web analytics

Rodney Hide in control of Key Government policy

Written By: - Date published: 9:42 am, August 27th, 2010 - 62 comments
Categories: workers' rights - Tags: , ,

According to OIA papers released to the NZ Herald, Key’s plan to extend the 90 day “fire at will” law is an ACT party takeover of government policy.

Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson recommended against the plan. She was overruled by Cabinet in response to ACT threats.

But Cabinet papers – released to the Herald under the Official Information Act – show Ms Wilkinson wanted the trial to be extended only to companies with up to 50 workers.

She did not want larger businesses covered, as they had “robust systems to undertake good recruitment and employment practices”.

Act leader Rodney Hide said last night that extending the scheme to all businesses was his party’s idea.

“The National Party came to us for support and wanted to extend it to 50, and we said, ‘If it’s good for businesses with 50, it will be good for business with 51 and 101 and 1001.’

“We persuaded the National Party to go the whole nine yards. It wasn’t an arm-wrestle.”

ACT is far right party that gained a mere 3% of the vote. Yet they now appears to be in firm control of government policy.

Trevor Mallard is absolutely right when he said:

“What is becoming absolutely clear is that on certain issues, like this, [Prime Minister] John Key is being led by Rodney Hide and the Act Party.

“If Key had any balls he would have said, ‘It’s 50 or we don’t introduce the legislation’.”

Mr Mallard said it was unusual for the Cabinet to override a minister’s recommendation.

“What often happens, if a minister is unsure, is the minister will provide options and Cabinet will pick. But here no options were provided, so it sounds like an ideological decision.”

Why can Heather Roy stand up to Rodney Hide, but John Key can’t?

62 comments on “Rodney Hide in control of Key Government policy ”

  1. Bored 1

    Why can Heather Roy stand up to Rodney Hide, but John Key can’t?

    Because perhaps Key is actually in alignment with the paymasters of National and ACT, the denizens of “big” business in NZ and their overseas paymasters? i suspect that the agenda does not come from Wodders on Shonkey, they are just parrots.

    Heather and Wodga are another type of beast altogether, they are ideologues who will comply with the paymasters only as long as it fits their ideology, sort of like a political QANGO.

  2. It would be one thing if there was analysis and a couple of options put up including the one subsequently selected.

    But nothing of the sort happened here. It seems to be a faith based decision, the faith being that free market is good, trade unions are bad, and more and more power is best for the employer.

    It is a shame really. If they actually looked at what was happening in Australia and America they would realise that Trade Unions increase wages and that a pure market approach is a recipe for social dislocation, poverty and hardship.

    Kate WIlkinson has been well and truly neutered by this disclosure.

  3. Tigger 3

    Why would Nanny McKey stand up to Hide? Key, like Don Brash before him, is an ACT MP in National drag…

  4. Anne 4

    “Why would Nanny McKey stand up to Hide? Key, like Don Brash before him, is an ACT MP in National drag ”

    Add to that… Key is as beholden to the big business pay(read donation) masters as ACT. Perhaps even more so. In other words, if you don’t go along with our agenda then your treasure chest will dry up.

  5. BLiP 5

    This “release” of information smacks of an attempt to rally the ACT troops, to show that the party has had considerable clout and will continue to do so. Its damage control and takes some of the responsibility for the emotional rather than rational formulation of policy away from National Ltdâ„¢ who put it up and passed it. It reinforces Calamity Kate’s position as the “fall guy” for the inevitable pre-election Cabinet shuffle and keeps the King John The Clueless Of Charmalot brand intact.

    • Pascal's bookie 5.1

      nah BLip.

      The Herald OIA’d it, and it makes King John look like a tool. Which is not good for ACT in the scheme of things.

      Their partisans might get a warm tickly feeling about how their boy is the power behind the throne, but that’s only because they are idiots. ACT is the personal property of John Key’s National party. It’s their job to make him look centrist, not weak. If they fuck that up, he’ll get rid of them quicker than he found something else to do on Melissa Lee’s big day.

  6. Rosy 6

    Nact hasn’t changed then, ol’ rodders must be laughing at Key beng so ‘relaxed’.. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3032415/Key-doesn-t-do-anything-Rodney-Hide

    He told the table guests before his formal speech that a person could get a “s…load” done in government as long as “you set the agenda” and have a clear direction.

    He had been amazed at how much he was able to achieve in the Cabinet because “you turn up with your papers” and “they are too busy with their own stuff; they’re not bothered”.

  7. BLiP, The papers were released under an OIA request from the NZ Herald. I agree the timing is good for ACT but it is not of their making.

  8. kerry 8

    Well i suppose someone had to be in control….cause it certainly aint donkey….SMILE…WAVE….SMILE ….WAVE!

    Thats the tories all over again…all style and NO substance!

  9. Tammy Gordon 9

    I say ‘game on’ for the union movement. We already know that the sick note for one day’s absence is likely to be pulled back, now there’s another target in the 90 days fire at will. I’m not sure that National MPs will be too thrilled with the tail wagging the dog here. And it looks like the Herald has just declared open season on Rodney.

  10. David Lloyd 10

    Good grief you’ve just worked this out. Act have been steering the ship since National took office. DonKey is an Act supporter in a blue disguise as are many of his cabinet. And the good news is Act influence will increase… there’ll be plenty of Act inspired surprises during National’s second term. Mark my works, you read it here.

  11. Cnr Joe 11

    bit of a laff – NoRightTurn lasts all of six minutes between signing off for the weekend and posting.

    This is another outrageous TurnOfEvents – this reveal of ACTs supreme arrogance – ‘if it works for 50 it’ll work for 50 million….’, coupled with (pin-the-policy-on-the) Jonkeys bunch of ..of..what are these people? Ministers? Puppets? Crosby Textor-scripted, seat (of pants)filling, fire-at-will-from-the-hip, horrible, conservative right-wing-for-no-good-reason parliamentarians. Why do they do it?

    nice weather for ducks

    • Jim Nald 11.1

      I never thought much of Minister Kate Wilkinson and this is another piece confirming she is a puppet.
      Can someone remind me of her puppet role to Gerry Brownlee’s stupid mining ambitions?

