Open Mike 30/05/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 30th, 2018 - 135 comments
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135 comments on “Open Mike 30/05/2018 ”

  1. Ed 1

    The Herald front page screams ‘Russian serial killer.’

    Any excuse to recreate the fear and hatred of the Cold War.
    Shameful.

    Just another reminder that a real people’s government should seize control of the narrative from the plutocrats.
    This tinkering crew will do too little for fear of offending the capitalists.
    And no, I did not buy it and did not click on it.
    Saw the headline on a paper lyiing ona table in a cafe.

    • Bill 1.1

      Ed? pfft.

      Russian authorities hunting a serial killer asked New Zealand police to search their DNA database in a bid to catch the dangerous and wanted murderer.

      Y’know, yes, there’s a whole lot of simplistic “black and white”, and “with us or agin us” bullshit going on in the world today.

      But jumping up on a chair and getting all arm wavy on the flimsiest of contexts or (in this case) a completely bogus context is just …why fcking do that?

  2. One Anonymous Bloke 2

    Didn’t read the story. Has no idea what the story says. Indulges monomania anyway 🙄

    • Hanswurst 2.1

      He’s still got a point, though.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1

        Has he? I think he writes a load of steaming drivel on almost any subject you care to name.

        • Hanswurst 2.1.1.1

          Granted. He’s still got a point here, though.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1.1

            That the NZH wants to recreate the fear and hatred of the Cold War? Nope, I think that’s just more addled gobshite. That the NZLP won’t do the things he wants? Maybe so, but since the things he wants are motivated by addled gobshite, that’s hardly surprising.

          • Ed 2.1.1.1.2

            If you think my views on inequality, taxes, obesity, housing, transport, health and education are ‘gobshite’, or ‘steaming drivel’, then you clearly are not left wing.
            When a Blairite insults me, I wear it as a badge of honour.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1.2.1

              However, when someone who isn’t a Blairite calls out your drivel, you attack the messenger because you can’t handle the criticism.

              “Real left wing thinking” ≠ regurgitating kleptocrat propaganda whilst seeing conspiracies everywhere.

              Plus what Bill said.

              • Ed

                Many on this site are sick of your bully boy tactics.
                Just because you don’t agree with my views does not give you the right in verbal abuse.

                My views are left of the NZ Labour Party.

                Conspiracies everywhere?
                No.

                Do they exist?
                Yes

                Skripal
                Yes – a conspiracy.

                Syrian chemical attack
                Yes – a conspiracy

                The plan to attack Iraq in 2003.
                Yes – a conspiracy.

                The plan to attack the U.S in 2001
                Yes – a conspiracy.

            • mauī 2.1.1.1.2.2

              Nice riposte Ed, you are part of the true left imo. Thanks for trying to mend the bridge with armed offenders bloke.

        • Bewildered 2.1.1.2

          Probably most relevant Russian story today is not Ed’s little piece but that another anti Putin journalist and former Russian parliamentary candidate Oles Bunyan has been murdered in Kiev Probably nothing to do with russua though, suggest it was the British ( sarc)

        • greywarshark 2.1.1.3

          OAB
          Don’t be so quick to diss Ed. A bowl of steaming drivel might be all a poor person has on a winter morning to keep them going!

        • Ed 2.1.1.4

          I would argue most real left wing thinking is closely aligned to what I say on this site.

          • McFlock 2.1.1.4.1

            Like a “True Scotsman”, I suspect the definition of “real left wing thinking” is in the eye of the proclaimer.

    • mauī 2.2

      scroll past.

  3. cleangreen 3

    While the meth cirus reigns on TV today; – look what the Government is pushing forward at the same time as they threw the ‘distraction’ of meth at us!!!!

    Did they think we would not see them shifting to ‘a thumbs up to CPTPP???????

    We are being played big time now folks sadly.

    Our verbal submission was 10 minutes last week and we are bitterly disapointed they did not even add any protectins we advocated for.

    When will Labour/National /NZF appologise to NZ, after the new cases of other disease comes here after their final rush to pass the final report to Parliament simnce the phoney “select Committee to review the TPTPP” was hoisted on us all as a “diversion” while their intent was to pass this toxic trade agreement as it already was???

    Chair Simon O’Connor (National MP) said he believed the CPTPP is o/k; – as is????

    Even though us and a lot of other submitters warned him and his committee that they will be setting us up for more “micro-plasma bovis” events.

    The submitters said they should include a clause be added to the ISDS agreement to allow in all cases Government contracts or with other parties allowing local/state governments and other parties to encourage Government to pass regulations to protect NZ citizens and the environment against foreign activities in NZ that may damage their future economic, environmental, health, and well-being after the trade agreement will be enacted in 2019.

