The homeless crisis is getting worse

Written By: - Date published: 8:46 am, September 12th, 2016 - 139 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, john key, labour, national, paula bennett, spin, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

Paula Bennett John key

Remember John Key’s claim that all the homeless had to do was pop down to their local WINZ office to access help and how there were flying squads of public servants dealing with the crisis?  Well whatever the Govern doing it is not working and things are getting worse.

From Stuff:

Labour says new figures showing it takes an average seven months to house families who are living in cars are “disturbing”.

Leader Andrew Little said it took an average 217 days to house families who were living in cars on the state housing list. That was almost double from December 2015 when it took 108 days.

“John Key made a song and dance about how the Ministry’s ‘flying squads’ could give families living in cars immediate help. Paula Bennett claimed her policy to relocate state housing tenants outside Auckland would give homeless families a roof over their heads ‘within days’.”

“In fact the opposite has happened,” Little said.

“Written answers provided to Labour also show there are more families living in cars. In the last quarter there were 88, up from 76 last September.

“These figures show those living in tents or public places haven’t fared much better. There are currently over 75 families living in a tent or public place waiting for a state house. In the last quarter the Ministry housed 11 of these over an average of 157 days – or five months. That is up from 99 days last December.

“While most of these families are given a ‘Priority A’ waiting list status, some have been given ‘Priority B’. It beggars belief that the waiting list criteria is now so tight that even people who are living in tents in a park or a car on the side of the road are not considered the highest priority.

“It is disgraceful that the Government knows these families are living in cars or tents and is either taking too long to house them or is not housing them at all. It shows National has a fundamental lack of care,” Little said.

Housing Minister Paula Bennett has replied by claiming that the figures were not a true reflection of the reality.  Her claim raises two comments.

Firstly they are the Government figures provided to the opposition.  As responsible Minister shouldn’t she be making sure that the figures are accurate and relevant?  Or is it just like the measure of child poverty that there is no official measure so they do not know how bad the situation is?

Secondly are we now at the stage where like lawyers and academics the Government is now able to provide us with other government statistics that will give us a counterview?

Bennett’s understanding of the extent of the crisis is, shall we say, problematic.  She is quoted as saying:

There is absolutely no need for people to remain living in insecure housing. If they go to Work and Income, options will be discussed with them and if there are no emergency housing beds available they can be offered a non-recoverable grant to pay for accommodation.

There are over 40,000 people with chronic housing problems and clearly there are not enough emergency housing beds to deal with the crisis.  Nick Smith has had the decency to acknowledge that there is a crisis, it is about time that the rest of the Government did the same.

139 comments on “The homeless crisis is getting worse ”

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  1. Draco T Bastard 1
    12 September 2016 at 9:12 am

    Bennett’s understanding of the extent of the crisis is, shall we say, problematic.

    Bennets’ understanding of the crisis is that National looks bad and so she’s trying the National patented Divert and Distract system to take the heat off of National.

    • aerobubble 1.1
      12 September 2016 at 12:31 pm

      The housing crisis is simple to understand, Key promised to stop the outflow kiwis, and even in parliament Nats are claiming responsibility for drawing back kiwis from overseas (i thought it was the gfc). So its not like they did not know. Fact is simple, scarcity is opportunity for a money man like Key, he knew housing was a finite resource. So by adding to the slowing ausie economy, the gfc, with a open door poloicy for millionaries, it was completely staged. And the effects as kiwis pay more for less as the top teir if housing is brought off by newcomers is now undenyable.

      Buy low sell high. Keys served his property mates great, leaving kids in cars overnight.

    • Philj 1.2
      12 September 2016 at 10:27 pm

      +1 “The so called government is obsfucating and misleading in cute sound bites.

  2. mosa 2
    12 September 2016 at 9:34 am

    Judging by their polling numbers it seems to be working Draco, its an old National party trick.
    Muldoon was an expert at it.

    • ropata 2.1
      12 September 2016 at 7:19 pm

      There are plenty of simpleminded greedy fwits who prefer to turn a blind eye to the suffering of children and families in John Key’s New Zealand

      • The New Student 2.1.1
        13 September 2016 at 1:31 pm

        Sums it up perfectly ropata. I work with a number of these fwits. To call them Sheep is to insult our beloved woolly icon

  3. Wensleydale 3
    12 September 2016 at 9:36 am

    Housing Minister Paula Bennett has replied by claiming that the figures were not a true reflection of the reality.

    Are any figures coming from the Government a true reflection of reality these days? They seem to have three strategies they religiously cling to in order to make themselves appear less callous, incompetent or malicious:

    1. Don’t measure stuff. If you don’t have any hard data on just how awful a given situation is, you can weasel your way out of doing anything about it, or at least claim ignorance and downplay the situation.
    2. Massage the data until it no longer resembles anything remotely approaching reality, then claim the opposition don’t know what they’re talking about and are just trying to scare the horses.
    3. Make shit up. Just make some random shit up and state it authoritatively as being true. It doesn’t matter what it is – a selection of imaginary numbers, or an entire organisation – just so long as you’re able to sneer and snark your way out of taking responsibility for your own catastrophic fuck-ups.

    This should really be documented and available to all new National MPs. You could call it, ‘National Governance 101’, and make them all sit tests. Unless they’re sufficiently evasive and disingenuous, they fail and have to go and get a proper job.

