The dodgy Auckland Mayoralty Curia poll

Written By: - Date published: 8:58 am, June 21st, 2022 - 104 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, dpf, efeso collins, leo molloy, Media, polls, supercity, uncategorized - Tags:

The Curia poll investigating Aucklanders preferences for the next Mayor has caused a bit of a splash.  The published results suggested that Leo Molloy and Efeso Collins were level pegging and that Viv Beck and Wayne Brown were close behind.

And various media outlets picked up on the results and reported them faithfully.

Like Bernard Orsman in the Herald:

The Ratepayers’ Alliance-Curia mayoral poll has Labour councillor Efeso Collins and restaurateur Leo Molloy each on 21.7 per cent, Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck on 20.5 per cent and businessman Wayne Brown on 20.1 per cent.

Freelance media operator Craig Lord, who came third in the 2019 mayoral race, was four points behind the leading pack on 16 per cent.

The poll of 500 Aucklanders excluded four other mayoral candidates – Hibiscus and Bays Local Board chairman Gary Brown, New Conservative Party co-leader Ted Johnston, John Lehmann and animal justice campaigner Michael Morris.

Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said the poll shows the four main candidates are equally weak and uninspiring, but Collins has the advantage thanks to the Labour Party machine.

“The time has come for National to get off the fence. In the interests of local democracy, we are calling on the Opposition to endorse a candidate for change in Auckland,” he said.

And Newshub also trumpeted the figures and gave Molloy the chance to spout a whole lot of mistruths, like Labour thinks that the race is in the bag.  Or that he was socially liberal, the guy who wants to turn sprinklers on the homeless.

One thing that Molloy did say is that people are tired of idealism.  Funny that.  I always thought that idealism was a core requirement for our political leadership.

I thought that the figures were weird because they had Craig Lord on 16%.  There is no way that he is going to repeat this figure in the actual poll.

Then the news broke that the undecided figure for the poll was 53%.  The total sample size was 500 so the results were very unreliable.

I went to have a look for the source document and was able to click through and download it from the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance site, even though the poll was said to be available exclusively for Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance Supporters.  I can confirm it would be a cold day in hell before I could be considered one of their supporters.

The report did not mention the undecided figure.  This was obtained by the intrepid reporters Business Desk and referred to in this Spinoff article:

A poll that placed four candidates for the Auckland mayoralty all but neck and neck in fact had one response way out in the lead: undecided. Polling company Curia – which conducted the survey for the Ratepayers Alliance, a sister group of the Taxpayers Union – has confirmed that 53% of those polled answered “don’t know” or “undecided”, even though they were presented with five candidates and encouraged to choose one “even if not entirely decided”. With a sample size of 500, it suggests that even the most popular candidates were selected by just 51 people each …

The undecided number, first reported over the weekend by BusinessDesk, was not mentioned in the original news report revealing the poll, nor in the document released by the Ratepayers Alliance, which described the five candidates as “statistically tied” after those surveyed were asked: “If the Auckland Mayoralty is a choice between the following candidates, which one are you most likely to vote for at this stage, even if not entirely decided.”

The intent behind the publicity is interesting.  Presentation of the results is statistically inaccurate and the poll result has been given way more credence than it should have been.

The intent appears to be to get National to sort the field out.  From the Ratepayer’s Alliance newsletter:

“The time has come for [the National Party] to get off the fence. In the interests of local democracy, we are calling on the Opposition to endorse a candidate for change in Auckland”.

With too many ‘change’ candidates running, the lack of leadership by National could see a continued high-spending, high-rates, Mayor for Auckland. Ratepayers deserve so much better…

The episode has all the hallmarks of Dirty Politics.  And it has blown a rather large hole in Curia’s reputation.

104 comments on “The dodgy Auckland Mayoralty Curia poll ”

  1. James Simpson 1

    I agree that is shitty reporting.

    But the problem as I see it is voter turn out for local government elections is shite and fails to attract 50% participation. The 53% who are undecided probably won't bother to vote in any case.

