The new right wing party

Written By: - Date published: 10:53 am, December 10th, 2013 - 172 comments
Categories: act, capitalism, conservative party, don brash, john banks, national, uncategorized - Tags:

Penny Bright ACT

Yesterday on politics from the left and the right on Radio New Zealand Matthew Hooton sounded what may be the death knell for ACT’s future.  He mentioned how tens of millions of dollars have been spent over the past two decades on a failed political experiment.  He suggested that there should be a summer reflection on the issue.  When asked he pointedly did not want to rule anything in or out.  He also spoke disparagingly about how the current Government has been highly interventionist.  It is interesting that the left and the right are becoming incensed at this Government’s foray into crony capitalism.

Obviously National is in a very difficult predicament.  Do they ditch the ACT brand and start again?  Or do they try and resuscitate an increasingly morbid looking political corpse?

ACT’s basic problem is the quality of its more recent MPs.  David Garrett presented one of the largest challenges.  Selected as a tough on crime MP with links to the sensible sentencing trust his parliamentary career was trashed when it was revealed that he had previously stolen the identity of a dead baby.  The fact that he was selected as an MP even though the hierarchy knew about this rather huge skeleton in his closet made things worse.

Rodney Hide carefully constructed a reputation as a perk buster but then got busted misusing the perks of office in a most egregious way.  And Hillary Calvert’s presence in Parliament showed how shallow ACT’s talent pool was.  It was clear even back in 2011 that ACT was all but finished as a political force unless something drastic happened.

National obviously became increasingly concerned at that time that the ACT party faced extinction as Epsom voters showed signs they were no longer willing to hold their nose and vote for the yellow jacketed one.

So National did what all good corporates do.  It sent the receivers in.  Hide went without a fight and Don Brash was installed as leader with John Banks installed as Epsom candidate.

This event showed how much of a National Puppet party ACT had become.  When the former National leader and someone who had been a loyal National MP for decades become highly placed on another party’s list while holding no complaint with National then ACT was obviously an independent party in name only.

It sounds like National is prepared to send the receivers in again but this time ACT may be liquidated rather than allowed to trade out of its problems.  Bank’s difficulty in reconciling an electoral return that he signed showing a large anonymous donation with a helicopter trip to the mansion owned by a 6 foot 8 german who personally promised the donation in question has resulted in Banks facing a charge of electoral fraud and is probably the last straw for ACT’s backers.

ACT’s and National’s predicament has been commented on by Tracy Watkins this morning in Stuff.  She said:

Hooton leads the charge among right-wing thinkers who believe the Key government is dangerously interventionist and middle of the road.

Surprisingly, there are even areas where the likes of Hooton agree with Labour – corporate welfare and cronyism are labels both sides use to describe some of the Key government’s intervention on behalf of players like Warner Bros or  Chorus. National would call that pragmatism. The free market purists would argue that if the economic settings are right everyone would flourish.

Whether there is enough life to fuel a new party in a movement which has struggled to find heroes since the heyday of Don Brash, Ruth Richardson, Sir Roger Douglas and Richard Prebble remains to be seen.

The only decision so far seems to have been to pause for thought over the summer break following the initial flurry of interest.

She also points out the challenge that coalition with the Conservative Party presents, pointing out that some of the party’s economic policies are left leaning and labelling the party as “decidedly flakey”.

So National’s difficulties are clear to be seen.  It needs friendly parties in Government.  The two most likely parties either have the potential of making National look stupid or are most unlikely to be returned to Parliament.  And on the right are wealthy people incensed at the failure of National to abide by pure market principles.

I suspect that there will be a few barbecues over christmas where the funding of a new political party on the right will be discussed.

172 comments on “The new right wing party ”

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  1. framu 1
    10 December 2013 at 11:43 am

    corporate welfare and cronyism are acts MO – i dont see what they are complaining about

  2. Ennui 2
    10 December 2013 at 11:58 am

    Mickey, get it right, all “Right Wing” parties reside in the “Centre”. Did you not know that? There is no such thing as the Extreme Right, that is actually just a little “Off Centre”. Now just stop, listen to Matthew, and read the editorial and you will be much better informed!

    • ghostrider888 2.1
      10 December 2013 at 3:54 pm

      just insert a /sarc tag

    • Crunchtime 2.2
      11 December 2013 at 1:56 pm

      Yep, Labour’s recent move from centre-right to centre was actually Left veering (or swerving, or even LURCHING) HARD-Left. anything that involves increasing company or high income earners is hard left, of course. And must be beaten to death with a large heavy piece of lumber, then incinerated, then drowned.

      /sarc

  3. aerobubble 3
    10 December 2013 at 12:09 pm

    Now lets see, say Dunne gets back at the next election and is needed to form a coalition. Sitting opposite is Key, or Cunliffe, and Dunne announces as part of the deal he wants his old seat back on the intelligence committee. And why not, he’s done nothing wrong, in his own words.

