Open mike 29/10/2011

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 29th, 2011 - 72 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

72 comments on “Open mike 29/10/2011 ”

  1. Ianupnorth 1

    Today is my birthday and to celebrate I am happily first in and in doing so stopping Pete George from his regular first spot! Shame Rod Fyfe spoiled it! http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10762436

    • Happy birthday Ian!

    • LynW 1.2

      Happy Birthday Ianupnorth. Have a great day!
      Taking a positive spin on that article.. it has given Goff a wonderful opportunity to promote not selling NZ’s assets and to remind people of Labour having to buy Air New Zealand back and fix it after the last attempt to privatise it! Makes Fyfe’s point a little petty don’t you think/? (no disrepsrect to the koro)

    • felix 1.3

      From the article:

      He said the use of the koru to provoke political controversy was in conflict with its core meaning.

      Which is to promote an airline, right? Piss off, Fyfe.

      Happy Birthday Ian!

      • RedLogix 1.3.1

        I got a mild case of cognitive whiplash reading Fyfe’s logic. I mean here the guy is running an airline that wouldn’t exist if it were not for the previous Labour govt and then he wants to tell us that politics should keep off his precious grass.

      • The Voice of Reason 1.3.2

        I read the rest of his spam email to his unfortunate staff. Turns out Fyfe has a broken finger. He claims it was a boating accident, but I suspect it was PM’s arse related.

    • marsman 1.4

      Happy Birthday Ianupnorth !

    • Happy birthday Ian!

  2. Jenny 2

    Forget Pete George, he would be to dumb to comment on this.

    Tax Justice media release
    28 October 2011

    “The Occupy Movement is protesting the injustice of the world’s 99% having to bear the costs of a financial crisis caused by an elite few,” says Vaughan Gunson, Tax Justice spokesperson.

    “The best mechanism for making the super-rich 1% pay is a financial transaction tax, or Robin Hood Tax,” says Gunson. “It’s very exciting to see that the global movement for this tax which targets banks, big corporates and financial speculators is growing.”

    The Robin Hood Tax international day of action on Saturday 29 October is timed to put pressure on the leaders of the G20 before their summit meeting in Cannes on 3 November. In New Zealand, actions are being organised in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch.

    “Tax Justice has been campaigning over the last year for financial speculation to be taxed. It’s criminal that the profits of speculators go untaxed, while ordinary New Zealanders are taxed every which way,” says Gunson.

    The Tax Justice petition signed by 40,000 New Zealanders was presented to Parliament on 16 August. The petition calls for GST to be removed from food and a tax placed on financial speculation instead.

    “Politicians in New Zealand need to respond to the global movement and start looking at how we can introduce a Robin Hood Tax in New Zealand,” says Gunson.

    Tax Justice would like to see the parties of the left come together on tax policy. “A broad coalition that brings together left parties inside and outside of Parliament, along with unions and other grassroots organisations, could achieve a decisive shift towards a more just fairer tax system,” says Gunson.

    “The beauty of financial transaction taxes is that they can target the super-rich who aren’t paying enough tax; it’s almost impossible to avoid; and modern technology makes it a simple and low cost form of tax collection,” says Gunson.

    Tax Justice has produced a Fact Sheet on Financial Transactions Taxes and their feasibility for New Zealand. To download PDF click here.

    For more information on the Tax Justice campaign go to http://www.nogstonfood.org

    For comment, contact:

    Vaughan Gunson
    Tax Justice spokesperson
    021-0415 082
    svpl@xtra.co.nz

    or

    Grant Brookes
    Tax Justice spokesperson
    021-0532 973
    grant_brookes@paradise.net.nz

    Grant Brookes will be speaking to the Wellington Occupy movement on the subject of a Robin Hood Tax at 1pm, Saturday 29 October, Civic Square.

  3. It is interesting that neither the slithery one nor Farrar have commented on the respective TV launches last night.

    I wonder why?

    • felix 3.1

      To be fair, Farrar has posted crossword answers this morning.

    • Chris 3.2

      Whaleoil has now.

      • mickysavage 3.2.1

        Sort of.  He complained about the waste of taxpayer money.  I agree wholeheartedly.