    • Lanthanide 1.1

      What you say is true, however from statistical sampling, your poll needs to have around 1000 responses to be valid.

      500 responses, of which 53% gave no answer, means you got ~240 answers, that's 4x fewer than required to be a useful poll.

      It's garbage and shouldn't have been published at all. Basically it's a PR exercise and/or they already spent the money so they just went ahead with publishing it, especially since it gave a message they wanted.

      Won't make a squat of difference in the long run though.

  2. Sacha 2

    To be fair, Curia did not publish the poll results themselves. Though they did agree to conduct it with respondents "presented with five candidates and encouraged to choose one “even if not entirely decided”".

    A nice reminder that Farrar and Jordan Williams share the same morals. If only there had been some real consequences after Dirty Politics was published.

    • Sacha 2.1

      Ah, I missed Farrar laundering his own poll via Orsman on his sewerblog.

      How do I insert a screenshot?

    • swordfish 2.2

      Though they did agree to conduct it with respondents "presented with five candidates and encouraged to choose one “even if not entirely decided”". A nice reminder that Farrar and Jordan Williams share the same morals. If only there had been some real consequences after Dirty Politics was published.

      How is this different from TV1 Colmar Brunton / Kantar's prompting ?:

      Which political party would you vote for?” – IF DON’T KNOW “Which one would you be most likely to vote for?”

      • Sacha 2.2.1

        True. 'Presented with 5 candidates' was the thing. The other polls have an open slate they are prompting for.

        And they would never ignore Undecideds anywhere near that high, let alone talk about a “statistical tie” like Farrar does above.

  3. Sanctuary 3

    The MSM inexplicably treats the the Taxpayers Union as a good faith actor, when almost everyday it provides comprehensive evidence that it is bad faith and dishonest organisation.

    • Tiger Mountain 3.1

      Exactly, I laughed like the proverbial when TU claimed COVID subsidies. They are so full of it and your point about the MSM is onto it.

  4. Ad 4

    Good on you for interrogating Mickey.

    But I sure hope Collins has something better planned in his publicity machine.

    Molloy's team understand profile.

    Winning is not about who fights fairly or with facts.

    • Tiger Mountain 4.1

      Your last line is apposite, but with Efeso’s campaign I maintain turnout, and voter assistance and advice will decide this election.

      • Ad 4.1.1

        Efeso can't rely on Labour volunteers to to out the vote this time when the Labour brand is so low. Loyalty right now can be judged on the national level polls which haven't bottomed yet.

      • Belladonna 4.1.2

        Turnout is always difficult in local body elections.
        Sadly, all too many potential voters, perceive little value in electing representatives.
        I'd have to say that's doubly true in Auckland, where so much has been outsourced to 'council owned organizations' – where elected representatives have little or no influence on the decision making.

        Getting over 40% to express an opinion (even if many of them won't actually vote) – is probably a victory.

        Not excusing the reporting on this. Just commenting that the 'undecided' vote will probably turn into the 'did not vote' at election time.

  5. Anker 5

    I remain puzzled that Matt McCarten is Leo Molloy campaign manager

    • Sanctuary 5.1

      At a certain time in life a certain type of activist realise they'll never be allowed to be inside the tent pissing out. They then have a choice. Go off and actually do something constructive in the NGO sector or develop a nihilistic and truculent compulsion to piss on the tent and everyone and everything in and around it because hey – BURN IT ALL DOWN!

      Combine that with future shock amongst certain aging activists and you get an intellectual drift to an increasingly reactionary and populist right mindset. And yo! We have Matt McCarten, Martyn Bradbury, Chris Trotter etc.

      or TLDR – they are all turning into deluded and grumpy out of touch middle aged to old men.

      • roy cartland 5.1.1

        Would some insightful person care to elaborate on this phenomenon? I've got trouble understanding it as well.

        DP star Jordan Williams, as was Slater, is now a participant Bradbury's podcast. I'm all for reaching across the divide (which is what I assume Bomber's doing), but the more exposure they get, the more legitimacy. That combined with a vitriolic hatred for the Greens, and left in general, surely risks turning progressive voters and fence-sitters off voting.

