The Froth Comes off The Beer

Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, January 5th, 2018 - 77 comments
Categories: australian politics, Economy, housing, labour - Tags:

Auckland appears to be following the trend set by Melbourne and Sydney of a softening in expected prices for selling houses.

Sydney’s property market is cooling for the first time in two years.

 

Melbourne is shaving the froth off the beer.

 

Auckland is going from nuts to fractionally less nuts.

 

The impending five year bright line test, and the ban on foreigners buying existing homes, also signals a price cooling.

 

This is likely to be good for house buyers – especially locals. That is the policy intent.

 

My experience over a few decades is that the hardest hit will be apartment owners in lower-quality blocks whose repayments from rent cover the interest but not the principal.

On previous trends, a fair few apartment owners who could afford it only by renting out and paying the minimum, will find themselves paying mortgages of an amount higher than the market value: they go “under water”.

A few of those won’t be able to sustain that, and sell at a minor loss.

At that point a few in the media will lose their shit.

My advice would be: be cool.

This is necessary, and this is planned.

As noted by the IRD in its paper on the “bright line test”, it does not  “impair private property rights, restrict market competition, reduce incentives on businesses to innovate and invest, or override fundamental common law principles”.

But we should expect media discussion that it does.

So not chaos, a good change for first home buyers, but some tough media stories coming up.

77 comments on “The Froth Comes off The Beer ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Antoine 1
    5 January 2018 at 8:22 am

    All sounds good.

    I don’t have much sympathy for anyone who bought at the peak of the market that cannot ride through a small to moderate drop in price.

    A.

  2. Sanctuary 2
    5 January 2018 at 9:38 am

    Tales of housing Armageddon sells newspapers.

  3. Sabine 3
    5 January 2018 at 10:02 am

    there is a real issue in AKL, namely that people who would like to sell their property to either up or down grade depending on their needs, but don’t want to leave AKL, can’t as even after they sell they won’t have enough money to buy something else the next day.

    then there is the real issue in AKL that for people who want to down grade cause the kiddies left etc there are no properties to buy. You can get G J Garderners monstrosities with the silver fern etched into any glass/mirror, but you can’t find a decent two bedroom, one kitchen, one bath, one toilet with a bit of green around and a car park.

    so what you have is now people holding on to their properties – good for those that have them paid off – cause they will never make enough money to buy elsewhere, and those that can’t sell to get out of the mortgage. And bingo, your market is fucked.

    Well done National. I can see the scavengers circling above waiting for the first to drop so that they get to pick the bones clean.

    I also think we are going to see a flood of rentals starting to show up in the sales lists, as I can see a few ‘landlords’ realising that they actually don’t have the money – might never had to begin with – to upgrade their slum rentals to comply with the new insulation regulations. As i have been househunting the last few month i have seen my fair share of ‘rentals’ and oh my gosh, no insulation and no heating source seems to be the Kiwi way. Never mind the illegal add ons, the rotting floorboards, the unclear boundries, the leaking roofs, non closing windows, cracking walls.

    • Kevin 3.1
      5 January 2018 at 11:31 am

      And the people who live in these slums say nothing for rear of losing the roof over their heads.

      I know personally of one situation in Hastings of a family living in a rental where the spouting is rotten and leaves large puddles on the ground that take days to soak away, the light bulbs blow on a continual basis. The bathroom was ‘renovated’ as the floor was rotten but the owner the waited six months before covering it. While the renovation was being done, which took a week, the family showered at my place and were offered no compensation from the landlord. The house is not insulated but has a heat pump, which then costs a fortune to run as a result. The tenant had to buy their own stove to replace the existing one where only one element worked, the oven was missing the insulation rubber around the door and the door closed quicker than any mouse trap I have seen. The rental is ‘managed’ by a woman who works for a reputable rental company but she is an arrogant, obnoxious c**t who does not give a toss, just as long as the rent is paid, which it is, on time every week. Any time work is required it takes weeks for it to be done and there is always the implied threat that all these repairs are just getting too much for the landlord.

      This is not uncommon and every time read a story about ‘hard done by’ landlords, I just laugh.

      • Sabine 3.1.1
        5 January 2018 at 11:47 am

        the family living in one of these properties for sale is ‘keen’ to keep on living there.
        the house would collapse with the tiniest quake, no heating, rotten floorboards in the bathroom laundry, a leak under the kitchen sink. etc.
        The builders report was fun to read, but hey, it has had a new coat of colour.

