The election campaign and the sponsored Herald article

Written By: - Date published: 8:42 am, August 25th, 2020 - 58 comments
Categories: covid-19, election 2020, health, Media, national - Tags:

This article popped up in the Herald this morning.  The first thing that I noticed was that it was sponsored content.  The subject seemed slightly weird for sponsored content.  Usually you expect to read industry specific news.

But this one decided to delve into the politics of Covid 19.  The author, Radius Care executive chairman Brien Cree starts off by saying that New Zealand urgently needs a new agency, independent of the Ministry of Health and able to make quick decisions to help fight Covid-19.  Sound familiar?

He then makes claims which are somewhat misleading.  Such as it is taking five days to get a Covid test.  There are some reports of delays of five days in getting test results but this appears to be localised and the exception rather than the norm.

He thinks that people with experience in large businesses should take over the handling of Covid.  I am sure that would end well.  He also thinks that the aged care industry were quick and the Government was slow.  I thought the first lockdown and the roll out of the wage subsidy were classic examples of the Government acting quickly and decisively.

The whole article is a thinly disguised attack on the Government’s handling of Covid-19 and support of National’s lead Covid 19 policy.  But it will not count as paid electoral advertising even though it is published during the election period.

The author Brien Cree is on the NBR rich list.

I appreciate that finances in the media industry are strained but corporate sponsored articles critical of the government during an election campaign period raise many, many issues.

58 comments on “The election campaign and the sponsored Herald article ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tricledrown 1
    25 August 2020 at 9:05 am

    Radius care needs to take a long hard look at itself before criticizing others short comings.

    During the outbreaks where was the PPE gear for workers virtually none provided ,workers had reuse masks.

    Associated workers and back door deliveries were not kept safe from vulnerable residents.No plan for elimating cross contamination.

  2. Pat 2
    25 August 2020 at 9:05 am

    Nothing new there…theyve been doing it for decades, the only difference now is that more are aware of it.

    and an aside…..wheres Judith and Gerry?

    • AB 2.1
      25 August 2020 at 12:44 pm

      "where's Judith and Gerry?"

      It looks a bit like the Christmas Truce. "Dr Shane" is out the front – all sweet reasonableness – playing a gentlemanly game of football with the enemy. Once the campaign proper starts, Judith and Gerry will rush out, helmets askew, shouting gibberish and throwing incendiary ordure in all directions, including at their own side unintentionally.

      • greywarshark 2.1.1
        25 August 2020 at 1:50 pm

        AB That would make a pretty good political pantomime for Christmas – but only if Labour et al get in. I think they need Al. I can't relax till I hear the fat lady sing on October 17 I think.

      • Melanie Scott 2.1.2
        3 September 2020 at 10:34 am

        Wonderful extended metaphor and very apt.

    • Robert Guyton 2.2
      25 August 2020 at 12:48 pm

      Judith's having her eyebrows done – Gerry too, probably.

  3. PsyclingLeft.Always 3
    25 August 2020 at 9:08 am

    Yea I'm sure a Rich Lister of the "Rest Home" aka"Granny Farmer" is someone who has the best Interests of NZ at heart….

    The battles of the low paid caregivers would be a clue….

  4. Drowsy M. Kram 4
    25 August 2020 at 9:16 am

    What a magnificently white set of gnashers – 'All the better to gouge you with, my dear.'

  5. mac1 5
    25 August 2020 at 9:19 am

    If anyone wants a reason as to why this is happening now, consider why there were no corporate funded articles outside of the election period.

    Also, are these advertisements, not articles?

    How does a journalist feel about their domain, supposedly of the impartial fourth estate observer and critic, being usurped by monied interests?

    Can we say even that these monied interests have New Zealand's own interests at heart, or is this international capital splashing out at countries who dare to be different to what they want?

    Does this move have an equivalence in other states where foreign influence is felt?

    Even if this is purely a domestic move, we should resent the method and motivation to avoid normal electoral practice.

    Maybe the journalist profession should investigate and expose the connections, the misinformation and the practice with its possible influence in the introduction of political advertising disguised as journalism.

  6. Ad 6
    25 August 2020 at 9:34 am

    Given how fast we are ageing, the entire country is getting close to resembling a locked down retirement village anyway.

