SFO: The National Party Four are Named

Written By: - Date published: 3:20 pm, February 19th, 2020 - 107 comments
Categories: bill english, Dirty Politics, same old national, Simon Bridges - Tags: , , ,

Name suppression has been lifted for the four people charged by the Serious Fraud Office over two dodgy donations to the National Party.

Three are businessmen: Yikun Zhang, 48, Shijia (Colin) Zheng, 34, and Hengjia (Joe) Zheng, 34. The fourth is National Party bag man Jami-Lee Ross.

All four deny any wrongdoing, though the SFO case is that two donations of $100,000 in 2017 and $100,050 in 2018 were made “in circumstances where the identity of the donor was not disclosed in the National Party’s Annual Return of Party Donations”.

“The defendants adopted a fraudulent device, trick, or stratagem whereby the 2018 donation was split into sums of money less than $15,000, and transferred into the bank accounts of eight people, before being paid to, and retained by, the National Party,” the SFO documents read.

The same allegation is made by the SFO about the 2017 cash, which has only just come to light in recent days. The National Party was led by Bill English at the time and current leader Simon Bridges says he knew nothing about that donation.

Jami-Lee Ross said this afternoon that the charges are “outrageous”, while he has become a victim of ‘dirty politics’.

Ross told the Herald: “I always wanted to make it very clear that as the whistleblower on this deception, it was outrageous that I was then charged and that others were seeking to implicate me, making me their expendable scape goat.”

Ross said his decision to go to the police – sparking the SFO investigation and subsequent charges against him – was “not just because I had been the victim of broken promises made to me by Mr Bridges”.

Ross says that, instead, there was an issue which needed to be “openly and honestly addressed for the benefit of the country”.

“I was the whistle blower, and as a result, ever since I have been attacked by the Party and its supporters for bringing this matter to the attention of the nation.

“Some seek to make me out as the bad guy. While that may be convenient spin for the party, I will not be the National Party’s fall guy,” Ross said.

Jami-Lee Ross has claimed new National Party leader Simon Bridges had asked him to collect a $100,000 donation from philanthropist and businessman Yikun Zhang, which was then split into smaller amounts to hide it.

107 comments on “SFO: The National Party Four are Named ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Chris T 1
    19 February 2020 at 3:35 pm

    So which ones are in the National Party again?

    • observer 1.1
      19 February 2020 at 3:40 pm

      This was well covered in the media.

      More than a member. An aspiring National candidate.

    • te reo putake 1.2
      19 February 2020 at 3:44 pm

      While I can see why you might assume they are, Chris, the post does not make that claim. You don't actually have to be a fee paying member to be associated with an organisation.

      Now, do you have anything to add of value? If not, thanks for playing and better luck next time.

      • Chris T 1.2.1
        19 February 2020 at 3:49 pm

        Title of article

        "The National Party Four are Named"

        • te reo putake 1.2.1.1
          19 February 2020 at 3:56 pm

          As I have already written, they don't have to be paid up members of the National Party to be associated with the National Party. And the closeness of the association in this case can be counted in dollar bills. Hundreds of thousands of them, apparently.

          • Chris T 1.2.1.1.1
            19 February 2020 at 4:01 pm

            Fair call then

            So we can say Yikun Zhang who got given a MNZM in 2018 is associated with National

            • te reo putake 1.2.1.1.1.1
              19 February 2020 at 4:25 pm

              Yes, yes you can.

              To clarify for other readers, Chris is trying to say that because Zhang received a Queens Birthday honour in 2018 (when Labour were in power) this means he is associated with Labour too. That's fundamentally wrong and misunderstands the honours system, and also ignores the specific reason for the honour, which was Zhang's work to improve relations between NZ and China. Work obviously undertaken in the years when National were in power.

              However, to save time, I'll happily point out that Zhang has also sought to ingratiate himself with Labour (and other parties) and there are photos of him with Labour MP's, including the current PM. The bloke clearly liked the concept of having a bob each way, but equally clearly, it his association with the National Party that has led to the SFO charges.

              Now, Chris, can you move on from petty diversions and failed pedantry to address the substance of the post and the situation National finds itself in, by association? I wait, giddy with anticipation.