        The National party effort was a complete waste of time and money.  It was that bad I felt a little bit sorry for the National Party.  I expected a razzamatazz Crosby Textor polished juggernaut of an effort that would have had Labour reeling.  Instead I got this?

        If taxpayer money was used to fund this piece of shyte then I agree there should be an inquiry and at least the complete repayment of any money paid. 

  4. toad 4

    Third container ship aground off Tauranga. It’s the MV National Party

    That ship’s on fire, she’s sinking fast,
    There’s one man standing on the mast,
    His arms are spread in the flames around his head
    He’d better jump before the blast,
    PM John Key is standing on the quay
    He’s taking colour photographs.

  5. Occupy Octagon/Dunedin have claimed the council hasn’t been honest with the public or the occupiers.

    Council dishonest over Armistice Day – who’s really being dishonest?

    • Bill 5.1

      It’s not ‘Occupy’ that is being deceitful and dishonest.

      It is the organisations that have inserted themselves into it and generated a platform themselves and elevated their their agendas and their programmes over any message/ action that might otherwise have emerged from a genuine dialogue between people ‘coming together’ over stuff they are rightfully pissed off about.

      I wrote about all of ths here. http://thestandard.org.nz/over-or-into-the-wall/

      • Pete George 5.1.1

        Thanks Bill, you are right, I know quite a few people (including myself) that thought Occupy would be a great opportunity to make a difference regardless of affiliations but are quite pissed off about what’s happened in NZ.

        I know Green party supporters who are very sympathetic to the theoretical aims of Occupy who deliberately kept their politics out of it, and they amongst many others have been shat on.

      • AAMC 5.1.2

        Once again in agreement with Bill and suggest we take inspiration from the fact that today Egypt will once again inhabit Tarhir Sq, in solidarity with Occupywallstreet and oocupyoakland. It’s international, so whatever happens in Dunedin, although its a missed opportunity here, it is insignificant in the bigger picture.

        This person writes a brilliant first hand account of an awakening in Oakland…

        http://www.theawl.com/2011/10/the-livestream-ended-how-i-got-off-my-computer-and-into-the-streets-at-occupy-oakland

        This may happen here yet, depending on how it grows and articulates itself abroad.

        Ali Mustafa will be live tweeting from Egypt. Follow him for real news.

        twitter:@_fbtm

  6. Tangled up in blue 6

    I can’t post the results of the latest herald digi-poll in OPEN MIKE???

    National consolidated its commanding lead in the final weeks of the Rugby World Cup, a Herald-DigiPoll survey has found.

    Poor handling of Oil Spill what?

    • The Voice of Reason 6.1

      As the article notes, there was a spike in support from rugger loving Aucklanders in the days before the final. I’d have never predicted that … sigh.

    • queenstfarmer 6.2

      Well that pretty much destroys (yet again) the credibility of those making wild predictions of National’s collapse following the Rena incident. Given the desperately dishonest efforts of Labour & the Greens to somehow blame it on John Key, I had expected the Govt to take a hit. However, it seems that the public has seen through that.

      Hopefully, the dirty campaigning has ended, and the campaigns – and the polls – will focus on substantive policy and issues.

      • The Voice of Reason 6.2.1

        “Hopefully, the dirty campaigning has ended, and the campaigns – and the polls – will focus on substantive policy and issues.”
         
        Agree, entirely, Queenie. Do let us know when National make the switch to substantive policy and issues, because on last night’s effort, relying on John Key won’t do it for them this time round.

      • RedLogix 6.2.2

        Well that pretty much destroys (yet again) the credibility of those making wild predictions of National’s collapse following the Rena incident.

        No-one here predicted National’s collapse. What we did suggest is that it could well be an ‘inflexion point’. Putting words into other people’s mouths is very bad form.

        National have been very, very fortunate that the Rena has held together against expectations , or that there hasn’t been another big storm causing a final break-up. Because that is all that has prevented far more oil landing on the beaches of the BOP.

        And if that had happened the focus would have inevitably come back onto that first 100 hours after the grounding when it is now blatantly obvious more could have and should have been done. That and the RWC, which also was a very fortunate distraction for the government.

        • queenstfarmer 6.2.2.1

          No-one here predicted National’s collapse.

          I suggest you look at the numerous Rena-related posts on this site. Here’s just one example:

          My guess is that National will keep losing votes as this crisis drags on, and more and more questions are asked about their credibility.

