Open Mike 31/05/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 31st, 2017 - 64 comments
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64 comments on “Open Mike 31/05/2017 ”

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  1. Ed 1
    31 May 2017 at 6:19 am

    ‘Socialism closer to Gospel than free enterprise.’

    Pity Bill English can’t see this……

    ‘A retired High Court judge who donated $115,000 to Labour says the party’s principles reflect those of his religion.

    In Labour’s first large donation for some time, Robert Smellie, QC, gave $100,000 this month, on top of the $15,000 he gave in December.

    Smellie told the Herald one reason was his religion. “[Former PM] Michael Joseph Savage once said, ‘Labour is Christianity in action’. And I am a practising Anglican and as such I see socialism as being far closer to the Gospel than free enterprise.”’

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11866294

  2. Ed 2
    31 May 2017 at 6:21 am

    Stephen Joyce’s budget is so going to give money to most vulnerable…….

    ‘Agency that put up rent ‘week on week’ accused of price gouging’

    ‘One of Auckland’s biggest rental agencies hiked rents on vacant apartments by five percent a week for several weeks earlier this year when demand from students surged to record levels.
    Ray White agent Krister Samuel said demand for apartments was unprecedented in February.

    The seasonal surge was caused by thousands of tertiary students and was exacerbated by a big rise in first home buyers snapping up apartments, shrinking the rental pool, he said.

    “We were getting 30 to 40 applicants turning up to a one or two-bedroom apartment, and all with good credit history, and testimonials and landlord references.

    “So the only response was to put the rent up,” Mr Samuel said.

    “For the landlords that we were representing, and we represent about 1000 individual landlords in the city, we were putting the rent up about five percent a week, week on week for about six weeks.”‘

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/331952/auckland-agency-price-gouging-over-weekly-rent-rise

    • Carolyn_nth 2.1
      31 May 2017 at 8:18 am

      “So the only response was to put the rent up,” Mr Samuel said.

      Of course it was! Responsible citizens that estate agents are – not capable of any other kind of response.

    • indiana 2.2
      31 May 2017 at 8:26 am

      Supply and Demand in full effect!

      • Draco T Bastard 2.2.1
        31 May 2017 at 9:08 am

        If we a actually used supply and demand the businesses would be paying more for power than homes. After all, they do actually demand more.

    • David Mac 2.3
      31 May 2017 at 8:34 am

      Krister Samuels of Ray White is touting for business via a free advertorial. If I owned a CBD apartment and needed management I’d read Krister’s comments and think ‘Gee looks like this outfit can get me top dollar for my pad.’

      If the apartments were previously priced at fair market value and he is pumping the ask by 5% week on week Krister is breaking the law.

      There appears to be room for some active advocates in this area. People au fait with the Residential Tenancy Act that can go in to bat for pocket raped tenants. Then Krister can ring some of his owners and advise them …”Ummm you’ve just been fined $2000.” (The contract Ray White has with owners will push the responsibility for payment of any exemplary damages onto owners.)

  3. Ed 3
    31 May 2017 at 6:26 am

    Money for more tax cuts for the rich, but none for our health.
    A wretched government.
    Vote them out in September.

    ‘Government not helping our region recover from Havelock North water crisis.’

    It appears the National Government has decided the water crisis that struck down Havelock North is “yesterday’s problem”.

    The public health cost alone from the poisoning of our town water supply is more than $1 million, but this Government has refused to help cover the gastro cost to our Hawke’s Bay District Health Board……’

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11866242

    • Wayne 3.1
      31 May 2017 at 6:49 am

      The Budget had over $800 million extra for health in the coming year, an increase of 5.5%. In the last nine years health expenditure has increased in real terms by 10% per capita. That is the reason why the news is not pack filled with terrible stories on health, and why Labors health spokespeople make very little headway. In fact I can’t even recall who the new Labour spokesperson is.

      It is very different to the 1990’s when Annette King was completely dominant as opposition spokesperson. She owned the territory. And it clearly signalled a change of government.

      • Stunned mullet 3.1.1
        31 May 2017 at 6:56 am

        It’s David Clark.

        • Wayne 3.1.1.1
          31 May 2017 at 8:21 am

          A smart guy, but a bit invisible. I should know who is Labour’s health person, but even after thinking about I didn’t. I know Dr Clark has a reputation as a thinker, but he is quiet. In key roles opposition people need to do what it takes so we know who they are. Ardern, Twyford and Davis, have all done that.