  12. Fisiani 12

    Why should a voluntary great work choice option policy only be given to those who apply for work in a firm of less than 50 workers? That would not be fair on those work seekers knocking on the doors of big firms. Fairness in the workplace is the aim of the government. Very sensible to take a bold step than a merely a timid incremental one. There would no difference in the venomous mistruths and misplaced fears as expressed by the blinkered Left. The 90 day right to prove yourself is not compulsory for anyone. Employers can choose to take the potentially horrendously expensive current risk of not using it and employees can choose not to sign it same as they dont have to sign for any other contract clause. Great example of a collegial government in action to restore the damage of an economy run onto the rocks by a distracted crew with their eyes off the destination.

    • felix 12.1

      Catchup. In parliament yesterday Bennett showed that 90 day trials are effectively compulsory for people referred by work and income.

      You’re always a bit behind with your lines though Fizzy. Where are you getting them?

      • Fisiani 12.1.1

        90 day trials are not compulsory. No company has to include it as a condition of employment. It is however manifestly unreasonable for an unemployed person to refuse an otherwise acceptable job offer simply because the contract stipulates that their is a 90 day trial period. No one of course is physically compelled to take such a job but why should we have to fully support such a shirker or deluded tool of the extreme left.

        • Armchair Critic 12.1.1.1

          who are these shirkers, Fisiani? Are they the thousands of people that queued to apply for a few hundred jobs in Manukau, in January? Or the thousands of people that queued for a few hundred jobs in Auckland a month or so back? Most of the unemployed want to work. Labelling them shirkers is rubbish.
          What is the govenment doing to help create jobs for these people? Before you tell me that the 90-day amendment will create more jobs, show me a link to some reliable evidence.
          Hint – I predict you won’t, or can’t. This is because there is no evidence, and there is no evidence because the 90-day trial period does not create more jobs.

          • Fisiani 12.1.1.1.1

            I have never labelled the unemployed genuinely seeking work as shirkers. How ridiculous. Try reading. You did. You labelled these Kiwi battlers as shirkers. Shame on you. I bet not one of those people stridently demanded that there be no 90 day trial in their contract. There wasn’t one anyway as the firms involved employed more than 20 workers

            • Armchair Critic 12.1.1.1.1.1

              You labelled these Kiwi battlers as shirkers
              Bollocks, I did completely the opposite. You are wilfully and deliberately misinterpreting what I wrote in my comment above.
              I see you proved me right, because can’t provide any links to show the 90-day period created even one single job.

        • Draco T Bastard 12.1.1.2

          Yes, actually, they are “physically compelled to take such a job”. You even say so yourself.

          It is however manifestly unreasonable for an unemployed person to refuse an otherwise acceptable job offer simply because the contract stipulates that their is a 90 day trial period.

          The issue is if signing away your rights is an acceptable offer and, quite frankly, it isn’t. you, being the psychopath that you are, are quite happy for people to forcibly have their rights taken away from them.

      • Vicky32 12.1.2

        I suppose I am lucky that WINZ have been too incompetent and lazy to refer me anywhere as yet then?
        (I am looking for myself of course… and I can choose what I apply for – provided I don’t tell them my criteria, tee hee…)
        Deb

    • Lanthanide 12.2

      If you were in a position of needing a job, and you were aware of other applicants for a job you were applying for that had a 90 day clause, are you really going to say “take the clause out or I won’t sign”? They’ll just pass over you and choose someone else. This isn’t something like asking for more money, or extra leave entitlement, or changed working hours etc. Asking for the 90 day provision to be removed immediately makes the prospective employer think that you’re out to scam them or join their company just to stuff around for 6 months before they can get rid of you.

      So no, there is no real “choice” over whether you sign a contract including it or not.

      • Fisiani 12.2.1

        Sigh! You are correct. Not signing such a basic fair and reasonable contract does indeed mark you out as a unreasonable loser. Why would any employer with a brain choose that unrealistic person out of the others who are prepared to prove their worth. No compulsion because if you do CHOOSE not to sign then you can always apply somewhere else. 90 day trials are work opportunities. Stop standing in the way of workers rights to get a job.

        • mcflock 12.2.1.1

          since when is a license to unfairly dismiss someone without cause or warning and for whatever reason you choose (as long as you don’t mention the reason if it contravenes the Bill of Rights act) part of a “fair and reasonable” contract?

          • Fisiani 12.2.1.1.1

            Your assumption that an employer would dismiss a worker without good cause or reason is ludicrous insulting and without any proven grounds.

            • mcflock 12.2.1.1.1.1

              Your faith in the benevolence and competence of every single manager in New Zealand is quaintly naive and contrary to the experience of the Employment Court.

              • Lanthanide

                Yes, you really can’t argue here, Fisiani. If employers were all reasonable, as you like to propose, the employment court would not need to exist (and would not frequently find in favour of the employee). It does, therefore they aren’t.

            • Draco T Bastard 12.2.1.1.1.2

              Except that it’s being proven on a day to day basis.

            • Vicky32 12.2.1.1.1.3

              I take it you’re an employer Fisiani, or maybe a student? If you’d ever been employed, you’d know different…

              I’ve been ‘dismissed’ for all sorts of bizarre reasons over the last 30 years – including providing a job opening for the boss’s girlfriend! True.
              Deb

            • Mac1 12.2.1.1.1.4

              @ Fisiani 1.53 p.m.
              And that’s why the employer does not need to provide a reason? Why be ashamed to provide a reasonable cause for dismissal? There are reasonable causes for dismissal, and there are systems already in place for such dismissals.

              A person in a court must be confronted by their accuser. It’s natural justice. Similarly, a person being dismissed should be given reason for this dismissal. These are people being treated arbitrarily- people, people, people. Does a libertarian not understand that?

              It defies logic that an employer deciding to employ for reasons that are dictated by business needs, will not employ because of difficulties of dismissal and thereby deprive the business of needed workers.

              Anti-spam word “excluded”, as in this debate are often logic and humanity excluded.

