Open mike 29/08/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 29th, 2015 - 76 comments
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76 comments on “Open mike 29/08/2015 ”

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  1. Northsider 1
    29 August 2015 at 6:57 am

    “Liz Kendall, with her permanent air of an office manager who has just come back from a course, couldn’t lure a voter out of a burning building – and her whole campaign is based on changing Labour to be whatever people who hate it want it to be.”

    “Many people thought the Labour party would struggle to top the disaster of losing the general election, but it has silenced the doubters by somehow contriving to lose its own internal leadership election. Voters have signed up to support it, and Labour has reacted with a purge of such generalised unfairness that I’m almost starting to doubt that its leading lights really wanted to bring democracy to Iraq. ”

    Frankie Boyle has some very pointed observations in his piece in the Guardian.

    http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/27/how-will-labour-top-losing-the-election-by-losing-its-own-leadership-contest

    • millsy 1.1
      29 August 2015 at 1:01 pm

      Phil Quin, Shane Te Pou, and the Paganis are among those who support Liz Kendall for UKLP leader.

      • Peroxide Blonde 1.1.1
        29 August 2015 at 5:41 pm

        There are a number of similarities between the ABCs in London and in Wellington. The most obvious ones are is their antipathy towards membership power and their common background as insiders who have gone from Uni to political adviser roles to safe seats.
        They are the reason the parties in both countries have been rejected by the voter for being aloof and uninspiring.

        • Anne 1.1.1.1
          29 August 2015 at 7:34 pm

          I watched a debate online between all the candidates about 3 weeks ago. As a long-time political observer (40 years) I was struck by one particular revelation. That was the similarity between what Corbyn was saying in 2015 to what Norman Kirk was saying in 1970. And guess what… Kirk went on to win the next election (1972) in a landslide!

          Yes, we lost in 1975 but that was a direct result of the premature and tragic death of Norman Kirk. I believe had he lived to carry on as PM, Labour would not have lost that election to Muldoon and our political history would have taken a totally different path.

          • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1.1
            29 August 2015 at 8:45 pm

            If Kirk hadn’t died I don’t think National would have been in power until the 1980s at the earliest and it would have been left to National to do the Rogernomics stuff and chances are they’d only last one term with Labour coming back in to undo their fuckups. NZ would be a vastly different place.

            • RedLogix 1.1.1.1.1.1
              30 August 2015 at 11:16 am

              Yes Kirk’s untimely passing was a fork in the road alright.

              At the same time I don’t think we can neglect the malign influence of neo-liberalism globally. Even if we had avoided the Rogernomic catastrophe – as Australia did – the left would still have faced some very strong head-winds.

      • Anne 1.1.2
        29 August 2015 at 8:10 pm

        Note the body language of one, Liz Kendall during this debate on NATO. Oh dear, petulance abounded and did I detect a hint of malice at the end? Never mind, Jeremy put her in her place.

        I was reminded of a certain ‘left’ commentator in NZ.

        http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/jeremy-corbyn-snaps-liz-kendall-6331863

        • North 1.1.2.1
          29 August 2015 at 10:33 pm

          Thanks for that link Anne. Very interesting. Amusing how Kendall quick off the mark at around eleven seconds to deploy a throwaway ‘branding’ line against Corbyn, when rebuffed (in a thoroughly gentlemanly and fairly unanswewrable way) then consoled herself with a pretty massive sulk for the next five and a half minutes. At the end of which period, lesson not learned, unsuccessfully tried the same trick again. Liz Liz Liz…..some ‘entitlement’ showing there maybe ?

          Parallel personalities here anyone ? Which is what makes it so interesting, yes ?

        • Northsider 1.1.2.2
          30 August 2015 at 8:22 pm

          Kendall’s sulking bad manners would earn a 13 year old in our household the confiscation of an iPhone for a week.

          • Anne 1.1.2.2.1
            30 August 2015 at 8:39 pm

            Well, she won’t win the leadership after that childish display. Not that she is going to win anyway – surely not. God help the UK if she did…

  2. mary_a 2
    29 August 2015 at 7:38 am

    What was going on with TS yesterday afternoon? I was blocked out of the site! Nasty little Gremlins maybe????

    Anyone else affected?

    • dv 2.1
      29 August 2015 at 7:41 am

      Yep – told mr I was no human and tried to access too many times!!!