    • Rich 3.1
      10 December 2013 at 12:43 pm

      If it’s Cunliffe, one could hope that he’d actually be keen to cast some light into what the intelligence agencies are up to.

      The only “secrets” the intelligence agency hears at the moment are stories of imaginary terrorism fabricated by the intelligence agencies to justify their existence. They’re only kept secret so that they aren’t exposed as bullshit.

      • aerobubble 3.1.1
        12 December 2013 at 10:23 am

        If Cunliffe had any sense he’d review the whole oversight business, having single leaders of small parties in that position. Hell, the whole idea of working politicians being capable of protecting us, the committee should be one of former public servant, retired politicians, judges, who have had a life long career protecting liberty (which problem shrinks the pool considerable given how poorly NZ is run by said public servants, politicians and lesser extent judges). Leak homes.

  4. Tanz 4
    10 December 2013 at 12:22 pm

    Colin Craig is the man, the man, the man!!! Thank Goodness for true tories, not purple dipped ones.

    • Daveosaurus 4.1
      10 December 2013 at 7:08 pm

      Yes, if I ever need a politician to rescue me from the insidious menace of Chemtrails, I’ll be sure to look up Colin Craig. When I’m on the lookout for someone to represent me in Parliament, however, Craig would be in a dead heat with John Banks for absolute last.

      • Arfamo 4.1.1
        10 December 2013 at 7:12 pm

        I’m thinking of joining the party and proposing endless policies which will sound good to Craig but be completely idiotic to anyone else.

  5. karol 5
    10 December 2013 at 12:28 pm

    So is Hooton contemplating leading a new “neoliberal” party. Doesn’t he realise the “neoliberal” ideology was only ever a front for right wingers doing whatever was needed to maintain the power and relative wealth of the elites? It always was interventionist in practice – and always will be.

    • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 5.1
      10 December 2013 at 12:36 pm

      +1 Karol

    • Lanthanide 5.2
      10 December 2013 at 1:00 pm

      I thought it was funny the various commentators putting up Hoots as a potential Act leader / MP.

      Hoots is far too astute to tie himself to a bloated corpse bobbing on the waves of electoral sentiment, with only few scant months to go before it finally out-gasses and sinks without a trace.

    • McFlock 5.3
      10 December 2013 at 1:42 pm

      Hooten doesn’t want to be the leader. He’s one of nature’s eminence grease…

    • emergency mike 5.4
      10 December 2013 at 3:08 pm

      But wait, we already have the Libertarianz! They’ve contested every election since 1996, and got 0.07% of the party vote in 2011. All that hard won support base just waiting for the NACT financial bankers to switch horses and work their chequebook magic.

      Maybe a new name – The ACT Again Party? The ACT Some More Party? The ACT No Bullshit This Time Party? The Same Shit Different Decade Party?

      As for Hooten, I agree with McFlock about the grease, but stranger things have happened.

  6. Tanz 6
    10 December 2013 at 12:47 pm

    Lots of people believe that the moon landing was a con job, that does not make Craig a flake. I believe the left is worried about the inpact that Craig is having on voters, and the swing votes he is capturing. Good deal, and he has God on his side.

    • Arfamo 6.1
      10 December 2013 at 12:53 pm

      He has God on his side? How do you arrive at that conclusion? If you mean he must have because he’s successful in his business, then history suggests so did Hitler, but only until June 1941. Then God went off him I guess.

    • framu 6.2
      10 December 2013 at 12:57 pm

      what makes craig a flake is craig.

      Nothing wrong with old school conservatism, in fact i welcome it – but the conservative party dont seem to have much solid footing, both in terms of policy platform or candidates.

      sure theres many slogans they have that some might agree with, but at the same time those same people will be turned off by some of the other policies

      Currently they have all the hallmarks of other such parties that have occupied, or tried to occupy this space – a lack of clarity and a lack of well thought out and well researched policy that fits an overall standpoint

      take craig’s work for dole policy – have they accounted for two rather obvious issues? – 1) if someone works they should be paid minimum wage at the least and 2) how do you stop it putting current workers on the dole queue and how do you stop it putting downward pressure on wages?

      and thats before we discuss the rather stark fact that its a party essentially funded from one source – craig himself

      I for one arent that worried – at some point he and his collection of oddities will self immolate, either on the campaign or after

      • Flip 6.2.1
        11 December 2013 at 7:31 am

        ‘at some point he and his collection of oddities will self immolate, either on the campaign or after’

        God was rather keen on burnt offerings in the Old Testament.

    • Te Reo Putake 6.3
      10 December 2013 at 1:44 pm

      “Lots of people believe that the moon landing was a con job, that does not make Craig a flake.”

      Indeed. It makes lots of people, and Colin, flakes.

