Throw another mil on the barbie

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, March 5th, 2013 - 104 comments
Categories: privatisation - Tags:

National’s going to spend a million taxpayer dollars just on advertising trying to convince Kiwis to sign up to buy something we already own and just in the ‘pre-registration’ phase of the Mighty River sale. God knows what the full cost of the sale will be. They’ve wasted $26m already and seem determined to keep throwing good money after bad while ignoring Kiwis’ howls of protest.

104 comments on “Throw another mil on the barbie ”

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  1. johnm 1
    5 March 2013 at 7:20 am

    Keyshine boy is a disgrace and his government. They’re determined to keep kissing the market’s bum to the better end while impoverishing kiwis to the bitter end of being economic aliens in their own land.:-(

  2. johnm 2
    5 March 2013 at 7:22 am

    Spelling correction to above bitter not better.

  3. Don't worry be happy 3
    5 March 2013 at 7:30 am

    Where the bloody hell is Labour?

    • SpaceMonkey 3.1
      5 March 2013 at 9:22 am

      Shaping up to be National’s coalition partner next election… O.O

    • David H 3.2
      5 March 2013 at 9:25 am

      Too busy infighting, and acting like spoiled children as usual! The sooner they sort their shit out the better.

      • Tom Gould 3.2.1
        5 March 2013 at 3:48 pm

        The chooks aren’t interested. They have their $1m ad spend over a fortnight, and the marketing folks tell the editorial folks what’s up. Labour, nor the Greens, will not get any cut through, because the headlines and the copy has already been written.

        • Colonial Viper 3.2.1.1
          5 March 2013 at 3:53 pm

          Yep. It was probably all written up and signed off before Christmas.

  4. johnm 4
    5 March 2013 at 7:44 am

    “Quoted in a New York Times article on Monday that describes the current economy as a “golden age for corporate profit,” Savita Subramanian, who heads the equity and quantitative strategy for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said that despite the terrible times for working people and warnings that nearly three-quarters of a million jobs could be lost this year in the US, “the market wants more austerity.”

    “Corporate Profits Soar as Worker Income Limps

    Experts estimate so-called budget sequestration could cost the country about 700,000 jobs, but Wall Street doesn’t expect the cuts to substantially alter corporate profits or threaten stock markets. ”

    It’s the s*dding market and corporate profits and the 1% that count, the Public Sector gets sold off to make these parasites richer. 🙁

    http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/03/04-1

    Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said that despite the terrible times for working people. Who used to work for Merrill Lynch?

  5. Lanthanide 5
    5 March 2013 at 7:44 am

    This is the government’s job policy – money for advert men.

  6. Colonial Viper 6
    5 March 2013 at 8:26 am

    A million dollars here, a million dollars there. Pretty soon it starts adding up to real money.

  7. Dv 7
    5 March 2013 at 8:38 am

    AND the 80% nz ownership means that 20% of the float will/could go off shore!!!!

    Perhaps the headline should be 20% of Might river to be sold off shore!!!!

  8. Skinny 8
    5 March 2013 at 8:41 am

    A million here, ten’s of million there to the Australian bankers advising on the sale of ‘our’ assets where will it end?

    Well it should end with Labour & the Green announcing the assets will be re-nationalised back. Send a clear message that if you buy shares you will get back what you paid for them. Perhaps minus the bankers fee etc.

  10. tarkwin 10
    5 March 2013 at 8:57 am

    You could always try buying some share. I will be.

    • karol 10.1
      5 March 2013 at 9:48 am

      I could afford it, but I wont.

      The sale is destructive to NZ, and will increase inequalities… downward spiral.

      • tarkwin 10.1.1
        5 March 2013 at 10:16 am

        I personally disagree with assett sales. I also believe the worst thing to happen to this country was Max Bradford privatising the electricity industry. However, this is going to happen. So every share bought by a Kiwi is a share that stays here. I’m nothing if not pragmatic.

      • indiana 10.1.2
        5 March 2013 at 4:57 pm

        The rich get richer because they think and act about becoming richer…an opportunity exists to become richer by taking a risk and investing in a company that will pay regular dividends…inequalities will exist and increase so long as there are people who don’t act and behave like rich people.

