Panama papers: investors were advised how to avoid Government disclosure obligations

Written By: - Date published: 7:23 am, June 23rd, 2016 - 70 comments
Categories: john key, national, same old national, slippery - Tags:

Mossack Fonseka taxes are for poor people

Remember this from shortly after the Panama Papers scandal broke?

Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference, Mr Key denied that the “Panama Papers” had embarrassed the Government or created a reputational risk.

New Zealand had a robust, legitimate tax regime which required foreigners to register their trusts, he said.

“Tax havens are where there’s non-disclosure of information. New Zealand has full disclosure of information.”

New Zealand was a signatory to international tax treaties which allowed information exchange between jurisdictions, he said, and a review of New Zealand’s foreign trust rules by the OECD in 2013 gave New Zealand a “clear bill of health”.

Or how about this?

“If you’re looking for secrecy New Zealand is the wrong place to come.”

Well there may be full disclosure of information but not all countries are the recipient of this flow of information and the Prime Minister’s description may have been, how shall I put this, disingenuous.  And the obligation is to disclose information that is collected and it is clear that the collection process may not be pristine.

Radio New Zealand has revealed that Mossack Fonseca’s primary agent required clients to agree not to invest in countries that had an agreement to exchange information with New Zealand.

From the article:

Mossack Fonseca’s main New Zealand agent, Roger Thompson, drafted legal documents for his foreign clients instructing them to avoid countries that have information-sharing agreements with New Zealand, the Panama Papers show.

When Panama Paper stories first appeared, Prime Minister John Key denied New Zealand was a tax haven, saying the country “has full disclosure of information”.

“A tax haven is where you don’t declare information, you can’t get information, a locked box… We have information-sharing agreements or double-tax agreements with over 100 countries,” he said.

However, documents show the Mossack Fonseca agent specifically advised his clients to avoid countries with information-sharing agreements with New Zealand, presumably to side-step the disclosure system.

Get that?  NZ does have full disclosure of information obligations but only with some countries.  And, and this is the kicker, Mossack Fonseca’s local representative told clients to avoid investing in those countries.

Basically Key’s assurances were totally, utterly worthless.  There is an obligation to disclose information but only to some countries and MF’s agents were telling their clients not to invest there.

It is good to see that the media is continuing on this story.  And showing that what we are told by Key needs to be considered.  And analysed further.  And later reviewed.  Word by word.

70 comments on “Panama papers: investors were advised how to avoid Government disclosure obligations ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Greg 1
    23 June 2016 at 9:56 am

    Does it matter, a business that returns only 23 million to a few lawyers n accountants has already cost the tax payer 205 million in making these zero rated tax companies complaint with European money laundering laws,
    thats the real crime, or racketeering.

  2. Sorrwerdna 2
    23 June 2016 at 10:06 am

    Yawn. Another non issue pushed hard by the left

    • TC 2.1
      23 June 2016 at 10:10 am

      Yes that lefty media at it again

    • srylands 2.2
      23 June 2016 at 11:08 am

      There is no issue here. There is not a vote in this for the left. This isn’t barking at cars. It is barking at ghost cars.

      • TC 2.2.1
        23 June 2016 at 11:39 am

        Yes dear

      • framu 2.2.2
        23 June 2016 at 12:27 pm

        so a trust scheme that allows the source and destination of money to be hard to ascertain is a-ok by you?

        not really surprised you feel that way

      • The New Student 2.2.3
        23 June 2016 at 1:59 pm

        This is everybody’s problem, not just for those who may be “the left”.

        Well, everybody minus the 1%

      • Draco T Bastard 2.2.4
        23 June 2016 at 2:17 pm

        And another right-wing supporter of criminals pops in to say that we shouldn’t get up in arms about these criminals stealing from us.

      • reason 2.2.5
        23 June 2016 at 6:55 pm

        John shewan built a ‘vehicle’ that the aussie banks used to try and drive off with $2.2 Billion of New Zealand revenue……..

        shewans fraudulent product when found guilty by High court justice Wild resulted in the recovery of an amount equal to 100 years worth of what the welfare benefit fraud unit recovered. …..

        You’d have to barking mad, like our whale oil financial supporter and TS troll srylands, to not support going after Keys mates and all their ‘tax vehicles’ .

        Shake them and billions start falling out ……………

    • reason 2.3
      23 June 2016 at 1:36 pm

      “Since the law changes in 2008 and the update in 2011 the number of foreign trusts has more than tripled to 10,697 this year from 3311 – according to Inland Revenue.”

      “Julie Anne Genter: Have there been any changes to the rules since the IRD warned his Government in 2013 that “there was a risk to New Zealand’s reputation” because of limited disclosure requirements?

      Rt Hon JOHN KEY: The member would have to direct that question to the Minister responsible for inland revenue. They are the ones who have done all the work with the OECD on the base evasion programme. But, as we know, things like factor and anti – money-laundering legislation have been changing.

      Julie Anne Genter: I seek leave to table an email dated 24 March 2016 from the IRD that states that it has not progressed any reform in this area.”

