The politics of the Royal Tour
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- Date published:
7:04 am, April 8th, 2014 - 85 comments
Categories: john key, national, same old national -
Tags: royal tour
Don’t get me wrong.
I am a proud republican. This position is based on a number of beliefs, that we are all born equal and should be treated equally, that historically the English Monarchy has much to be ashamed of, that the sort of wealth the modern Royal Family has is obscene, and that skill, talent, community commitment and contribution should be celebrated, not social order.
But I can’t help but feel sorry for William and Kate and George and I can’t help but thinking that John Key is politicising the royal tour in election year in a way that Liz and her whanau may be privately upset with.
The basic problem is Key’s habit of trying to be all things to all people. And when you think about his various pronouncements on the Monarchy and on constitutional issues you can see a pattern where he says different things to different audiences.
It seems that the tour was in an advanced stage of planning in November of last year. At the time Key could not say whether a visit would take place, or who might be coming, but that it did not matter that it was an election year. Obviously he knew something was planned.
Then in January of this year a few days after David Cunliffe’s state of the Nation address Key announced the flag debate. The concept is something most progressives would agree with. The presence of the Union Jack in the top left hand corner of our flag is a historical oddity that annoys many of us. We are an independent proud nation with a history and a world view that is distance. We are firmly placed in the middle of Pacifica. To be reminded of an apparent ongoing allegiance to a nation on the opposite side of the world is frankly weird.
Mirroring Helen Clark’s views Key is on record saying that New Zealand becoming a republic is inevitable but he seems to change his position regularly. Back in 2008 for instance he said that he was “not convinced it [a republic] will be a big issue in the short term“. In 2010 he said he loved the Royal Family. In 2012 he said that NZ becoming a republic was off the agenda. Last year he said this:
“I don’t think New Zealand should rush to become a republic. It may happen one day, but I can’t for the life of me see the benefits of it other than you get to spend a lot of money electing heads of state as opposed to the government appointing one.”
Then on Morning Report yesterday morning Key performed the sort of logical acrobatics that has to be witnessed to be believed. He said that he had stated that New Zealand becoming a republic was inevitable and that in all probability that was right but there would be a long time scale. Which is it? Is it inevitable or will it happen in all probability? Gee the guy is loose with his language.
Yesterday afternoon Key said that the Royals tour had weakened the Republican cause. From Radio NZ:
However, Prime Minister John Key has predicted that the Queen and members of her family will remain New Zealand’s head of state for years to come.
Mr Key acknowledged on New Zealand’s Morning Report programme he’d once predicted a move by New Zealand to a republic sooner rather than later. But he said on Monday public polling in the past had revealed robust support in this country for the royals and he believed that sentiment has strengthened.
“If you go back about … six or seven, eight years ago – maybe a decade – and asked the question whether New Zealanders want to become a republic then I think the numbers would have been sixty-forty opposed. If you asked that question today I think it would be eight-twenty opposed.”
It is hard to imagine why a visit by a couple of pleasant looking people and their cute baby should put back the cause of Republicanism.
And as Chris Trotter has noted Key should have talked to David Farrar first. Curiablog has conducted a recent poll that suggests that support for a local head of state is at 44%. Key’s political antenna are way off.
To cement the feel of politicisation of the tour yesterday afternoon Key has promised to raise the proposed change of flag in discussions with William.
National is heading into some really unchartered waters. Former head of the Republican Movement Lewis Holden is National’s candidate for the Rimutaka seat. He will not beat Chris Hipkins but it will be interesting to see if and where he is placed on the list. And if he does make it to Parliament he will be alongside National MP and former Monarchy New Zealand spokesperson Simon O’Connor.
It is disturbing that it appears the New Zealand Republican Movement Website has removed content describing Key’s many and varying views on New Zealand becoming a republic. An explanation is warranted.
National and Key clearly have a strategy of trying to be all things to all people. They just hope that the electorate does not notice that they are being duplicitous in the extreme.
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- Climate action must remain priority in transport investmentAs large parts of Aotearoa recover from two of the worst climate disasters we have ever experienced, it would be a huge mistake for the Government to deprioritise climate action from future transport investments, the Green Party says. ...3 weeks ago
- Historic oceans treaty a wake-up call for AotearoaThe Green Party is celebrating the signing of a historic United Nations Ocean Treaty, and calls on the new Oceans and Fisheries Minister to urgently step up protection for Aotearoa’s oceans. ...3 weeks ago
- National would make life harder for peopleChristopher Luxon and the National Party are not telling the full story when it comes to childcare, the Green Party says. ...3 weeks ago
- District Court Judges appointed
Attorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges. Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...17 hours ago - New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson TasmanA new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...2 days ago
- National’s education policy: where’s the funding?After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment. “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...2 days ago
- Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventorsPeople aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...2 days ago
- Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economyA cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...2 days ago
- Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...2 days ago
- Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business ForumDeputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...2 days ago
- Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island$2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...2 days ago
- Government future-proofs EV chargingTransport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...3 days ago
- World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZersAssociate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...3 days ago
- First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners CourtHon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...3 days ago
- Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floodsThe Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...3 days ago
- New appointment to Māori Land Court benchE te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...3 days ago
- Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...3 days ago
- Vertical farming partnership has upward momentumThe Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...4 days ago
- Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote AddressE nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...4 days ago