        • Lanthanide 12.2.1.2

          Except if the exact same job had been offered prior to the 90 day bill, the 90 day clause would not have been in the contract. So what once was a solid job offer, is now in your own works, a “work opportunity”, not a job offer.

          If you were arguing “new jobs created by the 90 day bill can include the 90 day clause, and jobs that would have existed anyway regardless of the bill should not include the 90 day clause” I would agree with you. But that’s not what you’re saying.

  13. Draco T Bastard 13

    National is a far right party that only got voted in by painting themselves as a centre-right. Whatever made you think that the didn’t, in the majority, support this anyway?

    IMO, National are just pointing at Act to shift blame.

  14. The Voice of Reason 14

    National: lifting employment one sacking at a time.

    Fisiani: battling logic one braincell at a time.

    • Fisiani 14.1

      90 day right to prove yourself is already demonstrably lowering unemployment one hiring at a time. Lots of workers are eager for the extension of their job seeking rights to medium and large firms. Good times are a coming.

      QT 26/8/10
      Tim Macindoe: How many new vacancies were listed with Work and Income in July 2010, compared with July 2008?

      Hon PAULA BENNETT: In July 2008 there were just 2,496 new vacancies. In July 2009 that figure nearly doubled to 4,000, but in July 2010 a total of 5,116 new jobs came into Work and Income.

      Resorting to ad hominem. Priceless.

      • The Voice of Reason 14.1.1

        “90 day right to prove yourself is already demonstrably lowering unemployment one hiring at a time.”

        OK, demonstrate away. Show us the evidence, Fisiani.

        “Lots of workers are eager for the extension of their job seeking rights to medium and large firms.”

        Name them. Go on, prove you’re not just making shit up as usual.

        “Good times are a coming.”

        Next election, I’m picking.

  15. Jim Nald 15

    Donkey is playing the good Nat cop routine opposite Rortney’s ACT.
    They think you’re all mostly quite stupid.

  16. Disengaged 16

    Isn’t this just MMP in action? I don’t recall there being cries of “Dunne in control of Clark policy” when he got the Families Commission put in place, and nor were there cries of “Greens in charge of Labour” when the home insulation policy and even s59 review were adopted by Labour.

    • But they were good sensible policies backed by analysis and recommendations.

      These policies are entirely different. No analysis, no justification, and no benefit to anyone except the coldest hearted of employers.

      • Disengaged 16.1.1

        So if ACT had used the same tactics to promote a policy you agree with, then that would be fine because the end justifies the means? To me it seems that ACT is using its influence to push forward a policy that its supporters would agree with. No different to what other small parties have done in the past.

        • felix 16.1.1.1

          No, if you bothered to read Mickey’s comment at all you’d notice that the distinction he made wasn’t whether he agreed or not.

          Try again.

        • Puddleglum 16.1.1.2

          Disengaged, one of the main points of the post was that a National Minister’s recommendation was rolled after ‘negotiations’ with ACT. The Minister, apparently, did not provide, as one of her options, the extension of the 90 day fire at will provision to all employers.

          The Families Commission – I’m vague on this – either came as part of the UF-Labour support agreement and/or was brought to cabinet by Dunne (though possibly not the latter as he was only the Revenue Minister). It was NOT a case of a Labour Minister coming with a firm and singular recommendation and then having it overturned by Dunne (or by ‘negotiations’ with UF).

          That ACT can successfully over-ride a National Cabinet Minister is, at the very least, an interesting – even unique – situation.

    • prism 16.2

      The Families Commission and home insulation were additions to the services and benefits that were offered by the state. If ACT is bounding through a weak National defence that’s bad tactics in the government’s playing plan, as everything that ACT does diminishes the services that the state provides just as ACT wants to diminish its legitimacy. It’s interesting that there was so much hate for communism but when its mad mirror image shows up in the shape of ACT, well that’s quite acceptable.

      As for accepting ACT’s policy push being a result of MMP, IMO if only one electorate seat is won and the votes are less than 5 percent, it should carry only one list MP with it (to enable a more effective representation than a single independent member). But it should not automatically give the party a proportional piece of the pie. And that requires redrafting part of the MMP legislation but not revising the system.

      • Disengaged 16.2.1

        I would imagine that ACT supporters would see that the policy concessions that ACT is pushing for are adding benefits to society. Whether you or I agree with their policies is irrelevant in this regard as ACT is simply working within the MMP system as it stands at the moment.

        Could MMP be improved? Sure, but I certainly prefer it to FPP as it has given smaller parties like the Greens and the Maori Party more of a say in parliament. Unfortunately it also allows ego driven parties like United Future, Jim’s Progressives and NZ First to wield far more influence than they should really have IMO.

        • felix 16.2.1.1

          Na, it’s not that “the MMP system” allows it, it’s that National allow it.

          They can say “no” to ACT’s demands, can’t they?

          If not, why not?

          • Disengaged 16.2.1.1.1

            Of course National could say no. I’m not saying that they are being forced into making policy against their will because of MMP. It’s no secret that National is pro-business and so this policy would be unlikely to cause upset amongst their supporters. Therefore, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch for National to agree to ACTs proposal if it meant that it kept their coalition partner happy, in much the same way that the Greens managed to win policy concessions from an ideologically similar, but more centrist, Labour party.

            • Pascal's bookie 16.2.1.1.1.1

              When were the greens in coalition with Labour again?

              What is different about this case is that it’s neither a part of the coalition deal, nor a private members bill. There is nothing wrong with it, and no one is saying there is, But it is what it is. National overruling the Minister of Labour, a Nat, in favour of an unworked up idea from ACT who are outside cabinet. They then claim the policy as their own. It’s pretty much ACT swinging the govt, and again there is nothing wrong with that, but it is what it is, and it’s good that it gets publicity.

              Afterall, there are plenty of National voters that think ACT are a bunch of lunatics.

              • Disengaged

                Don’t be obtuse. I didn’t say that the Greens were in coalition with Labour, I was saying that they won concessions from an ideologically sympathetic Labour. Arguably the Greens’ successes are a more extreme example because they weren’t a coalition partner.

