Operation 8 verdict

Written By: - Date published: 2:26 pm, March 15th, 2012 - 46 comments
Categories: uncategorized - Tags:

I’m sitting at the High Court awaiting the verdict in the Operation 8 trial. Whichever way it goes this case is a big failure for the police. After the biggest surveillance operation against activists this country has ever seen, the most that will happen is some far-fetched ‘association’ convictions against 4 people under a widely criticized law. Whatever the outcome, the police operation was excessive, targeted far too wide a net of people and failed to show any major organized criminal activity or prevent it. I’ll post the verdict here when it comes through.

Update 4.35pm: The judge is just dismissing the jury for the day – they will resume deliberations tomorrow morning.

46 comments on “Operation 8 verdict ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. vto 1
    15 March 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Do you think that verdict of your would match up with the majority of New Zealanders who have been following the trial, given the footage and evidence that has been provided??

  2. infused 2
    15 March 2012 at 4:14 pm

    I think it will be guilty. We’ll I believe it should be.

    • insider 2.1
      15 March 2012 at 4:38 pm

      I’m very strongly of the view they were guilty of something very dodgy – a lot more than paintball and wanangas. the judge pointedly said the overarching question in the case was: “what were these camps intended to achieve?”

      but it could be a big step to push that over the line of proof beyond reasonable doubt of a criminal offence based on what has been in the papers.

      My natural justice inner self is hoping the jury will be like a group of parents with a bunch of squabbling kids who instinctively know who started it, even if they didn’t see it, and are going to discipline him as a lesson to all to not do that kind of thing again.

      • felix 2.1.1
        15 March 2012 at 4:57 pm

        That’s a fairly disturbing brand of “justice” you’re advocating there insider. Hopefully the jury aren’t like you and have a modicum of respect for the rule of law.

        • insider 2.1.1.1
          15 March 2012 at 5:06 pm

          Like I said it was my natural justice bit, whcih I’m more than happy to admit can get a little personalised and vengeful at times. But juries do occassionally do interesting things which I believe are about sending wider messages to prosecutors and defendants, rather than deciding solely on the facts presented in a dispassionate way. Being part of a community makes it hard sometimes to be completely dispassionate.

          • lprent 2.1.1.1.1
            15 March 2012 at 5:26 pm

            Yep. Juries will also not convict if they think that the police have been pushing crap and inflating the charges beyond any reasonable level as well (which is what I think has happened here)

            What has been notable from the coverage of this case is how little evidence there was on a couple of the defendants. So little that you’d have to ask why they were brought to trial. They annoyed a cop perhaps?

            • insider 2.1.1.1.1.1
              15 March 2012 at 5:44 pm

              I thought same, hence my comment above on the reasonable doubt hurdle. Emily Bailey is the one I was thinking of (but sh presented no defence either I believe so wouldn’t ahve been in the paper so much), and Kemara. But then the reporting has been a bit patchy

              • lprent …
                15 March 2012 at 6:12 pm

                There have been some reasonably detailed reports at scoop (day 19) – haven’t seen a top level page for that. They’re biased towards the defense, but factual and detailed.

                Beats the hell out of the news media reports

          • Campbell Larsen 2.1.1.1.2
            15 March 2012 at 9:42 pm

            Like I said it was my natural justice bit, whcih I’m more than happy to admit can get a little personalised and vengeful at times

            insider you really need to brush up on the meaning of Natural Justice:

            There is nothing personal or vengeful about Natural Justice.
            And as for your first example – disciplining someone as an example to others is actually a fundamental breach of the principles of Natural Justice.

            Anyone would think that you were trying to redefine the term….
            What has Darth McVicar threatened you with? do you have relatives on Alderon? Its too late for them, but not for you insider – beware the dark side.

  3. idlegus 3
    15 March 2012 at 4:25 pm

    I hope the jury sees common sense & finds them ‘not guilty’.

    • The Baron 3.1
      15 March 2012 at 4:37 pm

      Why? I’m still at a loss as to why anyone would want to defend what was going on in those hills.