- New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patientsThe new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...4 days ago
- Second Poseidon aircraft on home soilDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...4 days ago
- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...4 days ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...4 days ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...4 days ago
- Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of PolicePrime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...5 days ago
- Government confirms vital roading reconnectionsSix further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...5 days ago
- Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign MinisterForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...5 days ago
- Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in AotearoaEducation Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...5 days ago
- State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone GabrielleA vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...5 days ago
- Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recoveryInternal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...6 days ago
- Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability servicesThe Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...1 week ago
- Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and memberMinister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...1 week ago
- Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announcedFifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...1 week ago
- Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High CourtHigh Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...1 week ago
- NZ still well placed to meet global challengesThe economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...1 week ago
- Western Ring Route CompleteAucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...1 week ago
- Briefings to Incoming MinistersThis section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...1 week ago
- Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient FijiAotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...1 week ago
- Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recoveryThe Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...1 week ago
- Next steps developing clean energy for NZThe Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...1 week ago
- Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart NashThis morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...1 week ago
- CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to AucklandThe Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...1 week ago
- Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses$25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...1 week ago
- Short story: The Islands of Arthur Trimble
"He imagines the rattling windows of his bach": a sad seaside saga by Majella Cullinane Màiri watches him as he walks down the hill next to her house. The man appears gradually – first his head covered in a tweed cap and earphones, then the unkempt hair and beard, ...1 hour ago - The Week in Detail: Top authors, lobbying, and Muriwai
Every weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at how our top authors make a living writing books, the sky-high fares coming from independent taxi drivers, how the people of Muriwai are putting their lives back together post-Cyclone Gabrielle, why a Levin chocolate maker is ...1 hour ago - The Week in Detail: Top authors, lobbying, and MuriwaiEvery weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at how our top authors make a living writing books, the sky-high fares coming from independent taxi drivers, how the people of Muriwai are putting their lives back together post-Cyclone Gabrielle, why a Levin chocolate maker is ...1 hour ago
- Why we enjoy the excruciating miseries of the super-rich
The popularity of stories about unhappy rich people says more about our need to view them that way than it does about how they experience their lives Opinion: Succession is returning to Aotearoa’s television screens. It joins other portrayals of the emotional traumas that come from having far, far too ...1 hour ago - Why we enjoy the excruciating miseries of the super-richThe popularity of stories about unhappy rich people says more about our need to view them that way than it does about how they experience their lives Opinion: Succession is returning to Aotearoa’s television screens. It joins other portrayals of the emotional traumas that come from having far, far too ...1 hour ago
- The Detail's Long Read: What's Up With ADHD?
This is The Detail's Long Read - one in-depth story read by us every weekend This week, it's What's Up With ADHD?, written by Mirjam Guesgen and published in North & South's April 2023 issue. You can find the full article, with illustrations by Rachel Salazar, in this month’s issue of North & South. Once a condition ...1 hour ago - The Detail's Long Read: What's Up With ADHD?This is The Detail's Long Read - one in-depth story read by us every weekend This week, it's What's Up With ADHD?, written by Mirjam Guesgen and published in North & South's April 2023 issue. You can find the full article, with illustrations by Rachel Salazar, in this month’s issue of North & South. Once a condition ...1 hour ago
- Short story: The Islands of Arthur Trimble"He imagines the rattling windows of his bach": a sad seaside saga by Majella Cullinane Màiri watches him as he walks down the hill next to her house. The man appears gradually – first his head covered in a tweed cap and earphones, then the unkempt hair and beard, ...1 hour ago
- Inside the radical plan to build ‘the new state house’ and change renting forever
Not content with transforming KiwiSaver, Simplicity is now planning to out-build Kāinga Ora. Duncan Greive meets a pair of of unlikely revolutionaries trying to fix housing – a task which seems impossible, even for the state itself. In September of 2020, a builder named Shane Brealey sat down and typed ...2 hours ago - What not to miss at the Auckland Writers Festival 2023The Auckland Writers Festival has just launched its 23rd programme, the first since Covid to include its signature line-up of visiting international writers. With 160 events to choose from, here’s books editor Claire Mabey’s top 10 to help you navigate your way through the lit fest universe. Straight Up: Ruby ...2 hours ago
- Family tree key to Twigg's fifth Olympic bid
Taking her her young family around the world as she rows is a key factor in Emma Twigg's decision to defend her Olympic single sculls title at next year's Paris Olympics. And, Andy Hay writes, the next Emma Twigg could be waiting in the wings at the Maadi Cup next week. ...2 hours ago - Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika looking for 80min performances
The Fijian Drua will need to start and finish well, while Moana Pasifika’s coach wants to see a full 80-minute performance this weekend as the two regional teams continue their Super Rugby Pacific campaigns. The Drua tackle the Highlanders in Dunedin today and Pasifika face the Hurricanes at Mt Smart ...5 hours ago - PNG contractors plead for government to pay up after 12-year waitBy Todagia Kelola in Port Moresby A number of small contractors in Papua New Guinea are still waiting for positive feedback for money owed to them by government agencies after 12 years. A 2015 Post-Courier front page picture showed a man, David Goli, who chained himself at the then headquarters ...5 hours ago
