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Too far

Written By: - Date published: 12:27 pm, August 10th, 2009 - 81 comments
Categories: dpf - Tags:

Farrar’s attacks on climate change campaigners and the Greens recently have been pretty hysterical (‘they’re going to shoot the cows!’) but now he’s gone too far.

In what purports to be satire, Farrar posts a ‘Green press release’ that says they want to have two out of three pregnancies aborted to tackle climate change. I’m not going to quote from or even link to the post. It’s too disgusting.

We all write things on our blogs that we sometimes regret, and if we’re smart we take them down when we see our error. But this is totally beyond the pale. An unfunny, uncalled for, and vicious attack on the Greens wearing the fig leaf of ‘humour’ as if that excuses anything one chooses to write.

Of course, it’s also a veiled reactionary attack on abortion, anyone calling for action on climate change, and any idea that the world population can’t continue to grow infinitely.

Maybe Farrar should give it up and turn the site over to the new pseudonymous writers he has introduced. At least they actually write something worth reading.

81 comments on “Too far ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Pascal's bookie 1
    10 August 2009 at 12:34 pm

    Perhaps he’s been watching the GOP a little too closely. Echoes of their rhetoric about health care reform.

  2. vto 2
    10 August 2009 at 1:03 pm

    Relax eddie, his site and this one are recognised as both representing more extreme ends of the various spectrums. There have been plenty similar on here. I seem to recall one recently which went on about the middle aged white man coming home and abusing the wife and kids and kicking the dog.

    Perhaps one of you (Standard or Kiwiblog) needs to unilaterally re-set the standard rather than bitching at each other in an increasingly hysterical manner. The two of you are like an abusive relationship, smacking each other around.

    • Pascal's bookie 2.1
      10 August 2009 at 1:12 pm

      Funny thing there v, there’s a very courageous thread up over there (for which DPF also deserves some kudos) posted by a escapee and survivor of domestic violence.

      Lot’s of comments along the lines of how the DPB is wrong because, well people make decisions and they should be responsible for them, and marriage should be more respected and such.

  3. felix 3
    10 August 2009 at 1:05 pm

    Eww. What’s funny (but not really) is how many of his regulars approve of the idea.

    • Pascal's bookie 3.1
      10 August 2009 at 1:08 pm

      And feigned to be unsure if it was satire, because you know, it’s not far from the trewth and all, Trev Louden says so, soylent green, etc and so on.

  4. jarbury 4
    10 August 2009 at 1:16 pm

    I think you make a good point vto. Farrar’s blogging of late has descended down to the level of those who generally make comments there.

    For a long time my general opinion of Kiwiblog was that although I disagreed with Farrar’s politics I recognised he was a smart guy and wrote really well. Quite the asset for the right-wing of NZ politics.

    However, since his trip to the USA things have changed quite markedly. I do see the effects of hanging out with the GOP coming through. There’s a greater nastiness, a greater willing to mislead readers (his denial of the difference between net emissions and gross emissions is a classic example of that) and just an uglier tone in what he says.

    I think it’s a good opportunity for The Standard to rise above being “the Kiwiblog of the left”. I think that Farrar’s shift will inevitably alienate his readership (it certainly has alienated me) even if he’s cheered on by the uglier parts of “the sewer”.

    And yes, back to the post in question – completely disgusting from Farrar. His hysterics over the climate change issue is probably a good insight into what many in the National Party are thinking at the moment. They’re shit scared about the changes they’ll have to embark upon to reach any reduction in CO2 emissions – let alone something as bold (yet clearly achievable) as a 40% reduction by 2020.

    • So Bored 4.1
      10 August 2009 at 2:01 pm

      Jar, you are spot on to what the right world wide are shit scared about. You only have to mention climate change and energy depletion to see them reaching for sacred shibboleths. On emission reduction “it will ruin our economy”, should always be answered “the dead dont have an economy”.
      Or energy, they say “the market will bring us new technology”…(answer “where the hell is it and can it break the rules of phyisics?”).

      Seems to me the likes of Farrar have a role in publicly denying reality, declaring an alternative reality to the masses in which we all go on forever allowing the profligacy of the rich. This vision would be all very well if it didnt kill us and the planet.

      I will generously send Farrar a shamrock as opposed to a fig leaf as a mark of hope to cover his inadequacy.

  5. gingercrush 5
    10 August 2009 at 1:41 pm

    And its any different to this how? http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2009/07/22/key-gutless-under-pressure-babies-to-die-abortions-to-increase/

    Of course that wasn’t even satire.