    • mickysavage 3.1
      12 September 2016 at 10:01 am

      +1

    • Macro 3.3
      12 September 2016 at 11:25 am

      ^^^^
      THIS

    • Leftie 3.4
      12 September 2016 at 1:45 pm

      +1 Wensleydale

    • ropata 3.5
      12 September 2016 at 7:29 pm

      Pretty much, a soundbite just has to contain the right sort of noises to soothe the public, facts and reality don’t come into it. Until the problem actually begins to affect the comfortable Nat voting professional class nothing will change.

      Quote from Archdruid … apologies for harsh metaphor but it seems accurate

      May I please be frank? The reason that millions of Americans have had their standard of living hammered for forty years, while the most affluent twenty per cent have become even more affluent, is no mystery. What happened was that corporate interests in this country, aided and abetted by a bipartisan consensus in government and cheered on by the great majority of the salary class, stripped the US economy of living wage jobs by offshoring most of America’s industrial economy, on the one hand, and flooding the domestic job market with millions of legal and illegal immigrants on the other.

      That’s why a family living on one average full-time wage in 1966 could afford a home, a car, three square meals a day, and the other necessities and comforts of an ordinary American lifestyle, while a family with one average full time wage in most US cities today is living on the street. None of that happened by accident; no acts of God were responsible; no inexplicable moral collapse swept over the American wage class and made them incapable of embracing all those imaginary opportunities that salary class pundits like to babble about. That change was brought about, rather, by specific, easily identifiable policies. As a result, all things considered, blaming the American poor for the poverty that has been imposed on them by policies promoted by the affluent is the precise economic equivalent of blaming rape victims for the actions of rapists.

    • Philj 3.6
      12 September 2016 at 10:29 pm

      +2 Well said. Unfortunately accurate.

  4. marty mars 4
    12 September 2016 at 9:50 am

    If bennett doesnt go down for this there will be trouble. Of course that still wont fix anything. Homelessness is systemic now imo.

  5. Righty right 5
    12 September 2016 at 9:52 am

    The government can’t addmit there is a problem there in there 9th year the ideation would be why haven’t you fixed it sorry this one will have to be left for fresh government it is politically impossible for national to solve it mean admiring failure they don’t do thT

    • alwyn 5.1
      12 September 2016 at 10:43 am

      The housing problems would vanish very quickly if we somehow ended up with the disaster of a Labour/Green Government.
      The return of New Zealand people from Australia would drop rapidly and the number of New Zealand citizens to Australia would start to rise again.
      Instead of a net positive inflow from Australia we would go back to the net outflows of 30,000+ each year we had in the latter days of the last Labour Government and the first term of the current Government.
      Go West would again become the cry from people stuck here under the incompetent lot that would be a Labour/Green mob led by little Andy.
      http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/Migration/international-travel-and-migration-articles/kiwi-exodus-australia.aspx
      I suppose they would be congratulating themselves.

      • Leftie 5.1.1
        12 September 2016 at 1:41 pm

        The housing CRISIS, (it’s way more than just a problem), would begin to be resolved under a Lab/Green coalition government.

        The exodus of Kiwis under John key went to unprecedented levels. And Kiwis are still leaving. How many Kiwis are actually returning from Oz
        Alwyn?

        • maninthemiddle 5.1.1.1
          12 September 2016 at 1:50 pm

          “More Kiwis are coming back after living overseas and fewer are leaving than in recent years. These historically small net losses of New Zealand citizens combined with record net gains in non-New Zealand citizens have created our current record in migration.”

          http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/Migration/international-travel-and-migration-articles/kiwi-factor-migration

          The reality is that NZ is a far more attractive place to live today for kiwi’s AND new immigrants than in the past.

          • Leftie 5.1.1.1.1
            12 September 2016 at 2:32 pm

            You lie like Alwyn, Maninthemiddle.

            To repeat the question. The exodus of Kiwis under John key went to unprecedented levels. And Kiwis are still leaving. How many Kiwis are actually returning from Oz?

            • Michelle 5.1.1.1.1.1
              13 September 2016 at 11:20 am

              yeah how many NZers have actually returned, when did they return who were they, what age group etc we should have all of these stats why aren’t they being churned out. Is it because they are being constantly manipulated like many blind, deaf and dumb NZers

              • maninthemiddle …
                13 September 2016 at 11:48 am

                Read the link. It is very clear what is happening.

                “More Kiwis are coming back after living overseas and fewer are leaving than in recent years. These historically small net losses of New Zealand citizens combined with record net gains in non-New Zealand citizens have created our current record in migration.”

            • maninthemiddle 5.1.1.1.1.2
              13 September 2016 at 11:47 am

              Read the reference. There is no ‘exodus of Kiwi’s’. That was under Labour.

          • Psycho Milt 5.1.1.1.2
            12 September 2016 at 2:45 pm

            The reality is that NZ is a far more attractive place to live today for kiwi’s AND new immigrants than in the past.

            Yer a laff riot. The reality is that Australia is a far less attractive place for NZers than in the past, which is why net migration has turned back our way. If Australia picks up again, so will our net emigration, regardless of which party’s ordering the public servants about in this country.

            • maninthemiddle 5.1.1.1.2.1
              13 September 2016 at 11:49 am

              Why are you only referencing Australia? Sure NZ is better of than Australia, but we’re better off than most OECD nations.