    ‘Editored’ section involving environmental protection and no change from draft report originally proposed in march 2018.

    https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/SCR_78363/a1acbf19b29fdfcfb0f773ee52bffd2dfd522be3

    (Chair Simon O’Connor said he believed the CPTPP is o/k; – as is????)

    COMPREHENSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE AGREEMENT FOR TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP (CPTPP)

    Page; 5

    Summary of issues discussed with submitters
    Many submitters, notably those opposed to the CPTPP, believe that the changes from the
    TPP do not substantively address their concerns. They consider that the CPTPP is
    effectively the same as the TPP.

    Investor-State dispute settlement and sovereignty
    We discussed some submitters’ concerns about the effect the CPTPP would have on the
    sovereign rights of New Zealanders to determine their own future through an elected
    Parliament. In particular, these submitters consider that the ISDS provisions unnecessarily
    empower and protect international investors.
    Some submitters believe that the threat of substantial awards against governments is a
    strong disincentive for the New Zealand Government to act in the interests of New
    Zealanders when those interests conflict with those of CPTPP investors. Submitters consider
    that this could have a chilling effect on the Government’s ability to make policy and regulate
    in areas including labour law and the mitigation of climate change.
    We also discussed the CPTPP’s relationship with New Zealand’s many international
    obligations, including the Paris Agreement to address climate change, and the United
    Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We understand that this is problematic because
    many of these obligations are not enforceable, but the CPTPP contains enforcement
    mechanisms.
    Two dispute settlement mechanisms in CPTPP
    We understand that the CPTPP provides for two dispute settlement mechanisms: a
    government-to-government system to resolve disputes in the agreement, and ISDS. The
    ISDS mechanism provides for the settlement of disputes between foreign investors and the
    Government of the country in which the investment is made.
    Application of ISDS in CPTPP
    In the CPTPP, ISDS only applies to the Investment chapter and limited investment-related
    elements of the Financial Services chapter. The scope of the ISDS mechanism is narrower
    that it was in the TPP. Claims are no longer permitted in relation to investment contracts and
    COMPREHENSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE AGREEMENT FOR TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP (CPTPP)
    6
    approval. This means that private companies which enter into an investment contract with
    the Government would not be able to use ISDS if there were a dispute about that contract.
    Decisions made under the Overseas Investment Act 2005 are also not subject to ISDS.
    Suspensions around the minimum standard of treatment concerning financial services
    further reduce the risk of successful claims under the CPTPP being taken against New
    Zealand. The minimum standard of treatment is an obligation that forms part of the body of
    customary international law, to accord fair and equitable treatment to covered investments,
    and not to deny justice.

    • wayne 3.1

      Once a treaty is entered into, it cannot be changed by any one state. So any submission to the New Zealand Parliament asking for that will necessarily fail.

      It is basically an up and down vote. And there is zero chance (given the make up of the committee) that the select committee would recommend a down vote.

      But I presume you knew all of this already, and your submission was merely another way of showing your opposition, rather than an expectation it would have actual effect.

      However, presumably the Greens will put in a minority report covering your points.

      • Rosemary McDonald 3.1.1

        “Once a treaty is entered into, it cannot be changed by any one state. So any submission to the New Zealand Parliament asking for that will necessarily fail.”

        What wayne means is BOKYAG.

        • dukeofurl 3.1.1.1

          Cant be changed ?

          tell that to Trump as hes doing just that with NAFTA

          • veutoviper 3.1.1.1.1

            Different situation as the US, Canada and Mexico are in the middle of formal negotiations called to renegotiate NAFTA; whereas the CP TPP is now post the end of formal negotiations and sign off by all parties (countries) to the agreement and in the ratification stage where individual states are processing the agreement through their national legislative requirements for ratification.

          • Daveosaurus 3.1.1.1.2

            Trump is an example no sane politician would wish to follow.

  4. The Chairman 4

    With the Chief Science Advisor to the Government, Peter Gluckman, stating he wouldn’t be worried about “toddlers crawling around on the floor” until the meth residue reached the level of several hundred micrograms per 100cm2, why is the new testing standard level (at 15mcg per 100cm2) recommended so low?
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104287037/the-meth-house-is-a-myth-theres-no-risk-from-drug-smoking-residue-govt-report-finds

    In fact, the country’s top scientists are recommending people not test their homes unless the police specifically indicate it was a meth lab.
    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/358454/meth-house-contamination-debunked-by-pm-s-science-advisor

    Therefore, are we about to make the same costly mistake all over again?

    As for the initial mistake (the low level adopted) should and will there be compensation for homeowners and others affected? Moreover, will heads roll?

    • Robert Guyton 4.1

      The head’s of Key, English et al, rolling…

      • The Chairman 4.1.1

        “I lose count of the number of times that I questioned [Housing New Zealand] about it. To the point that I was told as a minister that I was on the edge of getting involved of day to day running of the technical issues of a crown entity,” Bennett said.