    The whole blogosphere where every blog tries to be holier-than-thou is pathetic. I’m certainly with vto on that.

    • roger nome 5.1
      10 August 2009 at 2:00 pm

      I know GC – i think it’s disgusting how that post has 69 responses currently as well. These left-wing centrists make me sick!

    • Eddie 5.2
      10 August 2009 at 2:15 pm

      I thought that angle was too far too. it didn’t go as too far as Farrar’s post though which is simply outragous

      • Tigger 5.2.1
        10 August 2009 at 2:35 pm

        GC – who on here is defending that post you link to? You can actually find both distastefu, nor not, l no matter where you stand in the political spectrum. Why are people so quick to go – aha but you lefties thought THIS was okay so you’re hypocrites. It’s damn boring.

        I’m not outraged by it at all. I think it IS satire but weakly done – it would have benefitted from being a little more outrageous in places. I’d advise Farrar to read some Lyndon Hood if he wants to see how sharp and classy local satire can be.

        • gingercrush 5.2.1.1
          10 August 2009 at 2:57 pm

          I agree its boring when us right-wing people refer to what Labour did. But to deny that the left never did such things is absurd. Labour was notable in government in deflecting any criticism by referring back to the 90s. On some points of course that was legitimate. But it became tiring. I’ll agree that if National and right-wing bloggers and those of us who comment at blogs do the same thing in the future. That too will be tiring. But as it hasn’t been a year yet I’ll keep doing it.

          Nor can you deny that you left-wing people are quick to go back to the nineties to make points about this current government or refer to things Labour did from 1999 onwards when in government.

    • cha 5.3
      10 August 2009 at 2:29 pm

      And its any different to this how? http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2009/07/22/key-gutless-under-pressure-babies-to-die-abortions-to-increase/

      And some of us have you pegged gingercrush, and bookmarked, as a nasty wee piece of shit and for you to suggest that Farrars wingnut rant is in any way similar to a posting about neural tube defects only confirms that you are indeed, a nasty wee piece of shit.

  6. roger nome 6
    10 August 2009 at 1:46 pm

    I’m looking forward to seeing DPF sunning himself with fellow over-indulged sea-elephants of the business elite in the Octagon next time he’s here in Dunedin. I’m sure he won’t say no to a quick hello from friendly ol’ roger nome 😉

    • gingercrush 6.1
      10 August 2009 at 2:02 pm

      Talking about other people’s bodies sure is a habit for you. How about you provide the blogosphere some of your body shots so we can criticise how you look. You really should put up or shut up rogernome. You must be some mighty specimen considering some of the outlandish statements about others you’ve made.

      • roger nome 6.1.1
        10 August 2009 at 2:17 pm

        GC – how about you tell me where you live and i’ll pay you a visit? What’s your wine of preferance? i’m sure we can have an interesting conversation whilst you cower in awe of my odonis-like stature 😉

        • sausage fingers 6.1.1.1
          10 August 2009 at 5:04 pm

          “Odonis”. What’s that? Like “Adonis” but smelly?

          • roger nome 6.1.1.1.1
            10 August 2009 at 5:13 pm

            SF – yes, you gotta smell good if you want to attract the few young professional women in Dunedin.

            I guess it doesn’t matter so much when you’re cruising the political blogs for closeted National MPs ….

          • Rob 6.1.1.1.2
            11 August 2009 at 4:53 pm

            or Adonis but somewhat odd like

      • roger nome 6.1.2
        10 August 2009 at 2:24 pm

        For the record it’s 6 3″ 90 killos, max 60 press-ups, 3 km run in 11:30. (p.s. i’m only interested in catching up if you’re smaller than me.

  7. Killinginthenameof 7
    10 August 2009 at 1:55 pm

    Has DPF ever engaged in debate with Green Party policy at an intellectual level?

    He will sometimes criticize Labour policy with numbers measurements, philosophical and academic arguments, but the greens never. It is always hysterics, hyperbole and ridicule.

    • So Bored 7.1
      10 August 2009 at 2:11 pm

      Its pretty hard to argue against the laws of thermodynamics, or the fact that finite things run out if used…..its just not fair on DPF to have to argue about reality.

    • lukas 7.2
      10 August 2009 at 2:55 pm

      Possibly because most Green Party policy is full of hysterics, hyperbole and stuff that is easily ridiculed.

