Scratch a Tory…

Written By: - Date published: 9:27 am, October 22nd, 2008 - 40 comments
Categories: education, election 2008, im/migration, john key, national, same old national - Tags:

…and you still reveal a bigot, it seems. Here is National’s Immigration spokesperson, Lockwood Smith, (he who likes to swallow dead fish) on taking more Asian seasonal worker migrants instead of Polynesians:

“There are some skills in the vineyard that some people are perhaps better at, for example some of the pruning … some of the Asian workers have been more productive … because their hands are smaller. Some of them (employers) are having to teach them (Polyneisan seasonal workers) things like how to use a toilet or shower” (*)

As Samoan Studies academic Va’aomanu Pasifika, Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin says:

“They bring back shades of the sorts of comments that happened in the 1970s (during the dawn raids under former National leader Rob Muldoon).”

I really don’t think I need to go into details attacking these remarks. Any fair-minded person will be disgusted that senior politicans are still so bigoted in this day and age.

Meanwhile, John Key reminds us that bigotry isn’t just confined to factors like ethnicity, gender, and sexuality:

Lessons for politicians, No. 1: Learn a little about your audience before you open your mouth. When John Key and National’s Manurewa candidate, Cam Calder, visited the former Homai College (now the Blind and Low Vision Education Network) the audience included the institution’s teachers and other dedicated employees of the Ministry of Education. Key tells them he has two children and they attend good schools – St. Cuthbert’s and King’s – then adds, ‘If you work hard you can do the same.’ Cue deathly silence, broken only by the occasional groan. – The Business Herald, p. 23, 17/10/08 (hattip: square white world)

Yeah, John, if poor kids work hard enough then they, too, can have millionaire parents.

40 comments on “Scratch a Tory… ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Janet 1
    22 October 2008 at 9:39 am

    These quotes show the basic prejudices on many levels that the Nats have. Eg that good schools are exclusive private schools (that by they way have never welcomed blind or disabled kids). There is a huge amount of data to say these schools do not make any difference to educational outcomes and produce kids who do no better, and probably a bit worse than state school kids, at tertiary.. Look at some of the lower decile multicultural schools to see some really innovative teaching. And what a kick in the pants these comments are for JKey’s own state school in Christchurch.

    The sad thing is that the Nats have pledged millions more to exclusionary private schools at the expense of the public system which needs the money a lot more. This from a party which has an education spokesperson who apparently told the support staff conference (including school librarians, secretaries etc) that support staff were merely unskilled workers on rehab. At the same conference Helen Clark pledged a huge increase and more security in support staff wages.

  2. johnny be good 2
    22 October 2008 at 9:54 am

    Lockwood’s bigotry ain’t news, who didn’t know?

    But Key appears more and more disgusting as the election approaches.

    He thinks the rights of a child are solely dependent on whether or not they have the good fortune to have “successful” parents. You are wrong Mr Key, every child has the right to a good education, not just the kids of rich parents.

  3. Dom 3
    22 October 2008 at 10:04 am

    Oh. My. God. That’s even worse than I imagined!

    Lockwood should stick to what he knows best (ie. slyly checking out men at the gym – and no right wingers tell me he doesn’t or that I’m defaming him, I’ve seen him doing it on more than one occasion!).

    Captcha says who trust. It must have watched the latest Labour ad…

  4. Stephen 4
    22 October 2008 at 10:07 am

    “”There are some skills in the vineyard that some people are perhaps better at, for example some of the pruning some of the Asian workers have been more productive because their hands are smaller. Some of them (employers) are having to teach them (Polyneisan seasonal workers) things like how to use a toilet or shower’ (*)”

    But…no ones saying this stuff is untrue…? Haven’t read the article tho

  5. Ianmac 5
    22 October 2008 at 10:09 am

    Years ago a study was done on advantages or not between Private/Single sex State/Co-ed State. Exam passes were no use given as Janet said, Private Schools don’t take the disadvantaged, and take the upper socio-economic kids instead. So the study looked at success at first year University level. The results showed significant success rates for co-ed, then single sex, then private schools. It may have been because the coeds were used to living/learning in a more natural environment and being more self-reliant.