                It’s also a bit unfair to dismiss it as ACT pushing “an unworked up idea” as it is an extension of National’s policy which was already in place (and was part of National’s election campaign) and hadn’t caused the world to explode.

                I just don’t get why this small parties wagging the dog (to murder a metaphor) is so shocking. It’s an example of MMP enabling a more diverse range of views to be pushed, which has been happening since day one.

                As to your final point, I imagine that there are plenty of Labour voters who aren’t so fond of the Greens (head down to the West Coast of the South Island and you’ll meet a few). That didn’t stop Labour from building a constructive relationship with them.

                • felix

                  “It’s also a bit unfair to dismiss it as ACT pushing “an unworked up idea’ as it is an extension of National’s policy which was already in place and hadn’t caused the world to explode.”

                  Apparently you missed the point of the post then. The Nats say they didn’t want to extend this beyond businesses with 50 or less workers.

                  You said they had to, ‘cos of MMP and that.

                  I say you and the Nats are full o’ shit. If they didn’t want to do it they could have said no, and what would ACT have done about it exactly?

                  I call bullshit.

                  • Disengaged

                    You really are an angry angry man aren’t you?

                    Where did I say that “they had to ‘cos of MMP and that”? What I’m saying is that ACT used their influence to get National to implement a policy (well really, go further than they would have initially gone) that they wouldn’t have. Which is part of the MMP process.

                    As the original posts says:

                    “The National Party came to us for support and wanted to extend it to 50, and we said, ‘If it’s good for businesses with 50, it will be good for business with 51 and 101 and 1001.’

                    “We persuaded the National Party to go the whole nine yards. It wasn’t an arm-wrestle.’

                    So ACT persuaded National to further than they initially would have.

                    The same as the Greens persuaded Labour (and ultimately National) to go further than they would have with s59.

                    Small parties have been throwing their weight around since the start of MMP.

                    • felix

                      There you go again, blaming MMP for National’s decision.

                      National says that they didn’t want this to happen.

                      So either you believe:

                      a) ACT made them do it, or

                      b) National really wanted this all along.

                      This wasn’t part of their coalitin agreement with ACT. This isn’t something they have to do to ensure ACT’s support.

                      Either they wanted the law or they didn’t. Looks like they did.

                      And na I’m not angry, I just don’t suffer fools or those pretending to be fools very well.

                • Pascal's bookie

                  You didn’t say the Greens were in a coalition with labour, but you are saying that this is no different. ‘cept it is different.

                  The point is; The whole point that is: Is that this is ACT policy that goes against what the National Minister was recommending, and against what National were saying before the election but was introduced as National party policy.
                  The are hiding the fact that this was an ACT deal. This is news.

                  With the green/labour party policies, voters knew where the policies were from. They knew how much influence the Greens were having.

                  And it’s not just the 90 days stuff. There is the union access stuff that employers didn’t ask for and the ministry said there was no case for. That’s why I’m calling the ideas unworked up. They are ideology based, pure and simple. Look at how the rationale changed for the ninety days. Initially it was about the HR resources of small firms. That was the policy they were elected on. They also promised pre election that union access rules would not be changed. But ACT changed their mind on that. Perfectly legitimate, but not very centrist.

                  Which is, again, all fine and legitimate, but voters have a right to know where it’s coming from. If voters wanted an ACT led government they would have voted for one.

                  For the government to slowly adopt ACT policy, all the while pretending that they are not and selling themselves as simple pragmatic centrists who think ACT are far too extreme, is a tactic. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be allowed, or anything like that. I’m saying they are being dishonest and that it’s perfectly legitimate to point out what is happening.

        • Draco T Bastard 16.2.1.2

          I would imagine that ACT supporters would see that the policy concessions that ACT is pushing for are adding benefits to society.

          I’m sure they do even though all the evidence is against them.

  17. Disengaged 17

    Felix, I believe that ACT persuaded the National Party to do it.

    It seems pretty clear that National wanted to expand the programme and went to ACT for their support, in turn ACT used their influence to persuade National to expand it further than what was initially proposed. Hardly scandalous.

    National had already campaigned on, and implemented the 90 day policy. Expanding it beyond firms with 20 or fewer employees seemed a likely outcome. So agreeing to ACT’s request/pressure/demand to increase it further wouldn’t have been a painful decision for National as it was directionally correct with their originally intention, even if it meant going further or faster than they initially intended..

    So I guess I’m saying that I believe it to be a bit from option ‘A’ and little from option ‘B’.

    • felix 17.1

      Bullshit. You’re trying to confuse the “less than 20” National campaigned on with the “less than 50” which was as far as Kate says National wanted to go.

      ACT have to vote for what National put up or vote against it. And if National put up “less than 50” ACT ain’t gonna vote against it. If that was as far as they wanted to go, that would’ve been it.

      National (and you) said they didn’t want to go this far but ACT made/persuaded them. And that’s a lie.

  18. Carol 18

    Felix, from what key has said on Nat Rad today, yur option b) is the correct one.

    An audio clip of Key has been played regularly on the Nat Rad news today in which he said:
    he asked Wilkinson initially to look at the 90 Day trial for businesses with up to 50 people.
    and that,
    he thought that eventually the 90 day rule would have been extended to all businesses anyway.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/55331/act-behind-extension-of-90-day-job-trial

    Prime Minister John Key says the Cabinet decided to extend the 90-day trial period for new workers to cover all businesses following negotiations with the ACT party.

    The Prime Minister says ultimately, he believes the trial period would have been made available to all companies, regardless of size, and Ms Wilkinson did not resist the move.

    PS: Must check if that was Key’s exact words: ie that it would eventually be available to all companies and not to all employees

    Shows who the law is really for.

  19. ak 20

    Yet another calculated, cold-blooded fist in the faces of Tariana and Pita.

    So crass that Hone is quiet.

    Too quiet.

    As Winnie’s tots-up the sub-radar baubles.

    The same ones Tari must tout.

    It’s a bomb.

    Astride an economic meltdown.

    Anomie times.

    Decision time for Phil:

    Underdog or poll shill?

    Labour legate or Boot Hill?

    Talk now to Tari and Win

    Or forever hold your wee piece.