        • Colonial Viper 10.1.2.1
          5 March 2013 at 5:11 pm

          Funny how these rich pricks have to steal our nations assets in order to put their tax cut wealth into

          Why don’t they take a risk and create some worthwhile assets for themselves instead of sponging off the work of generations of NZers.

          • Arfamo 10.1.2.1.1
            5 March 2013 at 5:48 pm

            Because the ideal investments are those that bring highest returns for lowest risk. Investing in a business that creates or sells products or services that may be out-competed is much more risky than buying into a power company that is creaming it already without having to produce anything extra than the services it already supplies.

            This makes perfect sense to a money trader like Key whose focus is on making money for themselves and their clients, and for anyone with the spare money to invest. In fact it’s vital for them to do it – accumulating financial assets is their guarantee of security – they know the merry go round will spin off its axis at some point and they want to be insulated from the crash and burn. It doesn’t make sense for a truly democratic government looking to grow an economy based on new jobs from supplying products or services to have an investment strategy that is ultimately likely to cost more jobs than it creates.

            But it’s become a me-first dog-eat-dog world which makes people concerned about their own futures, not those of the broader society, or the future of succeeding generations.

          • indiana 10.1.2.1.2
            5 March 2013 at 6:07 pm

            There is nothing illegal going on here, nothing is being stolen…a government was elected on well announced policy plans.

            • pollywog 10.1.2.1.2.1
              5 March 2013 at 6:16 pm

              It’s the future generation’s guaranteed ownership of past generation’s assets that’s being stolen.

              It may not be illegal but it sure as fuck ain’t right!

              • indiana …
                5 March 2013 at 6:24 pm

                51% is still theirs…even better it the bit that actually holds all the cards in terms of future governance.

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  5 March 2013 at 6:28 pm

                  Except that it doesn’t. The laws of NZ have it so that the majority shares cannot act against the financial good of the minority which means that we’ve lost all control of those assets.

                • felixviper …
                  5 March 2013 at 7:35 pm

                  Wow, you went from “nothing” to “49%” pretty quick.

              • Arfamo …
                5 March 2013 at 6:30 pm

                It’s unethical, undemocratic, and simply unfair to provide a select group of people with the ability to buy and extract a profit from everybody using an asset they already own as taxpayers. If you want to take the line that it’s not illegal so therefore it’s ok, how far do you run with that? Much of what happened in Nazi Germany was not illegal. Legislation was passed to legitimise it. Democracy was legalised out of existence.

            • Draco T Bastard 10.1.2.1.2.2
              5 March 2013 at 6:26 pm

              Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean that it’s right.

              In the case of selling state assets that are strategic and natural monopolies selling them is down right immoral. And considering the fact that the majority of people oppose selling them then doing so is outright theft.

                • pollywog …
                  5 March 2013 at 8:23 pm

                  Yep…thats the very much a majority of dumfucks. Probably the very same majority of dumfucks that voted our current government in and the same majority of dumfucks who keep them high in the polls

                  Glad we got that sorted…cheers!

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  5 March 2013 at 8:23 pm

                  Oh, look, a RWNJ trying to use a non-scientific, self-selecting poll that supports his own delusions as evidence against reality.

                  Here, try this one:

                  A 3 News Reid Research poll shows New Zealanders remain opposed to the Government’s planned asset sales.

                  The poll asked 1000 voters whether they agreed with the partial privatisations.
                  The results showed 62 percent disagreed, 35 percent agreed and 3.5 percent were unsure.

                  • lovinthatchangefeeling …
                    5 March 2013 at 10:27 pm

                    “A 3 News Reid Research poll shows New Zealanders remain opposed to the Government’s planned asset sales.”

                    Wow. A “scientific”poll that shows asset sales are unpopular … conducted over a year ago.

                    That now looks as relevant as the 80% figure of Kiwis opposed to Partial Privitisation that Cap’n Mumblefuck pulled out of his arse 🙂

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      5 March 2013 at 10:34 pm

                      NZ balance of payments going down the tubes. The small minded and short term thinkers more than willing to press Flush.

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      5 March 2013 at 11:03 pm

                      There doesn’t appear to be anything later. Probably the MSM wanting to keep the government happy by not reminding people that the government is selling out the country’s future.

