This coming digital war

Written By: - Date published: 8:12 am, October 21st, 2017 - 68 comments
Categories: blogs, David Farrar, democracy under attack, democratic participation, Dirty Politics, dpf, internet, jacinda ardern, labour, Media, national, Propaganda, same old national, spin, The Standard, twitter - Tags:

The last Labour government we had here, if anyone can remember back eighteen years, started in December 1999. Not exactly pre-internet, but certainly before Twitter, Facebook, Baidu, Snapchat, and blogsites had any major impact on politics.

Even three years later it was still possible for an actual printed book to have some impact on the campaign. Nicky Hagar’s Seeds of Distrust came out to tilt at the snap election called at the same time. But does anyone remember the last time a Letter to the Editor made any impact?

The Clark government began back in the day when the sea of the media was a great rolling tide with large and predictable waves that hit the seawall of the collective public mind in nice big predictable echoes. These days those rolling great stories still come in, but the wave size and interval is unpredictably deadly. Digital social media is the global warming of human response: all is accelerated, all storms are greater in intensity and force, collective minds are more febrile, actions and reactions are algorhythmically destabilised beyond what we have ever seen.

Jacinda Ardern owes her career and her rise to leader of New Zealand to that change in the fluid dynamics of political discourse. Young people are driving the energy of that sea. Commentators – paid or unpaid – are precisely the wind itself. As well as a massively resourced Opposition, and untold coalition faultlines to come, this government is being launched into this hostile, roiling black thing.

In this era, that media is now you and me.

If this fresh government is to have any chance at survival, we have to move our influence beyond The Standard. It is inarguable that this is the most influential left-leaning blogsite in New Zealand. But like the voting patters itself between Labour and the Greens, its debates take points almost entirely off each other. We write on a primary alternative means for the new government to change minds.

The Standard is of no use to Jacinda Ardern and her government if that influence is not pushed out to greater effect than it is now.

There are plenty of competent writers here. There are even a few interesting ones.

There are a fair few who are good at rolling out snappy bon mots.

But they are lost here.

We all need our own Twitter accounts.

We need to reach out actively to our clearly influential friends at GreaterAuckland.

We all need our own handles on Kiwiblog, Whaleoil, and beyond.

Perhaps if we do so we could support each other before we venture forth.

Done well, Kiwiblog and Whaleoil will bring down the next government. Even with New Zealand First in proper coalition, the numbers in Parliament are still fairly tight. Exceltium, Senate, Saunders Unsworth and all the other Dark Arts practitioners will continue their dedicated work to turn stories into nightmares for the most inexperienced Cabinet we have seen in my lifetime. They will do so legally, and they are paid for results. They will concentrate their detailed profiles on the weakest Members of Parliament, the stupid Ministers seeking to regulate where industry did not want regulation, and they will bring them down until this government falls.

Our measure of doing well is when our writing is so good that it is picked up and becomes its own wave series. This currently happens all too rarely.

To my mind there is little doubt that the petition against Mike Hosking moderating the leaders’ debate was effective.

But the real campaign begins now. In case we forget, the Clark government was spectacularly damaged in 2008 through dumb small ideas that got blown up and we didn’t sufficiently respond.

I am not proposing a hive mind in which we all receive the weeks’ hit-lines every Monday evening after Cabinet like Shepilov under Stalin, then echo them like heroic Tweeting Canaries into the coalmine of our black national soul. I know only how intensely vulnerable this new government is to digital media attack, right now, while they are disorganised and inchoate.

There are some like Stephanie Rodgers who are penetrating into the mainstream commentariat, and have consistently strong followings on line.

There must be more.

Comment by comment, they must be us.

Because this government under Jacinda Ardern will probably fall if we don’t.

68 comments on “This coming digital war ”

  1. The Fairy Godmother 1

    Could someone run a workshop on this.

    • Heather Grimwood 1.1

      Fairy Godmother…you have motivated me to take idea further in my region..thank you.

      • The Fairy Godmother 1.1.1

        If is works well in your region I am sure people from other regions could pay for your travel and accommodation costs to run workshops in other places. I would be very interested in attending and perhaps trainees could be taught how to teach others it could grow really well.