        Seems Bennett is pointing the finger at HNZ, Robert.

        • Muttonbird 4.1.1.1

          You often ask for evidence of you being a fake leftie. Defending Bennett’s I-know-nothing approach and the blaming of officials is one example.

          • The Chairman 4.1.1.1.1

            Highlighting what has been reported isn’t defending Bennett.

            Nevertheless, are you prepared to let your dislike for Bennett get in the way of getting to the truth?

            She could actually be telling the truth, do you have any evidence to the contrary?

            • dv 4.1.1.1.1.1

              And yet Twyford reversed the Meth test policy on becoming Govt.
              So twas possible.

              • The Chairman

                Twyford?

                Wasn’t that done on their (HNZ) own initiative? Rather than it being a Government directive?

                • dv

                  https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104287037/the-meth-house-is-a-myth-theres-no-risk-from-drug-smoking-residue-govt-report-finds

                  In response to the recommendations, Housing Minister Phil Twyford has announced new standards and less stringent standards will be set for houses within the next year – with Housing NZ immediately changing its policy.

                  Perhaps not a directive, but pretty close.

                  • The Chairman

                    “Less stringent standards will be set for houses within the next year”

                    So despite what has come to light, seems it will still take Twyford sometime before he can set new standards.

                    If Bennett had info that she could have used to push through changes, but failed too, then she could also be held to account.

                    In the meantime, HNZ has announced it’s own changes. So they can call their own shots, therefore can also be held to account on their decisions taken.

        • Ankerrawshark 4.1.1.2

          It appears ms Bennett wasn’t smart enough to translate her concerns into action as mr Twyford did. Mr Twyford needs to be congratulated on such a positive result.

          • The Chairman 4.1.1.2.1

            Could be. Or it could be she lacked compelling evidence to back action being taken. Then again, she may of had the evidence and failed to act, therefore she would also be culpable.

            • In Vino 4.1.1.2.1.1

              Chairman, I also think you are a fake leftie, and it is your normal haughty, super-correct tone that prompts me to write this.
              ‘may of had’????
              If Maori have the right to protect and promote their language ( as I believe they have) then you should try to avoid barbaric solecisms, and those who value our language should help you.
              You may write either “may have” or “may’ve’ – but “may of” simply reflects badly upon all else that you write.
              If you consistently strike a haughty, super-correct tone, please live up to it in your use of English.

          • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.2.2

            Indications are that Bennett is lying:

            However, in several news stories at the time Bennett and English said they approved of the Housing NZ regime.

            English said the agency was “rightly taking a firm stance on the health risks posed by meth, and will continue to do so for as long as it is detected in its properties” in 2016.

            And Bennett told Newshub in 2016 there was “no evidence” Housing NZ had evicted tenants unfairly.

        • Robert Guyton 4.1.1.3

          Bennett, Chairman, was unable to effect the necessary change to an unjust situation affecting many New Zealanders? What was she there for???
          Labour’s only been in a short while, yet the job is done! Tells the story…

          • The Chairman 4.1.1.3.1

            Labour haven’t got the job done yet, Robert. See my post above.

            • Robert Guyton 4.1.1.3.1.1

              Okay, “being done”. Good enough for me. Better than “not being done”(National).

              • The Chairman

                Full kudos to them for commissioning this report and acting to make improvements.

                However, the concern here is the rather conservative level HNZ has now adopted. We now risk repeating the same mistake again, unless the Government swiftly acts to correct this.

                Additionally, a decent Government would see the injustice caused, therefore would willingly offer compensation to all those unfairly impacted. We are not seeing this from this Government.

                Does that sit right with you, Robert?

        • Cinny 4.1.1.4

          paula bennet is so full of it and just covering her arse.

          “However, in several news stories at the time Bennett and English said they approved of the Housing NZ regime.

          English said the agency was “rightly taking a firm stance on the health risks posed by meth, and will continue to do so for as long as it is detected in its properties” in 2016.

          And Bennett told Newshub in 2016 there was “no evidence” Housing NZ had evicted tenants unfairly.”

          https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104287037/the-meth-house-is-a-myth-theres-no-risk-from-drug-smoking-residue-govt-report-finds

          • The Chairman 4.1.1.4.1

            “And Bennett told Newshub in 2016 there was ‘no evidence’ Housing NZ had evicted tenants unfairly.”

            Yes, I know. Do you have the evidence to prove otherwise – i.e. that Bennett had the evidence?

            • Cinny 4.1.1.4.1.1

              TC, am on a quest to find out and when I do, you’ll be the first to know.

              • The Chairman

                Off hand, there was questioning by some in the scientific community in regards to the low level set. So there may be something to find.

