Open mike 30/06/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 30th, 2016 - 90 comments
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90 comments on “Open mike 30/06/2016 ”

  1. Paul 1

    Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
    We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.

    Cruel
    This government.

    Govt again vetoes paid parental leave bill

    “Legislation seeking to extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks has failed in Parliament after the government used its power of financial veto.
    Finance Minister Bill English said the extension to paid parental leave would have been too costly.
    The bill in the name of Labour MP Sue Moroney had enough support to pass into law but was not voted on at its third reading because of the veto.
    Ms Moroney told Parliament that using the veto was an extreme measure, and today was a shameful day for democracy.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/307590/govt-again-vetoes-paid-parental-leave-bill

  2. Paul 2

    Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
    We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.

    Selfish.
    This government’s lack of action on climate change.

    Emmerson’s cartoon today sums it up.
    http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201627/cartoon1.jpg

    Maybe our Climate Change Minister Bennett could think of these people….
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/81601127/i-worry-about-family-all-the-time–a-nz-student-from-kiribati-and-the-future-of-his-homeland

  3. Paul 3

    Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
    We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.

    Uncaring.
    This government’s lack of funding for Lifeline Aotearoa.

    “Crisis counselling service Lifeline Aotearoa says it is running out of money and without millions of dollars of donations it will close next year.

    Lifeline has been running for 52 years, answering up to 15,000 calls a month on its 24-hour a day helplines.

    People call on a raft of issues including loneliness, family violence, financial concerns, homelessness, bullying and relationship issues, mental health and suicidal thoughts.

    Last year it lost government contracts and has had to cut a third of its staff.

    It said appeals for government and private funding have failed.
    Mr Palmer said Lifeline was a unique service and should not be allowed to close.

    He said a record 564 people committed suicide last year, a significant social and economic burden on the country.

    While there were numerous other helplines, none had the expertise of Lifeline in regard to suicide, crisis, peer-support and other counselling, he said.

    It was also the country’s most significant specialist provider of suicide intervention and training and, as such, was on the frontline of suicide prevention in New Zealand.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/307597/lifeline-counselling-service-may-have-to-close

    • Ad 3.1

      What’s the medium-run stats for NZ suicide?

      Better or worse than say 1980 per capita?

      Or just another bleating NGO?

      Where’s the measure?

      • weka 3.1.1

        I’d say the increase in farmer suicide, and our long term youth suicide rate bring one of highest in the OECD suggest that Lifeline aren’t bleating.

        Mind you, you could probably make an argument for Lifeline having had its day, being a relic from before neoliberalism, and that its financial problems are a sign of its inability to get with the programme. Too many sheep, not enough wolves. /sarc

      • marty mars 3.1.2

        jeeze ad wtf is wrong with you

        Are you unaware of the suicide statistics in this country – the youth rates, the 12 year old killing himself, the underreporting because someone killing themselves isn’t considered suicide, the high rate of Māori suicide – youth and adult.

        here is some fucking facts for you

        http://wakahourua.co.nz/suicide-facts

        read it and weep

        • Ad 3.1.2.1

          Just a simple tracker overtime is what I asked for.

          Plenty of health ngo’s bleat but honestly make little measurable difference.

          • marty mars 3.1.2.1.1

            “Plenty of health ngo’s bleat but honestly make little measurable difference”

            so says you – and what would you know? 0:0

        • Rosie 3.1.2.2

          Thanks marty. Ad’s comment was callous. I’m surprised that an intelligent person is unaware of just how high our rates of suicide are here in NZ.

          Also insensitive given the high number, for Ad to not to consider how many people reading may have been suicidal at a point in their lives or lost someone to suicide.

          • marty mars 3.1.2.2.1

            Yes Rosie – not many of us unaffected. I work with people who struggle with suicide ideation daily so I’m a little sensitive on this subject 🙂

            • Rosie 3.1.2.2.1.1

              Understand you feel alert to the subject of suicide given your work – and you do valuable and worthy work, probably very tough some days. Big bless to you for the changes you may facilitate in people’s lives.