  6. Steve Pierson 6
    22 October 2008 at 10:16 am

    Stephen. If a Nat said we shouldn’t have Thai immigrants because they’re lazy would we have to give a detailed counter-argument, lying out the scientific evidence that the claim isn’t true, exposing the basis of the claim? No, some things are so beyond the pale they don’t deserve to be engaged with in that manner. They only deserve to be exposed for the bigotry they are.

    Dom. Maybe you go to the same gym as I do. I did have a post saying ‘I see you checking me out, go away and come up with some policy… then, we’ll talk’ – but my wiser comrades dissuaded me from posting because his private life is his business. His political statements are a different matter

  7. Daveski 7
    22 October 2008 at 10:17 am

    Not that there is any bigotry towards white, old, rich, men here 🙂

    First, there is no defence for this type of comment. It shows the Lockwood Smith is out of touch.

    Second, and I realise this is deliberate on your behalf, you have not mentioned anywhere that Smith stated he was simply reporting comments made to him. It certainly doesn’t mitigate his dumb ass but it puts a slightly different spin on it.

    As for the work hard/good school thing, I realise that the bigots here (intentional flame) will decry Key. It is true that the statement isn’t wise politically. However, there is a surprising core of middle New Zealand that would not disagree with Key on this. Personally, I don’t but you’re putting your using your own value judgements to attempt to create a universal belief that simply isn’t there.

    Finally, let’s not forget that racist stereotypes are the sole domain of the Nats. Help me out someone – who was it who made fun of Pansy Wong?

  8. ziuzou 8
    22 October 2008 at 10:21 am

    How can Key defend Smith’s racially derogatory remarks as a fresh and ambitious vision for NZ? Key got off lightly with Williamson recent ‘excitable’ outburst.

  9. Tripod 9
    22 October 2008 at 10:22 am

    “no ones saying this stuff is untrue” – err, “Asians’ hands are smaller so they are more productive”… do you really need to be told whether that’s true or not?

    Dunno about the shower and toilet bit, but I do know 22 people from Kiribati were crammed into a three-bedroom house in a Marlborough vineyard under the work scheme and their employer had the nerve to complain they were lazy. But wait, Lockwood’s got the solution, Asians are smaller so you can fit more of them into smaller houses!! Hooray! Recession solved!

    I wonder if he’s into phrenology too.

    Jesus, and these people run our country. I give up.

  10. ziuzou 10
    22 October 2008 at 10:24 am

    Help me out someone – who was it who made fun of Pansy Wong?

    Look among the right-wingers first. Just glance at the faces of Nat MPs when Pansy Wong stands up in House to talk.

  11. Dom 11
    22 October 2008 at 10:26 am

    Steve – I agree, I thought long and hard before posting that and Lockwood’s private life is indeed his own concern. But his consistent anti-gay stance means that I think he’s made that portion of his life fair game. I’m over the closeted National MPs speaking one way and acting another.

    Daveski – no one is slamming white, old rich men in general the way that Lockwood and Key are slamming entire groups here so it’s hardly bigotry.

  12. Steve Pierson 12
    22 October 2008 at 10:37 am

    yeah, it’s a fine area, Dom. And I agree, the personal behaviour can become acceptable as part of political discussion if it shows hypocrisy – Brash, for example, made his marriage a political issue when he attacked Clark on hers , so when his affairs became public it was fair game

  13. Daveski 13
    22 October 2008 at 10:45 am

    I hate doing this but let’s define bigotry so we all agree what we are talking about:

    [dictionary.com] stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own

    There is no defence for Lockwood’s stupidity. None. Not trying to. There is doubt however that these are his views (which SP deliberately omitted). However, there is no doubt that this is abject stupidity and deserving of the treatment he will no doubt get.