              • Chris T …
                19 February 2020 at 4:30 pm

                "Now, Chris, can you move on from petty diversions and failed pedantry to address the substance of the post and the situation National finds itself in, by association? I wait, giddy with anticipation."

                Fair call on the rest of your post.

                But National doesn't find itself in anything apart from rumours and innuendo.

                They aren't being investigated by the SFO like NZF

                • te reo putake …
                  19 February 2020 at 4:32 pm

                  NZ First is not being investigated by the SFO. Do keep up.

                  • Chris T …
                    19 February 2020 at 4:37 pm

                    Apologies

                    The NZ First Foundation

                    • te reo putake …
                      19 February 2020 at 5:02 pm

                      Correct. An organisation associated with NZ First. I sure you get where I'm going with this, Chris. Like it or not, what links the four charged men is their association with National.

                      And that is how the voters will likely see it. I can't see how this court case can win votes for National as it plays out over the next few months. Rather, there is the real possibility that there is more bad news to come for the Nats as the evidence is presented.

                    • Chris T …
                      19 February 2020 at 5:05 pm

                      Of course it won't win votes for National.

                      But she is hardly the end of the world.

                      It is almost belt way

                      The difference between NZF and the Nats is NZF were already looking screwed without theirs

                • David …
                  19 February 2020 at 7:03 pm

                  They aren’t being investigated by the SFO like NZF.

                  Hit. Nail. Head.

                  Now it’s only NZF and it’s COL partners that have the explaining to do.

    • Rapunzel 1.3
      19 February 2020 at 4:28 pm

      Taking part in National’s candidate college is kind of right in there especially if candidacy is your goal it has to be said

      Zheng Shijia, also known as Colin Zheng, is a business partner of Zhang Yikun, a trustee of the Chao San organisation, and has taken part in National’s candidate college. He was made a justice of the peace in 2017.
      https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2020/02/19/1041741/jami-lee-ross-one-of-4-charged-by-sfo

  2. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 2
    19 February 2020 at 3:39 pm

    "I will not be the National Party’s fall guy."

    This could get very messy for the National Party! Fingers crossed.

    • Muttonbird 2.1
      19 February 2020 at 7:32 pm

      Amazing that the Nats and their followers ignore that Jami Lee Ross was a high valued National MP at the time of the offending.

      It proves the offending was driven by his position and role within the National Party.

      Mud sticks.

      • Gosman 2.1.1
        20 February 2020 at 9:05 am

        The SFO obviously disagrees at this time

      • Enough is Enough 2.1.2
        20 February 2020 at 12:52 pm

        Do you think just maybe his offending was intended to bring down the Party?

        Hence doing the deed, then recording a conversation with the leader he wanted to bring down.

        Why else did he record the conversation?

  3. riffer 3
    19 February 2020 at 3:44 pm

    Messy for the Nats, but, ultimately, not really for Bridges, other than he was the leader of a party that had some dodgy stuff happening. He's far enough away from the mess that he won't be seen by the public to be at fault. JLR is screwed, though. I've re-read the transcripts multiple times, and he's trying hard to get SB to implicate himself, but just can't do it. Bridges ain't that stupid to say that on the phone. It's not a good look for the National party, but party ain't the politicians, unfortunately.

    • Chris T 3.1
      19 February 2020 at 3:51 pm

      Pretty much agree with this.

      There were probably Nat people knee deep in these 2 donations, but they aren't stupid.

      I doubt we will find the same with NZF

      • Rapunzel 3.1.1
        19 February 2020 at 4:21 pm

        Boy what a short memory you've got "So which ones are in the National Party again?" I take it's OK if you say it?

        • Paul Campbell 3.1.1.1
          20 February 2020 at 7:45 am

          You're asking the wrong question, should be: "which ones were National Party members at the time?"

          Simon is on tape admitting that he'd been to dinner at the donor's home, and was going to invite him over to his and had arranged a quid pro quo for the donation – one of the donors would become a National MP (pretty sure to be a National MP you have to be a member), then he had a rather racist conversation about who to boot out to make room.

        • Rapunzel 3.1.1.2
          20 February 2020 at 9:01 am

          It wasn't my question it was someone called Chris T's question, right at the top put in a rather querulous way, who then goes on to describe some of them as "probably being knee deep"

    • Robert Guyton 3.2
      19 February 2020 at 4:02 pm

      " Bridges ain't that stupid to say that on the phone"

      You mean he cunningly avoided being overt and/or honest.