      “I believe the left is worried about the inpact that Craig is having on voters, and the swing votes he is capturing.”

      Quite correct. The left is worried that he isn’t pick up enough right wing swing voters. We’d prefer it if he could convince slightly more than 1.5% of them to waste their party vote on him. Around 4.99% would be perfect, ta, God.

      • Tanz 6.3.1
        10 December 2013 at 1:59 pm

        Gee, the left is so tolerant of differing views….not. Hypocrisy indeed.

        • framu 6.3.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 2:01 pm

          umm… having an honest discussion is intolerance now? Would you prefer we agree with you or something?

        • Arfamo 6.3.1.2
          10 December 2013 at 2:02 pm

          Not at all. I tolerate the views of flakes. Flakes are as entitled to be stupid as lefties and righties. Those hoping to enter Parliament in my opinion should be given every opportunity to advertise their flakeiness. Probably should even be made compulsory.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 6.3.1.3
          10 December 2013 at 2:29 pm

          Views? You right wingers all have your very own facts too.

    • McFlock 6.4
      10 December 2013 at 4:19 pm

      Lots of people believe that the moon landing was a con job, that does not make Craig a flake.

      Yes, yes it does.

      What helps is that he claims to neither believe nor disbelieve in the moon landing because he’s not an expert, yet he believes in God and the power of prayer. Apparently he thinks he’s an expert on the supernatural.

      • Colonial Viper 6.4.1
        10 December 2013 at 4:26 pm

        The power of prayer and of faith is pretty awesome, McFlock.

        • McFlock 6.4.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 4:34 pm

          It’s spelled “placebo” or “confirmation bias”

          • Colonial Viper 6.4.1.1.1
            10 December 2013 at 4:51 pm

            I think the term is “mechanistic reductionism.”

            • McFlock 6.4.1.1.1.1
              10 December 2013 at 4:56 pm

              Not surprised you think that.

              Either way CC is a numpty for thinking he’s an expert on it when he can’t make a belief call on the moon landings.

              • Colonial Viper …
                10 December 2013 at 5:07 pm

                Turning atheism into a religion and launch pad for bigotry McFlock? Rational and scientific thinking didn’t lead us down this dead end (although it helped provide the tools to get us here), and it’s not going to get us out of it either.

                • McFlock …
                  10 December 2013 at 5:22 pm

                  No. I agree with you. CC’s thinking on both the moon landings and prayer is, as you suggest, not rational. He is therefore a flake.

                  but Dara O’Briain expresses it much better than I.

    • Brett Dale 6.5
      10 December 2013 at 7:00 pm

      Tanz:

      The people who believe the moon landing is a fake, are not cemented in reality or are lying to themselves, if it was mother russia that got on the moon first, these same people wouldnt call
      it fake, or else they are nut jobs who love alex jones, or religious type who beleive the world is only 5000 years old and dinosaurs didnt exist.

      Colin Craig’s party will do more damage to our country than even TeMana. Hes a bigot, he is a million times worse than the density church guy.

      He is the anti science.

      • Arfamo 6.5.1
        10 December 2013 at 7:02 pm

        If the moon landings were fake the USSR would’ve exposed it decades ago.

        • Lloyd 6.5.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 10:27 pm

          If you have a big enough telescope and a powerful laser you can bounce a reflection from the prism reflector sets left at most of the Apollo Moon landing sites. The Russians did manage to land a couple of reflectors with robot landers, but they are small and the Apollo 15 set is the biggest. There is no other believable way that those reflectors got where they are without the landing of the American lunar landers. There are several observatories around the world that use the reflectors to regularly and accurately measure the distance of the Earth from the Moon.
          Unfortunately to my knowledge no-one in New Zealand has done this. It would be educational for Mr Craig to be introduced to an astronomer who is doing this measurement.

          • McFlock 6.5.1.1.1
            10 December 2013 at 10:32 pm

            but that’s all part of the cover story that’s been in operation for over 40 years! 🙂

            • Lloyd 6.5.1.1.1.1
              11 December 2013 at 12:18 am

              Science is even better than politics at cutting through crap. The reflectors are real. Too many different observatories in too many countries have used them. The laser beam from the earth spreads to a circle about 4 kilometers across on the Moon, so the position of the reflector has to be within that circle. The reflector positions align with the stated Lunar landing locations.
              The Americans landed on the Moon, QED.

              • McFlock …
                11 December 2013 at 1:23 pm

                hang on – 4km spot diameter would include the lander platforms as well as the reflectors.

                Sooooo:

                NASA put mirrors on the moon so we could shoot spaceships with lasers

                Fuckin’ A.

        • Frank Macskasy 6.5.1.2
          10 December 2013 at 10:37 pm

          @ Arfamo +1

          Indeed. It would have been the biggest propaganda coup in human history for the Soviets. It would have destroyed US infuence in the world and propelled the Soviet Union as the pre-eminent super power on this planet.