      • Killinginthenameof 7.2.1
        10 August 2009 at 3:54 pm

        Then he could do us all a favour and explain why that is so, it certainly does not look like he is able too, looks more like barrel scraping.

      • Pascal's bookie 7.2.2
        10 August 2009 at 4:40 pm

        Go on then Luke, tell us about Sir Rodger’s amazing “let’s create parallel tax system” plan to improve the efficiency of the tax system.

        • lukas 7.2.2.1
          10 August 2009 at 5:31 pm

          Who said I am into Act?

          • felix 7.2.2.1.1
            10 August 2009 at 5:44 pm

            Who said you were?

            All that was assumed was that you’re probably a fan of Sir Wodger’s economic theories.

            And you probably are.

            • lukas 7.2.2.1.1.1
              10 August 2009 at 5:50 pm

              wow Felix, you can read me like a book. I am thinking of a number between 1 and 100, care to take a guess?

            • felix 7.2.2.1.1.2
              10 August 2009 at 7:15 pm

              That’s right Wuke.

              And if that’s a “yes” to my question then now you can answer Pb’s.

            • Pascal's bookie 7.2.2.1.1.3
              10 August 2009 at 7:32 pm

              nah, that’s cool. I think he’s probably too busy trying for one those Investigate subs.

            • lukas 7.2.2.1.1.4
              10 August 2009 at 10:27 pm

              Wow felix, you and my three year old niece have something else in common now. It is a no to your question.

              PB, I get Investigate for free… wonder how…

            • felix 7.2.2.1.1.5
              10 August 2009 at 10:41 pm

              Let me guess:

              We can both beat you at scrabble?
              We both have bigger penises than you?
              We both think you’re a lame joke?

              Like I give a shit.

              I happen to agree with you about Douglas though. Fucking socialist.

            • Armchair Critic 7.2.2.1.1.6
              10 August 2009 at 10:41 pm

              lukas
              Wild stab in the dark – it’s free because it is not worth reading.
              There is much better fiction out there, anyway.

            • lukas 7.2.2.1.1.7
              10 August 2009 at 10:55 pm

              well apparently neither of you can read. She is three, what is your excuse?

              Felix mate, you are the perfect example of why Labour got kicked out of power (and where National are starting to show signs of going wrong). You are arrogant, don’t listen, get involved in maters that do not involve you and project a persona that does not fit the reality of who you are. Whenever I see you comment on this blog I notice you attack people who do not agree with you, I have this image in my head of who you actually are though and I would be surprised if I was wrong. Tell me, is this close to you… http://www.i-mockery.com/visionary/pics/geek-hierarchy-pic6.jpg

              Armchair Critic- if you wanted fiction you can read the piece on Helen Clark from the weekend papers- http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/2731946/Nats-acted-with-sheer-vindictiveness-Clark, when you are done there I would go to http://aotearoaawiderperspective.wordpress.com/ always leaves me amused.

            • Armchair Critic 7.2.2.1.1.8
              10 August 2009 at 11:19 pm

              Umm, thanks lukas, but I already have Ayn Rand. Wishart makes her look sane. Enjoy your reading.

        • QoT 7.2.2.2
          10 August 2009 at 7:04 pm

          Or his recipe for growing the economic cake. Christ that press release still traumatizes me.

  8. SHG 8
    10 August 2009 at 2:08 pm

    Jeez, if that one satire post on Kiwiblog sets you guys off like this I’d hate to see what would happen after reading Dim-Post.

    • Philonz 8.1
      10 August 2009 at 2:24 pm

      At least the Dim-Post is sometimes funny. Any attempt at abortion humour is always going to be a big mistake.

    • Eddie 8.2
      10 August 2009 at 2:42 pm

      It’s not an objection to satire per se. obviously

      Danyl would never be so distasteful and i would tell what i thought if he was

  9. mike 9
    10 August 2009 at 2:20 pm

    Gee ed where’s your SOH? or can satire only apply to pinko causes?

  10. Philonz 10
    10 August 2009 at 2:34 pm

    I tried really hard to give Farrar the benefit of the doubt on this post. I generally disagree with his politics and views but acknowledge that they are well argued. But this attempt at humour is a huge error. Abortion as climate change solution is just not satire. It is crass, crude and insensitive. Perhaps he is in holiday mode and wrote the post after a few pina coladas, if so I hope he sees fit to retract and apologise.

    Kudos however fir the interesting guest posters he has there at the moment.

