Parker gives Bridges a lesson in constitutional law
Written By:
- Date published:
10:01 am, May 9th, 2020 - 175 comments
Categories: david parker, health, health and safety, law, law and "order", national, same old national, Simon Bridges, uncategorized -
Tags: covid-19, Covid19
This week Simon got really stroppy and threatened to summons the Solicitor General to the select committee and require him to hand over legal advice that the Government has received concerning the Health Act Covid 19 notices.
I previously wrote this post about Bridges’s behaviour. Short version, it was a stunt, that there is no way any lawyer would voluntarily divulge this sort of information and Bridges ought to know this. I also expressed the tentative view that the legal basis for the notice itself was not secure. Current litigation will provide an interesting challenge to the notice, at least the first one. I am not sure that the Health Act powers were optimised for an all country all areas prohibition.
Simon went on the offensive. Surely it was more important to dot every i and cross every t than to save the country from a pandemic that could have caused the deaths of tens of thousands of kiwis?
This tweet I thought expressed things perfectly.
If it turns out Jacinda had illegally kept me alive, I will never forgive her
— Hayden Donnell (@HaydenDonnell) May 7, 2020
Some independent commentators/right wing spin doctors thought otherwise.
#HeraldPremium
— nzherald (@nzherald) May 7, 2020
"Make no mistake, the Government has now crossed the line from using its lockdown powers to maintain public health, to cynically promoting its electoral interests."https://t.co/bbxEcj0iu9
They would have us believe that instead of using the extraordinary legislative powers the Government currently has to do pretty well whatever it wants the Government would instead engage in activity of dubious legality and risk being found out by not following legal advice. I mean really?
And it is a bit bizarre that the best the opposition and their cheerleaders can do is argue about legal niceities.
I mean have a look at the current position and think of how six weeks ago it could have developed.
And the debate about getting the nicieties of the law perfect deserves this response.
This is my answer to ALL the second guessing
— Lauren Semple (@lozzjoy) May 6, 2020
pic.twitter.com/109eggtE4E
David Parker, who is one of the Government’s seriously capable ministers, gave this rather awkward Facebook live broadcast to rubbish the claim. He is not a social media native. His speech was not enthralling but its content was important and directly on point. What he lacked in pizzazz he more than made up in content.
Following are the essential passages.
On the attacks by Bridges and others he said:
… the tone of some of those attacks has the potential, and is sometimes intended, to undermine public confidence in the measures that we have all taken to stamp out Covid-19. Those measure are vital to saving many lives and important for our economy, but ultimately rely mainly on voluntary compliance and trust in the Police powers to enforce significant breaches I feel it is proper for me as Attorney-General to make these comments. More so, because we have seen in other countries the impact of public confidence being undermined. I don’t want to see that happen.
On steps taken to date he said:
There is no vaccine, there is no cure, and the health advice was clear. If we wanted to avoid the awful loss of life we saw unfolding overseas, and to prevent our health system being overwhelmed, we should wash our hands, practice good hygiene but most of all we had to keep physically distant from one another.
The measures we took put the most significant restrictions on New Zealanders’ movements in modern history and closed our borders to overseas travellers in an unprecedented way. Yet together New Zealanders embraced the challenge and as a nation we’ve achieved an extraordinary feat, though we mourn the loss of 21 loved ones.
Our goal of stamping out the virus within our shores has seen the number of new cases dwindle to less than a handful. We had feared for our hospital system. As of yesterday just two Covid patients were in hospital and none was in intensive care. Looking overseas we can see that together we have saved thousands of lives.
He confidently asserted that the enforcement powers were legally based.
Let me say it again, as I have previously, that on the advice we have received from Crown Law there is no gap in the legality of the powers of enforcement under levels 3 and 4.
This issue is the subject of judicial determination and that will be resolved soon. The courts are where – quite rightly – disputes will be determined.
In relation to Simon Bridges’ privilege stunt he said this:
I … want to highlight the dangerous route the Opposition is taking in targeting public servants. By summonsing to the Epidemic Response Committee the Solicitor General, the Police Commissioner and the Director-General of Health (when they would no doubt have agreed to a simple request to appear) in order to attempt to force the disclosure of privileged legal advice. By doing this the Committee is attacking not just fair process but the privileges of the Court. Legal privilege is not Parliament’s. Parliamentary has its own parliamentary privilege, and it is not for the Courts to remove that. Legal privilege is grounded in the common law. It is the Courts not Parliament that have care of legal privilege. We must both make efforts not to intrude on each other’s privileges.
The current attack on that is an attack on comity – the constitutional separation of powers – between Parliament and the courts. That constitutional outrage is made worse in my view because it comes at a time when the Crown is facing legal action over the lockdown laws. I should put on record that the Chair of the committee The Honourable Simon Bridges was offered a confidential briefing on the advice and declined. [Own emphasis]
On the legality of the Director General’s orders he said this:
… at a high level the components which the government points to for the legality of the s 70 orders are: The necessary preconditions (Ministerial authorisation, state of emergency, or epidemic notice) were established at the time each of the orders were made (as stated at the start of each order). The orders were made by authorised medical officers of health, exercising their discretion personally and based on their expert assessments as to the measures necessary to prevent the outbreak and spread of COVID-19. Those orders were explicitly made for that purpose.
Relevant public law considerations, including the public health assessments and analysis, were taken into account by the decision-makers before the s 70 powers were exercised.
There has been some debate as to whether the Director-General could legitimately isolate or quarantine the entire nation under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act. I consider that subsection is apt to cover a direction to all New Zealanders for isolation and quarantine, with exceptions as mentioned and is not limited to use only in relation to specified individuals. The provision is that persons can be isolated or quarantined (with no statutory pre-condition that they may have or carry the disease), so there is no stretch of language; and this is entirely consistent with the purpose of these powers – which is to prevent the outbreak or spread of infectious disease.
In relation to Bill of Rights Act considerations he said:
Isolation and quarantine requirements, the general prohibition of outdoor public congregation and restricted access to premises, are all measures that limit our rights to freedom of movement, association and assembly. To be lawful, they must be reasonable limits that are demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. This means the measures must serve a sufficiently important objective, and be proportionate (in that they are rationally connected to the purpose, limit the rights no more than is reasonably necessary, and are in due proportion to the importance of the objective).
As I said earlier, there is no vaccine, no cure for this disease and the medical advice self-evidently based on real and recent overseas experience is that left unchecked the disease would cause the death of thousands of New Zealanders and cause serious economic harm.
The objective of the s 70 orders is legitimate and of significant public importance – preventing the spread of Covid-19, eradicating the disease, protecting public health and saving lives, and ensuring the sustainability of our health system. Given the public health assessment of risks to New Zealand and need for strict compliance to control the spread, I considered and still consider the measures imposed are a necessary and proportionate response. Preventing the spread of the virus could not be achieved in a less liberty-restricting way, acknowledging that the restrictions have been loosened and tailored as time has passed to reflect the nature and stage of the risk. I am mindful also that there have always been exceptions and exclusions available.
In relation to legal professional privilege he said:
The purpose of legal professional privilege is to enable legal advice to be sought and given in confidence. The basic principles arise from the public interest requiring full and frank exchange of confidence between solicitor and client to enable the client to receive necessary legal advice. It is a necessary corollary to the right of any person to obtain skilled advice about the law. People must be able to consult their lawyers in absolute confidence, as otherwise they might hold back information, in fear it may afterwards be disclosed and used to their prejudice. This is why the House of Lords has described legal professional privilege as much more than an ordinary rule of evidence; it is a fundamental condition on which the administration of justice as a whole rests.
…
So, given that there’s another institution in place that is going to examine the lockdown rules’ legality (the courts), and the institutional value in enabling the crown to receive full and frank legal advice, it probably would be best if the Epidemic Response Committee backed off here. It probably doesn’t need to inquire into this issue, and by doing so it may well do longer term harm to our processes of government.”
Of course legal professional privilege can be waived. On this Parker noted that this had occurred in the past but then said this:
This Select Committee is purporting to take power to themselves to waive privilege. (The committee I would add was set up with the leader of the Opposition as its chair and with a majority of Opposition MPs in a signal by the Government of its willingness to allow scrutiny at a time the House could not sit.)
We have been more open than many countries in this regard and this reflects well on our democracy.
Why did it just target the Crown? Imagine if the plaintiff in the habeas corpus case or other applicants were forced to disclose their legal advice.
Where there is litigation on foot, everyone, including the Government, must be entitled to retain their privilege and defend themselves in Court without any risk of prejudice arising by way of disclosure of privileged communications.
He also referred to a passage from the bible on Parliamentary Practice, McGee’s Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand where it says:
the House has acknowledged that a legal opinion is the property of the person who commissioned it, and that a select committee cannot expect the opinion to be furnished to it without the consent of the owner”.
And Parker wants the Privileges Committee to look at the issue:
In my opinion the current effort to turnover centuries of legal principle is not just unprincipled but may in fact be beyond the powers of the Select Committee. An important matter of comity with the courts, and a matter of constitutional principle is raised. I will be asking the Speaker of the House to refer the matter to the privileges committee to consider.
He also said that he was “not sure that even Parliament has the jurisdiction to do what the Select Committee is seeking to do.”
His concluding comment on the speculation that the Government had been told what what it was doing was illegal:
… recent speculation that our legal advice throws doubt on the legal basis is wrong. It appears to be based on draft views provided to agencies for feedback. That was not the considered advice of Crown Law, which was that there was no gap in enforcement powers.”
The whole episode resembled a learned professor lecturing a first year law student on why his superficial and maliciously motivated proposition was wrong. Take that Bridges.
Next week will be interesting. I am pretty confident Mallard would consider the request positively. The Privileges Committee would then have to gather. And as I noted previously it appears that Mallard has to sign any summons. He could just pocket veto the draft.
This whole event is concerning. In the United States of America constitutional norms are pushed to breaking point for political benefit. And a deeply compromised Supreme Court can be relied on to tilt the playing field in favour of its masters.
Which is why constitutional principles are so important. And why it is appalling that Bridges is willing to trash established notions such as legal professional privilege for political points.
