The Cabinet reshuffle

Written By: - Date published: 8:52 am, June 14th, 2022 - 64 comments
Categories: chris hipkins, jacinda ardern, labour, michael wood, national - Tags:

There was some drama yesterday in the Beehive.

Kris Faafoi and Trevor Mallard announced that they will be resigning from Parliament.

Faafoi’s resignation was transmitted pretty clearly when he gave up the Mana seat last election.  His is the best way to end your parliamentary career.  Structure things so that no by election is required and the functioning of Parliament can continue with no fuss.  If Simon Bridges had done the same thing the country would have been spared the millions that the Tauranga by election will cost.

Trevor Mallard also announced that he will be resigning.  He is apparently to be appointed as our next Diplomat to Ireland.

Mallard is controversial.  He has a habit of getting involved in incidents that attract controversy.  He is also hard working and dedicated to the job.  Audrey Young’s analysis that Mallard will make a fine diplomat and that he is competent, usually acts in the best interests of Parliament and New Zealand, and can work collegially is also accurate.

In particular she said:

Most of what he does as Speaker, and previously as a minister, has been uncontroversial and unseen. He is competent, usually acts in the best interests of Parliament and New Zealand, and can work collegially.

He has undertaken reforms that have allowed Opposition MPs to put the heat on ministers if they don’t know their stuff.

He has not been a great Speaker inside the House because of his intolerance of hubbub, which tends to come more from the Opposition.

Mallard is 80 per cent good, 20 per cent bad but it is the bad that is remembered, particularly two episodes as Speaker.

National has attacked his performance as Speaker.  My view is that this is hubris and a reflection of the fact they still do not understand how they are not in power.  Mallard is direct and often abrupt but if you watch him closely he has really tried to make Parliament work better.

The third major development was Poto Williams’s sideways shuffle out of Police and into Conservation and Disability issues.  Chris Hipkins will replace her as Police Minister.

I thought she was an interesting choice as Police Minister but her considerable experience dealing with domestic violence meant that her selection was a good one.  More recent pressures from gang inspired drive by shootings and National’s frankly misogynist attacks on her have caused Ardern to adjust.

The debate rankles.  National’s suite of policy proposals will have no practical effect.  The answer is to increase police resources and police numbers both of which Poto has achieved.

And this morning National kept up with the foghorn claiming that Hipkins will be nothing more than window dressing for the public.  National’s tactic of attacking and raising people’s level of grumpiness is pretty clear.

It will be interesting to see what Hipkins does about National’s campaign for warrantless searches of gang members.  The proposal is legally very difficult to get right and in my view cannot be justified.  At least National appears to now understand that there is a warrantless power of search for arms and is arguing that there should be no restrictions on when it can be exercised.  But don’t expect any reduction in National’s rhetoric.

She is an utterly decent person, a very good employer, unlike many in Parliament and a hard working, well networked and intelligent MP.  Politics as usual, as played by National, does not not credit these sorts of people.  It should.

Kiritapu Allen has been elevated into Cabinet and given the Justice portfolio.  Call me biased but I think that lawyers should always be preferred for this position.

Priyanca Radhakrishnan has also been awarded for completing some important projects and has also been elevated to Cabinet and will be associate Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety.

Michael Wood has shown his importance by being made Minister of Immigration.  This is one of those portfolios that can challenge but I am sure he will be up to the job.

There are other consequential changes.

Today Next Tuesday should be an interesting day in Parliament.

64 comments on “The Cabinet reshuffle ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. john2 1
    14 June 2022 at 9:08 am

    micky,

    I don't think parliament is sitting this week.

    john2.

    [One detail I should have checked. Now corrected – MS]

  2. Jimmy 2
    14 June 2022 at 9:14 am

    Kris Faafoi should have left a year or so ago when he wanted to. Asking someone to stay in a job when they want to leave rarely works out, and it was clear to everyone that Kris did not have his heart in the job and now leaves a mess for someone else to clean up.

  3. Peter 3
    14 June 2022 at 9:32 am

    "But her (Williams') considerable experience dealing with domestic violence meant that her selection was a good one."

    The way things work, considerable experience, expertise and success are far from the forefront when you're a Minister and things work the way they do.

    Appearances, perceptions, acceptability. Williams does not look like Mark Mitchell or Matt King. She doesn't seem to have the 'dog' about her of Tolley, Bennett or Collins.