- A new review into how teachers are educated should acknowledge they learn throughout their careers (...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Beryl Exley, Professor, Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Griffith University Shutterstock Last August, the federal government set up an expert panel to look at the continuous improvement agenda in teacher education in Australia. The panel, led by ...12 hours ago
- Analysis: Teachers need a lot of things, another curriculum 'rewrite' isn't one
We all clearly want the best learning outcomes for our nation's children, but there are deep ideological divisions, writes Cathy Buntting. ...13 hours ago - The Winston Peters greatest hits hourThe New Zealand First leader took to the altar of an East Auckland church today to set out his 2023 election agenda. It was, as Stewart Sowman-Lund found out, pretty much what you’d expect. Winston Peters rolled into Howick today with a state of the nation speech that, he claimed ...14 hours ago
- Woolworths is getting into telehealth – but patients need to be treated as more than customersSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jon Wardle, Professor of Public Health, Southern Cross University Shutterstock Earlier this week, Australian retail giant Woolworths announced a move into health-care delivery via development of its subsidiary HealthyLife’s online portal. Through this portal, Australians can book a same-day ...14 hours ago
- Winston Peters rails against secret 'woke agenda' in campaign speechNew Zealand First leader Winston Peters - eyeing a political comeback - has used a scene-setting speech in Auckland warning against a "conceited, conniving, cultural cabal". ...15 hours ago
- At the 2023 Adelaide Festival, the best works shimmer with a brutal honesty on incarceration, exile ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Peterson, Adjunct Associate Professor, Auckland University of Technology The Sheep Song. Tim Standing/Daylight Breaks/Adelaide Festival Few Adelaideans remember a time before the Adelaide Festival. Formed in 1960 as a civic enterprise and financed against loss by prominent Adelaide businessmen, the ...16 hours ago
- Week in Politics: Minor parties could hold unprecedented influence post-electionAnalysis - The Greens lay down a challenge as the minor parties approach an election in which both National and Labour are going to need coalition partners to form a government, writes Peter Wilson. ...16 hours ago
- Repeal Fiji’s media law and start with ‘clean slate’, says CFL chiefBy Arieta Vakasukawaqa in Suva Communications Fiji Ltd (CFL) chair William Parkinson has called for a repeal of Fiji’s Media Industry Development Act 2010 and more discussion on the proposed Media Ownership and Registration Bill 2023. He said this during a public consultation on the review of MIDA Act 2010 ...16 hours ago
- Posie Parker wins the beautiful freedom to make an ugly argument
High Court Justice David Gendall regretfully allows anti-trans activist to enter New Zealand, but warns the expression of her views may be harmful to our vulnerable rainbow community. Jonathan Milne does his best to be civil. Opinion: Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull calls herself Posie Parker. And that's what I'm going to call her. Because she is ...16 hours ago - Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee is an absolute joyIt’s about time somebody made a wacky TV show about how bonkers spelling is. Enter comedian Guy Montgomery and his Guy Mont Spelling Bee. The three years since Covid-19 began have been pretty rocky, but one of the best things to come out of the chaos was Guy Montgomery’s Guy ...16 hours ago
- Psychologists Condemn Anti-trans Hate Speech And Urge The Government To Put Hate Speech Laws Back On...
Te Rōpū Mātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa, The New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS) stands beside LGBTQIA+ and Takatāpui communities rallying against anti-trans rhetoric in light of the impending visit of Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (Posie Parker). We are ...16 hours ago - Shocking and controversial: MAFS Australia has outrated 1NewsEarlier this month, everybody’s favourite Monster of the Week series Married at First Sight Australia toppled 1News to become the highest rating television show for New Zealand viewers aged 25-54. The controversial reality series garnered an average audience of 137,000, or 6.7% audience share from March 5 until March 11. ...17 hours ago
- Ingredient of the week: FeijoasIt’s the most wonderful time of the year for feijoa lovers – here’s how to make the most of it. Fragrant and sweet, with a delicate jelly centre surrounded by gritty, tangy flesh, all encased in a green sour skin. My parents’ feijoa tree has just dropped its first fruit, ...17 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Bang a Drum’ by Maggie Rainey-SmithA new poem by poet and novelist Maggie Rainey-Smith. Bang a Drum We’ve hit Gentle Annie passed the pub at Okaramio and on the left, at Wakapuaka there’s Sunnybank where parents left their children An oddly named orphanage manned (ha) by Nuns childless women in black habits, scapula, cowls and ...17 hours ago
- Teachers need a lot of things right now, but another curriculum ‘rewrite’ isn’t one of themSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathy Buntting, Director, Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, University of Waikato Getty Images Less than a fortnight after teachers staged a national strike, education was back in the headlines with the National Party’s release of its curriculum policy – ...17 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending March 24The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton (Te Herenga Waka University Press, $38) Number one in both ...17 hours ago
- High Court Decision The Only Right Result For Nation That Values Free SpeechThe Free Speech Union welcomes the decision of the High Court to reject the application to overrule the decision of the Minister of Immigration to allow Kellie-Jay entry into New Zealand. This was the only right result for a nation that ...18 hours ago
- AI chatbots with Chinese characteristics: why Baidu’s ChatGPT rival may never measure upSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fan Yang, Research Associate at RMIT and Alfred Deakin Institute, Deakin University Baidu’s ERNIE Bot was launched to considerable disappointment. Ng Han Guan / AP On March 16, Baidu unveiled China’s latest rival to OpenAI’s ChatGPT – ERNIE Bot (short for “Enhanced ...18 hours ago
- Ask Fiji military about ‘guns on plane’ claims, says Sayed-KhaiyumBy Meri Radinibaravi in Suva Former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has told The Fiji Times to ask the Republic of Fiji Military Forces about claims that his bodyguards were allowed to take guns on to Fiji Link flights without proper authorisation. “I understand that there’s some enquiries going on regarding that ...18 hours ago
- Melbourne Now: a vast, sprawling and inspiring exhibition that seems to burst out of its architectur...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University Installation view of Troy Emery’s work Mountain climber 2022 on display as part of the Melbourne Now exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Melbourne from 24 March – 20 August ...18 hours ago
- KPIs are for businesses and boardrooms, not children and schoolsNational’s education policy reinforces an old-fashioned and hierarchical curriculum that does lasting harm to many students, writes educational specialist Dr Sarah Aiono. Announcing the National Party’s new education policy this week, leader Christopher Luxon cited a recent NCEA pilot in which two-thirds of students were unable to meet the minimum ...18 hours ago