        • Gangnam Style 3.1.2.3

          Children between the ages of 5-9 commit suicide in NZ, imagine being that young & even knowing how to kill yourself! This is truly NZs deep dark shame.

          “Maria Bradshaw, whose 17-year-old son Toran Henry took his own life in 2008, said she was aware of a six-year-old girl and seven-year-old boy who had committed suicide in the past 12 months.”

          Interesting here too that more unemployed people kill themselves than those in work.

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10831455

      • McFlock 3.1.3

        Let’s say I found a tracker in a 10second google.
        How would its information affect your position?
        What would you say if the suicide rate had been increasing over time, or decreasing, or was static?

        Because I don’t see how it’s relevant to whether lifeline is a valuable service.

  4. swordfish 4

    Latest UK Poll Stats

    YouGov (just released – via tweet from UK polling expert. Nothing on YouGov site yet)
    Corbyn should Resign ?
    ………………………………………Yes………….No……….Unsure
    Entire Sample………………49%………..30%………..21%
    Labour Voters……………..35%…………54%………..11%

    YouGov
    Second EU Referendum ?
    Entire Sample….Yes 31%….No 58%….Unsure 11%
    Those Opposed include not only 91% of Leave voters but also just under 30% of Remain supporters.
    A second question shows that even if Scotland left the UK, respondents still opposed a Second Referendum by 51% to 30%.

    Fun Brexit Stats

    A total of 9084 people voted for BOTH Remain and Leave on their ballot paper in the EU Referendum. Rates of double-voting were highest in the London borough of Brent (0.13%).
    I suspect they were just taking the piss.

    • I Feel Love 4.1

      “Labour Voters……………..35%…………54%………..11%” – Well that is interesting isn’t it?

      • Paul 4.1.1

        The 200 Labour party MPs who are pushing for Corbyn to go do not represent the country or their own party. They are Tony Blair’s creatures. It is they who should resign.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5n-UJvxGYo

        • I Feel Love 4.1.1.1

          But all the right wing trolls say Corbyn should resign? They wouldn’t be speaking with forked tongues would they? I noticed they shut up pretty quick last night when Shewan was proven to be another disingenuous wanker. Little comes out smelling like roses again.

          I hope Corbyn will keep his leadership & let the cards fall where they may come election time, what are the right so scared about? Labour winning? But that’s impossible under Corbyn they say, then wouldn’t it be better for them to shut up about it? One would think so wouldn’t one (I couldn’t possibly comment).

          • Paul 4.1.1.1.1

            Almost impossible to hear the views of working class people in England such is the stranglehold of the corporate mainstream media. The Guardian has proven a lackey of Blairite interests ( its bias was also clear during Corbyn’s selection and also during the Scottish referendum last year. The independent has proved it is anything but.

            So here are some links for those of you wanting to hear the people’s voice, as opposed to the 200 career Labour MPs.

            http://labourlist.org/2016/06/the-plot-to-oust-corbyn-is-anti-democratic-and-offensive-to-labour-members/

            https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/29/labour-mps-vs-corbyn-war-party-members-tories-brexit

            https://twitter.com/hashtag/deselectthem?src=hash

            https://twitter.com/hashtag/imwithCorbyn?src=hash

            • Rodel 4.1.1.1.1.1

              I feel love & Paul
              Corbyn won’t be the first J.C. To be crucified by selfish power brokers & self serving politicians who ignore the wishes of the silenced majority.

          • mary_a 4.1.1.1.2

            @I Feel Love (4.1.1.1) you post “…. I noticed they shut up pretty quick last night when Shewan was proven to be another disingenuous wanker. Little comes out smelling like roses again.”

            Thanks for this info which I have missed. I am having trouble finding it and want to know what has come out about Shewan. Of course msm won’t have anything about it and if it does, it will be hidden away in the dark bowels of the publication!

            Do you have more details please?