        • Heather Grimwood 1.1.1.1

          to Fairy Godmother at 1.1.1 : I certainly haven’t that expertise, but will
          proceed with discussions.

  2. Keepcalmcarryon 2

    Read Trotter on TDB, Prebble is running what looks to be the establishment attack line, in various fora the line “illegitimate government” is surfacing. This must be countered swiftly. Fake news.

    • Heather Grimwood 2.1

      Keepcalmcarryon : agree this attack line coming from many angles.

    • Incognito 2.2

      Nah, it’s ‘pretty legal’ 😉

      Chris Trotter and others are not much help IMO; they are on the other side of the same coin Prebble and the likes.

      The dominant narrative is still the same and this needs to changed, not countered; tit-for-tat is the same as tat-for-tit.

      Take this sentence, for example:

      Such an open declaration of war against the neoliberal establishment was bound to draw an equally belligerent response.

      It’s highly illustrative how the new Opposition is going to fight (!) back, i.e. by using the same narrative that has served them so well particularly over the last 9 years.
      A war against the “the neoliberal establishment” is not a war against the people who did not vote for Labour, NZ First, or the Greens.

      Trotter’s last sentence further perpetuates this polarization. Labour, NZ First, and the Greens have committed themselves to fulfilling the hopes and dreams of all of the New Zealand electorate, not just the 50.4 percent who voted for them. In fact, I like to think that many of the policies that will be implemented by the new Government will get the approval, by and large, from many people who did not actually vote for the new Government. These people are not the real problem!

      I suggest that a new narrative is needed, one that is more closely aligned with the way the Greens conduct their politics and build & maintain relationships. If we keep fighting back with the same weapons as our ‘enemy’ and on their terms we will be just like them and never be able to move on, especially if our opponent has better weapons and fewer scruples.

  3. Heather 3

    Well said Greg. The negative backlash is alive and well this morning. Comments that must be counteracted quickly.
    The defeated right will be vicious in defeat, we know what their print partners are capable of, this will intensify by the week.
    A workshop would a good.
    I have taken a step with a Twitter account.

    • Patricia Bremner 3.1

      Jacinda herself showed the way.

      Relentless positivity. Messages of hope with caring and people centered messages.

      Tamati Coffey has great skills in this area also. A fine model.

      Something people want to be associated with every day. Keeping them engaged.

  4. I’m sorry ,… I don’t do any of that shit. I was a generation behind all of that new fangled shit so I lucked out.

    I’ve just learned how to use the interweb , play my game and use the news and links and read up on the news. All good if you can use all that other stuff… but I’m still back in the old days,.. and from where I stand?… I’m sure as hell glad of it.

    All power to you modern types ,… as for me ?

    I’m here. Back in the 19th century.

    Right up there with Billy the Kid and Clyde Barrow.

    And I’m not apologizing for it either.

    Bon Jovi – Wanted Dead Or Alive – YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRvCvsRp5ho

  5. The Fairy Godmother 5

    have just reset my password and gone on twitter. Might have to learn on the job so to speak.

  6. eco Maori/kiwi 6

    Good post David I think we need a code of conduct draw up for our media, social media as the neo liberals will use any tack tick to bring down OUR new Government . I.E If thee article has
    no facts and damages ones reputation that’s $100.000 fine well some thing like that I’m just a novices but a lot of resources need to be put into sorting out this problem Quick to make it fair because the right will use any advantage fair or not fair to kick us in the private parts . I have tried to get a twitter ac but some one is using my email and pseudo as well I will put more time into sorting this out or find and pay a tec savvy person to help me sort this out as my children are just to busy with there life to help.

  7. millsy 7

    No quarter given or asked for really.

    To be honest, I won’t be surprised if Jacinda is ‘Whitlamed’ in the next 3 years with all the shit that is gonna go down.

    I know Cunliffe would have been..