      • Flip 6.5.2
        11 December 2013 at 7:39 am

        ‘Density church guy’

        Very funny. Typo or spoonerism.

  7. Arfamo 7
    10 December 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Craig’s party will be incoherent and be led by an idiot. And those are its good points.

  8. Anne 8
    10 December 2013 at 1:02 pm

    I don’t see the former backers of ACT (Craig Heatley, Alan Gibbs, Michael Fay and David Richwhite – to name the most well known) wanting to be actively involved this time. However they are probably more than happy to finance a new right wing party into existence. A Labour/Green coalition govt would be anathema to them. Who would they choose as leader? Hooton doesn’t fit the bill.

    • Colonial Viper 8.1
      10 December 2013 at 1:07 pm

      Don’t forget international financing from the USA.

      • alwyn 8.1.1
        10 December 2013 at 1:28 pm

        You have some evidence for that do you CV?
        Or is it just another conspiracy theory?

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 8.1.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 2:30 pm

          cf. Simon Lusk’s recent little indiscretions.

          • Colonial Viper 8.1.1.1.1
            10 December 2013 at 4:22 pm

            I reckon we see not even 10% of what is actually going on. The neoliberal revolution was globalised and highly co-ordinated.

            The corporate led neo-feudal revolution is just getting underway #TPP

            • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 8.1.1.1.1.1
              10 December 2013 at 4:59 pm

              “I reckon we see not even 10% of what is actually going on.”

              I reckon you might see a bit less.

      • The Pink Postman 8.1.2
        10 December 2013 at 3:52 pm

        I have no doubt that National has received and will still receive help including financial,help through its membership of the Democratic Pacific Union of which the Republican Party USA. is the senior member, The disgusting Hanna Barber TV adverts were never explained ,and don’t forget the “Gone by Lunch Time ‘Brash had with the DPU members. The wealthy DPU and National’s friends Crosby Textor are there to help Right-Wing parties gain power and there is no doubt uses it membership of both the above to help it to power Aotearoa .

    • Steve Wrathall 8.2
      10 December 2013 at 4:56 pm

      Alan Gibbs hosted this year’s ACT conference at his property on the Kaipara Harbour.

      • McFlock 8.2.1
        10 December 2013 at 5:02 pm

        how many delegates turned up?

        • Te Reo Putake 8.2.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 5:07 pm

          Rodney Hide and several giraffes, from memory. And it was billed as a ‘relaunch’ of the ACT party. Relaunched … and straight down the gurgler.

      • alwyn 8.2.2
        10 December 2013 at 6:41 pm

        If you ever get the chance to visit the place it is well worth it. He has a wonderful collection of outdoors sculpture.
        It is open once a month I think. You have to book a few months ahead as there are only a limited number of visitors each time. Hey, you don’t have to like the guy but the collection is great.

        • felix 8.2.2.1
          10 December 2013 at 8:27 pm

          Looks fantastic from the pics I’ve seen. Is it Alan or Mrs Gibbs who curates the work?

        • Rogue Trooper 8.2.2.2
          10 December 2013 at 8:32 pm

          are you for reel?

          • alwyn 8.2.2.2.1
            11 December 2013 at 10:45 am

            If you mean “Am I a roll of film” then no.
            If you mean does the place exist. Yes indeed, about a 1000 acres of it.
            If you mean is it worth seeing. Very, very much so. People travel internationally just to see it.
            It is free by the way, but it’s only open a day per month.
            Just Google it and admire.

            • Arfamo 8.2.2.2.1.1
              11 December 2013 at 10:48 am

              I’m too busy manufacturing guillotines and tumbrils from the materials in dumpsters outside fancy restaurants. Also I’m learning how to knit. These things need to be done properly.

              • alwyn …
                11 December 2013 at 11:21 am

                I trust that you will be careful. Remember that Robespierre, who instituted the Reign of Terror after the Revolution, himself, and a lot of his followers, ended up on the Guillotine.
                http://www.wikipedia.org/Thermidorian_Reaction#Death_of_Robespierre
                When you go, of course, I am sure you will be as polite as Marie-Antoinette who accidentaly stood on the executioner’s foot and apologised to him, saying that she hadn’t meant to do it. Mandela clearly wasn’t the first person to forgive people who were out to mistreat them.

                • Arfamo …
                  11 December 2013 at 11:22 am

                  I’ve made a note of the things they did wrong. I’ll just sell the wares and stick to my knitting.

            • Rogue Trooper 8.2.2.2.1.2
              11 December 2013 at 2:31 pm

              have been turned off by Michael Hill’s taste in art deposited on his property- ‘Michael Hill, trite’

              • alwyn …
                11 December 2013 at 3:33 pm

                I am inclined to agree about Hill’s stuff, although I’ve only seen photographs of it and it may be better if seen in real life. A hundred odd wolves does seem a bit excessive and the other works don’t really excite me either.
                Gibb’s items are magnificent though, provided you don’t mind the fact that they are on a monumental scale. The place really is worth a visit.