      The legality of those actions is one thing – but even if it is indeed a not guilty verdict, how on earth would that behaviour be “common sense” idlegus?

      • lprent 3.1.1
        15 March 2012 at 5:31 pm

        Based on the evidence that has been provided, it is hard to see much actually wrong apart from some police having an inflated idea of their own judgement. The police have tried to insinuate a lot. But they haven’t proved much.

        The common sense is that people are innocent until proven guilty. What are they guilty of?

        Acting like amateur idiots with weapons? Happens all of the time with hunters and even farmers.

        Playing at combat games? So have most of the management bonding exercises I have been dragged to.

        Wanting to meet people of similar interests? You mean like this site? Or a political party or….

        • higherstandard 3.1.1.1
          15 March 2012 at 6:00 pm

          “Acting like amateur idiots with weapons? Happens all of the time with hunters and even farmers.”

          Yes they were acting like idiots with weapons – but what strikes me is that it was a very strange group to acting like amateur idiots with weapons. I suspect they’ll be discharged and told not to behave like dicks although with some of the accused and some of the already discharged that will be a forlorn hope.

        • Populuxe1 3.1.1.2
          15 March 2012 at 6:59 pm

          “Acting like amateur idiots with weapons? Happens all of the time with hunters and even farmers.”
          Which, given the fatalities and injuries over the years, should be a serious legal matter – although of course the conspiracy charges would be inappropriate. 
          I grew up around fire arms and shot competitively for a while. They are not toys for fooling around with, and I have zero patience for anyone flouting firearms laws and not showing a weapon the proper respect. If they’re not conspirators, they should still be charged with being fuckwits with firearms.

          • lprent 3.1.1.2.1
            15 March 2012 at 9:19 pm

            Oh I agree with that. The problem is that the police totally screwed up how they collected the evidence and most of it was disallowed for minor offenses. That left 4 people that the police had inadvertently charged with serious enough offenses to meet the test. Sheer bad luck for them.

          • RedLogix 3.1.1.2.2
            15 March 2012 at 9:30 pm

            Yes there were always a bunch of serious firearms and careless use charges that needed to be laid here.

            If the police had simply left it to the local cops to do their job in the ordinary way they would have had a straightforward result ages ago. Instead they got carried away with the ‘terrorism’ thing and now they have a full-scale cluster-fuck on their hands.

            Not to mention a whole Tuhoe community even more pissed and alienated with the State than ever before.

            • Jackal 3.1.1.2.2.1
              15 March 2012 at 10:36 pm

              Let the local cops do their job, like take the guns and then give them back when they get firearms licenses… that’s what usually happens. No charges, just a word from friendly Mr plod.

      • muzza 3.1.2
        15 March 2012 at 5:37 pm

        Meanwhile we let Al Zakawi (Peter) and numerous other well known arms dealers and so called terrorists into NZ.

        The Urwera situation is nothing more than a beat up, to give some sort of localised terror perception here in NZ..

        Side show!

      • idlegus 3.1.3
        15 March 2012 at 9:13 pm

        I think theres a certain amount of racist paranoia around it all, and if the police used their brains at the start this whole thing could have been dealt with then & there. If the jury see ‘common sense’ & erase all the racist bs, I think they will be found not guilty.

        I dont know what exactly they were doing in those hills, no idea, looks to me they just playing at idiots, so what.

        • Populuxe1 3.1.3.1
          15 March 2012 at 9:18 pm

          I dont know what exactly they were doing in those hills, no idea, looks to me they just playing at idiots, so what.

          “Playing at idiots” with firearms and other weapons gets people maimed or killed – generally to be discouraged.

          • muzza 3.1.3.1.1
            16 March 2012 at 7:20 am

            You come across like a complete pussy – What are you scared of bro, afraid the “crazy natives” are going to go postal?