      • Bazza64 3.2.1
        19 February 2020 at 4:10 pm

        I think I remember when Jamie Lee Ross played that phone call back to the media. He asked Simon re the donations & how he wanted them treated & Simon carefully put it back onto Jamie & said it was up to him.

        So you could say Simon was cunning, but on the evidence JLR will take the fall for this unless anything else surfaces.

        • Robert Guyton 3.2.1.1
          19 February 2020 at 4:17 pm

          The Leader of the National Party would surely have boomed, "You'll do no such thing on my watch, Mr Ross!", yet my memory reveals no such reaction from Mr Bridges!

          • Bazza64 3.2.1.1.1
            19 February 2020 at 4:25 pm

            The thing is JLR just asked him how he wanted it treated, he didn't say "do I split it like we have always done" Simon responded – well how ever you want to do it, so left it up to JLR's decision & he will carry the can for that.

    • Chris T 4.1
      19 February 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Nice piece of whining from him, but I think given the current evidence the dude is screwed.

      Doubt he will get 7 years though.

      Maybe 2 or 3 hanging out at home.

  5. cricklewood 5
    19 February 2020 at 3:50 pm

    Reading this i'm thinking there is a strategic opportunity for a Lab Green govt,

    This court case is going to be a mess for the Nats and if the SFO lay charges against people in NZ First (or if there is enough smoke) Labour should cut them loose as a coalition partner / option.

    A scandal drags the Nats vote down a few points NZFirst loses enough to drop below five and conditions are ready made for an electorate accomodation to ensure the Greens are in parliament.

    Insurance would be getting the Maori Party back in as despite working with National their more natural home is towards the left.

    Worst case a Lab Green MP govt which would be far better than the current coalition.

    • McFlock 5.1
      19 February 2020 at 4:01 pm

      Timing when/if to cut NZ1 loose would be a delicate issue – NZ1 can be returned either way, and Labour knows not to shit on its friends when it looks like they're dying. It would have to be a clear line, like charges being laid against NZ1 officials or even Peters himself, and then it could be framed as "standing down until resolved" like in [2008?].

      Similarly, keep opposing Māori Party candidates, but not to the point where they would go with the nats again just out of spite.

      labgrnMP might be good, might be shite depending on what MP priorities are again.

      But popcorn over the next few months, between the nats and NZ1.

  6. ianmac 6
    19 February 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Seems to indicate that they were told how to donate. Herald:

    "And those others charged said,""Our clients are proud New Zealanders and philanthropists. They were urged to follow a process and are now deeply disappointed at being caught up in a donation's fiasco." ????

    • Robert Guyton 6.1
      19 February 2020 at 4:05 pm

      They will have been "urged" but what reason did they accept for following that process? I expect they are intelligent men. They wouldn't hand over money, following a prescribed, and rather odd, process, without thinking about the details, I'm certain.

    • Gosman 6.2
      19 February 2020 at 4:06 pm

      They were urged it seems by the only person with a direct connection to the National party who no longer is a member of that party.

      • Robert Guyton 6.2.1
        19 February 2020 at 4:13 pm

        And his "urging" was the result of an idea that posed into his head one day – "I know," thought Jamie Lee, as the result of no precedent at all, nor advice from anyone else, "I'll urge the donors to split up their money, just coz!"

        (Imaginary scenario)

        "I will not be the National Party's fall guy," Ross said."

        (Real world development)

        • Bazza64 6.2.1.1
          19 February 2020 at 4:19 pm

          Robert, you are spot on with this, but in the end in court it will come down to actual evidence & most likely JLR will go for a skate.

      • te reo putake 6.2.2
        19 February 2020 at 4:30 pm

        Gossie, JLR was associated with only one donation, as far as I know. Who was the bag man for the other bung? I'm not saying Bill English knows, but I do think he should be asked.

        • Gosman 6.2.2.1
          19 February 2020 at 4:35 pm

          Surely the SFO has investigated this possibility. Unless you think they haven't done their job properly on this one.

          • te reo putake 6.2.2.1.1
            19 February 2020 at 5:06 pm

            Well, we haven't heard the evidence yet, nor the arguments from the defendants. Who knows what's going to come out? Maybe nothing that leads to further charges, but certainly nothing positive for National.