        What's it all about surprise ? I'm so far left I hate my allies more than my enemies?

        • tc 5.1.1.1

          Money….money changes everything.

          We all have a price/bills to pay and with so few opportunies when one has a limited skillset and few outlets you take what you can get.

          As designed, DP is very much in vogue.

        • Tiger Mountain 5.1.1.2

          When your income is at least partially reliant on political punditry I imagine it pays to cover all bases to keep the cash flow happening–which means right opportunism is never too far away.

          It is an infantile approach to expect those that want to destroy working class organisation, are capable of rapprochement because of a few jokey podcasts between fellow greybeards.

          The NZCTU was like this in the 90s with tripartism. The National Party Employment Contracts Act de-recognised Unions and employers loved it, yet Ken Douglas and co blundered on until private sector unions were almost decimated.

          Civil discussion is one thing, but an ex colleague of Bruce Jesson’s running a campaign for Leo Molloy is too much for some of us. The few remaining peoples assets that Bruce and others fought so hard to retain will be up for grabs if any of the right candidates wins the Supercity Mayoralty.

      • swordfish 5.1.2

        .

        Do fuck off, you pretentious old blowhard.

        All three have the honesty, integrity & courage to recognise the Professional New Middle Class’s steady appropriation of Left organisations over the past few decades, its more recent ideological capture by extreme, deeply distorted Identity Politics dogma & hence its current full-on subversion of traditional Left principles & democratic norms.

        • Muttonbird 5.1.2.1

          Matt McCarten, "honest"? You are having a laugh.

          The socially responsible left has moved on, old timer. There are more marginalised people to represent now than just the white working class like it was in your day.

        • Sanctuary 5.1.2.2

          Thanks for the course outline swordfish, I'll be sure to enroll so I can learn more of your handy insights.

        • I Feel Love 5.1.2.3

          "Blowhard"/ coming from you, ha!!!!!!

        • SPC 5.1.2.4

          You mean Trotter's principled opposition to CGT/wealth taxes and inheritance/estate taxation because those of his generation would vote Labour out of office if they did anything?

          Or his recent post that Labour should not have been manipulated by the USA into placing trade with China at risk … left wing regard for being a loyal farm to the UK/China.

      • Anker 5.1.3

        Not sure how accurate this is Sanctury.

        I think Trotter, Bradbury and McCarten still retain traditional left wing principles and values, whether they are in the tent or not.

        What I think these three have in common is a concern about the domination of identity politics in parties like Labour and the Greens. Quite recently I heard McCarten say he was really concerned about the "woke".

        I think the woke or identity politics will/is splitting the left. Just my opinion based on some observations.

        I think Trotter, Bradbury and McCarten are all very concerned about de-platforming and the shutting down of free speech. I share their concerns.

        I am still puzzled by McCarten with Leo Molloy………….but I never doubt Matt's left wing principles and values.

        Staying in the tent isn't always the right thing to do and this is part of why Labour are losing votes

        • RedLogix 5.1.3.1

          Sanctuary has a tendency to think he will never grow old either. Or if he does – there will be nothing much new to learn along the way.

          • SPC 5.1.3.1.1

            It's about resisting the penchant to drift right without even noticing it.

            In the case of Bradbury he at least incorporates the Maori into his working class group solidarity (not all of his generation do that), but like McCarten has a problem with progressive liberalism. Thus the McCarten tendency to the Tamihere and Molloy types.

    • woodart 5.2

      no puzzle . two peas in a pod. both supremely unaware of anybody but themselves. both, very damaged goods. like turds, they naturally attract each other.

      • Anker 5.2.1

        Matt McCarten may well be damaged. All you have to do is read his background to conclude its remarkable that he is intact as much as he is.