  9. gobsmacked 9
    10 December 2013 at 1:09 pm

    The best thing for ACT – or some other re-invention – would be a Labour/Green government.

    Then they would be able to righteously (sic) oppose, instead of propping up.

    They would also have a party political landscape in 2017 without Dunne or Peters. Chances are they would be re-invigorated by opposition, railing against the Thieving Socialists in the Beehive.

    Better to have a funeral pyre, and a phoenix rising, instead of a comatose patient on life support, neither dying not living.

    (This advice is free of charge, so it’s both cheaper and smarter than Hooton’s)

  10. Steve Wrathall 10
    10 December 2013 at 1:15 pm

    Lefties predicting ACT’s “imminent demise” again. Keep it up guys. You’re great PR.
    I note MICKYSAVAGE isn’t taking the Keith Locke wager and pledging to walk naked down Queen St if ACT get back in.

    • framu 10.1
      10 December 2013 at 1:28 pm

      i notice you keep saying the same thing

      whats your opinion on ACTs record of sticking to its claimed principals steve?

      • Paul 10.1.1
        10 December 2013 at 3:21 pm

        He won’t answer

      • Steve Wrathall 10.1.2
        10 December 2013 at 4:10 pm

        There are some excellent principals out there that ACT will stick up for. Especially those who are giving more choice in education by opening charter schools.

        • Colonial Viper 10.1.2.1
          10 December 2013 at 4:19 pm

          I guess even the yakuza have principles.

        • framu 10.1.2.2
          10 December 2013 at 5:00 pm

          thats not what i asked steve

          what are ACTs claimed principals and how well are they living up to them?

          donna awatere huata – fraud wasnt it?
          rodney hyde – perk abuser
          david garret – identity thief
          heather roy – kicked out for daring to challenge
          john banks – alleged fraud, and ex national minister, parachuted in at behest of funders
          don brash – ex leader of national, parachuted in at behest of funders

          so – no side step this time please

          • McFlock 10.1.2.2.1
            10 December 2013 at 5:11 pm

            he’s weazeling on the difference between “principle” and “principal”, just fyi

            • Colonial Viper 10.1.2.2.1.1
              10 December 2013 at 5:32 pm

              Yep. It’s juvenile. All to justify public education dollars going into private hands.

              • Steve Wrathall …
                11 December 2013 at 11:01 am

                As long as public education education objectives are being met, what does it matter who provides?

                • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                  11 December 2013 at 11:15 am

                  They aren’t being met. Glad we could get that out of the way. I have a question: do you copy failed education policy because failure is your middle name, and if not, what is your excuse?

                  • Steve Wrathall …
                    11 December 2013 at 2:17 pm

                    The Charter schools haven’t even opened yet, so how can you say that they aren’t meeting educational objectives? What we do know is that 20% of students are leaving your state monopoly system functionally illiterate, because it is a system more concerned with protecting the privileges of unionised teachers rather than students.

                    • Arfamo …
                      11 December 2013 at 2:23 pm

                      Ah yes, that’ll be the reason. Jesus wept man, you’ve got the analytical skills of a gnat.

                    • Rogue Trooper …
                      11 December 2013 at 2:37 pm

                      there have been plenty of links made to The Standard, h/t joe90 particularly, concerning the failure of charter (profit) schools internationally. (apologies for the abuse, you know how it is).

                • Colonial Viper …
                  11 December 2013 at 12:24 pm

                  Exactly – what does it matter who provides? But you seem to think that it matters a great deal. You and the privateers.

          • Lanthanide 10.1.2.2.2
            10 December 2013 at 6:29 pm

            Don’t forget Calvert’s little sideline: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10728580

            Funny that for such a small party, their MPs are so notorious. We hardly know anything about NZ First MPs, for example.

            • Rogue Trooper 10.1.2.2.2.1
              10 December 2013 at 6:44 pm

              just another piece of something one would scrape and hose off their shoe.

            • you_fool 10.1.2.2.2.2
              11 December 2013 at 12:20 pm

              That is because they know they are there to be silent and let Winnie speak… even Horran keeps his mouth shut in parliment.

            • Steve Wrathall 10.1.2.2.2.3
              11 December 2013 at 2:31 pm

              What is your problem with legal massage parlours? Would you prefer they were illegal and therefore leaving sex workers vulnerable to criminal gangs?

          • Rodel 10.1.2.2.3
            10 December 2013 at 8:37 pm

            Some years ago I think it was 12% of ACT MPs were convicted.Is it higher now?
            If John gets his come -uppance it’ll be 100% this year.
            Hey! wasn’t today the day?