  11. jarbury 11
    10 August 2009 at 4:17 pm

    Looks like Farrar’s hysterics worked. The government’s gone for a 10-20% reduction.

    Gutless idiots.

    • Zaphod Beeblebrox 11.1
      10 August 2009 at 5:14 pm

      Did they specify how thay were going to actually do it? Like build less motorways? Fund more research into agriculture? Or encourage solar heating and photovotaics? Sounds like a Tui billboard.

      Emissions trading by itself is unlikely to do much, we already have a lots of renewable power generation and they said agriculture is off limits.

      I’m really dubious given their record, I hope someone pins them down on specifics. Or are they just trying to fob off everyone to save themeselves from international embarassment with Copenhagen coming up?

    • roger nome 11.2
      10 August 2009 at 5:23 pm

      I guess National’s there to play the role of the “frigtened of change” “regressive” – they would be remiss in there duty if they adopted a stance which relies on paying attention to reality.

    • mike 11.3
      10 August 2009 at 5:38 pm

      Great then you can my $1400 per person, or $30 per week if you’re stupid enough to think it will make a difference.

  12. Sting 12
    10 August 2009 at 4:29 pm

    Has kiwiblog become a cauldron for spaced out smelly box witches?

    • roger nome 12.1
      10 August 2009 at 5:19 pm

      Dad – you feeling the “sting” of the benefit? How about going back on the meds? For everyone’s “benefit”?

  13. James 13
    10 August 2009 at 4:35 pm

    Oh somebody play these cry babies a violin solo…..jeez lighten up!.It was a satirical post that has obviously hit its mark judging by the howls of indignation coming from the girly-men here…in the words of the great Chopper Reid….”Harden the f**k up!”

  14. roger nome 14
    10 August 2009 at 5:17 pm

    james – just a quick heads up. If a “hardened up” man is what you’re after, there are plenty more appropriate sites on the internet for you.

    • Sting 14.1
      10 August 2009 at 5:23 pm

      woger – Chris Carter is a global hardened up man.

      • mike 14.1.1
        10 August 2009 at 5:34 pm

        yes and the word on the street is we lucky taxpayers stumped up for a the adventurous couple to fly to a few shag fests…

        • illuminatedtiger 14.1.1.1
          10 August 2009 at 5:41 pm

          Careful Mike, lawyers don’t just serve tories anymore.

        • lou59 14.1.1.2
          10 August 2009 at 7:27 pm

          word on the street is that Brash and Worth ran the work shop on how to be adventurous at the tax payers expence.

  15. roger nome 15
    10 August 2009 at 5:27 pm

    How do you know dad? Are you one of the rent boys that MPS spend there “travel allowances” on?

    • Sting 15.1
      10 August 2009 at 5:32 pm

      I know his GP called Doctor Sore Butt.
      Silly woger still a stuffed gnome.

      • roger nome 15.1.1
        10 August 2009 at 5:40 pm

        Maybe you should go see Dr sore butt dad? He could offer you some anti-psychotic drugs prehaps?

        • Sting 15.1.1.1
          10 August 2009 at 5:46 pm

          woger how is your good friend going in prison. Are you as smart as the Mr 216 Stabber?

          • roger nome 15.1.1.1.1
            10 August 2009 at 5:56 pm

            And for a cahnge, dad lashes out in desparation …. so what’s your defense gonna be when you finally flip out? “he was wearing provocative clothing, and he was in the hagley park public toilets, where he knew i’d be cruising”?

            • Sting 15.1.1.1.1.1
              10 August 2009 at 6:05 pm

              woger email me and I will give you the names of the High Court judge and two detectives that hushed up Peter’s wee incident in the States. I am getting so much info that I intend on writing a best seller book.It will be huge.John Key knows all about it.

            • Spectator 15.1.1.1.1.2
              10 August 2009 at 6:26 pm

              “I am getting so much info that I intend on writing a best seller book”

              Hurry up and write it, then. This country could do with a good laugh.

  16. felix 16
    10 August 2009 at 5:50 pm

    Hey DPF is giving away 10 subscriptions to “Investigate” magazine.

    You need to be commenting at Kbog between 5 and 9 tonight to win them.

  17. roger nome 17
    10 August 2009 at 5:58 pm

    DPF is accepting sponsorship from Wishart now? Fark, and just when you thought he couldn’t sink any lower.

  18. roger nome 18
    10 August 2009 at 6:10 pm

    Really Sting? Where did Peter Burns get the money to travel to the US?