          What we did suggest is that it could well be an ‘inflexion point’. Putting words into other people’s mouths is very bad form.

          Well, it seems I am addressed by the official spokesman for this entire site, which makes it ironic that you accuse me of putting words into other people’s mouths. Please tell me, what words did I put into other people’s mouths?

          [lprent: RL is both an author and moderator. There are no official spokespeople – just a grumpy sysop who tends to prefer to bite the head off media rather than prancing around being a glory hound.

          There were posts and comments that said it was likely that Rena would drop National support (not a collapse). A single small poll (750 wtf?) taken while the issue was still unfolding is hardly likely to show that.

          RL is right. You are wrong. Bullshitting about the site as a whole is a Darwin award infraction. Trying to tell authors what they did not say is a dangerous trait. I very nearly gave you an educational ban. But I am feeling lazy this morning. ]

          • Dv 6.2.2.1.1

            Qsf dictionary
            Loose is to collapse

          • queenstfarmer 6.2.2.1.2

            I trust it is not to trifle with the sysop to state that I do not know what I supposedly told an author they didn’t say, and nor do I know what words I supposedly put in anyone’s mouth.

            All I did was assert what had been said, and then provide a quote in support when challenged. RL said “No-one here predicted National’s collapse”, and I posted a quote – by an author – to refute that. I don’t see how providing a quote constitutes “bullshitting about the site as a whole”.

            On further review, perhaps RL does not consider that the comment “keep losing votes” to fall within the definition of “collapse” – the term I used. If that is the objection, then I would say that on dictionary definitions the term collapse is a perfectly valid term to describe comments such as “losing votes”, especially as a result of losing votes following a sudden, unexpected event. From the definition of “collapse”:

            collapse… 3: to cave or fall in or give way… 4: to suddenly lose force, significance, effectiveness, or worth

            • RedLogix 6.2.2.1.2.1

              On further review, perhaps RL does not consider that the comment “keep losing votes” to fall within the definition of “collapse” – the term I used.

              Just to be clear… no I do not. A collapse would be something far more dramatic, like plunging within a week or two from 60% ratings to below 40% for instance. None of the authors or commenters who wrote about the Rena were saying anything like that.

              What many people did suggest was that it was possibly a turning point, from which the trend for National might start to slowly loose ground.

              Rather large difference.

      • Colonial Viper 6.2.3

        Given the desperately dishonest efforts of Labour & the Greens to somehow blame it on John Key

        “I didn’t ram that ship into the reef!!!” 😛

        http://www.flickr.com/photos/19473099@N05/6238850035/in/photostream

  7. belladonna 7

    Was I hearing things – was listening to the news on the radio this morning and heard the latest Horizon poll has Labour up in the polls and the Nats down. Cant find anything about it online,
    maybe I was dreaming but it sounded quite impressive.

    • The Voice of Reason 7.1

      It came out a week ago, and suggests that the Nat’s can’t make it without Banks coming through in Epsom.
       
      The highlights include a massive 0.4% support for United Follicles and ACT and the Maori party only marginally better off.
       

      National has 36.8% of registered voters (down 2.7% since September 22)
      Labour 25.7% (-1.1%)
      Green Party 11.6% (up 0.9%)
      New Zealand First 6.2% (- 1.1%)
      Mana Party 2.3% (+ 0.3%)
      Act 3.4%  (down 1.4% from September and down from a high of 5.3% in May shortly after Don Brash became leader)
      Maori Party 1.7% (+0.7%)
      United Future 0.4% ( 0% in September)
      Conservative Party of New Zealand 2.2% (new party, first time measured)
      New Citizens 0%
      Other parties 1.2%

       

  8. Redbaron77 8

    I likewise found the Herald Digi-Poll a little difficult to believe in the face a poor six weeks for National.Although 10.6% of respondants were uncommited or 79.5 people (!). The election will of course be a major proving ground between the methodologies of the regular polls against the newcomer Horizon.

  9. millsy 9

    Someone else who thinks that the fact that we have the lowest rate of senior poverty in the OECD is unacceptable

    No doubt our neo-liberal cougar has a cushy pension fund stashed away somewhere, where as others, if she had her way would have to sell everything they own in order to get some subsistence in their retirement.

