Refining that dog whistle

Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, January 10th, 2017 - 71 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, Andrew Little, bill english, Deep stuff, election 2017, Maori Issues, national, same old national, spin, the praiseworthy and the pitiful - Tags:

In this traditionally slow time of year any sort of news tends to make a splash.  Over the past few days we have had the ongoing saga of the Mad Butcher and the strange PR advisor who thought the best approach to minimise the damage caused by a very inappropriate comment was to make more inappropriate comments.  And Peter Dunne gained valuable media attention due to his prowess in tying bow ties.  I kid you knot.  Give that man a Ministerial Post and a free ride to a Parliamentary seat.

Yesterday there was another splash, this time about Bill English not attending Waitangi.

When he became Prime Minister I suspect a few lefties, myself included, thought back to 2002 and the abysmal, appalling campaign that was run that year and thought “yippee”.  Judging by the quality of of his recent performance I think we should revisit our optimism.  Because clearly the PR machine that was behind John Key is now behind Bill English.  Expect the PR advice to be much better than it was in 2002.

Fairfax broke the story and announced that English will not attend Waitangi Day celebrations.  There was a subsequent article by Jo Moir where she talked about a “Waitangi Day cringe“.  I suspect that this particular phrase came right out of National Party phrasing.

The Herald also used the “cringe” word and repeated the claim that English will not attend because he had been denied speaking rights.

So what actually happened?  Stuff helpfully put up the correspondence between the Prime Minister’s office and the organising committee and the documents themselves paint a rather different picture.  And before questions are asked about what other communications there were the letter from Ngatai Kawa Taituha specified that to avoid any confusion communications should occur directly with him as in previous years multiple communications had caused some confusion.

And was English banned from speaking?  The email from Taituha contains this paragraph:

Nope.  Does not look like a ban to me.  Looks like the organising committee wanted to have a formal powhiri and then offer English “a stage and forum for the Prime Minister to engage with Ngapuhi, address the Nation and talk politics freely and uninhibited, if he so wishes”.

But when you read English’s letter clearly he wanted to speak AT THE POWHIRI, not after.

But I think there is a compelling logic for what was proposed by the Committee.

A powhiri is the formal occasion where visitors are welcomed onto the Marae and following a formalized ceremony the welcome is complete.  Feel free to correct my very bland generalized description of a Powhiri.  I have attended a number and have always found them very moving and very traditional and after they have been concluded I have felt very welcome.

I have never felt the urge to get up and give a political speech at one.  It just seemed to be a very inappropriate thing to do.

I tried to think of a European equivalent.  If you are invited to a Catholic funeral do you think it appropriate to question why you have not been allowed to talk during the middle of the service? Or do you think it might be best to wait until after the formal part of the ceremony is finished and then give a speech at a time that the organizers offered to you?

And when Iwi travel to Parliament to celebrate treaty settlements whereby their legitimate claims are compensated by cents in the dollar they are expected to comply with Parliament’s rules.

English clearly thought differently, or thought that enough of the electorate would think differently for it to be worthwhile to dig his heels in and refuse to even discuss the timing of his speech.  But given past concerns with security the committee’s wish to handle things so that security threats are minimised is not an unusual stance to take.

But when you read the Committee’s letter English’s claim that he was prevented from speaking is, ahem, not correct.  The Marae Organising Committee was willing to provide an opportunity immediately after the Powhiri for him to talk about what he wanted.  He could have waited until the formalities were over.

What is really sad about this is that a group of Ngapuhi volunteers who are doing their best to organize one of the most important events in the political calendar have been held up to ridicule in talk back radio land for political purposes.

I spent part of the afternoon listening to talk back radio to assess the effects of the news.  Everyone had bought into the line that uppity Northern Maori were stopping English from talking.  And the framing had taken hold.

It is no wonder that we cannot have a proper discussion about the Treaty of Waitangi and its part in our country’s future.  Some parties are far too busy scoring political points.

I would suggest to Andrew Little that he should volunteer to take English’s vacant speaking slot and talk about New Zealand and what wonderful about it, what is going wrong and what needs to change.  See then if English’s refusal continues.

There has to be a better way.  Playing games with well intentioned volunteers for political points should not be something that any responsible Government does.  Ever.

Final words should go to mauī.  Hope the media reads them.