        Another property the real estate agent pointed out the ‘bridge’ between living room and hallway. The floor boards were gone, so they ‘fixed’ it by putting board over the gap and hiding it under carpet.
        The young mother and child is very ‘keen’ to keep on renting that place.

        i have a few more of those, and yes, all the tenants are keen to stay, cause there ain’t nothing else to rent.

        btw, non of these tenants rubbished the place. just saying.

      • beatie 3.1.2
        5 January 2018 at 1:50 pm

        My daughter’s rental is freezing in the winter, uninsulated, damp and draughty. the fire doesn’t work properly either. Last winter her son was admitted to hospital with a chest infection which was exacerbated by the above conditions. The rental is managed by a property company. She is reluctant to complain because, in our small town she would be unofficially blacklisted from any decent future rentals.

        Disgusting!

        Her father grew up in a large European city and although the family were very well off, they never owned a house. They didn’t feel the need because of long-term tenancies and decent housing.

  4. greg 4
    5 January 2018 at 10:17 am

    Antoine a lot people have bought to get a roof over there heads there going to be victims there not the speculator class.
    when you read about whats been going on in the housing market its criminal the case Augustine lau is the tip of the ice burg.https://www.interest.co.nz/property/90720/notorious-property-managerdeveloper-augustine-lau-speaks-out-about-why-hes-dog-box
    a lot home owners who bought are going to go under because of the housing bubble.
    In a lot of cases the loans should never have been made its been 9 years of greed.
    another national party disaster and there is no easy fix that doesn’t hurt.
    if the last government was doing there job we would never have got to this point.
    the greedy bastards did nothing.
    https://www.capitalandconflict.com/economics/the-remaining-housing-bubbles-pop/
    new Zealand features in the article

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1
      5 January 2018 at 11:22 am

      if the last government was doing there job we would never have got to this point.
      the greedy bastards did nothing.

      True about the first point but they actually encouraged the housing bubble. It was the only thing that let NZ show any sort of growth in the economy and thus allowing them to get their ‘surpluses’. Those surpluses are now going to vanish as the housing bubble pops.

      • BM 4.1.1
        5 January 2018 at 11:46 am

        Labours big spending plans are in trouble if those surpluses disappear.

        Guess Labours got three options if it wishes to continue with its plans.
        Borrow fuckloads, try and keep the housing bubble from popping or increase tax

        One and three will be very unpopular options.

        • Sabine 4.1.1.1
          5 January 2018 at 11:47 am

          What would National do?

          • BM 4.1.1.1.1
            5 January 2018 at 11:53 am

            Probably not try and crash the property market and aim for a gradual deflation of prices

            Labour has been like a bull in a China shop which will no doubt cause a hard crash.

            • Ad 4.1.1.1.1.1
              5 January 2018 at 12:14 pm

              National did a good job softening the market in its last term.

              And with the government changing all we are seeing is the same gradual property market softening.

              The landlords and the Property Council people are bleating – it’s intended that they do.

              It’s amazing the way landlords complain – when almost all young people are locked out of the market because of landlords, but they don’t get the airtime.
              It’s time for the landlords to squeal a bit, and then make some hard decisions about whether they want to be in this game.

              Sure, some of those “mom and dad” properties will get swept up by large rental companies, but a lot more will then be priced just right for the first home family.

              That’s an intended result BM.

              The other task is to shift the investment intentions of a strong sector of New Zealand away from multiple house ownership towards productive assets and businesses. Again, an intended result.

              So that is what the are doing. And it is good for the 90% not the 10%.

              • Zorb6 …
                5 January 2018 at 12:44 pm

                Ad makes his 2018 comedy debut-‘National did a good job softening the market in its last term.’!!!

              • greg …
                5 January 2018 at 5:11 pm

                lets not forget landlords have had billions of dollars of tax payer money
                from the rental supplement there greed drove them to leverage up to stupid levels its no good squealing now they cant say they weren’t warned.
                its amazing there the very people who demand everyone else take personal responsibility. but they don’t like it for themselves well tough. BM you lot had 9 years and did nothing well the party is over, time to PAY up literally the bank manager isn’t going to be friendly anymore the piper is calling. and as a saver we deserve a higher interest rate we have subsidized speculators since the gfc.

            • Sabine 4.1.1.1.1.2
              5 January 2018 at 12:19 pm

              so why has National not done this in the nine years they were in power?

              I mean National lost the election in September. You are not saying that it all came crashing down in the last three month, or are you?
              And if it all came crushing down in the last three month would that then be because National is not there to ‘hide’ the mess it created?

