Someone should keep a Talley

Written By: - Date published: 7:51 am, February 26th, 2020 - 15 comments
Categories: election 2017, election funding, elections, Environment, Media, nz first, Shane Jones, stuart nash, uncategorized, winston peters - Tags:

This site has been following the Talley Brothers for a while.  Whether it is the atrocious treatment of their workers, or the appalling way they have destroyed the environment they have been the subject of intense negative criticism.

Helen Kelly’s last published post on this site was about them.  It was titled “Take the Power back” and she urged support for local body candidates who were working class people standing up for better jobs and a better environment in wards that Talleys owned AFFCO operated in.

Yesterday Guyon Espiner at Radio New Zealand published a further article sourcing leaked NZ First Foundation financial data indicating that the Foundation/Party had been donated $27,000 by the Talleys or associated entities.  From the article:

One of the country’s biggest fishing companies, Talley’s, and its managing director donated nearly $27,000 to the New Zealand First Foundation, which has been bankrolling the New Zealand First Party.

The foundation received $26,950 from seafood giant Talley’s and from managing director Sir Peter Talley between 2017 and 2019, according to records viewed by RNZ.

It received the money from Talley’s in four amounts – all of which were below the threshold for public disclosure and so have not been publicly revealed until now.

The details of the donations are as follows:

On 4 April, 2019, Talley’s deposited $2500 into the foundation bank account. The next day Peter Talley personally made a $15,000 donation – one cent under the level at which donations are made public.

Talley’s followed that up with a “fast deposit” of $2000 on 29 July, 2019.

Talley’s also donated to the Foundation during the 2017 election year, making a donation of $7450 on 25 May, 2017.

This is slightly cute reporting.  And the steady drip drip drip of shock revelations is starting to resemble a campaign and not critical reporting.  The donations were multi year and from two different entities, so there was nothing illegal about them or, apart from the use of the Foundation, any sign that the way the donations were made was designed to avoid disclosure.  But it makes you realise how generous our donations regime is.

NZ First have been implicated in the hold up of various policies designed to protect the Marine environment.  As noted in the article:

[Greenpeace head Russell] Norman said it was important the donations to the foundation were disclosed, so the public could judge for itself whether the seafood industry had influence on government decisions.

Norman wrote to the prime minister last October expressing concern that Jones was “unduly involved” in fishing industry interests.

One of the concerns Norman outlined to the prime minister was that Jones commented on a case that was before the court, which went against the Cabinet Manual.

“He said that the Crown prosecution of Talley’s fishing company for illegally fishing in a protected area was a ‘mere technical issue which would be ironed out when common sense prevails,'” the letter says.

The letter also expressed concern that in early 2019 New Zealand First had blocked plans for a panel to advise on a fisheries review, after already blocking appointments to the same panel.

“These are indications of a predilection to interfere in matters that impact the fishing industry and inference of influence over decisions made that affect that industry far beyond Minister Jones’ official remit.”

Fisheries minister Stuart Nash told RNZ at the time that he had decided an independent panel was not needed, as Fisheries New Zealand was capable of running the review themselves.

And Talleys are normally not reticent in publishing who they support.  I wrote this after going through the 2017 donations returns.

New Zealand First’s returns are interesting.  Shane Jones received $10,000 from Talleys and $2,000 from Tony Gibbs.  Winston Peters declared only the one donation, from NZ First for $20,000.

Other recipients of Talleys generosity include Amy AdamsPaula BennettSarah DowieNikki KayeTodd McClayMaureen Pugh, and Stuart Smith who each received the sum of $5,000 from Talleys.

I should also mention that Labour’s Rino Tirikatene also received a donation of $2,000 from Talleys.  I don’t think it was worth it.  He should have turned it down.

This again shows the importance of having a more transparent donations regime.  Or of state funding of political parties.

15 comments on “Someone should keep a Talley ”

  1. It amazes me how little it costs to buy politicians. Less than the price of a brand new SUV here. In the United States you can get them to vote in your favour for major legislation for as little as $100,000 or so

  2. Climaction 2

    the donations aren’t the problem. It’s how they are treated and the following actions of those who they are donated too are.

  3. bwaghorn 3

    2008 all over again while national are up to al sorts of shit in the shadows the press are helping them destroy nzf .

    I am in no way condoning nzfs fund raising shenanigans but we've seen this before .