175 comments on “Parker gives Bridges a lesson in constitutional law ”
- Comments are now closed
- Comments are now closed
Recent Comments
- At a glance – Tree ring proxies and the divergence problem
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...13 hours ago - Nothing to sneer at
Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...15 hours ago - Still on their bullshit
When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...17 hours ago - DrawnA ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...17 hours ago
- A nod and a wink that will unnecessarily cost Aucklanders tens of millions per year
Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...19 hours ago - Correcting the Corrections announcement – a fiscal farce that should bother the OECD
Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...20 hours ago - Like it or not, the Kiwis are either going into ‘Pillar 2’ – or they are going to China
Chris Trotter writes – Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...22 hours ago - A balanced and an unbalanced articleDavid Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...22 hours ago
- Deeply unserious countryEvery bit of this seems insane. And people wonder why productivity is falling through the floor. Energy News reports that the Environment Court finally threw out Allan Crafar’s appeal against a solar farm. From the story: Consent was granted in 2022. Crafar appealed November 2022. On what grounds? That ...22 hours ago
- Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law studentsThe tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and applied… Gary Judd KC writes – I have made a complaint to Parliament’s Regulation ...22 hours ago
- https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/?p=77196
The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...24 hours ago - Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, May 7
TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...1 day ago - HM Prison Aotearoa.
A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...1 day ago - Get Your Webworm Merch!
Hi,I know it’s been awhile since there’s been any Webworm merch — and today that all changes!Over the last four months, I’ve been working with New Zealand artist Jess Johnson to create a series of t-shirts, caps and stickers that are infused with Webworm DNA — and as of right ...1 day ago - Top OECD economist puts Willis between a rock and a hard place
The OECD’s chief economist yesterday laid it on the line for the new Government: bring the deficit under control or face higher Reserve Bank interest rates for longer. And to bring the deficit under control, she meant not borrowing for tax cuts. But there was more. Without policy changes—introducing a ...1 day ago - Media Link: “A View from Afar” on the moment of friction, and more.
After a hiatus of over four months Selwyn Manning and I finally got it together to re-start the “A View from Afar” podcast series. We shall see how we go but aim to do 2 episodes per month if possible. … Continue reading ...2 days ago - Preposterous priorities – politicians preferred pastryNewsroom writer Aaron Smale, in an article triggered by the High Court’s ruling on whether a sitting MP must respond to a summons to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal, reports on issues underpinning the tribunal’s urgent inquiry into the Government’s intention to remove Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki ...2 days ago
- Climate Change: Forcing accountability in the UKIn 2008, the UK Parliament passed the Climate Change Act 2008. The law established a system of targets, budgets, and plans, with inbuilt accountability mechanisms; the aim was to break the cycle of empty promises and replace it with actual progress towards emissions reduction. The law was passed with near-universal ...2 days ago
- Other councils are keen to be next to strike a water deal with govtBuzz from the Beehive Local Water Done Well – let’s be blunt – is a silly name, but the first big initiative to put it into practice has gone done well. This success is reflected in the headline on an RNZ report: District mayors welcome Auckland’s new water deal with ...2 days ago
- Why India is key to heading off climate catastropheThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections A farmworker cleans the solar panels of a solar water pump in the village of Jagadhri, Haryana Country, India. (Photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan/ IWMI) Decisions made in India over the next few years will play a key role in global ...2 days ago
- Meanwhile “… the disturbing trend of increasing violence towards children continues to worsen”Lindsay Mitchell writes – The Children’s Minister, Karen Chhour, intends to repeal Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 because it creates conflict between claimed Crown Treaty obligations and the child’s best interests. In her words, “Oranga Tamariki’s governing principles and its act should be colour ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s geopolitical friendly fire has its limitsGeoffrey Miller writes – The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. ...2 days ago
- The post-Covid economy: is it in another long stagnation – and if so, why?Brian Easton writes – This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be (I will report on them ...2 days ago
- On the LTP 2024 FeedbackA few weeks ago Auckland Council released the results of consultation on the Long Term Plan (LTP) that occurred in March. With almost 28,000 submissions, it received the most feedback of any LTP in Auckland. It covered a wide range of topics soliciting feedback on different areas of council funded ...2 days ago
- Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, May 6
TL;DR: Winston Peters is reported to have won a budget increase for MFAT. David Seymour wanted his Ministry of Regulation to be three times bigger than the Productivity Commission. Simeon Brown is appointing a Crown Monitor to Watercare to protect the Claytons Crown Guarantee he had to give ratings agencies ...2 days ago - Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s geopolitical friendly fire has its limits
The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. Carr had made highly ...2 days ago - I could be a Florist.
I could be a florist'Round the corner from Rye LaneI'll be giving daisies to craziesBut, baby, I'll wrap you up real safe Oh, I can give you flowers At the end of every dayFor the center of your table, a rainbowIn case you have people 'round to stay Depending on ...2 days ago - The Kaka’s diary for the week to May 12 and beyond
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 12 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give a pre-budget speech on Thursday.Parliament sits from Question Time at 2pm on ...2 days ago - Willis on defenceThe price of the foreign affairs “reset” is now becoming apparent, with Defence set to get a funding boost in the Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed that it will be one of the few votes, apart from Health and Education and possibly Police, which will get an increase ...2 days ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #18A listing of 26 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 28, 2024 thru Sat, May 4, 2024. Story of the week "It’s straight out of Big Tobacco’s playbook. In fact, research by John Cook and his colleagues ...2 days ago
- A prerequisite for Vulture Capitalism.
Yesterday I received come lovely feedback following my Star Wars themed newsletter. A few people mentioned they’d enjoyed reading the personal part at the beginning.I often begin newsletters with some memories, or general thoughts, before commencing the main topic. This hopefully sets the mood and provides some context in which ...3 days ago - Early evening, April 30
April 30 was going to be the day we’d be calling Mum from London to wish her a happy birthday. Then it became the day we would be going to St. Paul's at Evensong to remember her. The aim of the cathedral builders was to find a way to make their ...3 days ago - Do Newsroom’s staff think they’re culturally superior to the rest of us? Are they arguing that A...Rob MacCulloch writes – Can’t remember the last book by a Kiwi author you read? Think the NZ government should spend less on the arts in favor of helping the homeless? If so, as far as Newsroom is concerned, you probably deserve to be called a cultural ignoramus ...4 days ago
- Fun minor grudgesEric Crampton writes – Grudges are bad. Better to move on. But it can be fun to keep a couple of really trivial ones, so you’re not tempted to have other ones. For example, because of the rootkit fiasco of 2005, no Sony products in our household. ...4 days ago
- Bernard’s dawn chorus for Saturday, May 4 and pick ‘n’ mix for the weekendA new report warns an estimated third of the adult population have unmet need for health care. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāHere’s the six key things I learned about Aotaroa’s political economy this week around housing, climate and poverty:Politics - Three opinion polls confirmed support for PM Christopher Luxon ...4 days ago
- The Dark Side and the Rebel Alliance.
Today is May the fourth. Which was just a regular day when my mother took me to see the newly released Star Wars at the Odeon in Rotorua. The queue was right around the corner. Some years later this day became known as Star Wars Day, the date being a ...4 days ago - Imaginary mandate, imaginary leadership
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.ShareVerity, Ilfracombe ...4 days ago - Winston Peters delivers a speech about NZ’s relationship with China but media focus on Bob Carr’...Buzz from the Beehive Much more media attention is being paid to something Winston Peters said about former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr than to a speech he delivered to the New Zealand China Council. One word is missing from the speech: AUKUS. But AUKUS loomed large in his considerations ...5 days ago
- The Post-Covid Economy
Is the economy in another long stagnation? If so, why?This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be ...5 days ago - An awkward coincidence!The annual list of who's been bribing our politicians is out, and journalists will no doubt be poring over it to find the juiciest and dirtiest bribes. The government's fast-track invite list is likely to be a particular focus, and we already know of one company on the list which ...5 days ago
- The Israel/Palestinian metastasis.In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Southern Israel I wrote about the possible 2nd, 3rd and even 4th order effects of the conflict. These included new fronts being opened in the West Bank (with Hamas), Golan … Continue reading ...5 days ago
- 27,000That's the number of submissions received on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track legislation. Except its higher than that, because the number doesn't include form submissions, such as the 15,000 people who supported Forest & Bird's submission, or the 14,000 who supported Greenpeace. And so many people want to appear in person ...5 days ago
- MPs’ salaries – when is the best time to increase them?Peter Dunne writes – It is one of the oldest truisms that there is never a good time for MPs to get a pay rise. This week’s announcement of pay raises of around 2.8% backdated to last October could hardly have come at a worse time, with the ...5 days ago
- Genter under fireDavid Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House – but it’s not the first time ...5 days ago
- New Treasury paper on the productivity slowdown supports the downgrading of forecastsThe Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand: The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...5 days ago
- Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Friday, May 3
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 9:26 am on Friday, May 3:Climate 'Ministerial override must go' - Hearings begin over fast-track bill RNZ Kate GreenPopulation: Labour hire firm struggling to find staff as Australia lures away workers. HireStaff ...5 days ago - Weekly Roundup 3-May-2024Here we are in May already! And here are a few of the stories that caught our eye this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Monday, Matt highlighted that it’s been a decade since Auckland’s rail system was electrified. On Wednesday, Matt looked at AT’s rollout of new ways ...5 days ago
- The Hoon around the week to May 35 days ago
- Pamphlets at Ten Paces.