So because English can’t go all William Hobson and talk right through the pōwhiri he’s packing a sad. Fu.. maybe someone should say to him its not supposed to be a reenactment.

71 comments on “Refining that dog whistle ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. simbit 1
    10 January 2017 at 8:52 am

    k/o
    You can be ‘political’ at a powhiri, hell its Te Tii marae. But the expectation is you would speak in te reo as its a powhiri (not a mihi whakatau).

    The new PM misrepresented the situation.

    Key response will be from Maori Party…

  2. veutoviper 2
    10 January 2017 at 9:00 am

    Nope. Does not look like a ban to me. Looks like the organising committee wanted to have a formal powhiri and then offer English “a stage and forum for the Prime Minister to engage with Ngapuhi, address the Nation and talk politics freely and inhibited, if he so wishes”.

    MS – Pedant Alert

    You might want to correct the ‘inhibited’ in the last line above of this extract from your post to ‘uninhibited’ as per the letter.

    Cheers

    [Cheers VV. Rather major change! Have corrected – MS]

  3. One Anonymous Bloke 3
    10 January 2017 at 9:10 am

    I wonder what yesterday’s shameful roll-call of apologists will come up with to excuse their stupid gullible acceptance of the lies their leader tells.

    “Don’t blame me, I’m just a lickspittle.”

    “I’ve told myself so many lies I can no longer tell the difference.”

    “What wrong with being a white supremacist anyway?”

    I’m picking the third one.

    • james 3.1
      10 January 2017 at 9:14 am

      See thats where the quality of debate on here goes to pot – comments inferring people are racist and white supremacist simply because of their views on something like Waitangi day.

      Fact is people can have views for a wide range of reasons – does not mean that they are racist – or taking it to the extreme race supremacist.

      It just makes you look like an idiot. Try re-reading your post from someone on “the outside” of this community here on the Standard and see how it looks (Hint:not good).

      Why not try raising your game.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1.1
        10 January 2017 at 9:22 am

        You think white supremacist views form no part of right wing attitudes to Waitangi day and te tiriti? You don’t think recent events in Europe and the USA have emboldened white supremacists in any way?

        I’m sure there might be some other reasons why the National Party plays the race card. Perhaps you can suggest some.

        In the meantime, my question is, what do you non-racist, human-rights-respecting right wingers tell yourselves when your leader turns out to have played you for fools?

        “Why am I not allowed at Cabinet Club any more?”

        • james 3.1.1.1
          10 January 2017 at 10:27 am

          “You think white supremacist views form no part of right wing attitudes to Waitangi day and te tiriti? ”

          No – not really. The number of true white supremacist in NZ I would believe is barely a handfull – yet – you post it as any one supporting English is one.

          Which is my point.

          • weka 3.1.1.1.1
            10 January 2017 at 10:31 am

            The dominant culture is one of white supremacy. You have a pretty old fashioned idea about what white supremacy is. See my comment below, it’s not about the KKK.

            • weka 3.1.1.1.1.1
              10 January 2017 at 10:36 am

              Have a look at this. It’s a US context, but much is translatable,

              Conservatives and progressive often use the phrase “white supremacy” in divergent ways. Conservatives use the phrase in the service of a dishonest “colorblind” agenda, evoking extreme images of KKK members and Nazis as the exclusive and only examples of white racism in American life and politics. Conservatives use extreme caricatures of white supremacy in order to deflect and protect themselves from charges that the contemporary Republican Party is a white identity organization fueled by white racial resentment.

              Liberals, progressives and anti-racists use the phrase “white supremacy” to describe the overt and subtle racist practices of movement conservatism in the post-Civil Rights era, and how American society is still structured around maintaining and protecting white privilege.

              …

              4. In the most basic sense, white supremacy is a philosophical, material, ethical, economic, scientific, religious, and political system that works to maintain the dominant and relative superior group position of those identified as “white” (and their allies) over those marked as “non-white.”

              Thus, white supremacy is the philosophical and systemic umbrella for white racism.

              http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/10-things-everyone-should-know-about-white-supremacy

              And this for OAB and myself,

              This analysis is largely correct: however, it often conflates concepts such as racism, white privilege, and white supremacy with one another. Language does political work.

