The Standard Week: 18-25 July

Written By: - Date published: 2:48 pm, July 25th, 2008 - 56 comments
Categories: standard week - Tags:

The big story of the week is National’s work rights policy that does nothing to further workers’ rights and actually undermines them in a number of subtle ways. There is no policy for increasing wages, none at all. In fact, the policies are likely to cut wages by taking bargaining power away from workers. Turns out John Key really meant it when he said “we would love to see wages drop“. A week and a half of pretty petty attacks on Winston Peters suddenly became much more serious when it emerged that Bob Jones had made a donation to a secret trust that was meant to go NZF but was either never passed on or never declared. These secret trusts are now illegal thanks to the Electoral Finance Act but it’s clear that parties who have used them need to open up their books so Kiwis can now who has been making large donations and be sure the trusts haven’t been used to circumvent spending limits.

Between the lines: Nats’ work rights policy
On its surface, National’s ‘workplace’ policy seems fairly mild but, when you look at what it actually means in practise it’s classic National: anti-worker, anti-rights, anti-wage rises…[more]

Take the money and run
The government will be providing New Zealand manufacturers with a tax incentive to outsource their production….[more]

Would Nats introduce work-for-the-dole?
 Work-for-the-dole is a nice sounding slogan but it doesn’t work in practice. As with ACC and the 90 Day No Rights policy, National is following ideology, rather than doing what makes sense….[more]

The war on P
So here we have again, John Key and National saying one thing to voters and another thing to big business in this case the insurance industry….[more]

Culture of secrecy
It’s 4.45 on a Friday afternoon and National has just released its Outdoor Recreation policy…if you’re trying to kill media coverage of a policy and avoid any awkward questions then just before 5pm on a Friday is the perfect time to do it…[more]

Open up the trusts
The only way to clear all this up now is for all parties to open the books of their secret trusts so that Kiwis can finally be certain of who has been donating to parties and that the money has been used as donors intended…[more]

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56 comments on “The Standard Week: 18-25 July ”

  1. Heh – Repeat after me, Steve… Don’t copy and paste from a search result should your terms forever be highlighted! 🙂

  2. ha! I didn’t realise it worked like that.

  3. sweeetd 3

    FFS, big story of the week?

    You don’t get out much do you?

    Two words, Winston Peters!?!?!?!?

  4. Monty 4

    Nop you are wrong – The big story of the week is Winston’s Lies and corruption and Helen’s protection of his lies and corruption.

    I understand that there is much much more to run of this story to the extent that Helen will eventuially be left with no option but to sack Winston as Labour become co-lateral victims (ha ha) of the fallout.

    Winston is corrupt. Helen has been complicite in his lies and corruption. I would suggest that Helen will need to sack Winston and call an election within two weeks. Not good when you are 18-20 points behind in the polls and are running out of co-alition partners.

  5. randal 5

    espiner has been trying to make a story all week for his tory paymasters about winston but he is not going to succeed. where is the evidence. just because bob jones is getting lonely over there in the hutt valley and has suckered the press in is no basis in fact. the real story is how tv1 continues to employ espiner when he has never broken a story yet but continues to inject his sly venom into the national discourse without contributing anything. only in New Zealand.

  6. Benodic 6

    Winston is not a story of substance, it’s a media beatup that will be forgotten in a week or two.

    I’d rather see the focus on policies that affect real NZers, not the latest gossip and excitement from the well-paid idiots of the parliamentary press gallery.

  7. Rob 7

    Benodic

    Sorry have to disagree Winston story has real legs and would be wishful thinking by you for it not to have, This has the potential to force an early Election, Winston never covered himself in glory in the press conference and was as evasive as ever in answering questions. Helen Clark cant let this sham and cover up continue the people want to know what went on!! They want open and honest Government as promised not a happening thing at the moment

  8. How does one bargain against a Chinese worker being paid less than $.60 per hour?

  9. Monty 9

    The Winston Story has major legs – more revelations in the Dom Poast tomorrow. Already this story has featured on the news as a major item everyday for two weeks, and it does not look like going away. I expect to see labour and Winnie’s support drop further (Labour because Clark is complicite in his corruption and lies)

    I do not expect to see Winston last till next Friday (But I do hope Clark continues to protect him for another month) – Clark will be wondering how long she can stand him – a finely balanced act at present.