            • Ankerrawshark 4.1.1.4.1.2

              The chairman ms Bennett never got off her back side to find the information unlike mr Twyford

              • The Chairman

                You could well be right, Ankerrawshark. Off hand, around 2000 scientist made submissions in 2017 with many of them stating testing was unnecessary.

                Moreover, as Draco highlighted below, there was concern raised by the Ministry of Health in 2016 (hat tip to mickysavage).

            • Zorb6 4.1.1.4.1.3

              Bennett was on RNZ tonight saying she had real concerns about the meth testing and eviction of state house tenants,but even though she expressed concern to HNZ and other agencies,she was powerless to act.

    • DH 4.2

      From what I’ve seen it’s all about liability, we’re paying for the steady erosion of the ‘no fault’ ethos behind ACC.

      The bureacrats and interested parties really don’t have a lot of choice in these matters. If something is said to be a risk then ignoring the risk leaves people open to future claims for damages. That looming liability threat pushes people to take extremely conservative measures. No-one goes to work to be sued or face criminal charges so people do everything they can to eliminate the risk of that happening.

      As it transpired the meth threat was a bust but no-one was to know that for sure until it did transpire. People acted on the information available at the time and who can blame them for that. Sure, common sense said it was a gross overreaction but the law doesn’t give a rats arse about common sense does it.

      To my mind the only culpable party is the Government of the day and, sadly, they can’t be sued or charged for their refusal to establish reasonable and proper meth testing standards.

      • The Chairman 4.2.1

        The potential liability threat of taking an extremely conservative approach should have also been given far more consideration considering the massive costs and unnecessary stress it has caused.

        Therefore, risk should be correctly established before levels are set and lives are thrown into disarray.

        And while the Government of the day could well be culpable, just because they can’t be sued or charged doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get to the bottom of this.

        Surely we’ll want to prevent similar from occurring again, thus we need to establish who was culpable and what went wrong.

        • DH 4.2.1.1

          You missed the point by some margin there. The risk to landlords was being sued or charged for any harm that might befall their tenants.

          You can’t contract out of the law so creating your own testing standards would have been a foolish move, there’s no guarantees ‘the law’ would accept it. It was always for the Govt to set the standards. This Govt has shown how easy it was and one is left to wonder at the motives of the last Govt in refusing to do so.

          • The Chairman 4.2.1.1.1

            “This Govt has shown how easy it was”

            On the contrary. They have shown that despite the info that has come to light, it’s still going to take the Government up to a year to set new levels.

            The risk to landlords being sued wasn’t the only risk. What about homeowners that were impacted, they may now look at suing the Government.

            • Cinny 4.2.1.1.1.1

              What about the tenants who were evicted and more than likely incorrectly labelled by their communities or neighbours as P addicts? Don’t know about you, but if that happened to me I’d be devastated for myself and my children especially if one lived in a small community.

              How many children have suffered as a result, did one parent find out that another parent had been evicted and then try and take their kids away from them as a result? That’s a very likely scenario.

              • The Chairman

                Indeed, others were also impacted. As I have mentioned further up. And at this stage the Government hasn’t ruled out compensating them. But there has been no mention that I’ve heard of in regards to compensating homeowners that were also impacted.

                I’m thinking we may now see class action suits similar to the leaky homes debacle.

              • greywarshark

                Just as well there are some NZs now keeping an eye on housing and the government. Everyone in Britain in the Great Depression got worn out by the amount of deprivation. And it would be echoed here if we aren’t careful as we have brought the British callousness over with us as colonials and it has persisted over nearly two centuries.

                This is a bit from George Orwell’s look at the homeless in Britain as in his book The Road to Wigan Pier from 1937.

                [The wagon/caravan will contain] such furniture as can be crammed in – sometimes two beds, more usually one, into which the whole family have to huddle as best they can. It is almost impossible to sleep on the floor, because the damp soaks up from below. I was shown mattresses which were still wringing wet at eleven in the morning. In winter it is so cold that the kitcheners have to be kept burning day and night, and the windows, needless to say, are never opened.

                Water is got from a hydrant common to the whole colony, some of the caravan-dwellers having to walk 150 or 200 yards for every bucket of water. There are no sanitary arrangements at all. Most of the people construct a little hut to serve as a lavatory on the tiny patch of ground….All the people I saw…especially the children, were unspeakably dirty…The thought that haunted me….was, What can happen in those cramped interiors when anybody dies? But that, of course, is the kind of question you hardly care to ask.

                Some of the people have been in their caravans for many years. Theoretically the Corporation are…getting the inhabitants out into houses; but as the houses don’t get built, the caravans remain standing….one woman with a worn skull-like face… struggling to keep her large brood of children clean,…[must have felt as if] coated all over with dung.