- Last ditch attempt to stop anti-trans speaker from entering NZ failsAttempts by rainbow groups to stop an anti-trans campaigner entering the country have failed. The High Court has dismissed a judicial review application from Gender Minorities Aotearoa, InsideOUT Kōara and Auckland Pride, aimed at the immigration minister for allowing Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull into New Zealand. As part of the application, the ...19 hours ago
- Urgent hearing under way to determine if anti-trans speaker can enter NZThe High Court is this morning considering an interim order that would prevent an anti-trans campaigner from making it into New Zealand. Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull is expected to arrive on our shores today ahead of two planned rallies in Auckland and Wellington over the weekend. After immigration officials deemed her safe ...20 hours ago
- Statement From Mayor Paula Southgate: Hamilton’s LGNZ MembershipI was disappointed to see yesterday afternoon’s announcement that Auckland has chosen to leave Local Government NZ (LGNZ). Hamilton’s membership of LGNZ is one of collaboration and sharing. Being a member gives us important views from other ...20 hours ago
- Review: The Unruly Tourists is fun, but facileIt’s the most talked about local opera production in years – but does it live up to the chatter? The lowdown You’ve probably heard of the “unruly tourists”, the British family who created a media firestorm as they toured around the country leaving trash and turmoil in their wake. You’ve ...20 hours ago
- Ministry of Health removed trans advice after pressure from activistsAs reported by Newsroom’s Marc Daalder this morning, correspondence released under the Official Information Act shows advice about puberty blockers was removed from the Ministry of Health website “in the hopes it creates fewer queries” from anti-trans campaigners. The line that was removed from the site said puberty blockers “are ...20 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nucle...Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nuclear submarines The New Zealand Government has been silent about Australia’s decision to commit up to $400bn acquiring nuclear submarines, even though this is a significant threat to peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. The ...21 hours ago
- Secondary teachers confirm next strikeSecondary teachers will strike again next week after an agreement on improved pay and working conditions was not reached. The strike will take place on Wednesday, less than two weeks after thousands of educators took to the streets across the country. “PPTA Te Wehengarua members have shown they are serious ...21 hours ago
- Share Your Views On Human Rights Progress In Aotearoa New ZealandTe Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission is encouraging organisations and individuals to share their views on human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand for the government’s upcoming report to the United Nations. The report informs a process ...21 hours ago
- Secondary And Area School Teachers Plan More Industrial ActionSecondary and area school teachers around the country have voted overwhelmingly in favour of more industrial action, including a one day national strike next Wednesday, in support of their collective agreement negotiations. “PPTA Te Wehengarua members ...21 hours ago
- Aaron Hawkins: Auckland Council has turned its back on the rest of the countryAt a time when our need for collective action is stronger than ever, Auckland Council has opted out to save each of its residents just 25c a year, writes former Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins. I grew up in rural Southland, in the shadows of the Cut The Cable movement. In ...21 hours ago
- Fishing for data: commercial fishers help monitor rising temperatures in coastal seasSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Jakoboski, Oceanographic Data Scientist, Moana Project’s Te Tiro Moana Team Lead, MetService — Te Ratonga Tirorangi Moana project, CC BY-ND The world’s oceans are buffering us from the worst climate impacts by taking up more than 90% of the ...22 hours ago
- Political editors panel: Schools, lobbying, and trans rightsMorning Report - RNZ and Newsroom's political editors consider National's education pitch, and the political responses to lobbying revelations and Posie Parker. ...22 hours ago
- Free Speech Union Granted Intervening Status In Posie Parker Judicial ReviewThe Free Speech Union will be an intervener this morning as the High Court considers whether Immigration New Zealand's decision to allow Posie Parker (Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull) entry into New Zealand was legal, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free ...22 hours ago
- Why is this Auckland club clinging to a ‘discriminatory’ dress-code rule?For over a decade, Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club has come under fire for denying entry to people wearing religious headwear. Despite the Human Rights Commission getting involved, it seems the rule remains unchanged. One of the definitions given by the Oxford dictionary for the word cosmopolitan is: “including people from many ...22 hours ago
- Listen: How Labour just hurt the Emissions Trading SchemeChris Hipkins’ dump of Ardern-era policy has potentially jeopardised a major part of the government’s climate change response. In this week’s episode of When the Facts Change, Bernard Hickey talks to climate policy expert Christina Hood from Climate Compass to find out why this month’s Emissions Trading Scheme auction failed and ...22 hours ago
- LGNZ head confused by Wayne Brown’s claim about drunken conferenceThe head of Local Government NZ, the group representing councils across the country, has hit back at claims made by Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. It was his casting vote that saw Auckland Council leave the representative group yesterday evening, with councillors divided on whether or not it was the right ...23 hours ago
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If Key says it’s 80%, he has every reason to think the people will accept that. He doesn’t get challenged on such pronouncements.
Did key make his money in currency trading by being all things to all people? Not on the shop floor I don’t think, but once he was in management? He speaks with forked tongue.
When he sacked people he probably told them if it was up to him they would stay, but he has orders from above.
Interestingly his “dinner” with Campbell (and I only saw a snippet on the news ) seemed to be at a much smaller place than the mansion. I am sure that is no coincidence.
He doesn’t stand for anything other than money. If he has principles he keeps them quiet.
That is what we have seen under Key. A principle free stance on everything, except asset sales. The principle of privatisation has been unambiguous throughout his reign.
Sir Keith Holyoake once described nash’s policy address in Invercargill as
“A Guy Fawkes night bonfire of political principles”
John Key promised transparency and honesty in 2008 while railing against Clark for Winston’s stoush with Glen. he proimmised higher standards than those he claimed labour were displaying… instead what we have witnessed is a Guy Fawkes bonfire of personal and political principles.”
Sadly, other than privatising everything he could and still remain PM, he has no other principles than the key guiding principle of doing whatever is in his self interest. He has used the leadership of this country to create a celebrity circuit for him to travel on…
+100
Has any of the MSM actually pulled him up on that yet?
That Key thinks he needs to get William’s permission is confirmation he is far from a Republican, he probably has delusions that he is a close friend of the royal family.
Queenie looks like she cant stand him…she is no fool…..and if there was money and a knighthood in being a Republican, Key would be a Republican
What makes you say the Queen looks like that?