  8. Aaron 8

    This article describes how National set up their social media team – members of which are often the first to post.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11510969

    We really need someone to archive this before it disappears

    • Yeah most definitely ,… but the truth be told,.. all major social movements come about as a result of critical mass point,…now technology’s good ,… but most average types are not interested in the latest nerd crap.

      No insult to nerds.

      They are needed.

      As this article most demonstrates.

      But most of us ‘ averages ‘ don’t need facebook or bitcoin or any other of that sort of geek shit.

      We appraise by eye movement , faltering voices and bastards who don’t know what to do with their hands. Its primeval. Its crude and its simplistic. Like a wolf pack. Pretty basic. Welcome to the human race.Sorry to burst your bubble but when the Mujahideen beat the Americans by using a simple woolen blanket to foil their high tech heat seeking helicopter mounted infrared cameras?

      That tells you much about the prowess of geek technology.

      Its overrated.

      Nothing beats up close and personal.

      • One Two 8.1.1

        WK you’re an intuitive individial

        You’re comments tell as much..

        Technology relieves people of intuition, the same way that ‘reliance’ on any man made frameworks do…

        I include ‘science’ within the same sphere…

        Intuition and those primal instincts you refer to, are the most critical ‘tools’ any of us have..

        Use them, exercise them and they will provide all that is necessary for managing our human existence and networks in harmony with the surroundings. .

        I enjoy your comments…

        • One Anonymous Bloke 8.1.1.1

          Hint: once you start naming things you’ve moved beyond intuitive understanding. Taoists mentioned this 2500 years ago.

          Please try and keep up.

          • One Two 8.1.1.1.1

            You don’t have to beg..and you could have stayed away from the show of appreciation to WK..

            In any case, I am not interested in your repetitive, unoriginal quoting/referencing of others..

            Try something original…

            Your protracted contribution here is still resoundingly negative..

            • One Anonymous Bloke 8.1.1.1.1.1

              …says the person who doesn’t understand that technology and intuition are complimentary assets.

  9. Visubversa 9

    Yes, there are still people moaning about Nanny State lightbulbs and showerheads.

    There needs to be a “Fox News Filter” – the ability to look at stuff and think – “what is the worst thing some low life Tory scumbag who lies as they breathes can do with this” and make the message simple enough to prevent that. Think Sarah Palin and how they turned end of life counselling under Obamacare into “death panels”.

    If intelligent people can spin it one way – intelligent people should be able to prevent it.

  10. KJS0ne 10

    I would like to see more of us hold the MSM feet to the fire on the issue of collusion with the Nats. Not a day had passed before the usual suspects on the Herald etc were writing up hit pieces on Winston and Jacinda.

    The people of New Zealand should always give an incoming government a chance, we should hope for a new government’s success – Whether it is left, right or centre – Because ultimately, our future as a nation is tied to the job that these people are doing.

    That’s not to say a government shouldn’t be criticised, quite the opposite – A strong and critical opposition is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. That’s not to say media shouldn’t be a big part of that – It should. But we need to move past this zeitgeist that political parties are like sports teams and this is our tribe and we just won a war against the other tribe…

    The MSM facilitates this perspective with its bias and sensationalism. I would hate to see us go the way of the USA, where partisan politics has become so entrenched that the Governance of the country has essentially ground to a halt where nothing can be achieved. We are a long way off from that, but I do feel we are moving in that direction.

    So we need to ensure that we are not creating echo chambers, we need to dialogue with the people at Whaleoil and Kiwi blog, if only so that their straw men have a little better resemblance to the actual thing. The same applies in reverse. The Standard must continue and improve on its ability to have a constructive dialogue with conservatives who visit the site.

    Because at the end of the day, whether you are an SJW, a progressive, a liberal, a centrist, a neolib, a conservative, or a Slater – We all want New Zealand to succeed, we just have different ideas about how to go about it.

  11. One Two 11

    Let it all fail..

    Talk of having to defend digital attacks in social/political spheres is the antithesis of ‘democracy / freedom’

    Life sucking digital technologies are the tools which need to be shunned in these spaces

    Turn around, walk back to the organic analogue world of humanity and the environment

    Engaging in ‘anti organic’ digital ‘warfare’ will lead to places darker than the could be anticipated…

    • Molly 11.1

      With you on this topic, One Two.