          • Steve Wrathall 10.1.2.2.4
            11 December 2013 at 10:58 am

            You forgot the ACT MPs who fraudulently signed paintings, used Thai slave labour to tile their property, assaulted Tau Henare, had election sign vandalism organised out of their office, had a teenager run naked and screaming from their property….Oh, wait

            • framu 10.1.2.2.4.1
              11 December 2013 at 12:37 pm

              but arent act better than that?

              cmon steve stop dancing around the cat poo on the floor and pick it up

              also – i think labour are crap too

              • Steve Wrathall …
                11 December 2013 at 2:21 pm

                People are people. Ultimately it comes down to which systems incentivise people to thrift and hard work, and which inventivise them to sloth and bludging.

                • Arfamo …
                  11 December 2013 at 2:25 pm

                  Ultimately it comes down to which systems incentivise people to thrift and hard work, and which inventivise them to sloth and bludging.

                  Lol. Certainly true that “inventivising” is what you do. Bit of a freudian slip there eh?

                • Rogue Trooper …
                  11 December 2013 at 2:46 pm

                  you are a tryer , give you that, Honest Injun.

                  • Arfamo …
                    11 December 2013 at 2:49 pm

                    Yup. What Steve’s arguments lack in depth they make up for in scapegoating.

                    • Rogue Trooper …
                      11 December 2013 at 2:59 pm

                      so revealing the ol’ blogs; one learns a lot, steps back, has a laugh…carries on. ‘Least they are exposed to the reality of Logos . Word 😀 (been great meeting up with you from time-to-time).

                • KJT …
                  11 December 2013 at 10:20 pm

                  Yes. I have noticed that paying high salaries, and giving high status, to the marginally competent and blinkered, makes them into even more useless, entitled, anti-social and mean spirited bludgers.

                  ACT MP’s being a glaring example.

                • framu …
                  12 December 2013 at 9:37 am

                  still dancing around the cat poo on the floor steve?

        • KJT 10.1.2.3
          11 December 2013 at 10:15 pm

          And, “if you don’t like those principles we have others to sell you”.

    • mickysavage 10.2
      10 December 2013 at 1:54 pm

      There is a statistical possibility that ACT may survive and I have far too much respect for my fellow Aucklanders Steve 🙂

      • lprent 10.2.1
        10 December 2013 at 3:02 pm

        It is like the probability statement in the IPCC AR5. I think that it is highly unlikely that Act will survive this election.

        Maybe that will get Steve off his lazy duff to find out what highly unlikely is in probability terms. He certainly always treats anything that is not absolutely certain as being invalid. Unless of course it is an Act (of mercy)

        • Steve Wrathall 10.2.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 4:05 pm

          Just like the “highly unlikely” probability of ACT surviving in 2005 and 2011. And yet…

          • Pascal's bookie 10.2.1.1.1
            10 December 2013 at 4:15 pm

            Modern medical science is pretty good at keeping a corpse ticking over. Wouldn’t call it a life but.

          • McFlock 10.2.1.1.2
            10 December 2013 at 4:32 pm

            Most parties need a coalition agreement to form a government.

            For the last three elections ACT has needed a gifted seat just to stay in parliament.

            ACT aren’t dead – the’re in a persistent vegetative state on tory life support. And keyster looks like he wants to flip the switch and find someone new.

            edit: snap pb 🙂

            • Steve Wrathall 10.2.1.1.2.1
              11 December 2013 at 10:54 am

              In 2005 Epsom was not gifted. Michelle Boag wrote 40,000 letters to voters telling them to vote for Richard Worth.
              And spare me the faux outrage at electoral accomodations. Labour repeatedly gifted Anderton Wigram by running mutants with peppercorn campaign budgets.

              • McFlock …
                11 December 2013 at 12:15 pm

                not outrage.
                Just laughing at the fact you think ACT is still relevant as a party.

                • Arfamo …
                  11 December 2013 at 12:18 pm

                  Act now looks more like the results of an out control party the night before. Everyone waking up nursing major hangovers and trying to work out what the hell happened.

          • KJT 10.2.1.1.3
            11 December 2013 at 10:22 pm

            Just shows that 2% of the population are terminally, daft.

      • Chooky 10.2.2
        10 December 2013 at 6:40 pm

        ..the statistical possibility becoming a reality could lie in a closet Act female agreeing to become a candidate …a very attractive and intelligent one…..one who hasn’t been mentioned here yet ….but if they were to stand they could revive the corpse…on the other hand they may not wish to chance their hand on a dead horse

        • Murray Olsen 10.2.2.1
          11 December 2013 at 12:13 am

          If you mean that Cactus thing, I have never found her either attractive or intelligent. She has the attractiveness of a corpse, all cold and unfeeling, and the intelligence of a mosquito. The difference is that she homes in on bank balances instead of carbon dioxide. She may be attractive to the adolescents on WhaleSpew and Kiwiblog, who probably fantasise “getting a root off her” in exchange for a vote, but not to any red blooded man or woman that I know.

