The invisible commissioner?

Written By: - Date published: 9:57 am, April 9th, 2013 - 63 comments
Categories: accountability, conservative party, International, racism - Tags: , , ,

All sorts of ructions as a Danish politician described the powhiri she experienced in NZ as “uncivilised” and “grotesque”. (Oddly enough she’s from a right-wing party, who would have guessed?)

So much so “ignorance as usual”, but then up cropped Colin Craig, leader our very own Conservative Party, to add a political angle:

Bare bottom welcomes ‘should be optional’

Traditional Maori welcomes for visitors should be optional because not all of them are impressed by “a bare bottomed native making threatening gestures”, Conservative Party leader Colin Craig says.

Riiiiight. Quick to defend NZ culture and pour soothing oil on this troubled sea of offensive ignorance was newly minted Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy, who said:

 

That’s right – nothing at all, as far as I can tell. According to the wisdom of Twitter she has “no opinion” on the matter. So – does Susan Devoy intend to be our first ever invisible Race Relations Commissioner?

63 comments on “The invisible commissioner? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Mary 1
    9 April 2013 at 10:28 am

    My guess is she’s sorting out her resignation before she starts the job. Very efficient.

  2. Harry Young 2
    9 April 2013 at 11:23 am

    She probably just thinks it’s a storm in a teacup, not worth getting het up about. And that’s true.

    • prism 2.1
      9 April 2013 at 11:41 am

      Harry Y
      Is het a Maori word? I can’t get your point – is there one that shows some thought and interest in our culture?

  3. tarkwin 3
    9 April 2013 at 11:29 am

    The last one didn’t have a problem with house niggers or white mother fuckers, so if one was to continue that trend this would be a non event.

  4. prism 4
    9 April 2013 at 11:45 am

    tarwkin
    I’m sure that people like you with your extensive vocabulary rolled in doggy do, you probably smoke it, wouldn’t have a clue of what the Commissioner should do about anything.

    • tarkwin 4.1
      9 April 2013 at 11:51 am

      Only quoting Hone.

      • Colonial Weka 4.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 12:51 pm

        No, you are maligning the previous Race Relations Commissioner. Put up a link supporting your view he “didn’t have a problem with house niggers or white mother fuckers”, or acknowledge you are making shit up. Then we can assume you did so to support your own version of racism.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 4.1.1.1
          9 April 2013 at 12:56 pm

          …and now Tarkwin’s lie has been exposed (see comment above) I have a question for him:

          Hey, Tarkwin, did you make up that lie yourself or were you duped by someone you trust?

        • tarkwin 4.1.1.2
          9 April 2013 at 1:19 pm

          I was pointing out the previous commisioners lack of a reaction to Hones comments. And yes, it was wrong to say I was quoting Hone – I’ll be more careful in future. The question still remains, what is the race relations conciliator expected to do? A Danish politition has expressed her Views. Whats wrong with that? Hone was allowed to express his views. Surely the bar has been set?

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 4.1.1.2.1
            9 April 2013 at 1:24 pm

            “Pointing out” ≠ lying.
            Commissioner ≠ Conciliator.

            Tarkwin, stop lying: it makes you look like a National Party supporter.

            • tarkwin 4.1.1.2.1.1
              9 April 2013 at 1:50 pm

              Are you chanelling Bill Andersen? What is wrong with a reasoned debate? Why don’t you try writing something useful instead of insults?

              • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                9 April 2013 at 2:56 pm

                😆 What insult? I’m enquiring as to the genesis of and motivation for the fibs you’re telling.

  5. Wayne (a different one) 5
    9 April 2013 at 12:56 pm

    What other comment would you expect – when someone of a civilised culture from the other side of the world is confronted by a bare arsed native waving a spear, shouting profanities and with his tongue hanging half way down his chin.

    Welcome to the Maorification of New Zealand folks!!

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 5.1
      9 April 2013 at 1:04 pm

      Wayne, what have you got against Danes that you would malign them so by associating them with a racist creep like Krarup?

      The rest of your comment leads me to suspect that in Denmark you’d be a card-carrying member of the Dansk Folkeparti.

    • Pascal's bookie 5.2
      9 April 2013 at 1:09 pm

      NZ came pre-Māorified ackshully. So love it or leave it.