  20. doctorjeep 21

    Storm meet tea cup…

    “Bullshit. You’re trying to confuse the “less than 20″ National campaigned on with the “less than 50″ which was as far as Kate says National wanted to go.”

    No you’re confusing a Ministerial recommendation to Cabinet with a whole of Cabinet or National view. Cabinet can agree or not to a Ministerial recommendation at any point in the process – and do. Since none of us have seen the Cabinet paper much of this is just third, fourth hand speculation.

    Based on what we know, the Ministerial recommendation was only to extend to businesses with 50 or less employees because larger firms have in place processes that mitigate the risk of taking on employees not fit for the job. From what I’ve read we haven’t seen anything from “National” where it states there is a risk of extending it to those firms with 50 or more employees for the potential employees themselves. If they don’t think there are it really makes no difference if it is extended or not.

    • felix 21.1

      So you think I can’t take National’s pre-election policies, promises, and assurances as representing the “National view”?

      It seems we’re in agreement if that’s the case.

  21. john gilmartin 22

    When I see Wodney holding that cup it stirs my Fascist complex. Is Wodney a fascist because he arouses feelings like that?Do we want a corporate government fascist state? I think yes because most of us are too lazy to do otherwise!

  22. Tiger Mountain 23

    Hideney, Rortney, El Duce junior, Wodney, etc. really is one of the most personally repulsive political entities since RD Muldoon. Proven gay basher, misogynist, racist, bully and corporatist. And then there is the ACT party line, which the Natz just love to say no, no, no,-yes! to.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • What I wanted to say before the mob stopped women speaking
    by Daphna Whitmore I thought the #LetWomenSpeak meeting would be a good time to talk about free speech and why it is important for the left. Then the mob stampeded the open-air gathering and no one got to speak. Here’s what I was had prepared. Today I want to talk ...
    RedlineBy Admin
    7 hours ago
  • Women’s rights meeting silenced
    By Don Franks Today my friend Ani O’Briien went to a meeting in Auckland and wrote: “No sooner had Kellie-Jay Keen Minshull arrived at the Rotunda, a protestor (who had managed to get past the barrier) ran at her and threw a red substance all over her and a security ...
    RedlineBy Admin
    8 hours ago
  • A serving of soup curbs Posie Parker’s appetite for speaking – and shows that might is right in ...
    Jonathan Milne, managing editor for Newsroom Pro, has expressed his indignation about the outcome of a court decision yesterday in an article headed Posie Parker wins the beautiful freedom to make an ugly argument. Newsroom Pro laments: High Court Justice David Gendall has regretfully allowed an outspoken anti-trans activist to enter New ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    11 hours ago
  • It’s official: National have an education policy
    imagine my surprise this week when the National Party, in their infinite wisdom, decided to release an education policy. As you can imagine, this got us so riled up here in the office that we dusted off our Windows XP laptop, waiting 17 hours for all the updates to be ...
    My ThinksBy boonman
    12 hours ago
  • Prosperity through Productivity.
    Come on Jess thought Mr Evans come on. He watched the large clock on the wall tick closer to 8:40am. Come on girl.In two minutes he had to submit the class attendance report and with Jess having already been late once that term it’d mean an automatic visit from the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    14 hours ago
  • The hoon for the week that was to March 25
    This week’s UN IPCC report warned climate emissions will need to be cut by almost half by 2030, if warming is to be limited to 1.5°C. Bronwyn Hayward points out in The Hoon podcast how far behind NZ’s government and councils are now on climate action compared to the rest ...
    The KakaBy Peter Bale
    19 hours ago
  • The big question for Labour: Will Hipkins have any more success than Ardern did with the top priorit...
    Chris  Hipkins,  after  he became prime minister, committed  to defeating the  cost-of- living crisis. He  proceeded to make a  bonfire of policies  that were at  the  heart of Jacinda Ardern’s administration.  But, as   Richard Prebble pointed out this week, “the government has not just U-turned, it has repudiated the ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    1 day ago
  • Reality check.
    There are some wellness, crystal-gazing, holistic spiritual guidance types in my disaster-hit coastal community who insist that the power of positive thinking will overcome the physical and material damages incurred by the community. They object to restrictions on road travel … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago
  • High Performance Instability in the Financial Sector
    Evaluating the recent crashes of Silicon Valley Bank in the US and Credit Suisse in Switzerland plus two other banks (perhaps more by the time you read this) needs to begin with a review of the inevitable instability in the financial sector. The financial sector is inherently unstable, like military ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 day ago
  • The week in review
    1. We see here new police minister Ginny Andersen. Which larger than life NZ political figure was her great-uncle?a. Rob Muldoonb. Bill Andersenc. Richard John Seddond. Norman Kirk2. We see here archival footage of Ginny Andersen coming out of her electorate office to ask ex-tobacco lobbyist Chris Bishop if he ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Nash splashes out with a $900,000 investment in the blue economy (or is it more corporate welfare?)
    Buzz from the Beehive Stuart Nash, speaking as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, one of his remaining portfolios after he was dropped down the Hipkins Government batting order, has drawn attention to the blue economy and its potential. Nash says the government is investing in the blue economy, or – ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Ask Me Anything about the week to March 24
    Photo by Josh Mills on UnsplashIt’s that time of the week for an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session for paying subscribers about the week that was for the next hour, including:The runs on Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank on the west coast of the United States that forced the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 24-March-2023
    Roundup is back! We skipped last week’s Friday post due to a shortage of person-power – did you notice? Lots going on out there… Our header image this week shows a green street that just happens to be Queen St, by @chamfy from Twitter. This week (and last) in ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Keen-Minshull visit
    After threatening Prime Minister Chris Hipkins of consequences if he dared to bar her entry, Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull has been given her visa, regardless. This will enable her to hold rallies in Auckland and Wellington this weekend, and spread her messages of hostility against an already marginalised trans community. Neo-Nazis may, ...
    2 days ago
  • BRYCE EDWARDS’ Political Roundup:  NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nucl...
    * Bryce Edwards writes – The New Zealand Government has been silent about Australia’s decision to commit up to $400bn acquiring nuclear submarines, even though this is a significant threat to peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. The deal was struck by the Albanese Labor Government as ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Wayne Brown's #Auxit moment
    Boomers voted him in, but Brown’s Trumpish moments might spook Aucklanders worried about what a change to National nationally might mean. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has become our version of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, except without any of the insatiable appetite for media appearances. He ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nuclear submarines
