Parliamentary TV – should we shut it?

Written By: - Date published: 8:44 am, September 30th, 2019 - 51 comments
Categories: Dirty Politics, Gerry Brownlee, politicans, Politics, Simon Bridges - Tags: ,

Occasionally, this site puts up a video from parliament. Probably happens a few times per month at best.  Which since this site is one that is dedicated to politics in NZ indicates not a whole lot of interest. The number of readers of posts who click into those videos is a very small fraction of the post readers. So small that they barely register.

Outside of the video starved TV news micro-clips, I suspect that the few political sites around are probably one of the biggest users of  parliaments video outside of the politicians themselves. If only because the major media sites outside of TV don’t put them up virtually at all except as political advertising.

So are we, the public, getting value from it. Well yes. It stands as a record of the debate in parliament. But as far as I can tell – not that all that much. It is a marginal exercise at best.

It is useful to have to look up from dryness of Hansard and the even drier detail of the bills and law making that are the business of parliament and see what MPs are currently posturing like. 

So is it worth the costs, which are substantive. At best, and as a political aficionado,  I’d say that at best it is a toss-up.

But as soon as they start becoming feedstock for out of context, half arsed clickbait made by partisan dimwits, which is apparently what the National Party are making a unprincipled stand over – then their social cost goes up dramatically.

You only have to look at the US attack political social media advertising market in the US to see that. Such ‘fun’ masquerading under the cover of free speech  is simply the spreader of lying because of the short clipped editing and over messaging. Almost invariably the over message are at a total variance to the context of the original statements.

It used to be constrained by the cost of broadcast TV advertising in the US and the liability of the channels carrying such ads. But these days anyone with a dinky video editor can make them up and push them through facebook.

It isn’t something that our site has ever done, it used to be a favourite ploy of the paid-for-smearing site Whaleoil. And we have always had the capacity to make whatever we like from raw footage. Video editing is relatively simple, albeit tedious to do. But we made a conscious decision early on to not try to run material that didn’t have a clear and obvious personal opinion behind it – not to distort facts with implicit lying.

So, unlike Andrew Geddis, I simply can’t see any particular value of Parliamentary TV as a provider to content for attack clips. Especially if it appears there are none of safeguards and permission issues that every other provider of video has to be aware of. Ask any provider on TV, movies or documentaries about the legal constraints that they have and you will get an earful. In particular those related to the reuse of the images of people.

I simply can’t see any value in that use for the parliamentary feed, so if the National Party attempt to remove what safeguards there are on the feed, then I suspect that I and others will start playing around on avid or premiere pro with ‘humorous’ clips as a deterrence action. And we will explore the bottom end of the spectrum at  a personal level using the free and unencumbered footage from parliamentary TV. 

Interpersing images of pigs fucking and Gerry Brownlee speaking in the house. Or Simon Bridges talking up his contributions to raising bridges in Northland with the eventual result and the associated images of drooping failure. Or assisting Sarah Downie and Jamie-Lee Ross in their election campaigns by questioning their taste with the long soap opera glances across the house. These are easy to edit and message for me and any other juveniles. I’ll even help provide the online instructions about how to do it.

However I can’t see any particular benefit to our democracy in the MAD philosophy of simple deterrence of making such adverts descend immediately into the gutter. Given what Simon Bridges is advocating as free speech where the public pays for the feedstock and there are no constraints on its usage, we may as well just head there as fast as possible.

Or I could just start lobbying to kill the budget for parliamentary TV and remove the raw footage. I’m sure that despite the love that many politicians have for their own image, that they won’t mind. Otherwise I have some video that we cut…

But the simplest one would be to just retain some simple rules about usage. Which happen to look largely like the ones in place right now.

51 comments on “Parliamentary TV – should we shut it? ”

  1. ianmac 1

    Brownlee argues that censorship depends on who is the censor. So who is the arbiter on what is fair/not fair reportage? Who decided that the Speaker should decide what is in and what is out?

    Anyway in the current ordered take-down which hasn't happened, where to next?

    • gsays 1.1

      "Anyway in the current ordered take-down which hasn't happened, where to next?"

      At the risk of sounding like a single issue enthusiast….

      Email/phone or visit your Nat MP and let them know you aren't happy with their actions.