  10. The Voice of Reason 10

    More good news for Labour, compulsory Kiwisaver is a winner.
    And it looks like we like MMP.
     
     
     
     
     

  11. randal 11

    rod fyfe thinks because he once flew a fighter jet then ipso facto he knows everything.

  12. National want to make it hard for the poor to strike for better wages and conditions…..
     

    The National Party wants pay to be cut when workers stage partial strikes or work-to-rules.
    In its election policy on industrial relations announced on Friday, National says workers can sometimes do very little work for months under the guise of a partial strike and still be paid.
    The party says with approval from the Department of Labour, company executives should be able to cut some of their income.
    The proposal would particularly affect groups such as nurses and fire fighters, who stage only partial strikes in order to maintain emergency cover.
    Trade unions say National’s proposal would harm low-paid workers who cannot afford full strike action.
    Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly says it could increase disruption as workers move faster to all-out strike action fearing loss of money anyway.
    “For very low-paid workers, it’s intended to remove a form of industrial action that is often the only one they can afford. For groups like nurses, who are very reluctant to take strike action and often show their objection by doing things like refusing extra shifts, they’ll actually be forced to take strike action.
    But Business New Zealand is pleased, saying partial strikes are extremely damaging to industry.
    Paul Mackay, of Business Zealand is pleased, saying the greatest industrial damage in New Zealand is caused by partial strikes.
    “If we all accept that this country has got an awful lot of work to do on the productivity front, the idea that there’s no penalty for deliberately slowing the boat down so that it won’t arrive on time or won’t deliver the goods has got to have some frustration attached to it.
    “So I think what we’re seeing now is the Government being prepared to say, ‘If you want to frustrate productivity, be prepared for it to cost you something.'” – Source : RadioNZ

     
    For “If you want to frustrate productivity, be prepared for it to cost you something.” read…
    “In order to conquer, we are dividing the work force into those who can strike and those who can’t!”
     

    A whole new class of worker!

  13. Hekia Parata – Asshole of the Week Award

    Not only did we have to put up with Hekia Parata’s bold faced lies that New Zealand had the resources and manpower to deal with an oil spill the size of Deepwater Horizon… we now have to put up with oil and dead animals washing up all over our beaches precisely because she was lying…

    • On the news last night she was at the site of the repair of the Maui pipeline.
      Reporter was in regular hard hat and high vis vest (as would be expected).
      Parata had a helmet with ear protectors and was wearing a pair of safety goggles like she was intimately involves in the repair!
      Talk about poser! Do they now have PR wardrobe consultants with them when they fly in for the photo-ops?
       
      She probably learned that from her boss Gerry. The first thing you do when recovering from a fatal, city destroying earthquake – get a new jacket with CERA embroided on it.
      Wardrobe first, bulldozers second.

      • Dv 13.1.1

        And i read this morning, in stuff or herald both by Parata. I cant find them again.
        The problem with the pipe was ground movement NOT maintence
        And
        The pictures of the leaking gas posted on u tube were a hoax

  14. millsy 14

    Roger Kerr has just died.

    Edit: I have removed some of the nasty stuff out because regardless of his political beliefs, he was still a human being.

    • Colonial Viper 14.1

      Sympathies to his family.

      I wonder if he learnt in time that you can’t take material wealth with you and that dollars will not help smooth your way into the after life.

    • Redbaron77 14.2

      Agreed. Thankfully we have affordable general hospital healthcare. However you view Roger Kerr he was an effective advocate for his side. The cancer is another thing: It’s more than likely he would have gone through the mill battling the effects of metastatic melanoma… Condolences to his family.

  15. KJT 15

    What I said on Armstrong’s National Party political ad today. Doubt if it will be published though.

    “Economical with the truth again!

    Like DPF you should have a disclaimer, saying rabid National party supporter.

    Labour had to spend to repair the damage done to our national infrastructure and public services by decades of Neo-liberal Government.

    No Government would have escaped a deficit with the GFC.

    Labour left us in a much better position than the present, borrow, hope and give our assets away at fire sale prices to their future employers. National.

    I suppose National cannot really campaign on their real policies though.

    Stealing our wealth by reducing wages, giving away money earning assets, killing manufacturing, borrowing to give more money to those who spend it on Hawaii holidays and offshore gambling and making sure they have high paying jobs in finance, when they finally get voted out.”