              • Psycho Milt …
                13 September 2016 at 2:24 pm

                Australia because it’s the biggest effect on our net migration figures. When Australia’s doing well, we see a lot of NZers moving there and relatively few moving back. When Australia’s not doing well, we see the reverse. Who’s in government here has nothing to do with it.

                Sure NZ is better of than Australia…

                In the sense that it isn’t ridiculously hot and full of venomous creatures and Australians, certainly. In economic terms? Maybe you should put down that crack pipe.

                • maninthemiddle …
                  13 September 2016 at 3:33 pm

                  I travel between NZ and Australia frequently. We’re in far better shape economically, with a more diverse economy and growth in some of our key areas of strength.

                  But this comparison is not just about Australia, whatever your fixations. NZ receives migrants from a host of different countries, people voting with their feet becasue of how well our nation is doing.

                  • Psycho Milt …
                    13 September 2016 at 4:10 pm

                    We’re in far better shape economically, with a more diverse economy and growth in some of our key areas of strength.

                    Immigration and rebuilding Christchurch are some of our key areas of strength? That’s not going to have Australia quaking in its boots. Also, Australia is a wealthier country than NZ by pretty much any economic measure you want to take. It’s doing badly at the moment by Australian standards, not relative to us.

                    But this comparison is not just about Australia, whatever your fixations.

                    Indeed it’s not. As I already pointed out, Australia is merely the biggest factor in our net migration figures, so if you want to figure out why net migration’s so high at the moment, Australia’s the first place to look.

                    NZ receives migrants from a host of different countries, people voting with their feet becasue of how well our nation is doing.

                    Well, yes, NZ is relatively a lot better off than places like India or the various Pacific Islands and attracts a lot of immigration applications from those places. That’s true irrespective of how well NZ is doing by its own standards and irrespective of which party’s in power. The only difference the current government is making in that respect is that it’s bringing in large numbers of unskilled migrants at a time when we have a large number of unemployed locals – but that’s another thread.

                    • maninthemiddle …
                      13 September 2016 at 4:18 pm

                      “Immigration and rebuilding Christchurch are some of our key areas of strength?”

                      No. Tourism. Manufacturing. ICT. High Tech Manufacturing. Energy. Knowledge Intense Services. This list goes on. It appears to be passing you by!

                      “Well, yes, NZ is relatively a lot better off than places like India or the various Pacific Islands and attracts a lot of immigration applications from those places. ”

                      I’m referring to the entire OECD.

                    • Psycho Milt …
                      13 September 2016 at 5:02 pm

                      I doubt the other OECD countries are really all that envious of our being 20th out of 34 in the GDP-per-capita ranking.

                      However, this alternative-universe NZ you live in, where the economic growth is down to actual industries rather than immigration and the Christchurch rebuild, does indeed sound a great place to live. Presumably it doesn’t have a National government.

          • In Vino 5.1.1.1.3
            12 September 2016 at 9:36 pm

            False stats. Returning NZers are NOT immigrants. Nats using them to fudge figures and reality.

          • fisiani 5.1.1.1.4
            13 September 2016 at 12:08 pm

            Interesting and unknown question as to how the 180,000 immigrants of the last three years will vote in 2017. Does anyone think that the people drawn to the bright lights of the booming NZ economy would want to vote for the brakes being applied by the economic nutbars. Seriously, who would you rather trust with the economy. Honest hard working Bill English or the glib Grant Robertson?

          • The New Student 5.1.1.1.5
            13 September 2016 at 1:39 pm

            Not that it’s representative of the situation, but people I know are coming home and/or staying put because the options overseas aren’t all that flash.

            • maninthemiddle 5.1.1.1.5.1
              13 September 2016 at 2:09 pm

              Yep, compared to NZ, that’s true. We’re doing very well by global comparisons.

        • alwyn 5.1.1.2
          12 September 2016 at 5:02 pm

          You clearly never bothered to look at the link I provided.
          It tells you if you can find the energy to read it. Have a try. You can read I assume?

          • ropata 5.1.1.2.1
            12 September 2016 at 8:05 pm

            There’s no problem with your link, but the narrative you wrote about it sounds awfully like your tongue is stuck up FJK’s arsehole

      • Richard Rawshark 5.1.2
        12 September 2016 at 3:04 pm

        alwyn sounds like you think the exodus was from bad government. If so I would strongly disagree and state people emigrating were doing it for a better life style, better pay, sunnier climate, better product selection, etc. Not everyone leaves the country to escape labour, or National. Well maybe National and Key.

        These were the boom years Aussie was hiring by the thousands..now it’s a downturn people are returning.

        Please don’t tell me economics fluctuations in immigration and migration numbers are being use as a political weapon.

        yeah Key started it. I remember that stadium advert..fkr.

      • Draco T Bastard 5.1.3
        12 September 2016 at 5:14 pm

        Man, that has got to be the most delusional BS I’ve seen from you.

        Kiwis are returning from Australia because Australia has made it clear that they’re not wanted. Probably has something to do with their slowing economy.

        And the rest of the developed world isn’t doing any better. The whole global economy is slowing. It’s why interest rates are so low. The world still hasn’t recovered fro the GFC and so people return to where they’re secure. For Kiwis that’s NZ – even with the disaster of a National government in power.

      • Philj 5.1.4
        12 September 2016 at 10:32 pm

        SIMPLY BRILLIANT. Great solution Alwyn

      • Michelle 5.1.5
        13 September 2016 at 11:16 am

        Rubbish Alywyn gnats don’t build houses they sell them they sell everything including selling us down the toilet.