She invited him and his family for a weekend at their bach!
well just judging from the photos in the newspapers where she wasnt smiling and in fact was looking down from the camera…neither of them looked like they were having much fun over a cup of tea…personally i am not a royal watcher but i do have a friend who is…and he knows quite a lot about royal protocol and snubs …much to both our amusement
Dont get me wrong but I am a complete monarchist. I dont give a stuff what family of nincompoops is installed in bucking ham palace just as long as someone is. Our whole history is the story of the tension between the king and the commons. We have the rule of law and our version of democracy not because we theorised it into existence but because it arose organically in the fullness of time. I am not offended by the supposed privileges the royal family garners because we have to pay for someone to be the ostensible leader and it may as well be them. If shifty was king then things would be different. We could cut off his head. At the moment he is just basking in reflected glory because he is a fame pig, snob, social climber and wannabee but his tenure is getting shakier and shakier.
But do we need someone chosen because they belong to a particular blood line at the opposite end of the world? What about a local version, preferably one who is elected?
The interesting thing is going to be how long the monarchy survives because New Zealand can’t decide exactly what to replace it with (like Australia). Will people vote against an appointed Head of State (which seems to be the option talked about most in the media) in hope that further down the line a referendum for an elected Head of State (which seems to be the option talked about most by the public) will come around?
Or will there actually be a sensible referendum offering both options and then pitting the more popular against the monarchy.
…was Amelda Macos elected?….seriously figure heads made from elected officials could be worse
….at least the royal family know their place and how to behave themselves …ie dont interfere in political democracy or appear too ostentatious and removed from the people…or you will get your head chopped off ( French royalty)….or face the firing squad( Russian cousin royalty)
Don’t count on it.
I wouldn’t know about “Amelda” Marcos, whoever she might be, but Imelda actually was elected. As Wikipedia says.
“Her return to the Philippines has since allowed her to restore her political dynasty and she was elected in the House of Representatives in 1995 for Leyte and again in 2010 for Ilocos Norte”.
It’s irrelevant of course because she wasn’t, at any time, the Head of State in the Philippines.
The real problem with changing to a New Zealand HOS is determining who it will be and how they will be selected. Politicians, of all stripes want them to be selected by the Government, or Parliament, in much the way the GG is. The public, as far as I can see, want to be able to elect the HOS. For the politicians this is a problem as they will have someone elected who can rightly claim that they have a mandate to override Parliament. They would be, after all, the only person in the country who was chosen by the whole populace and can claim an authority that exceeds that of the PM. They might not attempt to do it but politicians are afraid of things that “could” happen if it interferes with their desires.
Meh, I think I would rather have Liz or Charlie in charge the John Key
The Head of State isn’t in charge. They’re actually there to represent NZ in inter-state affairs but not to make policy.
Hell for what its worth we might as well select our Head of State on the Saturday night of the General election by way of Lotto draw,
Pay ya ten bucks and get a ticket to go in the draw to be Governor General for 3 years, who could resist,
All profits from the draw to go to a charity selected by the incumbent the week befor their term expires…
Well, It’s how Ancient Greeks did it.
ahhh….imagine…sword in hand, bowed heads before you awaiting their reward…the temptation. Arise Sir…..
Agree EisE
I can’t say that presidents and heads of states (elected or otherwise) have covered themselves with glory down the ages. Quite the opposite. In fact God help us if we ‘elect’ such a person. Does anyone trust NZers in their present apparent state of mind to elect a suitable person? I don’t.
At this point in time and until the masses come to their collective senses lets stick with the status quo.
occasionally we might elect a Mandela, or a Gandhi.
Can’t think of any monarchs who would get that level of awesomeness.
Mandalas and Gandhis are not usually establishment people in fact quite the contrary…they rise to greatness through opposition….so i dont think this is very likely
rare. But more common than monarchs who renew my faith in humanity
citation please and some statistics
Politicians with popular support who have given me some faith in humanity:
Mandela
Gandhi
Wilberforce
Monarchs who have given me some faith in humanity:
[empty set]
Unfortunately the Mandalas and Gandhis are probably less common throughout history than the Hitlers, Napoleons and other assorted despots.
In terms of monarchs these have been a very mixed bag historically but in recent times they have been IMO a better than passable bunch with a few standouts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Carlos_I_of_Spain
… and I must admit I always had a soft spot for the current Queen’s mother.
Oh, they’re not all arseholes. No Mandelas, though – although the Dalai Lama might come close, from a certain perspective.
the less power they wield the more likeable they have become
I disagree with you, MS.
New Zealand has very complicated, and to a certain extent unresolved sovereignty issues. There is very little overlap between the assumptions that many Maori make about sovereignty and those of most Pakeha.
You’re wrong when you say we’re getting ‘someone chosen because they belong to a particular blood line at the opposite end of the world’.
The whole point is that we don’t choose them, and they don’t choose it either ( although they can opt out through abdication). But that same framework of highly ritualised formalisation of an inherited monarchy also underpins the inter-generational continuity of the Crown’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
You don’t need to look far from Aotearoa to see that a ‘local version, . . . one who is elected’ might have a different agenda, certainly one with a much shorter time horizon.
We get what we’re given and within a framework of highly ritualised formalisation, we make the best of it.
True Huginn that the treaty is the issue that will require the most attention in moving to a republic. But I would prefer for head of state to be elected rather than ordained.
As opposed to some All Black or shudder President Key?
Elected? like John Key you mean?
Lets face it, more elections, and the phenomenal amount of money wasted on campaigns do not enhance democracy. We need a balance for the power we give government, and I don’t see republics or dictatorships doing any better by their people, in reality.
