Sanctions for beneficiary bashers

Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, July 25th, 2018 - 76 comments
Categories: benefits, Economy, employment, jacinda ardern, making shit up, Media, national, Politics, same old national, Simon Bridges, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, welfare, winston peters, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

I am almost starting to feel sorry for Simon Bridges.  Almost …

He is struggling for relevance.  He has had a month of clear air where he has not had to deal with the might of Jacinda and has blown it.

I commented on this here.  David Cormack in the Herald concurs.  From his article:

Polling is now starting to catch on to this idea of Jacinda as a phenom. She damn near single handedly dragged Labour off the opposition benches after inheriting a dispirited and damaged group seven weeks before a General Election. But our Prime Minister has been on parental leave for a month and in that time we’ve had a sort of political vacuum.

Usually if such a vacuum occurs the opposition might use it to get some cut-through, let the country know what it stands for. But National seems to stand for nothing except an empty jar of hair gel.

I was talking to a Labour front-bencher and they said to me “If you asked me what National’s policy on just about anything was, I wouldn’t be able to tell you, and I sit opposite them.” Which is not a reflection on their listening skills, but rather that National is bereft. Bereft of ideas. Personality. Communication skills. Anything really.

Ask yourself, what is a National Party policy? All I can think of is MORE TAX CUTS, and maybe FEWER ABORTIONS. But the anti-abortion policy is more Simon Bridges’ than National’s, and the tax cuts policy seems to have flown out the door because National keeps complaining that the Government isn’t spending enough money.

And it appears the polling is starting to hurt National.  Again from Cormack’s post:

Labour’s internal polling has Labour three points ahead of National. A fairly big baby bump considering where they have been. But it’s their support parties’ result that is the more startling. Both the Greens and NZ First are at seven per cent each. This gives the Coalition plus Greens a seventeen point lead over the opposition.

So what is a good tory to do?  Well bash beneficiaries, what else?

Two days ago Bridges decided to make beneficiary sanctions an issue.  This is Newshub’s take on the issue:

Simon Bridges says National is committed to bringing back sanctions on beneficiaries to give them “more esteem and more of a purpose”.

The Labour-NZ First coalition has removed, or is in the process of removing, many of the punishments introduced by the previous National-led Government after winning last year’s election – such as docking payments to solo mothers who don’t name the father of their baby.

The number of beneficiaries being sanctioned fell 22 percent in the last year, figures released to NZME last week showed. The biggest falls came in sanctions for failing to show for appointments and failing to prepare or participate in work. Work and Income staff have reportedly been encouraged to explore other options first, and any sanction now has to be signed off by a second person.

Mr Bridges told The AM Show on Monday National would “absolutely” reinstate sanctions if they win the next election.

“We need to be fair to taxpayers, hard-working taxpayers who deserve actually their money to be spent well, but also the beneficiaries who in terms of getting into a job, have a better life quality actually have more esteem and more of a purpose.”

He said the aim wasn’t to be “tough”.

“It was about making sure we had expectations on beneficiaries that would lead to better lives for them. This Government’s going soft in this area – it’s a bit like crime, it won’t work. It’ll mean more beneficiaries, more people languishing on the dole queue, when we’ve actually got low unemployment in this country. It’s a tragedy.”

So according to Bridges sanctions give people more esteem and more of a purpose.

There is however the small matter that all the studies into the subject disagree.  Lisa Owen at Newshub last year discovered that the Government had no evidence that benefit sanctions on solo parents do anything to encourage wayward fathers to pay their share of child support and that it actually put families at higher risk of hardship and long term welfare dependency.

And a UK study’s conclusions were even more pessimistic.  From the Guardian:

Benefit sanctions are ineffective at getting jobless people into work and are more likely to reduce those affected to poverty, ill-health or even survival crime, the UK’s most extensive study of welfare conditionality has found.

The five-year exercise tracking hundreds of claimants concludes that the controversial policy of docking benefits as punishment for alleged failures to comply with jobcentre rules has been little short of disastrous.

“Benefit sanctions do little to enhance people’s motivation to prepare for, seek or enter paid work. They routinely trigger profoundly negative personal, financial, health and behavioural outcomes,” the study concludes.

Let me say this again.  Sanctions do not work.  All they do is make the situation worse for poor people.  But they make some slightly less poor people feel superior.  In political terms this makes them worthwhile.