  6. Takere 6
    12 September 2016 at 10:14 am

    Its got to be a speech bubble comp? “Yes John. I have put on some weight. Its all the pressure I’m under at the moment. Struggling to decide whether to buy a few more rental properties or not. Depends on the economy. You’d know something about the economy aye John? Nah. Fuck that. I haven’t got a clue. Ok John. After this, you wanna go for a burger or two?”

  7. Keith 7
    12 September 2016 at 10:49 am

    Ahh yes but the flip side of all this silly bad news stuff is the return of the Rockstar economy, Liam Dann being the latest to coin this meaningless phrase following the ANZ’s Cameron Bagrie’s – eliminate the negative, accentuate the positive PR spin on our economy. No conflict of interest there, nope, none at all! Of course both men are singing from the same hymn sheet with other frequent exultation pieces on our economy lately, coinciding with National sinking in the polls.

    Given we are Rockstars and for SO long too, why is it:

    We have record homeless
    Growing poverty
    Widening of the gap between the rich and poor
    Sickening housing un-affordability
    Rapidly growing debt
    Non existent wage growth
    A whole bunch of very important government services going south owing to frozen budgets because we don’t have the money to fund them properly
    Our economy is lingering stubbornly close to the deflation zone.

    And where is the sharing in this nirvana, this yellow brick road?

    Is flooding the country with migrants, building motorways and selling houses to each other and foreign speculators the way forward? Diary is still losing money even as it destroys the environment (sorry, blame sparrows for that one) and yet with all of the above the gospel singers according to National are saying it looks “sustainable”.

    Expect more overt “good news” to counter the genuinely dire news our economy is producing.

    • Wayne 7.1
      12 September 2016 at 12:03 pm

      Keith,

      I would contest many of your propositions, specifically;

      Growing poverty – no evidence this is getting worse
      Widening gap – the income spread has been the same for the last 20 years
      Rapidly growing debt – Govt is in surplus
      Nonexistent wage growth – Wages going up around 2 to 3 % per year
      Govt services going south – more doctors, nurses and teachers
      Deflation risk – not an issue when there is strong growth

      Obviously there is a housing issue, especially in Auckland.

      But where I live (the North Shore) which actually has quite a large socio-economic spread given there are about 350,000 people, it is clear the economy is going well and people are spending.

      I have lived in Bayswater for 15 years, which probably has the largest income/wealth spread of any place in New Zealand. Out of around 1000 houses on the peninsula, there are around 100 state houses, 100 Navy houses and at the other end of the spectrum many houses worth over $5 million.

      It is clear that Bayswater has become more buoyant. This was first evident for the period 2004 to 2007, and now 2012 to the present. The school has been hugely improved, the parks and reserves are clearly better and more usable, crime is lower, the shops are upgrading, people are improving their homes. There are way more cars around, though this is not necessarily an unalloyed benefit. However public transport (buses and ferries) has also got a lot better.

      It is not all doom and gloom, as this site constantly asserts.

      • Garibaldi 7.1.1
        12 September 2016 at 12:14 pm

        Wayne, I’d call you a cunt but you lack the depth and the warmth.

      • Takere 7.1.2
        12 September 2016 at 12:17 pm

        Good that you’re doing well in the “NorthShore Bubble” micro-climate. Meanwhile Rome Burns….

      • Poission 7.1.3
        12 September 2016 at 12:29 pm

        Rapidly growing debt

        Yep,

        http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/statistics/c21

        Last 12 months household debt has increased by a factor of 3 greater then disposable income growth.

        • maninthemiddle 7.1.3.1
          12 September 2016 at 1:54 pm

          Household debt is the responsibility of households, not the Govt. There are many reasons why household debt increases, including consumer confidence due to good economic times.

          • Leftie 7.1.3.1.1
            12 September 2016 at 2:56 pm

            Sure a government is not responsible for personal debt, and during good economic times, people can AFFORD to take on more debt, BUT these are not good economic times. Now you have people taking on debt that they can least afford, using their over inflated house values as ATM machines. People getting into debt to make ends meet having to swipe their credit cards at supermarkets is not a good sign either.

            Another point, the low interests rate is not a sign of a good, strong economy, that’s another lie John key likes to tell. In the real world, it’s a sign of a weak and fragile economy. Interests rates are being kept low to prevent the dairy industry and this country’s economy from collapsing.

            • maninthemiddle 7.1.3.1.1.1
              13 September 2016 at 11:55 am

              “BUT these are not good economic times.”

              Yep, they are. GDP growth near the top of the OECD. Low interest and inflation rates. Real growth in wages. Low debt. It doesn’t get much better.

              “the low interests rate is not a sign of a good, strong economy,”

              Yep, they are, depending on the circumstances. NZ has low interest rates becasue we have controlled government spending. At the end of the last Labour government we had high interest rates and growth was tanking…mega fail.

              “Interests rates are being kept low to prevent the dairy industry and this country’s economy from collapsing.”

              The dairy industry was in great shape when interest rates were already low.

          • Draco T Bastard 7.1.3.1.2
            12 September 2016 at 5:07 pm

            Household debt mostly climbs when people can’t afford to live and it was this that caused the GFC. Stagnant wages and ever higher living costs while house prices sky-rocketed out of control.

            The economy’s fucked and that is the responsibility of the government.