      Agree with Ad that a counter narrative is required, but we must be careful to not make that the focus of engagement. Face to face conversations with people on an everyday basis, would more likely lead to change.

      However, for those inclined towards social media – it makes sense to do what you can. But – don’t think that it is all that you can do – and most importantly – all that needs to be done.

      (I personally don’t want to engage in adversarial tit-for-tat online with people whose primary intent is to sow discord. I would prefer to put my energy with those who engage with the intention to learn or educate).

    • Incognito 11.2

      Agreed!

    • gsays 11.3

      Spot on, one two.
      My thoughts were along the lines of joining the local community/shared garden, volunteering for a group in your community, helping out at local rest home…

      A discussion face to face is worth far more than another cyber opinion.
      I do not mean don’t engage on line, just that real human relations have far more integrity.

  12. DH 12

    I think people might be overestimating the influence the likes of farrar, twitter etc, have. Trump is a twitter lesson, he’s been using it to bypass the media and failing the popularity game miserably because he doesn’t have the big audience. Farrars site is no threat, he only preaches to the already converted.

    The enemy, or friend, is the media. The opposition only get traction when their words are repeated in the MSM, they’re merely farting in the wind otherwise. You need to keep the MSM onside.

    How to do that … you can hit them where it hurts if it comes to it. In the pocket. They all have shareholders to answer to and a procession of expensive defence actions would get the message across.

    The self-interested lobbyists feed the media ‘cheap’ news, news that costs less than paying journalists & reporters to find news. Make it more expensive by challenging it.

    Individually no-one can take on the media juggernaut but collectively… death by a thousand cuts. You can wear them down.

  13. tracey 13

    Is the RNZ tv channel still on the cards?

  14. Brian Tregaskin 14

    Lets get the ball rolling
    First off we need to understand
    the MSM Hierarchy. Pecking orders of names etc

    • cleangreen 14.1

      Yes brian we need to diemiss all ‘biased’ media types and return our media to a fair balanced media again.

  15. cleangreen 15

    Very true that is Advantage as I recall all this as I signed onto labour in 1999.

    So my submission to the new Government is to quickly seize all treasury documents/accounts,books records and have all seroiusly scrutinised for any “collussion” between the former National Government and big investors/coporations/investors to buy all our assets and examine our financial accounts.

    We must leave no stone un-turned to examine what the past administration actually got up to while we were kept in the dark.

    Are there more “Saudi Arabia” type ‘sheep deals’ bribery going on for nine years also, or any more $11.7 billion holes?????

  16. Siobhan 16

    http://observer.com/2016/12/hillary-clinton-ruled-politics-twitter-in-2016/

    So Hillary ‘Won’ on Twitter…and lost the election to a giant orange moron.

    Don’t believe the hype…clearly those inclined that way should be on Twitter, it is another tool ofcourse, but Twitter is no different from the MSM, both mediums are a little overconfident in their influence as has been ‘proved’ by both the UK and US elections….elections are won and lost on the state of peoples lives and the credibility of Political Leaders…the proof is in the pudding.

    and a word of caution from the Arab Spring..

    “But then “the euphoria faded, we failed to build consensus and the political struggle led to intense polarisation,” said Ghonmin at a recent Ted talk. Social media quickly became a battlefield of misinformation, rumours and trolls – “the same tool that united us to topple dictators eventually tore us apart,” he said.”

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/25/egypt-5-years-on-was-it-ever-a-social-media-revolution

    • Incognito 16.1

      Thanks for the link to the article in the Guardian, which is very interesting. The situation in Egypt was more extreme than in little old New Zealand but the same principles apply and the same warnings; we need to learn from other people’s mistakes or we’re bound to make them ourselves.