    • ghostrider888 10.3
      10 December 2013 at 4:01 pm

      I’ll just adopt Lyn’s role for a mo’ GET FUCKED STEVE WRATHALL YOU IGNORNANT FUCKING DOORSTOP! 🙂

  11. Penny Bright 11
    10 December 2013 at 1:28 pm

    FYI

    The Queen vs John Archibald Banks CRI 2012 -085 -9093

    Next hearing:

    WHERE: Auckland High Court
    Waterloo Quadrant

    WHEN: Wednesday 11 December 2013

    TIME: 9am

    See decision of J Heath 3 December 2013

    http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/JOHN-BANKS-R-v-Banks.pdf-J-Heath-3-December-2013.pdf

    Penny Bright

  12. One Anonymous Knucklehead 12
    10 December 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Will the new right wing party have better wingnuts?

    Will they be able to handle evidence-based arguments, or will it just be business as usual?

    • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12.1
      10 December 2013 at 2:41 pm

      Will you ever get a new line?

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 12.1.1
        10 December 2013 at 2:52 pm

        Yes. When you get some evidence based policy and learn that your opinions are not facts.

        • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12.1.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 3:14 pm

          Oh. And what, exactly, are my policies?

          • ghostrider888 12.1.1.1.1
            10 December 2013 at 4:02 pm

            let us in on the joke then

            • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12.1.1.1.1.1
              10 December 2013 at 4:55 pm

              Yeah, OAK, tell us, why don’t you?

              • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                10 December 2013 at 5:40 pm

                Ah, did you not register that by “you” I mean “right wingers”? There I go overestimating your capacity for understanding again!

                • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell …
                  10 December 2013 at 6:01 pm

                  Sorry. I didn’t read it like that, because I am not as smart as you. When I said “Will you ever get a new line?” To clarify: I meant you singular, not the entire left wing.

                  Twat.

                  • fappity …
                    10 December 2013 at 6:18 pm

                    There’s no need for that.

                    OAK is not a twat he’s a cunt !

                  • One Anonymous Knucklehead …
                    10 December 2013 at 6:21 pm

                    Temper temper 😆

                    To clarify further, “your” policies are the ones you vote and shill for. The ones that lower our per capita GDP and increase the infectious disease admission rates.

                    Would you mind not calling me a twat? I like cunt better.

    • TightyRighty 12.2
      10 December 2013 at 3:45 pm

      your evidence, almost without exception is cocked up while you smoke a fatty. you are yet to make one cogent, structured argument that arrives at a rational conclusion. even when you do use (questionable) evidence, you throw in so many assertions along with large helpings of supposition to render the whole laughable. ignore the fact that conservatives made this world as awesome as it is though. just label them all wingnuts. That’s evidence based.

      • ghostrider888 12.2.1
        10 December 2013 at 4:04 pm

        well OAK has consistently demonstrated improvement on your own predatory fawnings.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 12.2.2
        10 December 2013 at 6:00 pm

        Tighty I haven’t got any evidence to call my own, only anecdotes. The Lancet or Nature, they have evidence, which is why you’ll find me citing them and other authorities where there are questions of fact.

        Conservatives opposed the abolition of slavery, denied women the vote, denied climatology, called Nelson Mandela a terrorist (but are now queueing up to claim his corpse). You routinely go beyond victim blaming to actual victim vilifying on every subject from rape culture to welfare. Meanwhile, away from your grasping echo chamber, progress happens. So nah, you’re not as awesome as you think you are.

        But all I’m asking is that you provide the evidence for your beliefs. Not anecdotes, evidence. Not your existing bias (nor mine for that matter), evidence.

        Until you do that one basic decent thing I’m going to treat you like a barrel of motherfuckers.

  13. Pascal's bookie 13
    10 December 2013 at 4:06 pm


    ignore the fact that conservatives made this world as awesome as it is though.

    hilarious.

  14. Yoza 14
    10 December 2013 at 4:38 pm

    Workers made this world as awesome as it is, not conservatives.

    • Colonial Viper 14.1
      10 December 2013 at 4:44 pm

      Let’s be real here; corporate interests are what has shaped this world and how we relate to it, particularly over the last 50 years. Colonial interests in the 100 years before that. And “awesome” is not the word I would use.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 14.2
      10 December 2013 at 6:05 pm

      Nope. Natural processes like chemistry and physics made the world as awesome as it is, and without them there wouldn’t be any workers or conservatives.

      We’re all just freeloaders.

      • Rogue Trooper 14.2.1
        10 December 2013 at 6:58 pm

        interesting thought. Viruses, as that ‘attack’ fellah used to proclaim.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 14.2.1.1
          11 December 2013 at 7:01 am

          The viruses are free-loaders too. I had just finished reading about ubuntu (the perspective not the software).