    • lprent 2.2
      29 August 2015 at 8:42 am

      Exceeded the maximum number of page not found errors per minute for humans.

      I have quite a lot of traps for robots trawling the site. Some are for unknown robots that look like humans, or humans trying to do a site dump.

      A characteristic problem is for robots to look for pages (that often don’t exist) as backdoors into the system. Especially old plugins with security holes. So the system automatically blocks for two hours any ‘human’ IP that tries to read more than 3 missing pages in a minute.

      Just part of a general eternal war against idiot robots that runs alongside the war against idiot trolls and other fools.

      However in all our pages we show the links and excerpts of a RSS feed to other blogs, party sites, and a couple of more general news sites. Which means that we show some of their content that is in the excerpt. Including their links to images.

      There was a problem with the RSS feed from GarethWorld (Gareth Morgans blog). It had 2 links to images in 2 different RSS posts that started like
      “/tmp/remote-image-cache/….”
      ie they were links to local images on Gareth’s server.

      Needless to say, when readers on our site tried to access these images, they found that they were completely unable to do so from our site, giving a invalid page error in each case. If people viewed two of our pages within a minute, my ever vigilant software minons locked them out of the site for two hours.

      Fortunately this only became a problem for our more voracious consumers of pages in the morning. After the second post showed up, it became a more general problem. Which is when I got alerted (thank you Olwyn and Jenny Kirk) and killed the problem after work.

      Now I either have to write some more code that detects invalid image links on the RSS receive and processing side, or better still report this as a bug to the person who wrote the plugin I use for this purpose.

      Sorry for anyone who got caught by this bug. However it is a small price to pay compared to the damage and slowness of not dealing with the damn bots.

    • Hami Shearlie 2.3
      29 August 2015 at 11:30 am

      I had the same – we must have been very naughty! It came right after a while, but I was locked out completely!

  4. AsleepWhileWalking 4
    29 August 2015 at 7:45 am

    FBI in a pickle http://www.thedailysheeple.com/ap-sues-us-govt-over-fake-fbi-news-article-booby-trapped-with-surveillance-virus_082015

    The Associated Press, one of the main sources for mainstream news articles in the world, is currently suing the U.S. government. It’s claim?

    The FBI endangered the AP’s reputation when the federal law enforcement agency sent out a link to a fake AP article the FBI had created which was laced with a surveillance virus that would infect the computer of anyone who clicked on it, thereby enabling the FBI to spy on them.

  5. The Chairman 5
    29 August 2015 at 8:54 am

    Of the 80,000 people who lived in the harbour catchment area, 65 per cent were unaware that stormwater drains led directly into the harbour.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/71540950/porirua-council-embraces-car-wash-ban-backlash-as-a-chance-to-educate

    After years of the council trying to clean up its harbour, has anyone thought of filtering the outlets?

    • JanMeyer 5.1
      29 August 2015 at 9:29 am

      If filtering slows flow, which it would have to to be effective, then you would risk serious flooding when it pours with rain as oulets overflow, so not sure this is solution

    • b waghorn 5.2
      29 August 2015 at 9:37 am

      I can imagine farmers all over the country smilling quietly. # boots on the other foot.

      • vto 5.2.1
        29 August 2015 at 10:29 am

        yes mr waghorn, and rightly so…… but why do so many farmers still cry that they should be exempt from rules like this?

        btw re other commenters – there are ample examples of screens, large scale sump systems and the like that are incorporated into stormwater systems today to take out the shit and leave on ly clean water running into our waters…

        all good

        • b waghorn 5.2.1.1
          29 August 2015 at 12:29 pm

          I’m in no way excusing farming, just enjoyed watching townies get fired up on TV last night.
          Of course the most sensible thing is for a law making all detergents for household use biodegradable but like the light bulb fiasco the fools would hate the idea.

          • weka 5.2.1.1.1
            29 August 2015 at 12:35 pm

            We should make all detergents biodegradable. But we’re talking stormwater drains right? and people pour all sorts of weird shit down their drains.

            • b waghorn 5.2.1.1.1.1
              29 August 2015 at 12:46 pm

              Every little bit helps, although car washing is a drop in the ocean compared to what would be washed off the highways every time it rains.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.3
      29 August 2015 at 9:46 am

      After years of the council trying to clean up its harbour, has anyone thought of filtering the outlets?