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...5 days ago - A land without pier
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...5 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #18 2024Open access notables Generative AI tools can enhance climate literacy but must be checked for biases and inaccuracies, Atkins et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the face of climate change, climate literacy is becoming increasingly important. With wide access to generative AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, we explore the potential ...6 days ago
- Ruckus over AUKUS – Labour demands Peters step down as Foreign Minister, but he still had the job ...Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when – during an interview on RNZ’s Morning Report today – he criticised ...6 days ago
- Secrecy undermines participationThe Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? “It's not ...6 days ago
- Agribusiness following oil and gas playbookAs pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...6 days ago
- Here’s hoping they aren’t counting on a 100 per cent acceptance…The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...6 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticismOn Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events: The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...6 days ago
- TVNZ and poll results6 days ago
- Mana or MoneyMuriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...6 days ago
- Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Thursday, May 2
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 11:10 am on Thursday, May 2:Scoop: Government sits on official advice on fast-track consent. The Ombudsman is investigating after official briefings on the contentious regime were held back despite requests from Forest ...6 days ago - The Art of taking no ResponsibilityAlwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...6 days ago
- The shabby “Parliamentary urgency” ploy – shaky foundations and why our democracy needs trustOur trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...6 days ago
- Jones has made plain he isn’t fond of frogs (not the dim-witted ones, at least) – and now we lea...This article was prepared for publication yesterday. More ministerial announcements have been posted on the government’s official website since it was written. We will report on these later today …. Buzz from the Beehive There we were, thinking the environment is in trouble, when along came Jones. Shane Jones. ...6 days ago
- Infrastructure & home building slumping on Govt funding freeze6 days ago
- Brainwashed People Think Everyone Else is Brainwashed
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...6 days ago - Peters’ real foreign policy threat is Helen ClarkWinston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...6 days ago
- NZ’s trans lobby is fighting a rearguard action
Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...6 days ago - Your mandate is imaginary
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...7 days ago - 14,000 unemployed under NationalThe latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...7 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Discontent and gloom dominate NZ’s political moodThree opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...7 days ago
- Taking Tea with 42 & 38.
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...7 days ago - Beware political propaganda: statistics are pointing to Grant Robertson never protecting “Lives an...Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”. As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...7 days ago
- Winding back the hands of history’s clockChris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...7 days ago
- Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...7 days ago - Business confidence sliding into winter of discontentTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...7 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on the coalition’s awful, not good, very bad poll resultsOver the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...7 days ago
- Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscations
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...16 hours ago - TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...17 hours ago - Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgrade
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...23 hours ago - Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be releasedMinisters must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 days ago
- Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal payNational has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...6 days ago
- Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under NationalThe Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...6 days ago
- Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cutsWith Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...6 days ago
- Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert MartinThe Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...6 days ago
- Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live exportLabour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...7 days ago
- Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fireToday’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...7 days ago
- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...7 days ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...7 days ago
- Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New ZealandersWeekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...1 week ago
- Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle downThe Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...1 week ago
- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...1 week ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...1 week ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...1 week ago
- Gaza: Aotearoa Must Support Independent Investigation into Mass GravesTe Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Working together on consistent support for veterans this Anzac DayOur two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Penny drops – but what about Seymour and Peters?Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...2 weeks ago
- Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summonsTonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery fundingIt appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...2 weeks ago
- Further environmental mismanagement on the cardsThe Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...2 weeks ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freezeCuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...3 weeks ago
- Fast-track submissions period must be extendedThe Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Progress on climate will be undone by GovtNew Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Low gas production threatens energy security
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...3 hours ago - Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...11 hours ago
- Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...12 hours ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...13 hours ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...18 hours ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...19 hours ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...22 hours ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...23 hours ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...1 day ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...2 days ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...2 days ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...2 days ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...2 days ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...3 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...4 days ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...5 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...5 days ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...6 days ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...6 days ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...6 days ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...6 days ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...6 days ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...6 days ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...7 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...7 days ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...7 days ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...7 days ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...7 days ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...7 days ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...1 week ago
- Government to boost public EV charging networkEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...1 week ago
- Residential Property Managers Bill to not progressThe coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...1 week ago
- Independent review into disability support servicesThe Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...1 week ago
- Justice Minister updates UN on law & order planJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...1 week ago
- Ending emergency housing motels in RotoruaThe Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...1 week ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and DubaiTrade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...1 week ago
- Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...1 week ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...1 week ago
- Supporting whānau out of emergency housingWhānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...1 week ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...1 week ago
- As climate change amplifies urban flooding, here’s how communities can become ‘sponge cities’
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Franco Montalto, Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering and Director, Sustainable Water Resource Engineering Laboratory, Drexel University Water runs into a storm drain in a Los Angeles alley on Aug. 19, 2023, during Tropical Storm Hilary. Citizen of the Planet/Universal Images ...56 mins ago - Genesis Energy to fire up coal imports, citing increased demand, dwindling gas supply
Genesis Energy is to resume importing coal, as reduced gas supplies and increased demand add to the problems of keeping the lights on. ...1 hour ago - The Boy in the Water: ‘Someone was struggling at a fence’
The inquest into the death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones has turned up a new witness who says he saw two teenagers and a small child in a high vis vest in the area where the boy’s body was found the day he died. Lachie’s body was discovered face up ...1 hour ago - Te Pāti Māori comments: 'That kind of language isn't helpful'Political parties have roundly criticised Te Pāti Māori for using words like 'extermination' and 'white supremacy' in the House. ...2 hours ago
- Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey sought advice on ‘social impact bonds’ to fund servicesMinisters have sought advice on 'social impact bonds', which offer a potential return on private investment in public services. ...2 hours ago
- Managed retreat: How do we get out of the way of climate change?"Ad hoc" house buyouts after major disasters cannot continue, the Climate Change Minister says. ...2 hours ago
- Rules for property managers are scrapped. But what’s the worst that could happen?
Stories from the tenancy trenches, featuring spider infestations, cupboard rats and same-sex discrimination. Lucy’s brother was living in a damp 1930s building in Mt Eden where “he had to tie the cupboard doors closed so the rats didn’t get in”. Although he shared custody of his six-year-old son, his property ...3 hours ago - Explainer: What’s the deal with Auckland’s new water deal?Simeon Brown, Chris Luxon, and Wayne Brown climbed into a hole and announced a plan to solve Auckland’s water woes. This is how it’ll work. New Zealand’s pipes are munted. They’re cracked and leaking, and struggling to handle all the extra poos excreted by our rising population. It’s a big, ...3 hours ago
- Where to next for the Aukus ruckus?Opinion: Nicholas Khoo looks at two key points in the high-stakes foreign policy pact debate – and asks if NZ can engage with as little drama as possible. The post Where to next for the Aukus ruckus? appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 8 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 8 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- ‘Think fast and act slowly’ is failing big projectsOpinion: ‘Reference-class forecasting’ is at the heart of improving pricing a project and identifying the expected timeframe but it doesn’t appear to be in use here The post ‘Think fast and act slowly’ is failing big projects appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- A controversial driving exam – put to the testWhat do a sombrero in Argentina and cognitive driving tests have in common? Don’t worry, we’re not setting up a bad joke. Hinengaro Clinic dementia clinician Gregory Winkelman has the answer on today’s episode of The Detail. “We ask a patient’s spouse or son or daughter: If you went to ...3 hours ago
- A long road back to a very long jumpWellington long jumper Phoebe Edwards is back and she’s having fun again. Until this year, Edwards, a top athlete in her teens, had never competed as a senior athlete in New Zealand. In March, the 26-year-old won a national long jump title in a lifetime best of 6.28m after ...3 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 8 MayThe post Daily crossword, Wednesday 8 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Persistent Green Party scandals delay caucus resetAfter replacing a fifth of their caucus in just four months, the Greens’ opportunity to reset, reshuffle and refocus on the Government is quickly slipping away The post Persistent Green Party scandals delay caucus reset appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Coutts’ call prompts urgent board meeting over SailGPDespite Sir Russell Coutts vowing SailGP wouldn’t return to Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, negotiations over 2025 are ongoing The post Coutts’ call prompts urgent board meeting over SailGP appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Meet the man behind the Government’s education policyThe parallels between the Government’s education policy and those put forward by researcher Michael Johnston, is raising questions The post Meet the man behind the Government’s education policy appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- ‘We didn’t behave very well in NZ’, says Wakefield heirI knew Taika Waititi quite well when he was a kid. His mother lived in a tall narrow house in Aro St, and my youngest sister had a similar house two doors along. They were both single mums, they each had a son aged seven. Taika and my nephew Stepan ...3 hours ago
- Govt risks another Havelock North by undoing water protectionsOpinion: “As time passes, knowledge of the circumstances of the August 2016 outbreak will fade and its immediate impact will be lost.” This statement is from the 2017 report of the Official Inquiry into the Havelock North campylobacteriosis outbreak. The then National-led government established the inquiry after the outbreak left ...3 hours ago
- From Gallipoli to Gaza: remembering the Anzacs not as a ‘coming of age’ tale but as a lesson for...ANALYSIS: By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...5 hours ago
- NZ local council calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza as strikes hitBy Robin Martin, RNZ News reporter A New Zealand local authority, Whanganui District Council, has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemnation of all acts of violence and terror against civilians on both sides of the conflict and the immediate return of hostages. It comes as ...6 hours ago
- End this ‘cruel, barbaric use of force’ on Gaza – WILPF plea to NZAsia Pacific Report The Aotearoa chapter of the Women’s International league for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) has appealed to the New Zealand government to call out Israel over the “cruel and barbaric use of force” in Gaza and demand a permanent ceasefire. The league’s open letter was sent to Prime ...6 hours ago
- Albanese government to invest $566 million for ‘generational’ mapping to promote resource explor...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will invest $566 million over a decade on data, maps and other tools to promote exploration and development in Australia’s resources industry. The project will fund “the first comprehensive map of what’s ...7 hours ago
- Prison spending: Waikeria to have capacity for nearly 2000 bedsThe government has clarified just how many beds the Waikato prison will get after a series of maths gaffes - 455, 600, 810 or 1865? ...9 hours ago