        If Matt is really unaware of anybody but himself, how come he works with and for the most vulnerable workers? I don't know the guy, I am just reflecting on his work

  6. Tiger Mountain 6

    So well done Micky–investigative journalism–how many out there are practicing it these days apart from niche bloggers and podcasters?

    I have said several times here that if all the righties stay in the race and Efeso campaigns hard including vote paper mail in events (run by supporters) etc. he will win. The voter turnout of the last few Supercity elections has been pathetic–32-38%.

    The wind down of mail in favour of Couriers, and transience of renters adds to the difficulties of getting Aucklanders to actually participate in running their own city.

    • Sacha 6.1

      The investigative journalism in this case is by the subscriber-model BusinessDesk. The Spinoff broadcast it further. Not much investigating involved beyond what used to be industry-standard editorial practice.

    • lprent 6.2

      The wind down of mail in favour of Couriers, and transience of renters adds to the difficulties of getting Aucklanders to actually participate in running their own city.

      They need to revert to polling places for local elections. Just use the same places as the national elections.

      There are just two mailboxes near me now – and a pile of others that have been removed. One of those two was unavailable while the K Road works were being done. The other one is apparently within 500m from where I have lived for most of the last 24 years. I can't remember ever seeing it. I don't walk on Great North Road voluntarily – the scenery is car yards.

      https://postboxmap.com/en

      There are more postboxes in Central Auckland than just about any other place in NZ. They're pretty much all awkward to get to, and never in places that I seldom go. Trying to get parking to drop off mail is pretty hard. They look like hangovers from when this area was highly residential, and K road was a active shopping hub – ie in the 1950s or 60s.

      There isn't one in or outside the Countdown that I go to every week. Supermarkets would be the obvious place for them to be for most people. Having them on main roads with no parking is ridiculous.

      But I don't even get mail these days – not even junk mail because the mailboxes are in our apartments foyer. Mostly it is just rubbish from real estate people touting for custom – it appears to me to be the only thing that NZ Post delivers as mail these days. They’re pretty reliable as couriers fro local parcel deliveries though.

      Last time I looked for stamps and envelopes at home… well you can imagine how that went. Yellow envelopes and stamps that wouldn't stick – and I also discovered a check book and found out what I was signing checks for in the 1990s.

      • Sanctuary 6.2.1

        Even temporary, maybe orange mail boxes in malls, outside supermarkets, churches etc would be a good idea. In fact, just put them all the temporary voting mail boxes in South Auckland and give the right something real to moan about for a change.

  7. Anne 7

    Suspect the Nats (and ACT) were in a bit of a panic over Efeso Collins. His publicity machine is not in full swing (like Ad says… they had better start moving), but everyone who has had the opportunity to meet him is very impressed. Roll that out big time over the next few months and he should win by a country mile.

    I say 'should', but it won't happen if DP roams freely without strong reprisal from the Collins team. Not suggesting for a moment they get down dirty too, but don't let them get away with it which has happened in the past.

    • OldManTime 7.1

      I suspect National are not the slightest bit concerned. I've met Efeso a number of times and he's a nice guy with relatively modest intellect and certainly not the horsepower to run a city like Auckland.

      • Anne 7.1.1

        And I suspect you're an apologist for the Nat local body off-shoots who are trying to create a perception that Efeso Collins is "weak and uninspiring and lacks intellectual heft".

        Unsaid but right there. He can't possibly be any good folks because he's a brown guy from Samoa.

        Edit: oh and he is apparently lazy too because he didn’t attend a council meeting. No other city councillor has ever missed meetings – oh no. A lazy, ineffectual brown guy. 🙄

        • OldManTime 7.1.1.1

          That's a very lazy response, implying that criticising a candidate who happens to be Samoan must make me racist. Do you know my ethnicity?

          • Drowsy M. Kram 7.1.1.1.1

            Do you know my ethnicity?

            Do you mean the ethnicity of OldManTime? He appears to be new here angry

            Btw, reckon you’re on the money with “Molloy is a buffoon“, but then so are Trump and (former mayor of London) Boris. Leo for PM, anyone?