                • felixviper …
                  5 March 2013 at 9:07 pm

                  lolz indiana actually believes that 61% of kiwis can afford $1000 worth of shares.

                  • Treetop …
                    6 March 2013 at 10:30 am

                    Could you imagine a person putting in for an advance of benefit (a loan for a necessary cost) to buy Mighty River shares?

                    100% uptake guarantee.

          • johnm 10.1.2.1.3
            6 March 2013 at 10:09 am

            CV
            Right. +1

      • tc 10.1.3
        5 March 2013 at 8:52 pm

        Do It Karol, everyone should. Keep them in NZ hands as it’s inevitable Shonkey’s mates will be pining for them.

        My bet would be on only so many going to kiwis regardless of how many apply so the more apply the more likely this porky will get flushed out before the next goes on the block.

  11. ScottGN 11
    5 March 2013 at 9:11 am

    What “howls of protest”? Apart from blogs like this I haven’t really heard any. Sure polling shows that the public are opposed to the sales and the petition has garnered enough signatures etc but it’s clear that whatever disquiet there is it isn’t enough to shift anyone’s voting intentions.
    Fresh from their victory in the Supreme Court (which has been reported in a way that adds a gloss of legitimacy to the whole asset sale programme) the goverment has been quick to try and move the conversation away from the politics of the thing and onto the benefits of the marvelous dividend stream that will flow from these companies.
    I hate to say it but Mighty river Power will be sold and about the only hope that the others won’t is that Bill English will run out of time to complete the programme before the next election. And regardless of what Key might say it’s obvious that if a 3rd term is achieved Kiwibank will be a goner.

  12. Karl Sinclair 12
    5 March 2013 at 9:29 am

    YOU WILL OBEY JOHN KEYS, YOU WILL OBEY JOYCE, YOU WILL OBEY BENNETT……………………Jump through the hoops little doggies…….

    ‘Obey’: Film Based on Chris Hedges’ ‘Death of the Liberal Class’
    Quote:
    British filmmaker Temujin Doran has released a new movie that is based on the book “The Death of the Liberal Class” by Truthdig columnist Chris Hedges. The film, titled “Obey,” explores the rise of the corporate state and the future of obedience in a world filled with unfettered capitalism, worsening inequality and environmental changes.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH6UynI5m7Y

  13. Peter 13
    5 March 2013 at 9:38 am

    “Howls of protest”. Well, I’m howling of course, internally, but then again, I didn’t vote for this crap. However, just under 1 in 2 New Zealanders did!

    Hence, National does have a mandate for the sales. I hate to say it NZ, but you’ve got what you voted for. Now comes the buyers remorse.

  14. Lionel 14
    5 March 2013 at 10:07 am

    Why then is it not affecting their poll rating are they that phoney

    • Arfamo 14.1
      5 March 2013 at 10:23 am

      Yes they are phoney but people seem to prefer phoney to dense, which is how shearer comes across.

  15. Bearded Git 15
    5 March 2013 at 10:21 am

    This says it all about National’s asset sale rip off and how the rich who have money to buy in will profit and profit and profit….

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10869145

  16. DH 16
    5 March 2013 at 12:17 pm

    It’s pretty simple. The more the Govt promote it the more demand there will be for the shares. It’s a finite resource as in a fixed number of shares and unlike proper market economics the price will also be fixed.

    So if it’s promoted enough the demand will exceed the supply and the first buyers will be able to sell shares to those who missed out. At a profit of course. If the price goes up 10% mom & pop might make a whopping $200 & spend the rest of their days sunning on the Riviera. Those fortunate to get large parcels of shares, on the other hand….

    Since it’s now a fait accompli what Labour & Greens need to do is carefully follow the share registry; record subsequent share sales and the profit made on each deal, and try to match the deals with real people. Some trails may lead back to National.