    • lprent 1.2

      Or just ask for Parliamentary TV to be taken down.

      Effectively what the Nats claim that they are after is open slather on the images of the MPs from it.

      That isn't something that is allowed anywhere through the film, tv, or any video industry. You always require the permission through a payment or a waiver for the focus people either via the person or via the institution in almost all of the material you publish.

      In effect the National party is asking for that protection to be removed retrospectively from individuals and for parliament to not have a say in giving permission to authorise is. Plus they want taxpayers to foot the bill for footage to smear their opponents. Why should we pay for it?

      We don't really need the footage to be shot in the first place. It is mostly a vanity thing for MPs. It isn't a free speech issue. Not having the footage doesn't stop the Nats from saying what they want. It just stops them from misappropriating images of other people without permission.

      Just remove the budget for parliamentary TV and the issue goes away.

      • weka 1.2.1

        Lynn, can you please pop into the back end when you get a moment? ta.

      • mpledger 1.2.2

        Who owns the copyright to this media? Copyright has pretty strict restrictions on what can be done with other peoples' published material. Have National paid for the use of the material? Have they got permission from the publisher?

        National appear to have absolutely no idea about the rules around copyright. The Eminem fiasco, the budget hacking fiasco, the hacking of the Labour members database hasn't seemed to made any impression about their responsibilities around other people's data and art.

    • Edit
      Fighting over what can be allowed to be used, and whether that is abused is another way of Parliament and our important political process being trivialised and our attention distracted from what the pollies are actually doing and saying about the essential, important, future things they need to inform themselves about and act on, plus the everyday mechanics of the polity, all of which we need to keep close to.

      So get rid of the bloody tv – we were in error if we thought it would be of benefit. Any benefits are outweighed by the disadvantages and the unintended consequences that have arisen. It accentuates the posing and posturing of the time-wasters and malign white-anters in the Chamber and puts people off the idea of democracy and discussion, to be drawn to a dictatorial but action-oriented government, which is a false, hopeful and simplistic alternative to replace democracy.

      TV converts the Chamber of Parliament, into either a fun-palace or an equivalent to a what could be a computer game, or tv sitcom satire, and ultimately, a Chamber of Horrors.

    • lprent 1.4

      Who decided that the Speaker should decide what is in and what is out?

      Actually, that is easy to answer. Parliament decided that. The speaker is made that by the governor general at the behest of the house of representatives. ie usually by the majority of the house.

      I’d have to dig through the legislation to find the current enabling act, and the other one about their role.

      The speaker is responsible for enforcing the rules made by parliament for parliamentarians. They have a number of committees that look after their own rules. The privileges committee is pretty much the ‘court’ that teh speaker is subject to.

      The Geddis link in the post defines the current rules that Trevor Mallard is enforcing. Specifically that the National Party never sought nor gained permission from the people in the video for the use they made of their image.

      Not one of my stronger areas, the nebulous NZ constitution.

      I’d say to just toss the parliamentary broadcasts. If the National MPs can’t be trusted to adhere to their own rules and aren’t prepared to wait for the privileges committee, then turn off parliamentary TV. No different to what you’d do to any other child demanding their TV.

      • xanthe 1.4.1

        Well the Speaker will have to do something now!

        either shut down broadcasts or

        the proper thing at this point would give each MP who has "defied" the ban a choice of apologize and remove the content or leave the chamber until they do.

        this could get interesting.

        • McFlock 1.4.1.1

          If all the tories get thrown out of the House, would that mean the government could pass whatever it wants without votes or extended debates against it?

          nice thought

      • Craig H 1.4.2

        Constitution Act 1986 has a section devoted to the election of the Speaker.

        • lprent 1.4.2.1

          Yeah, that one I did know.
          Doesn't say much about the role.

          12 Election of Speaker
          The House of Representatives shall, at its first meeting after any general election of its members, and immediately on its first meeting after any vacancy occurs in the office of Speaker, choose one of its members as its Speaker, and every such choice shall be effective on being confirmed by the Governor-General.

          13 Speaker to continue in office notwithstanding dissolution or expiration of Parliament
          A person who is in office as Speaker immediately before the dissolution or expiration of Parliament shall, notwithstanding that dissolution or expiration, continue in office until the close of polling day at the next general election unless that person sooner vacates office as Speaker.