          • UncookedSelachimorpha 7.1.3.1.3
            13 September 2016 at 9:54 am

            Household debt is strongly affected by government policies.

            • maninthemiddle 7.1.3.1.3.1
              13 September 2016 at 11:58 am

              Household debt is strongly affected by a lot of things. Consumer confidence in a well run economy is one of them.

              • Draco T Bastard …
                13 September 2016 at 3:51 pm

                And house prices in a housing bubble also encourages people to borrow using their house as an ATM. The bubble will eventually pop of course meaning that a lot of those people will find themselves bankrupt.

                A housing bubble, like the one we have, only really appears in an economy that’s truly fucked.

                • maninthemiddle …
                  13 September 2016 at 3:57 pm

                  “A housing bubble, like the one we have, only really appears in an economy that’s truly fucked.”

                  There are many reasons why house prices in NZ are rising, international trends, poor local government planning, demand from an increasing population…the list goes on. None of these are an indicator of the strength or otherwise of the wider economy.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.4
        12 September 2016 at 12:42 pm

        all doom and gloom

        No wonder you have to falsely characterise what “this site” says, Mr. Privileged Law Commissioner: you can’t actually address the facts. They reveal how utterly hollow, false, tricksy, your words are.

        Still, apparently you legal types are just like academics, and can be relied upon for little but sophistry.

      • The Chairman 7.1.5
        12 September 2016 at 1:29 pm

        I contest your assertions, Wayne.

        “Growing poverty – no evidence this is getting worse”

        According to a 2015 report by the Children’s Commissioner, child poverty rates are on the up. 
        http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/292138/a-third-of-nz-children-live-in-poverty

        “Widening gap – the income spread has been the same for the last 20 years”

        In its latest survey of household wealth, Statistics New Zealand found the country’s richest individuals – those in the top 10 percent – held 60 percent of all wealth by the end of July 2015. Between 2003 and 2010, those individuals had held 55 percent.
        http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/307458/10-percent-richest-kiwis-own-60-percent-of-nz's-wealth

        “Rapidly growing debt – Govt is in surplus”

        Yet, household debt is at record levels.
        http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/301988/debt-to-income-ratios-'at-record-levels‘

        “Nonexistent wage growth – Wages going up around 2 to 3 % per year”

        Average ordinary-time hourly earnings increased 2.1 percent, down from 2.3 percent in the year to September 2015.

        Private sector annual wage growth was 1.6 percent – the lowest since September 2010.
        http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/income-and-work/employment_and_unemployment/LabourMarketStatistics_HOTPDec15qtr/Commentary.aspx#wage

        “Govt services going south – more doctors, nurses and teachers”

        Treasury figures released by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) to ONE News show that total health spending as a proportion of gross domestic product or GDP, has gone down and isn’t keeping up with costs or population growth.   
        https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/-govt-health-spending-fails-to-keep-up-with-increased-costs-doctor-s-union-claims-q05522

        • Leftie 7.1.5.1
          12 September 2016 at 1:55 pm

          The Govt is in structural deficit, that cooked “surplus” lasted less than a week.

          • Takere 7.1.5.1.1
            13 September 2016 at 6:59 pm

            Only managed a $432m surplus by Kiwi bank being bought by NZ Post. A Balance sheet trick. Moving numbers from one column to another column. Hey presto! A Surplus!

        • maninthemiddle 7.1.5.2
          12 September 2016 at 1:56 pm

          “Average ordinary-time hourly earnings increased 2.1 percent, down from 2.3 percent in the year to September 2015.

          Private sector annual wage growth was 1.6 percent – the lowest since September 2010.”

          So, wage growth is not ‘non-existent’ then. Thanks for clarifying.

      • Keith 7.1.6
        12 September 2016 at 1:37 pm

        To quote Newshub, http://www.newshub.co.nz/business/wage-growth-low-unemployment-up-2016050411, from May 2016, wage growth was 1.6%, a touch behind Auckland’s 14% house inflation. Were it not for Key lifting the minimum wage as he has so generously done it would be even worse. That is pathetic.

        The other thing is with our Rockstar economy back in May, before the Chief Statistician conveniently moved the goal posts on the unemployed numbers to exclude unemployed people looking for work via the internet, is why we have a stubbornly high unemployment rate too? Yes it has dropped since, since those pesky unemployed people were excluded from those rather inconvenient stats.

        And again if we are Rockstars why the numbers of “For lease” retail premises around Auckland that are rather evident even when you aren’t looking for them. Victoria Park is a ghost town. I mean we are booming aren’t we?

        It’s growth Jim, but not as we know it! That funny contrived statistical National Party type growth.

      • Macro 7.1.7
        12 September 2016 at 1:54 pm

        Growing poverty – no evidence this is getting worse
        Widening gap – the income spread has been the same for the last 20 years
        Rapidly growing debt – Govt is in surplus
        Nonexistent wage growth – Wages going up around 2 to 3 % per year
        Govt services going south – more doctors, nurses and teachers
        Deflation risk – not an issue when there is strong growth

        Wayne – let’s take each of your assertions one by one shall we?