            Ditto re Corbyn. Seems the ordinary people on the street want him to stay on as leader. It’s the dirty Blairites in Labour who want him gone! Dirty Politics!

            • I Feel Love 4.1.1.1.2.1

              http://www.newshub.co.nz/opinion/opinion-case-closed-in-andrew-little-v-john-shewan-stoush-2016062918#axzz4CurifRPg

              “Until he produced that tiny piece of evidence it looked like he was lying. That’s something Mr Little calls the Prime Minister out on, and if Little’s a prime minister in waiting, then he needs to be able to show that he doesn’t lie.
              Today he did that, and I take my hat off to him.
              However, it shouldn’t have taken the public battle to get here, it was a simple case of “I did exactly what I was asked — here, let me show you.”
              But you can guarantee when there are lawyers involved, things get arduous.
              Anyway, it’s over now. Both parties seem happy. Case closed. “

              • mary_a

                @I Feel Love … Many thanks for the link 🙂

                • I Feel Love

                  Its a good report eh? Just lays out some facts. Seems surprised to be dealing with an honest politician, something she must not be used to when dealing with the Govt I suppose.

              • Greg

                Shewan claimed in a recent Herald editorial piece that there is no Australian money in zero rated company trusts. How does he know this! Does he have authority to request these trusts contents, or some inside network knowledge, or is he just parroting John Key.
                For a PM who rarely does not do much in details,
                Key seems to be right all over this report.

                It begs the question did he actually write it.
                People have a tell in how they write, and tone of style with their grammar.

                • Lanthanide

                  I don’t know what you’re talking about specifically, but the NZ law on foreign trusts has special carve-outs for foreign trusts owned/controlled/whatevered by Australians, due to the Australian government putting pressure on us to change our law just for them.

                  So that is likely what Shewan basis his claims on.

                  • Greg

                    hah so Aussies are banned from having trusts here.

                    How about John Key having written the report, Key usually doesnt do details, but he had the report down pat. Though, he has claimed not to be a expert in trusts.

                    • Lanthanide

                      No, they’re not banned, they just have extra rules that apply to them, that don’t apply to other countries.

        • seeker 4.1.1.2

          I approve the sign saying “Eton Mess”.

          Great clip thankyou Paul.

    • Pasupial 4.2

      Swordfish
      This is a good YouGov chart that shows the demographics of the Brexit vote. I can’t find the original (too many charts to sift through!), this is a repost from a(n Italian?) facebook page:

      https://twitter.com/you_trend/status/746114516308606976/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

  5. mary_a 5

    Despite what “public servants” John Key and Bill English say, ordinary working Kiwis are struggling to make ends meet. Yet the problems of inequality and impoverishment continue to be NZ’s fastest growing industry! Disgraceful and disturbing!

    Here is some evidence from RNZ.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/307607/three-jobs-but-still-struggling

  6. Muttonbird 6

    After yesterday throwing her own ministry under the bus, today she throws Housing New Zealand under the bus.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/greens-defend-housing-nz-over-under-occupied-properties-2016063007#axzz4CxfsstdI

    The bus has now ground to a halt with the bodies of so many government agencies underneath.

  7. mary_a 7

    Here is Guyon Espiner’s interview with Bill English this morning re the growing inequality in NZ!

    It’s pure spun out arrogant, uncaring BS! I am so angry that someone like English is in such a prominent position where he and his government can do so much more for disadvantaged NZers. But he doesn’t and he won’t! Laugh or cry at his responses to the questioning, the choice is yours! I was close to tears listening to his cold hearted replies to Espiner!

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201806441/porirua-family-can-only-afford-biscuits

  8. Puckish Rogue 8

    Does anyone else sometimes find that the open comments page won’t load, that it just sometimes goes straight to a blank screen?

    • Muttonbird 8.1

      It’s just you.

      Now that Andrew Little has proved John Shewan was happy with the statement Little made, would you like to offer an apology to Mr Little this morning for calling him a liar and political smearer?

      • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1

        I think he could have released this information at any time but he chose to try to make a big deal out of it for political gain

        Amateurish at best but ok he didn’t lie in this particular instance

        • Grant 8.1.1.1

          Sorry really is the hardest word eh Puckish?

        • Robert Guyton 8.1.1.2

          “Amateurish at best but ok he didn’t lie in this particular instance”

          When weasels speak, they use weasel words.

          • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1.2.1

            Andrew Little could have easily ended this right at the very beginning, he didn’t because he was trying to draw as much publicity as he could and to try to paint himself as the underdog

            Amateurish and cynical as well

            • adam 8.1.1.2.1.1

              You know when you try to spin other peoples lies, you look like an idiot Puckish Rouge, and we both know you are not.

              The problem was Paddy Gower, he is like a five year old demanding a toy, he stamps his feet and screams in the street. But really he is just a naughty little boy.

            • Muttonbird 8.1.1.2.1.2

              Ridiculous hypothesis. He’d want Shewan’s needy claim to go away as soon as possible.

              More likely Andrew Little is very busy trying to make New Zealand a better place by holding this government to account (something which they themselves do not do), and by planning strategy to change the government next election.

              He’s got better things to do than mollify over-sensitive trust accountants.

              • Puckish Rogue

                If he wanted it to go away asap then he could have released everything right away rather then drip feed it out

                • North

                  What arrogance in you PR ! Not only do you reserve the right to tell everyone on the Left how they must ‘lose’, you also purport to tell Andrew Little how he should ‘win’. And when he wins in a way not approved of by you…….you’re down his throat. Who the fuck are you ? Concern troll.

                • The weasel, Puckish Rogue, I can smell it on your breath.

        • Draco T Bastard 8.1.1.3

          Actually, the only people being amateurish is Shewan and the RWNJs who jumped on the Attack AL bandwagon.

    • Pasupial 8.2

      PR
      I don’t agree with you about much (especially trusting Shewan’s word about anything), but yes; I’ve been having OM and older posts go blank on me too this past week. Worse than usual I mean, there’d always be the odd glitch (probably when you try to open a page at the same time a comment is being posted); but these are persistent for hours, even with reopening the browser (firefox).

  9. Rosemary McDonald 9

    Respect to Nanaia Mahuta and Kelvin Davis for challenging Te Ureroa Flavell on the efficacy and lack of accountability of the Maori Party flagship Whanau Ora.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/307598/whanau-ora-not-living-up-to-promise-labour

    It is way past time that Whanau Ora was held to account….where the hell were the WO providers when Te Puea Marae was taking in homeless whanau???

    And yet….while here in NZ, Whanau Ora has completely failed to address any of the issues affecting struggling Maori (in real measurable terms) it is a program that is being exported….http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/286073/whanau-ora-goes-international

    “Mr Keung, of Maniapoto and Ngāti Porou, said the idea was to share key documents and learnings that tāngata whenua had gained in order to bring better health and social outcomes for American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

    “It will be the things that have been developed with Waipareira, our owner, over 35 years of the work they’ve been doing, but more recently in the Whānau Ora space in delivering a more integrated and whānau-centric suite of services to our whānau.

    “They are looking to get more strategically developed in the way they deliver services and they see this as an opportunity to do something.””

    Hmmm…..

    Again….Nanaia and Kelvin step up and do their job as elected representatives.

  10. Adrian Thornton 10

    ‘Confiscating the wealth’ a nice little Freudian slip from Bill English this morning during an interview with Guyon on RNZ’s morning report.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201806441/porirua-family-can-only-afford-biscuits

    • Bearded Git 10.1

      Thanks Adrian-worth a listen. English is actually a nasty bit of work behind the spin. What he fails to mention is that it is this government that got the family into the situation in the first place.

      There is billions for roading, billions for defence, billions in tax cuts for the better off, but peanuts for those in poverty.