    The double standard of this Labour / NZF Government is astounding – and you all know what I am talking about (oh God – I don’t sound like Winnie do I?)

  10. Next thing you’ll know Bob Jones will be linked to the Exclusive Brethren and all hell will break again!!
    Bloody hypocrites should be in a frigging straight jacket – eh MORON WINNY and foul AUNTY HELL.

    ( 1000 Demerits and a poke in the eye with a pen )

  11. D4J, How did you find out about the Bob Jones/Exclusive Brethren link? I’m impressed.

  12. jafapete, Batman knows all and my good friend on the Moon Aristotle told me that ‘misfortune shows those who are NOT really friends’.

    Poor Winny’s head is on the block.

  13. dave 13

    The big story of the week is National’s work rights policy
    hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha -so whats the story about it? You only said what it waasn’t.

  14. Winston is shot. He told Campbell that Bob Jones knew what the money was for – after which Jones stuck the knife in, twisted it around a bit, and told Campbell of the donation that “Obviously it was for the party”

    http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2008/07/bob-jones-hangs-peters.html

    Peters made a big mistake today insulting Jones. Jones took Muldoon down in 1984, and it seems he will do the same to Peters and Clark in 2008.

  15. Razorlight 15

    We can almost begin next weeks ‘Standard Week’ as well by saying the story of the week is the ongoing Winston saga.

    The proof that it is the story of the month is the fact it keeps coming up in every thread no matter what the topic.

    [lprent: That could have something to do with the right’s obsession on it (I think at KB it was about 14 posts out of 18 last time I looked). As Steve said last week, it is easier than looking at policy. The right seem to prefer not to have any policy at present (just meaningless bullet points). It would involve some right commentators (like yourself?) using their brains – could be painful.

    However if it there is too much thread jacking on this particular topic or any other (hasn’t been too bad to date), then I’ll just start moving the comments to a relevant thread (say “Attempted Threadjacking”) – or just nuking them. Eventually the behavior will subside. You should remember that the site is just a database – I should add the capability.]

  16. Leftie 16

    Big story of the week? National’s tax cuts dont mean shit by the time they have implemented their changes to the employment laws. Worst part is they have campaigned on closing the pay gap with Australia.

  17. Rob 17

    I believe Winston trying to take Bob Jones on in a battle of wit and calling him a Liar is the most stupid thing he has ever done!!

    Jones will eat him alive and take Clark and Labour to the cleaners if they continue to hide and support him!!

    What about Helen’s call for open and Honest Government when will see it as a happening thing!!

  18. randal 18

    i believe winston will have a very nice lunch with condi tody and not bother a bit about all the creatures trying to take him down out of pure jealousy…this country is full of little people even when they are millionaires…go winnie

  19. Matthew Pilott 19

    Funny that the big story for some of the right is NZFs donations, yet they’re happy to ignore National’s plans that would affect, oh, I don’t know, three million or so workers, if implemented. So, a side show that affects one party and is making Winston look out of his depth (let’s not foget how often the right would like to pretend he’s unimportant as it is), or a policy that is generally one of the most important…

    Just shows where their priorities are, and the contempt to which these people must be held in.

  20. Rob 20

    The National Policies for workers are good I believe it will get more people into the Workforce as many employers have stated they will take more people on. Also it is working in Australia now with no great problems there unions have it whats the big problem!!

    Funny haven’t seen any big Adverts in the papers from Unions complaining about it only have seen adverts complaining about Trevor Mallard.

    As much as you guys try to play this down it wont go away and Helen and Heather Simpson are going to have make some very hard decisions next week after the Mrs Rice has departed. We want open and Honest Government as promised by Helen Clark when is it going to happen

  21. T-rex 21

    Rob

    We’re already running at very low unemployment.

    Howard lost the election on the strength of opposition to his changes to employment policy.

    Your second paragraph is totally retarded. Read Steve’s summary: ‘Reaction Roundup’; you’ll see that most of the employment relations groups have been sharply critical of Nationals policy. Contrary to what appears to be your view – The NZ Herald is not representative of all sentiment in NZ.

    I don’t know why you’re all so f*cking excited about Peters. If he’s lying, which I expect he is, he’ll burn come the election – and good riddance. Your pathetic attempts to smear Labour, despite the absence of any association with the accusations is both transparent and reprehensible.