    Simon Power couldn’t even wait that long for his earthly reward.

  16. interesting 16

    The Rena disaster will cause National to drop in the polls……NEK MINNIT….

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10762430

    ” National would comfortably govern on its own with 53.5 per cent of decided voters, up 1.5 percentage points on the previous poll, in August.”

    and

    “Labour has 30.3 per cent support (down 1.2), ”

    and in case anyone tries to say that the Rena wasn’t really in view when this poll was taken…

    “As well as the Rugby World Cup, events leading up to the polling included the Rena oil spill off Tauranga, a downgrade for New Zealand by two credit rating agencies, and accusations that Mr Key misled the House when he claimed Standard & Poor’s had said another credit downgrade would be more likely if Labour became the Government.”

    “The poll of 750 respondents was taken between October 20 and 27.”

    • Zaphod Beeblebrox 16.1

      Winning the RWC does not seemed to have helped Key’s polling much. Imagine if Donald’s kick had missed?

  17. Kty 17

    750 respondants, does this huge number represent the way a majority of New Zealand is thinking or the number of national suporters found during a week of searching for people who will give the approved reply?.

    • interesting 17.1

      Typical reply when your team is losing is to blame it on who does the polling, who was polled, or the sample size.

      I gaurantee that if the result had showed a gain for labour you wouldn’t even be questioning the sample size.

      Remember….many on the left were saying that the Rena was “Key’s, ‘Katrina'” and that the Nat’s would suffer in the polls.

      That they have gone up shows the most people realise that this was just left wing spin.

  18. johnm 18

    I was disgusted the other day to hear that up himself Paul Henry Drive on radio live gloating (gloating on the unproven basis G was responsible for Lockerbie) about the murderous war crime of Gadaffi’s death He didn’t leave out the horror of the man being sodomized by some sort of object during the process of his dying. He is a total U$$ toady.
    Some facts about the good things Gadaffi did for his people in this article:

    “He also wanted Libyans to share in the country’s oil wealth, a notion foreign to America and other Western societies.

    Under his 1999 Decision No. 111, all Libyans got free healthcare, education, electricity, water, training, rehabilitation, housing assistance, disability and old-age benefits, interest-free state loans, as well as generous subsidies to study abroad, buy a new car, help couples when they marry, practically free gasoline, and more.

    Literacy under Gaddafi rose from 20 – 80%. Libya’s hospitals and private clinics were some of the region’s best. Now they’re in shambles. Some, in fact, were bombed or damage

    The young people are well dressed, well fed and well educated….Every Libyan gets free, and often excellent, education, medical and health services. New colleges and hospitals are impressive by any international standard.

    All Libyans have a house or a flat, a car, and most have televisions” and other conveniences. “Compared with most citizens of Third World countries, and with many (others), Libyans have it very good indeed,” including decent housing or a rent-free apartment.

    Green Book ideology rejects Western-style democracy and predatory capitalism, especially neoliberal exploitation. It’s one of many reasons why Gaddafi was ousted.

    He had nothing to do with downing Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. Neither did Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi. Scottish judges knew he was innocent but were pressured to convict.

    Gaddafi never admitted fault. He took responsibility solely to have international sanctions removed. To this day, he and al-Megrahi stand falsely accused. Likely CIA /MI6/and/or Mossad involvement is never mentioned. ”

    refer link: http://www.rense.com/general95/hyd.htm

  19. gingercrush 19

    So is Labour going to announce funding for Len Brown’s train project Monday? Also I am presuming both TV 3 and TV One will release a poll on Sunday and Roy Morgan must be due to drop another poll very soon.

  20. KJT 20

    This Dictator of an oil rich country.

    Overthrew a democratically elected Government.
    Murdered between 700 thousand and a million of his own citizens to get into power.
    Brutally squashed two independence movements. Now engaged in squashing a third.
    Keeps about 2/3 of his country in poverty.
    Allows foreign companies to repatriate almost 100% of their profits. Especially Western oil companies.
    Has the worst environmental record in the Pacific..
    Allows abuse of workers in virtual slave labour.
    Sends troops in to kill unionists.
    Country has unsustainable debt.
    Streets of beggars and homeless.

