s left.

    • Dennis Frank 16.5
      29 July 2020 at 3:48 pm

      #1 would be best for Aotearoa. I could go with #2 if the PM chose it. Dunno why anyone would prefer #3 – been there, done that, too long! #4 would be workable still, but seems most unlikely.

    • Tiger Mountain 16.6
      29 July 2020 at 4:29 pm

      Well Muttonbird…

      1. but…
      I would really like to see 1.(a) whereby the Green vote is strong enough to make it obvious that they should be included in the Govt. and Cabinet and with Ministers.

      There are enough fantasists at the top of Labour who could be very tempted to go for “one Labour to rule them all” if they did actually have the numbers to govern alone. Technically they could of course, but would that be a good idea really?

    • gsays 16.7
      29 July 2020 at 5:10 pm

      1.

      The Greens have done their time on the sideline.

      While on the periphery they have made some great impacts: Tenancy standards, the charging (or not) of returning kiwi, water quality awareness etc.

      Imagine the progressive change that can occur with their young caucus, if they had ministerial positions.

      Dare to dream.

    • mary_a 16.8
      29 July 2020 at 5:25 pm

      Has to be No 1 Muttonbird. It’s time for the Greens to be fully included in a government with Labour, with some Green Ministers.

    • Cardassian 16.9
      29 July 2020 at 6:15 pm

      #1 but if nzfirst made it back in I'd invite them in too. Better to keep them close than to push them towards the nats.

  17. I Feel Love 17
    29 July 2020 at 1:29 pm

    Collins, Streisanding all over the place, yesterday was to hammer home the Nats are down in the polls, now she's reminding us one of her candidates impersonated Hitler (which I saw someone on Twitter calling out those criticising him as "cancelling our culture"!). You'd think she was new to this thing, isn't it best to just quickly move on to the next shambles? Actually, every time she opens her mouth something bizarre comes out, "life isn't fair" ha! & her comedy reminds me more of Andy Kaufman than David Brent.

    • Muttonbird 17.1
      29 July 2020 at 1:35 pm

      She looks way out of her depth.

      She's always said clever stupid stuff but that was at the rate of once or twice a month. Now we are subject to it multiple times a day it looks completely deranged.

      • I Feel Love 17.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 1:53 pm

        Yeah, a bit of Muller, must've just assumed she could do it, without really realising what it actually takes to lead. I heard an interview a few weeks ago (she's only been leader a few weeks!) where they asked her had she demanded total loyalty from her party, and she said no, she's just told them to stop leaking if they want to win. What I got out of that statement was not leadership, more mutual self interest. It's very laissez faire leadership, which I was quite surprised about. She even said about the teen candidate, that she hadn't spoken to him about his silliness.

        • woodart 17.1.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 2:04 pm

          collins is coming across,as stressed and possibly shellshocked at how hard leadership can be. much easier to be a nasty shadow in the background,than be out in the spotlight fulltime.

  18. Sacha 18
    29 July 2020 at 1:47 pm

    People who object to nazi behaviour are nasty bullies, says Judith https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/422266/national-mp-subject-of-nasty-dirty-bullying-after-apparent-hitler-imitation-emerges-judith-collins

    "I thought it was a shocking attack on a young man who has really grown up. The fact he went straight away yesterday and apologised for his mistake at 14 I thought showed immense maturity and I would like to say to him look don't worry, we've got your back," Collins said.

    • Just Is 18.1
      29 July 2020 at 1:53 pm

      A contradiction of statements.

      Nazi's are known Bullies

      Those who reject Nazism are decent thinking individuals.

    • I Feel Love 18.2
      29 July 2020 at 1:55 pm

      "Stop cancelling our culture"!!! (sarc) but a comment I saw on Twitter regarding this egg.

  19. Ad 19
    29 July 2020 at 1:59 pm

    Big shoutout to Green Party New Lynn candidate Steve Abel, and to Mels Barton and the team from the Tree Council, who have fought to gain some temporary reprieve for a stand of native trees in Avondale. Top work so far team.

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/activists-celebrate-after-worksafe-halts-tree-felling-contentious-auckland-site?auto=6175996615001

    This is not over by a long shot, but it's excellent campaign timing.

    Looking forward to more candidates of minor parties seizing upon local issues like this and gaining some traction.

  20. Muttonbird 20
    29 July 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Collins' policy to use Kiwisaver for start-ups roundly savaged by…er…everyone.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2020/07/national-s-proposal-for-kiwisaver-to-be-used-for-starting-a-business-is-risky-experts-say.html

    She also said she'd open a bubble to Rarotonga within a week. Perhaps we can all use our Kiwisaver for that too.

    • millsy 20.1
      29 July 2020 at 4:41 pm

      Waiving the companies office registration fee is probably a good idea.

      • Muttonbird 20.1.1
        29 July 2020 at 4:47 pm

        Ok, but that isn't a very onerous cost. New Zealand is also already ranked at the top for ease of starting business.

        The crazy part is that 2/3rds of new businesses fail before two years so there's all that money wasted for no future return. It's very risky while Kiwisaver was set up to reduce risk to future generations.

  21. Bearded Git 21
    29 July 2020 at 3:21 pm

    "I never thought Labour would be more promising than National on RMA reform, but right now that's where we are," Seymour said.

    Labour today are cosying up to David Seymour and his gun-friendly friends.

    Any legislation that is attacked by both Collins and Seymour must have considerable merit, yet Labour proposes to ditch it.

  22. logie97 22
    29 July 2020 at 4:07 pm

    Thinking out loud.

    Rarotonga is desperate for tourism and much needed currency.