    Clark is charged with delivering stable government – you think she should fire her ministers on rumour? Guilt by accusation? Just before a foreign dignitary visits? Don’t be so stupid. Regardless of what he’s done elsewhere he is doing a pretty good job as foreign minister by all appearances, and I’d quite like to keep a competent government at least until we get the next one.

    The fact that you retards would be happy to see pointless chaos in order to get the change you want is a pretty good indicator of how much you actually care about the wellbeing of the country.

  22. Quoth the Raven 22

    Since when have National wanted more people in the workforce Rob? Key has said before that there is “no capacity there” and he wants more “flexibility” in the labour market. As I/S puts it
    So what is this “spare capacity”? Unemployment. Key is complaining that too many New Zealanders have jobs, meaning employers have to compete for labour, and they can’t just expand production by hiring another warm body at the minimum wage like they did in the 90’s.
    It’s the old Muldoon addage of two jobs for every three people. As it has been pointed out here Bill English said Labour’s goal of getting umemployment below 4% was a ‘hoax.’ But they succeded in acheiving that goal didn’t they. Can you remind me Rob what was unemployment at in the nineties when National was in power?

  23. Anita 23

    Rob,

    The National Policies for workers are good I believe it will get more people into the Workforce as many employers have stated they will take more people on.

    When? Where?

    I honestly don’t recall any reaction by employers groups saying that they will be taking on more staff if/when National’s policies come into force.

  24. Rob 24

    T-Rex

    In case you haven’t notice between 51 & 55% of New Zealanders would like this government to end now. They would like National in . So who cares if Peters burns and takes Clark down with him, All I can say if the shoe was on the other foot , The Standard would be all over National like a rash a little but hypocritical don’t you think?

  25. RedLogix 25

    In case you haven’t notice between 51 & 55% of New Zealanders would like this government to end now

    False statement.

    Unless you also know the percentages who either refuse to answer the pollster (> 50%) AND how many answer “Don’t know” (at least 25%)… then your statement above is demonstrably unprovable.

  26. Rob 26

    RedLogix I guess you would have said the polls were correct if Labour had been in the lead and their trend hadn’t been down for the last year. Its the trend that counts and that is a sorry sorry sight!!

    Your biggest problem will be getting people out to vote on Election day as they wont bother if they think Labour is going to get a hiding and that will decrease the Labour Party vote even more

    Anita

    Try listening to talk-back and you will hear all the small business owners ringing in saying they have been waiting for a law like this. As its weighted to far one way at the moment. Then they would employ more people. As we know small businesses as the biggest employers in New Zealand.

  27. Anita 27

    RedLogix,

    The July OneNews Colmar Brunton Poll has a 10% don’t know rate (obviously only of people who agreed to take part in the poll in the first place).

    That’s been pretty consistent all year, with all but of of their polls showing 8-10%, and the other one (March) showing 6%.

  28. outofbed 28

    In case you haven’t notice between 51 & 55% of New Zealanders would like this government to end now
    I would like to know where you get that figure from ?
    From you arse perhaps ?
    If you said “based on recent polls of eligible voters who agreed to answer polling questions, approx 50 % expressed a preference for a National led Government’ You may have been closer to the mark. However you didn’t.

    Look I know it must be frustrating supporting a team that has been in opposition for 9 years and realising that the only hope of regaining power it to throw all your right wing principles out the window and adopt 90% of the Labours thinking.
    I guess the realisation is slowly dawning that even if you(nats) win its Labours policies which are the real winners.
    This is obviously making you angry. Take a chill pill accept the centre left has won the argument

    BTW I could not possibly carry on supporting the Party of my choosing if they did a 180 on all the policies that attracted my support in the first place.
    But then I guess I have principles

  29. “Benodic

    Winston is not a story of substance, it’s a media beatup that will be forgotten in a week or two.”

    I’m not so sure, the whole thing about Peters alleged over spend last election hasnt died over at kiwi blog. Some good soul managed to pry from Farrar that it was a moral obligation to pay the money back not a legal and ive got a sense that the some thing will happen here. How long do you think they could carry it on for? The whole election thing I think will probably carry on till the day Winston dies (with certian breaks while National needs Winstons support), once hes gone, National loves fascist authoritarians like Ron Markl, they can say the things National are to emmbarased to say themselves)

    And far out you can just about see the desperation in thier typing when they are trying to claim that Hellen Clark has anything to do with it.

