Reflections of a retired blogger

Written By: - Date published: 4:34 pm, October 23rd, 2017 - 67 comments
Categories: blogs, The Standard - Tags: , , ,

Time for me to step down as a writer here. I’ve been doing it too long, and through some pretty bleak times. But now we have a new government, and that should bring a new wave of energy and engagement. It’s good time to make room for new writers to step up, with new ideas about the direction of this blog.

What follows is just a ramble on various topics in no particular order. Proceed at your own risk, or not.

I’m pleased that we have changed the government. But I’m probably more worried than I am pleased. Not just about the clusterfuck mess that National is leaving behind, but also about what the nature of the win says about this country. We should have won in a landslide in 2014, because dirty politics should not be acceptable to this country in any form. The fact that the Nats took that election, and maintained a highish level of popularity to the very end, does not speak well of our political health. It is clear that New Zealand has a moderate dose of what we are seeing in America with Trump, a political world where facts matter far less than spin and unquestioning allegiance to predetermined views. It’s a dangerous path.

There’s a lot of truth to the saying that oppositions don’t win elections, governments lose them. It amuses me how actively the Nats lost this one by fighting an FPP campaign. Karma. If there was any rationality to politics National’s history of dirty politics and lies would see them out of power for a generation, but as above, there is no rationality to politics.

Dealing with the National opposition is not going to be easy, but there are a few things to bear in mind and keep repeating. They did a poor job with the economy, and a disastrous job with housing, poverty, health, education and the environment (documented here). They are sore losers who don’t understand MMP, want to argue with the ref, and have no mates. National will get wins from opposition, but that’s fine, the left had wins from opposition too. It’s the beauty of MMP. Don’t worry about it, and don’t let it divide the coalition government.

Is there a coming digital war? Probably. But I don’t think it will be as bad as some people say. The dirty politics blogs have had their day. Everyone now knows how they operate, and they don’t have anything like the influence that they had 5 years ago, especially with the media. They will keep spewing of course, and one thing authors here could do is regularly highlight their shit.

The systemic bias inherent in the right-wing ownership and centralisation of the media is a much bigger problem. It’s not completely unbalanced, but underlying everything is a set of assumptions and a perpetuation of myths that results in a constant screwing of the scrum in favour of the Nats. This reaches its worst in the dominance of idiot demagogues like Mike Hosking, and the repeated use of dirty politics actors like Farrar and Hooton as “commentators”. Let’s be honest about what they are – propagandists.

When it comes to regular journalists though, and I know I’m guilty of this myself, venting about them does very little good. The bad ones only get shirty, and they have a much bigger megaphone than us. The good ones are very good, and it must be frustrating for them to see their whole field (the “MSM”) continually attacked. Dear lefties, please try and make friends with journalists.

Anyway, the biggest problem in terms of political spin and public opinion is not the media, it is the weaponisation of social media. Profiling, AI methods, micro-targeted advertising, the propagation of fake news. If you haven’t heard of Cambridge Analytica you have no idea of how expertly you are being handled. If you are active on Facebook you are a product. Apart from the left trying to fight fire with fire I have no idea what to do about this. Is the politics of the future not so much a battle of ideas as it is a battle of algorithms? Depressing.

I haven’t written much about immigration and racism because I find it a difficult topic. I love immigration, I love diversity, I love travel and the rich tapestry of the exchange of culture and ideas. At the risk of sounding like Don Brash, my wife and kids don’t use a lot of sunblock, and I’ve helped family members from far away to NZ. But we do now have a problem. It isn’t the fault of immigrants, it’s the fault of politicians, a failure to plan, a failure to build infrastructure. It’s OK to point that out, and in my opinion it’s OK to put a slowdown on immigration until it’s sorted (immigration from England or Australia or anywhere). Some of the over-zealous lefties who insist on attacking this proposal as racism annoy me almost as much as overt racists. Too often it’s a privileged and self-gratifying exercise that ignores the fact that the burden of our stuffed housing and infrastructure falls mainly on the poor. Mainly in fact on Maori / Pacific Islanders. Racism of a different kind. We need to take care of the people already in this country (whether they arrived last week or generations ago) before we can sustain high levels of immigration again. Boy am I going to get in to trouble for writing this. So it goes.