    The New Zealand Government has been silent about Australia’s decision to commit up to $400bn acquiring nuclear submarines, even though this is a significant threat to peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. The deal was struck by the Albanese Labor Government as part of its Aukus pact with the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • Posie Parker vs Transgender Rights.
    Recently you might have heard of a person called Posie Parker and her visit to Aotearoa. Perhaps you’re not quite sure what it’s all about. So let’s start with who this person is, why their visit is controversial, and what on earth a TERF is.Posie Parker is the super villain ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Select Committee told slow down; you’re moving too fast
    The chair of Parliament’s Select Committee looking at the Government’s resource management legislation wants the bills sent back for more public consultation. The proposal would effectively kill any chance of the bills making it into law before the election. Green MP, Eugenie Sage, stressing that she was speaking as ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #12 2023
    Open access notables  The United States experienced some historical low temperature records during the just-concluded winter. It's a reminder that climate and weather are quite noisy; with regard to our warming climate,, as with a road ascending a mountain range we may steadily change our conditions but with lots of ...
    2 days ago
  • What becomes of the broken hearted? Nanny State will step in to comfort them
    Buzz from the Beehive The Nanny State has scored some wins (or claimed them) in the past day or two but it faltered when it came to protecting Kiwi citizens from being savaged by one woman armed with a sharp tongue. The wins are recorded by triumphant ministers on the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Acceptance, decency, road food.
    Sometimes you see your friends making the case so well on social media you think: just copy and share.On acceptance and decency, from Michèle A’CourtA notable thing about anti-trans people is they way they talk about transgender women and men as though they are strangers “over there” when in fact ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: More Labour sabotage
    Not that long ago, things were looking pretty good for climate change policy in Aotearoa. We finally had an ETS, and while it was full of pork and subsidies, it was delivering high and ever-rising carbon prices, sending a clear message to polluters to clean up or shut down. And ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Is bundling restricting electricity competition?
    Comparing (and switching) electricity providers has become easier, but bundling power up with broadband and/or gas makes it more challenging. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The Kākā TL;DR: The new Consumer Advocacy Council set up as a result of the Labour Government’s Electricity Price Review in 2019 has called on either ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Westland Milk puts heat on competitors as global dairy demand  remains softer for longer
    Hokitika-based Westland Milk Products  has  put the heat on dairy giant Fonterra with  a $120m profit turnaround in 2022, driven by record sales. Westland paid its suppliers a 10c premium above the forecast Fonterra price per kilo, contributing $535m to the West Coast and Canterbury economies. The dairy ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    3 days ago
  • BRYCE EDWARDS’ Political Roundup:  The Beehive’s revolving door and corporate mateship
    * Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealanders are uncomfortable with the high level of influence corporate lobbyists have in New Zealand politics, and demands are growing for greater regulation. A recent poll shows 62 per cent of the public support having a two-year cooling off period between ministers leaving public ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: The Beehive’s revolving door and corporate mateship
    New Zealanders are uncomfortable with the high level of influence corporate lobbyists have in New Zealand politics, and demands are growing for greater regulation. A recent poll shows 62 per cent of the public support having a two-year cooling off period between ministers leaving public office and becoming lobbyists and ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • A miracle pill for our transport ills
    This is a guest post by accessibility and sustainable transport advocate Tim Adriaansen It originally appeared here.   A friend calls you and asks for your help. They tell you that while out and about nearby, they slipped over and landed arms-first. Now their wrist is swollen, hurting like ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • The Surprising Power of Floating Wind Turbines
    Floating offshore wind turbines offer incredible opportunities to capture powerful winds far out at sea. By unlocking this wind energy potential, they could be a key weapon in our arsenal in the fight against climate change. But how developed are these climate fighting clean energy giants? And why do I ...
    3 days ago
  • The next Maori challenge
    Over the past two or three weeks, a procession of Maori iwi and hapu in a series of little-noticed appearances before two Select Committees have been asking for more say for Maori over resource management decisions along the co-governance lines of Three Waters. Their submissions and appearances run counter ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Secret “war-crime” warrants by International Criminal Court is mischief-making
    The decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue war crimes arrest warrants for the Russian President and the Russia Children Ombudsman may have been welcomed by the ideologically committed but otherwise seems to have been greeted with widespread cynicism (see Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants ...
    3 days ago
  • How to answer Drunk Uncle Kevin's Climate Crisis reckons
    Let’s say you’re clasping your drink at a wedding, or a 40th, or a King’s Birthday Weekend family reunion and Drunk Uncle Kevin has just got going.He’s in an expansive frame of mind because we’re finally rid of that silly girl. But he wants to ask an honest question about ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • National’s Luxon may be glum about his poll ratings but has he found a winner in promising to rai...
    National Party leader Christopher Luxon may  be feeling glum about his poll ratings, but  he could be tapping  into  a rich political vein in  describing the current state of education as “alarming”. Luxon said educational achievement has been declining,  with a recent NCEA pilot exposing just how far it has ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: More Labour foot-dragging
    Yesterday the IPCC released the final part of its Sixth Assessment Report, warning us that we have very little time left in which to act to prevent catastrophic climate change, but pointing out that it is a problem that we can solve, with existing technology, and that anything we do ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Te Pāti Māori Are Revolutionaries – Not Reformists.
    Way Beyond Reform: Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer have no more interest in remaining permanent members of “New Zealand’s” House of Representatives than did Lenin and Trotsky in remaining permanent members of Tsar Nicolas II’s “democratically-elected” Duma. Like the Bolsheviks, Te Pāti Māori is a party of revolutionaries – not reformists.THE CROWN ...
    4 days ago
  • When does history become “ancient”, on Tinetti’s watch as Minister of Education – and what o...
    Buzz from the Beehive Auckland was wiped off the map, when Education Minister Jan Tinetti delivered her speech of welcome as host of the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers “here in Tāmaki Makaurau”. But – fair to say – a reference was made later in the speech to a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • Climate Catastrophe, but first rugby.
    Morning mate, how you going?Well, I was watching the news last night and they announced this scientific report on Climate Change. But before they got to it they had a story about the new All Blacks coach.Sounds like important news. It’s a bit of a worry really.Yeah, they were talking ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • What the US and European bank rescues mean for us