      The top rate of tax in Denmark is 59%-it is one of the most successful and happy countries in the world.

      • Adrian 10.1.1

        Of course as we know, most economic debates or discussions will quickly become a debate about class war.
        What English essentially, and unwittingly said in that slip, was to deal with inequality in a real way, some wealth would need to be removed from those who own it now.
        A very rare albeit brief look at the ideology in it’s pure form, of National and enabled by a neo liberal left.

  11. Halfcrown 11

    I watched Henry this morning, for a change.

    Henry had Don Mc Kinnon talking about Brexit. Man did Don Mc Kinnon have his finger on the pulse. He gave a very good opinion without the usual bullshit we have come to expect these days.
    But there again Don Mc Kinnon is an officer and a gentleman, old school National who did care for NZ. Not like this shower of fucking incompetent crooks we have now who would sell their grandmothers for a quick Buck.

  12. whispering kate 13

    The Parliamentary Watchdog Dr Jan Wright is critical of the Government’s latest environmental report and says it doesn’t go far enough on climate change. As a subtle boot up the nether regions of the Government she has submitted her views on what should have been included in the report and she is very scathing about it.

    Somehow methinks there will be another early retirement or a slur against her professionalism by our useless government for the temerity of her to question their report. They will say she is straying beyond the brief of the report and treat her like they did the Canadian Judge over his findings on the Bain Affair by rubbishing her professionalism and reputation. It will be sickening as per usual.

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/environmental-watchdog-says-nz-must-do-more-oceans-health?autoPlay=5005648246001

    • ianmac 13.1

      And No Right Turn is even more explicit Kate. The Environmental Report:
      “The criticisms are serious. The report is poorly structured, which obfuscates key issues. The indicators are poorly chosen. There is no forecasting of future trends. But above all, there are no conclusions, and no assessment of the seriousness of problems.

      That, of course, was the point: National wanted people to think it cared about the environment, so it had to produce reporting – but forecasts, assessment of seriousness, and conclusions are the last things it wanted….”
      http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2016/06/the-pce-on-environmental-reporting.html

  13. ianmac 14

    OOps! From Dimpost:
    “Te Papa has pulled the plug on the purchase of the singlet worn by Peter Snell in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

    They have questioned its authenticity saying it is not the singlet that the Olympian wore when he won his gold medals….”
    https://dimpost.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/f-for-fake-2/

  14. Sans Cle 15

    BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze is well worth a listen to. Discusses morality in context of winners and losers of Brexit. Raises some fundamental questions about belief sets in representative democracy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07hgh5f

  15. Muttonbird 16

    Slater standing down from his corrosive blog indefinitely.

    Perhaps he might find time to get a real job which contributes to society instead of destroying it.

    • ianmac 16.1

      I believe that the writers who actually write the Whaleoil stuff are continuing so they say.

    • Rodel 16.2

      North.relax…he believes he’s just fomenting happy mischief…as they do.

  16. Muttonbird 17

    John Key’s brighter future…

    Homeless man forced to find shelter in a rubbish skip bin crushed to death.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11666202

    There’s been an alarming increase in homelessness under John Key’s watch. Deaths will follow.

    • Rosie 17.1

      What a tragedy. I had wondered what the situation was with the man found crushed in the cardboard baling.
      From the article I got the impression that it was speculation that the man was homeless. If he was, then it is extremely sad – it means his death would have been avoided and entirely preventable if he were in safe warm accommodation.

  17. Lanthanide 18

    Amusing. Can easily be watched without sound:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a6HNXtdvVQ

  18. mary_a 19

    Lorde donates $20,000 to struggling Hutt Valley charity feeding impoverished hungry Kiwi children.

    Go Lorde. A star indeed in almost every respect.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11666099

  19. Rosie 20

    Did I entirely miss it or was Jo Cox’s funeral not covered in the media? Or did her family wish her funeral to remain private?