        1. Growing poverty: No there is no evidence that this is getting worse, because as you well know, Paula Bennett refuses to measure it. However, what we do know is that many families are now having to spend more than 50% of their income just to put a roof over their heads. That indicates that that more families now have less money for other essentials such as food and clothing. Where I live I am associated with our local food bank and I can assure you that the number of food parcels issued in the past year has doubled. These are a one off issue, and indicate that more families are living in increasing hardship. Furthermore, the number of people entering the “Open Door” our emergency accommodation has also doubled over the past year – another indication that things are getting very hard out there, and increasing homelessness as the cost of putting a roof over ones head increases.

        2. Widening Gap: What planet are you living on? The incomes of the top 10% have been growing far faster than the remaining 90% and the 1% at the top have now reached obscene levels. It is about time you actually got out of your ivory tower and had a look at reality Wayne, and the reality is not what you think it is behind those rose tinted spectacles.

        3. Growing debt: Maybe Bill managed to magic a book “surplus” by delaying funding and grabbing dividends from SOE’s who have as a result had to reduce services. e.g. Housing NZ. over the past year – John, you and your mates have to have your tax cut next year after all – but you and I know that NZ’s national debt is now well over $109.5 Billion and growing by the second. With Public debt (that as you know is the money Govt is responsible for) forecast to reach $72 Billion this year from the $8 Billion it was in 2008.

        4. Non existant wage growth. The figure you quote of 2 – 3% includes all the obscene renumerations of top management and people such as yourself who live off the pigs back and who grant themselves (or have their mates give them) humungous salary and bonus increases. For the majority their wage packets have remained the same or have increased at the rate of the minimum wage for the past decade. That is the reality. Quoting averages does not represent the central tenancy in this data spread because the mode ( the most common “score”) is so low.

        5. Social services going south: I’m not sure where you gain your information Wayne – but it is obviously seriously flawed.

        Up to half of public hospital doctors are feeling exhausted and have symptoms of burnout, according to a new survey.

        http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/291330/doctors-overstretched-and-struggling
        http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/rural/282278/call-for-more-rural-mental-health-funding
        to give but a few examples..

        6. Deflation: the so called “growth” (i.e. increasing GDP) measures what precisely? Well you and I know that were we to remove escalating house prices (the bach over the road from mine in Matheson Bay is up for its 3rd sale this year at $660,000) and the rebuild of Chch from the calculation NZ’s “rock star” economy would be looking pretty sick. When the bubble bursts – and there are many who are saying it will including past reserve bank governors, it’s just a matter of when – the deflation is going to be pretty severe, and the knock on effects are not going to be pretty.

        • Leftie 7.1.7.1
          12 September 2016 at 3:01 pm

          Lots of +1’s Macro!!!

        • Richard@Down South 7.1.7.2
          12 September 2016 at 3:10 pm

          Ready the pdf’s from stats.govt.nz re CPI and inflation… theres some gems:

          * Packaged leaf salad
          Packaged lettuce, including packaged salad. Added to improve coverage of lettuce.

          * Frozen prawns
          Added to improve coverage of frozen seafood.

          * Kittens
          Significant household expenditure. Previously considered difficult to adequately measure price change.

          * International flights
          We expanded the sample to include an additional European destination.

          I bet you people making minimum wage, arent too worried about European flights, frozen prawns, and packaged salads

          • Leftie 7.1.7.2.1
            12 September 2016 at 3:23 pm

            What about the workers not even on minimum wage?
            +1 Richard@Down South

          • Macro 7.1.7.2.2
            12 September 2016 at 4:25 pm

            I began my working career in the Dept of Statistic Research Branch in Wellington in 1967 in those days the cost of all housing was included in the CPI – I know because I had to count it up manually. No computers or calculators in those days! (well there was one electric calculator for the whole office of 12!). Today the sales of existing houses is not included.

            Under the acquisition framework, spending on newly built houses by owner-occupiers and alterations and additions to existing owner-occupied houses are included. Sales within the household sector of existing owner-occupied houses are excluded because they do not add to the stock of owner-occupied houses.

            So the flurry of buying and selling of old housing in Central Auckland and else where e.g. the old bach across the road from mine quoted above – does not reflect in the CPI. If it was the CPI would be going through the roof.

      • Mike Bond 7.1.8
        12 September 2016 at 4:11 pm

        Excellent comment Wayne. The gloom and dome spewed by the left supporters does get a bit much some days. So good to see a positive comment and some truth for a change!

      • Siobhan 7.1.9
        12 September 2016 at 5:00 pm

        Income hasn’t grown yet the difference in wealth between a renter and home owner has grown hugely over the last 20 years…. if you own a house that has magically become a Million dollar baby, your standing with the bank etc is a whole lot better than someone who isn’t a home owner.

        Not to mention the latest figures on the percentage of income people spend on housing is well out of kilter for people..”The report said the lowest 20 percent of earners spent 54 percent of their income on housing in 2015, compared with just 29 percent in the late 1980s.”….given that income hasn’t gone up, that means that money that previously went on food, clothing etc is now being spent on housing, in this case rent.

    • b waghorn 7.2
      12 September 2016 at 12:44 pm

      It is a rock star economy , do you remember what rock stars were like .
      In general they were self centered mother fuckers who got their energy from unhealthy inputs and in general fucked over every one who cared about them while actually being robbed blind by the real crooks.