- ‘Repair colonial violence’ and support Gaza ceasefire, say Otago academicsAsia Pacific Report Following an open letter by Auckland University academics speaking out in support of their students’ right to protest against the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza, a group of academics at Otago University have today also called on New Zealand academic institutions to “repair colonial violence” and end ...10 hours ago
- Expelling students for bad behaviour seems like the obvious solution, but is it really a good idea?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda J. Graham, Professor and Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Ryan Tauss/ Unsplash, CC BY Two male students have been expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in a list ranking female students. ...11 hours ago
- Green MP Julie Anne Genter responds after behaviour in the House, florist's accusations"I can do better," she says, acknowledging the need to work on her de-escalation strategy. ...11 hours ago
- If the RBA’s right, interest rates may not fall for another year. Here’s why – and what it mea...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The Reserve Bank is now assuming Australians will see no interest rate cuts this year – and quite possibly none before the next federal election, due next May. That’s ...12 hours ago
- ‘Eye watering’ spending, growing debt make up surprisingly generous Victorian state budgetSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University The Victorian budget offered more of the same on Tuesday, with the only change being how the budget papers were packaged. The usual shrink wrap was gone, hinting at savings in the pages ...12 hours ago
- Budgeting service cuts: 'It's like watching a train derail'With some services facing closure after missing out on the latest government funding, there are for some of NZ's most vulnerable. ...12 hours ago
- Coalition demands amendments to government’s deportation bill, as crucial High Court judgement set...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition is demanding extensive amendments to the government’s legislation targeting non-citizens who refuse to co-operate with their removal. In a dissenting report to the senate inquiry into the legislation, the Coalition says it ...12 hours ago
- MP's comments 'bang on' despite negative response from other parties – Te Pāti...Te Pāti Māori is standing by comments made by MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi which other parties have called inflammatory and offensive. ...15 hours ago
- A story of trauma, hope and regaining control, Nayika: A Dancing Girl is soul-stirring dance theatreSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanita Yadav, Senior Research Fellow, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Brett Boardman/Belvoir The complex and grappling issue of violence against women takes centre stage in the soul-stirring solo dance drama Nayika: A Dancing Girl. During a dinner conversation ...15 hours ago
- 'Pretty dire' situation for patients as junior doctors strike over pay cutsDisruption to patient care from a nationwide junior doctors strike is bordering on unsafe, a senior doctor claims, despite what health officials say. ...16 hours ago
- How does the drug abemaciclib treat breast cancer?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ground Picture/Shutterstock The anti-cancer drug abemaciclib (also known as Vernezio) has this month been added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat certain ...16 hours ago
- How a filmmaker, a pile of old shells and a bunch of amateurs are bringing our oyster reefs backSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic McAfee, Postdoctoral researcher, marine ecology, University of Adelaide Robbie Porter, OzFish Unlimited Around Australia, hundreds of people are coming together to help a once-prized, but decimated and largely forgotten marine ecosystem. They’re busy restoring Australia’s native oyster and mussel reefs. ...16 hours ago
- Official 2023 election result final check done in a few hours, under extreme pressureThe rushed assessment, which failed to identify multiple errors in the official results, would normally take two days. ...17 hours ago
- Curious Kids: what stops meteors hitting Earth and hurting people?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Austin Human/Unsplash How does Earth stop meteors from hitting Earth and hurting people? –Asher, 6 years 11 months, New South Wales Alright, let’s embark on a meteor ...17 hours ago
- From pride rounds to rainbow guernseys, sports can be smarter when it comes to diversity and inclusi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rory Mulcahy, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of the Sunshine Coast Professional sports organisations regularly promote and develop initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion. While sport has the power to change attitudes by sparking conversations about political issues and social ...17 hours ago
- Grand designs? Why many Australian architects say their career makes them unhappySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Naomi Stead, Director of the Design and Creative Practice Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT, RMIT University SORN340 Studio Images/Shutterstock For years there have been suggestions of widespread poor wellbeing among architects. In many ways this is not surprising. It’s well established the ...17 hours ago
- Don’t embarrass the bossComment: The weekly Monday post-Cabinet press conference is a useful forum for observing Christopher Luxon and how he is developing into the job of Prime Minister. He attempts to convey the impression of a man of action, speaking fast, delivering memorised National Party strategies in a connect-the-slogans kind of way, ...17 hours ago
- Green MP Julie Anne Genter referred to Privileges CommitteeGerry Brownlee referred her to the Privileges Committee over complaints about her behaviour in the House. ...18 hours ago
- Six telling tidbits from the review of vote-counting errors at the 2023 electionDouble votes, missing ballot boxes, tired tech and stressed staff: how tick-tallying went astray at last year’s election. Cast your mind back to November 2023, that bleary-eyed post-election period during which we waited, and waited, for a coalition deal to be hammered out. A distraction from the hotel-hopping of our ...18 hours ago
- Government begins weekly reporting of school attendance figuresSchools should aim to have 94 percent of their pupils in class every day, David Seymour says. ...18 hours ago
- A ‘blistering’ ‘tour de force’: Australia loves After the Party tooInternational audiences are starting to discover what New Zealand already knew about After the Party. When After the Party aired in New Zealand last year, the response was fast and furious. In his preview for Rec Room, Duncan Greive said it was a “gritty, wrenching and highly confronting” series. By ...18 hours ago
- Iran is gaining credibility in the Muslim world and feeling emboldened. This doesn’t bode well for...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor of the Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Acting Director the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University Iran’s leadership has been a direct beneficiary of the months-long war in Gaza. With every missile that Israel fires ...18 hours ago
- ‘Uncanny notes that plague this place’: Hagstone by Sinéad Gleeson, reviewedClaire Mabey reviews the haunting and sexy debut novel from Sinéad Gleeson, who is about to touch down in Aotearoa for a string of live events. When Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson was in Aotearoa in 2018 with her spectacular collection of essays, Constellations, she told me she was working on ...19 hours ago
- Bougainville ‘other avenues’ report ‘sensationalised’, claims MakibaPNG Post-Courier Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba has described the Post-Courier’s front page story yesterday regarding a meeting between Bougainville and national government leaders as “sensationalised” and without substance. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (AGB) had warned it might use “other avenues to gain its independence” should the PNG government “continue ...19 hours ago
- Government on track for increased deficit despite fall in spending – TreasuryThe government books are worsening as a fall in tax outpaces cuts to spending, leaving it on course to post a sizable deficit. ...20 hours ago
- Luxon and Mitchell weren’t mixed up, they were using girl mathsWhere some saw the worst press conference given by the government to date, Anna Rawhiti-Connell recognised girl maths game. Nicola Willis, recently exasperated by comparisons to Ruth Richardson, said she was “a bit sick of being compared with every female finance minister that’s ever been out there.” Some think that’s ...21 hours ago
- Interim Financial Statements Of The Government Of New Zealand For The Nine Months Ended 31 March 20...
The March results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2023 (HYEFU 2023), published on 20 December 2023 and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...21 hours ago - NZ First MP Jamie Arbuckle, who wanted to keep his pay as councillor pay too, changes his mindJamie Arbuckle, the district councillor who became an MP but decided to keep getting paid for both roles, will instead donate one salary to charity. ...21 hours ago
- Jamie Arbuckle MP – Re: My Position As Marlborough District CouncillorThis is my fifth term as a Marlborough District Councillor, I am passionate about local issues, and I will continue to work hard for my community. ...21 hours ago
- Adding gender to the Human Rights Act – what’s the big deal?Adding gender to the Human Rights Act would simply make the implicit explicit. So why is it so controversial? Paul Thistoll explain. At present, Aotearoa’s 1993 Human Rights Act (HRA) includes sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief (meaning a lack of religious belief), colour, race, ethnicity or national origin, ...21 hours ago
- Carmel Sepuloni believed to be contestant on new season's Celebrity Treasure IslandThe new season of Celebrity Treasure Island is due to hit New Zealand screens later this year. ...22 hours ago
- The cost of being: A flatting student who’s saving for more tattoosAs part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, an 18-year-old who’s studying and working in hospo shares their approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Transmasc Age: 18 Ethnicity: Pākehā/Māori Role: Student, ...23 hours ago
- 'He got it mixed up' – PM backs Corrections Minister despite announcement muddleThe prime minister is backing Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell, saying he "quickly clarified" a confusing media conference announcement. ...23 hours ago
- How the fast-track law could expose future NZ governments to expensive trade disputesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Resources Minister Shane Jones has reportedly asked officials for advice on whether oil and gas companies could be offered “bonds” as compensation if drilling rights offered by ...23 hours ago
- Crisis of faith: why Australian women have so little trust in religious institutionsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Gleeson, Associate Professor of Law, Macquarie University Shutterstock The Albanese government is weighing up the costs of delivering an election promise to protect religious people from discrimination in Commonwealth law. Such protections were relatively uncontroversial when included in state anti-discrimination ...23 hours ago
- Terminal lucidity: why do loved ones with dementia sometimes ‘come back’ before death?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yen Ying Lim, Associate Professor, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio Dementia is often described as “the long goodbye”. Although the person is still alive, dementia slowly and irreversibly chips away at their memories and the ...23 hours ago
- Making merry: how we brought Melbourne’s Merri Creek back from pollution, neglect and weedsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judy Bush, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock I met with a friend for a walk beside Merri Creek, in inner Melbourne. She had lived in the area for a few years, and as we walked ...23 hours ago
- This group rid one Australian river of its privet problem – and strengthened community along the w...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sonia Graham, DECRA Fellow, University of Wollongong Lekali Studio/Shutterstock Privet is a popular garden hedge. It grows quickly and responds well to being pruned. But in natural areas, privet is a problem. Like 72% of weeds in Australia, privet escaped ...23 hours ago
- Australian artists only earn $23,200 a year from their art – and are key financial investors in ke...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Throsby, Distinguished Professor of Economics, Macquarie University Arts companies and individual artists in Australia are supported by government arts agencies, philanthropists, industry bodies, private donors and patrons. However, it is frequently overlooked that a major source of support for the arts ...23 hours ago
- Experts Sign Open Letter To Legalise Drugs In New ZealandHarm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa, a new incorporated society dedicated to ending harmful drug policies, officially launched today, seeks a new fit-for-purpose drug law for Aotearoa New Zealand, rooted in science, experience and evidence. ...23 hours ago
- Politics live: Mark Mitchell, Christopher Luxon face questions after Corrections confusionThe Corrections Minister admits he "muddied the water" after he and the Prime Minister repeatedly provided incorrect information about a $1.9 billion prison spend-up. ...24 hours ago
- Messy press conference prompts correction over Corrections fundingIt took a post-post-cabinet statement to confirm that 810 new beds will be built at Waikeria, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...1 day ago
- Politics live: Mark Mitchell, Christopher Luxon face questions after confusion CorrectionsThe Prime Minister and Corrections Minister repeatedly provided incorrect information about their $1.9 billion planned prison spend-up. ...1 day ago
- Young Star burns bright for her Fiji familyLili Tokaduadua was only 15 when she left her family in Fiji to pursue her netball dream in New Zealand. She’d been playing the sport for 10 years and was offered a netball scholarship at Auckland’s Howick College. Now, in her first year out of high school, the 19-year-old defender ...1 day ago
- Plucky Foodstuffs crushed by the iron fist of big bicycleThe beloved local grocers lost a legal challenge to stop a new cycleway outside their store. Joel MacManus reports. In the annals of New Zealand legal history, there are a few brave people who have dared to stand up to the powers that be, no matter how bleak the odds ...1 day ago
- Seven graphs that show where New Zealand’s food comes from… and where it goesHow what we produce and what we eat connects us to the world beyond our shores, visualised. Walking around a supermarket or vege shop, it might be obvious that everything on the shelves came from somewhere. But you might ...1 day ago
- Q&A – avian influenza H5N1Professor Jemma Geoghegan, of the University of Otago, Otakou Whakaihu Waka, co-leads a Te Niwha project aimed at understanding how and where avian influenza could affect Aotearoa New Zealand, as the highly infectious H5N1 virus spreads globally. The virus has now spread to all continents except Oceania and was recently ...1 day ago
- The repressive underside of Rwanda’s regimeThirty years on from Rwanda’s genocide, is guilt over the atrocities is blinding the world to the true nature of its current leadership? The post The repressive underside of Rwanda’s regime appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 day ago
- World shines a light on NZ’s human rights breachesOpinion: Last week, important recommendations for our criminal justice system were made by the international community. Every five years, each member of the United Nations has its human rights practices reviewed. This rolling event – the Universal Periodic Review – is the culmination of a government reporting on its human ...1 day ago
- The mutant bird flu lurking on our bordersHighly pathogenic avian influenza – H5N1, or bird flu – has been flying around the world since the late 1990s. New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands are so far free of it, but now it’s been discovered in mainland Antarctica and scientists say it’s only a matter of time ...1 day ago
- Meridian Energy: no need to ‘engage’ locals ahead of fast-track applicationsFor projects of national significance, the energy giant recommends applicants need only “notify” those potentially affected The post Meridian Energy: no need to ‘engage’ locals ahead of fast-track applications appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 day ago
Yes, I too listened to David Parker. I agree, he’s no whizz kid on social media.