    It kinda gives the game away really, you can tell they dont really care what hes done (maybe even a little jealous?) its really all about attempting to topple this government

  30. Rob 30

    OutofBed

    Winners are Grinner’s and I know who will be grinning on November the 9th and it wont be Labour!!

  31. RedLogix 31

    Oh dear Rob. You were only allowed one ugly election gloat here at the Standard, and you’ve gone and used it up already. How sad.

  32. lprent 32

    Rob: I don’t think you understand how the polls operate. Otherwise you wouldn’t make these rather vacuous noises.

    No-one actually involved in politics trusts the polls because their methodology is grossly inaccurate. Look at any polling series 4 to 5 months out from an election and up to the election and compare the trends against the final results. Trends are of interest, but absolute values and spreads aren’t.

    RL: You also forgot the 35% or so of the electorate households that they can’t contact because they don’t have listed landlines. That is also differentially sorted because the ‘poorest’ electorates only have less than 40% with a listed land-line. The most conservative (and technophobic) electorates have over 85% with listed phone lines.

    The nett effect is that the people who participate in polls are a self-selected bunch. As Rob implies, they contain a considerably higher proportion of the talkback radio deadheads.

    Actually look a lot like some rightists around here. You get the distinct impression that they don’t do any ground-level politics.

    captcha: admires Minister

  33. Rob 33

    Anita

    You can rationalise all you like about the don’t know rate !! What about the trend of Labour voters going down!!

    What about Women voters switching to National going up!! What about the Auckland Vote going hugely towards National.

    What about the Maori Vote Maori Party picking up and National picking up Maori voters Labour losing Maori voters. All pretty conclusive really or you don’t know!!

  34. just wondering 34

    Rob

    Are you “Jamie” on the Stuff/Fairfax blogs?

  35. outofbed 35

    “Winners are Grinner’s ”
    I fail to see have to sell out everything you believe in in a desperate bid for power, is winning
    It a shame that Clark is going to win in some respects, because it would be great to to see the fractionated principleless Tories implode

  36. lprent 36

    Rob: Now I know you’re a mathematical idiot. Tell me what was the actual number of people in the auckland sample. What is the probable error rate on that size sample just in the stats (ignore all of the other factors that RedLogix, Anita, and I talked about).

    You’re trying to pull a trend out of that? You obviously didn’t pay attention during any applied maths.

  37. higherstandard 37

    Lynn

    Attached is the only reasonable summary I’ve seen of polling trends in the regions.

    http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2008/4308/

    On a side issue I find it odd that a number of the posters on the blog (with Tane and IB being notable exceptions) continue to ignore or act as apologists for Winston’s appalling behaviour.

    Certainly there is some degree of feeding frenzy on the political right but this is exacerbated by his denials and attacks on the media when they appear to have been correct about the man from day one.

    I expect the Prime Minister will take the same position as Key early next week and state that if he doesn’t have a satisfactory explanation for lying to the media and missing donations that he will not be forming part of Labour’s plans should they look to form a government after the election.

  38. lprent 38

    hs: Yeah I’ve seen it. The question is on the margin of error / confidence levels.

    The last poll was 871 respondents. Now that is an appallingly low number to estimate across a 2.8 million voting population

    Assume 1/3rd of those are in Auckland, you’re trying to estimate voting intentions from about 290 people. I think that there are more district names than that in the auckland region. The confidence level must be atrocious.

    You notice the final section in that report on margin of error

    The figures are approximate and for general guidance only, and assume a simple random sample.

    I’d argue with a high degree of confidence that the latter condition has not been met in any way.

    //================

    In case you hadn’t noticed, there is one thing that the standardistas who have talked about it so far seem to agree on. They don’t like anonymous donations.

    The Winston thing – I regard it as just another inherent problem with anonymous donations. As far as I can see so far there isn’t anything that even comes close to the widespread political influence buying with National that I detect in the Waitemata trust.

    Until I see the Nat’s, Act, and for that matter Labour offer to all of their anon donations, I will treat NZF and Winston in the same suspicious state. The major distinction is that NZF had less than the 2 million that the nats got from the Watemata Trust.

  39. Pascal's bookie 39

    “when they appear to have been correct about the man from day one.”