    As for Key, you can’t tell me that his comments are bigoted by any definition (apart from the Standards red=good, blue=bad). The article is correct – know your audience. It was an unwise thing to say given the audience. But it’s not bigotry.

    Perhaps some here would also benefit from having tolerance for beliefs that differ from their own?

  14. Stephen 14
    22 October 2008 at 10:46 am

    SP, I agree, but Smith was only referring to physical characteristics – if he said more Scandanavians would be good because they were tall, it wouldn’t be racist or anything, it’d just show how little grasp he has on what’s actually important, same with:

    “Asians’ hands are smaller so they are more productive’ do you really need to be told whether that’s true or not?

    Well, they are smaller godammit, they’re small people (he has no idea what he’s talking about though – hand size doesn’t matter a damn)! The paragraph on its own lacked context, which is why I said what I said.

    Now that comment:
    “There are some skills in the vineyard that some people are perhaps better at,”

    Is obviously full of crap. God. Again shows he knows jack.

    However his overall point:

    “My comments, regarding the extent to which employers, under the RSE scheme were being required to provide life skills training to RSE workers, were simply reporting the strong concerns expressed to me by many employers,” he said.

    Re: the showers and toilets, is certainly arguable, at the very least.

  15. higherstandard 15
    22 October 2008 at 10:49 am

    Lockwood should have been pensioned off some time ago – his comments are probably a refection of what he’s heard back from some of the large orchardists/vineyards are just a stupid thing for a politician to parrot.

    The bit regarding Key sounds somewhat like an urban legend and has a whiff of bullshit about it.

  16. Tim Ellis 16
    22 October 2008 at 10:51 am

    It was a silly comment from Smith and should rightfully be pilloried and ridiculed.

    I take offense though that you can take from the comment that all Tories as bigots, as Steve is suggesting. That’s like saying that all Labour Party people are going around saying that John Key beats his family, just because Helen Clark made an unfortunate comment that he shouted down people at home.

    This is an election campaign. Sometimes people make silly comments.

  17. bill brown 17
    22 October 2008 at 10:52 am

    Here’s an idea for the Nats:

    children have really small hands…

  18. randal 18
    22 October 2008 at 10:56 am

    Scratcha tory and you find someone who figured out very ealry inlife how the power of compound interest would allow them to dominate and extort from anyone more interested in life and people than money or things. tories are always hiding behind something else to disguise the pathological nature of their deepest psychological desires so they are basically dishonest from go to whoah.

  19. Daveski 19
    22 October 2008 at 10:59 am

    The problem of using single instances to draw conclusions is evident from the following.

    Labour MP’s are racists and anti-Asian

    I beat around the bust but I also take offence at SP’s statement that all Tories are bigots. It’s simply unsupported by any analysis or evidence.

    At one stage, I seem to recall SP’s single line of attack being along the lines of “show us your policy” when it would have been madness to do so before the election had been called and indeed before the state of the books were known.

    Labour – and SP’s – line of attack seems intent on attacking the individuals.

    It may work with the converted but the general population thinks no politicians can be trusted.

    Actually, second thoughts, help the Nats get rid of Lockwood and do us all a favour 🙂

  20. Daveski 20
    22 October 2008 at 11:03 am

    on cue, randal proves my point 🙂

  21. randal 21
    22 October 2008 at 11:07 am

    Speak for yourself daveski. I prove my own points thank you.

  22. MikeE 22
    22 October 2008 at 11:11 am

    I’m waiting for the tories to consider Phrenology in immigration policy…

    See… even us ACT folk can take the mickey out of the Nats once and a while…

  23. Daveski 23
    22 October 2008 at 11:18 am

    randal – your last post was a textbook example of bigotry

  24. johnny be good 24
    22 October 2008 at 11:54 am

    this story is now front page news … good, the public need to know who these bastards really are and what they really stand for.

  25. Daveski 25
    22 October 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Johnny – so you have campaigned for Labour to get rid of Cunliffe?