    • Peter 1.5

      The Speaker might be like an umpire or referee in sport. He/she enforces the rules decided upon by others.

      Jerry Brownlee and Co. give Mallard some rules to enforce which Mallard duly does. Brownlee throws a tantrum.

      What's the issue? The issue isn't Parliamentary TV or Mallard or political propaganda. It's the childish behaviour of the sad, sour member for Ilam and the moronic mob he appeals to.

  2. ianmac 2

    Maybe drop the Tv all together but how would Bridges get exposure for his histrionics? How sad.

    Of course for many, TV Parliament is the only way one can get some idea of who each MP is. Our own MP for instance sits smirking behind the Minister. Creepy.

    • lprent 2.1

      … Parliament is the only way one can get some idea of who each MP is.

      Well there are the older ways. Radio broadcasts (online I think), Hansard (online), turn up at local meetings, go to party selection meetings to kick out list MPs and local MPs. For local MPs, go to the electorate office, and of course the old favourite – find someone else who is more accessible in another party and vote them in.

      The problem is that I really don’t think that parliamentary TV offers much more. The smirk really doesn’t tell you much except that they are a fool who can twist their face on demand. Since that is a required skill for all politicians and other sales people like 2nd hand car sellers – I don’t think it adds much.

    • Janet 2.2

      I can,t afford travel to watch parliament so I appreciate being able to see it on TV. I just wish I had time to watch it more. It certainly widens one view of the individuals we have elected to rule our country.

      • aj 2.2.1

        I agree Janet. We cannot rely on accurate reporting in any medium anymore. It strengthens democracy that voters can watch it in action. Body language and facial expression is an important addition to spoken word. Fake news is a real threat to democracy and political parties should not be able manipulate videos to their own ends. Nothing is going to prevent proxies from doing this but direct manipulation by political parties should be banned. I can't see much wrong with the current rules and it will be interesting to see how the speaker handles this.

  3. weka 3

    Times I've found it useful have been watching maiden speeches, especially later when I want to look back and see what an MP was like in the past.

    There have been some key moments where having the video was of public importance eg when Labour and Green women MPs were thrown out of the house for objecting to John Key's comments about the opposition supporting rapists. I wanted to see that directly without it being filtered through MSM.

    There's value in having video (or audio) because you can get nuance from listening that is missing from the Hansard transcript. I guess we could have audio instead, but I assume National would just abuse that.

    Also, fuck National if we lost this because they're anti-social and unethical and don't give a shit about fairness. While I can see the temptation of taking this away from them, I'd rather parliament stood up to them now and said enough. I had hoped the Speaker might do that but I see he wants to get rid of the standing order altogether.

  4. Nice touch from RNZ this morning…edited their interview with Brownlee down to a collection of "Um's" and "ers" for their soundbite advertisement.

    I like to think he choked on his full english brecky when he heard that nice bit of out of context editing…

  5. McFlock 5

    Well, it provides fodder for the msm as well – for better or worse. Maybe playing to the cameras isn't as good governance as making arguments of substance.

    Which could also be an argument against televising select committees.

    But there are other functions of government that can be televised without too much problem, to fill in the down-time of ptv. Conferences, ceremonies, youth parliaments, working groups, thinkpieces on governance and civics. A bit like cspan, being broader than just the oratory in the house.

  6. Climaction 6

    So we need publicly funded free to air broadcasting covering politics so that the public are informed, as long as it can’t be used or manipulated against us?

  7. Formerly Ross 7

    I don’t see a problem with filming Parliament. If filming were cancelled, splicing and dicing could still occur. MPs appear on tv now and again, and of course they are interviewed for radio. Their comments could be taken out of context. So, not filming Parliament probably won’t remove this issue although it would reduce the amount of material available to be used.

    • Dukeofurl 7.1

      Thats missing the main point – if politicians appear on on any other medium , then to re use that material requires the consent of the broadcaster and a release from the person appearing. I think passing on to third parties wouldnt be within the current system either

  8. Drowsy M. Kram 8

    I would prefer that live broadcasting of NZ parliamentary sessions be retained – ending these broadcasts would play into the National party's hands/plans, imho.