    • Murray Olsen 5.3
      10 April 2013 at 12:12 am

      I’d love to see Aotearoa re-Maorified. It’d mean an end to ignorant posts about waving spears etc.
      By the way, the part of Danish civilised culture that Krarup represents is held in contempt by every Dane I know. It’s got more to do with Anders Breivik than with anything I’d regard as culture. The Maori culture is alive in Aotearoa, no matter how much you might hate it. Please go and boil your head.

  6. Professor Longhair 6
    9 April 2013 at 1:23 pm

    That horrible Danish woman was quoting Susan Devoy and Paul Holmes.

    Devoy is in no position to say anything about this matter.

  7. Tigger 7
    9 April 2013 at 1:23 pm

    From the TV3 piece…’Mr Craig says it’s a mistake to “force culture” on anyone.’

    You’d think those savage Maoris would know this considering their experience with getting culture forced upon them…

    As for Devoy, keeping her mouth closed at least means she can’t get her foot inside.

  8. Wayne (a different one) 8
    9 April 2013 at 1:51 pm

    Anyone with a differing view to the Policticaly Correct left wing diatribe that is forced down our throats daily in terms of “all things Maori” – is a racist.

    I don’t believe the Danish Politician was invoking any racist thoughts through her comments, but just that she was affronted by the whole powhri ceromony. So that now labels her a nasty right wing radical racist. Give me a break!

    There is more to our culture than Maori jumping around doing haka’s everytime some one blinks. Maori do not represent my culture and, nor for that matter the “majority” in this country, so there cultural intrusion into every event and welcome etc. has become overplayed and, tedious because of its frequency and repetitiveness.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1
      9 April 2013 at 1:59 pm

      Down your throat?

      To humour your metaphor, that bitter taste is your racism.

      You do not represent my culture and, nor for that matter the “majority” in this country. Your prejudice is disgusting, narrow minded bigotry, in direct opposition to the entire humanist tradition.

      Now crawl back under your rock, slime.

      • Wayne (a different one) 8.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 2:48 pm

        Really – your comand of the English language is beautiful. But what else would one expect on this “rag” page.

        I have no “btter taste”and, for your information I’m not a bigot or a racist. I’m just looking for balance and, you know what, there ain’t none in this country.

        Based on your bullshit hypocritical ranting – unless you follow the PC path of Maorification of NZ, or as you so eloquently put it – following the path of the “entire human tradition” (is that another term for brainwashed), your labled a racist.

        There are many races who make up this country, not just Maori and, yes I do not like the Maori culture rammed down my throat day and night – and if that labels me a racist in your eyes, so be it, I couldn’t give a stuff to be honest.

        Now knucklehead (I could think of a more sitable pseudonym), back to your cave, the world is passing you by.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1.1.1
          9 April 2013 at 2:54 pm

          It isn’t being rammed down your throat: it feels that way because you find it offensive. Most sensible people look away, or change the channel, but you allow it to get you all upset and whiny, almost as though you’re motivated by hate or something.

          “Balance”? Do you feel there isn’t enough Morris Dancing on Tv these days or something?

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1.1.1.1
            9 April 2013 at 3:39 pm

            PS: that should read: …most sensible people who see something they find offensive…

        • framu 8.1.1.2
          9 April 2013 at 4:40 pm

          “Maorification of NZ”

          umm… didnt that happen some time ago? – like many hundreds of years before even the treaty was signed? Your a bit late on that

    • Puddleglum 8.2
      9 April 2013 at 3:24 pm

      “there cultural intrusion into every event and welcome etc. has become overplayed and, tedious because of its frequency and repetitiveness.”

      Hi Wayne (a different one),

      In that case I guess you’re getting completely sick and tired of events where John Key, dressed in a business suit, smiles and shakes hands with dignitaries and then fronts the cameras with them? All of that cultural garbage, tediously being rammed down our throats – completely overplayed and repetitive, as you say.

      Why do ‘we’ have to see such cultural nonsense? And why are they wearing business suits? Do they just want to offend us?

      How uncivilised it all is.

    • prism 8.3
      9 April 2013 at 9:40 pm

      We have a culture the unique part of which is largely Maori or Maori influenced even if you don’t like that Wayne diff.