            • Populuxe1 3.1.3.1.1.1
              18 March 2012 at 6:13 pm

              No, you dumb fuck, I’m afraid someone is going to accidentally shoot themselves or someone else. Why don’t you spin that line to the family of Rosemary Margaret Ives, for example and see how that flies/

              • Vicky32 …
                18 March 2012 at 6:50 pm

                No, you dumb fuck, I’m afraid someone is going to accidentally shoot themselves or someone else. Why don’t you spin that line to the family of Rosemary Margaret Ives, for example and see how that flies

                OK, I have to agree with you, which somewhat surprises me… 🙂

                • Populuxe1 …
                  18 March 2012 at 7:02 pm

                  Why/ – we actually agree on most things except religion (which I am reasonable tolerant of compared with some) and anti-gay bigotry (which I’m sure we can just avoid if we try)

              • muzza …
                18 March 2012 at 7:40 pm

                “No, you dumb fuck, I’m afraid someone is going to accidentally shoot themselves or someone else”

                Try have a look at the bigger picture, about just what the police, the government etc were wanting/trying to get this mess to become. SIS bill comes to mind…

                No doubt in my mind that the various factions wanted this to be something it was not, the recent Kim Dotcom circus is simply a continuation of the garbage people suck up, and believe!

                Your example of a hunting accident is out of context….should all hunters be charged in advance of any potential accidents…perhaps extend that to all crimes which have yet to be committed, just start rounding people up eh, just in case, you know, so we can all feel nice and safe…

                Maybe a patriot/NDAA act…that should do it!

                • Populuxe1 …
                  18 March 2012 at 8:18 pm

                  Your example of a hunting accident is out of context….should all hunters be charged in advance of any potential accidents…perhaps extend that to all crimes which have yet to be committed, just start rounding people up eh, just in case, you know, so we can all feel nice and safe…

                  Well if said hunter is acting like a dumb arsehole with his firearms, then he can be charged anyway. Obviously you know nothing about firearms or NZ firearms law – few licensed people would talk like that. And it’s a separate issue from the terrorism charges – do try to keep up.

  4. M.B. 4
    15 March 2012 at 5:38 pm

    My feeling is the 128 Abel Smith Street contingent (Urs Signer and Emily Bailey) will probably get off. Not so sure about Kemara and Iti.

    • Populuxe1 4.1
      15 March 2012 at 7:02 pm

      Yep – the greenies were probably just collateral; strange (and a bit naive) bedfellows like the Maori sovereignty activists  and trade unionists in Mana.

  5. Jenny 5
    15 March 2012 at 8:53 pm

    Personally I think the wrong people are on trial. What about all the lawbreaking by the police? The illegal video spying, the leaking of privileged information to the the press. The breaches of the civil liberties of dozens of people who were never charged with any offence.

    Will there ever be an inquiry into all this?

    • muzza 5.2
      16 March 2012 at 7:27 am

      Well said Jenny, and not a chance, because the police are just the enforcement gang of the thuggish governmment, there to enforce laws set up by an illegal parliament who try to protect NZ’s incestural half way buggered judicary, which is nothing more than a gang of old boys. Just have a look who the new Solicitor General and the stink he has around him, is to see the continuation of corruption NZ live. Watch what happens when the private prisons are built!

      IPCA – LOL ……tui ad!

  6. Blue 6
    15 March 2012 at 10:05 pm

    It is seriously time to give it up and stop pretending that there was nothing untoward going on in the Ureweras.

    If the verdict is not guilty, it will be because the police stuffed up in the way they went about their evidence gathering, not because the people involved are innocent.

    However ham-fisted the police may have been, some very dangerous activity was stopped and that’s about the only positive thing that can be said of the whole mess.

    • Jackal 6.1
      15 March 2012 at 10:57 pm

      I think there wont be any convictions because there is a lack of any proper evidence of “dangerous” or serious illegal activity… not because the cops have been remiss or hindered in performing their duty, but because there is no basis to the alleged crimes.

      The Crown case has been entirely built on speculation and fear-mongering, and the law doesn’t usually like that. The trial has taken all of five weeks, when it was originally meant to take three months… I wonder why?

      There can never be anything positive gleaned from state repression and the police terrorizing the many hundreds if not thousands of people impacted in the raids. It is simply a mess that will be a blot on our history forever. Shame!