In any case, sometimes it all feels like arguing about the proverbial deckchairs on the Titanic. Climate change is here. Huge challenges are coming. In fifty years the world is going be a very very different place from what it is today.

Back to the present. Politics. Philosophically I’m much more Green than Labour, but as a matter of historical accident I’m a member of the Labour Party. (I really don’t think it matters what party you support, as long as its heading in generally the constructive direction – left.) Labour, you don’t need my advice, here are some of the things you know already. You have in front of you huge opportunity and also huge risk. Jacinda Arden is your greatest asset, just let her be herself (don’t get flustered when she makes mistakes). Own up to your mistakes and fix them. Ministers must be accountable and must be seen to be accountable. Stick to the high road, leave dirty politics to the Nats. You will be very busy in government, but as a party you need to look at what went wrong in Auckland. Build relationships with immigrant communities. It’s going to be a hugely tough sell given your immigration policy, but you can’t afford to cede those communities to the Nats, so put the bloody work in. Don’t forget your impossibly huge responsibility to the Maori electorate who have given you their trust. Good luck!

Blogging has been interesting. My first comment here (12 Sept 2007) was a suggestion for a post – it seems I was doomed from the start. Against my better judgement I started submitting guest posts. My first post under my own login (4 September 2009) was Why blog?. I did around 600 posts as r0b, then 1890 after coming out as Anthony R0bins. Several hundred more as many of the Notices and Features and the like. That’s a lot of posts, too many. It was driven by a certain affinity for lost causes – loved this book in my formative years. I’m an accidental blogger – not a real one like the Farrar’s or Bradbury’s or (bless him) the George’s of the world.

Politics is a rough game. The other team plays dirty, which is understandable because it gets results. It’s very very tempting to give in to the dark side and use similar tactics of spin, lies and dogwhistles. I’d like to hope that I (none of the writers here) ever did or will. But I must admit I personally got closer than I would have liked, crossing the line into spin at times. Not proud of that, but it’s very damn frustrating to try and fight fire armed with nothing more than a combustable volume on moral philosophy. We need a better, more mature kind of politics, but I can’t see how to get there from here. I’ll go away and think about it for a bit. Best wishes to you all…

My thanks to to Lprent and The Standard Trust, fellow writers past and present, and the wonderful active commenting community here! The writers here are fantastic, and it’s been a privilege to work with them/you all, but they could use some reinforcements.

If ever there was a time to get active politically it is now. If ever you have thought about submitting guest posts or trying out as a writer here, do it now. The political right are going to go nuts in opposition, and we need fresh new hands on deck.

See you in comments sometimes.

67 comments on “Reflections of a retired blogger ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Ant 1
    23 October 2017 at 4:47 pm

    Great sketch, steeped in wisdom.
    Agreed, when the Nats last came to power the populous got the government it deserved, – blatantly ignoring dirty politics and hugely funded spin.
    Thanks for your tireless work.

  2. marty mars 2
    23 October 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Anthony I wish you all the best for the future. I can’t think of a post from you that I didn’t enjoy – i especially liked the way you kept putting poverty and inequality back to front of mind with your posts. You have made an outstanding contribution to the left and this country – thank you so much for this mahi. I’m going to miss you mate. Arohanui e hoa.

  3. mickysavage 3
    23 October 2017 at 4:54 pm

    Bugger …

  4. Allan 4
    23 October 2017 at 5:00 pm

    Your observations were always very good to read. I suspect there will be quite a few people, having spent the last nine years banging their heads against the wall before finally seeing the result of their efforts, who will be pondering on their future.

    Hopefully the incoming government lives up to its promises, otherwise we all may have to resume activism to hold them to account.

    Many thanks for your writings.

  5. gsays 5
    23 October 2017 at 5:10 pm

    Cheers Anthony, I too have enjoyed your contributions.
    Good luck in your future endeavours.

  6. McFlock 6
    23 October 2017 at 5:21 pm

    Thanks for the great reading – always a commenter and author I’d stop to read. Onward and upward 🙂

    • Anne 6.1
      23 October 2017 at 6:00 pm

      Me too.
      It was the common sense stuff that always caught my attention. Readable, reasonable and clear in its intent. You will be sorely missed Anthony Robins.