      Your cultural cringe reminds me of that saying – might have been groucho marx’s, “I have principles and if you don’t like them…well I have others.’

      You would put Maori into tuxedos and have them turn out as black and white ministrels probably. Which they are so talented and culturally savvy that they could handle if they wanted, as well as their own waiata and tikanga.

    • Murray Olsen 8.4
      10 April 2013 at 12:17 am

      The policies of her party define her as a nasty right wing radical racist, just as your comments label you. Your inability to use the English language labels you as illiterate. Your sort of posts are tedious and repetitive. At a guess, I’d say betting on the geegees and slagging off Maori after a quick look to check that none are within earshot represent your culture.

    • Descendant Of Sssmith 8.5
      10 April 2013 at 12:50 am

      Ironic that the term politically correct has become the politically correct term for right wingers to use whenever they wish to accuse someone of expressing a point of view that goes against their jaundiced view of the world.

      It’s overuse has rendered the term as meaningless in much the same way as the another right wing accusation of tall poppy syndrome.

      Both phrases are the refuge of those who wish to try and stifle dialogue and control discourse by shutting it down.

      For all it’s worth you might as well replace political correctness in sentences with “anal bleaching”.

      Both terms are ludicrous and have no obvious benefit to anyone.

      “The phrase Maori do not represent my culture” reflects what I hear from many right wing people. A delusional lack of awareness that you cannot live in New Zealand without Maori being part of your culture. You cannot have an individual culture – well technically you could if you are a septic bacteria in your own special Petri dish – any more than an individual can be a community.

      The emotional sense of me rather than we conveyed sums up all that is wrong about strong right wing views.

  9. Populuxe1 9
    9 April 2013 at 2:15 pm

    Devoy’s silence is disturbing. This would have been the perfect opportunity to publically step up to the role. More to the point, why is a New Zealand think tank flying in a borderline neo-nazi nutter in the first place if not to cause discord? I note that the nasty bitch was in fact briefed about the ceremony, so she can go get stuffed. We Pakeha are not “Europeans”, we are New Zealanders who exist in a specific relationship to Maori – that relationship is part of our culture.

    • Naturesong 9.1
      9 April 2013 at 2:48 pm

      +1
      This is the first post of yours with which I agree.

      Apart from the “nasty bitch” comment. I prefer more accurate descriptors; ignorant and rude.

      • Rogue Trooper 9.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 4:54 pm

        ditto (redemption is for all, even those Popularly grasping at straws) 🙂

      • Populuxe1 9.1.2
        9 April 2013 at 4:56 pm

        She was briefed, so she wasn’t ignorant, rude certainly – but given the obviously calculated things she said and the party she represents, I will stick with “nasty bitch”. Being accurate doesn’t automatically make one a misogynist.

  10. Roy 10
    9 April 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Maybe Devoy intends to pick up $200K/year and say nothing at all about Race Relations?

    • Wayne (a different one) 10.1
      9 April 2013 at 4:06 pm

      I guess, not unsimilar to the last Race Relations Conciliator -who went all weak kneed over Hone’s racist taunts and disgusting comments.

      He really was a “wet bus ticket”, totally ineffectual to say the least.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 10.1.1
        9 April 2013 at 4:13 pm

        So, you think he should have gone further then? What do you think would have been an appropriate punishment for Hone Harawira’s remarks?

        Do you believe in getting tough on human rights abusers?

        Or are you just arguing in bad faith?

      • McFlock 10.1.2
        9 April 2013 at 4:13 pm

        Well, given that Tarkwin got pulled up on a similar lie, it’s obvious that you are either oblivious to the historical period of 3 hours ago and are thus doomed to repeat it, or you simply regard what has gone before as a stepping stone to the fulfilment of your lifelong desire to make a complete arse of yourself.

        • tarkwin 10.1.2.1
          9 April 2013 at 4:30 pm

          Show me the lie.

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 10.1.2.1.1
            9 April 2013 at 4:37 pm

            Here it is.

            “The last one didn’t have a problem with…”

            You are the reason people despise Tories.

            • McFlock 10.1.2.1.1.1
              9 April 2013 at 4:47 pm

              that’s what – the third time it’s been handed to him on a plate.

