This Government Doesn’t Trust You

Written By: - Date published: 10:34 am, December 8th, 2010 - 34 comments
Categories: accountability, auckland supercity, bill english, democracy under attack, Gerry Brownlee, john key, national/act government - Tags:

You not only can expect to be spied on more after an overhaul of the SIS, but you sure as hell shouldn’t be allowed to know how they are going to do it.  It’s your freedom they’re protecting, so you should expect a reduction in liberty to achieve that.  And we certainly can’t be allowed to watch the watchers, to ensure the rules are fair.  John Key knows we can’t be trusted.  (and he can’t even be bothered to explain why)

You think we should know how our public service is coping with the recession?  Bill English doesn’t think so: you can’t be trusted.

Indeed a fair chunk of ministers don’t think you can be trusted with the answers to your OIA requests.

Canterbury citizens can’t be trusted to elect ECAN.

Aucklanders couldn’t be trusted to decide how they wanted their local government to work.

But somehow, we’re all supposed to trust Gerry Brownlee with CERRA.

.

Because National know best.

(oh, if only we were important enough for wikileaks to look into our government…)

34 comments on “This Government Doesn’t Trust You ”

  1. felix 1

    Key, with his ‘I know what’s best, just shut up and don’t question me’ response is showing himself to be more like his hero Piggy Muldoon every day.

    • Tanz 1.1

      I believe Holyoake is his hero, which I was surprised to hear, Holyoake is beyond compare.

      • felix 1.1.1

        No Tanz that’s not true.

        He always said Muldoon was his role model PM, until people started comparing them. Now he says Holyoake (probably on advice).

        I’ll accept the first answer, thanks. The honest one.

        • Tanz 1.1.1.1

          Yes, good point. I remember back in 2008 Key saying how he admired Muldoon, and I don’t recall him mentioning Holyoake, though he may have. Muldoon is after all, not very popular, these days, in hindsight.

        • Colonial Viper 1.1.1.2

          You can change your childhood heroes when you are in middle age “on advice”?! 😮

          • felix 1.1.1.2.1

            You’d be wise to if one of them’s Muldoon.

          • Lanthanide 1.1.1.2.2

            Much the same way that you can decide that you “didn’t have an opinion” on the springbok tour, despite otherwise being quite politically aware at the time.

  2. Lanthanide 2

    I don’t think it’s the government ‘not trusting’ us, so much as it is the government ‘not caring what we think’.

  3. SPC 3

    It’s more a case of ensuring that we have the same capabilities to identify “dissidents” using the internet that other nations operating under the leadership of the free world of the USA also have. One weak link and free speech could become a problem to those becoming aware that for global market capitalism to continue (while more and more of the people are on the wrong side of the growing rich and poor divide) the capacity of the people to capture a nation state and defend their sovereignty and collective egalitarian well-being must be under their constraint.

    To be blunt, the option of a western democracy asserting an independent social democratic body politic is to be seen as a subversion of the collective security alliance.

    • Colonial Viper 3.1

      That collective security alliance works well when the US can continue to fund a huge military and intel machine and China’s tack in building values and principles based relationships appears limited. But the weighting of the deck is changing year by year now, you can see it.

  4. Tanz 4

    I would never comapre Key to Muldoon, the only thing in common is the title of PM. Muldoon stood up to and resisted rampant left-wing lobby groups, he had backbone when backbone was needed. Key does the opposite, he bends over backwards for the lobby groups, especially those of the left. More red flags on innocent citizens. Big Brother/s are watching, reds under the bed, and now, the blues. A vote winner, not.

    • felix 4.1

      The comparison is valid on many levels.

      They’re both self-absorbed megalomaniacs, both both alcoholics drunk in charge of a country, and both supported the springbok tour.

      Oh and Key names Muldoon as his favourite pop star.

      • higherstandard 4.1.1

        Have you been boozing at breakfast again ?

        Key is to Muldoon as Goff is to Clark.

        • lprent 4.1.1.1

          Correct. IMHO – the members are similar at a base level in each set.

          But of course I don’t subscribe the the misty eyed myth making of the right. I actually remember them, not only for the final results but also they were saying and doing prior to becoming PM.