    Just saying HS, but on day one of Winnie’s career, (and he hasn’t changed his spots at all) he was a Nat party MP, with high expectations of leadership potential.

    Personally I think most of the venom thrown at him from the right stems from the fact that he is a traitor to their cause.

  40. ak 40

    ligherstandard: I expect the Prime Minister will take the same position as Key early next week…

    heeeeee! – now that really would be a first, considering that Slip-slop’s entire campaign to date has consisted of taking Hel’s position on almost everything!

    Can’t wait till “early next week” LS, to further confirm the accuracy and credibility of your little “wishful thinking” predictions 🙂

  41. Anita 41

    Rob,

    Anita

    You can rationalise all you like about the don?t know rate !!

    Actually I’m pretty sure I was disagreeing with RedLogix not you.

    But don’t let that confuse you, I shall disagree with you now 🙂

    What about Women voters switching to National going up!!

    What about the Maori Vote Maori Party picking up and National picking up Maori voters Labour losing Maori voters.

    I haven’t seen any of those splits show that women are swinging to National at a greater rate than men, or Maori roll voters at a greater rate than general roll voters.

    Can you point me to the data you’re using?

  42. Anita 42

    HS,

    I wouldn’t say I’m representative of the left, we contain multitudes, but I know many people share this view of the current NZF debacle. Does it sound either apologist or ignoring to you?

    1) WP and NZF have acted in a way that is, at least, pretty damned dodgy. Someone may or may not get to the bottom of it – I’d like to hope they do, but I’m not optimistic. It hasn’t lowered my opinion of NZF at all, it was that low to begin with.

    2) This whole fuss reinforces all my pre-existing beliefs about how bad anonymous and quasi-anonymous donations to political parties (or, in fact, any large sum donations). I want tighter rules, I want state funding – I want them even more after this.

    3) Key is wandering around saying he wants to repeal the legislation that is preventing NZF doing the same thing this year – this doesn’t surprise me, nor does it lower my opinion of Key or the National Party.

    4) Can we move on from the sideshow and discuss policy now?

    5) Yep, policy, now.

  43. Quoth the Raven 43

    The National Policies for workers are good I believe it will get more people into the Workforce as many employers have stated they will take more people on.

    Rob – You make this assertion then when people take you up on it you don’t bother to defend it you just jump to another assertion. Face it Rob the National party does not care about working class New Zealand all there policy and rhetoric points at lowering wages and the number of people in employment. They have a track record to prove it.

    Also it is working in Australia now with no great problems there unions have it whats the big problem!!

    Howard lost the election because of workchoices or did you forget that Rob.

  44. lprent 44

    Anita: That was an admirable summing up of my attitudes.

    It is a distracting sideshow. Makes the media feel like they have a grasp on something, but that is because a lot of them appear to be adverse to looking at anything serious.

  45. randal 45

    lprent…after 50 years of reading the local rag and the two wellington dailes now reduced to one it is obvious that they only employ servile flunkies these days or lightweight style columnists devoid of content…its all very sad.

  46. RedLogix 46

    And of course the timing was perfect.

    First up they wait until WP is in Singapore so that they have a whole unmolested week to get traction in the media.

    And then of course the essential need to distract from any success that might arise from the Rice visit.

    Any wonder I get more cynical with age. (A process I take no pleasure from.)

  47. CMR 47

    So National’s employment policy is the major story of the week? Really? Ask Sir Robert Jones if he agrees to this absurdity!

    I rate the weather as a more significant event this week. Then there’s the crazy names debate. (Beautifully exemplified by the arrival of Condoleeza Rice…what sort of crazy name is that?) The next story is the lack of resolve shown by the PM in not sacking the filth she condones as a foreign minister. Not much happening;is there?

    The suggestion by RedLogix that it takes a mere “whole unmolested week” to obtain traction in the media is wide of the mark…it takes a full week to awaken them let alone witness any evidence the media is doing something!

  48. higherstandard 48

    Anita

    It’s not the donations that’s the issue – it’s his denials and obfuscation – the world according to Winston is everyone is a liar apart from Winston.

    He could have avoided this fiasco by saying he had no idea if Owen Glen had donated to him but it was No No No. He could have asked the media to get clarification from Glen but no – now he’s off down the same path with Bob Jones it’s bizarre.