  17. halfcrown 17

    I have seen this morning via Facebook the shit campaign gathering momentum about Peters with no seats deciding who is the government. with crap by the likes of Prebble A timely reminder to these dicks about MMP and how English and Key and the corrupt National government gerrymandered the last two or three elections that allowed them to get that self-seeking turd called Dung in Ohariu and Rimmer in Remuera.
    This enabled English and Key with the courtesy of Dung and Rimmer to hock off the power companies to their spiv mates. Oh, I forgot “Mum & Dad Investors” didn’t say which countries the “Mum & Dad Investors” lived in though. This was something the majority of New Zealanders were against, National managed to sell off the power companies because through their corrupt manipulation of the MMP system they were the government. The majority of New Zealanders wanted MMP modified but was refused by National as it had worked very well in their favour up to now.
    This is the type of counter-argument, sorry the truth that needs to get out there digitally

    • Psych nurse 17.1

      The answer to media assassination is simple, pick your own tame journalists, feed them alone information and sideline the Hoskings,Gowers et al. Thats what National obviously did.

  18. halfcrown 18

    I like the picture Did not realise that you could have three arsoles.

  19. Philg 19

    Shakedown at RNZ? They can change the brand now to Radio Labour as National Radio is no longer apt. 😊 Lol.

    • cleangreen 19.1

      100% PhilG,

      The “Radio National ” was Steven Joyce’s idea so we need to remove the words ‘National’ now as soon as Labour can do it.

      We want all vestiges of the slime the National party have left around to be gone by ‘lunchtime.’ please Jacinda/Winston and James.

      Radio NZ regional is another handle we could use for regional services as in HB/Gisborne recently we recieved a letter from radio NZ that we now had no regional reporter so Labour must restore regional reporting now please as we are being disrimated against.
      Here is the letter we got back from George Bignell OIA “co-ordinator.”.

      October 13, 2017

      Radio NZ.
      21st October 2017.
      Dear ………….
      I write in response to your request “how the regional reporting structure of the Radio NZ broadcasting services now are different to the way the operations serviced the regions formerly.”

      I can advise that RNZ does not hold any specific information in this regard that we can supply to you. To answer your question, apart from the relocation of one reporting position from our Queenstown office to our Dunedin office, there has been no recent changes to our regional reporting structure.

      The Hawkes Bay regional reporting position is currently vacant and Radio New Zealand will look to fill that position in the near future.

      We trust this of assistance to you.

      Yours sincerely
      George Bignell
      OIA Inquiries Coordinator
      Radio NZ.

      • cleangreen 19.1.1

        We sent that request for an Offcial Information Act request on 7th September 2017 and only recieved this response aove yesterday 20th October 2017 or 44 days after we placed the OIA request and the law says we should have recieved the reply less than 20 working days after they recieved the request which was confirmed recieved 7th September 2017.

        Not good enough Radio NZ. Pull up your socks now!!!!!

        As there is a new sherriff in town now called ‘Jacinda.’

  20. CHCOff 20

    In my view the Government partys should approach it’s term as the first one of 3 or 4.

    Band aids on alot of areas to stop them going further backwards, and concentrated focus on a few bold initiatives to start progress going forward in a different overall direction than the current status quo, which will have the most understandable effects for the general population – that may mean they are not the most ideal structural changes that the govt. would ideally like to start with, but that they are in a pragmatic political sense to what the lay of the land is.

    Methodical and efficient application in most things, is generally a process that requires a good dose of patience to start with in building up the requisite applicable skill, and while it is true learning from mistakes often has merit to the process, it is best to learn from that aspect of the process with the same fundamentals on a small scale rather than a large.

    As to raging culture wars in media, most people are not interested and will not serve the purpose of the new government to engage in them for unlike the previous stream of sideshows in the last regime, they will not be for the overall govt’s public credit of business as usual.

  21. barry 21

    I know that Labour wants to be relentlessly positive, but we should popularise phrases like “innumerate Stephen Joyce” & “Lying Bill English”. They sacrificed their credibility to stop Labour’s momentum and it worked for them, but there has to be a cost.

    • david 21.1

      Don’t worry Barry. Relentless positive was just abandoned. It’s doom and gloom and they did it.