          • greywarshark 3.1.1.1.1
            31 May 2017 at 12:09 pm

            Wayne
            It’s strange how Ed’s subject, the health budget needing more money, morphs away as you seem to answer it, into an opinion as to whether the Labour Healthperson has enough visibility.

            And come on. Waving health statistics with percentages at us just doesn’t wash. (Health warning, after handling any statistics from National wash and dry your hands thoroughly.)

            In the last nine years health expenditure has increased in real terms by 10% per capita.

            This means that the amount allocated to each person in NZ has gone up during the last nine years, at about 1.1% a year, which may or may not be the equivalent of counted inflation or CPI each year. This means that if CPI
            exceeds 1.1% a year, then there is no rise to match the fall in spending value of the NZ$.

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.2
          31 May 2017 at 9:10 am

          It’s Wayne and you – both of whom are National Party apologists.

          The figures show that National has always kept the increase below that of inflation and population growth.

      • Ed 3.1.2
        31 May 2017 at 7:34 am

        The government does not care about the people’s health. Spin and shill for them if you want….

        • Wayne 3.1.2.1
          31 May 2017 at 8:57 am

          Ed,

          I know that the left likes to parrot the line that National does not care about people, health, welfare or education, but it is a silly line.

          Voters know that National is in their own way broadly representative of New Zealanders. They all have families and use public schools and public health. So at an intuitive level voters know that National is as involved in these things as other parties, though obviously with their own perspective.

          That is why that sort of criticism does not cut through. It belies peoples actual experience.

          To succeed you have to do what King was able to do in the 1990’s. Show comprehensive failings, not just spout mantras.

          • Robert Guyton 3.1.2.1.1
            31 May 2017 at 11:23 am

            Good morning, Wayne. I agree with much you say in your reply to ed; parroting the line, broadly representative, criticism does not cut through, however Ed knows, I think, that there’s a serious problem with the ideological “planet” you and your and National Party pals inhabit and pontificate from. I’ve a question for you; you talk of “peoples actual experience”, implying that New Zealanders are comfortable with the “National Way”, but how do you accommodate such things as our distressingly high domestic violence rates and youth suicide statistics? You may claim that New Zealanders support your world view and management, but don’t those aspects; violence and a severe crisis for our young people, whisper to you that something you are collectively doing is desperately wrong? I haven’t included the appalling incarceration statistics, alcohol harm etc. etc. as these topics are covered here on The Standard in some detail and I’m guessing you read those posts.
            Thanks in anticipation of your answers.

            • garibaldi 3.1.2.1.1.1
              31 May 2017 at 1:54 pm

              Health is going to be a bottomless pit for any government in the next few years. As a boomer it scares me to think about it. The system cannot cope with a diabetes epidemic, more poverty related diseases, mental health shortfalls, more cancer, sports injuries, more expensive treatment procedures and ,finally, countless old bastards.
              We’re in for trouble big time re health.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1.3
        31 May 2017 at 8:00 am

        Are you this “honest” in your day job?

        You know very well that a large proportion of the increase is a consequence of the National “government” being forced to obey the law regarding pay equity, not increased healthcare provision.

        Per capita health expenditure is on exactly the same trend it’s been on all this century, and as you very well know, this is a consequence of demographics.

        As for the news, have you missed the crisis in mental health? Or the rate of preventable “third world” diseases? Or the increase in new HIV cases? Or doctors and nurses on strike?

        Keep spinning, Wayne, I’d hate the National Party to get out of the gutter.

      • McFlock 3.1.4
        31 May 2017 at 11:54 am

        the news is not pack filled with terrible stories on health

        What, you mean stories like “Hospital staff show strain”, “Unexplained death on Palmerston North Hospital grounds raises questions”, “NZ records highest-ever number of HIV diagnoses in 2016”, “Patients head to Aussie for treatment”, “Third of Kiwi women have chlamydia by age 38: study”, or “Man suffers heart attack just after leaving Christchurch’s Burwood Hospital”? /sarc

        • weka 3.1.4.1
          31 May 2017 at 12:02 pm

          And, ffs, there are people in the Southern DHB region going blind because of waiting lists.

    • Stunned mullet 3.2
      31 May 2017 at 6:54 am

      Doesn’t vote health cover the cost of dr visits and pharmaceuticals in Hawke’s Bay ?

  4. Ed 4
    31 May 2017 at 6:30 am

    Meanwhile New Zealand is asleep, distracted by sports ‘news’….