  26. Ben R 26
    22 October 2008 at 12:06 pm

    So you’re saying there are no group differences? Would it be controversial to say that Polynesians tend to be stronger and of larger build than the Asian workers?

    Granted that I wouldn’t think hand size would affect productivity when it comes to pruning.

  27. Tane 27
    22 October 2008 at 12:07 pm

    “Lockwood Smith sorry for small handed Asians comment”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz-election-2008/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501799&objectid=10538807

    Heck, I almost feel sorry for the guy. What a PR fiasco.

    Oh and Daveski, I was taking the piss out of the trolls who come on here with their prepared lines. I’m not denying there are intelligent righties out there, though you guys sure are thin on the ground.

    captcha: the Italian KNIFE

  28. Daveski 28
    22 October 2008 at 12:12 pm

    Yeah Tane – I saw that.

    The Nats could really benefit from Helen’s management skills – there is a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot. The phrase sleep walking to victory is appropriate if does indeed prove to be true.

    If you were running a PR course, this could be a case study. Mind you, no one would believe it could be true!

    I may be on a different planet but I am really hoping that the Nats and MP can sort out a working relationship. It will undoubtedly be good for the Nats as this episode shows – too many are indeed out of touch.

    Conversely, it will give the MP much more negotiating power regardless of the result and will mean Labour will be forced to do more than take Maori for granted.

  29. Ben R 29
    22 October 2008 at 12:19 pm

    So if Asian workers prove the most productive they can’t be rewarded for this because of political dogma?

  30. Quoth the Raven 30
    22 October 2008 at 12:29 pm

    Daveski – No one’s using a single instance to draw a conclusion. Remeber Franks and Johnathan Young, recently.

  31. Daveski 31
    22 October 2008 at 1:00 pm

    QTR – we agree to differ but a number of posts (not all) have tried to use this example to paint all right wingers (not just Nats) as racist/bigots – see Johnny or possibly randal altho it is hard to work out what he actually means.

    The broader issue which i think we can agree on is that it was unbelievably stupid. Interestingly, there’s plenty on That Other Blog who want to see him sacked so perhaps the righties aren’t as stupid as some here think.

    While he’s at it, he could sack Williamson too. Be careful for what you ask for!

  32. randal 32
    22 October 2008 at 1:04 pm

    daveski you are big on slimy put downs but not good on rational explanations

  33. bobo 33
    22 October 2008 at 1:11 pm

    Why wasn’t Lockwood gotten rid of when they planned to clean out the fuddie duddies under Boag? How times have changed when a politician gets cheered at student campus nowadays instead of being chased and having to make a stage exit left out of a campus toilet window.

  34. toad 34
    22 October 2008 at 1:38 pm

    This story keeps on getting better. Listen to the reporter’s tape. I just love his comments on the “secret recordings” in the context of this. Obviously with Lockwood, the recordings don’t need to be secret for him to make an arse of himself.

  35. Lampie 35
    22 October 2008 at 2:39 pm

    “Key tells them he has two children and they attend good schools – St. Cuthbert’s and King’s – then adds, “If you work hard you can do the same.’

    Another reason not to vote National. Education policy is so full of crap and I wonder if they actually know what the current system is????

  36. Roby110 36
    22 October 2008 at 3:47 pm

    someone said “But no ones saying this stuff is untrue ? Haven’t read the article tho”
    But it isn’t true. I have recently worked in the agricultural sector in nelson and Marlborough. Big hands small hnds in makes absolutely no diff. In fact try spending a day in the vineyard with pruning shears and see how a big forearms an hsnds go!)
    As for the toilet issue….I just cn’t see it. i worked with dozens of people from all over….never an issue.

  37. milo 37
    22 October 2008 at 10:45 pm

    Well Steve, if you regard anybody that disagrees with you as a bigot, then in my opinion you are not fit to participate in human society.

    And if that’s not what you mean … then just exactly who are you referring to by the word “Tory”. Front up and own your words.

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    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
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