    Gangs and street crime are where it's at and the only way some will see those being sorted is some big boofhead white male or an attack hound woman in the job.

    • Robert Guyton 3.1
      14 June 2022 at 9:42 am

      The gangs weren't "sorted" in the past when there was "some big boofhead white male or an attack hound woman in the job.", were they?

      • Peter 3.1.1
        14 June 2022 at 9:53 am

        Of course not. Reality doesn't count though the way the game is played. It's the noise, attention and attacks that are important.

        I mean in terms of "sorting" and in the past, there was no housing crisis before October 2017 was there?

      • Anne 3.1.2
        14 June 2022 at 10:13 am

        … the only way some will see those being sorted is some big boofhead white male or an attack hound woman in the job.

        Good response RG, but its sad that so many people support this perception.

        It is interesting to note that – setting aside the PM – both Poto Williams and Kris Faafoi were specifically attacked by National and ACT. Misogyny and racism are still deeply embedded in their psyche. It amuses me that the very 'Christian-like' Christopher Luxon has embraced both prejudices without a smidgen of self awareness as to the hypocrisy of his stance. Indeed his lack of self awareness should imo preclude him from ever becoming prime minister.

        • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.1.2.1
          14 June 2022 at 10:24 am

          Yep….a combination of that and purblind/tone deafness. But hey thats what makes him National's Leader !

          Im good with Jacinda : )

        • alwyn 3.1.2.2
          14 June 2022 at 10:34 am

          I would think that National and ACT have been quite catholic in their campaigns. They have also had a go at Twyford and Clark, Mallard and Mahutu, Davis and Jackson, Wood and Woods, Little and Sepuloni, Ardern and Robertson etc, etc.

          The only thing they have in common is that they are all incompetent. That criteria gives them an enormous range of targets doesn't it?

          • Anne 3.1.2.2.1
            14 June 2022 at 11:04 am

            That's your view point. I beg to differ. Yes, they criticised all those ministers but it was based on the policies they had adopted – or not adopted as the case may be – not on ethnicity or gender. I single out the PM, Mahutu, Williams and Faafoi as having an extra personal layer of attack over and above political considerations.

            The PM because she is a woman and the great white folks out there can't abide a woman in charge. Mahuta because she is a woman and Maori. Williams for the same reason. Faafoi because he is a Pacific Islander.

            • alwyn 3.1.2.2.1.1
              14 June 2022 at 11:20 am

              I very much doubt that Williams is regarded as a Maori by the people of Ngai Tahu among whom she resides. She is the child of Cook Islanders who emigrated to New Zealand.

              Can anyone who actually is Maori care to comment on my supposition?

              • Anne …
                14 June 2022 at 4:03 pm

                Cook Islanders are of Maori descent.

                • alwyn …
                  14 June 2022 at 7:23 pm

                  How do you work that out Anne? There is a phrase "Cook Island Maori" but that is the language, not the people.

                  People from the Cook Islands were precisely that. They were not people from New Zealand and therefore cannot have been Tangata Whenua can they?

            • Louis 3.1.2.2.1.2
              14 June 2022 at 6:28 pm

              +1 Anne.

          • Patricia Bremner 3.1.2.2.2
            14 June 2022 at 11:55 am

            sad What a sad comentator you are. "All are incompetent" Wow what a sweeping generalisation. Alwyn that is silly and I'm sure you know it.

            I am on record as saying I did not agree with Mallard's petty sprinkler behaviour.

            But I think this group of people is hugely talented, working on policies not favoured by the right, and are attacked in personal cruel ways. National are known for these personal attacks.

            Kris Fafoi said of Jacinda Ardern "I am in awe of her capacity and Leadership." This was a planned retirement with no by-election, to avoid costs.

            The fact that Chris Luxon has pulled his motley crew together, apart from Simon Bridges, does not change their habits of working on campaigns attacking ministers, lying about the intent of legislation, keeping people on edge and angry by magnifying areas of difficulty, and ignoring or rubbishing successes.

            We recognise this pattern as disruptive dirty politics. Chris Luxon has spread his cloak over Woodhouse Bishop et al, but they are still there, nasty as ever. imo.

            • alwyn 3.1.2.2.2.1
              14 June 2022 at 1:26 pm

              "this group of people is hugely talented"

              "his motley crew"

              Now that is whet I would call " sweeping generalisations". Still what else can we expect from a true believer in the dogma of the left?