It is not the only example of poor people bashing that Bridges has recently engaged in.  He also this week lashed out against Tauranga City Council and the homeless. Win win, lash out at Local Government and really poor people who will never vote for you at the same time.  Talk about right wing nirvana.

And the proposal, which Bridges endorses, is that we should change the behaviour of really poor people by fining them if they sleep too close to retail outlets!  That will work.  Make really poor people even poorer is bound to have a beneficial effect.

Bridges’ problem is that he is totally incapable of delivering the message with any sort of authority.  If you want to bash beneficiaries and poor people for political advantage you have to at least be able to sound convincing.

To show how utterly unconvincing he is, this is the video from Parliament yesterday when he chose to use benefit sanctions as the core of his Parliamentary question.

This was the worst display by an Opposition Leader I have ever seen in our Parliament.

Peters was toying with Bridges.  This part of the exchange shows the degree that this occurred:

Hon Simon Bridges: Does he agree with Jan Logie that eight out of 277,000 beneficiaries being suspended each day for breaches of obligation is too many?

Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: In an ideal world, of course I’d agree with that member. The reality is we haven’t given up. We haven’t given up on the kind of economic and social utopia that we’re organising at this point in time. We don’t take that dismal puritanical view of the roadshow that went around the country filling up telephone booths and calling it a worldwide campaign.

Hon Simon Bridges: Does he agree with Jan Logie, who said that applying obligations to beneficiaries are “not the actions of a decent and compassionate government”, or does he actually believe that obligations are a compassionate tool to help people into work, which will improve their life outcomes?

Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: I could say that it’s been a long time since I’ve heard the neoliberal experiment being described as a compassionate tool to help the poor. This is a new one for us.

Hon Simon Bridges: So it’s quite clear, is it, that he does not support sanctions, that he thinks beneficiaries should be able to languish on the dole queue?

Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Which of the two questions would the member like me to answer?

Mr SPEAKER: Well, I couldn’t find one amongst that.

Hon Simon Bridges: How can he stand here and defend the policies of Labour and the Greens to soften obligations, remove sanctions, and put more people on welfare, when he clearly doesn’t believe in it himself and his colleagues have actively advocated getting the “nephs” off the couch with sanctions?

Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Because the programme that we have advocated, as a Government” about getting the “nephs” off the couch is about providing the work for them in the first place. You can’t get them off the couch if there’s no place to go and work at—that’s the difference. And I’m going to be concerned about Jacinda Ardern calling me shortly and saying I’d better stay here—this job looks too easy.

I suspect that despite the wintery weather it is barbecue time for National.

Perhaps sanctions should be applied to Simon Bridges, to give him more esteem and more of a purpose.  Nothing else seems to be working.

76 comments on “Sanctions for beneficiary bashers ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. marty mars 1
    25 July 2018 at 8:04 am

    Yep he is useless.

    Bring up the next one and they’ll get a short shove too. YAY!!!

    • Chris 1.1
      27 July 2018 at 3:09 pm

      Bridges isn’t useless. He’s in fact very useful. If he stays where he is he’ll single-handedly steer National to a record low in 2020.

      • marty mars 1.1.1
        27 July 2018 at 3:21 pm

        Maybe – he could be the best of the gnats or one of the worst – personally i think the rest are worse than him as evidenced by him being able to climb out of the slimepit and claw his way over them to reach the top. This is interestingly, a behaviour shared by some other creatures 🙂

  2. Kay 2
    25 July 2018 at 8:58 am

    “So what is a good tory to do? Well bash beneficiaries, what else?”

    Not batting an eyelid…

  3. Kevin 3
    25 July 2018 at 9:00 am

    National Playbook 101: When in the shit, bash the benes. Have seen this time and time again.

  4. millsy 4
    25 July 2018 at 9:05 am

    I think we should also remember the last time National gave the finance portfolio to a woman from Mid-Canterbury with a dairy farming background.

  5. te reo putake 5
    25 July 2018 at 9:28 am

    It’s been noted on Twitter that National’s caucus meeting yesterday took 3 hours, way longer than usual. But let’s not call it a crisis just yet 😉

    I reckon Bridges has a month or so to prove he can foot it. That’s about two weeks of trying to land a blow on Winston Peters, then two weeks to try and do the same to the new Mother of the Nation when she returns from maternity leave.