              In the age of Obama, the phrase “white supremacy” is often used in political discussions like an imprecise shotgun blast or a blockbuster bomb. If the Common Good and American democracy are to be protected—countering how the right wing has used the politics of white racial resentment, racial manipulation, and hate to mobilize its voters in support of a plutocratic agenda—a more precise weapon is needed. A necessary first step in that direction requires the development of a more detailed and transparent exploration of the concept known as “white supremacy.”

          • mickysavage 3.1.1.1.2
            10 January 2017 at 10:35 am

            So do you think that English engaged in a bit of race baiting for political purposes and if so what do you think about it?

            • Jenny Kirk 3.1.1.1.2.1
              10 January 2017 at 10:53 am

              Totally agree with you mickysavage @ 3.1 – and I applaud your attempt to show what actually happens at a powhiri.

              The English response is blatantly political – designed to get him on the front page before he skips off overseas – and, as you say, a real put-down of hard-working volunteers at Te Tii Marae who expend a huge amount of time and energy in trying to make the welcoming day a special occasion for everyone.

              At the very least, English should have the decency and manners to know this, and respond in a polite and correct manner. But No – Waitangi is an excuse for the Nats to ramp up NZers’ inherent racism yet again. An appalling display of non-leadership.

            • simbit 3.1.1.1.2.2
              10 January 2017 at 12:38 pm

              1. Yes.
              2. It sucks.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1.1.1.3
            10 January 2017 at 10:52 am

            What Weka said.

            When right wingers talk about “we are all New Zealanders”, or get upset about treaty principles, or claim there is such a thing as “Māori privilege”, you are promoting white supremacy.

            I can see the phrase makes you uncomfortable. I can’t see why your behaviour doesn’t.

      • framu 3.1.2
        10 January 2017 at 9:38 am

        Calling people racist probably helps just as much as the PM engaging in racist dog whistling in the lead up to our national day for party political purposes.
        Its been proven that English has been misrepresenting the situation to a major degree and as OAB points out – playing the country for fools.

        so who has more reach? more influence? – some people on a blog or the PM via the MSM?

        What feels worse to you?

      • weka 3.1.3
        10 January 2017 at 10:28 am

        While I probably agree with you about the inflammatory and unhelpful nature of OAB’s comment, I think that using the terms racism and white supremacism are appropriate. It’s time that Pākehā stopped thinking it’s the end of the world to be associated with those terms. We live in a racist country, and demonstrably one that has had a white supremacy agenda and in many important way still does despite the progress made. Why not be honest about that and figure out what to change?

        White supremacy doesn’t mean the KKK. We don’t need the KKK in NZ because we have more subtle ways of enforcing white as the norm. It simply refers to the fact that people have rights in this country so long as they conform to the dominant culture and allow that dominant culture to be supreme. And that dominant culture is European-derived (i.e. ‘white’).

        Fortunately for NZ we Te Tiriti, so it’s pretty easy to point to the huge problem with the idea that we should all be ok with the dominant culture reigning supreme.

        I also appreciate your point about how OAB’s comment looks to those outside the regular commentariat, but on the other hand, this shit that National just pulled is yet another variation of deliberate and sophisticated racism that has been going on for a long time. Some of us have had enough, which is why I use the term white supremacy. Time to wake the fuck up and choose which side you are on.

    • R Brownlee 3.2
      12 January 2017 at 2:59 pm

      Oh so because I dislike the PM being gagged I must be a National voter?

  4. BM 4
    10 January 2017 at 9:11 am

    During the powhiri do the Ngapuhi speakers get to talk politics with Bill English if they want?

    • framu 4.1
      10 January 2017 at 9:30 am

      from my reading of the released emails, Ngapuhi looked like they were trying to separate the political from the ceremonial

      Given the history re: waitangi, this seems like a good move.

      • BM 4.1.1
        10 January 2017 at 9:52 am

        Shame they didn’t make that a bit clearer in the correspondence.

        If they said there will be no political talk from both sides and all discussion will happen afterwards then I don’t think Bill English would have had a problem in turning up.

        As it currently stands all the speakers could all take turns to attack Bill English and he’d have no right of reply.

        • mickysavage 4.1.1.1
          10 January 2017 at 10:16 am

          English’s office should have cleared that up with the organising committee. Would have been easy to do and they still have four weeks to sort this kind of thing out.

          Unless the intent was to manufacture a redneck backlash for political purposes.