  7. Carolyn_nth 7
    23 October 2017 at 5:22 pm

    All the best r0b. You have served us andthe left exceedingly well.

  8. Incognito 8
    23 October 2017 at 5:35 pm

    We need a better, more mature kind of politics, but I can’t see how to get there from here.

    Darn! If you don’t know, who does? [rhetorical]

    I’ll go away and think about it for a bit.

    Please do; we all need it! [sincere]

    You have my thanks and deepest respect for everything. Frankly, I have no idea where you find the time & energy and how you manage the quality & volume of your writings. [gratitude & respect]

  9. ropata 9
    23 October 2017 at 5:42 pm

    Kia Ora Matua. Enjoy your well earned break.

  10. Dv 10
    23 October 2017 at 5:43 pm

    Thank you rob

  11. David Craig 11
    23 October 2017 at 5:49 pm

    Cheers to you Anthony: your reflections above are rather fine, and yes confirm all the traits of your clever, clear, (almost entirely truthful!), committed blogging over years. I’ve loved seeing your posts, again and again, and have never failed to be at least slightly/ pleasantly surprised and impressed by them.
    You seem to know what to do with actual serious facts, how to put them up economically and effectively, and how to prop them up against the door when fake and nasty bullshit are trying to break it down. I like it too that increasingly, it seems, you have called shit what it is, in some of the most clear and direct ways I’ve seen in media. In this , and in all of the above, you remind me more than a little of Paul Krugman in the NYT….
    I’ll let that comparison weigh with you a little, while I in fact find myself wiping a small tear away here!
    Much love: and please do surprise us again (and again), with some more of that, when you get a moment!

  12. greywarshark 12
    23 October 2017 at 6:30 pm

    Hei kona ra. Kia waimarie Anthony.
    Please drop in a sentence FTTT so we know you’re still around.
    You have been invaluable. We should be picking up the baton and running with it,
    but watch our progress like Lydiard or Snell, and you will definitely be appreciated.

  13. bwaghorn 13
    23 October 2017 at 6:32 pm

    giving up is easier said than done , cheers for all you good reads.

  14. r0b 14
    23 October 2017 at 6:41 pm

    Thank you, kia ora, thank you all, you are far too kind.

    My thanks to to Lprent and The Standard Trust, fellow writers past and present, and the wonderful active commenting community here!

    I’m sorry to stepping down from writing, but I will still be about a bit…

    • mickysavage 14.1
      23 October 2017 at 6:50 pm

      You do understand that you are welcome back any time, in fact it is expected that you will return …

      • r0b 14.1.1
        23 October 2017 at 7:13 pm

        Cheers MS. Never say never I suppose, but certainly in the foreseeable 6 months I am utterly buried in a big project at work, and beyond that things may also be complicated for quite a while. Safest to think of it as a clean break.

    • Mike Smith 14.2
      24 October 2017 at 3:00 pm

      Thanks so much r0b for so much wisdom and insightful comment over so many years. You have been absolutely crucial to setting and maintaining the Standard’s standards. Very best wishes for whatever comes next

  15. Ad 15
    23 October 2017 at 6:57 pm

    I kinda wondered the motive behind the grand collection of links. A cache to sustain the comrades, I presume.

    I presume also you are being gainfully redirected in a manner that precludes you from public statements. You know you can always backchannel a good leak here!

    We don’t need to love lost causes. We need only a conscience for the loseability of the world. I suspect that this, rather than standard left melancholy, is what you have.

    I have appreciated what you have done, and you are reliably loyal to the broad cause.

    I get the clear impression that you are good, and work for the good.

    Keep doing it.

  16. rhinocrates 16
    23 October 2017 at 7:01 pm

    Thank you!

  17. riffer 17
    23 October 2017 at 7:07 pm

    Always enjoyed your input Anthony. All the best for whatever the future holds for you.

    • garibaldi 17.1
      23 October 2017 at 7:12 pm

      Ditto to all the above Anthony. Thanks for all your contributions and the integrity which you have always displayed by the bucketful.