  22. david 22

    I don’t think blogs or twitter makes any difference. You don’t change minds there. In NZ it’s the MSM who are suspectible to agenda setting.

    Don’t worry you have many friends there. But eventually they will turn on you. Remember, John Campbell turned on Helen Clark because she wasn’t left wing enough (corngate).

    [lprent: Nope. But I suspect you are merely a stupid troll trying to play games.

    Prove that you aren’t by providing a timeline, John Campbell’s political preference, and the ministers affected. Then explain exactly why you are wrong and apologize for lying.

    Otherwise you won’t get out the permanent ban I just imposed. I don’t like stupidity in our trolls. ]

    • cleangreen 22.1

      Natz troll watch David is a name we need to keep on our register now.

      Go back to your tory right wing paymasters David.

    • david 22.2

      That’s silly. John Campbell’s political preferences is clear as Mike Hoskins’. There is nothing wrong with that. John is a nice personable bloke. If you are denying he is left wing, you are disavowing the handwringing on this blog and TheDailyblog that happened when he was sacked.
      “Some Campbell Live staff believe that is because the show’s liberal focus – and Campbell’s heroic status among some on the left – clashes with its bosses’ political outlook.”

      Do you not remember Corngate? Nicky Hager wrote the book, Seeds of Distrust.
      Where Helen Clark called him a sanctimonus little creep.
      Short Memories.

      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corngate
      thestandard.org.nz/john-campbell-returns/
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430252

  23. Whispering Kate 23

    I’ve done my bit with the Herald yet again – I gave it up 4 years ago and was offered a 5 week free trial again – I have been binning it into the recyle right away – utter tripe and shite the entire way through.

    I have given the poor guy on the phone such an ear bashing and now I am going to put it into email to the rag itself and cc’ing it to the Editor in Chief. It’s not only the ghastly editorial content and its utterly biased views and propoganda, plus leader writers who lie and spin for the Nats but its obviously geared entirely for the 2% of kiwis who have big incomes and love to party. The Real Estate supplement is full of millionaire plus homes and land and the Canvas supplement has models in clothing at least $400 a piece, that is $400 for the skirt, $400 for the top and $300 at least for the shoes which even a sensible middle class person would never purchase. The food part of the Canvas features high end restaurants etc., expensive cuts of meat and all the other luxury high end items that very few of us could buy even if we wanted to.

    Who does the Herald think is going to read this stuff – certainly not the majority of citizens paddling so hard to keep their heads above water. Christ on a bike that is the last time, and I repeat that, the last time I ever attempt to read a NZ Herald again.

    This new fledgling Government will need every help it can get to counter this malevolent evil vicious right wing especially now it is in opposition. If all the social media offered is as nasty as the Herald its a terrible indictment of the rightwing nasties in this country we have.

    • cleangreen 23.1

      We too have had MSM resistance from all media including RNZ for five years now and call for labour to set new media standards to force all media to cover regional community issues comunities came forward with and keep a complaints registery of complaints from comunity who are unable to get their issues covered by the MSM.

      The current “Standards Authority” does not respond to oue complaints after we complained of our issues expressed for media coverage were ignored by the media now.

      Any NZ Broadcasting funds given to these media outlets must then be reclaimed from these errant media companies and be backdated.

    • JC 23.2

      Apologies to quote you WK, and or mess with your post. But You’re Totally on the money, as they say..

      “its utterly biased views and propaganda, plus lead writers who lie and spin for the Nats but its obviously geared entirely for the 2% of kiwis who have big incomes and love to party. The Real Estate supplement is full of millionaire plus homes and land and the Canvas supplement has models in clothing at least $400 a piece, that is $400 for the skirt, $400 for the top”

      With:

      Ms Adams said the findings should be treated with a high degree of caution, as the survey did not have consistent comparisons from country to country.

      “They’re not comparing apples with apples and to suggest that is our number of homeless is quite wrong.”

      She said government estimates were that the number was closer to 4000.

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/335556/nz-tops-list-of-developed-countries-with-most-homeless

      Totally agree that “we need every help to counter this malevolent evil vicious right wing especially now it i”s in opposition. If all the social media offered is as nasty as the Herald its a terrible indictment of the rightwing nasties in this country we have.”