I know diddly squat about constitutional law (or any other laws apart from avoiding speeding tickets) but I must say his explanation seemed coherent and comprehensive to me, (if a little dry – all lawyers seem the same!)
As you say, just a stunt by Soimun!
Bridge's whole approach to this crisis has been a clusterfuck of the highest order. He doesn't seem to have a plan or be able to think much beyond relentless negativity.
I was watching an interview with Owen Jones on Novara Media (check out their site – https://novaramedia.com/ – I was telling "Ad" that this is my idea of a model for the multi-platform content model for a Standard of the future) and they talked about the pivotal 1945 British general election.UK Labour joined the government with Churchill for the war, then in 1945 campaigned not on attacking Churchill, but on winning the peace.
It seems to me that if National had embraced the government response, then decided to campaign on winning the peace they'd be in a much better place right now. Instead, the phone is now off the hook for National, Bridges is now widely seen as a joke and their only support is from superannuated ZB talkback Taliban extremists, who seem oblivious to the reality that Jacinda just saved many of their lives.
Exclusive Brethren ZB traitors undermining the War we are conducting against covid 19. If this was a War Simple Soimin would be advocating we surrender.
So Bridges was offered briefings but refused them so he can throw tantrums and waste govt officials time.bullying and intimidating people who have more important jobs to do wasting their time during the most serious emergency since world war 2.
Making an even bigger Dick of himself .
I agree.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121452782/coronavirus-government-escalates-stoush-over-lockdown-legal-advice-refers-national-leader-simon-bridges-to-the-privileges-committee
Of course, he would have known that the legal advice would have to remain confidential. Yet, he’s acting as if he and the NZ public have been unfairly treated.
Bridges always wanted to keep his platform from which he can do his political grandstanding and point scoring to bolster his election changes. This is yet another stunt.
This is it exactly. Bridges knows there's no point throwing a tantrum if there's no one around to witness it. He's showboating.
The irony is quite something.
For 2 years National's chosen line of attack was that the government didn't act. We had a "part time" Prime Minister (in Simon Bridges' own words). The government had far too many working groups, far too much consulting.
What NZ needed was a man (sic) of action, sleeves rolled up, taking tough decisions, getting things done. Not wasting time with pointy-heads in committees.
Come on Jacinda, show leadership and make a decision, dammit!
Well, they got their wish. And then some.
No right Wingers defending simple Soimin.only extremist's.
Now ACT is in serious trouble amid sexual harassment by many senior members.
Simple soimin has no friends so his cheap stunts to gain cheap political points has left him in a very deep hole which no doubt he will dig deeper.
[This is a potentially slanderous allegation and you have only two options: 1) back it up with specific details; 2) retract and apologise. I put you in Pre-Moderation until you comply – Incognito]
Unless you have any evidence, that seems like a reckless claim. We can do better than that.
Newshub Ali Gemmeter resigns claiming on going sexual harrasment,slut shaming. By senior ACT party members towards young party members.
There are these things called links. Nothing in that story whatsoever about senior party members, let alone 'many'. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/young-act-vice-president-ali-gammeter-steps-down-claiming-sexual-harassment-slut-shaming.html
I thought 'senior' was off too, but then it's senior within Young Act. (senior position, not age).
I'm not sure if the generalised comment is legally a problem. Young ACT have accepted there is an issue, no-one was named.
'Many' seems like a problem as well, but then I'm not risking being sued as a publisher.
I'm not sure, I'll check with Lynn and Micky.
See my Moderation note @ 11:07 AM.
Please feel free to delete my comments along with the allegation.
can it be slanderous if it's this generalised? No-one was named or pointed to specifically.
Trickldrown's comment is misleading (it's Young ACT, not ACT generally, we don't know how many people were involved). But YACT have accepted there is a problem.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/416075/young-act-to-investigate-sexual-harassment-of-vice-president
Not sure whether it is actually slanderous or not, but it is utter bollocks given what we know of the situation, and the lack of evidence to back up the claims.
I only know what I've read in that link, and YACT clearly say there is an issue.
Yes but not
"ACT is in serious trouble amid sexual harassment by many senior members."
If this was the same baseless accusation against senior Labour members, the poster would be biffed for a short while.
Prove it!
You need to make up your mind Chris 🙂 Are you saying it's untrue, or that it's defamation, or that there is no evidence, or that TS mods should do something because they would if the accusation was made towards Labour?
Bear in mind that a mod has already been involved before you commented.
Also, my memory of when Labour went through this was that the debate raged hotly on TS for quite some time, and lots of views were covered.
If you are referring to your own ban during that time, you were banned for attempting to spread false facts.
I don't have that big an opinion on it to be honest, as I don't particularly think banning in general is useful unless for something really bad.
Ignore me.
Missed your message to them by the way.
missed my message to who?
If you don't have a big opinion on it, then why bring it up?
Sorry. Was incognito, looking back at it.
No reason. Just personal experience of posting a lot tamer things.
[This is annoying! We engage with you in good faith and then you pull out after making some ambiguous assertions leaving us with the impression that we were just wasting our time with and on you. Assertions come with burden of proof but all you did, when prompted twice, is making some vague reference to “personal experience”. I can’t be bothered with your games [plural, because you also did it under another Post very recently] of innuendo and plausible deniability and you can take a week off – Incognito]
See my Moderation note @ 2:56 PM.
I replied in the back-end 🙂
These are not normal times, so the usual excuses not to release the SG advice doesn’t hold up. In this case the whole of the govt response, and thus how we have lived in the last 7 weeks, is dependent on that advice.
It is the same situation as the UK govt ultimately having to release the advice to go to war in Iraq. The advice is central to the governance of the country, not in the same category as say advice for a government legal case.
i think the government is on a losing path on this issue.
I think a court might test whether or not you are correct.
I'm agnostic, but the legal moves seem like a good game of chess. May the best player win – provided we can see that natural justice has been done. And I use that term in the common (rather than legal) sense. The mallard may duck for cover…
I don't like my money being wasted on some 'game' you appear to think is being played for your entertainment.
Understandable. Better tell all the other commenters that it's all about how you feel. They seem to be suffering from the misapprehension that legal matters are all about the law & parliament.
Nonono, it's all about your entertainment, apparently.
Of course they're on a losing path. The loud voices will have it that every member of the Government lays down their tools and goes into talkfest mode and legalities and every word in every sentence on every page of released documents should be debated and questioned to the nth degree.
At the moment the car is travelling down the road, whether that be moving smoothly, careening or heading in the right direction a matter of opinion. The fiercest critics want at the same time it keeps travelling, that the driver, the navigator, the mechanics and those working with them climb into the boot and investigate whether the plugs holding the mats down are doing their job, who put them in, who manufactured them, how long they are going to last …
It is a stunt from Bridges and being him it isn't even a cunning one. He might be a train wreck but he is hoping like hell he creates a car crash.
It is not a stunt. It goes to the core advice that has set the rules for the governance of the country for the last 7 weeks. I would thought that even the partisans on The Standard would recognise that, and that this is not the usual stuff of party politics.
Not one of you thought it appropriate that the UK Govt resisted releasing the UK Govt's legal advice to go to war in Iraq.
It is the same principle here.
No-one is asking the Govt to down tools. It is asking them to release the legal advice and for the relevant people to appear before the committee for an hour. Proper accountability I would have thought.
By this obstinacy, the Govt is at risk of squandering the level of public support they have had.
That should be for a court to decide.
Not Bridges. Who if it turns out to be illegal then he is just as culpable.
Own goal, I would have thought.
KJT,
It is for Parliament (the Committee) to first ask the Executive, not the Courts.
The Executive is primarily accountable to Parliament.
The only way for the Courts to be involved is if the Parliament asked for a Declaratory Judgement on the issue. That could only happen if the Executive has refused to hand over the documents. It would effectively be a judicial review of the actions of the Executive in respect of whether, in these particular circumstances, legal professional privilege could be invoked by the Executive.
core advice that has set the rules for the governance of the country for the last 7 weeks.