    I reckon the first week of September will be when National’s brains trust dust off the Weber 4 burner. Soimon can look forward to spending the summer doing a one man roadshow, meeting rull hard working New Zullunders up and down the Mount’s Marine Parade. Budgie smugglers optional.

    • McFlock 5.1
      25 July 2018 at 12:59 pm

      September through December seems to be the season for leadership changes, even excluding election defeats.

      • Patricia Bremner 5.1.1
        25 July 2018 at 3:30 pm

        “Isn’t it good, isn’t it nice” “Send in the Clowns” by …wait for it!! by Judy Collins. Suggested music for the BBQ.
        Prophetic or what?

    • Kevin 5.2
      25 July 2018 at 1:02 pm

      Bridges v Peters.

      You could sell tickets to that. Talk about 1-sided.

  6. Cinny 6
    25 July 2018 at 9:40 am

    Excellent post.

    Watched parliament yesterday, totally agree with you on simons performance Micky. He was useless. Winny had me in stitches with his rebuttal, simon was totally owned.

    His lack of confidence was on show for all to see. And now that Te Reo Putake has mentioned above about the length of their caucus meeting it makes sense as to his performance. He will never be PM, and his leadership was always over before it begun.

    National party policy… lolololz…where, what? Nada.

  7. veutoviper 7
    25 July 2018 at 10:28 am

    I cannot believe that anyone with anything between their ears can really believe that
    sanctions on beneficiaries give them “more esteem and more of a purpose”.

    Watching the faces of Bridges’ fellow Nats in Question Time yesterday, I suspect that very few of them believe that either.

    Even Pete George is expressing disappointment with Bridges’ performance to date and the likelihood that he won’t be leader much longer. In the last few days he has had several posts on Bridges’ lack of popularity etc but this morning’s latest one is pretty straight up on PG’s opinion of him.

    I had my doubts about Bridges when National chose him to take over from the Key/English era but you never know how someone is going to step up in a leadership role, so I waited and watched.

    I didn’t see anything much to give me confidence he had what was required.

    Now I am seeing things that are quite disappointing.

    Successful leaders learn from their mistakes.

    Unsuccessful leaders fail to learn from mistakes.

    Never successful leaders never get enough things right from the start.

    Here is the full link – https://yournz.org/2018/07/25/bridges-tries-to-fake-tough-talk/

    The Dom Post editorial quoted by PG – “Mr Nice Guy bares his teeth” – is also worth a read (complemented with a wonderful picture of a chihuahua baring its teeth in PG’s post. LOL) – https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/105716613/editorial–mr-nice-guy-bares-his-teeth

    Momentum certainly seems to be increasing. TRP’s timeline seems feasible – but WHO NEXT?

  8. Puckish Rogue 8
    25 July 2018 at 10:30 am

    Simon Bridges is a good man but, like Shearer, just doesn’t have “it”

    National need someone else…

    • Andre 8.1
      25 July 2018 at 10:33 am

      … someone with eyebrows that can shatter glass at 40 paces.

      • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1
        25 July 2018 at 10:39 am

        Possibly but they’d need to already be known by the public so there’d be no need for a “get to know the leader” tour

        They’d need to be known to stand for something

        Preferably an electorate MP to show they can win elections

        Not be afraid of a fight because to win the next election will be a real battle

        and while it isn’t a requirement being attractive certainly doesn’t hurt…

        Just wish i could think of someone that ticks all those boxes

  9. xanthe 9
    25 July 2018 at 10:41 am

    Perhaps the whole idea of Simon was to make the actual leader (to be announced) look good by comparison?

    • Rosemary McDonald 9.1
      25 July 2018 at 10:45 am

      Most definitely.

      They chose wisely too, as this guy seems impervious to criticism. Water off duck’s back. He just grins and carries on.

    • marty mars 9.2
      25 July 2018 at 10:46 am

      Could work except he was the best of their bunch by miles. No mates, no talent, no ideas, no nothing know nothing gnats.

  10. Clive Macann 10
    25 July 2018 at 10:45 am

    National should just leave Simon where he is. He is doing a great job for the Govt Coalition. Thank you Simon.