            The best they can hope for is that it doesn't get worse.

            • Gosman 6.2.2.1.1.1
              20 February 2020 at 9:07 am

              If JLR wanted to spill the beans his best bet would be to cooperate fully with the SFO and give them details of people within National who were orchestrating the whole thing. The fact it looks like this isn't the case suggests to me that JLR does not have this detail.

              • Robert Guyton …
                20 February 2020 at 9:21 am

                You reckon National's Chief Whip would "not have the detail"?

                Really?

                He seems to be Jonny-on-the-spot in many of those photos with donors and key figures from the Party – perhaps he wasn't paying attention? Is that it, Gosman?

                • Gosman …
                  20 February 2020 at 9:33 am

                  The only reason I can see for JLR holding back from revealing all to the SFO in the hop of getting a lighter sentence is that he thinks he can get off the charge. In that case there is no incentive for him to release any incriminating evidence of other National party members being involved. However from what we've seen of him to date I strongly suspect he would have jumped at the chance to bring down other National party people especially if it gave him a chance to save his skin.

                  • jeremyB …
                    20 February 2020 at 10:09 pm

                    "I will not be the National Party's fall guy," Ross said."

                    That statement suggests he started collecting evidence long before he went to the police.

                    I think he is waiting for the trial to spill all, under oath.

              • veutoviper …
                20 February 2020 at 9:49 am

                Just because the SFO has only filed charges against four people so far, does not mean that they cannot file charges against other people as further evidence etc comes out through the court process in relation to the four people already charged.

                As we now know there were (at least) two major donations of c $100K in 2017 and 2018. As te reo putake says, it appears that JLR was associated with one of these donations but it is not clear whether he was the bag man for the other donation or who was. SFO may well know a lot more than has come out publicly to date, but as yet have insufficient evidence to lay further charges. From personal experience, SFO play their cards very close to their chest – much more so than NZ Police. They have a different legal approach and mindset IMO and experience. Time will tell what else comes out and who else may have been involved or implicated as the court procedure plays out

                • Gosman …
                  20 February 2020 at 1:34 pm

                  It is in JLR interest to let the SFO know the exact details of the arrangement and dob any National party people in. The fact he hasn't done so yet suggests there is less information to come out than you think.

    • Anne 6.3
      19 February 2020 at 6:39 pm

      Seems to indicate that they were told how to donate.

      Of course they were, and its being going on for f*****g decades. Excuse my language, but I've seen this type of situation first hand. I am sick and tired of the authorities in this country playing blind and deaf about things that have gone on in the past… as well as the present. Yes, I've had personal experiences.

      While there is a case for using the old cliche… lie down with dogs and you will catch fleas, I have the sense Jamie Lee Ross has turned over a new leaf and wants to tell the truth. He will be denied the opportunity if the authorities get their way. That is how they succeed in making an individual the scapegoat while the real crims – often politicians and/or their lackeys – get off scot free.

  7. Gosman 7
    19 February 2020 at 4:05 pm

    How is this going to be a major problem for National? They can quite legitimately state no actual current employee or person acting on behalf of the National party has been charged with anything and that the person who was a key National party person at the time but has subsequently left the p[arty under a cloud is the main cause of the issue hence why he has been charged. At most this might cause them a little bit of bad publicity for a short while but it is hardly a major scandal for them.

    • observer 7.1
      19 February 2020 at 4:12 pm

      By that logic, Philip Field wasn't a problem for Labour (because they expelled him) and Owen Glenn wasn't a problem for NZF (because he wasn't a member).

      In fact they were two huge problems and major factors in the 2008 election.

      "Nowt to do with us" doesn't work. The voters aren't lawyers looking for loopholes.

      • Gosman 7.1.1
        19 February 2020 at 4:36 pm

        Owen Glenn WAS a problem for NZ First because Winston Peters denied ever meeting with him and discussing donations. It was Peters actions under scrutiny not Glenn's

    • Adrian 7.2
      19 February 2020 at 5:29 pm

      Because $100k came directly from Beijing. Already stated this morning.

    • Psycho Milt 7.3
      20 February 2020 at 7:44 am

      How is this going to be a major problem for National?