    • DH 23.3

      I expect the Herald has a good idea on who reads what Kate. Since going online the press have had an enormously powerful marketing tool called a page view counter. It really is a marketers dream, they get highly accurate data on what people will read and what they won’t.

      I’ll wager that when an event becomes news people keep following it no matter how inane or petty the followup news snippets might be. That could be why they hound a subject to death, they probably don’t kill a story until the page views start tapering off.

      I think if people want to beat the media we first need to understand them. They are quite complex, there’s no single explanation for why they behave as they do. I’d imagine they promote and defend the housing market because the real estate industry pays them a great deal of money in advertising. With someone like Winston Peters, on the other hand, there’s possibly both malice and page views.

  24. Brokenback 24

    I have posted several times post-election to this subject.

    My sincere hope that is that there is some very serious discussion going on as we “speak” , into the nuts and bolts of tri-party coalition mangement team that has at the top of it’s agenda ” Management of Public perception” .
    Quote:
    “Exceltium, Senate, Saunders Unsworth and all the other Dark Arts practitioners will continue their dedicated work to turn stories into nightmares for the most inexperienced Cabinet we have seen in my lifetime. They will do so legally, and they are paid for results.”

    The key to any strategy has to be in the last sentence.

    Follow the money .
    We’re faced with a spin machine that Goebel’s would have given both right & left testicles for BUT it must be incredibly expensive to run and therefore must also have a clearly discernible money trail.
    As I’ve said previously , the PM has immense power of search & surveillance and for me it will be the measure of Jacinda ‘s capability as a leader whether or not she chooses to use the tainted tools to all our advantage

  25. Patricia Bremner 25

    We do have to face that the right are entrenched. However, there are some who are beginning to wonder.

    We do not win them to our cause without giving them a hook to hang on.

    Where are your grandchildren going to live? What will their lives be like?

    Will they have shorter lives because of pollution? Climate change? Wars? Food shortages? Climate caused pests (mozzies)? Illnesses? Lack of opportunity to work?

    What can we do about that to leave the world able to renew itself for them?

    What do we need to live? What is really important?

    When they say People or Family, that is the chance to say,

    How much of today did you spend with people/family?

    How much was spent on technology, money, travel, work. Is it worth it?

    Conversations that need to be had.

  26. greywarshark 26

    We have to be alert to what is going on and take care that we don’t do the left a disadvantage, even by accident.

    For instance Ad your “I am not proposing a hive mind ” which you then explained with negative connotation. But Scoop have used the term Hive Mind for a project which it ran before the election, as a sort of focus group to ascertain attitudes to chosen subjects. So using the term elsewhere only dirties and confuses the name they have chosen as a brand for their opinion-seeking group.

    I don’t know how many of us could bear the brunt of the technicolour yawns from Whale Oil and even Kiwiblog. (That was a descriptive Oz term in the 1970s.)
    Someone reporting verbatim what they have said could be the focus of twitter and other outlets. And trying to keep cool as the RWs do when they come here and act the part of superior Headmasters, would be wise. How would the twitter comments sound if picked up and repeated,

  27. Muttonbird 27

    I’m doing my bit. But working people with families have limited time for this, or any, kind of activism.

  28. carlite 28

    It’s a romantic notion – the idea of waging a digital war against the opposition by going head-to-head on their platforms and in their articles. However, that’s all it is – romantic; and is actually counterproductive.

    If there is one thing the wider-left need to understand about digital marketing, it’s that the best way to suppress an article you disagree with is to not comment it or share it or do anything with it at all.

    You can write the most convincing rebuttal ever written about an article or opinion but the algorithms don’t care… a comment is a comment, and a react is a react and it will, perversely, count towards the article’s popularity and success.

    The best thing you can actually do is ignore them and not take part. Post more articles, comments and the likes on blogs and sites you like. Comment and react to articles you think show the left in a positive light, but do not touch the others, tempting as it may be.