    • Sting 18.1
      10 August 2009 at 6:12 pm

      A disgruntled cop and two pissed off lawyers provide all the info. Hagley, Green Room, USA – you get my drift woger.They are ALL coming DOWN.Lockwood on camera etc..etc..

  19. roger nome 19
    10 August 2009 at 6:18 pm

    I thought everyone knew about Lockwood anyway?

    • Sting 19.1
      10 August 2009 at 6:21 pm

      Well if they don’t, they sure of hell will when I detail the perverted incident.
      No wonder the Beehive stinks worse than a sewage farm.Come on Mr Speaker SUE me if I bullshit. TIME for clean UP JOHN BOY KEE.

  20. roger nome 20
    10 August 2009 at 6:26 pm

    i don’t think it’s worth it dad – you will just come up against a brick wall. The media won’t have anything to do with it, and you’ll just end up looking like a repressed dick. I for one don’t give a flying fling what two consenting adults do to each other for kicks.

    • Sting 20.1
      10 August 2009 at 6:29 pm

      Do you care about sex with underage boys? Cameras around the Beehive don’t lie, ask Trevor Mallard.My cop friend was a lurker around Wellington for 20 years.

  21. roger nome 21
    10 August 2009 at 6:32 pm

    If that’s the truth, it’s absolutely abhorent, and it could be huge. Undeniable proof is what you need. i’m sure Wishart would be keen to run with it. email him, and get the ball rolling.

    • Sting 21.1
      10 August 2009 at 6:36 pm

      Truth it is, however evidence has been wiped but you know that, after 9 years of Labour anything goes now.
      Goodbye woger enough said.

  22. vto 22
    10 August 2009 at 7:30 pm

    hopeless. always fun and games until someone goes too far.

  23. lombear 23
    10 August 2009 at 8:24 pm

    It might sound ridiculous and in bad taste but there is, unfortunately an element of truth to it, read the post by ‘itiswhatitis’ on the 10th of August.
    What he says about Obama’s new science Czar is true.

    “READ THIS
Obamas Science Czar John Holdren publically recomended to the White House Forced abortions. Mass sterilization. A “Planetary Regime’ with the power of life and death over American citizens.
The population at large could be sterilized by infertility drugs intentionally put into the nation’s drinking water or in food”

    http://zombietime.com/john_holdren/

    Read the actual quotes from the book he co-authored, extreme but true.
    This has been all over the net for weeks so why are you all acting like its so far removed from reality?

    You think I’m lying? read it.
    Eugenics is alive and well in our world.

    a

  24. Swampy 24
    12 August 2009 at 9:53 pm

    This is the most negative blog in the world. I wouldn’t have known or cared what Farrar wrote.

    You guys all champion free speech except when it cuts too close to the bone.

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    2 days ago

  • BRYCE EDWARDS’ Political Roundup:  The Beehive’s revolving door and corporate mateship
    * Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealanders are uncomfortable with the high level of influence corporate lobbyists have in New Zealand politics, and demands are growing for greater regulation. A recent poll shows 62 per cent of the public support having a two-year cooling off period between ministers leaving public ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Beehive’s revolving door and corporate mateship
    New Zealanders are uncomfortable with the high level of influence corporate lobbyists have in New Zealand politics, and demands are growing for greater regulation. A recent poll shows 62 per cent of the public support having a two-year cooling off period between ministers leaving public office and becoming lobbyists and ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • A miracle pill for our transport ills
    This is a guest post by accessibility and sustainable transport advocate Tim Adriaansen It originally appeared here.   A friend calls you and asks for your help. They tell you that while out and about nearby, they slipped over and landed arms-first. Now their wrist is swollen, hurting like ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago

  • The Surprising Power of Floating Wind Turbines
    Floating offshore wind turbines offer incredible opportunities to capture powerful winds far out at sea. By unlocking this wind energy potential, they could be a key weapon in our arsenal in the fight against climate change. But how developed are these climate fighting clean energy giants? And why do I ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • The next Maori challenge
    Over the past two or three weeks, a procession of Maori iwi and hapu in a series of little-noticed appearances before two Select Committees have been asking for more say for Maori over resource management decisions along the co-governance lines of Three Waters. Their submissions and appearances run counter ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • Secret “war-crime” warrants by International Criminal Court is mischief-making
    The decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue war crimes arrest warrants for the Russian President and the Russia Children Ombudsman may have been welcomed by the ideologically committed but otherwise seems to have been greeted with widespread cynicism (see Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    3 days ago