      • M.B. 6.1.1
        16 March 2012 at 2:06 am

        there’s also the fact that the law they’re being charged under is screwed up to begin with. It was intended for the Mongrel Mob, not for political activists. Judges don’t tell juries this, but they have the right to ignore the letter of the law and refuse to convict if they don’t agree with the law. An example is the senior police officer in wellington who was acquitted of assaulting his son.

    • Richard Christie 6.2
      16 March 2012 at 9:45 am

      > “If the verdict is not guilty, it will be because the police stuffed up in the way they went about their evidence gathering, not because the people involved are innocent.”

      facepalm

  7. Pete George 7
    16 March 2012 at 8:58 am

    I think most people would raise eyebrows at what was going – both by the training campers and how it was dealt with by the police.

    The police (as usual) were in a difficult position, if they hadn’t acted and IF some sort of violent act had resulted from the grouip then the poice would have been dumped on. And they got dumped on anyway, by a law clarification and by people who just don’t like them threatening their view of how things were.

    • muzza 7.1
      16 March 2012 at 9:27 am

      Actually fossil, you might find that people in this country by and large have a sense of what a con job is when it comes to this issue…kiws are generally naiive, but when it comes to police beat ups, and covering themselves, they are all too familiar with the MO.

      The biggest acts of violence are being perpetrated by the government and police of this country against the people, so don’t even attempt to use the hypotethetical againt the factual!

      What is your contribution to society by the way?

      Oh thats right, political fluffer….

      • grumpy 7.1.1
        18 March 2012 at 8:21 pm

        muzza to Pete George

        “What is your contribution to society by the way?

        Oh thats right, political fluffer….”

        Whereas you, in a comment on MUNZ describe yourself as a hotshot at the Auckland Council and a close buddy of Len Brown. Really?????Interesting!!!! Really interesting………………..

    • lprent 7.2
      16 March 2012 at 9:31 am

      As it was get got dumped on because they arrested for offenses that they thought might happen. The guess was that they were on a fishing expedition. They hoped they’d find evidence in the raids, didn’t, and then had so much mana invested that they went along with bogus charges to cover their arse.

      Like it or not, the role of police is to charge for offenses that have actually happened. They observe until they have clear evidence that one has or is being planned. If it turns out that they were wrong which is comman when they’re looking at activists, then they say so rather than proceeding with a farce like this 5 year sorry saga.

      In the meantime, many of us will slag them off for failing to do their job. Just think what would the effector all of the resources they put into these cases could have achieved in dealing with actual crimes?

  8. Tiger Mountain 8
    16 March 2012 at 3:58 pm

    This case so far has been way more informative about the nature of the NZ state forces and legal processes than what any of the defendents may or may not have been up to. An interesting point for me….
    Denial by a bluebelly team leader under oath of acknowledged police history about the “confiscation line” of the Cullen raids in 1916 matching co-ordinates of the operation 8 raids. Apparently a) to not wind up the locals any more, and b) to protect narks who gave them land access to do their illegal surveillence.

  9. AndrewK 9
    17 March 2012 at 12:50 am

    This has been a sinister attempt to conflate dissent with terrorism. The security apparatus here got over excited when they witnessed the perverse authority granted to their British and US counterparts and set out to find terrorists.

    New Zealand’s domestic security hierarchy began with the premise that there are terrorists in New Zealand and set about constructing ‘evidence’ to support their narrative. Anyone familiar with the Ahmed Zaoui fiasco could not fail to notice parallels in the way these quasi-fascist ideologues begin with a bigoted assumption, then develop an elaborate montage of events, which, when taken out of context, provide superficial support for their jaundiced views.

    There would be something seriously wrong with any judicial system that recognised the activities of the security officials, prosecuting either the Zaoui case or the Urewera 4 case, as acceptable.

    I sincerely hope the jury delivers another humiliating blow to the illegitimate authority of one of New Zealand’s most dangerous right-wing organisations by returning a not guilty on all charges verdict.

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    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

  • 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
    19 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
    21 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
    22 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
    24 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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
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