  4. Anne 4

    … the steady drip drip drip of shock revelations is starting to resemble a campaign and not critical reporting.

    Indeed, it is obviously a campaign being waged against NZ First, and I would suggest it is, in part at least, an attempt to distract from National's own donation woes.

    What annoys me is: this method of circumventing the electoral laws has been around for decades now. National is the principle culprit, and ACT got into the act in the 1990s at the least. It would seem NZ First has been dipping its toes into a variation of the same theme.

    The laws around donating to political parties not only need to be tightened but they should be afforded a hefty degree of seriousness that acts as a deterrent to future attempts to skirt around them.

    But will it happen? Not if National win the election – a point to be 'laboured' in the upcoming campaign.

    • Rapunzel 4.1

      Is the sale of public assets and donations seen as a conflict of interest even if the person conducting the transfer doesn't directly gain financially?

      Public profile & approval to someone already wealthy means that should apply because postive and high respected recognition is something money can't normally buy and that should be considered as gaining an "asset" as well

    • Sacha 4.2

      The laws around donating to political parties not only need to be tightened but they should be afforded a hefty degree of seriousness that acts as a deterrent to future attempts to skirt around them.

      But will it happen? Not if National win the election

      Nor if Winston retains any leverage. A Lab/Grn govt on the other hand would be woefully stupid to not fix the mess in its first 6 months in office.

  5. Adrian Thornton 5

    Good piece Micky, thanks, and thanks of reminding me of Helen's fighting spirit…still miss her sorely.

    Once many years ago when I was doing quite a bit of work for the Mongrel Mob (various chapters) which of course got complicated and messy (and not just a bit scary), I started to complain to a good pal of mine…he turned to me and said something which I have never forgot..you lay down with dogs you get up with fleas.

  6. Adrian Thornton 6

    You would like to think so, unfortunately I think Labour would have made benchfellows of a dead dog if it meant getting into power.

    That's the problem with liberals, they don't seem to have any firm moral or ethical bottom lines…no lines in sand.

    Infact it is hard to pin point what they actually stand for at all, now I think about it.

    • Rosemary McDonald 6.1

      "Hard to pinpoint exactly what they stand for…"

      Yes. Sad that. Even cynical old me harboured a little hope.

  7. Tiger Mountain 7

    There is a literal pile of reasons Talleys should be excised from NZ commercial and public life. Unions particularly have had to spend vast sums of members money dealing with Talleys various abuse of workers, denial of democratic rights, the judicial system, Worksafe, and now it seems the political system.

    Their managers laugh in the face of mediators and Judges, and go to the last appeal–they know they will not win, they lose 99% of the cases where workers are maimed and killed and human rights transgressed–but they do it tie up Union resources and money.

    This Govt. could easily make a case for ceasing their ability to trade with the viciously anti worker Talley family still in place. But they won’t, just like the NZCTU, despite all Helen Kelly’s sterling work, would not impose a crippling consumer “Talley Ban” and bring them to heel–legal costs.

    Back in 2009 at a lock out of Dairy Workers Union members at then Open Country Cheese, Waikato, Talleys imported scabs from the deep South and a few from Morrinsville. A nasty bunch. They are the neanderthals of the business world and a hazard to go anywhere near.

  8. mosa 8

    When will RNZ give us a breakdown of all those donors who are under the Waitemata Trust umbrella ?

    Just in the interests of fairness and transparency.

  9. adam 9

    With more players entering the fray – it's starting to feel more like a campaign to remove NZ1st rather than good journalism.

    https://horizonpoll.co.nz/page/567/73-think-fishing?

  10. Cinny 10

    Re donations…. I'd like to see a change, any donations over $1k to be declared. All of these undisclosed donations currently under the spotlight seem to have links back to the nats, all of them.

    Re PT (Peter Talley)….. He's always been quiet about donations, he's donated some large ammounts to different community projects and nine times out of ten requests that said donations remain confidential. That's just how PT rolls, he's a very private person. Not sticking up for him, just stating the facts.

    Re Camera's on fishing vessels….. This is massively needed, one can listen to all the excuses and spin in the world but until one has worked in that industry, one has no idea at how much they are needed. What goes on at sea stays at sea, one of the laws of the sea, but the planet has changed and part of what goes on at sea needs to change as well.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    57 mins ago
  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-06T22:53:15+00:00