    Rugby: British & Irish Lions madness to begin
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11866436

    and celebrity ‘news’……………
    Police: Tiger Woods ‘asleep at wheel’ of stationary car, alcohol levels zero
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/golf/93166630/police-tiger-woods-asleep-at-wheel-of-stationary-car-alcohol-levels-zero

    and clickbait….
    ‘Woman criticised for super car bonnet climb’
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11865908

    Wake up New Zealand!

    • garibaldi 4.1
      31 May 2017 at 6:54 am

      Wake up New Zealand! That is very appropriate at 6.30 am! Though your point is very true, however this is the Nu Zild kulcha, which is actively promoted to stop the masses waking up. It’s all part of the on going “bread and circuses”.

    • BM 4.2
      31 May 2017 at 7:37 am

      Back again Paul.

  6. Bill 6
    31 May 2017 at 8:43 am

    Anyone else scratching their heads over news coming out of Britain and wondering if Theresa May is trying to lose the up-coming election?

  7. marty mars 7
    31 May 2017 at 9:33 am

    Good start – te waikoropupu will be protected we wont stop until it is and tangata whenua and everyone will work together to do it.

    https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/nelson-iwis-fight-protect-te-waikoropupu-springs

  8. Muttonbird 8
    31 May 2017 at 9:36 am

    “Look at what we’ve delivered from Opposition with the warm up our homes scheme – which unfortunately National has now abandoned, but also national cycleways. We’ve managed to achieve a lot from Opposition, and now we’re ready to be in government – and it is with Labour.”

    The Warm Up New Zealand scheme provides grants for home insulation and is due to come to an end in June 2018. The scheme has subsidised insulation for up to 300,000 homes so far.

    Research institute Motu Economics says the Warm Up NZ Programme has a 6:1 benefit-to-cost ratio.

    Philippa Lynne Howden-Chapman, Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago, told Newshub keeping houses warm and dry is the foundation of ‘social investment’.

    “It’s clearly cost-effective. It’s inexplicable that the Government has turned their backs on the insulation policy,” Ms Howden-Chapman said.

    I wonder where Bill English stands on this, the withdrawl of a key component of ‘social investment’? Too busy on social media to keep an eye on Joyce?

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/05/new-green-candidates-not-keen-on-national-coalition.html

    Worth looking at the body language throughout that clip of Paul Henry wannabe, Mark Richardson.

    • Draco T Bastard 8.1
      31 May 2017 at 12:16 pm

      Increasing insulation on homes will decrease power usage and thus decrease profits for the new shareholders that National created by selling our assets against our will.

      Or the other option is that the power companies, determined to maintain profit levels with decreasing power usage, boost prices.

      The first one can be hidden whereas the second will be come back on National for selling the power companies.

  9. Muttonbird 9
    31 May 2017 at 9:49 am

    More evidence the Maori Party, like their bedfellows the National Party, are for the elite and no-one else.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/331967/govt-hiring-before-maori-land-bill-passes-arrogant

    • marty mars 9.1
      31 May 2017 at 11:11 am

      I can’t see where it shows that. It does show imo an arrogant little man ramming stuff through without suffient process or accord or even assessment of success. Dirty bullshit by that little man.

  10. weka 10
    31 May 2017 at 11:03 am

    This should be interesting, from The Times,

    Sam Coates Times‏ Verified account @SamCoatesTimes

    Tonight: we reveal YouGov’s first seat by seat projection of the campaign – suggests Tories fall 16 seats short of overall majority
    .

    Nick Faith‏ @nickfaith82 1h
    Would love to see a seat by seat break down showing how they got to this.
    .

    Sam Coates Times‏Verified account @SamCoatesTimes
    Replying to @nickfaith82

    Tomorrow on YouGov website

    https://twitter.com/SamCoatesTimes/status/869662208892030976

  11. greywarshark 11
    31 May 2017 at 12:35 pm

    It will be noticed I think that an earlier comment I made was in response to one of Wayne’s which lauded 10% per capita increase in health spending over 9 years. I said that was only 1.1% p.a. which would be less than CPI, so therefore it would still be a drop.

    Now we all don’t understand economics perfectly, and as he said it was 10% in real terms, he meant that was allowing for inflation, so providing 1.1% rise in each year.
    If you thought that meant all was right because I was wrong in not allowing for the calculations showing a rise in real terms, then you are a shallow thinker.

    Because there is an error in understanding of the figures, it does not mean that there is assuredly an error in the commenter’s opinion and conclusions Because 1.1 rise a year per capita from a low base, does not sound sufficient to cope with our growing diseases from overseas, and our growing incapacitation for long periods as we are forced to grind out our lives to the last sigh.