                One must remember that these people are not gypsies; they are decent English people who have all,,,had homes in their day.,,their caravans are,,,inferior to those of gypsies and they have not the…advantage of being on the move.

                Recapping The Road to Wigan Pier in the 2000s.
                https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/feb/20/orwell-wigan-pier-75-years

            • DH 4.2.1.1.1.2

              “On the contrary. They have shown that despite the info that has come to light, it’s still going to take the Government up to a year to set new levels.”

              Huh? How long was National in power for?

              • The Chairman

                When did compelling info to the contrary first come to light is what you need to ask.

                • DH

                  Compelling to whom?

                  • The Chairman

                    To everyone concerned to force through change.

                    • DH

                      Be realistic. It’s a bit like beauty, it’s in the eye of the beholder.

                      I believe the relevant Standard that HNZ and others have used as a reference is NZS 8510:2017. I’m not going to buy a copy just to have a look at it so I can’t comment on its content.

                      IIRC Standards are not of themselves statutory laws but one would be rather foolish to ignore them in pursuant of your own standards.

                      Those standards are developed with input from different parties, some with their own self-interests. I believe the science-oriented input to NZS 8510:2017 was somewhate looser than the end result.

                  • Incognito

                    I’m not going to buy a copy just to have a look at it so I can’t comment on its content.

                    I believe it can be downloaded for free here:

                    https://www.standards.govt.nz/sponsored-standards/testing-and-decontamination-of-methamphetamine-contaminated-properties/

                    • DH

                      Thanks, wonders will never cease I haven’t come across a free AUS/NZS Standard before.

                      It looks to pretty much explain how this all came about, except perhaps for an explanation as to how meth use became conflated with meth labs.

                  • The Chairman

                    “Be realistic. It’s a bit like beauty, it’s in the eye of the beholder.”

                    The reality is we now have compelling evidence, thus change is being made.

                    The standard that HNZ and others have used was flawed and the Government of the day seem to have failed in their oversight of that.

                • Draco T Bastard

                  Longer than two years ago.

  5. Robert Guyton 5

    Headline of the week:

    Act candidate Stephen Barry has a dream for the North Shore . It’s very stupid .

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104310522/act-candidate-north-shore-motorway-is-breathtakingly-stupid

    • Gosman 5.1

      Headline:

      ‘Shocker ! – Left wing reporter disagrees with plan of right wing candidate’

      • Muttonbird 5.1.1

        You are in favour of a plan to destroy public green spaces with a road which duplicates the Northern motorway?

        You can’t be serious.

        • Gosman 5.1.1.1

          I am neither in favour or not in favour. I leave that up to the good citizens of Auckland to decide.

          I was in favour of Transmission Gully which many here disagreed with but which thankfully the last Government fast tracked.

        • greywarshark 5.1.1.2

          Stephen Berry, no relation to Maggie. Nepotism is not yet rife.

      • mac1 5.1.2

        Gosman, WTF has the politics of the reporter, as you imagine them, got to do with the demolition job that reporter did on the daft ideas of the ACT candidate?

        Except of course, to deflect from the actual arguments raised by the reporter.

        And to deflect from the daffiness of the ACT candidates ideas.

        Play the ball, Gosman, not the man.

        I note that NZ First had the wisdom to let go the candidate who was 38th on their list and who is now standing in Northcote for a Right-Wing Hansen style party. By-elections certainly bring out the dillies, the daffies and the daft.

        • Gosman 5.1.2.1

          There was no demolition job here. This is merely an opinion piece by a well known left leaning journalist. As such his political leanings are entirely valid when determining if his piece has any validity. It does not.

          • mac1 5.1.2.1.1

            Gosman, if your sole or main determinant as to whether argument is correct is the political views of the writer, then what are you doing here on a left-wing blog?

            I say there is a demolition job. I read the article.

            The proposals of the ACT candidate in resurrecting 1972 proposals to advocate for a 6 lane highway through the myriad green spaces in Auckland were rightly ridiculed.

            At the end, the writer said that a vote for this candidate is similar to voting for the anti-fluoride homeopathic candidate whose name appears next to the ACT candidate’s.

            I note that the writer’s left wing views are the sole determinant for your dismissal of his arguments. You have not attempted to justify your belief that his views have no validity, have you?

            • Gosman 5.1.2.1.1.1

              If you want to have arguments why his opinion has no validity beyond his political bias (as well as showing why he has political bias) then look no further than his argument that the proposal is an old one. So what? Transmission Gully was first proposed back in the 1940’s or even earlier. It was still a good idea and one that the last National government took up in the past 5 years. The Rail loop in Auckland is also an old idea which seems to have merit. Trying to dismiss ideas because they are not original highlights the fact the author is scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of objections.

              • One Two

                You’ve changed again Gosman…

                • mac1

                  Gosman, I suggest you look further.

                  There is more out there.