  17. red rattler 17
    5 March 2013 at 12:32 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10869145

    Cartwright puts the economic case for not selling.
    He is wrong however, this is not a strategic blunder, Keys bankster class knows that renewables are the new gold.
    But its not only that coal, oil, gas etc will become more expensive to extract.
    Non-renewable and HEP and geothermal as renewables will attract a massive rent advantage.
    That’s what gives those who are stealing these assets (at half their ‘price’) the ability to screw monopoly rents from water and steam.
    The 50% above ‘price’ under SOEs will rise astronomically given their ‘price’ advantage over fossil fuels i.e. potentially unlimited so long as the ecology can sustain it.
    Putting these assets in the hands of capitalist parasites who will suck nature dry is suicidal.
    Cartwright, no radical, uses the word ‘strategic’. I suggest that the correct word is survival.
    If we can’t stop these sales or the TPPA designed to abolish our political sovereignty, we have to gear up to take them back with a social revolution.

    • Draco T Bastard 17.1
      5 March 2013 at 2:45 pm

      He is wrong however, this is not a strategic blunder, Keys bankster class knows that renewables are the new gold.

      Yep, that’s what I was thinking as I read that article. Key & Co know exactly how much they’ll be able to screw out of the poor of NZ and they’re going for every cent of it.

  18. DH 18
    5 March 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Something this share sale highlights is the astonishingly bad business nous of the sellers (or something worse)

    Mixed among prospective share buyers are the equivalent of ticket scalpers. Their intent is solely to buy shares and resell quickly at a profit. Their existence actually increases the demand which will, provided the shares are oversubscribed, cause some long-term investors to miss out and who will need to buy on the secondary market. The scalpers literally add to the demand by reducing the amount of shares available to investors.

    If these shares were put up for auction, such as a Trademe listing, they’d fetch their proper market price and there would be no profit taking by scalpers.

    Every dollar the scalper makes is a dollar the Govt, aka the taxpayer, loses. Traditionalists might think it crazy to put the shares on Trademe but if you think about it for a while it makes perfect business sense and would at least guarantee we get the best price for the shares. Trademe would certainly be keen and no doubt would negotiate a very competitive fee arrangement.

    • Colonial Viper 18.1
      5 March 2013 at 1:08 pm

      The NZ private sector has been shit at creating truly valuable assets for the financiers to speculate on. So they have to sell off our power assets in order to have something to play with and make money on.

      The usual ponzi capitalism theme – clipping the ticket without building or adding a thing to the economy.

      • prism 18.1.1
        5 March 2013 at 1:25 pm

        CV
        +1 😀

      • DH 18.1.2
        5 March 2013 at 1:50 pm

        I think so too, but there’s a need politically to keep shaping the debate to the circumstances so that others can also see it. There’s no point now, for example, arguing against the sale. It’s a done deal whether we like it or not so now’s the time to look harder at their real motives and try to expose their dodgy dealings.

        Something the media haven’t paid much attention to is one of the benefactors of the share float. The NZX. They clip the ticket on every share sale and will do very nicely out of this thanks very much. Weldon of the NZX looked to be a great mate of Keys when he was CEO of the NZX, I can recall thinking once he must have a key to the Beehive he was there so much. Shades of Sky City, too much personal dealings with vested interests.

        But also we need to start focussing on the money side of it. Why are they selling? Because they need the money (or so they say). Are they getting the best price? Well if the share price goes up after the float the answer would be an emphatic no.

        • Colonial Viper 18.1.2.1
          5 March 2013 at 3:57 pm

          Why does the sale need to be considered a done deal? Shearer making a statement that the next Labour Government will buy back the shares at cost, will sort it.

          10 second soundbite, issue sorted, move on.

          We engage around the bullshit of “are we getting the best possible market price” all you’re doing is arguing for whether or not you can sell grandma for a few dollars more.

          i.e. still politically dumb

        • Rogue Trooper 18.1.2.2
          5 March 2013 at 4:05 pm

          digging in

  19. George D 19
    5 March 2013 at 1:06 pm

    At least the KLF had a purpose.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxC9wgm27j0

  20. Peter 20
    5 March 2013 at 2:59 pm

    The other thing is that Labour still has the power to stop the asset sales (although it had it, up until today). Shearer simply could have said that they’ll be renationalised. But he was too afraid.