              And again, what would Nationals plan be – other then increasing GST for all and cutting taxes for some, while at the same time defunding healthcare, education, infrastructure and so on in order to pay for the tax cuts?

              Please What.Would.National.Do.
              cause nothing you have said would make me consider National as a viable answer to Labour/NZFirst/Greens.

            • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.1.1.3
              5 January 2018 at 1:05 pm

              What National did was to promote the housing bubble, insist there wasn’t a housing crisis (after John Key said that there was a housing crisis) and generally push the economy into pre-crash condition.

              Labour/Greens/NZ1st are now trying to undo that damage without causing further damage.

              But make no mistake – the problem is what National did.

        • Jimmy Ramaka 4.1.1.2
          5 January 2018 at 2:25 pm

          We can’t borrow anymore fool BM the Balance Sheet is maxed out by your little buddies Bill & John ?

          • Nic the NZer 4.1.1.2.1
            5 January 2018 at 4:15 pm

            “We can’t borrow anymore fool BM the Balance Sheet is maxed out by your little buddies Bill & John ?”

            This is exactly what BM’s ilk would like you to believe but is completely untrue.

            The NZ government can at all times buy absolutely anything for sale in NZ dollars, that is the governments actual budget constraint. This follows from the payments system (where all government taxation and spending happen and also transactions between banks) being operated by the RBNZ and the RBNZ being a subsidiary institution (according to its charter) of the NZ government.

            The same is true of most countries and so we observe most countries have not got any issues with spending or running government deficits. Unfortunately an exception to most countries is the EuroZone countries several of which have got into spending trouble because they can’t simply instruct their shared central bank (the ECB) to fulfill their spending needs. In these cases their spending decisions are only as good as their relationship with the ECB allows (in many countries the ECB has been overseeing what these countries are ‘allowed’ to spend, as you will well understand from the news). This is important because there is an important difference between most countries and the scare stories coming out of the EuroZone which do not apply in most other places.

            This anti-democratic ‘scam’ is essentially the same rort the republican party is running once again by claiming they have given away too many tax breaks and therefore can’t afford social spending programs and must impose austerity of the US poor. In fact the recent US tax cuts will massively increase the US budget deficit (a fact US republicans are fully cogniscent of) but they could absolutely care less because its irrelevant to them unless its useful to scare the wider public with.

        • DoublePlusGood 4.1.1.3
          6 January 2018 at 2:45 pm

          You missed: print money.

  5. AB 5
    5 January 2018 at 1:06 pm

    The enormous untaxed (and unearned) capital gain on residential property that has gone to investors/speculators since the GFC through to 2017, has been a major driver of inequality.
    Gradual deflation of housing prices now, while a good thing, will not reverse that inequality, especially where investors/speculators have already cashed up and got away with murder. They are now waiting to swoop back in at the bottom of the next cycle.

    • Ad 5.1
      5 January 2018 at 1:09 pm

      Agreed market price management is only a part of the solution – but it is a necessary part.

      Those who are about to swoop to reinvest for rental purposes would do well to hold until they have seen the precise shape of the housing legislation coming down the pipeline in the first quarter.

  6. Whispering Kate 6
    5 January 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Our housing stock in this country is highly inflated in value for the quality of the building materials. Unless your home is a bespoke home and built for millionaires the bulk of the housing stock is just crap. The fixtures and fittings are budget, you could drive a toy car through the walls they are so flimsy. Our kitchens are so so budget its not funny. Why is everything so expensive when the cheapest materials are used.

    I have family who have lived in many countries and the homes they have bought would make you weep. Kitchens to die for, solid timber cabinets, granite benches, high end fittings, proper crown mouldings, solid timber flooring – none of this laminate rubbish, stairwells which could be a piece of art on their own of solid hard wood timber. Thick walls and lots of insulation, some of the homes they have bought have been old but still built like a brick s…. house.

    Their latest house is in the US and they paid $425,000 US for it – its sickening what the cost of homes are here. Our home, when they visit, is just a cheap and chatty dump and its only 20 years old and considered a “lovely family home” – it is valued at 1.3 million and its not worth half that – its utter rubbish in comparison..

    Somebody is rorting and rorting well here in NZ with the building of our homes.

    It may be nice to have homes worth so much but its wrong, utter wrong and the market has failed young buyers of first homes. If the market corrects then so be it – it shouldn’t have elevated like it has done in the first place.

    Taking into account our small population (and I am sure commentators will come back with this) is still not an excuse for using such cheap and nasty building materials and fixtures and fittings.