          Key has that same fundamental flaw that Muldoon had. An inability to take required decisions early enough to cope with the future, when it will hurt his support base now. He, like Muldoon, will wind up hurting everyone else, and eventually his supporters because of that refusal to do the required early enough. Basically both want to be liked too damn much.

          Helen and Goff share the hardness and bloody minded persistence to push through things that they know are required. If they lose a battle, well there is always another one in the war. Neither were or are liked as much as they are respected.

          • Tanz 4.1.1.1.1

            Well said, Iprent. Key is about popularity and the limelight, he seems to crave it, whereas Clark and Goff just did the hard stuff, and were far more camera-reticent. I much prefer their substance and depth, even if I often didn’t/don’t agree with their world views. I just wish Key would get over himself a bit.

          • higherstandard 4.1.1.1.2

            I was thinking more along the lines that both are rather pallid reflections of a previous party leader.

            Certainly Key won’t do anything that will hurt election chances prior to the fact while both he and Goff will promise all kinds of shite to bribe the electorate.

            • Tanz 4.1.1.1.2.1

              Except this time Key has lost my trust. He lied about GST, he ignored a huge referendum result, he pushes through unmandated laws, he loves the fame and limelight. I’ll never vote Key again, I wanted a strong right-wing leader, not a pop star wannabe! Oh well, stiff cheese for now…very disappointed though. At least we have Bill English to add the grit.

              • Colonial Viper

                Yeh English has proved himself a good guy now, didn’t he finally give up his tax payer funded accomodation subsidy after collecting hundreds of thousands? Maybe his family home is finally paid off.

                • Tanz

                  But MPs have been troughing it for years, I think they got complacent about the perks, and the recession has busted it up for them. I don’t condone English for what he did re the housing thing, but I think there are far worse offences. None of us are perfect…and he doesn’t have fifty million odd dollars to fall back on either. No, he’s apologised, leave it at that.

                  • felix

                    I don’t condone English for what he did re the housing thing, but I think there are far worse offences.

                    Name them or STFU.

                  • Colonial Viper

                    No, he’s apologised, leave it at that.

                    Are you kidddingg? He can keep his apology (he never apologised anyway you made that up), just give the frakking money back thank you.

            • felix 4.1.1.1.2.2

              hs,

              Agree that they are pallid reflections (beautifully put), note that I was comparing them, not equating them.

              And yes I have.

          • SPC 4.1.1.1.3

            Oh really, what did Clark’s government do about housing unaffordability related to the lack of a CGT, or child poverty amongst families on benefits. What’s Goff’s policy on these issues?

        • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.2

          I notice Cunliffe has been watering down expectations re: election year bribes. In fact going with the line that times will remain tough and there will not be much money in the kitty. NAT are still having to run with the – we still expect to grow aggressively (at some stage) line.

          With the US tanking (the real economy, the markets and corporate profits are doing fine over there) and half a dozen major EU countries teetering, I’m prepared for an economically grim 2011.

          • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.2.1

            pah, I meant the US is tanking (the real economy – the markets and corporate profits are doing fine). Punctuation nightmare.

          • M 4.1.1.2.2

            ‘I’m prepared for an economically grim 2011.’

            Same here, trying to pay down any debt as fast as possible and keeping things really, really tight including cycling every place I can to save on petrol costs – aiming to spend less than $100 on petrol until the end of January.

            Wonder what fuel will cost this time next year, $3/litre? – maybe TS could having a betting thread.

            • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.2.2.1

              I think that is the only strategy IMO. Plenty of public servants are doing just what you are doing as well due to the uncertainties introduced by NAT. A million people do that and what you have is a massive loss of aggregate economic demand.

              Perhaps iPredict would open up a trial section for The Standard users. We could start out with 100 iPredict Dollars and play from there.

  5. M 5

    Right on CV, that SOB English couldn’t lie straight in bed.

    As for that Ken doll Key, I can’t wait for the mask to fully fall and with election year looming he’s going to have to do some fast talking – wonder how long it would take Hill or Ryan to make him cry just asking for some truth?

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-03T15:33:57+00:00