  11. AB 11
    25 July 2018 at 12:24 pm

    We haven’t had a one-term government since ’72-’75 – and then a popular leader died in office and there was the OPEC oil crisis. Absent similar crises, Bridges’ job is to lose as well as possible in 2020 before one of the real contenders takes over.

    He will be rewarded for offering himself up as the sacrificial lamb – but only if he loses well. If he does a 20% Billy English 2002 fustercluck, that is making it too hard for 2023. But I can’t see anything remotely as bad as 2002 happening.

    At the moment Simon is just flitting round trying to shore up 40% for National – being a bit sort of green but not too much, a bit of judicious bene bashing, pretending that business confidence surveys and being the biggest single party in parliament actually mean something, etc..

    Seems like reasonable tactics at this stage, especially when your party’s past record in government is basically mud and public amnesia about it hasn’t set in yet. It’s a horribly difficult job. So I reckon he’s doing an OK job of positioning National to win in 2023 with a different leader. Sure, he comes across to some lefties as an incoherent, embarrassing clown, but that’s just a sign of how snobby and elitist we can be.

    • greywarshark 11.1
      25 July 2018 at 12:37 pm

      Good critique AB. Rings true.

      • cleangreen 11.1.1
        25 July 2018 at 3:06 pm

        AB, Now watching ‘general debate’ in parliament today and ‘simple Simon Bridges’ is raving about his ‘regional tour’ last week.

        Bridges sounds upset and angy, and is throwing shit at the Government, but didn’t add anything to how his party was going to mend the country.

        So really he is a hollow vessel with no policy just uses an attack mode so he has nothing to give the voters at all.

        • AB 11.1.1.1
          25 July 2018 at 5:17 pm

          Yeah, but whatever I think of him personally, at this stage I think Bridges is doing what he needs to do – sniping criticism, spin lines, half-truths. Quick hit and run attacks without being the solid target that you become by actually announcing a policy. Nats don’t really do ‘policy’ anyway – they’re more about ‘settings’ – low income taxes favouring the top end of earners, giving business a relatively free hand in order to bolster short-term profits and ignore long-term problems, a tax environment that favours speculation over work, and moderate austerity for the rest of us.
          He has held the Nats at 40%+ so far – if that continues he will have done brilliantly.

          • cleangreen 11.1.1.1.1
            26 July 2018 at 12:28 pm

            AB it just shows that the ‘soft’ media are proping up Bridges desn’t it?

            As we never see any carping critisism of this cretin ‘benefit basher’ and this all goes back to when the Labour overnment stubbled over their offer to produce a “free to air” commercial free “public affairs” TV channel like Channel 7 was, that would put the spotlight on the labour policies as positive plans, and since that has been canned by Minister of Broadcasting srewing the whole thing up and stopping it we are now suffering in the opolls as a result.

            Labour need to replace Clare curran and put a effective Minister of broadcasting in place to setup this urgently needed “free to air” commercial free “public affairs” TV channel” now as time is marching onward to 2020.

  12. Pete 12
    25 July 2018 at 12:39 pm

    Simon will bash beneficiaries if he reads some of the moronic drivel from some of the cretins on Kiwiblog and adopts their neanderthal attitudes and outlook thinking that acting like them will get him votes.

    Meanwhile Simon’s political mate David Farrar will start to run defence for him until he realises it’s a wasted mission.

  13. the other pat 13
    25 July 2018 at 1:17 pm

    bridges is an endangered species…..but on sanctions…….when a solo mum will not as opposed to don’t know give the name of the father who can then be held fiscally responsible for his child…..well i think a “sanction” of some sort is needed…..the tax payer pays for the mother and child and so shall he in my book.DNA testing will sort any wrongful i.d.

    • AsleepWhileWalking 13.1
      25 July 2018 at 3:50 pm

      FYI that isn’t how s73 penalties work.

      Fathers and guardians are also penalised if they are on a benefit raising the child. And some cultures and religions object to DNA tests.

      As long as the penalties are in force their are people who are under immense financial pressure to swear an affidavit that degrades both themselves and the child. Does that child not have the right to grow up without MSD knowing (for example) that they were born as a result of incest? Its not like MSD is the most secure and trustworthy place. Imagine if that child grew up and criticised the Paula Bennett equivalent in the media?