            • OldManTime 7.1.1.1.1.1

              Brilliant cartoon, thanks! Malloy, Trump, Johnson, all peas in a pod.

          • Anne 7.1.1.1.2

            You are repeating the prescribed lines of the Auckland based right wing 'luminaries' which started a few weeks back and will increase in volume until the local body elections are over.

            Do I know your ethnicity? No. Don’t care. Not relevant. I was referring to the ‘Nat Party off-shoots’ – not you. 🙄

            • OldManTime 7.1.1.1.2.1

              You said you suspected I was an apologist for those offshoots. The only thing worse than calling me a racist is denying you called me one.

              I would also remind you that Efeso was not Labour's first or even second choice, and so one thing I do like about him is that he just may resist being Labour's puppet. This from Bomber Bradbury back when Labour were courting David Shearer:

              "Labour loves submission. They look for candidates who will do as they are told and be enough of a time serving yes man or woman and you will be edged up the slippery pole of power."

              How far will Labour go to ignore Efeso Collins for Auckland Mayoralty? | The Daily Blog

              • Louis

                Wouldn't take Bradbury's opinion as gospel.

                "Labour announced a process to decide the party's endorsee on 15 February; the process was uncontested, and on 28 February, Labour endorsed Collins' independent campaign. On 15 March, the Green Party announced their endorsement of Collins"

                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Auckland_mayoral_election#:~:text=Labour%20announced%20a%20process%20to,announced%20their%20endorsement%20of%20Collins.

                https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/462465/labour-endorses-efeso-collins-for-auckland-mayoralty

                • OldManTime

                  The process was only uncontested because Hills announced in early February he would not be standing, and Shearer had already turned Labour down. Collins was far from Labour's first choice.

                  "Collins has announced he is running for the mayoralty, but is unpopular in the party and there is no guarantee he will be endorsed as the Labour candidate."

                  Auckland councillor Richard Hills announces he won't be running for mayoralty – NZ Herald

                  • Louis

                    Oldmantime, Collins was Labour's first choice though. You cannot choose a candidate if you don't know who is in the running.

                    Who said that lie that Collins is unpopular in the party? If that were the case Collins would not have the endorsement of the Labour party.

                    • OldManTime

                      Collins was not Labour's first choice. David Shearer was, and then Richard Hills.

                      "Who said that lie that Collins is unpopular in the party?"

                      That was in the article by Bernard Orsman.

                      Auckland councillor Richard Hills announces he won't be running for mayoralty – NZ Herald

                      In fact Collins claimed he could win the mayoralty without Labours endorsement.

                      Efeso Collins says he could win Auckland mayoralty without Labour's support (newstalkzb.co.nz)

                      " If that were the case Collins would not have the endorsement of the Labour party."

                      They were left with no choice. There first preferred candidates turned them down. Their second preferred candidate pulled the plug.

                    • Louis

                      No Oldmantime. One or two mps doesn't represent the entire party. Neither Shearer, who said he had no time to even consider it, nor Hills, threw their hats in the ring in the first place, so weren't first choices. You're taking the baseless opinion of Bernard Orsman as fact? As I said previously, Labour chose Efeso Collins, as did the Green party. These endorsements are not forced.

                      "I am so pleased that the Labour Party has demonstrated that it values me for who I am – someone who will champion working people and the labour movement, and will be independent-minded and ambitious for the future of this city.”

                      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/127906107/auckland-mayoralty-labour-party-backs-councillor-efeso-collins-as-its-candidate

                    • OldManTime

                      "Neither Shearer, who said he had no time to even consider it, nor Hills, threw their hats in the ring in the first place, so weren't first choices."

                      Not true. Hills certainly did:

                      “Goff’s silence has caused a pile-up on the left, with two Labour candidates frustrated at the lack of clarity.” And “Hills, who chairs the council’s environment and climate change committee, is understood to have a campaign team in place and to be liaising with Goff”

                      Is the Left getting left behind in Auckland's mayoral race? | Stuff.co.nz

                      “You're taking the baseless opinion of Bernard Orsman as fact?”