    So you have to read things carefully to form your own opinions. I would direct you to the discussion on the terms of banking by Dr Don Brash, ex-governor of the Reserve Bank. Who has stated certain understandings which are not agreed by the Bank of England, and Bryan Gould who knows a few things, one of which is that Dr Brash has been proceeding on a faulty presumption.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11845670
    If this is “nonsense”, the “peddlers” include some very distinguished economists. My legal training has taught me the value of being able to turn to reliable authority to support what I say.
    In my original piece, I referred to a Bank of England research paper, published in the bank’s first Quarterly Bulletin 2014, which describes in detail the process by which banks create money.

    And quite a few thinkers of repute have been stating that our whole economic system is run on twisted lines. They say economists have proposed procedures from theories they have formulated, and when they don’t work because people haven’t followed the expected lines of approach, they arrange to change the laws and utilised PR to change people’s behaviour so they match the theories which then shown to be right.

    • weka 12.1
      31 May 2017 at 1:45 pm

      that is very cool.

      I’m glad that we can start to take tsunamis more seriously and I suspect once people (public, journos) start trawling through and seeing the stark reality of quake and tsunami, we might get better prepared.

  13. Tautoko Mangō Mata 13
    31 May 2017 at 1:42 pm

    I see Rex Tillerson (ex Exxon and now US Secretary of State is coming to NZ next week where he will meet Bill English and Gerry Brownlee.

    Tillerson will head to Wellington where Brownlee said a meeting would be held to discuss “some of the world’s most pressing issues and to further promote our economic ties”.

    Climate Change and World are surely the most pressing issues at this point in time.

    I would like Gerry Brownlee to tell Rex Tillerson that NZ does not want to have any close ties with the USA until:

    1. The USA honours its commitment on Climate Change
    2. It cancels its arms deal to Saudi Arabia and takes responsibility for its own part in fuelling terrorism in the world.

    Here is a useful video about the Saudi Arms deal,

  14. JC 14
    31 May 2017 at 2:55 pm

    “Eighty percent of the country’s native bird species are in bad shape, with some on the brink of extinction, and the environment watchdog is recommending genetic engineering and tourist taxes to tackle the problem.

    Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Jan Wright has released the report Taonga of an island nation: Saving New Zealand’s birds, which provides seven recommendations to government”.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/332000/four-out-of-five-nz-bird-species-in-trouble

  15. BM 15
    31 May 2017 at 8:03 pm

    When are you moving to your cave Bill?

    [TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]

    • Bill 15.1
      31 May 2017 at 8:11 pm

      When are you thinking of acknowledging reality or engaging your brain BM?

      • BM 15.1.1
        31 May 2017 at 8:17 pm

        What is reality Bill? seriously, man, no one can predict shit, we may all die in some climate-induced apocalypse or we may not for a myriad of unknown reasons.

        This reading chicken guts, tea leaves predictions is a complete waste of time, the future is unwritten, it can be anything, live in the present don’t get hung up on the future.

        [did you edit out my moderation note when you edited your comment? Interesting, never had that before, please don’t do that again. Let me repeat then, Stop Trolling. Good to see you trying to make an actual point in the edit, maybe just start with that next time so I don’t end up wasting my time. – weka]

        • BM 15.1.1.1
          31 May 2017 at 8:57 pm

          Sorry about that Blog Mum, I had no idea what’s going on behind the scenes anything that happened was completely unintentional.

    • fender 15.2
      31 May 2017 at 8:17 pm

      When Dracos’ mum finally kicks them out of her basement 😉

    • Bill 15.3
      31 May 2017 at 8:37 pm

      G’night 😉

  16. Ric 16
    31 May 2017 at 8:58 pm

    There’s an interesting article about “What Budget 2017 spending promises look like when adjusted for inflation and population growth” at

    http://www.interest.co.nz/news/87936/what-budget-2017-spending-promises-look-when-adjusted-inflation-and-population-growth

    They conclude that the budget will reduce health spending over 5 years by 7.5% and this with an increasing number of elderly people and DHBs struggling to meet their budgets.

    Hence I find Wayne’s comment at 6.49am that “The Budget had over $800 million extra for health in the coming year, an increase of 5.5%.” misleading at best.

    I’d much rather have a well funded health system than a tax cut. I just can’t imagine what it’s like having to wait several hours at emergency with a sick child especially if you live in a car.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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