  19. lurgee 19
    23 October 2017 at 7:16 pm

    You were one of the saner and more thoughtful voices here, Anthony. You will be missed. If only for honest comments like:

    It is clear that New Zealand has a moderate dose of what we are seeing in America with Trump, a political world where facts matter far less than spin and unquestioning allegiance to predetermined views. It’s a dangerous path.

    Unfortunately, a lot of people on the left don’t get that 2017 has been a lucky fluke for us with the Greens shedding enough support to Labour to make them look credible as a governing party, and Winston deciding he’d go left.

    New Zealand is not a left wing country that mysteriously elects right wing governments. It’s pretty strongly right wing. The sooner people accept that, accept the ‘missing million’ arent going to roll into the polling booths, and realise the best way to keep National out of power and deliver some left wing policies is to colonise the centre ground, the better.

    • BM 19.1
      23 October 2017 at 7:45 pm

      I do wonder if Peters legacy is to try and push the reset button and turn the clock back 30 years.

      If that’s the case I’m thankful National is on the sidelines and not in the blast zone.

  20. weka 20
    23 October 2017 at 7:19 pm

    Superb post r0b. Thanks for all the work. Those post numbers are impressive, but I just want to reiterate to the community just how critical you’ve been to keeping momentum going for TS for many years, particularly with such regular posts.

    I appreciate the comments about immigration policy, it’s a topic that the left need to get to grips with very soon in NZ, and I also feel a similar frustration with the polarisation on both sides.

    Good thoughts on Labour too, I hope they choose that path.

    One of the things I’m working through in the past few days is the fact that so much has changed since the last time we had a centre left govt. There will be good things in that, but at the moment I’m feeling a bit daunted by the sheer amount of shit that’s coming the left’s way because they’ve gained some power. And not just the amount of shit but the methods of attack and, if we are not careful, the starting down the path that the US has gone that polarised the country. On the upside, I think like you that there is also real opportunity here, may we make the most of that.

    Wishing you all the best. Enjoy that garden too!

  21. Macro 21
    23 October 2017 at 7:27 pm

    Am seriously going to miss your posts r0b.
    Enjoy “retirement” and the garden. Look forward to seeing you back from time to time in the commentary.
    And like all others here thank you very much for all the stirling work you have done. TS won’t be quite the same.

  22. halfcrown 22
    23 October 2017 at 7:37 pm

    You are going to be sorely missed with your writings and snippets of wisdom.
    Wish you all the best and thank you for your bits of sanity in a sometimes insane world.

  23. Pacific Princess 23
    23 October 2017 at 7:37 pm

    Thank you Anthony! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts. Perhaps some day soon I’ll strike up the courage and write a guest post 🙂 Like you say now is the time to do it!

  24. BM 24
    23 October 2017 at 7:37 pm

    That’s a shame, I’ve always enjoyed the stuff you’ve done, alway’s provocative and thoughtful but nowhere near as trolly/baity as the stuff some of the other authors do.

    Well done r0b.

  25. lprent 25
    23 October 2017 at 7:42 pm

    I’m going to miss those posts of sanity and comments of moderation.

    You have been a stalwart and consistent author for a very long time, both in the front and the back of the site. I am probably going to miss the backend even more…

    But this is a multiauthor blog and I long ago resigned myself to authors leaving when they run out of things to say, or when life removes the time to do it (Helen Kelly being the extreme instance of the latter).

    So if anyone else wants to step up to the Mike, can work on an agree to disagree basis, and can string coherent and maybe even interesting thoughts together – give a yell and probably a guest post.

    If you have your own blog and would like a larger and probably more critical audience, then we like crossposting as well.

    Just remember it is a volunteer site and time tends to be limited – including bringing people on board. But we also give a lot of freedom to affect the debate.

  26. Ovid 26
    23 October 2017 at 7:50 pm

    Thanks Anthony. I hold you in high regard.

  27. Heather Grimwood 27
    23 October 2017 at 8:04 pm

    Thank you Anthony for your committed work, your integrity , and your encouragement.

  28. One Anonymous Bloke 28
    23 October 2017 at 8:05 pm

    Thanks Anthony.