  • How to answer Drunk Uncle Kevin's Climate Crisis reckons
    Let’s say you’re clasping your drink at a wedding, or a 40th, or a King’s Birthday Weekend family reunion and Drunk Uncle Kevin has just got going.He’s in an expansive frame of mind because we’re finally rid of that silly girl. But he wants to ask an honest question about ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • National’s Luxon may be glum about his poll ratings but has he found a winner in promising to rai...
    National Party leader Christopher Luxon may  be feeling glum about his poll ratings, but  he could be tapping  into  a rich political vein in  describing the current state of education as “alarming”. Luxon said educational achievement has been declining,  with a recent NCEA pilot exposing just how far it has ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: More Labour foot-dragging
    Yesterday the IPCC released the final part of its Sixth Assessment Report, warning us that we have very little time left in which to act to prevent catastrophic climate change, but pointing out that it is a problem that we can solve, with existing technology, and that anything we do ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Te Pāti Māori Are Revolutionaries – Not Reformists.
    Way Beyond Reform: Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer have no more interest in remaining permanent members of “New Zealand’s” House of Representatives than did Lenin and Trotsky in remaining permanent members of Tsar Nicolas II’s “democratically-elected” Duma. Like the Bolsheviks, Te Pāti Māori is a party of revolutionaries – not reformists.THE CROWN ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • When does history become “ancient”, on Tinetti’s watch as Minister of Education – and what o...
    Buzz from the Beehive Auckland was wiped off the map, when Education Minister Jan Tinetti delivered her speech of welcome as host of the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers “here in Tāmaki Makaurau”. But – fair to say – a reference was made later in the speech to a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Climate Catastrophe, but first rugby.
    Morning mate, how you going?Well, I was watching the news last night and they announced this scientific report on Climate Change. But before they got to it they had a story about the new All Blacks coach.Sounds like important news. It’s a bit of a worry really.Yeah, they were talking ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • What the US and European bank rescues mean for us
    Always a bailout: US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the Government would fully guarantee all savers in all smaller US banks if needed. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: No wonder an entire generation of investors are used to ‘buying the dip’ and ‘holding on for dear life’. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp?
    Wealthy vested interests have an oversized influence on political decisions in New Zealand. Partly that’s due to their use of corporate lobbyists. Fortunately, the influence lobbyists can have on decisions made by politicians is currently under scrutiny in Guyon Espiner’s in-depth series published by RNZ. Two of Espiner’s research exposés ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • It’s Raining Congestion
    Yesterday afternoon it rained and traffic around the region ground to a halt, once again highlighting why it is so important that our city gets on with improving the alternatives to driving. For additional irony, this happened on the same day the IPCC synthesis report landed, putting the focus on ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Checking The Left: The Dreadful Logic Of Fascism.
    The Beginning: Anti-Co-Governance agitator, Julian Batchelor, addresses the Dargaville stop of his travelling roadshow across New Zealand . Fascism almost always starts small. Sadly, it doesn’t always stay that way. Especially when the Left helps it to grow.THERE IS A DREADFUL LOGIC to the growth of fascism. To begin with, it ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • Good Friends and Terrible Food
    Hi,From an incredibly rainy day in Los Angeles, I just wanted to check in. I guess this is the day Trump may or may not end up in cuffs? I’m attempting a somewhat slower, less frenzied week. I’ve had Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s new record on non-stop, and it’s been a ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – What evidence is there for the hockey stick?
    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

  • Carry right on up there, Corporal Espiner
    RNZ has been shining their torch into corners where lobbyists lurk and asking such questions as: Do we like the look of this?and Is this as democratic as it could be?These are most certainly questions worth asking, and every bit as valid as, say:Are we shortchanged democratically by the way ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • This smells
    RNZ has continued its look at the role of lobbyists by taking a closer look at the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Andrew Kirton. He used to work for liquor companies, opposing (among other things) a container refund scheme which would have required them to take responsibility for their own ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Major issues on the table in Mahuta’s  talks in Beijing with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has left for Beijing for the first ministerial visit to China since 2019. Mahuta is  to  meet China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang  where she  might have to call on all the  diplomatic skills  at  her  command. Almost certainly she  will  face  questions  on what  role ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    4 days ago