    What say they were to invite our government to set up a MASH type facility there, with perhaps the navy providing an "at anchor" support ship nearby, and all returning New Zealanders are landed there instead. They can do their 14 day quarantine in comfort, and those testing positive can be looked after at MASH or on the hospital ship. The New Zealand tax payer funds it, and those who are then safe to travel, carry on to our shores and we can be assured that no-one is going to bust out and cause risk here.

  23. Muttonbird 23
    29 July 2020 at 4:39 pm

    Oh dear. The NZ Jewish Council are "not at all" offended by William Wood's Hitler impersonation. Seems you cannot be anti-semitic at the age of 14. What age then is the cut off?

    Perhaps the NZ Jewish Council could do a list of what is and is not offensive to them because this gentile is very confused.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/nz-jewish-council-not-at-all-offended-by-national-s-william-wood-hitler-impersonation.html

    Methinks the NZ Jewish Council are merely trying to diffuse trouble for their party, The National Party.

    • I Feel Love 23.1
      29 July 2020 at 5:09 pm

      I won't link but I did remember a bit of furore about this, it's on Kiwiblog subject "dotcom_and_mein_kampf" (Farrar is shocked!!!!), I actually remember some guy from the NZ Jewish Council defending Dotcom saying he too had a copy of Mein Kampf but must be my dodgy memory.

    • gsays 23.2
      29 July 2020 at 5:21 pm

      A couple of questions for you:

      Do you think Wood was being anti-semetic?

      Were you offended by the revelation?

      I know I would have done something similar at that age (TBH at an older age too), mainly because it would be taboo or controversial. Without any real idea of why it was offensive.

      Not to detract from your point about the Jewish Council being cozy with the Nats.

      • I Feel Love 23.2.1
        29 July 2020 at 5:33 pm

        Myself? No, I just thought he was an egg. I was a bit more aware at that age myself, yet of course didn't have social media (but an Action Man that had an SS uniform, them were the days) , but this isn't an isolated thing with this kid is it? It also seems a bit unfair for this kid to have his mistakes as he grows up public, if he becomes an MP. He's got his 20s to go, and the fact 4 women were overlooked for this position is also a story. Also, he's wanting to become an MP, should his age matter? As an excuse? He's either capable, or he's not.

        • gsays 23.2.1.1
          29 July 2020 at 11:24 pm

          “but this isn’t an isolated thing with this kid is it? ”
          I see this non-event in isolation.

          Unless you know something I don't.

      • Muttonbird 23.2.2
        29 July 2020 at 5:36 pm

        No to both questions. But I would have thought one must apply the same evaluation of this sort of action regardless political leaning, and to a lesser extent age. Like I said at what age does it become unacceptable.

        Juliet Moses believes his actions were acceptable but I hope she also explained that impersonating Hitler is wrong.

        And I get the feeling young Wood is somewhat beyond his years so at age 14 he will have known exactly what he was doing…

        • gsays 23.2.2.1
          29 July 2020 at 11:20 pm

          Thanks for your response.

          As to an age of when you become responsible, 16, 18, 20, 21..

          I know I didn't grow up till I was 30. By that I mean not lying, my word became my bond, stopped being self centered.

          With most things, only intentions matter.

          I do not accept at 14 "he will have known exactly what he was doing…" especially in the context of being a candidate for a party floundering in an electorate in the spotlight for another candidate's short-comings.

          • Muttonbird 23.2.2.1.1
            29 July 2020 at 11:36 pm

            This wasn't an average 14 year old. He's some sort of debating champ and won National Party candidacy at 17. Clearly bright, used to mixing with adults and full of experience at a certain level.

            The stuff that drove him to do a 'Heil Hitler' and to fool around with MAGA hats is still there and no doubt will resurface at a point in the not too distant future.

            He has chosen a tough road, the political world is not a forgiving place.

  24. Ad 24
    29 July 2020 at 5:20 pm

    Here's a great upcoming test:

    Is there any relationship between Facebook profile and hits, and getting more votes?

    TVNZ News implies there might be:

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/love-hearts-and-frowny-faces-stats-reveal-new-zealands-politicians-faring-facebook

    Chloe Swarbrick on this count should be the leader of the Green Party – will it be enough to keep them above 5%? Does Auckland Central really vote by Facebook?

    Next stop: Trial By TikTok

    • weka 24.1
      29 July 2020 at 5:24 pm

      Did they imply that? or did they just pay a fee to a FB owned company to count social media scores? No agenda there FB or TVNZ.

    • gsays 24.2
      29 July 2020 at 5:30 pm

      Well we already seem to have policy via Twitter.

      Twitter is like polling but it is instant without paying the pollsters, looking at you Farrar.

  25. Eco Maori 25
    30 July 2020 at 7:16 pm

    Kia Ora

    Te Ao Maori Marama.

    There is no equality in Aotearoa are there any pakeha whanau being treated like mine YEA RIGHT.

    Yes more needs to be invested in our Wai plants and the waste treatment plants.

    I say minority cultures are being treated better by this government than the last few.

    Pukana the captions are off.

    Ka kite Ano

  26. Eco Maori 26
    31 July 2020 at 6:33 pm

    Kia Ora

    Newshub.

    That's great a mission to Mars to collect samples.

    Yes we need a sugar tax.

    Ka kite Ano

  27. Eco Maori 27
    31 July 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Kia Ora

    Te Ao Marama.

    That's is cool to see a honey processing facility being built in Te Tairawhiti.

    Its great to see Iwi helping their Tangata with Kai and other resources.

    Ka kite Ano

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    5 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
    18 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
    22 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
    23 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 ...
    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
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    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
    20 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 ...
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  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

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  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

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  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

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  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

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  • 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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. ...
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  • 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 ...
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    7 days ago
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    1 week ago
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    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 ...
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  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

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  • 'Pacific Futures'

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