        • Gabby 4.1.1.2
          10 January 2017 at 10:31 am

          If it’s all in Maori he’s not going to be too bovvered is he?

        • framu 4.1.1.3
          10 January 2017 at 3:41 pm

          what do you think “provide a platform for the PM to engage with Ngapuhi” means?

    • mauī 4.2
      10 January 2017 at 9:52 am

      I never would have picked you to slight Māori culture…

      • In Vino 4.2.1
        10 January 2017 at 8:11 pm

        You must have clicked on a wrong button because it looks like you are replying to framu at 4.1. Who is your comment directed at?

    • You_Fool 4.3
      10 January 2017 at 10:38 am

      My understanding from all this is that the powhiri is a formal rigid structure and all speaking is done in Te Reo and there is certain forms the speeches should follow; and politics or grievances are not the way of such speeches, but are of welcome and greeting. My thought is that the letter should have specified that as leader English could speak during the powhiri, but he should make the formal required speeches in Te Reo or that he could nominate the official government Maori Representative to make these formal speeches on behalf of the parliament, however I am but an ignorant pakeha so I may be missing some important protocol issues

  5. Wainwright 5
    10 January 2017 at 9:18 am

    Great opportunity for Labour to use their close ties in the Maori seats to emphasise they’re a party for all New Zealand not just narrowminded Pakeha.

  6. Carolyn_nth 6
    10 January 2017 at 9:41 am

    An NZ Herald editorial comes out in favour of Bill English attending Waitangi this year.

    He could have quietly agreed to the marae’s request. A powhiri is a welcoming ceremony and an occasion for speeches of greeting and good will. There is plenty a prime minister can usefully say in the spirit of the powhiri – about Waitangi and the nation it founded – without descending to the usual arguments of politics.

    To get to the powhiri, prime ministers and their attendants usually have to walk through a protest on the road outside the marae. Key was jostled as he walked to the gate with Sir Pita Sharples the first time he went there as Prime Minister but he declared it would not deter him from returning. The incidents outside the gate are all the public can see and remember of Waitangi Day each year, though they happen the day before.

    Every prime minister faces the challenge of finding a way to move our attention from a small, poorly-led marae by ensuring something impressive can happen on the Treaty ground where history speaks and all should listen. This prime minister should at least make an attempt.

    That last paragraph includes an unnecessary slap at the Te Tii Marae – dismissively diminishing the importance of the marae – a kind of dog whistle there, too.

    • JanM 6.1
      10 January 2017 at 10:31 am

      Agree about the dismissive attitude to the marae – not my experience at all in the few times I’ve been there. I wonder if the writer has ever been there or if they are just being patronising?

      • tc 6.1.1
        10 January 2017 at 10:39 am

        Its the herald which is a.k.a. the national party press release advertorial.

        Blinglush will be doing as told and CT will be praying the electorate stays asleep so they can blag another election using every trick possible.

  7. Ad 7
    10 January 2017 at 10:45 am

    Great forensics there Mickey.

    Also good to see the political year start and Labour get back to work.

  8. fisiani 8
    10 January 2017 at 10:49 am

    Seems a general consensus from the sensible people in NZ that Bill English does not want to be ritually abused at Te Tii marae as so many previous PM’s have been but will attend and speak at Waitangi and so will be PM for the nation. Smart move by Bill English.

    • Jenny Kirk 8.1
      10 January 2017 at 10:57 am

      Nope – English is not attending and speaking at Waitangi or being PM for the nation, fisiani. He’s meeting privately with the chosen few – iwi leaders – a couple of days beforehand, and this will not be public. Not a smart move. Just a lack of good leadership.

    • Sacha 8.2
      10 January 2017 at 11:04 am

      Crikey. Look who agrees with you about what being the ‘PM for the nation’ means:
      http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/322077/pm's-waitangi-day-remarks-'disappointing'-maori-party

      Labour Party leader Andrew Little said it was the one event the Prime Minister should attend. Pulling out of the powhiri and the dawn service was a failure of leadership, Mr Little said.

      “He ought to have speaking rights where ever he goes – he is the Prime Minister, he is the leader of the nation. He should back himself and his ability, once he gets onto the marae and powhiri’s onto it, to get up and speak.