  3. Don't worry. Be happy 3
    23 June 2016 at 10:27 am

    So a Prime Minister who tells slippery tales on behalf ot tax dodging crooks is a ‘yawn’ ? Looks more like being an accessory to a crime to me. Sorry, forgot, all this ‘accounting’ is legal. Like slavery used to be.

  4. Bearded Git 4
    23 June 2016 at 11:00 am

    Been adding to my list of Key u-turns; surely there are more?

    Mining in the National Parks
    Raising GST
    Tolls on Auckland roads
    Troops will stay only 2 years in Iraq
    No housing crisis so no need for Urban Development Agency
    NZ not a tax haven so no need to tighten disclosure rules (this coming soon)

  5. srylands 5
    23 June 2016 at 11:07 am

    Been adding to my list of Key u-turns; surely there are more?

    Mining in the National Parks
    Raising GST
    Tolls on Auckland roads
    Troops will stay only 2 years in Iraq
    No housing crisis so no need for Urban Development Agency
    NZ not a tax haven so no need to tighten disclosure rules (this coming soon)
    ______________

    I hope so. Here is my wish list for u turns:

    Raise New Zealand super age eligibility to 70.
    Impose 5 year life time maximums on welfare eligibility
    Sell remaining Crown shares in the Mixed Ownership Power cos
    Privatise Landcorp, Solid Energy and TVNZ
    Terminate New Zealand on Air
    Terminate RNZ
    Make all schools charter schools
    Increase GST to 17.5%
    Privatise all roads
    End all subsidies for Kiwi rail
    Appoint Commissioners to run Auckland City and establish a Crown owned Auckland urban development company with a 10 year life.
    Abolish all remaining customs duties
    Amend the RMA to abolish all urban zoning rules
    Re-introduce interest on student loans

    I could go on and on if you like.

    As for the principal topic, the Government always said it would review disclosure rules.

    • I Feel Love 5.1
      23 June 2016 at 11:13 am

      Oh please let them campaign on that!

    • vto 5.2
      23 June 2016 at 11:17 am

      Jeez, you’re a real extremist…

      I can’t believe there are still people like you out there who think the whole neoliberal philosophy works…
      … no such thing as society eh…

      loonie man looooooonie

      ..

      tell you what – if you take your looniness to the end conclusion and delete police and law services too then lets do it… see how long people like you last against the onslaught…lol

      • Anno1701 5.2.1
        23 June 2016 at 1:23 pm

        “see how long people like you last against the onslaught…lol”

        i know right, people should be careful what they wish for….

        I mean you do realise those gate on your house really are just ornamental right ?

      • Halfcrown 5.2.2
        23 June 2016 at 2:33 pm

        “tell you what – if you take your looniness to the end conclusion and delete police and law services too then lets do it… see how long people like you last against the onslaught…lol”

        No you have that wrong vto, In the Randian Paradise, the place this type of idiot has wet dreams over, the only law is the law of the jungle. However according to their Deity, the mentally deranged female Ayn Rand, the Police and law are the only two things that should be kept. It is obvious must have those to protect them from the peasants when they revolt.

    • AB 5.3
      23 June 2016 at 12:27 pm

      Also privatise the body parts of beneficiaries, there is “good coin” to be made on that. After a trial period this could be extended to all non-National voters

    • framu 5.4
      23 June 2016 at 12:33 pm

      “Privatise all roads”

      AHHH HA HA HA

      explain how that works – go on, prove it works, i dare you

      how does the fact that you can only fit one road in one space mesh with your consumer choice/rational economic actor cult?

      ie: if i dont like the roading provider who owns the road outside my house how do i switch?

    • framu 5.5
      23 June 2016 at 12:44 pm

      NZ not a tax haven so no need to tighten disclosure rules – the Government always said it would review disclosure rules.

      logic fail there mate – why are you repeating the PMs dishonest misdirection?

    • McFlock 5.6
      23 June 2016 at 12:53 pm

      You missed bringing back child labour, sweatshops, and repealing all workplace safety regulations. Just to complete your pseudoSomali desires.

    • Anno1701 5.7
      23 June 2016 at 1:22 pm

      crazy f*#king libertarians

      you crack me up !

    • Halfcrown 5.8
      23 June 2016 at 2:02 pm

      You have been reading too much Ayn Rand crap mate,

    • Draco T Bastard 5.9
      23 June 2016 at 2:21 pm

      Yes, of course you could go on – you’re well known for wanting to impoverish the nation.

    • Macro 5.10
      23 June 2016 at 2:30 pm

      Don’t forget to legalise the selling of grandmas

    • Halfcrown 5.11
      23 June 2016 at 5:06 pm

      “Terminate RNZ”

      I bet you would comrade crylands. Can’t have the likes of that commie John Campbell as a thorn in the side of you cozy right wing fuck everybody world can we now.

    • tricldrown 5.12
      23 June 2016 at 8:56 pm

      Srylands ACT party policy their support hovers around •6% that makes you a far right Looney.
      Political science 101 those on the political extreme have mental health issues.
      Everyone here already knows that.

    • tricldrown 5.13
      23 June 2016 at 9:05 pm

      Srylands Don’t forget the big ones cut out all benefits .
      Cut all public funding to healthcare.
      Flat tax .
      Reinstate poor house.
      Take away vote from non land holders.