      • the other pat 13.1.1
        26 July 2018 at 5:43 pm

        yes i concur its both fathers and mothers…..but there is an expectation that the good ole community of N.Z support parent and child maybe for the next 18 years……refusing to name a “parent” for less than very very good reasons is just a big fuck you to the tax payer….give me my entitlement now!!!!

  14. Tuppence Shrewsbury 14
    25 July 2018 at 1:20 pm

    David Cormack? The PR maven with no clients? You are taking his word as the basis for a column on bridges struggling for relevance.

    Mickey, you could have picked anyone of the street and still had more credibility than a guy who uses all caps for emphasis in a newspaper column. Why don’t you just ask high school students to do it in emoji’s then you can blog on it

  15. Wensleydale 15
    25 July 2018 at 1:36 pm

    Nice work, Simon. Stand your ground, mate. The longer you’re there, the better the government looks. For the sake of all of us who don’t vote National, please remain leader of the National Party. Watching you stuff hand grenades down the front of your own trousers is comedy gold.

  16. Draco T Bastard 16
    25 July 2018 at 2:13 pm

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Because the programme that we have advocated, as a Government” about getting the “nephs” off the couch is about providing the work for them in the first place. You can’t get them off the couch if there’s no place to go and work at—that’s the difference.

    And that is something that National hasn’t seemed to understand since Holyoake. People can’t get off the unemployment benefit if there isn’t any work for them.

    Thing is, Bill English is on record as saying that it’s impossible to get unemployment below 6%. Seems to me that National like high unemployment because it keeps wages low and gives them a target (beneficiaries) to bash so as to distract from the fact that their policies aren’t working.

    • Craig H 16.1
      25 July 2018 at 2:49 pm

      Exactly right, we have a system with deliberate unemployment, so blaming beneficiaries for not looking hard enough is nonsense.

      • Kat 16.1.1
        25 July 2018 at 8:04 pm

        Dare I mention we had a functioning MoW back in Holyoakes day.

      • the other pat 16.1.2
        26 July 2018 at 5:45 pm

        but we have imports brought in because kiwis will not do the work?

        • Craig H 16.1.2.1
          26 July 2018 at 6:20 pm

          Sometimes there’s a mismatch between location of work and people, and sometimes in skills/training. And, sometimes the mismatch is that some employers won’t pay enough.

  17. SaveNZ 17
    25 July 2018 at 2:43 pm

    Winston seems on fire.

    Simon, seems increasingly more like a place holder for the Natz.

    • Enough is Enough 17.1
      25 July 2018 at 3:08 pm

      Simon is probably best to actually keep his mouth shut at the moment and let the media do his job for him.

      The media narrative is that this Government is a shambles with business and consumer confidence crumbling, industrial action on the rise, and a coalition that can’t afford its promises because it gave Winston everything he asked for and more (acting PM).

      There a grey clouds on the horizon with New Zealand likely to get caught in the cross fire of a super power trade war.

      NZ First will not survive this term and the Greens will struggle for relevance if Jacinda stays as popular as she currently is.

      You don’t need to have firm policy as an opposition if the Government is portrayed in this way.

      • ianmac 17.1.1
        25 July 2018 at 4:13 pm

        “Simon is probably best to actually keep his mouth shut at the moment and let the media do his job for him.”
        That would be wise for Simon but I hope he keeps on shouting. His open mouth is a disaster.

  18. veutoviper 18
    25 July 2018 at 3:04 pm

    Simon seems to be trying to be on fire. Having again been walked all over by Peters in Question Time, Bridges is opening General Debate today. I wonder how many times he has practiced his speech in front of the mirror in the last few days? Lots of shouty shouty and lots of finger pointing – AND its ended as quickly as it began … Much shorter than usual General Debate speeches.

    Chloe Swarbrick is now speaking well on citizen juries, medicinal cannabis.

    https://www.parliament.nz/en/watch-parliament/

  19. Paul Campbell 19
    25 July 2018 at 7:06 pm

    yeah, sure, taking away the money you need to feed your kids with really does build self esteem ….. which bizzaro-world exactly does that idea come from? the one with evil Spock?

  20. R.P Mcmurphy 20
    25 July 2018 at 7:27 pm

    bridges is becoming hysterical and got a warning from the speaker today .