  15. tricledrown 15
    10 December 2013 at 5:16 pm

    Tighty almighty rewriting hisTory.
    No doubt you have been sucking on colin craigs vapor entrails.
    ACT is finished.
    Which idiot is going to take over leadership of a damaged brand.
    Cactus Cate
    Mat spewton
    RodneyHide
    Tighty almighty
    Camoron slater brewer

    • you_fool 15.1
      11 December 2013 at 12:28 pm

      I am actually hoping they will leave it to Young Act and let them rebuild and get us a decent liberal/libertarian party that might gain 5% of the vote and provide a good counter balance to idiot face right wing hysterics.

      • framu 15.1.1
        11 December 2013 at 12:40 pm

        i wouldnt put money on that

        young act are the most dishonest little turds of the whole sorry bunch

  16. vto 16
    10 December 2013 at 5:45 pm

    political parties must not be funded by private donation.

    because they simply get bought by the person with the biggest cheque

    it astounds me that this absolute and fatal flaw in our political system continues.

    it is absolute pure corruption.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 16.1
      10 December 2013 at 6:09 pm

      Have to say I agree.

      Solution: require all political donations to be split among the parties according to some equitable formula. No more Waitemata Trust. Send cheques to the Electoral Commission if you want to donate to democracy. No other funding sources allowed.

      There are plenty of (intelligent, philanthropic) wealthy people, not to mention unions etc, who will see the value in this.

      PS: or implement “one person one dollar one vote” funding.

      • chris73 16.1.1
        10 December 2013 at 8:00 pm

        Typical, you can’t get enough funding for your own party so you want either people to pay. Maybe the problem lies with your parties not being deemed worthy enough for donations.

        • Rogue Trooper 16.1.1.1
          10 December 2013 at 8:35 pm

          wotteva, and maybe you comment on The Standard out of the goodness of your heart.

        • Te Reo Putake 16.1.1.2
          10 December 2013 at 8:52 pm

          Chris, the funding models in these kind of systems are usually based on popularity. ie. the more popular you prove yourself to be, the bigger your allocation. The idea is to deliver a level playing field, without corruption. I would have thought you’d be ok with that concept.

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 16.1.1.2.1
            11 December 2013 at 6:05 am

            Chris73 is having problems with “equitable” – English comprehension problems, that is.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 16.1.1.3
          11 December 2013 at 6:21 am

          I missed the part where money gets to talk the loudest, Chris73. That’s your plan, eh – for the sound of money to drown out all other voices.

          One person, one vote, one dollar.

        • North 16.1.1.4
          11 December 2013 at 10:42 am

          You measure up to the Topp Twins upper class ladies skit in that photo Penny.

  17. Sanctuary 17
    11 December 2013 at 7:20 am

    Political parties should not be allowed to have any source of funding at all except for membership dues.That way, the astroturfs are easily sorted from the real McCoys.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 17.1
      11 December 2013 at 7:33 am

      Membership fees: One million dollars each. There are only three of us, but we can still buy a lot of votes advertising.

      Sorry to burst your bubble.

      • Sanctuary 17.1.1
        11 December 2013 at 8:40 am

        Nope, that would expose a party for exactly what it is – a vehicle for the super rich.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 17.1.1.1
          11 December 2013 at 3:30 pm

          Three million dollars buys a lot of spin: being a vehicle for the super rich doesn’t stop National getting elected.

          Any self-funded party can buy more influence based on its members’ incomes. In a country of four million people, one dollar per person ought to be enough. It might need to be $1.34 or something. Whatever 🙂

    • Flip 17.2
      11 December 2013 at 7:56 am

      Been here.

      Party funding.
      State funding based on set membership numbers. Member fees set.
      Keeps business noses out and reduces corruption. (purchasing power)

      Wondering if any party is going to promote this to improve democracy…

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 17.2.1
        11 December 2013 at 8:28 am

        One person one vote one dollar is simpler and fairer and would probably increase voter participation. You get your “dollar” – your allocation of your party funding – when you turn eighteen (say). You get to review it whenever you like, or if that proves too hard to administer, on a set date each year.

        The system can be funded through taxation and philanthropy.

        • framu 17.2.1.1
          11 December 2013 at 12:42 pm

          sort of like acts ol favourite for education – the voucher system

          bet they would hate it in this context

          • Rogue Trooper 17.2.1.1.1
            11 December 2013 at 2:53 pm

            voucher system for health would rattle some specialist’s cages.

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 17.2.1.1.2
            11 December 2013 at 3:34 pm

            😆 Framu now I’m having second thoughts. An ACT policy you say? Better check for fish-hooks.

  18. captain hook 18
    11 December 2013 at 2:32 pm

    meet the new boss.
    same as the old boss.

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    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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