      “He should then be clearly available for what happens on the sixth of February cause that’s where the real leadership is required and where he needs to lead the nation.”

      Mr English has said he will spend Waitangi Day in Auckland.

      • BM 8.2.1
        10 January 2017 at 11:14 am

        Is Little telling English he should just ignore Maori protocol and just get up and speak anyway?

        Rather surprising attitude from a labour party leader, do you think he’s chasing the redneck vote?

        • Sacha 8.2.1.1
          10 January 2017 at 11:18 am

          “once he gets onto the marae and powhiri’s onto it”

          Who knows what that garbled fragment means.

        • Wainwright 8.2.1.2
          10 January 2017 at 1:26 pm

          Honestly why is BM’s blatant, deliberate trolling tolerated around here? Doesn’t seem to add much.

          • McGrath 8.2.1.2.1
            10 January 2017 at 2:46 pm

            BM raised a good point. Is Andrew Little saying that the PM should override protocol regardless?

            • Wainwright 8.2.1.2.1.1
              10 January 2017 at 3:13 pm

              Of course not. He refers to going to the marae and having a powhiri. Stop defending obvious trolling.

              [ As I’ve already pointed out here, you need to go and respond to the comment you made the other day. Until a response comes from you on that, you’ll stay in moderation – this being the last comment you make that you’ll see appear on-site.] – Bill

    • Red 8.3
      10 January 2017 at 11:46 am

      Yep smart move, its s circus every year, protest central for every nutty cause and activist, why bother, don’t give them a stage

      • One Anonymous Bloke 8.3.1
        10 January 2017 at 11:54 am

        🙄

        No stage at all to see here. No editorials or news reports either. The performance will now last (thanks to Bill English) until Waitangi Day.

        All this so you don’t have to see brown people on tv.

      • framu 8.3.2
        10 January 2017 at 3:45 pm

        “protest central for every nutty cause and activist, ”

        except its not – your thinking of what you see in the press.

    • garibaldi 8.4
      10 January 2017 at 2:42 pm

      Fisiani, an old aunt of mine once said “I”m not racist, I just don’t like Maoris”.
      This still seems to be the attitude of most Pakeha.
      It is an absolute travesty the way we (Pakeha) have dealt to Maori over the years and our meagre attempts to right the wrongs we have done are but a drop in the ocean.
      And our overt and covert racism is as alive and active as it has ever been in the crass ignorance of the majority of Pakeha.

  9. fisiani 9
    10 January 2017 at 11:17 am

    Bill English will be the PM for the people and will not allow himself to be the victim of the racist Harawiras et al pathetic attempt to get on the 6 o clock news. Te Tii Marae has once again been shown to be a place that is just an arrogant embarrassment.

    • Nick 9.1
      10 January 2017 at 11:39 am

      He’s a natz lifer, so I don’t expect any other actions other than what’s best for him and who he thinks will vote for him. Simply apply this to every single situation…… Expect nothing more…. Because it won’t happen….. No leopard changing his spots expectations from me.

    • mlpc 9.2
      10 January 2017 at 12:01 pm

      I agree that BE will be the PM for the people.
      Reading the readers’ comments on Stuff, it is clear that the PM has overwhelming public support on this issue.
      It’s also clear that most Kiwis, not just many, cringe when they contemplate the goings-on at Waitangi.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 9.2.1
        10 January 2017 at 12:11 pm

        Thank you for labouring the point: Bill English is playing to his white supremacist base, and you’re applauding him.

        • mlpc 9.2.1.1
          10 January 2017 at 12:51 pm

          I’m happy for you to delude yourself by thinking that BE appeals only to white supremacists.

          • garibaldi 9.2.1.1.1
            10 January 2017 at 2:45 pm

            mlpc, please see my comment about people like you above.

          • mickysavage 9.2.1.1.2
            10 January 2017 at 5:40 pm

            Hey MLPC given the contents of the post do you still think that English was refused speaking rights?

            • mlpc 9.2.1.1.2.1
              10 January 2017 at 6:45 pm

              I didn’t say that, did I?

              It’s still correct that many Kiwis cringe when they think about what happens at Waitangi.

              • mickysavage …
                10 January 2017 at 6:49 pm

                No but you have studiously avoided the question. I will repeat it.

                Given the contents of the post do you still think that English was refused speaking rights?