              I do think the dozen I named are incompetent. That is why I said they are all incompetent. It doesn't mean that there aren't any in the Labour Caucus, and even in the Cabinet who are OK. They don't rise to the top however as that would show up the more highly ranked people as being far less competent than the ones below them in the pecking order.

              • Patricia Bremner …
                14 June 2022 at 6:25 pm

                "Motley crew" as in the band. You have to convince me that Woodhouse Bishop Brownlee would be better… not to mention the guy who can't count. Goldsmith. I have been quite polite in the face of some failures.

            • Louis 3.1.2.2.2.2
              14 June 2022 at 6:27 pm

              +1 Patricia Bremner

          • Mike the Lefty 3.1.2.2.3
            14 June 2022 at 7:44 pm

            "Catholic in their campaigns.."????

            God might know what you are talking about, but no-one else does.

            • alwyn 3.1.2.2.3.1
              14 June 2022 at 8:32 pm

              If you are going to quote me please do so properly. You put a capital letter on the word catholic. I did not.

              The word Catholic is generally used to refer to the Catholic Church. Without the capital letter, ie catholic, it doesn't have any particular religious meaning.

              I was using it in the meaning of "universal in extent; involving all; of interest to all." It can also mean "broad or wide-ranging in tastes, interests, or the like; having sympathies with all; broad-minded;" Any decent dictionary will show you this.

              It is a perfectly appropriate word and I am sure that most educated people would understand what I was saying.

              • In Vino …
                14 June 2022 at 11:00 pm

                Yes, you are technically correct alwyn, but maybe you should become aware that many educated people are likely to regard you as a pedantic weasel if you carry on in this manner.

                I saw you that way a long time ago, and decided not to feed the troll. But I am now making an exception, pour encourager les autres.

                • alwyn …
                  15 June 2022 at 9:27 am

                  When I use a perfectly normal word in a comment, and use it correctly, I feel completely entitled to defend myself when someone complains about my comment with something like "God might know what you are talking about, but no-one else does".

                  I think I am justified in correcting the slur thrown in my direction. I also do it to help others who may not understand the distinction between different uses of the one word in different circumstances. In this case I am merely trying to encourage other people to understand the full glory of the English language.

        • Chris 3.1.2.3
          14 June 2022 at 11:20 am

          "Good response RG, but its sad that so many people support this perception."

          Yes, and it's even sadder when you realise that those "so many people" are our average, hard-working New Zealanders, just doing their best to get ahead.

  4. James Simpson 4
    14 June 2022 at 10:10 am

    Simon Bridges had ambitions to win back the leadership when he won Tauranga in 2020. I don't think he had any plans to leave this term.

    The swing in the Polls under Luxon's leadership told him that those ambitions would not be fulfilled for the best part of a decade, which is why he has bailed.

    • Sacha 4.1
      14 June 2022 at 2:10 pm

      The party bosses may have told him he could serve their interests better in the Ak Chamber of Commerce job, as a stepping stone to a Mayoral run in 2025.

  5. alwyn 5
    14 June 2022 at 10:44 am

    Micky suggests that the way to go is

    "Structure things so that no by election is required and the functioning of Parliament can continue with no fuss. If Simon Bridges had done the same thing the country would have been spared the millions that the Tauranga by election will cost."

    Perhaps Micky is right. That was certainly the way that other National leaders during this century, Brash, Key and English, took. Instead Simon seems to have followed the path of those leaders from the dark side. Clark, Goff and Shearer were all Labour Party leaders and they all departed in ways that forced by-elections. Selfish lot, weren't they?

    • mickysavage 5.1
      14 June 2022 at 11:56 am

      Key didn't. He was still the MP for Hellensville but Parliament agreed to not run a by election.

      Brash was always list only.

      English was on the list from 2014 so that he could devote more time to finance.

      Clark stood with the intent of remaining PM. It would have been a sign of weakness for her to do otherwise.

      Goff had no long term plan but when the super city presented an opportunity he went with it.

      Shearer can speak for himself.

      • alwyn 5.1.1
        14 June 2022 at 1:40 pm

        No Key wasn't the MP for Helensville up until the next election. He, and Cunliffe for that matter, remained in Parliament until it was within 6 months of the next election date. Once that time had been reached they could resign without there having to be a by-election. Both of them did resign at that time, but not before the date which would have required an election If that is not arranging to "Structure things so that no by election is required" what is it?