    Always a bailout: US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the Government would fully guarantee all savers in all smaller US banks if needed. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: No wonder an entire generation of investors are used to ‘buying the dip’ and ‘holding on for dear life’. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp?
    Wealthy vested interests have an oversized influence on political decisions in New Zealand. Partly that’s due to their use of corporate lobbyists. Fortunately, the influence lobbyists can have on decisions made by politicians is currently under scrutiny in Guyon Espiner’s in-depth series published by RNZ. Two of Espiner’s research exposés ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • It’s Raining Congestion
    Yesterday afternoon it rained and traffic around the region ground to a halt, once again highlighting why it is so important that our city gets on with improving the alternatives to driving. For additional irony, this happened on the same day the IPCC synthesis report landed, putting the focus on ...
    4 days ago
  • Checking The Left: The Dreadful Logic Of Fascism.
    The Beginning: Anti-Co-Governance agitator, Julian Batchelor, addresses the Dargaville stop of his travelling roadshow across New Zealand . Fascism almost always starts small. Sadly, it doesn’t always stay that way. Especially when the Left helps it to grow.THERE IS A DREADFUL LOGIC to the growth of fascism. To begin with, it ...
    4 days ago
  • Good Friends and Terrible Food
    Hi,From an incredibly rainy day in Los Angeles, I just wanted to check in. I guess this is the day Trump may or may not end up in cuffs? I’m attempting a somewhat slower, less frenzied week. I’ve had Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s new record on non-stop, and it’s been a ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • At a glance – What evidence is there for the hockey stick?
    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 ...
    4 days ago
  • Carry right on up there, Corporal Espiner
    RNZ has been shining their torch into corners where lobbyists lurk and asking such questions as: Do we like the look of this?and Is this as democratic as it could be?These are most certainly questions worth asking, and every bit as valid as, say:Are we shortchanged democratically by the way ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • This smells
    RNZ has continued its look at the role of lobbyists by taking a closer look at the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Andrew Kirton. He used to work for liquor companies, opposing (among other things) a container refund scheme which would have required them to take responsibility for their own ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Major issues on the table in Mahuta’s  talks in Beijing with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has left for Beijing for the first ministerial visit to China since 2019. Mahuta is  to  meet China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang  where she  might have to call on all the  diplomatic skills  at  her  command. Almost certainly she  will  face  questions  on what  role ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    4 days ago
  • Inside TOP's Teal Card and political strategy
    TL;DR: The Opportunities Party’s Leader Raf Manji is hopeful the party’s new Teal Card, a type of Gold card for under 30s, will be popular with students, and not just in his Ilam electorate where students make up more than a quarter of the voters and where Manji is confident ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Make Your Empties Go Another Round.
    When I was a kid New Zealand was actually pretty green. We didn’t really have plastic. The fruit and veges came in a cardboard box, the meat was wrapped in paper, milk came in a glass bottle, and even rubbish sacks were made of paper. Today if you sit down ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on how similar Vladimir Putin is to George W. Bush
    Looking back through the names of our Police Ministers down the years, the job has either been done by once or future party Bigfoots – Syd Holland, Richard Prebble, Juduth Collins, Chris Hipkins – or by far lesser lights like Keith Allen, Frank Gill, Ben Couch, Allen McCready, Clem Simich, ...
    5 days ago
  • CHRIS TROTTER:  Te Pāti Māori’s uncompromising threat to the status quo
    Chris Trotter writes – The Crown is a fickle friend. Any political movement deemed to be colourful but inconsequential is generally permitted to go about its business unmolested. The Crown’s media, RNZ and TVNZ, may even “celebrate” its existence (presumably as proof of Democracy’s broad-minded acceptance of diversity). ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Shining a bright light on lobbyists in politics
    Four out of the five people who have held the top role of Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff since 2017 have been lobbyists. That’s a fact that should worry anyone who believes vested interests shouldn’t have a place at the centre of decision making. Chris Hipkins’ newly appointed Chief of ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago
  • Auckland Council Draft Budget – an unnecessary backwards step
    Feedback on Auckland Council’s draft 2023/24 budget closes on March 28th. You can read the consultation document here, and provide feedback here. Auckland Council is currently consulting on what is one of its most important ever Annual Plans – the ‘budget’ of what it will spend money on between July ...
    5 days ago
  • Talking’ Posey Parker Blues
    by Molten Moira from Motueka If you want to be a woman let me tell you what to do Get a piece of paper and a biro tooWrite down your new identification And boom! You’re now a woman of this nationSpelled W O M A Na real trans woman that isAs opposed ...
    RedlineBy Admin
    5 days ago
  • More Māori words make it into the OED, and polytech boss (with rules on words like “students”) ...
    Buzz from the Beehive   New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti is hosting the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers for three days from today, welcoming Education Ministers and senior officials from 18 Pacific Island countries and territories, and from Australia. Here’s hoping they have brought translators with them – or ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • Social intercourse with haters and Nazis: an etiquette guide
    Let’s say you’ve come all the way from His Majesty’s United Kingdom to share with the folk of Australia and New Zealand your antipathy towards certain other human beings. And let’s say you call yourself a women’s rights activist.And let’s say 99 out of 100 people who listen to you ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • The Greens, Labour, and coalition enforcement
    James Shaw gave the Green party's annual "state of the planet" address over the weekend, in which he expressed frustration with Labour for not doing enough on climate change. His solution is to elect more Green MPs, so they have more power within any government arrangement, and can hold Labour ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • This sounds familiar…
    RNZ this morning has the first story another investigative series by Guyon Espiner, this time into political lobbying. The first story focuses on lobbying by government agencies, specifically transpower, Pharmac, and assorted universities, and how they use lobbyists to manipulate public opinion and gather intelligence on the Ministers who oversee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Letter to the NZ Herald: NCEA pseudoscience – “Mauri is present in all matter”
    Nick Matzke writes –   Dear NZ Herald, I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. I teach evolutionary biology, but I also have long experience in science education and (especially) political attempts to insert pseudoscience into science curricula in ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • So what would be the point of a Green vote again?