No, the core advice that set the rules was medical advice. At worst the gummint is guilty of not wasting time and changing the law so that the necessary was nitpick level legal.
Solkta,
The government still has to act according to law, even in the most extreme of circumstances. That is the issue here. Not a nitpicking issue at all. In fact it goes to the foundation of constitutional government.
Yes, but it's not the government's behaviour that's being questioned. It's the legal basis for it. In that sense it's important. Nobody's saying the government shouldn't have done what it has done because it lacked the legal authority. It's about making sure the government, any government, has the statutory ability to deal with these kinds of crises.
Wayne, if this legal issue is of pressing importance to the health and welfare of NZers, do you think the Honourable Simon Bridges has chosen an optimal path for raising his concerns? IMHO his current political behaviour is the antithesis of constructive criticism. Rather, he gives every appearance of a politician well out of his depth, desperately flailing for a 'gotcha' life-ring while 'colleagues' and NZers in general can hardly believe his lack of self-awareness.
Compare Bridge's demeanour to other opposition political party leaders around the world, and indeed our PM's skills to those of other leaders.
The legal advice may not have been as unequivocal as many seem to think it was. I doubt that it contained a definitive green or red light, legally speaking, perhaps a flashing orange light. In any case, it is non-binding advice and by itself does not determine the legality of the Government’s actions.
Except, of course, if it is a National Govt. As a couple of examples, I give you:
in 2011:
Elevating Property over Human Rights.
https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2011/03/elevating-property-over-human-rights.html
in 2012
The Electoral disqualification of Prisoners
https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-serious-question.html
And these are not all the instances where the previous govt ran rough shod over the Rights of New Zealanders for no good purpose, apart from their political benefit.
Not to mention the entire Nicky Hagar saga, the retrospective legalisation of security services breaking the law, the treatment of Kim Dot Comm, and the whole "nudge nudge wink wink" attitude to police illegal gathering of personal information.
for the relevant people to appear before the committee
That attempt of a select committee to usurp legal privilege is being referred to parliament's Privileges Committee. The court case already underway can try summonsing those public servants instead.
The Government has made its decision about releasing the advice. This post is also about Bridges thinking that he can trash parliamentary privilege by abusing the powers of the epidemic committee.
This is not the usual stuff of party politics? Of course it is. Everything is party politics. It is impossible in this country to have a no-partisan, 'clean piece of paper discussion.' The intent of some to get around the table might be pure the environment is not. The wick to turn anything into something sinister is ready to be lit'
As far as the rules and expectations for the governance of the country, the essence of those have not changed.
The mob that didn't want talkfests when the government was elected now want a talkfest about what happened on February 24th, who said what, gave what advice, what conclusions were reached and why and what actions followed.
I guess the UK Govt didn't release the legal advice it'd got about going to war in Iraq and immediately put the war on the back burner while enquiries and Royal Commissions were held.
Maybe at 9.00am tomorrow morning Ardern can give the big 'STOP!' to everything and tell us to carry on as we were on January 4th while every piece of paper, bit of advice, discussion and law is gone over in case something untoward happened in an untoward way.
Fuck 'em wayn, what makes you think they acted illegally? Put up or.
Wayne won't do that. His mo is to spray and walk away, crosby-textor style.
If I were Wayne, I wouldn’t waste my time on responding to some of the more inane comments coming from flippant or aggressive, biased, partisan, and tribal commenters. Wayne is selective in what he responds to and that’s his prerogative. I value his contributions to discourse more than some of those from self-proclaimed Lefties.
Yup. His selectivity adds value to what he contributes here. It means it's not just more noise, it's an actual opinion and point of view. I'm pleasantly surprised at how frequently he responds to questions about his take on topics.
Thanks for the support and endorsement of Wayne.
I think it takes special character to comment regularly here knowing that you might go ‘against the stream’. They cop a lot of flak and I, as a Moderator, set the bar quite high for them in order to try to lift the quality of discourse, with some moderate and intermittent success, I may add. Although I
sometimesoften strongly disagree with their views, I do put some effort into keeping them here on the site. In other words, and contrary to generally held belief in some quarters, I’m not in the habit of shutting down dissenting voices, counter-views, or debate in general. None of the people with power here does this, in my opinion!Some commenters, let’s call them right-wingers without trying to sound disparaging, are just shite at putting up a decent argument and maybe they don’t give a shit; some come here to just troll. Unfortunately, the dividing line is not always very clear 🙁
There are plenty of times though Wayne does the spray and walk away and doesn't respond when fairly questioned however. He's not as benign as you would make out.
I don’t think I painted him as an angel and indeed, he’s selective in his replies, which is his prerogative, as I said. Nevertheless, this site is richer (more diverse) for it.
The problem is that Bridges is using the ERC as his personal partisan political platform. Apparently, as the ERC’s Chair he has the sole discretion as to who appears before the ERC. Give that guy an inch and he thinks he’s a ruler. Bridges is not playing by the rules of our Democracy.
Bridges was given the option of a personal in-depth explanation of the legal advice the government received from Crown Law. He declined, of course, because it's all about rarking up the vested interests and the tinfoil hats who believe Jacinda wants to confiscate their children and redistribute their property portfolios. I don't believe for a moment Bridges is genuinely concerned about how the government went about implementing the lockdown, or what legal advice they used to justify it. This is just Simon trotting about on his latest hobby horse of manufactured outrage because he's about as popular as herpes in a brothel, and he knows it.
The irony is that he could've mustered some real support by getting behind the government in all of this, shown he was above 'petty politics', that 'these extraordinary times demanded unity as a nation' etc, thrown in the odd 'constructive criticism' here and there but be seen essentially to work with the government 'for the good of the country'. He wouldn't have had to do it forever and he'd go back to "[trying] to hold the government to account" when things settled down a bit, but he blew it. It's good that he did, of course, but he really did blow an opportunity. It would be interesting to know what the advice he received was or whether he shunned that and did it his way. I think it's probably the latter.
You know when a child throws a tantrum in the supermarket nobody gives that child any attention as that's what they want.
The irrelevance of legal point scoring in a fast moving epidemic (where fast and clear decision making is necessary).
The simplicity of the action ie quarantine and isolation by lockdown,was the only available solution (and is still)
The problem is that Bridges et al ( and a number of businesses) are awaking to their irrelevance in the future.
Does that make you feel good?
Why? The matter is before court. Why should the Crown potentially compromise its case by releasing legally privileged information?
While Bridges doesn't need to voice it because his political and media lackeys are doing it for him, but the intention is to undermine the government's entire Covid 19 response by way of questioning the legality of – and the necessity for – such a lengthy lockdown.
The underlying message:
With such a low number of cases and only 21 deaths, we know now that this illegal lockdown was a waste of time. It has done enormous damage to the economy and thousands of people have lost their jobs all in the name of government fear-mongering and incompetence.
As you say ms – I mean really?
There was a low number of cases due to the inconvenient fact,that the constraints worked.
Five weeks was the minimum needed,and it could be argued that it should have been longer as only around 1% of parents allowed their children to return to school.
https://www.endcoronavirus.org/papers/how-to-win
“There was a low number of cases due to the inconvenient fact, that the constraints worked.”
Yes. That is the point of my comment. Should have put the "message" in inverted commas.
There is of course a slight problem for National if they now want to claim the lockdown was a) wrong and b) illegal.
Who said this?
"In this House and in New Zealand we agree, there's no National or Labour, or Green or ACT or New Zealand First, just New Zealanders. And we should be going to level four lockdown this evening. And we are putting in all the economic resources and investments required to defeat this common enemy. …
Some will say that the shutdown was an overreaction. I prefer that that was the case because it means people didn't die needlessly. But if the models and the charts and the workings that I have seen, that Jacinda Ardern's seen, that this House has seen are right or even actually half or a quarter right, and if we follow the international examples to date, broadly speaking, level four in shutting down is clearly right."
March 25, speech in Parliament by … Simon Bridges.
I doubt if some of the things National did with ECAN, and the like, would survive legal scrutiny.
Anyway, the entire Parliament are on public record, including National, agreeing with the lockdown.
In our, albeit only partly written constitution, Parliament is supreme.
Soimin We are all in this together ,I agree with jacinda,this is the right thing to do etc etc etc
The parachute worked.
So. Now we are supposed to argue about it's size or necessity.
I think most people can see the lunacy of that.
It will probably keep lawyers dancing on pin heads at our great expense, for years, though.
That reminded me of this joke.
Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, Angela Merkel, Pope Francis and a ten-year-old schoolboy are on a plane, that is going down. There are only four parachutes.
Trump declares, "I'm the smartest person in the U.S.A., the country needs me." He grabs one and jumps.
Johnson declares, "Britain can't survive Brexit without me," as he grabs one and jumps.
The Pope declares, "More than a billion Catholics needs me," as he grabs one and jumps.
Merkel looks at the boy and says, "You take the last one, you have a whole life ahead of you."
The boys replies, "It's OK, there's two parachutes left, the smartest man in the U.S.A. took my backpack."
ROFL
The parachute may be ok although we could still break a bone when we actually land and/or find ourselves in the middle of a minefield. This is far from over.
Well. If some people have their way, the parachute will be removed long before we hit the ground.
Some company needs that nylon for fashionable trousers instead.
Can someone give stats on how many lawyers there are in Parliament on both sides? It might be said they have a monopoly, playing polo with our polity.
With laws first they make 'em, then they break 'em, then they argufy about them, then they villify about them, and the world is merely a giant courtroom and the citizens merely watchers. And then, the ultimate caution, just think how awful it is when there is no law, or no respect for the law (by the citizens). But then also when there is lipservice paid to the law, or, worse, dismissing it by advantagedleaders.
And so the system creaks on until there is a need for action, outside the prescribed toing and froing of the law, swaying like a preying mantis as it seeks to blend with nature and prepare itself for a pounce. Then the all-powerful law system steps in to argue whether its self-satisfied dominance can be challenged even for a little while. Sudden emergencies can erupt, before there can be a top lawyer to pronounce on soundness contracted at $1000 a day possibly. The law can work against us. I enjoy reading Rumpole by John Mortimer, he dusts off the workings for the reader in a breezy manner.
$1000 a day!Doubt most of them would get out of bed for that Grey.