        Whatever you may think of their reasons of course Clark, Shearer and Goff all put New Zealand to the cost of a by-election. If you are going to complain about Bridges you are a hypocrite not to say the same thing about them.

        Key, English, Brash and Cunliffe didn't put the country to the cost of a by-election so you should applaud them.

        • mickysavage 5.1.1.2
          14 June 2022 at 4:36 pm

          Chill out.

          I was referring to politicians deciding to retire soon going list only.

          Key didn't. The deal was done so that he and Cunliffe could bow out within 6 months of the election.

          English went list only for a different reason.

          I am suggesting to you that Clark and Goff did not intend to go early.

          • alwyn 5.1.1.2.1
            14 June 2022 at 5:47 pm

            That's all right.

            I don't believe that Simon Bridges intended to quit early either. I think he considered he had an excellent chance of leading the party again after Collins was badly defeated in the election.

            On the other hand I am quite sure that Clark intended to quit if she did not make it back as Prime Minister. Unless she was totally delusional, and PMs often are if they get to a third term, she would have known that her chances of winning were probably 1 in 4 at best and that she was very likely to be leaving the New Zealand taxpayer to bear the cost of a by-election.

            It is all irrelevant of course. People can always kid themselves that their party are always honorable and their opposition aren't.

            Not having ever been a member of a party I am at an advantage over you. I believe, and everything I have observed makes me think I am right, that all politicians put themselves first in every situation. I don't have a party to which I have sacrificed my soul so I expect that. I am not saying the politicians are corrupt. They merely think that they know better than anyone else what is good for the people.

  6. Puckish Rogue 6
    14 June 2022 at 12:31 pm

    There it is, the lefts great playbook:

    'misogynist attacks on her'

    Its never that the (left) female politician is not up to it, its misogyny.

    If thats the case (and I don't think it is) then isn't Ardern showing weakness in not standing up for her, keeping her in her position, showing confidence in her?

    Ardern made the correct call and I don't think its because of misogyny as much as it was competency:

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/03/parliament-uproar-after-police-minister-poto-williams-denies-rise-in-gang-violence.html

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/04/labour-mp-helen-white-shares-increase-in-gang-activity-concerns-days-after-police-minister-poto-williams-denies-rise-in-gang-violence.html

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 6.1
      14 June 2022 at 12:48 pm

      And you link to newshub as evidence to support Natz and right whingers continuing and ingrained misogyny!

      Ho hum.

      • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1
        14 June 2022 at 12:56 pm

        No you're right, its all to do with misogyny and nothing to do with the headlines

        • Patricia Bremner 6.1.1.1
          14 June 2022 at 1:13 pm

          The Headlines reflect the misogyny, that coupled with a view the patriarchy is the "Right" model. Pun intended.

          This is based on the Christian model of "The husband shall rule over his wife" and an old custom that saw marriage as a property exchange. The wife and her chattles as part of the bargain. To say otherwise is to ignore history. So women leaders have to excel or go.

          • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1.1.1
            14 June 2022 at 1:18 pm

            The headlines suggest to me that Williams was out of touch with what was happening in NZ as evidenced by White (was she being misogynist as well?) contradicting her a few days later

            But thats just me

  7. Herodotus 7
    14 June 2022 at 5:21 pm

    How can someone who goes missing in their role as minister of police be then gifted the conservation role ?? To me this tokenism oin finding a safe ministry to place her as the minister. Instead there should be someone with a passion for then ministry, and I have not read anything regrading Poto gives me the impression of her having a passion here.
    I fear for DOC and that they will lose any visibility that they have in caucus, perhaps this is how low Labour view DOC in importance. I hope the Greens start to become more vocal and not leave it up to Nats and Act to be advocating for this dept.

    • Muttonbird 7.1
      14 June 2022 at 5:40 pm

      Perhaps Poto Williams' history of good work in domestic abuse policy (apparently) stands her in good stead when tackling the same type domestic abuse the dairy industry (male) inflicts upon our environment (female).

      • Herodotus 7.1.1
        14 June 2022 at 6:41 pm

        Where in any of her bios are references to DOC or the environment there in nothing I can find. If DOC was of a high priority why then has Kiritapu Allan had this taken away from her??? Should it not go to someone who has displayed they have the ability to be a minister of a major portfolio not someone who has and I quote the PM “said the Police ministerial portfolio's focus "has, currently, been lost" or is Conservation at a similar level as Min of racing or the arts ???