      • Poission 7.2.1
        12 September 2016 at 1:38 pm

        Andrew Lo to the house oversight committee

        During extended periods of prosperity, market participants become complacent about the risk of loss—either through a systematic underestimation of those risks because of recent history, or a decline in their risk aversion due to increasing wealth, or both. In fact, there is mounting evidence from cognitive neuroscientists that financial gain affects the same ‘pleasure centers’ of the brain
        that are activated by certain narcotics. This suggests that prolonged periods of economic growth and prosperity can induce a collective sense of euphoria and complacency among investors that is not unlike the drug-induced stupor of a cocaine addict. The seeds of this crisis were created during a lengthy period of prosperity. During this period we became much more risk tolerant.

        “Hedge Funds, Systemic Risk, and the Financial Crisis of 2007–2008: Written Testimony for the House Oversight Committee Hearing on
        Hedge Funds,” November 13, 2008, p. 12

        • b waghorn 7.2.1.1
          12 September 2016 at 3:25 pm

          In 2007-08 my partner at the time was in real estate in Whanganui , a house could easily have 3 or 4 offers on it before the sign went up and in a lot of cases the winning offers were 5% or more above the asking, crazy shit, i wonder if that’s going on now.?

    • Richard Rawshark 7.3
      12 September 2016 at 3:05 pm

      Because rock stars are rich, we are not?

      The rich get richer..fkrs.

  8. save nz 8
    12 September 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Just another day on Planet Key.

    Sounds like Winz have taken tips from the Tory’s.

    I, Daniel Blake: Ken Loach and the scandal of Britain’s benefits system

    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/11/i-daniel-blake-ken-loach-director-film-movie-benefits-system

    • Leftie 8.1
      12 September 2016 at 3:11 pm

      Yep. Sounds like New Zealand too doesn’t it Save NZ? The key National government have always adopted the worst punitively draconian policies of the UK and the US.

      They have form. Workhouses for example, were set up primarily to punish the poor for being poor. The last workhouse closed in the late 1960’s, but nothing has really changed, has it? The state has just found other ways to punish.

      • wayne mapp 8.1.1
        12 September 2016 at 5:05 pm

        It is this kind of ridiculous statement that causes most of my comments; “The key National government have always adopted the worst punitively draconian policies of the UK and the US.”

        There is simply no way that you can compare NZ welfare system to say most Republican run states in the US. For instance NZ has a minimum wage of $15.25 – it was $12 in 2008, and benefit levels that are a much higher percentage of the average wage than in the US.

        While I obviously know that Standardnistas have no truck with John Key and National, I think that completely over the top statements do nothing for the debate.

        Paul’s insistence that New Zealand is a “neo-liberal nightmare’, which was the first post each day for months is completely at odds with most peoples experience of New Zealand as it is today.

        It might appeal to the far left such as the people in the weekends various demonstrations. But it has no resonance with he mid point voter who could vote either National or Labour, or depending on their particular circumstances either Green or NZF. In fact it turns them off in the same way that Kim Dotcom did.

        • Pat 8.1.1.1
          12 September 2016 at 5:45 pm

          “…While I obviously know that Standardnistas ….”

          am curious Wayne, what or who is a “Standinista?”

          • Wayne 8.1.1.1.1
            12 September 2016 at 5:58 pm

            I short Standardnistas are those people who believe New Zealand is in the midst of neo-liberal nightmare. Of course inflicted by John Key at the behest of his Wall St banksters.

            • Pat 8.1.1.1.1.1
              12 September 2016 at 8:08 pm

              so is one a Standardnista if one has that view but never visits this blog?, because theres quite a bit of it about…..and then there are all those frequent visitors such as yourself who obviously don’t hold that view…are you a Standardnista Wayne?

        • ropata 8.1.1.2
          12 September 2016 at 7:42 pm

          Wayne said:

          Paul’s insistence that New Zealand is a “neo-liberal nightmare’, which was the first post each day for months is completely at odds with most peoples experience of New Zealand as it is today.

          You need to get out more, mate. We have a two tier economy and those on the lower tiers are falling off, and are ignored by Bennett and Collins’ creative accounting tricks. At least Nick Smith has shown a glimmer of humanity by admitting there is a housing crisis

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 8.1.1.3
          13 September 2016 at 9:59 am

          I see a neoliberal nightmare unfolding in NZ, as do many people I know – with National leading the charge to a much nastier future. But I must move in different circles to Wayne.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 8.1.1.4
          13 September 2016 at 6:59 pm

          These ‘ridiculous’ statements induce your cognitive dissonance: the reason you cannot relate to them is because of the Dunning-Kruger effect, Dr. Mapp.

          The summit of the National Party intellectual mountain is an easy scramble for a child.

  9. AmaKiwi 9
    12 September 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Caption Contest for the opening photo above. A lie told regularly by tens of thousands.

    “The scale in my doctor’s office says I weigh 97.6 kilos, but that’s not a true reflection of reality.”

  10. save nz 10
    12 September 2016 at 2:26 pm

    As well as the 67,000 new migrants last year (approx 1.5% of our population) , sounds like Natz have also issued 166,000 temporary work visas on average PER YEAR over last six years.

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/09/12/exclusive-the-truth-about-migration-part-2/

    This is not just affecting housing and the housing crisis that the government is not aware of, it is also affecting jobs and job security. Effectively the employer can just sack their experienced staff and put in cheaper workers. And many of them are doing just that. And it is not just the low waged areas affected. Now instead of off shoring jobs, it is even cheaper to on shore jobs with temporary migrants already in the country and ready to work. But of course this does not increase productivity or innovation to NZ. Likewise over 200,000 workers temporary and permanent each year coming into the country need somewhere to live.