    • BM 6.1
      5 January 2018 at 2:34 pm

      I agree NZ housing is grossly overvalued.

      Just to rub salt in the wounds, I expect to see rental prices increase significantly over the next few years as we’ll have an acute rental shortage as well as many landlords desperately trying to improve their return on their investment

      With no chance of a capital gain, added compliance costs and hassles, the rate of return has to rise significantly to make their investment remotely viable.

      If you’re renting and financially struggling at the moment, then I feel sorry for you as life is about to get notably tougher.

      • Sabine 6.1.1
        5 January 2018 at 2:38 pm

        so where was you pity when it happened under National over the last several years?

        oh you pity is selective?

        I would have no issues with a principled conservative, but this party line bullshit is just that bullshit.

    • Sabine 6.2
      5 January 2018 at 2:41 pm

      my ex mother in law – a fairly successful women with a property in Remuera came to visit my family in Germany during a congress she attended in Belgium.

      she was very very jealous of the kitchen my mother had in the tent attached to teh caravan.

      She would have broken out in tears had she seen the kitchen my Mum had in her rental. lol.

      But yeah, kitchens and bathrooms in NZ are just a joke.

    • SpaceMonkey 6.3
      6 January 2018 at 10:28 am

      “Someone is rorting and rorting well here…”

      I was talking about exactly this with a mate of mine who has been in the building industry for decades. He said ond word… Fletchers. And its a racket that goes all the way to Government.

    • mikesh 6.4
      6 January 2018 at 11:26 am

      It’s not the house that is worth $1.3 million, but the land. The same house in, say, Taumarunui would be worth stuff all. We badly need a land tax, with no exemptions except possibly for unused Maori land, and offset by reductions in income tax. This would be far more effective than a capital gains tax, especially one that exempts private homes.

  7. Jimmy Ramaka 7
    5 January 2018 at 2:32 pm

    Having worked in the Real Estate Industry here in Auckland I have seen a lot of Rat’s Nests going for big money $800-$900k. You are really only buying the land value which has been over inflated by over zealous Asian real estate agents and Asian buyers parking money in NZ in safe havens like Residential Housing ?

  8. roy cartland 8
    5 January 2018 at 3:02 pm

    Selling at a loss is perfectly fair. You buy what you can afford, not leverage against future capital gain. Whether my mortgage is higher or lower than the ‘market’ value is irrelevant – because I’m still living in the damn thing.

  9. Gabby 9
    5 January 2018 at 5:18 pm

    Get out of Auckland you muppets.

    • greg 9.1
      5 January 2018 at 5:54 pm

      They cant there all panicking at the same time they will sell at a loss they cant clear there debts and the bank will come after them for the difference and to make matters worse on default the bank can take there kiwi saver as well. national changed the rules hahahahh! its only just began
      https://youtu.be/__VQX2Xn7tI

  10. cleangreen 10
    5 January 2018 at 7:35 pm

    Yes we need a correction alright as this the property bubble was just a Ponzi scheme and john key knew it would end so he got out and left his lackie to face the music.

    Key will now be engineering another “run on the NZ Dollar” as he did in 1987 when he teamed up with Alex Krieger to force the NZ dollar down and then made a packet of money.

    He will be wanting to repeat this again now since the partnership he had then with Krieger was so ‘profitable and he knows how to make another ‘killing’ on the NZ dollar it is likely he will do it again and not remember afterwards.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/250525/Who-is-John-Key

  11. SPC 11
    5 January 2018 at 8:16 pm

    Dumb questions

    No 1.

    1. when landlords sell who will provide the rentals?

    The person buying the property will no longer be renting. 1 less landlord 1 less person renting, nothing has changed.

    • BM 11.1
      5 January 2018 at 8:26 pm

      From above

      The number of houses isn’t going to disappear, the issue is that nothing stays static.

      Populations will increase, more rentals will be needed, so who’s going to build and supply those rentals?

      Even at the moment, we’ve got a shortage of rental housing does the government intend to make up that shortfall? you make property so unattractive to the investor then that’s the only option left.

      Do you believe the government has the ability to fill the void left by all the private landlords leaving the market?

      • SPC 11.1.1
        5 January 2018 at 8:34 pm

        Can you read? Landlords leaving the market changes nothing – just increases the level of home ownership.

        As to levels of supply and demand.