        • Muttonbird 7.1.1.1
          14 June 2022 at 7:17 pm

          You are being very, very naive to the realities of politics, Hero.

          Fact is, JA has been much more cognisant of application than her predecessor (not Bill English) when choosing ministerial appointments.

          • Herodotus 7.1.1.1.1
            14 June 2022 at 9:25 pm

            M'bird do you think DOC will is better served with having Poto instead of Kiritapu as their minister ? As I have more focus in DOC/environment in this area than most others, by being involved on a volunteer basis. So this appointment concerns me as I believe that the change in ministers has weakened the dept. and is an area that a strong minister should be appointed into the role and should be one that commands a front bench position. But that is my view.

            • Jimmy 7.1.1.1.1.1
              15 June 2022 at 8:45 am

              I think the unfortunate reality is, any portfolio would be better served having Kiritapu as their minister rather than Poto Williams.

              • Robert Guyton …
                15 June 2022 at 8:56 am

                You mean some politicians are better than others?

                That's some perceptive thinking right there, Jimmy!

                • Jimmy …
                  15 June 2022 at 9:43 am

                  Yes that is exactly right. In fact some politicians are so much worse they shouldn't be there at all.

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    15 June 2022 at 10:16 am

                    Oh, I see, you're attacking Poto Williams here, Jimmy. I thought you were making a reasonable comment about varying skill levels. I didn't recognise that you were going for character assassination.

                    • Jimmy …
                      15 June 2022 at 10:32 am

                      I reject the premise of your question…just kidding!

                      No character assassination from me. Simply she was not up to the job. And no, before you play the race card or the sexist card, it is not to do with her race or sex. Just that she was promoted beyond her means in to a position that she did not have the skill set for. Like Phil Twyford and David Clark were. And thus why they have been moved.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      15 June 2022 at 10:34 am

                      I'm not playing cards, Jimmy, just clarifying with you your intent; bagging Poto Williams.

            • Anne 7.1.1.1.1.2
              15 June 2022 at 9:49 am

              So, you choose to damn her before she's even got her foot inside DOC's door. I have noticed over the years that is your modus operandi. Add an unhealthy dose of negativism over every action taken or word uttered by Labour ministers or pit them one against the other, and I think we have a typical troll.

              Why don't you own up to it once and for all.

  8. georgecom 8
    14 June 2022 at 6:23 pm

    one of the solutions to the gang issue is stemming the import of australian trained criminals. the best time to stem that was about 3-4 years back but not possible with the previous aussie pm and some in his party. we might hope now that criminals trained in Aussie will stay in Aussie rather than them export their problems across the tasman.

    Will have far more effect than some vague rubbish law the likes of ACT and National promote about court orders to stop gang members gathering together. I am sure that most gang members would pay attention to a court order banning them from meeting other gang members, now wouldn’t they. Either that or valuable police time wasted trying to enforce rubbish law that has minimal effect rather than focus on catching criminals, taking guns off the street and busting drug syndicates.

    On ACT, David Seymour was quoted in the NZH about Hipkins as police minister as reflecting a thin talent pool in Labours caucus. Looked like a classic case of a black pot to me.

  9. Chess Player 9
    14 June 2022 at 7:59 pm

    Deck chairs on the Titanic

    • In Vino 9.1
      14 June 2022 at 11:13 pm

      With Luxon keen to play White, Queen's gambit, against an opponent who is highly advantaged in talent.

  10. Ed1 10
    14 June 2022 at 10:11 pm

    The article by Audrey Young does seem reasonably fair regarding Mallard. I'm aware that she has been around as a journalist for quite a long time, but did she have personal or family connections to a political party at one time?

  11. Mat Simpson 11
    15 June 2022 at 5:59 pm

    " Next Tuesday should be an interesting day in Parliament "

    Ye the regular circus performers will give another outstanding performance except very few will actually watch or be remotely interested in the farce that is the New Zealand parliament.

    Except Mickey.

  12. Belladonna 12
    15 June 2022 at 7:12 pm

    Mallard is direct and often abrupt but if you watch him closely he has really tried to make Parliament work better.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/audrey-young-believe-it-or-not-trevor-mallard-will-make-a-fine-diplomat/3OA6SK4T5GGRWGO3XXPBPC6TPU/

    I would say that Mallard is his own worst enemy. I certainly agree that he has the good of Parliament at heart, as Speaker. But, it's the 20% of the time that he shoots from the lip which is remembered.