    But seriously … Hey Mickey shall we do one ourselves?

  7. Sacha 7
    25 August 2020 at 9:37 am

    This is what happens when farcical rulings are made that a sitting MP hosting a radio slot during an election campaign does not count as electioneering – but a graphic poster by unrelated artists does.

    Wonder if the Electoral Commission regard paid editorial as an advertisement, or as ‘editorial content’?

  8. Tiger Mountain 8
    25 August 2020 at 10:05 am

    Can anyone hear a constant whine like a skill saw? Yes, another entitled wanker is pushing the “business is suffering” meme–which essentially translates to “get back to work you wretches and risk dying for our corporate profits”.

    So its a big eff you Mr Cree. Road Transport, Hospitality, Business Associations, and even Fruit and Veg merchants! are across the media constantly–I would like to see working class people doing it hard to the extent they are using Sikh kitchens and food banks, get more acknowledgement and publicity until something meaningful is done for them; such as immediate free Wifi and fare free Public Transport. Reforms that could easily be instituted by the timid Labour Caucus without burying neo liberalism…yet.

    • Pat 8.1
      25 August 2020 at 10:42 am

      Yes, its getting nauseous….business are suffering the impact of reduced demand created by inequality, something that historically (recent) has been the preserve of the working class.

      Where were the cries of 'they need support' during the rounds of restructuring and downsizing suffered by the redundant in events past?…..absent with cries of necessity. competition, TINA, unsustainable and unaffordable.

      The hypocrisy and exceptionalism runs deep.

  9. Muttonbird 9
    25 August 2020 at 10:10 am

    Wife's father had a Covid test at 3pm yesterday. Negative result back before 9am this morning.

  10. greywarshark 10
    25 August 2020 at 10:13 am

    He'd look great as a pirate in one of Johnny Depp's Pirate films!

    Anything that suits him is an obvious choice of possible moves. And this;

    The whole article is a thinly disguised attack on the Government’s handling of Covid-19 and support of National’s lead Covid 19 policy. But it will not count as paid electoral advertising even though it is published during the election period.

    We've got the long wearying finish to the marathon on October 17. There will be more of this from the woman and man-ipulators of the right wing.

    And if MoBIE has its way, with added rich US-Americans.

  11. KJT 11
    25 August 2020 at 10:35 am

    Test Sunday. Results Monday afternoon. When they were testing thousands of border workers.

  12. KJT 12
    25 August 2020 at 10:41 am

    Central Government running and funding of rest homes.

    Without the piss taking profiteers, who seem incapable of running them safely in the middle, would be good.

    And. We've tried business drones in charge for decades. Which is why we didn't have the capacity to cope with large demands on the health system, border control and State services, now!

  13. KJT 13
    25 August 2020 at 10:44 am

    Central Government running and funding of rest homes?

    Without the piss taking profiteers, who seem incapable of running them safely in the middle, would be good.

    And. We've tried business drones in charge for decades. Which is why we didn't have the capacity to cope with large demands on the health system, border control and State services, now!

    • roblogic 13.1
      25 August 2020 at 12:17 pm

      Yes the "free" market in healthcare is a model of exploitation and corner cutting in the name of profit. The incentives are all wrong

    • gsays 13.2
      25 August 2020 at 7:04 pm

      Central Government running and funding of rest homes?

      In the interim, but Central Government helps shift society, so our most vulnerable, young and elderly, have their needs met in the family home.

  14. Pataua4life 14
    25 August 2020 at 10:53 am

    I have a question for MS.

    Based on what you know, did Dr Bloomfield know his image was going to be used in a Labour Party "Ad"

    • Just Is 14.1
      25 August 2020 at 11:48 am

      The ad with Bloomfield was for the MOH, for which he is the "Director".

      The ad was deemed to be non political as it was promoting the department and procedures, it was also proven that No Rules were broken.

      But since we have a Govt and a Leader that has a level of honesty, integrity and consideration that hasn't been seen for more that\n a decade, it's difficult for some to comprehend.

      Seymour has made more Gaffs in the last 6 months than any time in the past, his popularity is due to Nationals decline in the polls, Nat supporters jumping ship.