      How? Well, at the time of the criminal fraud, Ross was the party's chief whip and was acting on behalf of the party, and the other defendants were donating to the party in exchange for one of them receiving a place on the party's list. Which all makes the party's attempts to pretend this is nothing to do with them a thing of comedy value only.

  8. Robert Guyton 8
    19 February 2020 at 4:06 pm

    "How is this going to be a major problem for National"

    Coz Jamie-Lee's spilling the beans, that's how.

    • Gosman 8.1
      19 February 2020 at 4:07 pm

      He's been spilling the beans for over a year now. Why would he have additional information that he was keeping back till now?

      • veutoviper 8.1.1
        19 February 2020 at 4:27 pm

        Because he is no fool and has no doubt had a lot of legal advice in the interim.

        If I was a betting person, I would put money on JLR having a great deal more in his back pocket – eg lots more tapes and probably also papers. JLR has already demonstrated that he was thinking ahead in taping the telephone calls etc that he has already released, and he was the one who went to the NZ Police in the first instance,

        I am also pretty sure that he would have known, or been advised by his lawyer(s), that there would be a risk of him possibly being charged. The fact that he has been charged actually allows him to provide more information, tapes etc in his own defence; and possibly (even probably?) as a willing witness etc for the prosecution.

        Time for someone to up the importation of popcorn for the next 8+ months.

        • Gosman 8.1.1.1
          19 February 2020 at 4:38 pm

          The phone call that was an anti-climatic damp squib do you mean? That phone call incriminated JLR not Bridge's

          • Robert Guyton 8.1.1.1.1
            20 February 2020 at 9:53 am

            I'm still wondering why, in that phone call, Bridges "allowed" Ross to make suggestions about how to deal with the donations, yet didn't say, "Hold on old chap; that's not how we do things in the National Party; wash your mouth out with soap!"

            In fact, Bridges, by failing to direct his Chief Whip towards the honest, ethical path, condoned Ross' plans.

        • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 8.1.1.2
          19 February 2020 at 4:48 pm

          My fear is that JLR will be got at by big-wigs in the Natz. You know, offered one or two lucrative but nominal positions on major company boards for his silence and taking the rap.

          What's a couple of months home detention compared to an assured gravy train for life?

          It all depends how honest JLR is. Yes, I know he belongs to the Natz so by definition a bit dodgy, but how much does he care about democracy in this country.

        • SHG 8.1.1.3
          21 February 2020 at 5:22 pm

          Because he is no fool

          in spite of all evidence to the contrary?

    • Puckish Rogue 8.2
      19 February 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Maybe but Ross is also quite "damaged goods" at the moment so a lot of what he'll say, unless backed up by evidence, will taken as sour grapes

      • Robert Guyton 8.2.1
        19 February 2020 at 4:15 pm

        His claims, under oath presumably, will have the ring of truth about them and people will recognise that – people other than sycophants that is, PR.

        • Puckish Rogue 8.2.1.1
          19 February 2020 at 4:40 pm

          Maybe but we also see what we want to see, so I might be wrong (and if proven I'll admit it) but I don't think this is going to be the election changer

    • peterh 8.3
      19 February 2020 at 4:19 pm

      Get the popcorn Jami lee said he had lots more tapes just before his breakdown

      • veutoviper 8.3.1
        19 February 2020 at 4:30 pm

        Exactly – see 8.1.1 above.

        • Puckish Rogue 8.3.1.1
          19 February 2020 at 4:42 pm

          Sorry but I think you, and all those who think this is going to smite National and Bridges, are going to be a bit disappointed when this is all over

          • Incognito 8.3.1.1.1
            19 February 2020 at 5:10 pm

            Fact is that Mr Ross was the National Party’s Chief Whip and collected the donations on behalf of the National Party and their leaders Mrs Bill English and Simon Bridges. He didn’t pocket the money for himself but for his party and superiors. This is how and why he rose through the National Party ranks.

            I’d be disappointed, but not surprised, if this saga becomes just another entry in Wikipedia with no other consequences. The National Party and its past Leaders have done and been through worse and came out smelling like roses so it is quite possible that the voters will forgive them yet again for ‘pretty legal’ stuff behind the scenes. By and large, the electorate is forgiving and forgetting lot.