    James Shaw has again said the Greens would be better ‘in the tent’ with Labour than out, despite Labour’s policy bonfire last week torching much of what the Government was doing to reduce emissions. File Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Green Party has never been more popular than in some ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Gas stoves pose health risks. Are gas furnaces and other appliances safe to use?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Wesseler Poor air quality is a long-standing problem in Los Angeles, where the first major outbreak of smog during World War II was so intense that some residents thought the city had been attacked by chemical weapons. Cars were eventually discovered ...
    6 days ago
  • Genetic Heritage and Co Governance
    Yesterday I was reading an excellent newsletter from David Slack, and I started writing a comment “Sounds like some excellent genetic heritage…” and then I stopped.There was something about the phrase genetic heritage that stopped me in tracks. Is that a phrase I want to be saying? It’s kind of ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • BRIAN EASTON: Radical Uncertainty
    Brian Easton writes – Two senior economists challenge some of the foundations of current economics. It is easy to criticise economic science by misrepresenting it, by selective quotations, and by ignoring that it progresses, like all sciences, by improving and abandoning old theories. The critics may go ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s Middle East strategy, 20 years after the Iraq War
    This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the Iraq War. While it strongly opposed the US-led invasion, New Zealand’s then Labour-led government led by Prime Minister Helen Clark did deploy military engineers to try to help rebuild Iraq in mid-2003. With violence soaring, their 12-month deployment ended without being renewed ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    6 days ago
  • The motorways are finished
    After seventy years, Auckland’s motorway network is finally finished. In July 1953 the first section of motorway in Auckland was opened between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Mt Wellington Highway. The final stage opens to traffic this week with the completion of the motorway part of the Northern Corridor Improvements project. Aucklanders ...
    6 days ago
  • Kicking National’s tyres
    National’s appointment of Todd McClay as Agriculture spokesperson clearly signals that the party is in trouble with the farming vote. McClay was not an obvious choice, but he does have a record as a political scrapper. The party needs that because sources say it has been shedding farming votes ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago
  • As long as there is cricket, the world is somehow okay.
    Rays of white light come flooding into my lounge, into my face from over the top of my neighbour’s hedge. I have to look away as the window of the conservatory is awash in light, as if you were driving towards the sun after a rain shower and suddenly blinded. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago
  • So much of what was there remains
    The columnists in Private Eye take pen names, so I have not the least idea who any of them are. But I greatly appreciate their expert insight, especially MD, who writes the medical column, offering informed and often damning critique of the UK health system and the politicians who keep ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago
  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Mar 12, 2023 thru Sat, Mar 18, 2023. Story of the Week Guest post: What 13,500 citations reveal about the IPCC’s climate science report   IPCC WG1 AR6 SPM Report Cover - Changing ...
    7 days ago
  • Financial capability services are being bucked up, but Stuart Nash shouldn’t have to see if they c...
    Buzz from the Beehive  The building of financial capability was brought into our considerations when Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced she had dipped into the government’s coffers for $3 million for “providers” to help people and families access community-based Building Financial Capability services. That wording suggests some ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago
  • Things that make you go Hmmmm.
    Do you ever come across something that makes you go Hmmmm?You mean like the song?No, I wasn’t thinking of the song, but I am now - thanks for that. I was thinking of things you read or hear that make you stop and go Hmmmm.Yeah, I know what you mean, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • The hoon for the week that was to March 19
    By the end of the week, the dramas over Stuart Nash overshadowed Hipkins’ policy bonfire. File photo: Lynn GrieveasonTLDR: This week’s news in geopolitics and the political economy covered on The Kākā included:PM Chris Hipkins’ announcement of the rest of a policy bonfire to save a combined $1.7 billion, but ...
    The KakaBy Peter Bale
    1 week ago
  • Saving Stuart Nash: Explaining Chris Hipkins' unexpected political calculation
    When word went out that Prime Minister Chris Hipkins would be making an announcement about Stuart Nash on the tiles at parliament at 2:45pm yesterday, the assumption was that it was over. That we had reached tipping point for Nash’s time as minister. But by 3pm - when, coincidentally, the ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    1 week ago
  • Radical Uncertainty
    Two senior economists challenge some of the foundations of current economics. It is easy to criticise economic science by misrepresenting it, by selective quotations, and by ignoring that it progresses, like all sciences, by improving and abandoning old theories. The critics may go on to attack physics by citing Newton.So ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • Jump onto the weekly hoon on Riverside at 5pm
    Photo by Walker Fenton on UnsplashIt’s that time of the week again when and I co-host our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kaka for an hour at 5 pm. Jump on this link on Riverside (we’ve moved from Zoom) for our chat about the week’s news with ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Dream of Florian Neame: Accepted
    In a nice bit of news, my 2550-word deindustrial science-fiction piece, The Dream of Florian Neame, has been accepted for publication at New Maps Magazine (https://www.new-maps.com/). I have published there before, of course, with Of Tin and Tintagel coming out last year. While I still await the ...
    1 week ago

  • Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua
    Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpart
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Government delivering world-class satellite positioning services
    World-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges.  Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson Tasman
    A new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • National’s education policy: where’s the funding?
    After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment.  “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventors
    People aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economy
    A cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times
    77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business Forum
    Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island
    $2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government future-proofs EV charging
    Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZers
    Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners Court
    Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floods
    The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New appointment to Māori Land Court bench
    E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work
    113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Vertical farming partnership has upward momentum
    The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ still well placed to meet global challenges
    The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Western Ring Route Complete
    Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Briefings to Incoming Ministers
    This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient Fiji
    Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recovery
    The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Next steps developing clean energy for NZ
    The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-25T13:21:08+00:00