    • Wensleydale 20.1
      26 July 2018 at 12:46 am

      Simon’s at his best when he gets flustered and starts behaving like a swivel-eyed loon. His voice goes up a couple of octaves and he appears quite agitated. We had a teacher like that in high school. The kids would deliberately wind him up because watching him flail about in a desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of order was quality entertainment. I suspect Peters feels he’s been tasked with disciplining a yapping dog. Bit of a waste, really.

    • cleangreen 20.2
      26 July 2018 at 12:33 pm

      Yes RP McMurphy

      Simple Simon Bridges was severely warned by the speaker not to carry on his rants and wrongful interjections .

      The speaker severly warned him that if he does, he will be dealt to by his actions if he persists.

  21. SPC 21
    25 July 2018 at 7:27 pm

    Restricting medicinal marijuana to the form produced by foreign corporates and preventing the local development of (lower THC) varieties grown for medical use – National once again serving the interests of imperial capital.

    It also signals their opposition to legalisation of marijuana and their support for the failed war on drugs. What happened in Keys war on P … .

    Yesterdays men, yesterdays thinking wrapped up in the regenerating body of Benjamin Button. New leadership that cannot cut it with an aging superannuant past his prime.

  22. Bryan 22
    25 July 2018 at 7:36 pm

    Unfortunately for Simon and National he is too slow in the thinking department and prone to tell whoppers when he does not know. The giraffe length synaptic gap means that there is no quick response. On morning TV the other week when the nurses were a hot topic he said
    “I am all for them getting more wages. Let me give you the facts: public servants got a 4 1/2 percent pay rise on average last year.”
    Well not in this particular Aotearoa as the labour cost index in the public sector was 1.5%.(excluding the historic catch up for healthcare workers)
    His nose might not grow when he misspeaks but he is crafting a new meaning of wooden boy in his painful performance.

  23. WILD KATIPO 23
    25 July 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Ha,.. That Winston Peters ! The Silver Fox…

    It was like Peters was impatient to get to someone in authority instead of wasting time on the ‘ boy ‘,at the front desk … he wasn’t just simply ‘toying’ with Bridges No Bridges , – he was lampooning and making a cock-mockery out of him !

    Bridges is an interim ‘ leader’. Peters knows that. He also knows Bridges is a pushover, relatively.

    And I love Peters views on neo liberalism:

    ———————————————————-

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: ” I could say that it’s been a long time since I’ve heard the neoliberal experiment being described as a compassionate tool to help the poor. This is a new one for us ” .

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: ” In an ideal world, of course I’d agree with that member. The reality is we haven’t given up. We haven’t given up on the kind of economic and social utopia that we’re organising at this point in time. We don’t take that dismal puritanical view of the roadshow that went around the country filling up telephone booths and calling it a worldwide campaign ” .

    ———————————————————-

    And Peters knows full well who REALLY has been trying to subvert our democracy and our economy since 1984…

    ———————————————————-

    … ” We don’t like extremists, – we believe in laws and policy’s that support the mass majority of New Zealanders , and not just a small elite ,… who may have gotten control of the political system and the financial funding of political party’s , … shows that in this campaign ” …

    – Winston Peters.

    23/9/2017.

    Peters said the sell off of New Zealand interests to overseas buyers was the “continuing story of this country’s decline since the 14th of July, 1984”.

    ———————————————————-

    Hes the man.

  24. Dave Jennings 24
    26 July 2018 at 1:22 pm

    The Proper definition of a Tory is : Brigand , Highwayman ,and Pursuer.
    The Tories have never been the working classes friend , their role is to keep the poor, in their place ;and hand out more wealth to the rich.
    The wealth of society that the working people create.
    The word is of course originally Irish,a word for their oppressors. The English.

  25. Delia 25
    26 July 2018 at 11:30 pm

    Simon Bridges says National is committed to bringing back sanctions on beneficiaries to give them “more esteem and more of a purpose”.

    Yes National it is such a cool idea depriving families of their food money for the week, it really builds self esteem in children. …It is disgusting.

  26. Sandy 26
    15 August 2018 at 7:26 am

    the flagnations need to give it a break

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    27 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    9 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 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
    17 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
    19 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
    20 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
    21 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
    23 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
    24 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days 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
    3 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

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours 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
    23 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
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  • 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 ...
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  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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  • 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 ...
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Government focused on getting people into work
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  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
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  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
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    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
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    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
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  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
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    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
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  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
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    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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    6 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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