      Have you thought of the difficulties of filtering storm water where having a blockage is contra-indicated?

      • maui 5.3.1
        29 August 2015 at 4:06 pm

        This also goes against decades/centuries of engineering thinking that we must pipe everything and get it the hell out of here as quick as possible. Working with natural systems by using swales and plants/wetlands as filtration systems before water gets out to sea is only very slowly being built into infrastructure. I think the only way we will see widespread change to a logical natural way is when hydrological engineers realise they don’t have a job anymore and communities can decide for themselves how they deal with waste water.

    • ianmac 5.4
      29 August 2015 at 9:46 am

      Dimly aware that in Christchurch ponds are built to catch the daily stormwater runoff and thus catch the heavy “metals?” etc. before running into the Avon. Or maybe that is Rangiora. Think tyre debris.

    • dv 5.5
      29 August 2015 at 12:54 pm

      I thought the suggestion of councillor Cropp to use towels as a dam to divert the wash water into the garden/lawn was smart.

      I might dig a hole to act as a sump- fill with gravel and sand.

      Re the suggestions of filtering – one of the problems is the soap.

      I don’t think the problem is too difficult or onerous on the car washers.

      • Macro 5.5.1
        29 August 2015 at 8:07 pm

        Having worked for a time in surveying I have come across the problem of dealing with stormwater (we set out many a storm water drain) – One project I was working in about 2007 was a commercial development in Albany North Shore, and it had a uniquie system for dealing with the direct runnoff from roads and treating that water prior to it ending up in the ocean (as all storm water eventually does). If you go to google maps (Google Earth) Albany NZ and zoom in on Albany Lake Reserve just to the north of the two lakes you will see along with Don Mckinnon Drive, Daviis Dr and Corban Ave. Zoom in on these two roads and you will see green rectangles dotted along the roads. Instead of normal “cesspits” for the storm water – these are natural filters built to take the storm water and filter it before discharging into the Albany lakes where the water settles again before joining the main drains to the sea. These large filters are about 4 metres deep (from recollection) filled with organic humus and planted with native plants such as flax and sedges ideally suited to filtering the water naturally. The Lake reserve is also planted with native aquatic species and I remember coming across several NZ Dotterels nesting there while I was working.
        So Stormwater can be successfully treated If enough thought is put in to it. The result is not only benefitial to oceans it is also benfitial to us the result is a very pleasing place to be.

  6. Enough 6
    29 August 2015 at 9:45 am

    Canadian Election Gerrymandering. No surprises here. How the right wing corrupts democracy. http://www.theguardian.com/world/canada/2015/aug/28/all

  7. vto 7
    29 August 2015 at 10:09 am

    North Canterbury is a classic farming regional area, filled to the gunnels with appropriate types….
    But two things have gone on recently which highlight very poor standards and qualities amongst its inhabitants….

    Firstly, it is dry as a bone in these lands so the farming people there, not content with already have shat on the land, cry very loudly for more and more water. They have basically fucked all the rivers and waterways for their own gain…. This is a familiar story of course and the ins and outs of it are very well known.

    It is a stain on their community.

    Secondly, there has been a lot of media recently about heavy racism amongst Canterbury rugby clubs. It is thick in the air. North Canterbury has been one of the culprits, the Glenmark one at Omihi singled out recently for appaling racism and general pig-behaviour (apologies to pigs)….

    … and then this yesterday night http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/north-canterbury/71526790/all-blacks-history-destroyed-in-north-canterbury-rugby-club-fire ….

    any link do you think? I would posit that they have been targeted for their racism…

    North Canterbury eh …. I wonder if any of the locals put these things together and realise the picture that is painted of their community… I don’t imagine they do. They would look to that old fool Griz Wylie who would just stand there and grump without a clue. Poor them.

  8. greywarshark 8
    29 August 2015 at 10:44 am

    Brazilian pollution in the spotlight because a wealthy yachtie from Germany says their rotten water has resulted in nasty bacterial growths in his body when he considered he was in good health previous to sailing in Rio de Janeiro.

    This is a case for having contests in countries with many poor. The wealthy are encouraged to visit and frantic efforts have to be made to improve conditions. The people who permanently live in Rio de Janeiro won’t be immune to the troubles their visitor has suffered!