    I can forgive a punch up in the parliamentary foyer – especially as it was getting on for 20 years ago, and he could be expected to have got older and wiser over time.

    What I find unforgivable is his (subsequently proven false) public claim that a parliamentary staffer had committed rape, followed by a settlement (where we, the NZ public, had to foot the bill), only for him to use parliamentary privilege last year to double down on the accusations. A blatant abuse of his power and privilege.

    The sprinkler affair was merely stupid. But, once again, his instinctive reaction was then doubled down on. Backing up and apologising doesn't seem to be in his DNA.

    If (and it's a big if) he can be persuaded or 'managed' so as to think before he speaks – he may well be a very effective diplomat. Certainly, no one can doubt that he has the good of NZ at heart. If not, then we may see NZ in the international headlines for the wrong reasons.

    • Anne 12.1
      15 June 2022 at 9:13 pm

      What I find unforgivable is his (subsequently proven false) public claim that a parliamentary staffer had committed rape…

      From memory he said "… it sounds like rape." In truth, that is exactly what it did initially sound like and he was by no means the only person to think so. He should have kept his mouth shut of course and given the outcome I doubt he will commit such a misdemeanour again.

      The fellow at the centre of the drama was not guilty of rape, but he didn't appear to come out of it smelling of roses either.

      • Belladonna 12.1.1
        15 June 2022 at 9:48 pm

        He knew the exact situation. As the person to whom the inquiry was reporting, he was kept fully informed (his subsequent defence that he didn't know what 'rape' was, hardly holds water)

        Regardless. He absolutely should not have commented at all. And to double down, repeating the accusation using parliamentary privilege, was the height of bullying. Using his power and prestige to attack someone who had no right of reply.

        It's that pattern of 'attack when cornered' behaviour that makes me doubt very much that he's actually learned a lesson.

        I don't agree with much of the use politicians put parliamentary privilege to – there have been many examples of very poor decision-making which have been protected – and I think that it's well past it's 'use-by' date. After all, if politicians are so heavily restricted in what they can say in the house about each other – why should the rest of NZ be an open target?

  13. Mat Simpson 13
    15 June 2022 at 7:50 pm

    "

    What I find unforgivable is his (subsequently proven false) public claim that a parliamentary staffer had committed rape, followed by a settlement (where we, the NZ public, had to foot the bill), only for him to use parliamentary privilege last year to double down on the accusations. A blatant abuse of his power and privilege.

    The sprinkler affair was merely stupid. But, once again, his instinctive reaction was then doubled down on. Backing up and apologising doesn't seem to be in his DNA.

    Yes I whole heartedly agree.

    you must never …shoot from the lip Bella Donna

  14. Christopher Randal 14
    15 June 2022 at 8:04 pm

    I find this "Williams was not competent to be Police Minister and she has no credentials for DOC" rather interesting.

    In my elderly mind it shows that writers don't want to understand that MPs are elected to become Ministers, rather they are elected to represent the electors. Should we go back to Pepys' day when only the entitled were elected – oh wait, that's Luxon's group isn't it.

    Perhaps parties could stand a serving police officer in one electorate (Minister of Police), a builder in another electorate (Housing) and so on and so on?

  15. Belladonna 15
    15 June 2022 at 9:51 pm

    OK, for a bit of light-hearted relief — you'll all, I'm sure, be fascinated to know the *true* reason that Mallard has resigned.

    Straight from the horse's …. mouth — it's all about Winston!

    https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2206/S00116/mallard-resignation-a-cover-up.htm

    “On the 25th May the Speaker received a letter from my Solicitors concerning his decision to trespass me and hundreds of others during February’s parliamentary protest.”

    “In that letter, it was made clear that there would be court action taken against Mr Mallard if he did not provide specific explanations, documents, and referenced authority with which he, in a free and democratic society, trespassed hundreds of New Zealand citizens from the Nation’s Parliament.”

    “Both Mallard and the Prime Minister knew that he was facing potential prosecution for his actions and can be no coincidence that the announcement of his resignation comes just two weeks after my Solicitor’s letter was sent to his office.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    10 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    12 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    13 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    14 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    16 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    17 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    18 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    21 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    22 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    23 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    24 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
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  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
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