  11. Ad 11
    12 September 2016 at 2:45 pm

    There is nothing National can do in time for 2017.

    Housing and immigration will kill them.

    • Richard Rawshark 11.1
      12 September 2016 at 3:10 pm

      Ad, nothings for sure in NZ anymore. I thought the last election they should have been booted over Judith and Camerons dirty politics etc.

      Way things go they will probably increase their majority, I also see now, people in NZ inc on facebook openly being racist, nasty and hateful. Slagging off homeless as lazy maori’s

      One claiming you could buy 5 tins of beans for 5 dollars so feed your kids harden up etc..i mean WTF?

      This country is wrecked. Politicians need to taker a good hard look at themselves from all walks of life for the state of our Nation.

      • Leftie 11.1.1
        12 September 2016 at 3:16 pm

        “Way things go they will probably increase their majority”

        Then you know the system is rigged.

        The more people vote, the less likely the Nats can get away with it.

      • Gabby 11.1.2
        12 September 2016 at 4:54 pm

        They might have been toast had the party of workers not undertaken to keep elderly workers toiling away for a few extra years.

    • Leftie 11.2
      12 September 2016 at 3:14 pm

      It should do just that, Ad.

    • Naki man 11.3
      12 September 2016 at 8:39 pm

      Most people think that the immigration figure is about right or a bit low.
      When National are on 48% housing cant be to much of a problem for voters

    • AmaKiwi 11.4
      12 September 2016 at 9:09 pm

      @ Ad

      Worse for the Nats will be if/when the housing bubble bursts.

      The big losers then will be Nat voters . . . and will they be pissed off!

    • fisiani 11.5
      13 September 2016 at 12:43 pm

      48% of people support National and 48% of people think the immigration numbers are about right. Can you support your argument, assertion that housing or immigration are having any effect on the polling of National. Many people I know are planning to sell their $1,000,000+ home in Auckland and move to Tauranga or Thames or almost anywhere in NZ were you can buy a fabulous house for less than $500,000

  12. Takere 12
    12 September 2016 at 5:39 pm

    And Kaboom! If they go we follow. Australia has about 6 week to go before their Housing Market Crash’s? … http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11708064

  13. feijoa 13
    12 September 2016 at 6:15 pm

    Homelessness is not an accident, or even a lack of care and compassion by the government.
    It is INTENTIONAL
    It must have been the plan all along- a pretty quick way to get trickle up, and for more and more people to lose control over the roof over their head. It is yet another way the elite will control the masses, and it’s all part of the plan

    • ropata 13.1
      12 September 2016 at 7:56 pm

      Homelessness per se is not intentional, it’s just a side effect of complete greed, and wrongheaded religious faith in econ 101 bullshit where supply magically matches demand and equilibrium is achieved. Markets NEVER function properly in real life — every market is skewed by the most powerful actor, that’s why governments must regulate and monitor. NZ governments are utterly shite at monitoring or prosecuting, with the idiotic result that we rank highly on the anti-corruption index

      Police and officials warn of property laundering
      Fran O’Sullivan: NZ refuses to learn lessons of failure

      • AmaKiwi 13.1.1
        12 September 2016 at 9:25 pm

        @ ropata

        We have a culture of not “embarrassing” people, particularly if the are part of the “right” crowd.

        It is interesting to see Fran O’Sullivan (an “in” member of that crowd) screaming, “Expose the thieves.”

        Will it become a trend? Let’s see if the opposition parties pick up the war cry. Or will they continue to be super polite, co-conspirators.

        • ropata 13.1.1.1
          13 September 2016 at 7:19 am

          FFS even Nick Smith admits his Govt has “lost control” of the Auckland property market. These useless wankers forget what government is for

  14. NZJester 14
    13 September 2016 at 3:14 am

    Housing Minister Paula Bennett has replied by claiming that the figures were not a true reflection of the reality.

    Well, I guess she is right there.
    But while she thinks the figures are better, in reality, they are much worse with only the tip of the iceberg showing.

    • Steve 14.1
      13 September 2016 at 4:57 am

      Didn’t someone in Labour get into hot water for claiming the statisticians were at fault a little while ago?

      Where are they now, getting tetchy with Bennett, since she’s saying that they have compiled the stats wrongly? Seems only fair that they should do.

    • fisiani 14.2
      13 September 2016 at 12:31 pm

      Of course she is correct. The statistics were produced a few months ago. 10 new houses have been built each day since then.

      • Matthew Whitehead 14.2.1
        13 September 2016 at 5:06 pm

        …

        Let’s grant that’s true for the sake of argument.

        The government is helping to build a handful (3650, according to your rate provided) of houses a year. That’s not nothing.

        But it’s clearly not helping in reducing those lists of people who urgently need help back into accomodation, as the lists are getting longer. It is in fact possible to be building houses but to either be building them so slowly, or too expensively, to benefit the people who need help. And that’s what all this talk of a “construction boom” misses. It’s not necessarily about the number of houses. It’s whether they’re within reach of people who need them, or whether they’re just being used as investment properties, or vacation homes, or something else similar that means slim-to-no actual occupation as a residence each year.

        3650 houses wouldn’t even keep up with the increase in population, let alone start putting a dent in affordability. (and of that 3650, only what was it? 25%? need to be affordable. What a joke. Every. Single. House. The government is involved in helping build should be affordable, however you decide to define that)

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    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

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