      • Anno1701 9.2.2
        10 January 2017 at 12:19 pm

        “the readers’ comments on Stuff,”

        yes Stuff, that bastion of intelligent discourse !

        • mlpc 9.2.2.1
          10 January 2017 at 12:49 pm

          No one is claiming that Stuff is the bastion of intelligent discourse.
          But it’s more reflective of public opinion than The Standard, isn’t it?

          • Ad 9.2.2.1.1
            10 January 2017 at 12:59 pm

            What’s the comparative readership to make that claim?

            • mlpc 9.2.2.1.1.1
              10 January 2017 at 1:18 pm

              On the basis of a quick search, Stuff had approx 1.5 million unique readers per month in 2014 (Nielsen).
              By comparison, The Standard had approx 160,000 visits per month (Open Parachute).
              But given that many (most?) visits to The Standard will not be unique, it probable that Stuff has x100 or more times the readership.

  10. corokia 10
    10 January 2017 at 1:17 pm

    Excellent point Micky in making the comparison with a Catholic funeral.

  11. Ant 11
    10 January 2017 at 1:49 pm

    So the impression garnered is that Maori are intractable and we have a “strong prime minister” not willing to be dictated to.

    Getting used to the new mode of political spin (speed dissemination of false news) comprehensively detailed by Glenn Greenwald. Outrageous falsities published as MSM headlines reach millions via the full range of SM. A few days later third page apologies/corrections of two lines in the paper are barely noticed and gain negligible traction. Meantime the post-truth meme becomes established in the minds and hearts of the masses, aided and abetted by the “bubble” effect of search engines which selectively deliver to readers confirmation of their established predilections.

    What can be done?

    • s y d 11.1
      10 January 2017 at 2:11 pm

      you need the ‘shock’ response, to the obvious falsehood.
      The calling it out as bullshit – in those kind of words.
      Cut the crap and all that…..

  12. seeker 12
    10 January 2017 at 2:51 pm

    Peter Leitch (at least he apologised), Michelle Boag and now Bill English have all made me “cringe” over the last few days.

  13. Tanz 13
    10 January 2017 at 8:06 pm

    Good on him for having some backbone. The Waitangi Day celebrations have been hijacked by the activists anyway, making it all a joke. Revert to New Zealand Day and try showing some respect to the leader of the country. The document had two signatories of course, not just the one. More backbone than Key ever had, he us by far a stronger leader.

    • lprent 13.1
      10 January 2017 at 8:35 pm

      OMG. Tanz has a new HEROOOO!

      Boring. It seems to happen each time National or the Conservatives or even Act changes leader.

    • framu 13.2
      11 January 2017 at 9:22 am

      “Good on him for having some backbone”

      deliberately misrepresenting a situation to score political points off the back of peoples ignorance of waitangi day and marae protocol isnt “backbone”

      its playing people for fools

  14. Tanz 14
    10 January 2017 at 9:03 pm

    He is ok. I always thought that. Much better and stauncher then slippery Key.
    More like a Clark or a Thatcher. Yay for Mr English!!! Made my year!!

  15. Tanz 15
    10 January 2017 at 9:07 pm

    Oh, and yay for the Conservatives. May they win a seat or two this year.

  16. Brutus Iscariot 16
    11 January 2017 at 1:09 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11780428

    “A Ngapuhi elder says he wants to apologise to Prime Minister Bill English for calling him a “spoilt child” for not attending Waitangi – saying he now backs English’s decision to stay away.

    Kingi Taurua said since making his criticism of English he had seen a letter that was sent to the Prime Minister’s office by the Waitangi Marae Organising Committee.

    That stated that during the pre-Waitangi Day powhiri it was preferred that English’s “Maori representatives” speak on his behalf. After the powhiri there would be another event where English and others could freely talk, including about political issues.

    Taurua told the Herald that he had mistakenly believed that English had only been told he could not talk politics during the powhiri.

    He now felt he had “egg on my face” after he called on English not to be “a spoilt child and run away”, and wanted to meet the Prime Minister on his return from an official visit to Europe to offer an apology.

    “I wouldn’t go either. If I got that letter, telling me not to speak and to get somebody else to speak on my behalf, I wouldn’t go anywhere near the place.”

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    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    18 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    19 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    19 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    21 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 day ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    2 days ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, 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?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
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