                      I’m taking a cross section of opinion from people in Auckland who know.

                      “As I said previously, Labour chose Efeso Collins, as did the Green party. These endorsements are not forced.

                      You’re wrong. And Todd Niall was onto it back in February.

                      If Labour wants to hang onto the mayoralty of the country’s biggest city, it has, behind the scenes, some swift housekeeping to do.

                    • Louis

                      No, Hills didn't stand though Oldmantime, from your link "Richard Hills says he will not be running for the Auckland Mayoralty, saying the timing is not right after just becoming a father for the first time"

                      As I said previously, you're incorrect and opinions not supported by facts, are not factual.

                    • Sacha

                      opinion from people in Auckland who know

                      Reckons, then.

                    • Louis

                      Exactly, Sacha

              • Anne

                You have difficulty understanding don't you. My comment that the campaign to demean Efeso Collins "is really about racism" was general. It was not my intention to apply it to any specific person including yourself. But if you persist in repeating their falsehoods then you have to expect flak.

                • OldManTime

                  What is this 'campaign to demean Efeso Collins'? The only 'campaign' I've seen is from Labour, who seemed to want anyone but him.

                • gypsy

                  If the campaign to demean Collins (whatever that means) was about racism, why isn't there a campaign to discredit Craig Lord?

                  • gypsy

                    "Coincidentally, another regular commenter here, "

                    FFS are you serious? I have been away on a ban YOU imposed.

                    And I would hope you would give me more credit than to dream up a moniker like ‘Old Man Time’.

                    [Why are you using two aliases here and astroturfing this site? You’re in Pre-Moderation until we have received a satisfactory explanation from you and dealt with you in the appropriate manner – Incognito]

                    • Incognito

                      You two have so much in common, that much is obvious.

                      I never judge other’s bad taste.

                    • Incognito

                      Mod note

                    • gypsy

                      I'm not. You tried this the other day. I think you're getting a bit obsessed.

                    • Incognito []

                      Not good enough, try again, and explain why 2 user names come from the same source on the same day, i.e., yours.

                    • gypsy

                      "Not good enough, try again, and explain why 2 user names come from the same source on the same day, i.e., yours."

                      It didn't. You're making this up.

                    • Incognito []

                      Actually, no, I’m looking at the system logs here – and they don’t make things up – and they tell a very different story and only you can explain this away (or not) and I’ve been more than fair giving you a chance to do so. So far, you’re failing miserably.

                    • gypsy

                      "Actually, no, I’m looking at the system logs here "

                      Look, this is quite simple. You gave me a weeks ban. I served that and came back. Why would I use another alias? I think you're having a crack at shutting down a commentator whose opinions you don't like. It's form.

                    • Incognito []

                      So, you’re not able or don’t want to offer an explanation why 2 users comment from the exact same source as you do and on the exact same day? Is this your final word on this?

                      FYI, banned people try to bypass their bans all the time and astroturfers are some of the worst culprits. They use different aliases and sockpuppets, et cetera. It doesn’t really matter what their agenda is but for obvious reasons RW comments stand out here.

                      It’s quite simple, offer a good explanation and you may be allowed to continue commenting here, using only one alias, of course. Happy now?

                    • gypsy

                      "banned people try to bypass their bans all the time"

                      When they can comment under their original alias? Weird. I didn't. My alias is Gypsy. That's it. I do find it humorous the lengths your going to to shut me down, but I don't care enough to lie to keep commenting privileges.

                    • Incognito []

                      Yes, that’s what astroturfers do, by definition. They also like to change names frequently and start with a clean sheet/history on a site. It happens, a lot more than you seem to think. Of course, it’s dishonest and we stomp hard on it. I’m sure you understand.

                      I don’t find this amusing at all and you’ll stay in Pre-Mod until we have sorted this. In the meantime, don’t bother commenting or replying to anything other than your moderation because your comments will end up in Trash.