        1. Migration to Oz is resuming as their economy improves – less demand
        2. Immigration is being reduced – less demand
        3. Foreign investment is channelled into new builds – increased supply
        4. Government funded building is increasing – increased supply (this will be of both state housing for rent and also housing on-sold to homeowners).
        5. The government is bring back onto the market homes that Nationals shonky P testing regime took out of the market.
        6. The governments plan for higher rental standards does not apply to newly built rental property (that would meet those standards as new builds).

        • BM 11.1.1.1
          5 January 2018 at 8:41 pm

          Fuckwit, private investment drives the rental market.

          If people see no reason to invest in the rental market, people won’t invest.

          If people don’t invest, the government will have to step in and make up the shortfall.

          From what I’ve seen this government has well and truly signalled they don’t want people investing in property and being landlords.

          So, they better have a watertight plan otherwise this government is going to bring down a world of hurt on the people they are trying to help.

          • SPC 11.1.1.1.1
            5 January 2018 at 9:16 pm

            Very few landlords build new property, the great majority just buy up existing flats or houses. If they sell that on to someone not a landlord (because they do not want to provide good standard properties), it is to someone renting, who will now own – and they will improve them. The only change would be higher levels of housing ownership.

            The government has done nothing to discourage new builds for rent, all new builds meet the new rental standard – and have encouraged more new investment in this sector by limiting foreign investors to new builds.

            And as I have noted, all changes in demand and supply on the horizon look positive.

            • eco maori 11.1.1.1.1.1
              6 January 2018 at 11:31 am

              + 100 SPC people don t listen to the neo liberal trolls on this site. One has to remember that these trolls have shonkys $$$$$$$$ in there back pockets distorting there dum ass views on reality so ignore them . shonky and his trolls are wishing that the Auckland house price could crash there motive is to damage the Mana of OUR new coalition Government and shonky does not care whom get hurt in the process .I say that the regional housing market will still inflate a bit this is logical as people target cheaper housing. Its good to be home in Rotorua with my computer. Ana to kai

          • SpaceMonkey 11.1.1.1.2
            6 January 2018 at 10:30 am

            Private investment drives the whole housing market in the form of banks.

    • mikesh 11.2
      6 January 2018 at 11:46 am

      There will always be a market for rentals; not everybody wants to own their dwelling place.

  12. SPC 12
    5 January 2018 at 8:19 pm

    Smart questions

    No 1.

    1. When landlords making a loss on their rental can no longer reduce their tax liability on other income, what will they do?

    They will sell their rental. One less landlord, 1 less person renting.

    • Hornet 12.1
      5 January 2018 at 9:30 pm

      …only if the purchaser is a person previously renting. If the purchaser is a new home buyer not previously renting, then the result of your scenario could be one less rental.

      • SPC 12.1.1
        5 January 2018 at 11:41 pm

        And if they were owning elsewhere, who now lives where they did?

        Most upgrades to family home ownership comes from those living in smaller units (some couples own these first). Something someone renting might be able to afford to buy.

        • Hornet 12.1.1.1
          6 January 2018 at 4:48 pm

          “And if they were owning elsewhere, who now lives where they did?”

          Sorry, when i said ‘new home buyer’ I meant ‘first home buyer’. For example – I am MC at a friends daughter wedding in June. Both bride and groom live with parents. They want to purchase a property before the wedding to move in to. If they buy one of my rental properties to occupy, that is one less rental.

          Every home owner has to start with their first home. If that first home was previously tenanted, that is one less rental.

  13. SPC 13
    5 January 2018 at 8:28 pm

    Smart questions

    No 2.

    What happens to those who bought property at near the peak and the value falls below what they paid for it?

    At first nothing, provided they can still make their repayments, the only change is their level of equity falls below the original amount at purchase (for first home buyers 20% and or higher for landlords).

    It gets most interesting for the bank if the equity gets (is getting) wiped out and the borrower can only meet interest payments.

    • Hornet 13.1
      5 January 2018 at 9:38 pm

      The trigger points are:

      1. House owner can’t meet mortgage payments. Outcomes – Bank either refinances, or forces mortgagee sale.
      2. Market value falls below bank lending (or within a margin of it). Outcomes – Bank calls up additional equity from house owner, or forces mortgagee sale.

      The current government has inherited an already cooling market, so in my view they should tread warily. I’m not too interested in property speculators, but I am sympathetic to families and owners of small businesses wo have given security over the homes.

      • SPC 13.1.1
        5 January 2018 at 11:55 pm

        2. Banks do not force a sale where mortgage payments are being made, even if the value of the property falls below the outstanding mortgage.