Not sure about the current lot, but the last Parliament had 15 lawyers.
If Simon Bridges at least appeared more statesmanlike and had some empathy, rather than the school playground bully, it would perhaps be acceptable to accede to his request. He has got carried away with having some power. He displays a really nasty personality.
He does refer to the committee as "my committee".
Possession is nine-tenths of the law
He wouldn't be making that demand if he were those things.
You got that right in one there Reality (9). Bridges is a first class, albeit a vicious clown!
Lets' hear it for Simon Bridges
He has arrived at a state in which he now knows everything. !
On top of that, he claims to be some sought of lawyer. Oh Yes.
Ironically Bridges appears to be standing next to a statue of an animal that has an orifice at its rear end that passes alot of SHIT(aka Store High In Transit) when it needs to.
But it does appear Bridges suffers by spewing SHIT verbally at times when he thinks he is more intelligent than others. And it's these times he really does give the NZ National Party a much needed bad name. So keep up making National and you look stupid Bridges because it ensures no-one would ever vote for a National MP who is all SHIT and nothing else.
Bridges is regularly as an IBS trying to give the impression he knows everything and has an answer for everything. But every time he opens his mouth on the telly you well know why someone was clever enough to invent the TV remote control unit.
David Lange once said that traffic round-abouts were designed to keep panel beaters in business. The tv remote control was equally invented to stop such Village Idiots as Simon Bridges from assaulting our ears with pointless babble and stupidity. I am sure we will forever be indebted to the inventor of the TV remote control no matter what political party the favorite and not so favorite hark from.
National truly needs a leader like Simon Bridges to ensure no-one votes for it even at the next election. But when it finally sees the light of day it also needs to be rid of its deputy because the deputy is very much like its leader. There is need for a major head rolling throughout the entire NZ National Party starting from Bridges downwards.
Bridges deems himself as living an enchanted life on the NZ Taxpayers. He passes his bills eg probably the latest travel costs from Tauranga to Wellington and back onto the NZ taxpayer to pay. Same would also apply to his accommodation costs. He would be no good as a leader of the local Scouts let alone as leader of a political party.
I do get the impression that in one last attempt at feeble 'upmanship' Bridges in a fit of jealousy is trying to give the impression he cares about NZers when over the past so many weeks he didn't give a toss whilst he was traipsing up and down the N.I. in his VERY OWN 500km 'bubble'.
Besides why didn't Bridges, if he was a genuine lawyer, make a fuss about the legal ramifications say 7 weeks ago instead of NOW? Is it because he had hoped the Coalition lock down be a failure and since Jacinda has proven to be more popular here in NZ and around the world then Simon Bridges can ever be is reason for him behaving like he is NOW????!!!! Bridges is behaving like a child having a temper tantrum. Oh so Donald Trump.
While I agree Bridges is useless, I missed the bit where the oppositions job was to not question the government's actions in major situations, and apparently on here, fade into the background and just agree with everything Ardern says and does.
I also don't get why people think the opposition is not entitled to see the advice provided to the govt in making them, to see the justification for these decisions.
"Simon is a bully so doesn't deserve to" doesn't really cut it as a reason.
The opposition could be a tad more consistent now couldn't they. It's not a useful consistency always to screech nonononooo. They could maybe find some principles to base their actions on?
Except Bridges is useless at opposition, just coz the govt sez "sky is blue" doesn't mean the opposition party sez "no it's not!!!" esp when the opposition party is already on record as agreeing with said govt decision.
Chris. Do you think in a time of serious threat to NZers, that what we need is some person to undermine actions of the country's leadership? Is it wise to cast doubts in the minds of those who believe that the sacrifices we all made at this time were worth it? In an attack by any enemy does it help for the soldiery to argue with the leadership as the charge into battle? Or rather should we wait until the guns fall silent?
Those who create doubt will not make the next stage a convincing success.
The Covid thing is fading out (with a bit of luck), and there is a pretty much now unwinnable election coming up for them, of course the opposition are going to throw anything they can to change this, in deperation.
It will backfire obviously as their leader comes across as a prick, but Labour were just as desperate last time in opposition so threw in Ardern and it paid off in a massive way.
It was what politicians do.
Bridges turned down an offer to be briefed. It is in the OP. It would have taken the oxygen and spotlight away from him so he declined, of course.
It is obvious that Bridges has been looking for a tiny hole or crack to pry open further. He thinks he’s found one but it may turn out he’s poked his finger into powerpoint and he’s in for an almighty shock.
Nope I'm on Bridges' side on this one. So far.
I know he's a dork. I won't ever vote for him.
But the state is exercising power far and above what it ordinarily does. It needs regular torching for it in a proper democracy.
I know it's uncomfortable for them, but when public servants are exercising this much executive power, they deserve a roasting regularly. Don't just look at that sweet Director of Health. Look at the Police and NZ Defence Force brass behind him.
The new problem with the state – even if we like its results like Hayden Donnell does – is that in a crisis it exercises power, and then it never gives it back.
It's teriffic that our Prime Minister can sustain and expand the state's social license to deprive us of freedom. But that won't last.
Already people are increasingly impatient and pushing the rules aside. Check out the traffic and the cafe queues today.
The next step is if the Minister of Finance can sustain that social license with an absolutely massive and long term intervention into the economy. I'm not sure he will, and to do so he needs to be at least as good at it as Ardern.
A Friday dump doesn't cut it.
This lot need to open all layers of decisionmaking to public sunlight.
In the US where decision making was late,missing,or wishy washy, the population looked at what was being reported,and made a heuristic response prior.
https://twitter.com/Covid19Digest/status/1258936747699965953/photo/1
There must be similar ridership data here from Hop Cards and rider apps.
Good point,there was also some evidence in internal travel and accomodation,prior to the levels systems.
The general principle in leadership is that the more urgently an decision needs to be taken, the fewer people you involve in making it.
In a crisis time is of the essence. If NZ had delayed even by another week, we may well have been looking at the kind of outcome Italy got to.
That is the justification for the concentration of executive power in an existential crisis like this. While I am no authority on the matter, at first glance it seems Parliament has already anticipated just these circumstances and enacted the necessary legislation.
But now they need to demonstrate and keep demonstrating that they use these extreme powers only to the minimum needed to do the job. I don't see that yet.
Even on Friday Ardern was just pleading for more time, more delays, more gradated steps.
This kind of public mood turns on a dime.
This is what Bridges has been counting on and he’s doing his best to give a ‘helping hand’ to expedite it. With a little help from his friends, of course.
The virus doesn’t give a shit and to really beat it, we would indeed more time, IMO.
Who decides what that 'minimum' is? Libertarians? Marxists? Media blowhards?
I guess a 'Friday dump' was terrible. They should have kept hold of the stuff for another three or four days and worn the bullets about not releasing them in the week prior.
It's good tactics.
Next week is budget budget budget.
This stuff is fish and chip wrapper already.
Let's see what Robertson is made of.
"It's good tactics. "
From Ardern's most open and transparent govt ever.
She's right, probably. Can you name a previous Govt that was any more open? You realise that to qualify, she had only to be no less open than any previous Govt. So stop your dumb right-wing whinging.
OK. If you think Labour govt's haven't been open and transparent in the past, that is fine.
Tend to disagree though.
Clark was as pretty much straight up as you get in politics.
Actually apologies for that last post In Vino
It was twisting your words and un-warranted.
The only person who said 'open and transparent' about this govt was Curran. Shortly before she was fired.
Ardern, Robertson, Parker are all good operators. They have to be, because what's next is seriously concerning.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/paul-henry-and-kelvin-davis-clash-over-how-fast-new-zealand-s-tourism-industry-should-be-reopened.html
So Henry wants to reopen the tourism industry and start a marketing campaign while still under level 3. Imbecile really is the only word for him.
anyone know the viewing figures for his show?
Well they can't be helped having Davis on. He's a sure fire cure for insomnia.
At least then Davis is useful
Well that's debatable. He's one of the reasons I rate Ardern, Robertson and Parker. They have to do all the heavy lifting for the likes of Davis, Curran, Whaitiri, Clark, Twyford and Lees-Galloway. Gee that's a longer list than I thought when I started the comment!
You seem a little behind with the times. Curran and Whaitiri don’t have ministerial responsibilities and portfolios anymore.
" Curran and Whaitiri don’t have ministerial responsibilities and portfolios anymore. "
They were idiots who still suck leadership oxygen.
Nice backtrack there 😉
"Nice backtrack there "
It's not a backtrack. The better people in the government had to run cover for those idiots, and continue to have to hold up a standard for governing that they failed. The dearth of talent in this government makes me admire the PM even more.
It’s ok, I understand where you’re coming from 😉
Henry made the Minister of Tourism look like a numpty. So if he's an imbecile, what does that make Davis?
I do agree there was a bit of a contest, but Henry certainly won.
Davis had no idea. He couldn't answer even the most simple of questions. The finale was just downright embarassing. I sincerely hope that interview isn't being shown overseas.
Paul Henry should have switched to te reo Māori.
A Friday dump doesn't cut it.
Which by all accounts they have done so. It doesn't matter that it happened on a Friday afternoon because in this case the Govt. knew every current affairs journalist and news outlet in the country would be slavering over every word looking for a 'gotcha' they could use to either praise or – more likely – condemn the government's actions. They even gave them a whole weekend during a lockdown phase that would ensure lots more people than usual saw their responses.
I don't mind the "state" exercising intervention and control over the populace at a time like this. I praise them for doing so, and who gives a damn about the legal framework which, when originally passed into law, never envisaged a pandemic of this magnitude befalling us.
And most important of all:
Six weeks ago time was of the essence. Bumbling around trying to change what had become an outdated law would have cost lives!
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/world-health-organisation-praises-new-zealand-its-very-systematic-response-covid-19-pandemic
The Pandemic Plan was last reviewed and updated in 2017, under the last National government. I presume that process would have included a review of all the relevant legislation to check that it was fit for purpose.
Honestly, before your comment I thought everyone here was losing their marbles. After 5 weeks in a level four lockdown, we deserve more than this https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12330745.
I fear that we are losing our marbles. Too many of us – especially Hosking, etc, seem to think it is all over – we have won. It is not. The virus still hides undetected at all for two days, then infects other people for 14 days before symptoms become obvious.