          • peterh 8.3.1.1.2
            19 February 2020 at 5:45 pm

            I would not say much more if I were you just remember. the toes you trod on today my be on the foot that kicks your arse tomorrow

          • Robert Guyton 8.3.1.1.3
            19 February 2020 at 6:00 pm

            Your "thinks" though, Pucky, are wrong smiley

  9. veutoviper 9
    19 February 2020 at 4:15 pm

    TRP, It might be me but I could not find a link in the post to the Herald article (could be my eyesight at present as under treatment) so here is the link before there are demands for it:

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1230988

    Re the actual SFO documents, do you have any link/source for these or are they just being quoted from by media etc with access without them actually providing access?

  10. Rapunzel 10
    19 February 2020 at 4:23 pm

    I wonder how long before Bridges will have to withstand all the conjecture about Luxon if this leads to a by-election?

    • ScottGN 10.1
      19 February 2020 at 4:55 pm

      I doubt there will be a by-election in Botany. We’re nearly within the 6 month period before the writ is dropped and this Parliament rises before the General Election. The PM will be under no pressure to call a by-election.

      • Rapunzel 10.1.1
        19 February 2020 at 6:01 pm

        Thanks of that I was unsure

      • alwyn 10.1.2
        19 February 2020 at 6:51 pm

        It isn't her choice whether to hold the by-election or not. A By-election will not be held if there are less than six months before a General Election AND 75% of the members of the House agree not to hold one.

        In practice that means that both National and Labour would have to decide not to have one. It isn't a decision that is made by the PM.

        There is a section in this link which explains when a by-election will not be held.

        https://elections.nz/elections-in-nz/what-is-a-by-election/

        I can't really see why either National or Labour would want one though.

  11. observer 11
    19 February 2020 at 4:45 pm

    On the first day of the new Parliament in 2017, Chris Hipkins got maths-muddled and National scored a Very Big Win, according to the excitable journos watching. That shot of Bridges and Ross together, defeating the hapless newbie, was the defining image in the media. Best Blue Buddies In Control!

    That sound of purring you hear is coming from Hipkins' office … sweet and satisfying.

  12. Fireblade 12
    19 February 2020 at 5:14 pm

    The Communist Party of China will be fuming over this court case.

  13. Sacha 13
    19 February 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Nat leader and deputy Bridges and Bennett have both associated with charged donor Yikun Zhang. https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/107875950/chinese-businessman-embroiled-in-corruption-allegations-had-simon-bridges-over-for-dinner-wife-says

    He is founder and chairman of Chao Shan General Association – an organisation of New Zealand Chinese who share the same hometown of Chaoshan, a region in the coastal city Guangdong, China.

    In July National Party deputy leader Paula Bennett posted photos on her Facebook page of her and Jami-Lee Ross sitting at the same table as Zhang for the opening of the Chao Shan General Association's new function centre.

    • Robert Guyton 13.1
      19 February 2020 at 6:04 pm

      "

      In July National Party deputy leader Paula Bennett posted photos on her Facebook page of her and Jami-Lee Ross sitting at the same table as Zhang for the opening of the Chao Shan General Association's new function centre."

      Oh dear!

  14. Adrian 14
    19 February 2020 at 5:38 pm

    Are we missing something really important? I 'm pretty sure I heard something this morning like "the $100k came as a payment from offshore "".

    Thats the election game changer as it was apparently passed off as a deposit on a property in non-existant fraudulent deal.

    Hope it comes with complimentary popcorn and I'll be having champagne with mine.

  15. ianmac 15
    19 February 2020 at 6:59 pm

    Remember the phone call Jamie/Simon when Simon said yes we need that money ($100.000) for our Facebook ads. My recollection was that Simon wanted to hang onto that money for their own use rather than to hand into the Party Fund. Hence the call for the breaking up into smaller amounts.

  16. mosa 16
    19 February 2020 at 11:09 pm

    I hope we never state fund political parties if it means missing out on all of this.

  17. Adam Ash 17
    19 February 2020 at 11:37 pm

    In isolation such donations don't mean a thing. The big question is "What did they buy?"

    What subsequent contra came back to the donors from National party or MPs for their largesse? What freedoms have we lost? What laws have been changed to the advantage of the donors (or their masters)?

    Keep digging – important answers lie waiting to be revealed by diligent search!

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    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    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 Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    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 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    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
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    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
    17 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
    19 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
    20 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
    22 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
    24 hours 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
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