+100 captain hook….although I have to say every time i hear about the Royals visit on the radio i turn it off….i cant stand John Keys name mentioned in conjunction…or British commentators fawning …or the MSM fawning ….or even Mary Wilson reporting on it smartly….so something must be fermenting in my subconscious
……that said i have nothing against the young couple …and they do a hard job being diplomatic all the time
….if we didnt have them it would be some other figurehead(s) ….and probably worse ones…like multi billionaires who have made their money by ripping people off…..and their servile wives flaunting their fashion and jewellery and ‘style’……or Amelda Marcos’s shoes, which would be way worse
”A hard job” Chooky???, you are of course joking are you not…
…i cant see you being diplomatic enough for the job…ha ha…….nor me either for that matter ….it would be a fucking horrible job….can you see yourself sharing a sausage and a beer and being polite to John Key?!…when you felt like spitting or gagging or being slimey…
Sure i could, IF i were born into a share of a fortune worth billions of dollars and had been shown my whole life that i was ‘above’ everyone else on the planet based upon a line of interbreeding which ludicrously started at the first German Hanoverian King of England being 51st in the line of succession based upon religious selection,
Hell that would in such circumstances be no more difficult than me having a chat with the check-out operator down at the local supermarket,
You can bet that once out of ear and eye shot these pair of ‘nobody reallies’ take great joy in making disparaging remarks about how stupid the fawning few must be to spend hours standing in the rain just to glimpse them as they flash by in the Beamer’s,(can you imagine the laughter the six oclock news must provoke them too especially viewing the siblings arguing whether or not they ‘got waved at’ or ‘eye contact was made’),
It almost borders on child abuse to have whole classrooms of New Zealand school kids stood in the pouring fucking rain for hours waiting for these fucking sponges to whizz by firmly ensconced in the leather of the heated limo’s in what looked like a picture of the idiots guide to ‘rent-a-crowd’,
How many of those kids will now be off school for a week with the flu simply because we have these wastes of space here to slurp at the trough for 10 days of freebies…
+100 bad12.
prefer Queenie to the Pope any day!
@ bad12 kids love getting out of the classroom to watch any old thing.. … and a week off with the flu would be a bonus
you really think that having all that money is fantastic?…most of it belongs to Britain anyway …you cant take it with you to the grave…and do you really think living in a draughty old castle would be much fun?!…..together with all the servants watching your every move and some contemplating books about you or tittle tattling to the squalid British tabloids?
…much more fun to cavort around in your state house and have a barbe out the back with no paparazzi watching over the fence
….mind you I do like Queenie’s broaches ….dont go much for the tiaras or the sequined satins or the flowery hats …but do like her broaches and pearls and diamonds …hate her shoes…dont like posies, corgis or horses much …and the hunts would be awful
I recall in 1963, during the Queen’s visit her motorcade was planned to travel past our school. Several times in the days before, we were taken out onto the street – the whole school – to practice waving at the Queen. Of course it was a great break from classes, and I participated unquestioningly.
The big day came and I was in my best cheering mode as the Queen’s car drove past. She, in the car waving like a robot, turned to look directly at me. I stopped in mid cheer. Suddenly she was a flesh and blood woman – one I didn’t really know and I couldn’t figure out why i should be cheering her. Started me thinking, and pretty soon afterwards I became a republican.
Why did they need to school us into unthinking “cheering” and appropriate behaviour for the queen? All is propaganda. What a farce.
cant remember the Queen coming…but lots of things that adults do are a farce to kids
…and is it any worse than millions of adults and especially women worshipping the Pope?….and sitting for hours in a church and watching that “little man up there telling us what to do”….as my sister put it…..and watching while they all go up front like a line of sheep to kneel down to drink blood/wine and get patted on the head?
And it still seems a farce to me today.
I don’t see it as either the Brit monarchy or Pope worship. I’m not into either.
Chooky, wall papering over cracks with bits of bog roll never hides them for long, so its perfectly fine in your world to have kids standing out in the pouring rain is it, i am sure if any of them, kids that is, were left out in the rain around here for any length of time their parents would suffer an exhaustive probing form both the Plods and CYFPs,
The photo’s i have seen of the kids dragged outta their classrooms to stand in the rain yesterday didn’t show smiling kids enjoying a morning away from school, most of them simply looked cold and under-dressed for such weather,
Right, while kids might enjoy a week off from their schooling it leaves them with a gap in their education where something crucial to their ongoing education might have been taught,along with that as most people with kids round here are families where both parents work exactly who is going to suffer the loss if one parent is off work to look after the sick kid, certainly not the Woyal bludgers that’s for sure,
As far as i am concerned i am happy with my state House and the descendants of some minor German (51st in line)aristocrat who inherited the English throne on the basis that the fifty ahead of him in the line were Roman Catholic should have stayed home in theirs which has just had 2 million pound spent upon a ‘living quarters’ to suit their tastes rather than come here parading as the Royal Sponger’s,
Thankfully the 3 of them last night got whisked away from Government House to hide out in a ‘private residence’, the less i see of these bludgers on my TV the better…
i would probably agree with you but i dont watch tv…it is bad for the health
…i remember waiting for hours to watch the Queen of Thailand in my Brownie uniform and resenting waiting all bloody day on a weekend…but if it had been on a school day i think i would have relished it
Your last sentence is right on the money Captain Hook
A while back I had a quick glance at the schedule.
Now from memory tours have usually been full of public/quasi public events that are worthy, a bit staid and have maximum exposure to the general population, opening things, planting trees inspecting projects (like conservation efforts etc). but at least an attempt to interact widely across the community.
This one looks more like an upmarket holiday sailing, visits to private estates etc.