    "Below is a list of [90] countries that have made live parliament sessions available to the citizens via television, radio and web-streaming. (Some unlisted countries might have TV stations that broadcast its sessions but unable to verify because their websites are down.)"
    https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2018/01/23/how-many-countries-broadcast-their-parliamentary-assembly-sessions-live/

    The NZ link is at #91 on that list, but four listed countries apparently provide audio-only services, so we’re not quite at the end.

    "No matter the venue, what is critical is that parliaments see the broadcast of its work as a positive step in allowing a more open relationship between the institution and the citizens they represent."
    https://agora-parl.org/resources/aoe/broadcasting-parliament

  9. Sacha 9

    National's ethical vacuum will not be fixed by withdrawing some fodder.

  10. mac1 10

    Mr reading of this is an opposition who agreed one set of rules whilst in power and are now out of power, intolerant of that fact, and very short of ammunition to fire at the government.

    The rules do not suit them in opposition, as they want to continue their well-funded dirty tricks campaigns.

    A cartoon shows that the opposition had finally found an an issue to protest about. Not lethal arms, not global warming, not hate speech, but "Freedom for Attack Ads" .

    Says it all. An opposition bereft of everything but money.

  11. soddenleaf 11

    I think the first poster hit the nail on the head, Brownlee.

    You're going into the election, you can do away with all tv parliament censorship… …or lineup a dirty politics emotional attack line for yourself should you lose the election. So Bridges, Brownlee, argue FOR the censorship they now rail against.

    Brownlee wants to be known as something other than minister for earthquake recovery in chch. you know where the minister oversaw homeowners being cut and pasted out of hundreds if thousands alledgely, and not given current court decisions.

    So national lie the issue onto the legislation in govt, to argue for putting lies into others mouths, all to grab and move the agenda along, covering both arderns overseas trip and Changing the narrative around Brown Lee who oversaw the cutting and pasting of thousands of insurance holders…

    Any free press would want his resignation. freedom fighter for free speach… wtf. These people wate our money, fighting stuff they made up, to cover their own losses of money to us, and make themselves look like the good guys.

    Sack Brownlee

  12. mary_a 12

    I am deaf, so being able to assess events through the body/face language of the politicians on TV for me and many others with the same disability is very important. Parliamentary TV is vital to being able to keep up with that's going on in Parliament without any distortion by msm.

    Having the ability to face/lip read not only the MP up on their feet holding the floor, but also the "silent under the breath" comments made by other MPs sitting in the House, can be just as interesting and revealing, as the words of the MP speaking! Believe me I have picked up on a few WOW moments in this regard!! MPs need to be more vigilant when muttering to themselves or near MPs!

  13. Stuart Munro. 13

    I don't see any particular reason Mallard should accommodate the Gnat abuse. He should name them and stop their pay till they take the offending material down. Of course they can try to change the rules through the standing orders committee, but they won't get a majority to do so anytime soon. So let them obey the rules – it would be a refreshing change for everyone.

    • lprent 13.1

      I am pretty sure that the speaker doesn't have that power to cut their pay. Somehow I don't think that the crown would have delegated that power to the speaker.

      Otherwise our current Mr Speaker would have been pretty poor many times in the past.

      • Craig H 13.1.1

        The Speaker can name MPs which effectively suspends them without pay but it's a controversial measure.

        • Jum 13.1.1.1

          FFS Let's do this!

          Why on earth should taxpayers pay for dirty politics?

          Let’s remind all our mps who owns them.

      • Stuart Munro. 13.1.2

        There is a convention that speakers are not to be deliberately disrespected, as National are doing on this occasion, without so much as the ghost of a sniff of public interest. Trevor can give them a further notice period in the interests of not being unnecessarily punitive, but should not tolerate defiance for any great length of time, given who made this rule.

  14. Ken 14

    I think it's our right to see what goes on in Parliament – even if it is mostly boring AF.

    • lprent 14.1

      Question is if it is right for National to take material provided for the purpose you are describing and without paying or getting permission to do so, to commit theft by using it for a completely different purpose? Especially when National and the two shadow ministers concerned were directly responsible for putting in the current rules to prevent exactly this. The hypocrisy is extreme.