    • Murray Olsen 20.1
      5 March 2013 at 4:15 pm

      If they’re true to form, Labour will probably buy back the shares once they’ve been concentrated in a few hands, the utility has been totally asset stripped, and lack of maintenance is continually interrupting the power supply. In that case, even Shearer would find the money. I don’t think he’s afraid, he’s just hollow. He’s been imported to manage a franchise, not to be the parliamentary leader of a labour movement. He should just join ACT and take Mallard and Goff with him.

      • Peter 20.1.1
        6 March 2013 at 8:52 am

        A franchise, yeah, that’s a good way of explaining the hollowness and lack of purpose and conviction that besets the modern parliamentary Labour Party…

  21. Penny Bright 21
    5 March 2013 at 4:05 pm

    BOYCOTT THE MIGHTY RIVER POWER SHARE LAUNCH!

    MIGHTY RIVER POWER IS A SOCIALLY AND FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT!

    “Press Release, Molly Melhuish, Energy Analyst
    22 February 2013

    Prospective investors are warned

    Investors are warned that Mighty River Power is no longer a safe, utility-type investment prospect.

    For years, New Zealand’s generator-retailers enjoyed a predictable revenue stream from captive residential consumers. This enabled them to build so many new power stations that there is now a glut of wholesale electricity. Wholesale prices have fallen by a quarter or even more.

    Mighty River Power’s power purchase costs fell by 22% in the last six months, yet they hiked retail prices by 2%. They had to, to maintain the dividend stream expected by their shareholder.

    Residential consumers will no longer tolerate rising prices at a time when wholesale prices are falling. This is not market pricing, it is price gouging of captive consumers.

    Investors are warned that consumers dispute the pricing process that made our prices rise “to enable new generation to be built”, but fails to give us the benefit of market pricing in an electricity glut.

    Ends
    Contact: 04 568 4873, 027 230 5911

    Yours sincerely,

  22. Penny Bright 22
    5 March 2013 at 4:32 pm

    Some of us SEIZED THE MOMENT and protested outside the 10am launch of Mighty River Power shares!

    It’s REALLY simple folks!

    BOYCOTT the launch of Mighty River Power shares.

    BOYCOTT Mighty River Power – namely – their main retail arm – Mercury Energy!

    How can the Government ‘get a good price’ if Mighty River Power are losing customers and profits?

    DON’T be a selfish Kiwi!

    Be a principled, caring, socially responsible Kiwi, and remember all those Kiwi ‘mums and dads’, grandmas and granddads, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters who are struggling NOW to pay their power bills!

    Remember all those families, old people and little kids whose health is suffering because they can’t afford to have a heater on in winter, so their houses are cold.

    If YOU signed the petition for a referendum on assets sales, because you are opposed to asset sales – STICK TO YOUR PRINCIPLES and don’t buy into the selloff /sellout of Mighty River Power!

    Kiwis!

    The power is in OUR hands!

    Don’t agonise – ORGANISE!

    Help to spread the word!!!!

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’
    A Spokesperson for the Switch Off Mercury Energy community group.
    http://www.facebook.com/SwitchOffMercuryEnergy/info

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151278679961790&set=pcb.10151278680136790&type=1&theater

  23. pollywog 23
    5 March 2013 at 5:04 pm

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/02/22/about-efeso-collins/#respond

    Wonder what this fulla thinks about the impact state asset sales will have on Pasifikan families?

  24. Herodotus 24
    5 March 2013 at 5:39 pm

    I hope the IRD are well prepared for those selling the shares in a short period of time. And least wack them with the tax applicable for trading as opposed to investing. But then is that not the day to day job of the IRD to chase up those who trade in capital gains and don’t pay the tax associated ?
    Also why advertise when the institutions have already signalled their intentions ?
    If this was for the benefit of lms and dads the institutions should only divvy up those shares that have not been taken up by all of us M&D’s not the reverse

    • felixviper 24.1
      5 March 2013 at 5:51 pm

      Goodness, do you mean mum and dad aren’t really at the front of the queue?

      Pretty sure mr Key promised they would.

  25. johnm 25
    5 March 2013 at 6:28 pm

    Hi kiwis you are key boy’s bum boys you yellow scum fuck your cowardice not that it’d make a scrap of difference you scum bastards if you got fucked up the arse you yellow selfish scum. Run off to Australia while this creep screws your puny bum, you fools.