  20. ropata 21

    if the banks & corporate war machine decide there’s profit in it, anything is possible, but need an excuse like 9/11 first

    When somebody like Shirreff says he thinks Russia may go to war with Nato, people listen https://t.co/3QF3JIbwkK pic.twitter.com/zQjPJJmVSk— New Zealand Listener (@nzlistener) June 30, 2016

  21. Sabine 22

    sad, just sad

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/81607939/Bale-body-dad-had-been-laid-off-amid-dairy-slump?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

    “When the dairy downturn started biting, Daniel Bindner’s world started unravelling.

    The Waikato father lost his job as a farm worker, broke up with the mother of his children and ended up homeless before he disappeared.

    It was almost a week after he was last seen that workers at a Hamilton recycling plant discovered the father of three’s body in a compressed bale of cardboard.”

    • Greg 22.1

      = its the ultimate risk men take with being in any relationship, why isnt it tragic…?

    • McFlock 22.2

      @ Sabine yeah.

      Hopefully they can figure out what happened pretty quickly.

      • Greg 22.2.1

        Federated Farmers union are sure helping kiwi dairy workers, during this downturn,, retaining experienced workforce and all that.
        Is John Key keeping the visa worker numbers high hoping for a dairy market swing upwards.

        • McFlock 22.2.1.1

          We don’t know what happened, yet.

          So from a certain perspective you might blame fed farmers, or the lack of income support, or whatever your comment about relationship risks meant.

          But really, it could be anything at this stage.

          • Greg 22.2.1.1.1

            He lost his farm job, and his relationship broke up, drawing a conclusion they had a farm house thrown in. she moved.

            Im just making a dig at Fed Far after Bill said kiwi’s didnt want to work hard.

            So what happens to experienced farm workers forced out of the industry,
            start importing foreign workers instead on the back of a recovery?

            • McFlock 22.2.1.1.1.1

              at the same time he couldn’t hold another job his previous boss had lined up, we don’t know why the relationship broke up, and so on.

              I get you were making a dig at a convenient target, but the guy is still in the morgue and we have no idea wtf happened. So, good for you.

    • Muttonbird 22.3

      Brighter Future, innit?

  22. Richardrawshark 23

    Any chance of an off topic, general, meeting place type hangout here, so some of us can offer things like fridges dryers, or arrange meetings, declare our love, get married, have kids, you know more us who love democracy and share a passion for all things wonderful great and small can small talk.

    As an idea.

    • Lanthanide 23.1

      There used to be Weekend Social posts where that sort of thing could be discussed. Haven’t seen one of those for quite a few months now, though. They were never particularly highly commented on, though.

      A long time ago now there was also a movement called Drinking Liberally which I think was mainly in Wellington, a frequent get-together for lefties to go to bars and drink together.

      Also The Standard has strict rules around pseudonymity, which puts a bit of a crimp on the sorts of things you list in this comment, although commentators are allowed to publicise their own identities if they choose to, in practice very few have chosen that.

      • McFlock 23.1.1

        The Drinking Liberally also happened in Dunedin for a while, but then they moved it from a bar to a vegan place and it became overly weighted with hippies for my taste so I stopped going.

        There were also a few gatherings of standardistas in the botanic gardens, some people outing their pseudonyms and others not. Those were ok for a bit.

    • Greg 23.2

      Im sure I’d score with love, it has to be better than nzdating, which has gone stale,
      I dont have a smarter phone for Tinder 🙁 cries.

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    5 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    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 ...
    6 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 ...
    6 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 ...
    6 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
    12 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. ...
    14 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
    15 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
    16 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
    17 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
    18 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
    19 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
    22 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
    23 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
    24 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
    24 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
    1 day 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

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour 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
    18 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
    20 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
    21 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
    22 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
    22 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
    1 day 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 ...
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  • 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
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
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    2 days ago
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    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
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    3 days ago
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    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
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    3 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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    3 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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    3 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
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    4 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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    4 days ago
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    4 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
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    4 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    5 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
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  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
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    5 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    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 Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
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    5 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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    1 week ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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