                  Out beyond the familiar, the known, the safe………

                  Other argument, other views, other perceptions.

                  Welcome to the Left Wing!

                  That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?

    • Anne 5.2

      It looks like it goes directly through the Birkenhead Shopping Centre. That’s it folks. Your shops and mall will be gone. Never mind, you can drive to Glenfield or even Albany for your daily shopping commutes. 😡

      • Gosmel 5.2.1

        I believe the plan involves tunnels.

        • Anne 5.2.1.1

          And where are the shops and the mall going to go while it is being built? Whenever a tunnel is being built the topical landscape gets smashed to pieces and a small fortune is spent on rebuilding it at a much later date.

        • Muttonbird 5.2.1.2

          I like your new handle, Go smell.

  6. Nic the NZer 6

    As i understand it the 15mcg level(previously 5) is the level to which a known lab should be cleaned before further use.

    Its set very low because there are other harmful by products produced during meth manufacture which are difficult to detect or verify cleanup of.

    15 is higher and should have fewer false positives but its still use of a cleaning standard for a detection standard.

    • The Chairman 6.1

      “As i understand it the 15mcg level (previously 5) is the level to which a known lab should be cleaned before further use.”

      It’s still miles away from the several hundred micrograms Peter Gluckman is concerned about.

      And while 15mcg is higher, is it really high enough to be concerned about? According to Gluckman it’s not.

      Therefore, it potentially leads to us repeating the same mistake. Only this time, with a slightly higher but still conservative level being set.

      • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1

        I’m wondering if Gluckman is confusing 100cm2 to 1m2. Hundreds per 1m2 would be fine I suspect but not hundreds per 100cm2.

        • The Chairman 6.1.1.1

          I don’t believe so as it aligns with other info I’ve heard.

          • In Vino 6.1.1.1.1

            What Gluckman said was that there was no danger from houses where there has only been smoking/taking P. But Labs can leave far more dangerous chemicals. So what they have done is raise the level to where smoking/taking P will be eliminated. Only a lab is likely to leave more than the new limit. And in that case there could be more dangerous chemicals there.
            My source, before you ask, Chairman, is my own fertile imagination working in conjunction with my amazing alcohol-enhanced powers of logic.
            And if I turn out to be right, you will have wasted considerable time once again trying to sow doubt and dissension, won’t you, Chairman?

            • The Chairman 6.1.1.1.1.1

              The report clearly states the most commonly used methods no longer use solvents. Therefore, the primary contaminant associated with manufacturing is methamphetamine itself.

              So testing for methamphetamine alone would give no indication that other potentially harmful chemicals are present. Therefore, we risk creating unnecessary costs and harm all over again, albeit with a higher but still conservative standard.

            • Robert Guyton 6.1.1.1.1.2

              “my own fertile imagination working in conjunction with my amazing alcohol-enhanced powers of logic”

              Thinking at it’s best! In vino veritas!

  7. Nic the NZer 7

    Recently the Italian president vetoed the formation of an Italian government. This was because the proposed finance minister had previously looked at a proposal to exit the Euro, if needed. Its not the first time that the needs of the currency have overruled a democratic decision.

    https://rwer.wordpress.com/2018/05/28/president-mattarella-of-italy-from-moral-drift-to-tactical-blunder/#more-32724

    • dukeofurl 7.1

      Its really a ‘soft coup’.

      Its to be expected of course, and the new government is disposed of and a toady moves in.

  8. millsy 8

    Now we need to look into the earthquake standards.

    I’m not too sure about anyone else, but I’m not too comfortable with the idea of emptying buildings and letting them stand empty for years on end, and this practice needs looking into.

    • James 8.1

      Would you be comfortable if there was an earthquake and 00’s of people died if you were wrong ?

    • Bewildered 8.2

      Building codes and regs are a little bit more evidenced based with global acceptance than meph standards Likewise established over many years

      • mauī 8.2.1

        If our old state housing stock was largely multi-storey apartments built on reclaimed land, with unreinforced masonry and dodgy steel connections holding up heavy floors you might have a point. However I very much doubt it.

  9. ropata 9

    Nice story about Venezuelan democracy on TDB today.

    Remember their economic problems are caused by capitalist thievery and the US led economic blockade

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2018/05/28/guest-blog-vinnie-molina-the-bolivarian-revolution-in-venezuela-shall-overcome/

    • Gosmel 9.1

      “Remember their economic problems are caused by capitalist thievery and the US led economic blockade”

      LOL!

      I love how the failures of socialism is always blamed on other things and never on the stupid policies themselves.

      Also how come the US has this amazing ability to collapse socialist economies but less power over other Capitalist ones?

      • Gabby 9.1.1

        Sounds like that’s where we should be importing builders from doesn’t it gosmerp.