      Seymour was just using this for his own personal political gain, had the shoe been on the other foot, Seymour would have cried foul, it's not illegal.

      Which it wasn't.

      We have a real Govt with real values.

      • Enough is Enough 14.1.1
        25 August 2020 at 12:52 pm

        Why was it taken down?

        • Just Is 14.1.1.1
          25 August 2020 at 1:20 pm

          Jacinda Ardern deeemed it was a distraction from what the Govt was trying to achieve. Seymour made a song and dance about it, but for Seymour it more about the media attention, look at me.

          She commented yesterday during the briefing when asked about the Ad, her response was that there are dozens of Govt ads for various departments with her in the frame, because she appears in the ads/infomercials doesn't make it an election advertisement, they're generally describing enhancements to Govt department policies and changes that affect the general public.

  15. Observer Tokoroa 15
    25 August 2020 at 11:35 am

    Hlook at me – look at me

    I was not impressed with RNZ Morning Report – today. A female sports person constantly on the morning report, neither properly acknowledged the Prime Minister but went further and tried to tell us that Face Mask is mandatory all the time. Day and night. She got that info from a lightweight Guy who springs from some university somewhere, and shows no knowledge of any significance.

    That same Female sports Lady put a long number of her friends and children on TV. To make sure that adults would get nothing of any importance from 6am until 9am.

    I am amazed a mere sports person would place herself above the audience and above the Prime Minister.

    • Just Is 15.1
      25 August 2020 at 12:01 pm

      Does she have a name?

      Key elevated these sports people by awarding them Knighthoods and Dames, I have to ask what great public voluntary work did they provide our society to receive the award.

      None

      With an election looming, all the nut jobs are oozing out of the woodwork offering their entitled opinions, and that's all they are, opinions.

      Facts no longer matter, Fake News is prevalent.

      Society is struggling to Discriminate the difference.

      • greywarshark 15.1.1
        25 August 2020 at 1:58 pm

        That face mask thing I wondered about it. I think they don't want people abused in the street or forbidden to enter premises because they haven't got one. But while it isn't a sure fire saviour I think it is recognised that it is wise to wear them and keep the aerosols that come out with speech to a minimum. So I am wearing a mask when I go into premises and I ask if we can all do that. Myself I take it off when I go outside. Also when I am inside and my glasses get steamed up so I can't see anything.

        Does anyone know if my lenses would be affected if I put car demister on them? Or perhaps a thin spread of laundry or dishwash detergent over them?

        • Sabine 15.1.1.1
          25 August 2020 at 2:52 pm

          i clean my glasses with dishwasher liquid and it has never caused issues.

          If you can get made masks with a bit of a metal strip over the nose all you need to do is press it firmly around the nose and it should stop the misting.

          When going back to work at the last level three i wore a mask for the full day at work with glasses and fogging was not really an issue.

          A thing that we used while riding motorbikes was a spray to polish your wood – i prefer lemon scented – that we used to spray on the visor to help rain perl off but also to stop misting.

  16. roblogic 16
    25 August 2020 at 12:15 pm

    Ungrateful sod, this Government has saved his inmates/ revenue stream customers from dying of COVID but he's too arrogant to see it.

  17. Gabby 17
    25 August 2020 at 12:48 pm

    Rest home turnover must be dropping. Need new clients.

  18. joe90 18
    25 August 2020 at 12:55 pm

    Separated at birth…

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 18.1
      25 August 2020 at 1:17 pm

      lol…Its def genetic…..(I have had dealings with the likes of …and neither Ethics nor Compassion are in their DNA)

    • gsays 18.2
      25 August 2020 at 7:07 pm

      Heh, when I saw the photo I thought it had all been down hill since 'Six Months in a Leaky Boat'.

  19. woodart 19
    25 August 2020 at 2:39 pm

    a sponsored article is an advert, and should be called that, and treated like any other advert. BUYER BEWARE! contents may not be as advertised.

    • In Vino 19.1
      25 August 2020 at 8:06 pm

      Not only that.

      It is clearly promoting National policy, and as such, its cost should be counted as a donation to the National Party's campaign costs.

  20. tc 20
    25 August 2020 at 2:47 pm

    Back in the day it would have had 'Advertising' plastered at the top but now even sitting MP's can do radio shows during an election campaign and that's just fine.