  29. ianmac 29
    23 October 2017 at 8:41 pm

    Every time I started to read a new post I was certain that if ANTHONY R0BINS was the by line, it would be well worth the read for accuracy and credibility. I do hope you pop back when there are serious issues for Jacinda’s Government. Thanks Rob.

  30. Whispering Kate 30
    23 October 2017 at 8:42 pm

    I also, have enjoyed your commentary on this blog site. I find it admirable that some people have that ability to research and deliver such interesting and insightful ideas. I got very good English marks at school and was good at essay writing in the couple of years I did at Uni (never finished) but have never had the confidence to actually sit down, research and deliver. Personally I have “in your face” experience with the Mental Health System through a loved one in our family and would, if I had the guts, like to vent about it. It has beaten me down to such a level I can’t ever see it happening.

    All the best for the future and your endeavours you have planned.

  31. eco Maori/kiwi 31
    23 October 2017 at 9:02 pm

    I agree with your principles Anthony even though I’m a new person to this site I can see that your contributions to this site and the left movement have had a positive effect to everyone on this site and all the viewers and your work will be missed Kia Kaha.

  32. ankerawshark 32
    23 October 2017 at 9:07 pm

    Thank you so much Anthony for all the time and effort you have put into writing such excellent articles for the Standard.

    You will be missed.

    Wishing you well.
    AK

  33. Sparky 33
    23 October 2017 at 9:58 pm

    I’m increasingly inclined to think there is little “left,left in the left”. Yes a bad joke but then I’m astounded how many people for example still view the likes of the Dems in the US as virtuous examples of the left or the leading CDU in German as somehow a civilised manifestation of the right with a leftie twist.

    The reality is increasingly there is no left/right divide but instead “political homogenisation” around a core set of globalist neo liberal principles. For me this is most exemplified by the unwillingness to accept capitalism as a failed philosophy. Instead its viewed as something in need of reform which inevitably looks a lot like a race to the bottom. New Zealand and others nations as something akin to a large corporations constantly making “cuts” in pursuit of a shining future that never did exist nor ever will exist.

    Meantime people slowly go blind on waiting lists, take out private medical insurance, are forced to live in cars whilst, enduring ever declining standards of healthcare, welfare, policing and education while the money that is there is siphoned off to fund foreign adventurism in the form of wars, socialism for the rich, large corporations and banks who enjoy levels of taxation normally associated with third world nations.

    NZ has the highest level of homelessness in the OECD, the highest level of youth suicide, a housing market the according to Golden Sachs is appallingly overpriced and may lead to a 40% adjustment in the next two years.

    In my opinion that’s our reality and I personally see little to suggest its going to change.

  34. In Vino 34
    23 October 2017 at 10:03 pm

    Ditto to all the thanks and compliments, with the exception of BM’s.

  35. r0b 35
    23 October 2017 at 10:09 pm

    Thank you, thank you all again for your kind words (including some from unexpected quarters!). I can’t reply to all the comments, but please know that every one of them is read and is appreciated. Cheers…

  36. Ed 36
    23 October 2017 at 10:14 pm

    Thank you.

  37. Brian Tregaskin 37
    23 October 2017 at 10:15 pm

    two words
    “Saint Anthony”

  38. Jenny Kirk 38
    23 October 2017 at 10:23 pm

    Thank you rOb – I have enjoyed and appreciated your writings.

  39. WILD KATIPO 39
    23 October 2017 at 10:48 pm

    Rats !, – even though I’m pretty much a new comer here ,.. I hate goodbyes. But on an up ,… we have a new govt , – and by all looks ,… a magnificent one. And it is true , that it is time for all hands on deck as the far right are going to come out swinging and mean spirited.

    Just when I would’ve preferred to think the job is done and we could all get some rest.

    Rats again !

    New Right Fight – Who are the New Right?
    http://www.newrightfight.co.nz/pageA.html

  40. Kevin 40
    23 October 2017 at 11:45 pm

    Thanks R0b, all the best. Loved your work.

  41. Exkiwiforces 41
    23 October 2017 at 11:56 pm

    I would like to say thank you for your posts and allowing me to comment. All the best for the future whatever that may bring for you.