                  • Anne

                    Presumably because Craig Lord isn't seen to be a threat. Efeso Collins is a threat. Couldn't work that out for yourself? Oh dearie me.

                    • gypsy

                      Craig Lord is a candidate with profile and came third in the last election. His candidacy risks splitting the vote on the right. So he is most certainly a threat. The idea that there is some racist campaign to undermine Collins doesn't stack up.

                    • Louis

                      laugh Anne.

      • Patricia Bremner 7.1.2

        Well, Old Man, you are "Worried enough to post your opinion here as fact" lol

        • OldManTime 7.1.2.1

          I was more amused at Anne's suggestion the Nat's were in full panic mode over a candidate Labour only endorsed with some reluctance. LoL.

          • Anne 7.1.2.1.1

            A "bit of a panic" has become full panic mode. I think that gives most people here a 'bit of an idea' how much credence to give your contributions. smiley

            • OldManTime 7.1.2.1.1.1

              I'm not the one who claimed "everyone who has had the opportunity to meet him is very impressed." Have you done a survey?

              • Louis

                People who have met Collin's have said they are impressed with him. Why does that upset you so much?

                • OldManTime

                  It doesn't. I've met him and I was impressed by him. But not as a potential mayor. Anne's claim about 'everyone' was a stretch, however.

                  • Louis

                    Your posts suggest otherwise Oldmantime. Why is it a stretch? you said yourself, you were impressed when you met him.

                    • OldManTime

                      The stretch is that 'everyone' that's met him was impressed with him. How the hell would Anne even know that? Hyperbole bs.

                    • Louis

                      But that's what people are saying, that they are impressed with him, just like you said you were.

  8. ho humm. Just the right acting in character.

    Nothing to see here, move along.

  9. Corey Humm 10

    Noone cares about local elections.

    Noone. Except people who own houses, they actually turn up to vote.

    My entire generation is locked out of owning a house and is now being locked out of even finding a rental.

    Make as big a deal about Leo or Collins or any mayoralty candidate as you want noones going to turn out to vote for either cos we don't feel connected to our cities or towns cos we own have nothing and have nothing to tie us here or have any bonds to our cities or towns so we're not gonna vote. Local elections are for home owners and political tragics.

    A mayor can't change anything. They are a figure head role. Who cares who a mayor is they are just another councilor.

    What the left should be concerned about is not bloody local elections, what the left should be concerned about is a general election in 16 months that's going to have an incredibly low gen z and millennial and poor/working class voter turn out and how on earth we can convince labour the house is on fire and it's time to actually do things that'll entice young and poor people and there health reforms, water reforms are irrelevant to us.

    If labour and the greens with a combined majority of 20 seats can't do anything to make our lives better, if with such a gargantuan majority they are simply frozen and unable to react and expect us to simply endure while our food prices skyrocket, while our rents become unbearable and while noone can find a goddamned house to freaking rent , if labour after an election of extreme mass support can't do anything now beyond shaking their fingers at supermarkets and saying "it bad everywhere" and throwing us in motels then why would anyone doing it tough get out and vote for labour.

    If a majority labour can't do anything about any of the major problems my generation faces except three waters and a centralization of health (such sexy reforms totes exciting) then turn out is gonna be horrifically low.

    Leo winning is irrelevant, he won't be able to change anything he'll be a figure head.

    Luxon and Seymour winning will be horrendous they can do things.

    So instead of worrying about irrelevant local elections every breath, every dollar for fundraising should be going to reelecting a labour green govt and pressuring labour to right now get off their butts and excite the public. Without an excited public labours out of office and history says for a good decade.

    So instead of worrying about what irrelevant wins mayoralties which the left are weirdly concerned about and instead of defending every move labour and the greens make like one eyed followers we should all be criticizing, demanding better and pressuring this govt to abandon it's nonsensical dream of holding Tory voters and start doing something that'll get labour and green voters to the booths.