The welcome was on government house grounds which I assume wasn’t open to the general public. Most of it looks like is taking place out of sight of the general public, apart from the car arrival and departures, so that it shows up as a series of photo ops with JK’s face in most of them. Is JK frightened of what people will say if he actually appears in public? Frightened he loses control of the publicity?
on rnz yesterday morning they were talking to their ‘man on the ground’ at govt house waiting for the couple & they asked him how many ppl were there waiting, & he said something like ‘heaps, a lot of media’, & rnz asked ‘how many of the public are there?’ & the guy said ‘well, theres only media here’. yep, its like a peter cook sketch.
While I am agnostic about republicanism overall, I think this would be a terrible time in history to become a republic – we are close enough to a corporate tyranny as it is. At least the royals personify a competing authority, however weak, to the dominant corporate model.
Thank you Lionel.
That is the whole crux of the matter.
shifty is just using the royals to put himself above the common herd because he cant handle his own obscure origins and because all tories are puffed up pieces of crap anyway.
It’s just more photo ops, of course. Anything to be seen, anything for the limelight.
That is always his motivation.
He is not there to better NZ, and never was.
We the taxpayers have funded this family to visit our shores…. meanwhile we vilify those from here whom through whatever circumstance find themselves travelling whilst supported by the taxpayer dollar – wonder what Paula thinks of the royal bludgers
Couldn’t care less about the Royals and the news cycle will make this a very very long ten days for those not concerned about dresses, shoes and what a baby (key) is thinking…
Maori guy on talkback yesterday..think he was talking to Willie, said the’ve got a cheek coming here after their ancestors murdered so many of my people.
Maori guy on talk-back yesterday..think he was talking to Willie said,
“they’ve got a cheek coming here expecting us to welcome them after their ancestors murdered so many of my people. If I see them I’m going to do a Mihaka haka.”
In other contradictory Republicanisms, Key announced to NZ the birth of the royal baby by saying “KNEEL BEFORE YOUR FUTURE KING, PEASANTS*”.
*or something like that.
never forget, Key considers one of NZ’s greatest living NZers is Prince Phillip… THAT’s how much a desire Key has to remove the Queen as our Head of State.
“A member of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, Prince Philip was born in Greece into the Greek and Danish royal families, but his family was exiled from Greece when he was a baby. After being educated in France, England, Germany, and Scotland, he joined the British Royal Navy in 1939, at the age of 18. From July 1939, he began corresponding with the 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth (his third cousin through Queen Victoria and the elder daughter and heiress presumptive of King George VI) whom he had first met in 1934. During World War II he served with the Mediterranean and Pacific fleets…
The House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (Danish: Slesvig-Holsten-Sønderborg-Lyksborg, also spelled -Glücksborg), also known as the House of Glücksburg, is a German ducal house.
Junior branches of the House include the royal houses of Denmark, Norway, and Greece. The Prince of Wales, who is the heir apparent to the thrones of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms,[1][2] belongs officially to the House of Windsor,[3] but also belongs to a cadet branch of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg.
The House is named after Glücksburg in northernmost Germany. It is itself a cadet branch of the House of Oldenburg, that is descended from Count Christian of Oldenburg, who became King of Denmark in 1448 and King of Norway in 1450. As the original House of Oldenburg and the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg became extinct in 1863 and 1931, respectively, the House of Glücksburg is now the senior surviving branch of the House of Oldenburg.
The House descends patrilineally from the Dukes of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck. The last of them became Duke of Glücksburg and changed his title accordingly to Friedrich Wilhelm, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. He was married to Princess Louise Caroline of Hesse-Kassel, a granddaughter of King Frederick V of Denmark.
Neither the Dukes of Beck nor of Glücksburg were sovereign rulers; they held their lands in fief to the sovereign Dukes of Schleswig and Holstein, i.e. the Kings of Denmark and, before 1773, the Dukes of Holstein-Gottorp.”
“Key considers one of NZ’s greatest living NZers is Prince Phillip”
wtf?
In reality the Royals are Head of our State because we allow them to. It is back door democracy in that Parliament could replace them with whatever kind of system it chooses at any time.
We know that and they know that. That is why it is inevitable that at some stage they will be replaced.
If Liz, Charlie or any other foreigner pisses New Zealand off to any kind of degree we will simply say thanks for the good times, but you are no longer our head of state.
So the argument that they are unelected is technically true, they still serve at the discretion of the New Zealand electorate.
Be careful what you wish for. After 4 terms as PM which he said last night that he wanted and would serve we could easily have President Sir John Key.
Hows life over there in fisitania? Managed to make water run uphill yet?
I think Helen has pretty high odds of being the first president. Will have to be after her upcoming appointment as United Nations Secretary General, though.
Time-wise that sounds about right. 😉
If she wants it. The Head of State of NZ, I mean, maybe when she has retired from proper work?
shifty key made his money selling dead cows. i.e. selling off junk bonds from the firms inventory. wadda guy. He wont make four terms let alone three. the pace is starting to tell and if he has any brains at all he will be thank full for the turn he has had. all change please.
😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
When John Key visited the Firm’s batch they discussed how John Key was going to convince the other states of the common wealth to accept Queenie and the Firm for ever and ever as their rightful heads of states.
John Key made sure we donated $ 30 million to Rio Tinto to which she holds the majority of shares. She may not like him but he is a good little footsoldier selling the sheeple here the royal Firm.
No need to feel sorry for them. They know when they need to show up to promote a one of their own sleazebag servants to keep getting what they want: More for them and less for us!
Key is acting like Baldrick the groveling serf Its Sickening
I feel that the royal family are completely irrelevant and should and will go but also worry that any move to get rid off them and become a republic will become a, … how do I say this, quick decision without being throughly thought out. Lets face it the fact that the Queen of England is our “head of state” is a joke but our political system actually works well. I worry a quick change could be potentially politically gerrymandered by the political power of the day. Wow I really can’t write but I’m sure you get my drift.