    Heil, who finished third with Thomas Ploessel in the 49er class, was told by a Berlin hospital that he had been infected by multi-resistant germs, the German sailing team said.
    “I have never in my life had infections on the legs. Never!” Heil said on the sailing team’s Olympic blog. “I assume I picked that up at the test regatta. The cause should be the Marina da Glória where there is a constant flow of waste water from the city’s hospitals.”….

    Last year biologists said rivers leading into the bay contained a super-bacteria resistant to antibiotics used to treat urinary, gastrointestinal and pulmonary infections.

    The waters along Rio’s Atlantic coast, including Guanabara Bay where the Olympic sailing events will be held, have been polluted for years and successive governments have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on clean-ups to little effect….

    When Rio bid to host the Games, the city trumpeted the clean-up and said it would cut the amount of sewage flowing into the bay by 80%. However, it has since admitted it is unlikely to meet that target. The amount of sewage treated before reaching the bay had risen from 17 to 49%.

  9. greywarshark 9
    29 August 2015 at 10:51 am

    Living longer>>>>>………………….
    Lesotho had the world’s lowest healthy life expectancy, at 42 years, while Japan had the highest, at 73.4 years.
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/282702/a-longer-lifespan-but-at-what-cost

  10. ianmac 10
    29 August 2015 at 11:23 am

    From Stephanie Rodgers on the side panel: “It seems thoroughly unfair that hot on the heels of losing Dita de Boni from our political commentariat, we’re saying goodbye to Brent Edwards as political editor at Radio New Zealand.”
    (Thanks Stephanie.)

    Very sad but I hope his influence on fair balanced reporting continues?
    I sent an email of appreciation to Brent at brent.edwards@radionz.co.nz

  11. Sanctuary 11
    29 August 2015 at 11:27 am

    An fawningly approving technocratic authoritarian doozey from Fran O’Sullivan today, where she applauds a right wing technocrat’s go at a palace coup against the elected democracy of Auckland

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11504525

    It contains a sentence for the ages:

    “…What’s clear is that Town is breaking through the political stasis holding Auckland back….”

    What’s clear is no one voted for this guy and his “breaking through” involves an authoritarian conspiracy of little known neo-liberal apparachiks to ride roughshod over the constantly repeated wish of Auckland voters NOT to sell assets. I wonder if he can get the trains to run on time as well?

    In all this, it is clear Len Brown’s utter obsession with the CRL is now turning him into an isolated lunatic prepared to any and everything to cement in his legacy. Brown is now as big a threat by omission to our assets as Mr. Town is by commission.

  12. b waghorn 12
    29 August 2015 at 12:31 pm

    http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/serco-boss-admits-interest-in-nzs-rail-services-2015082910#axzz3k9uSFISc
    I propose that the new flag should have “serco” as its main emblem.

  13. Chooky 13
    29 August 2015 at 1:19 pm

    ‘Steve Keen on Economic Forecasts, Ponzi Schemes, GDP, China; One Way Streets and Poison’

    Read more at http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2015/08/steve-keen-on-economic-forecasts-ponzi.html#Rpqrk3RPikCSprL7.99

    ….”China needs external capital. Instead, China sees capital flight. Resultant stress is everywhere one looks because debt exceeds carrying capacity.

    Symptoms of Too Much Debt

    Yuan devaluation
    Stock market prop jobs by Chinese regulators
    Emerging market currency crashes
    Global equity bubbles
    Commodity price crashes
    Junk bond bubbles
    Slower global growth
    Still raging property bubbles in Australia, Canada, and the US West Coast (thanks to influx of money from China)”….

    ( re “raging property bubbles in Australia, Canada, and the US West Coast (thanks to influx of money from China)”

    …..is New Zealand also being flooded with Chinese money escaping China?…ie buy ups of NZ housing and land?

    …we are a very small country…there must some restrictions on this flood…or is jonkey Nact using this Chinese buy up money to prop up his economic failures?)

    http://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/wall-of-chinese-capital-buying-up-australian-properties-20150628-ghztdf.html

  14. Tautoko Mangō Mata 14
    29 August 2015 at 1:48 pm

    Here is a just posted interview from Robert David Steele. For his opinion on TPPA, start at 8 minutes. Travellerev will be interested in this interview.