    If every labour and green voice in this country keeps defending the mediocrity of this govts second term we're not gonna push them to be better and therefore not gonna get a third term and if that happens all these reforms everyone keeps defending that are irrelevant to the immediate pressures young and poor people face will be overturned so…. It's in everyone's interests to force this damn govt to be the reactive socal democrats we know they can be and stop defending the loathsome technocrats they are right now.

    2023 will be decided by turn out. Turn out will be decided by what the govt does to make us feel we have something at stake if labour loses. We currently have nothing at stake. If the govt thinks a few lolly's being scrambled at the next budget is going to win it a third term when budgets rarely effect polling it's out of its mind. The govt needs to act today. Go to war with supermarkets, now, do something about empty houses, a CGT, decriminalize marijuana, abolish secondary taxes (like you said you would) a water bottling levy, name suppression to tennents who take their scum landlords to court, take the goods out of the gst and make it a services tax, announce buses will be permeantly half price, free ice cream, give the peasents something to hope for and get excited about…. anything.

    • Sabine 10.1

      +1

    • pat 10.2

      "Make as big a deal about Leo or Collins or any mayoralty candidate as you want noones going to turn out to vote for either cos we don't feel connected to our cities or towns cos we own have nothing and have nothing to tie us here or have any bonds to our cities or towns so we're not gonna vote. Local elections are for home owners and political tragics.

      A mayor can't change anything. They are a figure head role. Who cares who a mayor is they are just another councilor."

      It seems to me that the reason that local body elections dont change anything for non property owners is because they dont make the effort to vote.

    • Anker 10.3

      100% Corey. You nail it yet again

    • gypsy 10.4

      "Leo winning is irrelevant, he won't be able to change anything he'll be a figure head."

      Very true, and that applies to any mayor. The only way a mayor can truly advance his/her agenda is to have a majority of councillors in the same camp, and that's up to the voters. Even then, they will butt heads up against the flaws in the super city model, as well as a bureaucracy that is highly resistant to change.

    • Ad 10.5

      Sorry about your tired feels Corey.

      Now listen up. The Mayor of Auckland sets the budget.

      So whether you own a house or not, you will notice the Mayor and indeed the elected Council if the budget alters to:

      – Sell a park near you for housing.

      – Sell the pensioner housing you live in.

      – Sell the Ports of Auckland.

      – Cut public transport down to a minimum

      – Completely deregulate the bus fleet

      – Close down polls and libraries that are under-used

      – Shut regional parks because they cost too much to maintain

      – Stop investing in stormwater separation

      – Cut all spending in cycleways

      – Stop hosting events in your neighbourhood or downtown

      All of those things and worse have happened before because the hard-commercial right got in.

      As for the straight politics of where we are going, if National get in next time, a Labour-Green dominated Council is the only political protection you will have left against National doing whatever they want.

      And that's happened before as well, for those who have a memory into the late 1990s.

      • Sacha 10.5.1

        The Mayor of Auckland sets the budget.

        Nope. The Mayor proposes the Budget. The Councillors set it.

        And the government can change the laws controlling local government any time they like, so a majority of Councillors is no protection.

        • Ad 10.5.1.1

          Actually it's the Council that sets it when they vote on it in Committee.

          A majority of Council has been pretty good protection in the past, even when the legislation changes. You would know that if you understood the political history of Auckland in the late 1990s, as I indicated.

          • Sacha 10.5.1.1.1

            it's the Council that sets it when they vote on it in Committee.

            The Councillors, in other words, not just the Mayor. Don't be cute.

            • Ad 10.5.1.1.1.1

              No it's the Councillors and Mayor together. That's the Council.

              Be precise if you are going to be pedantic.

              • Sacha

                Be precise if you are going to get things so wrong.

                The Mayor of Auckland sets the budget.

  10. peter sim 11

    .

  11. Ted Johnston 12

    You are correct, as a victim of their crooked poll I can support what you say. I have sent a press release to you.

    Thank you for focussing on this. My complaint to the RANZ as an affected person will hopefully help make polls more honest. Its a start.

    Ted Johnston

    Auckland Mayoralty candidate.

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  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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