              To be charitable, tarkwin might not actually be thick. It could just be user experience issue that people with reading difficulties shouldn’t use touchscreens – either the text moves when they move their finger under it, or they get only so far before hitting a link that fires them to goodness knows where.

            • tarkwin 10.1.2.1.1.2
              9 April 2013 at 4:49 pm

              And you are the reason the left is so inept. Doris went out of his way to do nothing. At least he’s always been consistant. All I ever suggested was that things might continue down the same path. You decided to get all pedantic about my comment. It’s not like I lied about an off shore bank account that I forgot to declare to parliament for a few years or so and then suddenly found while I was doing my taxes.

              • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                9 April 2013 at 4:53 pm

                “Inept” enough to notice that your whole argument is based on something you made up.

              • felix …
                9 April 2013 at 4:54 pm

                tarkwin, the others have already quoted and linked to the official responses from the Commissioner in the instances you mention.

                You are lying when you say those responses don’t exist.

              • McFlock …
                9 April 2013 at 5:00 pm

                Tarkwin, you just lied again about stuff you’ve been corrected on three times already today.

                • Pascal's bookie …
                  9 April 2013 at 5:46 pm

                  He’s an authoritarian. Unless someone is punching someone in the throat, or locking them up, or tossing nuns out of helicopters he thinks they must approve of them.

  11. The shade of Paul Holmes 11
    9 April 2013 at 5:32 pm

    Cheeky darkies.

  12. Murray Olsen 12
    10 April 2013 at 12:30 am

    I think Susan Devoy has been appointed to do absolutely nothing. The government loves to pretend that there are no problems with race relations in our kumara paradise, so remaining silent suits their purpose.

  13. Emilio Zapata 13
    10 April 2013 at 12:48 am

    I did actually see Susan Devoy outside the Westgate at the bottom of Queen Street late yesterday afternoon. She was commissioning some race relations by having her photo taken repeatedly by some bloke. At that point, due to the terrifying Maorification of our culture that only RWNJs are brave enough to point out, I expected a spontaneous haka to break out at any second. But there was only the white noise of passing traffic, clicking and a rather unremarkable person famous for smashing a bouncy ball around a box grimacing inanely. I was a bit let down by the whole thing.

  14. Jenny 14
    10 April 2013 at 2:36 am

    A race relations commissioner appointed who is silent over racism. A speaker who allows business leaders to lie to parliament. Legislation to appease angry oil companies. Illegal spying by a state agency left unquestioned.

    The mantle of sleaze quietly settles over every thing this government touches.

    In deciding matters of national significance the proceedings of parliament are very similiar to a court. And like any court, lying before, or misleading parliament, or it’s select committees, is considered a serious matter.

    But Garry Diack the acting chief executive of Solid energy and the company’s lawyer have provenly misled MPs at a parliamentary select committee hearing, and got away with it, without even being asked by the speaker to explain themselves.

    …..Diack told Parliament’s commerce select committee that he was not aware former chief executive Don Elder had offered to appear before the committee.

    It emerged that the day before the committee hearing, Elder’s lawyer had written to the committee and Diack advising them that he was willing to attend.

    The state-owned coalmining company’s solicitor wrote back the same day, saying Elder would not be required to appear.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8527321/Speaker-rejects-Solid-Energy-complaint

    This is a blatant case of misleading parliament if there ever was one. The speaker of parliament David Carter, who’s job it is supposed to be, to enforce parliamentary rules, has instead of enforcing these rules, chosen instead to turn a blind eye. Carter has ruled that Gary Diack will not be asked to explain to the house the discrepancy between his words and the truth.

    Clayton Cosgrove for Labour, says this ruling by the Speaker makes “a laughing stock” of the select committee process. And indeed it does. if witnesses are to be allowed to mislead and lie to select committees with out any consequences, what is the point of holding them?

    And if blatant cases of public racism are to go unremarked by the office of the Race Relations Commissioner, what is the point of having such a position?

    Will Susan Devoy be New Zealand’s last Race Relations Commissioner?

  15. Lloyd 15
    10 April 2013 at 11:14 pm

    A traditional Danish activity is to burn witches in a midsummer evening fire. (I believe they only burn effigies these days).

    I don’t think the concept is very civilised.

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    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    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
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  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

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