      • ropata 9.1.2

        > Also how come the US has this amazing ability to collapse socialist economies but less power over other Capitalist ones?

        because corporate profits are at stake

      • Draco T Bastard 9.1.3

        The financial blockade isn’t a result of socialist policies but the result of capitalist ones.

        • Gosman 9.1.3.1

          How is this supposed financial blockade impacting Venezuela exactly?

          • Draco T Bastard 9.1.3.1.1

            It’s listed in the article. It’s one of the problems of ‘free-trade’.

            • Gosmn 9.1.3.1.1.1

              The reason are not listed at all. It is merely posted as if it was a fact (which it is not).

              • Draco T Bastard

                So, you’re saying that the US sanctions are having no effect at all?

                So, what would be the point of the US’s financial war upon Venezuela?

      • adam 9.1.4

        Loving not one piece of evidence of counter argument. Do we need to bring up Argentina again Gosman to prove how much of a plonker you are?

    • Bewildered 9.2

      Any country / cult run on pure ideology no matter what is rooted It usually comes down it will be better this time because I will be in charge

    • Gosman 9.3

      I am interested to see if your views on Venezuela gather much support amongst lefties here. I suspect not as Venezuela is now becoming a pariah nation and one to avoid mention at all costs for most mainstream leftists. It is only hard core ones like you that will be banging this particular drum.

      • lprent 9.3.1

        Speak for yourself I always thought Venezuela was an economic nutcase country sustained largely by resource extraction.

        I also could never quite understand the nutcase right wing droning on and on about it as being the epitome of what the ‘left’ thought as their fandom economy. My opinion was that was largely the right nutbars grabbing their crotch with excitement to build a meme about how the left ‘thinks’. Which appears to be what you are doing?

        As you are aware, there is no monolithic left and never has been.

        BTW: exactly the same economic issue or over indulgence in resource extraction is what I think is the same fundamental weakness in the NZ (and the aussie) economies as well as Venezuela .

        However here the idiotic economic numb skulls who indulge in it appear to be largely from the right. They mine the soils, water and and different mineral resource rather than oil and put the benefits to their beneficiaries among the affluent rather than the poor. But it is exactly the same thing. Unsustainable stupidity indulged in for political reasons to benefit a group voting for selfish reasons. In our case by the National party.

        • Gosman 9.3.1.1

          Interesting view that I suspect will not be shared by the more extreme leftist on this site. As already evidenced by some the cause of the problems in Venezuela is not the narrow resource based extractive nature of it’s economy but the actions of the US taken against the Socialist government.

          • Ed 9.3.1.1.1

            What is an extreme leftist, as described by Gosman, whose politics lie to the right of Attila the Hun?

            • Gosman 9.3.1.1.1.1

              My politics are mainstream. People like Draco support policies that are fringe

    • Draco T Bastard 9.4

      The opposition candidate Falcon issued a statement calling for a new election citing a low voter turnout as the reason. Only 48% of those eligible cast their vote but he forgot to mention that the opposition had called its supporters to boycott the elections and not to vote.

      To be consistent he must also be demanding new elections in the US where turnout isn’t much better.

    • Baba Yaga 9.5

      No, Venezuela’s economic problems are caused by the adoption of an economic system that fails everywhere it is tried. It’s called socialism.

      • Grey Area 9.5.1

        Bit like capitalism then?

      • Draco T Bastard 9.5.2

        Strange that, throughout history, it’s always been socialism that’;s saved capitalism. Without it capitalism destroys the society that it arises in.

        That’s 5000 years of recorded history for you.

        Proof that capitalism is a failure because of the greed of the rich.

        • Baba Yaga 9.5.2.1

          Yeah like Socialism is saving capitalism in Venezuela. And Russia. And China.

          • Draco T Bastard 9.5.2.1.1

            I haven’t seen anything of socialism in either Russia or China.

            Venezuela was definitely getting worse under capitalism and the people now keep voting for socialism despite the capitalist attacks upon it from other countries so things must be better than before.

            • Gosman 9.5.2.1.1.1

              The people who can be bothered to vote in a rigged political system keep voting for Socialism.

              Fixed it for you Draco 😉

            • Baba Yaga 9.5.2.1.1.2

              Russia was a socialist state. The author of this piece refers to communism, but try not to be confused:

              “Gorbachev understood that the shabby socialist economy was incapable of sustaining a world power. Perestroika was introduced, and with it glasnost, a limited opening up of channels of criticism. Glasnost proved suicidal. The surrealism of Soviet society could not survive the light of criticism. Inevitably, the ideological house of cards erected by the Party propagandists and disseminated by foreign fellow-travelers over seven decades collapsed.”
              https://fee.org/articles/the-soviet-tragedy-a-history-of-socialism-in-russia-1917-1991-and-russia-under-the-bolshevik-regime/

              “Venezuela was definitely getting worse under capitalism…”
              I think not. But it can’t possibly have been any worse than it is now.