  26. Draco T Bastard 26
    5 March 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Another Labour press release, another failure to do or say anything that will actually benefit NZ.

  27. johnm 27
    5 March 2013 at 6:36 pm

    Key is a market parasite! Sorry but true, I know he has a nice suit and wouldn’t insult a fly but still this is a ploy to suck you suckers to poverty. Kiwis are stupid any brains could have understood this parisitic scum from the start. But you bought into the hopium, fuck you stupid kiwis foe ever, you pimped scum bags, fuck you. Oh you shouldn’t say that! Well fuck your social policing system scum!

  28. Arfamo 28
    5 March 2013 at 6:52 pm

    Well, yes, I understand how you feel, and I didn’t vote for the bastards, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to stop them, and all I have that I can use against them is my vote and I haven’t got a clue at the moment who the hell I should give it to because I have no idea what the other parties intend to do about asset sales that have gone through.

  29. prism 29
    5 March 2013 at 7:13 pm

    An informed commentator on Radio nz. Checkpoint today.
    Can’t remember his name but he is from the Graduate part of one of the Universities. He’s worth listening to I just haven’t got time at present. He emphasises that the sale price is being estimated for short term value considering up to say 3 years but 7-10 years should be the basis. Things will have changed so much by then that the value of this great resource will be very high.

    Radionz Checkpoint http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint
    17:22
    Critic of asset sales says hydro stations grossly undervalued
    One critic of the sale says it’s a huge strategic blunder by the Government because the assets are grossly under-valued. (2′23″)
    Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3 | Embed

  30. prism 30
    5 March 2013 at 7:36 pm

    PB
    Thanks, great.

  31. vto 31
    5 March 2013 at 11:05 pm

    I like how selling assets results in less New Zealanders owning them.

    What did John Key say?

  32. Steady Course 32
    6 March 2013 at 7:13 am

    So 80% oppose these sales huh? Must be another one of those rogue polls……

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/

    • Draco T Bastard 32.1
      6 March 2013 at 7:26 am

      BTW, that’s not a poll, it’s an entertainment for the really stupid.

    • Pascal's bookie 32.2
      6 March 2013 at 7:27 am

      Laugh.

      If you wanna show that the typical Nat supporter isn’t a bit (by which I mean to say “fucking”) thick, you’re going the wrong way about it.

  33. Steady Course 33
    6 March 2013 at 7:31 am

    and the unprecedented expressions of interest on opening day, crashing websites etc all just another coincidence??? How about opening your other eye and stop flogging this dead horse?

    • The Al1en 33.1
      6 March 2013 at 7:50 am

      “and the unprecedented expressions of interest on opening day, crashing websites etc all just another coincidence??? ”

      Thirty thousand traitors. The spivs of the modern age.
      Fuck ’em up in their pockets come nationalisation.

  34. TightyRighty 34
    6 March 2013 at 9:24 am

    How many millions was spent by labour on adveritisimg working for families? Which is a benefit, so taking money from taxpayers so that beneficiaries could take more money from taxpayers?

    I remember adshells, prime tv slots, kids with iPods (pretty expensive at the time) featured in them.

    Hint: a lot more than a million. A lot

    • Colonial Viper 34.1
      6 March 2013 at 9:45 am

      Working for families was not for beneficiaries.

      Also, please come up with sources for your numbers.

      • TightyRighty 34.1.1
        6 March 2013 at 2:05 pm

        Why don’t we try ad agency Saatchi and Saatchi of wellington for their revenue for the year, it was one of a number of public service advertising campaigns, but definitely the biggest. How is $500k in fees plus another $4mill of media, of which saatchi would have clipped the ticket for 20%. so over a mill, just in fees alone to one private media company. Quell Horreur!!!

  35. Treetop 35
    6 March 2013 at 10:08 am

    Oh the spin the spin coming from English while Key is in Mexico for 12 days.

    After most of the shares are sold overseas what will the spin be?

    NZers had a choice. Will I didn’t.

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  • 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    8 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    10 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    11 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    12 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    14 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    14 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    15 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    18 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    19 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    21 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    22 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    24 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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  • Taupō takes pole position
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
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