        The only real risk is of a rise of interest rates impacting on the ability to meet mortgage payments.

        Government policy related to property is not going have any impact in that area. Whether rental standards or ending the ability of to offset losses against other income (or next term CGT).

        • Hornet 13.1.1.1
          6 January 2018 at 4:55 pm

          “2. Banks do not force a sale where mortgage payments are being made, even if the value of the property falls below the outstanding mortgage.”
          That’s generally true. My two points above really need to go hand in hand.

          “The only real risk is of a rise of interest rates impacting on the ability to meet mortgage payments.”
          There are other risks, including a reduction in income.

          “Government policy related to property is not going have any impact in that area.”
          Not necessarily. For example, lets say (purely hypothetically of course) that the government initiates a large scale house building program. Then lets add the dynamic that those houses have to meet an ‘affordability’ criteria that results in the government selling said houses below cost. That increases government debt, which potentially increases interest rates. A lot of hypotheticals, but economics tends to be quite a holistic beast, where a tweak here can have unintended consequences over there.

          “Whether rental standards or ending the ability of to offset losses against other income (or next term CGT).”
          Rental standards are a cost of landlords providing the service they get paid for. They are no excuse for getting out of the business, although they may be a factor in rents increasing. The removal of tax deductibility is a similar beast. Either being a landlord is a business or it isn’t.

  14. Tricledrown 14
    5 January 2018 at 11:09 pm

    Nationals minion’s trying very hard to spread cynical fake news.
    Demand and supply.
    Landlords sell to whom .
    The NZ property market will take years to meet supply.
    Speculaters will jump ship before market crashes then home buyers will be able to buy at reasonable prices.
    Auckland prices will plateau but not drop because big Cities bring migration.
    It may slow private construction which will allow govt to build its 100,000 affordable homes.

  15. timeforacupoftea 15
    6 January 2018 at 10:35 am

    The Key is to sell at the top like John Key.

    I will buy into the Auckland market to fulfil my dream but only on a 50% drop, meantime Queenstown (holiday home and Dunedin residence will have to do.

    Then again nearly every time I was in Auckland 2017 it rained.
    Is that normal for Auckland’s climate change, will it get worse, what are the predictions.

  16. savenz 16
    6 January 2018 at 11:02 am

    There is a huge shortage of rental properties and apparently those being sold are not going for rentals therefore even more shortages and homelessness.

    If increasing supply is the idea, I don’t think Labour is on the right track.

    Labour has not gone far enough in stopping foreign ownership by only targeting existing residential housing, not all housing and assets. They are not doing enough on the demand side either.

    In spite of capital gains taxes and stamp duty, countries like the UK have a major housing shortage. A tax 15% tax on foreign owners in Vancouver was more effective in bring down prices. Labour has not gone far enough in stopping foreign ownership by only targeting existing residential housing, not all housing and assets.

    They should be looking at the demand side, closing immigration loopholes and actually making residency and citizenship not only much harder to obtain but also taking 20 years to achieve free social security, so that only committed new migrants qualify.

    Globalism has totally changed immigration from the type of migrant coming to NZ 30 years ago who actually lived in NZ, worked exclusively here, learnt the language and were happy to migrate here.

    Nowadays we are getting citizens like Peter Thiel who stay for 11 days and get citizenship and their application states they won’t be expected to live here. WTF?

    Or people coming for slave wages until getting citizenship and family over and then leaving NZ to work overseas for decent money while the non working dependants stay behind. Who can blame migrants if the loophole is there and we offer wages 30% below Australia and cheap labour seems to be our focus not quality, but we do have “free’ schools, hospitals and social welfare to offer?

    Who can blame migrants who come here when they are actively advised to invest in property as part of the rich investment category (which clearly property should be removed from).

    You shouldn’t have to be a genius to work out that if we have 200,000+ new people with citizenship, residency or work permits each year, then you will get a housing shortage. It was designed to happen by National.

    And with climate change and national disasters, housing is getting more and more destroyed and it’s the uninsured that suffer most. Those making housing materials are raking it in, often multinational corporations.

    A catch 22 made to be a catch 22 by National that’s only economic achievement was to sell off NZ and give away citizenship as quickly and quietly as possible to keep their failings masked, the economy only focused on development, and to change the demographics in their favour.

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    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
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  • Judicial appointments announced
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  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
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  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
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    21 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
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  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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    23 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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  • Taupō takes pole position
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  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Government focused on getting people into work
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  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
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  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
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  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
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  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
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    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
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    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
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    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
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