    Personally I don’t give a damn that he’s had donations from Glen, Jones the Velas or Uncle Tom Cobleigh but his behaviour just reinforces that there’s something dodgy going on and the media will not let him go after the crap they’ve taken from him over the years.

    Regarding policy good lord there’s plenty of time for that – the NZ public have an incredibly short attention span there’ll be at least a couple of months to pour over things prior to the election and regardless most will have made up there mind already and a few will be counter-influenced by the odd policy sound bite – we can kid ourselves all we want but outside of the political blogs the general public won’t be wringing their hands about who to vote for based on policy.

    In terms of State Funding of political campaigns I don’t necessarily disagree but this always favours an incumbent government.

  49. Anita 49

    HS,

    Winston’s denials and obfuscations – absolutely! But, as I said, they haven’t altered my opinion of him; I have nothing new to say about him and no particular desire to repeat everything I’ve already said.

    Do you think that policy had no effect on the “general public” vote in the last election?

    State funding – can be constructed to not favour the incumbent. Shouldn’t we try to find a way to do that?

  50. ak 50

    (Without wishing to trivialise the serious discussion ensuing in your forum, but heckaday it’s Fridey night)

    LS: (the BS artist formerly known as burtHS who claims the status of a highly-educated medic yet exhibits all the erudition, humanity and spelling skills of a typically provincial partisan tory hack and remains a quasi-hippocratic-oath-taking hypocrite who has recently been exposed as a blatant prevaricatior of the highest standard (so pray excuse my little hypocoristic indulgence)):

    …a couple of months to pour over things prior to the election and….

    …most will have made up there mind already… and…

    the similarly intellectually-equipped young tory partisan known as burt is conspicuous by his ongoing and simultaneous absence….

    hmmmmmmm……

    As you were, men.

  51. Higherstandard 51

    AK

    Go away !

    I can’t be bothered with you after your last effort of calling me a liar based on my taking issue with your delusions.

    Anita

    Absolutely if the state funding could be constructed in such a away it would be a great idea – more so for the benefit of the smaller parties who I believe are dealt a poor hand under the current system.

    Certainly policy had an effect on the last election but nearly as much as the pure electioneering of things such as the Orewa speech and Brash’s dalliance with the EB.

  52. The All Blacks won’t win the next World Cup, because they backed a tired used up loser leader (Henry).Please don’t make the same mistake in the election, as Helen is in the same-stale use by date basket as the deluded AB coaches. Nothing too see here, doh kiwi’s – suckers for pain!!!
    Give em a boot !!!

  53. fiona 53

    d4j

    It is your analogy with the All Blacks that is mistaken, unless you mean that NZ should have switched coaches AND teams.

  54. Ed 54

    I find it surprising that the media blindly follow National’s misleading labelling of their policy as being the introduction of a 90 day trial period. Surely by now some of them should know that we already have such provision, and that all National is doing is allowing employers to terminate at the end of that trial with no cause, or explanation to the worker.

    There certainly doesn’t seem to be anything that would in any way close the wage gap with Australia

  55. Rob 55

    Great to see the EPMU in the papers getting at Mallard again obviously Labour hasn’t shut this problem down yet. Also Family First with all the cases so far where police have investigated the Clark payback to Greens bill (Anti Smacking ) All pressure mounting on the Government.

    [I take it this illiterate means the EMA – the Employers and Manufacturers’ Association, not the EPMU – the Enginneering, Printing, and Manufacturing Union. SP]

  56. immigrant 56

    The unbearable easiness of lying

    Hi guys

    I do come from a primitive country where the politician lie, steal, kill and if they bare not caught , they are heroes because of that.

    I thought , here , in New Zealand the things will be different.Yes, they are different but only on surface.

    If Winstone Peters lose his Parliament post I do advice him to go to Bulgarian Parliament as a Minister.There he can do whatever he wants and everything will be O.K . But he should hurry up , things start changing even there.

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    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    2 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    2 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    2 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    2 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    8 hours ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    10 hours ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    11 hours ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    12 hours ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    14 hours ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    15 hours ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    15 hours ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    18 hours ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    19 hours ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    21 hours ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    22 hours ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    24 hours ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    1 day ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    1 day ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    1 day ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    1 day ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    1 day ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    3 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    4 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    4 days ago
  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
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    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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    5 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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    5 days ago
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
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    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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