  15. Draco T Bastard 15
    29 August 2015 at 1:59 pm

    Oops:

    A lawyer who has used intimidating legal requests to try to gain access to the records and emails of climate scientists has a financial relationship with a major coal company, it has been revealed.

    Christopher Horner, who works with two groups to pursue scientists and environmental regulators, is listed in the bankruptcy papers filed by lawyers on behalf of Alpha Natural Resources and its 150 subsidiary companies in the coal industry.

    The Heartland Institute, a “free market think tank” and major promoter of fringe views that greenhouse gases are not a problem for the planet, is also named in the papers, as are other key groups.

    Investigative journalist Lee Fang, of news website The Intercept founded by lawyer and journalist Glenn Greenwald, first reported the links in two stories.

    Can’t really say that I’m surprised.

    It is not surprising that a coal company would support the kind of activities that Horner undertakes. It helps them attack the science, which advances their policy agenda. I think it’s also becoming apparent that most of the big players in the denial movement are indeed being paid by fossil fuel interests — via campaign contributions to sympathetic politicians and through dark-money payments to individuals and think tanks that are then used to fund useful – to them – activities. I think future generations will be disgusted by this.

    I’m hoping that present generations are disgusted by this obvious corruption of the legal and political systems.

  16. Morrissey 16
    29 August 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Lisa Owen is not up to the job of interviewing Helen Clark
    The Nation, TV3, Saturday 29 August 2015, 9:30 a.m.

    Hosted by Lisa Owen and Patrick Gower, The Nation is an in-depth weekly current affairs show focusing on the major players and forces that shape New Zealand—TV3 publicity blurb.

    Our former prime minister Helen Clark did not have a good relationship with high quality journalists. In 2002 she glowered with anger and tried to overtalk John Campbell when he confronted her with her dishonesty about an unapproved release of genetically modified sweetcorn. [1] During the long-running scandal of her regime’s persecution of Ahmed Zaoui, she brusquely terminated any attempts by the excellent Selwyn Manning to make her answer questions. [2]

    Thankfully for Helen Clark, then, she didn’t have to put up with the indignity of being interviewed by a high quality journalist on TV3 this morning. Lisa Owen’s performance was as reliably useless as long-suffering viewers have come to expect from her. Instead of going into anything in depth, several topics were given the usual once-over-lightly treatment. This program is notorious for its low quality interviews, which are often utterly incompetent or horribly biased [3] or—as with Tova O’Brien’s outrageous performance with Murray McCully—a combination of both. [4] But, even so, this was a particularly abject performance. Here are a few selected highlights, or lowlights, complete with Ms Clark’s trademark snickering and snorting delivery….

    LISA OWEN: So what can the rest of the world do, then, and why aren’t they stepping up?

    HELEN CLARK: [speaking slowly and with the deepest possible tone, to indicate thoughtfulness and moral seriousness] In the short to medium term, peace in Syria would help enormously. But that’s not about to happen.

    LISA OWEN: I want to talk about sustainable development…

    Here Clark chuntered on in yawn-inducing officialese for a minute or so. She’s such a smooth operator that she managed to talk about the “G-7” instead of the G-8, casually accepting and therefore endorsing the U.S.-driven attempt to isolate the eighth member, Russia. Lisa Owen didn’t even notice.

    HELEN CLARK: The EU’s calling for more action, the UN’s [snicker] calling for more action…. needs more commitment from countries that historically have contributed [snicker] to carbon levels. We need China [snort] to act, we need India to act….

    But Lisa Owen, even if she were capable of discussing that issue in depth, had other questions she was required by management to ask. Someone had written a really pointed anti-Labour one for her to read out….

    LISA OWEN: [nervously] How comfortable are you with Chinese people being singled out as an ethnic group here?

    Ms Clark knows a partisan political angle when she sees it. However, instead of fixing the hapless Lisa Owen with her trademark rock-splitting stare, Clark took the bloodless option, and chewed up a couple more minutes saying something bland and non-committal. But Lisa Owen wasn’t allowed to let it go at that. She had obviously been ordered by her producers to keep banging away at this one….

    LISA OWEN: [diffidently] So… are you uncomfortable with a single ethnic group, the Chinese, being singled out?

    Again, Clark swatted her aside with ease.

    Why can’t they get someone knowledgeable and with a bit of flair to interview a big hitter like Helen Clark? Oh that’s right—-they’ve got rid of all the good ones.

