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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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'.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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)
AB You are producing some shiny comments that flash and sparkle as they turn in the light. They definitely stand out – so good to read well thought out stuff as we get more fevered coming into election day. We are hot under the collar, and who can blame us, but have to keep feet on the ground and you are helping amongst others of course, but I thought it as I read yours, and that I'd write this straight away.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.)
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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)
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.
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.
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)?
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.
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.
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.
I find it curious that the National Party policy on the reform/replacement of the RMA is almost verbatim what the Review is recommending to the government.
Is it possible that there is an insider who released the report early to the National Party?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
#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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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?
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
There’s an island in the far reaches of Auckland’s territory, sitting off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, 30 minutes by air from the city or four hours on the slow boat. Aotea Great Barrier is off-grid, it has a population of fewer than a thousand people … and most ...
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author and advocate, Jim Aubrey, today led a national symbolic one minute’s silence to mark the “blood debt” owed to Papuan allies during the Second World War indigenous resistance against the invading Japanese forces. “A promise to most people is a promise,” Aubrey said in ...
Asia Pacific Report The Freedom Flotilla is ready to sail to Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the humanitarian trip to the besieged enclave. However, organisers received word of an “administrative ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
You can’t have missed the Gallipoli story as the movies, documentaries, essays and books capture what it was like for New Zealand troops in their eight-month campaign on the Peninsula. But this Anzac Day the Auckland War Memorial Museum has published a book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
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.
Those who can’t do opine a lot. That describes a lot of the political media commentators
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes! Good judgement and aplomb!
Arden needs to show more mongrel? Why? There's already a female dog there.
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
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.
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…
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.
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…
😀
How many eyebrows was that?
Probably one . All deep deep thinkers have a monobrow
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J03yCE15rg
I’ll have to think about that one.
It's almost like there has been some large opinion-shaping event while the current PM has been leader..
Der Zeitgeist
Yep, just the one…
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.
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.
Tectonic shifts, earthquakes, GFCs, mass killings, pandemics, natural disasters, CC, et cetera. I give you ‘status quo’ and that’s my ‘thesis’.
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…
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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🤪
A toxic party of liars and shills for corporations and foreign powers isn't good for democracy either
Come now, Labour aren't really that bad, surely?? 😉
Graphic guru Toby Morris analyses election hoarding design: https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/29-07-2020/font-tick-face-tick-the-great-election-hoardings-design-review-2020/
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?
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.
Oh they were quite serious.
Name dropping!!
Enjoyed that, thanks.
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!
I stopped reading at that point.
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
How many times has she used that old line?
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).
no, she perhaps thinks she would have been the fourth mrs trump.
"I 'd be a Slovakian model…" or maybe she wishes she was married to Donald Trump?
Oh snap woodart
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Life isn’t fair and then you die.
on a beach, if you're lucky
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
"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?
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…….
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.
“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.
Hard to use your kiwisaver to start a business, if you have already used it for your first home.
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)
AB You are producing some shiny comments that flash and sparkle as they turn in the light. They definitely stand out – so good to read well thought out stuff as we get more fevered coming into election day. We are hot under the collar, and who can blame us, but have to keep feet on the ground and you are helping amongst others of course, but I thought it as I read yours, and that I'd write this straight away.
The critics are out already. Great. Every time she opens her mouth…we need more of it.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/122279325/national-party-policy-to-fund-startups-with-kiwisaver-nuts-provider-says
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.
"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.
Micheal Cullen? Wasn't he very ill/ on limited time? Sounding a bit better?
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.
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbevFguT6NE
That's how Muldoon axed Labour's superannuation scheme in 1975, the Dancing Cossacks
Yes, and I believe the cartoons were produced by Hanna Barbera.
So a little foreign influence as a hang over from Mccarthyism???
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.
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.
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!
Right wing politics and nazis share at least the same order – probably closer to genus.
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.
Every time that young fella makes a gaff it seems to be white power related. Say's it all really.
(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.
.
Billionaires Shouldn't Exist –
A striking slideshow via reddit: r/LateStageCapitalism
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
Thats the spirit. Stick to sheep and butter.
Its Fred Dagg Economics.
The local superyacht industry is sinking just like the rest of the economy. Billionaires won't save us.
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.
Maybe something's changed recently because that's not what I've been hearing.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/nzs-marine-industry-losing-jobs-and-millions-dollars-due-border-exemption-rules
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/416052/covid-19-sails-off-with-nz-s-america-s-cup-income
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.
"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.
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.
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 –
You must be a champ at parties.
Me, myself, and I do have great parties together even though we do argue a lot.
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.
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.
So we need a cargo cult of billionaires to pray to?
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?
Get out of the landlord game if you don't know what you're doing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.)
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.
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.)
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
https://www.rentersunited.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ASRUPeoplesReviewofRentingWebversion.pdf
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.
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)
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.
Thanks, RBO.
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/
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".
Molly .. Citizens Advice Bureau might be helpful for you .. if you're in Auckland, the Sylvia Park office is excellent and knowledgeable.
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.
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.
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.
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)?
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.
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.
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.
Link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/422246/panel-suggests-repeal-and-replace-for-resource-management-act
RMA
I find it curious that the National Party policy on the reform/replacement of the RMA is almost verbatim what the Review is recommending to the government.
Is it possible that there is an insider who released the report early to the National Party?
The status quo isn't necessarily all that flash.
True…but sticking more development into rural landscapes is not the answer…unless you are a developer.
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.
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!)
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
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.
good post nzsage. think environmental awareness has had a huge impact on younger people. this will only grow. conservatives have been left behind.
Came across this in my travels:
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/
O'Brien is a intriguing person, she's being harangued about picking on Collins at the moment, prob just more Hootonisms.
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.
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.
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.
No. 1, Mutton
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.
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.
We do not have the luxury of granting Winston another three years of blocking urgent climate action, etc. Had his chance.
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.
#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.
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?
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.
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.
#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.
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.
She looks way out of her depth.
She's always said
cleverstupid 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.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.
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.
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
A contradiction of statements.
Nazi's are known Bullies
Those who reject Nazism are decent thinking individuals.
"Stop cancelling our culture"!!! (sarc) but a comment I saw on Twitter regarding this egg.
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.
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.
Waiving the companies office registration fee is probably a good idea.
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.
"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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
“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.
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…
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Kia Ora
Newshub.
That's great a mission to Mars to collect samples.
Yes we need a sugar tax.
Ka kite Ano
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
https://youtu.be/qQfetkoGrpU