    National and that double dipping or is it a pullya provided public service

    • woodart 20.1
      25 August 2020 at 4:49 pm

      20 yrs ago, john laws and alan jones got done big time for doing the exact same thing. "a news item from our friends in the trucking industry etc" from memory both were fined over half a mill. not enough to buy a fixer upper now, but big dosh then.

  21. Marcus Morris 21
    25 August 2020 at 5:11 pm

    Cree doesn't half look like the creep who managed the Rest Home in "Waiting for God".

  22. weka 22
    25 August 2020 at 5:18 pm

    'rest home chain' makes me cringe before I read anything else.

  23. Ken 23
    25 August 2020 at 5:59 pm

    And it needs to be taken away from the government and run by a private corporation so all that luverley money can be doled out in fat salaries and bonuses and dividends to executives and shareholders, 'cause those old people won't be around much longer, and what use do they have for flash cars and luxury yachts and cocaine anyway?

  24. Incognito 24
    25 August 2020 at 6:39 pm

    How can this pass as ‘sponsored’ content? I thought this implies that the sponsor has no control over the content. For example, a journalist visits the rest home chain and writes an article about it. However, there’s no authorship indicated other than that it is all Mr Cree’s opinion. In other words, it is an Opinion piece written by Mr Cree. As such, it is misleading to call it ‘sponsored’ by his chain because it clearly aims to influence opinion, i.e. it is political propaganda and to me an insidious form of astroturfing.

    Astroturfing is the practice of masking the sponsors of a message or organization (e.g., political [my italics], advertising, religious or public relations) to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by grassroots participants. It is a practice intended to give the statements or organizations credibility by withholding information about the source's financial connection.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astroturfing

    I’m sure it is ‘pretty legal’.

  25. georgecom 25
    25 August 2020 at 7:28 pm

    can someone enlighten me

    should that sponsored article have a political endorsement on it, coming as it does during the election campaign period?

    If it should have, I might be dropping a line to the electoral commission.

    • georgecom 25.1
      25 August 2020 at 7:57 pm

      maybe I should say political authorisation,does this paid content article need a political authorisation statement?

  26. peter sim 26
    25 August 2020 at 7:53 pm

    I love that the herald always claims it is independent and totally free of political bias.

    The media are complaining about losing customers.

    Customers are sick of being lied to by media.

    Media need "HEADLINES".

    As in war truth is the first victim in headline hunting.

    The herald is despicable. Auckland has enough problems, it does not need the herald.

  27. JanM 27
    25 August 2020 at 8:38 pm

    I'll be glad when this photo goes – it gives me the creeps !!!

  28. Mike 28
    26 August 2020 at 10:10 am

    I rang the election commission on this. They regard pieces like this as advertorials and there must be clear attribution as well as being disclosed as part of electoral funding.

    • Georgecom 28.1
      26 August 2020 at 4:16 pm

      I emailed the commission last night myself, referenced the article, and ask their opinion whether it required an authorisation statement at the very least

      • georgecom 28.1.1
        26 August 2020 at 9:47 pm

        for anyone interested, this is the reply I received from the Electoral Commission to my question as to whether a promoter statement was required.

        Paid or sponsored articles in newspapers are capable of being election advertisements. However, advocacy about political issues is not election advertising unless it has the effect of identifying positions of parties or candidates on those issues and encouraging voters to vote by reference to those positions.

        Having reviewed the sponsored Herald article, we consider that it is not an election advertisement and therefore does not require a promoter statement.

  29. peter sim 29
    28 August 2020 at 12:01 am

    sigh. once again the herald gets away with blatant national party propaganda, promoting managerial/ executive bonuses, shareholder returns plus directorial fes.

    the herald really, truly, is a disgusting thing.

    2 b fair there are a lot of "opinionists apparently flourishing out there in msm land purporting to be journalists (and therefore above criticism).

    The herald exemplifies what is the corrosive link between political and capital interests.

    Guess who spends the most money on media?

    The entire Media Chattering Class need to sort themselves out. Are they advertising pimps, touts, sluts? Or are they Noble Upholders Of Truth And Integrity?

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    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
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  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
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