I think cross party agreement should occur with a date named, say 10 years, in the future, that we will become a republic and that a timeline of public consultation and education happen in that period to be end in a referendum on different scenarios.
Lets face it we may end up with some McFlag because Key suddenly wants a political distraction. That’s bearable but a crap political system would be horrible. Look at the Supercity where a mayor can’t be removed? Not that he should on current evidence but imagine if he was Rob Fordish.
That’s the big worry. That we won’t have a discussion about it or, more likely, that it will be a backroom deal similar to the TPPA.
Ah, Comrade Savage.
You should have a word in Comrade Cunliffe’s ear.
He appears to be falling off the staunch Republican path.
Isn’t he complaining that he doesn’t have as much time with the Duke and Duchess as does the Prime Minister?
Why is he wishing to put himself into the bowing, scraping, forelock tugging state that all good members of the proletariat would despise?
Surely he doesn’t enjoy kow-towing before his aristocratic superiors?
What specifically does a head of state actually do?
Don’t we elect people to govern our country and have ministries to manage our affairs?
The royals, who are breaking protocol for no other reason are here at the behest of their currency trader mate, john key is nothing more than a PR stunt, and one that will cost NZ a million PLUS that this country can ill afford and that john key will have to borrow for, while hundreds of thousands of NZers are struggling in poverty, to influence the election and garner votes for national at the ballot box. Before I didn’t give a stuff about the royals either way, now I feel nothing but contempt, and I hope it all back fires on john key.
the politics of the royal tour is that key is a kiss arse double dealer. on one hand he wants to ditch the union jack but on the other hand he fawns over the royals like a dopey dog that wants a PAT . Only schizoids can hold two opposing positions at the same time!
and the royals must be pretty thick if they cant they see through him?
cunliffe seems to want to kiss some of the same arse… not impressed with his whining yesterday, but then I vote Green, so what do I care.
That’s the way the MSM spun it. But I understood Cunliffe’s comments to be more of a public alert to the way Key is using celebrity photo ops to his electoral advantage. Good to point this out early on in the year, then move on.
Cool, but do you think that’s how people will have taken it?
I would have used Shane Jones to say it… in his inimitable way, but he is probably queuing up to hongi Kate.
I was shocked at the very deliberate editting on Prime news last night to make Key’s meeting with William seem more interesting than Cunliffe’s.
A VERY conscious decision had to be made to cut the sentence where SKY did.
SKY’s Prime news started the audio at “the deeper economic issues, such as the problems with the balance of payments”
“Cunliffe expected to discuss those issues the visitor wanted to raise. He would also be happy to brief him on things Labour thought were important such as building a fairer and more decent country and including everybody in the opportunities.
“I’m sure that he would agree with that.”
He would also talk about the deeper economic issues, such as the problems with the balance of payments.
“He’s a very well read and a very substantive person and a very charming person so I am looking forward to the meeting.”
It’s been put into the public consciousness, reinforced by Peters saying there shouldn’t have been a royal tour in election year. I think many Kiwis are a bit ho hum about the royal tour. It’s just the MSM that keeps talking it up.
If Kiwi’s are ho hum about it then why is Cunliffe concerned about the photo ops.
Quite the contrary, Cunliffe is rightly concerned with the interest in this tour, the good vibes it will create, and the fact the scum bag will be there smiling and waving at every opportunity.
Photo ops as headline news, still have an impact on many people’s consciousness – even if it’s in passing.
Interesting to see that Herald Online yesterday recorded more hits for the Peaxches Geldoff story, than for the ones on the Royals.
Agree Karol.
And if you want The Greens in government you need Labour to cross that line and win the election Tracey.
Is Key going to take the Prince to his favourite street in NZ to talk to his favourite little example of the brighter future?
McGehan Close
“”I’m talking about places where rungs on the ladder of opportunity have been broken. ” J Key 2008
Will he ask the Prince to meet Aroha Ireland, his symbol of the brighter future in NZ?
Miss Ireland left NZ for Melbourne when she was 17, has a job and aint coming back.
Good golly look at the papers. KEY ABDUCTS BABY TO CRASH PLUNKET EVENT.
Does anyone give a sh*t? Apart from you, overreacting and wrongly analysing the situation yet again Greggles? The only person who won’t shut up about the political impact of this is Cunliffe for christ’s sake.
The amount of impact that this tour will have on the election is next to ZERO. And that you assume it will be important speaks volumes about your (near zero anyway after your “trust” advice ;)) credibility as a commentator, and your opinions of the voting public.
Of all your numptiness, this is one of your most numpty moments.
yes lets talk about the 1 billion dollar shortfall in the tax take for the last 8 months. better still, why wont key talk about it?
Kia ora all, Just to be clear: The Republic Movement is now called New Zealand Republic. This name change has involved launching a new streamlined website. A lot of the material from our old website has not been transferred over to the new site in order to avoid clutter. We will however look at providing an archive of material at some future date as time and campaign priorities allow. Visit the site http://www.republic.org.nz and you will see what we mean.
Our polling has always showed consistently high support for change and we will carry on campaigning to make sure more NZers know what we stand for and support us. Thanks, Savage, Chair of New Zealand Republic.
Thanks Savage. I made the comment because I believe the Republican Movement has a proud history and that it is important to preserve it. Websites are becoming a very good repository of history and it should be preserved. I am also interested that your predecessor should become a National Party candidate as historically National has been the least sympathetic to the Republican movement.
We have always had support from across the parties but yes you are right. Labour supporters tend to support more. On current polling NZ First supporters are the least likely to want a New Zealander as their head of state.
Greens have a clear policy to support a referendum and Labour does now as well. United Future is in agreement but we’ll keep on working to get all parties to adopt a clear policy one way or the other. We are sometimes criticised for having a bias to the left or right but from day one we have always understood that consitutional change has to work wider than that if its going to be effective.
FTQ