      Incidentally I'm sure that eminem and coldplay would have things to say about National's towards intellectual thievery and copyright fraud. I can’t see a copyright notice around, which means by default there is a copyright on the material.

      Personally I don’t see much value in the TV broadcasts. There have been a few valid reasons listed above. Maybe enough to justify the millions (probably tens) of dollars required to fund this each year.

      • Ken 14.1.1

        Of course the Nats have no right to edit the footage to suit their dastardly agenda, but we should all have the right to watch what goes on in our parliament if we wish to do so.

  15. Jum 15

    I want to watch parliament – small p because nats are wankers but seem to control the media.

    If they show their lies on their own website, whatever… If they show their manufactured lies on any other site, or through mainstream media, there should be instant prosecution in the interests of fair and objective media. If Labour wants to take the moral highground, no copying.

    Parliament is important to me to show the faces and the body language of the people that make our laws or try to prevent them working on our behalf. It keeps me informed of current bills, who is talking against them. I hope Labour re-attached the impact statements to the bills – nats ‘disappeared’ them between 2008 and 2017 so nobody knew the damage they were doing. I particularly like laughing at the antics of judith collins; she’s such a jerk telling our youth their ‘little’ protest wouldn’t matter. I hope somebody advertises that near and wide. It was on the programme Sunday. What were the protest numbers again? HUGE and GENUINE. Unlike little judith collins.

  16. Radio NZ programme "The House" lays out the issues clearly:

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/the-house/audio/2018715335/irony-and-advertising-the-parliament-video-ban

    The current kerfuffle is over the rules about using the official TV footage of Parliament (Standing Orders Appendix D, part B 1 & 2). In full here is the section: […]

    The relevant bits are B1:2.1, B1:3 and B2.

    In short, you can't use Parliament TV (PTV) footage of MPs in advertising without their permission. Also, you can't edit it so that it's not fair and accurate. Either is potentially a contempt of Parliament (which is very serious).

    See also: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/the-house/audio/2018715520/punishing-contempt-what-could-happen-to-simon-bridges

    Technically, Parliament has the power to imprison Bridges for contempt. Unfortunately, the actual punishment will be much milder

  17. New view 17

    The amusing thing to me is that most of you here can’t see any value in the REAL stupidity of Parliamentary discussion but are happy to use any news article written by whatever self proclaimed expert from countless sources that may or may not be correct to backup your points of view on any subject. The comments here are chocked with backup articles which often are taken for fact when at best are the result of some study or article that people are happy to adopt when a few years down the track the opposite point of view is in fashion. I don’t watch parliament because it’s pathetic but it is real. I-don’t click on too many backup articles here because for everyone you look at there will be one with an opposing view. Who knows what is correct but we’ll use what we think proves our point. I don’t imagine I have many like minded spirits here but I don’t comment here to win a popularity poll. I don’t mean to belittle any commenters here it’s just an observation and my opinion.

  18. peterlepaysan 18

    It is long overdue that Bridges grew up, and Brownlee.

    Both know that it was National that set rules about use of parliamentary television.

    Apparently it gives them right to flout them: a la Brownlee and airport security doors.

    The arrogant, mindless self entitlement is breath taking.

  19. peterlepaysan 19

    Parliamentary television should we shut it?

    Why not?

    Who watches it?

    Who is deprived?

  20. peterlepaysan 20

    Yes, OK. I can easily agree that parliamentary TV should stay.

    I just wish politicians stop trying to manipulate it. WE, the electorate, pay for it and own it. Politicians can keep their grubby paws off my/ our property.

    Politicians are our servants and are required to respect our ownership rights.

    Politicians only have the rights we give them, not the ones they want/steal.

    • Yeah, yeah. All true. So wotcha gonna do to get better outcomes than the present? Looking at them one thinks that they have a nerve to criticise teachers for not doing better with the mixed bag of children they get before them. These are adults half of which would be hanging round the principals door if they were at school. Old-time teachers would feel an itch in their hands to reach for the cane looking at these regular recalcitrants in Parliament.

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    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    20 hours ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    1 day ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    1 day ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    1 day ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    1 day ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    1 day ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    1 day ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    1 day ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    1 day ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    1 day ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    3 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    3 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    4 days ago
  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    4 days ago
  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    5 days ago
  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
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