    [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dET78Z5b5s
    [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeZ8yuEqZm0
    [3] https://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/makers-of-tv3s-the-nation-refuse-right-to-reply-to-untrue-allegations/
    [4] http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-02082015/#comment-1053747

  17. Tautoko Mangō Mata 17
    29 August 2015 at 2:10 pm

    World Health Organisation only requires 90 DAYS ‘SAFETY TESTING’ ON GMOS – NOT long enough for tumours to show.

    • Psycho Milt 17.1
      29 August 2015 at 9:30 pm

      “Not long enough for tumours to show?” But isn’t it the chemtrails that cause the tumours?

    • Jenny Kirk 17.2
      30 August 2015 at 7:48 am

      Tautoko Mango Mata – could you please put up the link to the WHO video “Are GMOs Safe to Eat” . This is a really informative doco, and I’d like to share it with people up here in the north who are strongly opposed to current govt attempts to introduce GMOs despite local councils not wanting that to happen. thanks.

      ps Its okay thanks – I right-clicked onto it, and have the link now.
      Thanks for putting this up.

  18. greywarshark 18
    29 August 2015 at 2:36 pm

    Thank you Tautoko for link.
    I’m only part way in and already I have heard that the experienced professional academic speaking has found a potato that after genetic modification tools have been used on it, has antibiotic resistance to three bacteria.

  19. Poission 19
    29 August 2015 at 3:45 pm

    Unions win big decision in US with the role of joint contractors in effect being joint employees .

    https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/board-issues-decision-browning-ferris-industries

    they share or codetermine those matters governing the essential terms and conditions of employment. In evaluating whether an employer possesses sufficient control over employees to qualify as a joint employer, the Board will – among other factors — consider whether an employer has exercised control over terms and conditions of employment indirectly through an intermediary, or whether it has reserved the authority to do so.

    Background here.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/unions-plot-major-push-after-landmark-labor-ruling_55e10081e4b0aec9f35376e6

  20. Draco T Bastard 20
    29 August 2015 at 4:25 pm

    Over on the Border Fiasco thread RedLogix said this:

    Overstaying is a crime; benes spending money on ‘luxuries’ is not.

    Well, not yet but I’m sure that National, following patterns in the US as they do, are looking at it:

    That “unmasking” is behind two recent bills that caught the Internet’s attention this week. Kansas and Missouri’s legislatures are working to target the social services provided to the state’s welfare recipients, limiting how people on welfare can use their assistance. In Missouri, a bill awaits Gov. Jay Nixon’s approval that would ban soda, energy drinks, cookies, and chips. Curtailing spending on snacks and soft drinks might be defensible from a public health angle (former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg would be a fan), but the state is also targeting steak and seafood—which speaks, ironically, less to concerns about welfare and more about policing what poor people do.

    Actually, didn’t they give cards out to some beneficiaries to prevent then from buying luxuries?

    • Draco T Bastard 20.1
      29 August 2015 at 8:17 pm

      As Barbara Ehrenreich memorably argued in the seminal Nickel and Dimed, it’s those low-wage workers who are essentially paying for everyone else’s prosperity with their cheap labor:

      When someone works for less pay than she can live on—when, for example, she goes hungry so that you can eat more cheaply and conveniently—then she has made a great sacrifice for you, she has made you a gift of some part of her abilities, her health, and her life. The “working poor,” as they are approvingly termed, are in fact the major philanthropists of our society. They neglect their own children so that the children of others will be cared for; they live in substandard housing so that other homes will be shiny and perfect; they endure privation so that inflation will be low and stock prices high. To be a member of the working poor is to be an anonymous donor, a nameless benefactor, to everyone else.

      True. The rich get rich by taking from the poor not by working for it.

  21. cogito 21
    30 August 2015 at 12:16 am

    An interesting column re China from the BBC:

    “The politics behind China’s stock market turbulence

    One of the most extraordinary things about the world’s number two economy is that when it faces a crisis, the leadership carries on in public as if nothing has happened.

    Decisions which affect the fate not just of 1.4 billion people in China but as we now know, the rest of the world as well, are made in secret by a handful of men.

    This week, China’s top political leaders have made no mention of the crisis, flagship mainstream media avoided touching on it, and government censors constrained discussion on social media within firm boundaries.”

    ……continues http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-34071368

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  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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