Posts Tagged ‘stifling dissent’

Nats default to bully mode over Barclay scandal

Written By: - Date published: 7:02 am, July 17th, 2017 - 26 comments

The ongoing Barclay scandal has taking a familiar turn, with the PM’s office trying dirty tactics on journalists. Meanwhile the pressure builds on English over Barclay’s taxpayer funded disappearing act.

Bridges and flouting the OIA

Written By: - Date published: 7:03 am, June 17th, 2017 - 18 comments

Simon Bridges tried to block the release of a report on a Kiwirail proposal. The Ombudsman warns against flouting the Official Information Act. But it’s a well established pattern of behaviour with this government.

Nat tactics Ngaro and third term arrogance

Written By: - Date published: 10:27 am, May 24th, 2017 - 41 comments

Ngaro has fronted up with another grudging apology. English should have fired him and it speaks volumes of third-term arrogance that he hasn’t.

National’s long history of intimidation

Written By: - Date published: 9:27 am, May 16th, 2017 - 37 comments

It isn’t just third term arrogance. Ngaro is merely the latest example of National’s long history of attacking, intimidating, and trying to silence critical voices and facts. Take a stroll with me down memory lane…

Bennett “gutted”

Written By: - Date published: 12:42 pm, June 15th, 2016 - 24 comments

One of Giovanni Tiso’s clever “Erratum” series.
bennett-leak

Paula Bennett leaking to smear again?

Written By: - Date published: 2:52 pm, June 14th, 2016 - 61 comments

Has Paula Bennett leaked details of a police investigation into Te Puea Marae’s Hurimoana Dennis?

Update: Bennett has admitted that “her office” leaked. She should resign.

A measure of justice for Nicky Hager

Written By: - Date published: 7:58 am, March 19th, 2016 - 22 comments

The Police’s return yesterday of Nicky Hager’s data, equipment and belongings is – too little and too late – a measure of justice for Hager. But the process doesn’t end there, and open questions remain.

Stephenson beats his critics

Written By: - Date published: 7:03 am, October 2nd, 2015 - 27 comments

Respected journalist Jon Stephenson has extracted an apology and payment from the NZ Defence Force for their attack on his work in 2011. He is owed an apology from John Key too…

Gagging scientists

Written By: - Date published: 10:02 am, June 27th, 2015 - 13 comments

Forty percent of scientists surveyed feel that they are unable to speak out on issues within their areas of expertise because of management policy or concern over losing funding.

Only ACT standing up for free speech?

Written By: - Date published: 8:46 am, June 26th, 2015 - 76 comments

ACT has withdrawn support for the Harmful Digital Communications Bill. Bravo. Labour, Greens – where do you stand on this badly drafted and damaging bill?

NRT: National wants to jail people who expose politicians

Written By: - Date published: 8:32 am, May 2nd, 2015 - 27 comments

Interesting post from I/S at No Right Turn on the Harmful Digital Communications Bill.

A culture of intimidation

Written By: - Date published: 9:35 am, April 16th, 2015 - 61 comments

National is leading by example in creating a culture of intimidation and fear. The latest case, a threat to withdraw funding a rape prevention group for speaking out.

Dame Anne Salmond: Erosion of democratic rights

Written By: - Date published: 9:06 am, January 14th, 2015 - 27 comments

An excellent piece by Dame Anne Salmond in the Dominion Post yesterday. Salmond reviews the government’s attacks on journalists, institutions and privacy.

Who is trying to shut down Hager defence fund?

Written By: - Date published: 8:02 am, October 10th, 2014 - 191 comments

The Hager defence fund stands at over $41,000 $43,000 $44,000 and still climbing. But some mean-spirited wingnuts are trying to have it shut down…

Hager defense fund approaching $35K – Make that 40K

Written By: - Date published: 8:06 am, October 9th, 2014 - 33 comments

The legal defense fund for Nicky Hager is approaching $20,000 $25,000 $35,000 $40,000. Why not help it over the line?

Hager defense fund about to hit 20K – make that 25K

Written By: - Date published: 12:09 pm, October 8th, 2014 - 77 comments

The legal defense fund for Nicky Hager is about to hit $20,000 $25,000. Why not give a little?

Nick Smith losing it

Written By: - Date published: 12:31 pm, July 28th, 2014 - 76 comments

“Conservation Minister Nick Smith is threatening legal action against Fish and Game council members who accused him of trying to gag the organisation.”

Bullying schools – again

Written By: - Date published: 8:58 am, July 16th, 2012 - 29 comments

Threats to schools over the contents of their newsletters?  The “brighter future” doesn’t like dissent.

Petty

Written By: - Date published: 9:17 am, December 28th, 2011 - 126 comments

Under cover of Christmas, the Nats are following in their long tradition of intimidating journalists, by going after the teapot tape reporter for “costs”.

Once a bully always a bully

Written By: - Date published: 8:08 am, November 15th, 2011 - 43 comments

Key is now using the police to intimidate journalists at The Herald and at 3 News to keep the “game changing” teapot tapes from being released.  What a surprise!  Not.  John Key and the Nats have a long, long history of bullying their critics and intimidating the media.

Key attacks another journalist

Written By: - Date published: 8:54 am, May 5th, 2011 - 24 comments

The Nats are obviously worried about public reaction to the recent revelations on the role of the SAS in Afghanistan.  And as is usually the case when they feel threatened by a story, the Nats are striking out, trying to discredit or intimidate the source.

Nats bullying schools again

Written By: - Date published: 11:08 am, November 11th, 2010 - 61 comments

The latest Nat campaign to stifle those who speak out against them is in full swing.  A report that a “Third of rebel schools appear to soften stance on standards” goes on to note the bullying tactics being used against schools to achieve this “compliance”.  These tactics have already caused a senior Ministry official in the Auckland region to refuse to participate in the harassment of schools in protest.

Stifling dissent

Written By: - Date published: 3:01 pm, February 19th, 2010 - 41 comments

The letter warning school boards not to speak out over national standards is an outrage, but John Key and his National Party have a long and dishonourable record of trying to shut down those who speak out to oppose them.

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