  42. cleangreen 42
    24 October 2017 at 7:19 am

    Anthony you have always written such well balanced subect matters and have acted with a very fair repectful mannerism which I have admired you greatly for this.

    I sincerely hope you will continue to chip in going forward as your views are cherrished by all I am sure judging by the blogs here, so the best of our wishes for the future and enjoy you well deserved rest and recreation my friend.

  43. Nick 43
    24 October 2017 at 8:05 am

    Great work and effort r0b, very much appreciated your thoughts and words.

  44. Robert Guyton 44
    24 October 2017 at 8:05 am

    Thanks, rOb, for all of your fine work. I wonder how difficult you will find not expressing your views here on TS; even taking a “commenters holiday” is hard enough – seasoned writers must have to hold fast to their decisions to stop writing, especially in a field like politics that changes day by day and matters, especially to those, like you, who have a deep and detailed knowledge of the labyrinth it is. I guess the twitchy typing-finger will settle down eventually and you’ll be able to ride out the coming waves of political anguish without feeling you have to put up a post about them!
    Enjoy your time out.

    • greywarshark 44.1
      24 October 2017 at 9:21 am

      You might r0b put up a comment (small ) and like Joe90 provide a valuable link for the questing to go further!?

      And just reading in serendipity pieces, or in sequence, your mighty post with its diverse headings (and not forgetting Blip’s list, still relevant after Key’s departure)
      we will always have something to occupy our minds. The sign-post will point to
      your post The mess that the new government inherits

      So thanks for all the fish. Have a good holiday. See ya later.
      Ka kite ano au i a koe.

  45. roy cartland 45
    24 October 2017 at 10:10 am

    Will be sorry to see you go r0b! And some excellent points there.

    Go well.

  46. Agora 46
    24 October 2017 at 10:55 am

    R0b .. I don’t buy it.
    You will return to your writing addiction
    as soon as you get a twitch in that finger pressing RETURN
    .. or a nationalist blogger does something stupid.
    Have a good break ..

  47. Smellpir 47
    24 October 2017 at 11:38 am

    Thank you Anthony,
    Your online life has tracked the great transition in social media involvement in politics. Thanks to you the Centre/Left has had a committed (bordering on relentless) and principled advocate.

    Good luck for your future challenges – likely to be some on-the-ground advocacy and engagement with the new government’s aspirations for tertiary education!

  48. Keepcalmcarryon 48
    24 October 2017 at 12:42 pm

    Thank you for all your hard work, I’ve enjoyed your large and very balanced contribution here very much.

  49. Colin Bell 49
    24 October 2017 at 1:02 pm

    I’m sorry to read that you are leaving The Standard. Part of me would like to step up and join the blog site, but at 70 plus age am not sure if my voice will be appropriate for the times.

    • weka 49.1
      24 October 2017 at 2:11 pm

      Age is not an issue Colin. If you would like to have a go at writing for TS, reply here and we will see what’s possible.

      • Colin Bell 49.1.1
        24 October 2017 at 9:20 pm

        Okay Weka. I suggest that we explore what may be possible by means of emails, rather than publicly visible comments on TS. I am not skilled with IT but may be able to put something together a few times per year.

  50. Dot 50
    24 October 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I hope that you will use your considerable talents
    to help NZ have a good government for a long time

    I agree with your comments about our political health in this country, the level of acceptance of lies
    [ dirty politics ] is worrying
    I join all the appreciative people on this site to say thank you ROB

  51. Matthew Whitehead 51
    24 October 2017 at 2:06 pm

    Enjoy the time to yourself, mate.

  52. r0b 52
    24 October 2017 at 10:36 pm

    And again – thank you, thank you, thank you – thank you all!

  53. joe90 53
    24 October 2017 at 11:22 pm

    Thanks r0b.

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    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 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    12 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    14 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    20 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    22 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    23 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    24 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    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’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step 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 third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s 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. Here‘s 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. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen 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 Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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 ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    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 ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 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
    16 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
    18 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
    19 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
    20 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
    20 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
    20 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
    23 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
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  • Taupō takes pole position
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
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