    • leftie 5.14
      23 June 2016 at 10:54 pm

      Hey Srylands, you’re living in the wrong country mate, you should be living in North Korea.

  6. Sam C 6
    23 June 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Nobody cares about this. Nobody. I saw Andrea Vance peddling something on the news last night that was so embarrassingly convoluted that even Bruce Sheppard looked confused by it, and he was part of the “expose”! RNZ, TVNZ and Nicky H have invested so much time, money and effort into chasing shadows on this non-story and are getting visibly annoyed that they can’t find any shit, let alone make it stick.

      • Sam C 6.1.1
        23 June 2016 at 12:25 pm

        It was a massive non-event of a story though, wasn’t it?

        • joe90 6.1.1.1
          23 June 2016 at 12:47 pm

          wasn’t it?

          Joao Procopio was keen because in NZ his scheme would enjoy complete secrecy but bailed when he discovered that the British end of the deal required full disclosure.

          But I suppose supporters of the money laundering schemes of criminals and corruption politicians think it was a massive non-event of a story.
          /

          • framu 6.1.1.1.1
            23 June 2016 at 12:50 pm

            “But I suppose supporters of the money laundering schemes of criminals and corruption politicians think it was a massive non-event of a story.”

            and before anyone jumps in with the predictable response – it matters not if people did or didnt use off shore trusts in this way – but that our laws allow it to happen

        • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1.2
          23 June 2016 at 2:26 pm

          No, it wasn’t. The general populace really are interested in finding out who’s stealing from them.

      • I Feel Love 6.1.2
        23 June 2016 at 12:28 pm

        Found plenty of ‘shit’, & plenty of it ‘sticks’, I think you & your bosses are worried, though plenty of money in ‘spin’ clearly! Chop chop! (& I doubt Vance & Hager are ‘visibly worried’, that’s called ‘projection/looking in the mirror methinks). Thanks for the laugh though, it’s been a great morning!

  7. save nz 7
    23 June 2016 at 1:19 pm

    We can tell it is a major problem for National just by the amount of trolls rushing to comment on this post saying ‘nothing to see here’.

    Panama papers, then drop in Nats polling.

    Guess what, business community don’t like offshore tax avoiders that they are supposedly ‘competing’ against, as it is not exactly a level playing field. They especially don’t like mechanisms for corruption being championed by government and government ‘lawyers who are not registered as lawyers’ and IRD being interfered with.

    Not really looking like NZ is a fair and corrupt free place to do business in.

    Our 0% tax haven status are attracting the criminals and the socially and morally bereft while making things harder for more honest business people.

  8. save nz 8
    23 June 2016 at 2:28 pm

    BTW apparently Key’s security just left his Glock in the loo. Key doesn’t mind because he’s left strategic documents in cafes.

    This is he state of our country, people!

  9. Gangnam Style 9
    23 June 2016 at 6:01 pm

    “Matthew Hooton’s public relations and lobbying firm, Exceltium, has clients in the legal services industry offering trust services to domestic and international clients.”

  10. ALZ 10
    27 June 2016 at 1:34 am

    How i asked does this government have the audacity to claim to be ethical and site evidence to support their claims. Like State Services Minister P Bennett .
    Here on Open Government.
    “We rank highly on several integrity measures, including first equal out of 182 countries in Transparency Internationals 2013 Corruptions Perceptions Index and first out of 132 countries in the 2014 Social Progress index. ”
    Source. The National Party
    https://national.org.nz/news/2014-10-31-new-zealand-reaffirms-commitment-to-open-government

    Social Progress Imperative sighted. ( A Washington NPO think tank, )
    http://www.socialprogressimperative.org/global-index/findings/

    Transparency Internationals 2013 Corruptions Perceptions Index ( still pre panama, and yes 100 points, “clean bill of health” J Key ..meanwhile NZ = globally known tax haven ranked 54th.) Wait is’nt that a blatant public lie ? Telling people only what you want them to hear, not “the facts”. Apparently not , we just call that politics, we cant be bothered holding them to account, or removing them. Its not apathy, it a form of mental shocked zombieism.
    https://www.transparency.org/country/#NZL_DataResearch

    Transparency Internationals NZ’s charter with the companies office says
    “Will not assist in investigating or exposing any member.”
    (Transparency !?)And you will notice being honest or truthful is not part of the code of conduct. This is how one can safely talk about the nations corruption issues, without having to let the public into the conversation or do anything about it for 15 years.
    We are signatories to these lofty “values” and “principles” please read the Jaw dropping list here.
    conduct. http://www.transparency.org.nz/Code-of-Conduct

    “Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) has been warning the government about weaknesses in corporate ownership and trust legislation for over fifteen years. ” Quote Letter to The current government.”
    !5 years plus of deliberate ignorance.
    http://www.transparency.org.nz/docs/2016//Panama-Papers-Media-Release.pdf

    How much longer can the show go on with out major reform, or reset of the field to level, new rules, new player attitudes, at the moment it look like jenga.

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    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
    18 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
    21 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
    23 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
    7 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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