      • halfcrown 9.5.3

        “adoption of an economic system that fails everywhere it is tried. It’s called socialism.”

        Yeah, But I think the beneficiary Dairy Farmers including that dick who had the notice about Ardern are thankful at the “adoption” of a good old bit of Socialism
        at the moment.

        • Baba Yaga 9.5.3.1

          They will be more thankful to the economic reforms of the 80’s and 90’s that made them internationally competitive.

          • halfcrown 9.5.3.1.1

            Interesting, So I take it then that as they were so grateful and are so “internationally competitive.” they will not take or need the generous benefit these pack of beneficiaries are getting from the government.

            “They will be more thankful to the economic reforms of the 80’s and 90’s that made them internationally competitive.”

            Also, that is bullshit as if I remember correctly there was nothing but winging how were they going to survive now all the export incentives were being stopped and the suspensory loans and tax avoidance schemes like having a swimming pool c/w Barbecue area “just in case of fire”

            • Baba Yaga 9.5.3.1.1.1

              “So I take it then that as they were so grateful and are so “internationally competitive.” they will not take or need the generous benefit these pack of beneficiaries are getting from the government.”
              That’s up to them. They have been the victims of a natural disaster beyond their control, a bit like the citizens of Christchurch. But then many businesses experience that and don’t get government aid.

              “…as if I remember correctly there was nothing but winging how were they going to survive now all the export incentives were being stopped…”
              Absolutely there was, and yet 35 years later we lead the world, and are selling our expertise to the world. Isn’t the market a wonderful thing.

  10. Southern Man 10

    Since the outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis, the authorities have repeatedly told us there is no risk to human health from eating meat or milk from infected animals. They would say that wouldn’t they – got to keep the ‘confidence of the market’.

    Now, a Massey University professor of food safety describes the disease as a *low* risk to humans. In time, I expect the risk deniers will obfuscate as scientific evidence mounts, in much the same way as the concerns over the A1/A2 milk proteins.

  11. Herodotus 11

    “Amateurs Talk Strategy, Professionals Talk Logistics”
    Perhaps it is time for the government to evolve their policies with a mind open to the above quote.

  12. Don Franks on Jim Rose’s attempt to justify a racist judicial and prison system:

    https://rdln.wordpress.com/2018/05/29/a-response-to-jim-rose-on-maori-prison-population/

  13. Morrissey 13

    Norman Finkelstein on the “quite unimpressive” Alan Dershowitz.
    Highly Recommended!

    “I told him his book was a tissue of lies, a complete fabrication…”

    http://normanfinkelstein.com/2018/05/28/10-the-book-you-claim-to-have-written/

  14. eco maori 14

    Good morning The AM Show there is a good reasoning for ECO MAORI pushing for equality for the ladies it’s the fair thing to do ladies are more intelligent than men and humane it’s good to have Amanda on the show this raises the humanity and intelligence of the show.
    You cannot see the flaws in locking people up for years 5000 Maori young men most who just need a bit of guidance who come from broken family created by this system no father to gide them set boundaries for them wake up you know they wanted to privatise Hospitals Prison school so what did national do the ran these to the ground and say the system in not working let’s privatise every thing like America . Duncan its is the justice system that failed to do there job of keeping the people who killed while on bail not the 5000 Maori men it’s not hard to observe people look at there history and identify the risky people and keep them in jail 1 persent of the 5000 50 mistake the justice system has made that’s a fact that’s what these civil servents get paid to do this is a logical way of thinking about this problem
    Its is best to try the eradication route for this bovine virus this virus will effect beef farmers as well as dairy farmers. Culling of these cows should have started on the 1/1/2017 No then it would not have blown out to what we have now Ana to kai Ka kite ano

  15. eco maori 15

    The AM Show there you go Simon Bridge using crime and scare tactics to try and raise his polling rates the same phenomenon that made the bovine virus blow out to this mess. If he really cared about Aotearoa he would work with labour greens to come to a intelligent humane solutions to OUR Prison population look at our scandernavion cousins empty prison.
    Ka kite ano

  16. eco maori 16

    Here’s someone crying in his coffee link below
    Male, pale, but not stale

    OPINION: I can’t help that I’m white and ageing. But it feels like society’s kicking me.

    Ka kite ano

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    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
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    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
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    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
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    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
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    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
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    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
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    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
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    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
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  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
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    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
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    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
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    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
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    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
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    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
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    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
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    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
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    6 days ago
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    6 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
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    6 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
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    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
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    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
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  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
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    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
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    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
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    7 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
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    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
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  • Trustee tax change welcomed
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    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
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    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
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    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
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    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
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  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
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    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
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    1 week ago

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