    This Dictator of an oil rich country.

    Left his country with no external debt.
    Gave interest free loans to citizens.
    Had Western standards of living.
    Increased literacy from 25% to 83%.
    Had the Highest Standard of living in Africa.
    A proportion of all oil sales was credited to every citizens bank account.
    No beggars in the streets and no homeless.

    Guess which one was helped into place by the US Government and is supported by other Western Governments, including ours.

    Guess which one is considered so bad that we should support his overthrow.

  21. big bruv 21

    RIP Roger Kerr

    • KJT 21.1

      I cannot bring myself to feel sorry for him.

      Pity he is not still here to answer for the blighted lives, suicides, poverty, NZ’s heading for the third world, and the other effects, of his and others worship of a mean, spiteful discredited economic religion.

      Wasn’t he one of the insider traders in SCF also?

      • big bruv 21.1.1

        Nobody said you had to feel sorry for him.

        I felt the same way when Ed Hillary passed, I just did not care given his long support of the Labour government.

      • Vicky32 21.1.2

        I cannot bring myself to feel sorry for him.

        Given that I believe in an afterlife (also in universal salvation), I did a little bit, thinking that he was in for a bit of a shock, as he would have thought himself to have done only good…

  22. Tigger 22

    WTF is Key doing in this photo?
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10762437

    This Hobbit themed article has nothing to do with Key other than to say he was given a photo op with his ‘mate’ Jackson. Key isn’t Minister of Arts (why didn’t Finlayson get the photo op?).

    I call bs. Also, is that an old photo? Jackson is looking like his old self.

    Oh I see Stuff covered it also. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5871787/Key-adds-stardust-to-campaign-trail

    Key and his mates have done nothing for the film industry. Yes, they jumped at the chance to brown-nose Jackson and stick their beaks into an industrial dispute (enjoying your residual checks negotiated for you by fucking unions, Sir Peter?) but they’ve done sweet f-all for the industry.

    • Sookie 22.1

      I still remain completely disgusted with Peter Jackson. It’s really tough on me as I was such a fangirl. On the hobnobbing with celebs theme though, which doesn’t Russel Norman get his sister in law Anna Paquin to do an ad for the Greens? That would be awesome 🙂

      • giovani 22.1.1

        Jackson and key sold out the film workers for the love of money.

        Key and national are traitors, they have made that plain with their plans for this country if we are stupid enough to vote them back in.

  23. Draco T Bastard 23

    Vote for Change has confirmed that it wants to go back to an unrepresentative model for elections.

  24. randal 25

    never seena wingnut flic in my life.
    they dont do it for me.
    I like stuff with balls.

  25. Bored 26

    Its sad when somebody dies, young or old there are the emotionally attached and the family, so with the death of Roger Kerr whilst I bear his ideology total malice I have sympathy with those who were close to him.

    Not so those who carry forward the twisted logic of neo liberalism. In the media there are the likes of Deborah Hill Cone (whose image of too tight jeans in her column frightens the shit out of us)..The late Roger said this of her …“Deborah Hill Cone is one of my favourite journalists. Her cosmopolitan reading habits are unique in the New Zealand media, and she’s generally no slouch in business and economic commentary either”.(aka she read the copy of Atlas by the Sainted Ayn Rand I gave to her)…

    Fekk its proof Roger was a lightweight AND its a damnation by faint praise from a suspect source for Debs…..QED

  26. The Voice of Reason 27

    It’s all kicking off in Oz, with Qantas grounding their entire fleet to force the Government’s hand in the industrial dispute. Fairwork Australia meeting in emergency council, Gillard addressing the nation. Thousands of workers locked out, thousands of travellers affected. Amazing!

    • Vicky32 27.1

      It’s all kicking off in Oz, with Qantas grounding their entire fleet to force the Government’s hand in the industrial dispute.

      Radio NZ finally decided to mention that this morning… I had already read about it in the Italian press first.. 🙁
      Appalling!
       

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    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    5 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    5 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    5 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    11 hours ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    13 hours ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    14 hours ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    15 hours ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    16 hours ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    17 hours ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    18 hours ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    21 hours ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    22 hours ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    24 hours ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    1 day ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    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 ...
    4 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    4 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    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 ...
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    2 days ago
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