    Remember – nobody who is able to be convinced of alternative views reads the comments. You and I may enjoy the rough-and-tumble, but to the majority of the citizenry, comments sections are the gutters of the media and they are ignored. You are not going to convince anybody there that they are wrong – because they have come to the ‘fight’ with just as much conviction as you do. The best thing you can do is leave it alone and not give the article your attention.

    • Ad 28.1

      Great comment.

      You favour fresh content.

      The challenge from your perspective would then alter to getting more outstanding writers who are informed both by the events of the day and by the intent of policy.

    • Philg 28.2

      +1 Carlite. The media has become the message. This election was a fine example of that. Winston was right in showing distain /contempt for the current shoddy/shabby fake journalism we are witnessing. Very concerning, and imo the biggest issue facing us. Looking forward to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Lol

  29. greywarshark 29

    Perhaps we need forums on TS where people who follow a particular sector or interest could go to be informed and inform of the latest. There would be a major tag. with different posts under, so you would pick the forum, and then look for the latest posts.

    Under business, I would be interested in micro business – I think that is ones with 5 or less employees. I have been hearing complaints about the oppressive bureaucracy that is being suffered. The observation is that big business lobbies government and gets away with not even installing basics, while the small business is likely to be ordered to instal excessive plant.

    The example was a very large department store with no toilets, compared to a new very small restaurant that was being asked to put three, now down to two. One would presumably have wheelchair access, and the other would be the usual fitting and size. The idea that hundreds of people, thousands, would not have need to visit a toilet or their children while in the store, is unlikely. The little business is unfairly regulated was the conclusion and it seems so when looking at the example referred to.

  30. Peter WIlson 30

    That’s the best thing I’ve read on The Standard in over three years, and perhaps my first comment on the site in about that long as well.

    It needs to be done.

  31. Venezia 31

    There is much to consider in the comments here. I must say the MSM have done a great job convincing people that National “won” the election, and that it is quite “unfair” that the three parties to the coalition are the “losers”, and/or that MMP should be changed for these reasons. I have read many comments reflecting these ideas online today.
    More disturbing is the misogyny, and it reads like a repeat of the attacks on Helen Clark.

  32. RTM 32

    Some National Party supporter are very angry at the country’s new government. Calls for the assassination of Winston Peters have been appearing on social media and at a popular pro-Nats blog: http://readingthemaps.blogspot.co.nz/2017/10/fomenting-happy-murder.html

  33. Brian Tregaskin 33

    here we go sigh!!!!!
    Sunday Star Times (Fairfax in drag) front page today as predicted

    response:-
    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/10/james-shaw-says-kermadec-ocean-sanctuary-still-on-the-table.html

  34. greywarshark 34

    On thinking about this Ad it seems to me that there needs to be some sort of integration amongst an alert in-group using social media that should be discussed off the blog.

  35. greywarshark 35

    Chris Trotter is echoing the same message Ad.

    Every progressive New Zealander who understands the magnitude of the fight which Peters’, Ardern’s and Shaw’s decision to pursue “real change” has made inevitable, must be prepared to come to the aid of the three parties – Labour, NZ First and the Greens – which have committed themselves to fulfilling the hopes and dreams of the 50.4 percent of the New Zealand electorate who voted for them.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    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 ...
    4 hours ago
  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 hours ago
  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 hours ago
  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 hours ago
  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    10 hours ago
  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    10 hours ago
  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    11 hours ago
  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    11 hours ago
  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    13 hours ago
  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    15 hours ago
  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    17 hours ago
  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    17 hours ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    1 day ago
  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago
  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    3 days ago
  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    3 days ago
  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    3 days ago
  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    3 days ago
  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    3 days ago
  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    3 days ago
  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    3 days ago
  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    3 days ago
  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    3 days ago
  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    3 days ago
  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    3 days ago
  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    3 days ago
  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    3 days ago
  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    3 days ago
  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    3 days ago
  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    You talking about me?  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    3 days ago
  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    4 days ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    4 days ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    4 days ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    4 days ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    4 days ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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
    4 days 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. ...
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T09:38:47+00:00