This makes it pretty well invincible. I fear that NZ, Australia etc, are in a very premature victory mood. What we have now is as good as it will get – we will always be two paces behind, trying to track down what seems like a few new infections.
This Swede may well be right.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12330725
The good news is that Hosking is wrong about economic damage. No significant country in the world is going to escape.
And climate change is still a far greater threat to our species than Covid19 will ever be.
Instead of reading the op-ed about the e-mail, I suggest reading the e-mail itself.
The description bears little relationship to the thing being described.
Not really.
"Do not put minister up for any interviews on this," (In the case of many of the ministers I can almost forgive this one).
"Instead we can dismiss."
Again, that is you copying from a report on the e-mail. Not the e-mail. That simply describes the proactive release of documents, standard practice. It even tells you when it will happen next (after May 29). Who ever gives advance notice of a secret conspiracy?
But you can't link to the e-mail itself, or won't, because it undermines your point.
Every government in the world wants to convey a positive message, and use the media to do it. It is literally somebody's job.
Of course, some do it in the most disgusting way. You really need to read the e-mails from Key's office in "Dirty Politics". I'd help you but I can't link to a whole book.
Those are quotes from the email. That's why they are in quotation marks.
'They were worse' is not an excuse.
Your selective quote has lost most context, that’s the point that observer made and you seem to have missed, twice, somehow!?
Indeed, ‘they were worse’ is not an excuse.
"Do not put minister up for any interviews on this," doesn't need any more context. Given the recent performances of the Health Minister (where is he by the way) and the Minsiter of Tourism, I actually understand the sentiment.
You’re conflating interpreting, understanding, and concluding.
The memo contained a veiled message to and for the recipients, as I said before.
Thinly veiled. Don't talk. The message is loud and clear.
David Clark did get the message, but did you?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12330811
"David Clark did get the message…"
He got the message to deflect. And a few bucks reward to throw around. This is the Minster of Health who's sole claim to fame over recent weeks is breachig his own governments rules.
At least you know where he was, which seemed to be a burning question for you.
I don’t think you got the message so we can be thankful that you are not a Minister of this Government; you would suck too much oxygen away.
"At least you know where he was, which seemed to be a burning question for you. "
Yep, he popped up to throw crumbs and pretend he wasn't being gagged. You can't be defending this guy, can you?
I know it’s the taxpayers union, but it is serously funny:
“For weeks now, Dr Clark has assiduously isolated himself completely from health policy, media, politics, constituents, the Epidemic Response select committee, mountain biking, being a Minister, daily press briefing sessions, and nighttime spear fishing from a homemade microlight aircraft (although the last one was a work in progress).”
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2004/S00242/wheres-david-the-fun-nationwide-search-for-david-clark.htm
"Given the recent performances of the Health Minister (where is he by the way?)"
Holding a press conference, putting out statements, answering questions.
Tip: the internet can also be used for finding things you don't know about, not just seeking out what you've already decided in your head.
In other words, doing nothing. Either hiding or being hidden.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2004/S00242/wheres-david-the-fun-nationwide-search-for-david-clark.htm
For god's sake, Paddington, why so obtuse?
You link to a partisan press release from Friday when Clark has given a press conference today.
Do you deliberately avoid the news? Do you refuse to even Google? What do you think it proves, except that your mind is closed?
"You link to a partisan press release from Friday when Clark has given a press conference today. "
An internal memo is released telling ministers to say nothing, and to get approvel from the PM for any statements issued. Next minute Clark, who has been awol apart fom being caught breaching covid, pops up with a carefully scripted denial. Read into it what you want, but it’s not common to see DP at the PM’s 1.00pm announcements is it? The Minister of Health FHS.
I read into this that David Clark can read memos and you cannot.
Hint: what was David Clark’s press conference today about?
You are obviously trolling now.
Clark press conference. 30 minutes. Today.
So he is not hiding. So you are lying. Please stop.
"So he is not hiding. "
He has been rolled out to try to deflect from the email. It's a stunt. Nothing more, nothing less.
Edit…this parts hilarious “Dr Clark said he didn’t receive the leaked email and only heard about it once the media reported it.”. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/david-clark-rejects-idea-government-ministers-were-gagged-following-covid-19-document-dump.html
He’s either forgetful, or his own government fogot about him!
"what was David Clark’s press conference today about? "
About trying to pretend he wasn't being gagged. And to address the very apt ‘where’s wally’ comparisons.
[Excellent answer! You go through to the next Round for the Troll Cup 2020, which is in two weeks – Incognito]
See my Moderation note @ 10:01 PM.
I never thought the “Friday dump” was intended to sustain a social licence but rather to throw the bloodhounds off scent, particularly that yappy one, but Paul the Golden Retriever is still hot on the trail and all he hears is a dog whistle.
Simon Bridges has been given some power. It seems he is unable to discuss the present situation rationally and intelligently with the medical professionals involved (namely Dr Ashley Bloomfield et al) and one or two government MPs, all working extremely hard trying to keep NZ safe and ticking over at this time of uncertainty.
In order to assert his (perceived) superiority, Bridges considers it's his job now to make the present NZ CV19 decision makers appear inferior, in the (mistaken) belief it gives him some state of importance through his position chairing the ERC.
From what I'm seeing, Bridges is conducting himself as though "his" committee is the Nuremberg trials and those called to be accountable are on trial! A well known sign of weakness and cowardice. And most definitely not the rational behaviour expected from a good strong leader during a challenging crisis (war?) such as we are facing now!
He's gone full Tailgunner Joe.
It feels as if Bridges never really stopped being a lawyer; like it's all he really knows how to do.
Politics already has it's own well established bag of sleazy spin and fuckery, but overlaying them with the whole legal profession's game playing gimmicks just feels tiresome and untrustworthy.
He does? Who would want that dolt representing them?
Given how he treats confidential documents … you can count me out too
This time next week…
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EC9nuW8UEAIXltg?format=jpg&name=small
Oooh… fried eggs and bacon for breakfast. Too delicious.
Parker is an obnoxious opportunist.His performance towards the backbone and saviour of this country in Ashburton before the last election branded him forever. We will always remember him,as a drinking buddy of Winston and a turncoat.
backbone and saviour of this country
Who be that then?
I will let you figure that out.
Lucy Lawless?
Sam Neill?
Linda Topp?
Hilary Barry?
Give Parker some credit. He must be a pioneer politician if he is an 'obnoxious opportunist' in that role. No others have been that.
Apparently he took a whole lot of 'vitriol, bitterness and hatred' to Ashburton.
Maybe the town could erect a statue to him which the locals could deliver a good kicking to vent their spleen whenever they feel aggrieved. Maybe MP Jo Goodhew could start a Givealittle page to raise funds for it since she comes from a party which has never ever ever had obnoxious opportunists in is ranks.
Was he mean about China?
"threatened to summons the Solicitor-General to the select committee and require him to hand over legal advice…"
The Solicitor-General is an extremely capable woman. Una Jagose. Other than that, I agree completely with your post.
I rate Parker, but much of his response sounded like an attempt at groupthink. "How dare anyone question civil servants' (not a quote) that kind of bs. Barry Soper did a far better job, and burned Parker in the process, with this https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/barry-soper-police-response-raises-questions-about-whether-lockdown-was-legally-enforceable/.
Soper: "Is it arrogance or sloppiness?" The latter seems more likely. However the hinge seems to be the difference between the draft Crown law opinion (which the cops deemed unenforceable) and the final version (withheld by Parker but presumably enforceable).
So the Nat sniffer dogs have detected a discrepancy & are digging to discover what it means. Much ado about nothing, perhaps. Although if the cops did enforcement without authorisation those enforced could get a little stroppy about it…
Police had authorisation to enforce the rules. They didn’t just make it up. The question whether the authorisation was given on firm legal basis. The Government seems to think so. Legal brains think that there are questions to answer and clarify. The sniffer dogs don’t think (so) but just keep sniffing, barking, and scent marking.
Police action unlawful? I've no idea, but it sounds familiar …
Example one
Example two
One from Clark's time, one from Key's. And there are plenty more.
And obviously that is no justification whatsoever. But also obviously … there are no real consequences, for police or politicians. That's why it happens.
And how did Barry Soper respond back then? By telling us how good PMs Clark and Key were, because they won elections. Ditto most other political commentators.
Perfectly summed up by dear old John Armstrong …
He's bad. Very bad. So … he's my politician of the year!
there are plenty more indeed…i recall it was a reasonably common occurrence post quakes in Canterbury
Yes. Your response prompted me to re-read the essay above. In relation to the concept of privilege (redolent of the residual patriarchy). And since the issue is being pitched at the mallard, the official stance:
"The concept of parliamentary privilege is sometimes misunderstood to mean that politicians acquire personal privileges simply by being elected to Parliament. In fact, parliamentary privilege applies to Parliament as a whole rather than the individual members."
So, with respect to ideology, it is a class-based system. Gender-equality is now implicit. Enforcement authorised by act of parliament, imposed consequently by cabinet, directed to the public service by ministers. This one then by order of the police commissioner implemented in operations.
In that downward-cascading chain of causation, it isn't easy to see the weak link that the Nats see as a target. As chess players, not that good, it seems. My guess is that the final Crown law opinion is the target – but why? Parker: "Parliament has its own parliamentary privilege, and it is not for the Courts to remove that." Presumably the court decision will confirm that situation. Did the Nats not consult a legal authority before taking their initiative??
I didn’t follow all in and of your comment but Crown Law opinion and legal advice are what they say they are, and they are confidential until that is waved. The Nats are a stunt team with amazing acrobatic agility; their ‘legal challenge’ is akin the actions of that hapless habeas corpus duo – what a bunch of amateurs!
Surely if the basis for the police action was unlawful, it would have come out in court at the prosecutions?
"and the final version (withheld by Parker but presumably enforceable). "
Soper responds to the 'draft' issue in the first few paragraphs. If the final version is 'presumably enforceable', whu hasn't it been released? Why release a draft?
IIRC, the Crown Law documents were leaked to Newstalk ZB, no less So, the question has to be “why leak a draft?”.
An equally good question.