  • Inside TOP's Teal Card and political strategy
    TL;DR: The Opportunities Party’s Leader Raf Manji is hopeful the party’s new Teal Card, a type of Gold card for under 30s, will be popular with students, and not just in his Ilam electorate where students make up more than a quarter of the voters and where Manji is confident ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Make Your Empties Go Another Round.
    When I was a kid New Zealand was actually pretty green. We didn’t really have plastic. The fruit and veges came in a cardboard box, the meat was wrapped in paper, milk came in a glass bottle, and even rubbish sacks were made of paper. Today if you sit down ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on how similar Vladimir Putin is to George W. Bush
    Looking back through the names of our Police Ministers down the years, the job has either been done by once or future party Bigfoots – Syd Holland, Richard Prebble, Juduth Collins, Chris Hipkins – or by far lesser lights like Keith Allen, Frank Gill, Ben Couch, Allen McCready, Clem Simich, ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • CHRIS TROTTER:  Te Pāti Māori’s uncompromising threat to the status quo
    Chris Trotter writes – The Crown is a fickle friend. Any political movement deemed to be colourful but inconsequential is generally permitted to go about its business unmolested. The Crown’s media, RNZ and TVNZ, may even “celebrate” its existence (presumably as proof of Democracy’s broad-minded acceptance of diversity). ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Shining a bright light on lobbyists in politics
    Four out of the five people who have held the top role of Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff since 2017 have been lobbyists. That’s a fact that should worry anyone who believes vested interests shouldn’t have a place at the centre of decision making. Chris Hipkins’ newly appointed Chief of ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Auckland Council Draft Budget – an unnecessary backwards step
    Feedback on Auckland Council’s draft 2023/24 budget closes on March 28th. You can read the consultation document here, and provide feedback here. Auckland Council is currently consulting on what is one of its most important ever Annual Plans – the ‘budget’ of what it will spend money on between July ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Talking’ Posey Parker Blues
    by Molten Moira from Motueka If you want to be a woman let me tell you what to do Get a piece of paper and a biro tooWrite down your new identification And boom! You’re now a woman of this nationSpelled W O M A Na real trans woman that isAs opposed ...
    RedlineBy Admin
    4 days ago

  • More Māori words make it into the OED, and polytech boss (with rules on words like “students”) ...
    Buzz from the Beehive   New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti is hosting the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers for three days from today, welcoming Education Ministers and senior officials from 18 Pacific Island countries and territories, and from Australia. Here’s hoping they have brought translators with them – or ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Social intercourse with haters and Nazis: an etiquette guide
    Let’s say you’ve come all the way from His Majesty’s United Kingdom to share with the folk of Australia and New Zealand your antipathy towards certain other human beings. And let’s say you call yourself a women’s rights activist.And let’s say 99 out of 100 people who listen to you ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • The Greens, Labour, and coalition enforcement
    James Shaw gave the Green party's annual "state of the planet" address over the weekend, in which he expressed frustration with Labour for not doing enough on climate change. His solution is to elect more Green MPs, so they have more power within any government arrangement, and can hold Labour ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • This sounds familiar…
    RNZ this morning has the first story another investigative series by Guyon Espiner, this time into political lobbying. The first story focuses on lobbying by government agencies, specifically transpower, Pharmac, and assorted universities, and how they use lobbyists to manipulate public opinion and gather intelligence on the Ministers who oversee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • Letter to the NZ Herald: NCEA pseudoscience – “Mauri is present in all matter”
    Nick Matzke writes –   Dear NZ Herald, I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. I teach evolutionary biology, but I also have long experience in science education and (especially) political attempts to insert pseudoscience into science curricula in ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • So what would be the point of a Green vote again?
    James Shaw has again said the Greens would be better ‘in the tent’ with Labour than out, despite Labour’s policy bonfire last week torching much of what the Government was doing to reduce emissions. File Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Green Party has never been more popular than in some ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • Gas stoves pose health risks. Are gas furnaces and other appliances safe to use?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Wesseler Poor air quality is a long-standing problem in Los Angeles, where the first major outbreak of smog during World War II was so intense that some residents thought the city had been attacked by chemical weapons. Cars were eventually discovered ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Genetic Heritage and Co Governance
    Yesterday I was reading an excellent newsletter from David Slack, and I started writing a comment “Sounds like some excellent genetic heritage…” and then I stopped.There was something about the phrase genetic heritage that stopped me in tracks. Is that a phrase I want to be saying? It’s kind of ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • BRIAN EASTON: Radical Uncertainty
    Brian Easton writes – Two senior economists challenge some of the foundations of current economics. It is easy to criticise economic science by misrepresenting it, by selective quotations, and by ignoring that it progresses, like all sciences, by improving and abandoning old theories. The critics may go ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s Middle East strategy, 20 years after the Iraq War
    This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the Iraq War. While it strongly opposed the US-led invasion, New Zealand’s then Labour-led government led by Prime Minister Helen Clark did deploy military engineers to try to help rebuild Iraq in mid-2003. With violence soaring, their 12-month deployment ended without being renewed ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago

  • The motorways are finished
    After seventy years, Auckland’s motorway network is finally finished. In July 1953 the first section of motorway in Auckland was opened between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Mt Wellington Highway. The final stage opens to traffic this week with the completion of the motorway part of the Northern Corridor Improvements project. Aucklanders ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    5 days ago

  • Kicking National’s tyres
    National’s appointment of Todd McClay as Agriculture spokesperson clearly signals that the party is in trouble with the farming vote. McClay was not an obvious choice, but he does have a record as a political scrapper. The party needs that because sources say it has been shedding farming votes ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • As long as there is cricket, the world is somehow okay.
    Rays of white light come flooding into my lounge, into my face from over the top of my neighbour’s hedge. I have to look away as the window of the conservatory is awash in light, as if you were driving towards the sun after a rain shower and suddenly blinded. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • So much of what was there remains
    The columnists in Private Eye take pen names, so I have not the least idea who any of them are. But I greatly appreciate their expert insight, especially MD, who writes the medical column, offering informed and often damning critique of the UK health system and the politicians who keep ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Mar 12, 2023 thru Sat, Mar 18, 2023. Story of the Week Guest post: What 13,500 citations reveal about the IPCC’s climate science report   IPCC WG1 AR6 SPM Report Cover - Changing ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Financial capability services are being bucked up, but Stuart Nash shouldn’t have to see if they c...
    Buzz from the Beehive  The building of financial capability was brought into our considerations when Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced she had dipped into the government’s coffers for $3 million for “providers” to help people and families access community-based Building Financial Capability services. That wording suggests some ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Things that make you go Hmmmm.
    Do you ever come across something that makes you go Hmmmm?You mean like the song?No, I wasn’t thinking of the song, but I am now - thanks for that. I was thinking of things you read or hear that make you stop and go Hmmmm.Yeah, I know what you mean, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • The hoon for the week that was to March 19
    By the end of the week, the dramas over Stuart Nash overshadowed Hipkins’ policy bonfire. File photo: Lynn GrieveasonTLDR: This week’s news in geopolitics and the political economy covered on The Kākā included:PM Chris Hipkins’ announcement of the rest of a policy bonfire to save a combined $1.7 billion, but ...
    The KakaBy Peter Bale
    7 days ago

  • Saving Stuart Nash: Explaining Chris Hipkins' unexpected political calculation
    When word went out that Prime Minister Chris Hipkins would be making an announcement about Stuart Nash on the tiles at parliament at 2:45pm yesterday, the assumption was that it was over. That we had reached tipping point for Nash’s time as minister. But by 3pm - when, coincidentally, the ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    1 week ago

  • Radical Uncertainty
    Two senior economists challenge some of the foundations of current economics. It is easy to criticise economic science by misrepresenting it, by selective quotations, and by ignoring that it progresses, like all sciences, by improving and abandoning old theories. The critics may go on to attack physics by citing Newton.So ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago

  • Jump onto the weekly hoon on Riverside at 5pm
    Photo by Walker Fenton on UnsplashIt’s that time of the week again when and I co-host our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kaka for an hour at 5 pm. Jump on this link on Riverside (we’ve moved from Zoom) for our chat about the week’s news with ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • The Dream of Florian Neame: Accepted
    In a nice bit of news, my 2550-word deindustrial science-fiction piece, The Dream of Florian Neame, has been accepted for publication at New Maps Magazine (https://www.new-maps.com/). I have published there before, of course, with Of Tin and Tintagel coming out last year. While I still await the ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago

  • Snakes and leaders
    And so this is Friday, and what have we learned?It was a week with all the usual luggage: minister brags and then he quits, Hollywood red carpet is full of twits. And all the while, hanging over the trivial stuff: existential dread, and portents of doom.Depending on who you read ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • This station is Karanga-a-Hape, Chur!
    When I changed the name of this newsletter from The Daily Read to Nick’s Kōrero I was a bit worried whether people would know what Kōrero meant or not. I added a definition when I announced the change and kind of assumed people who weren’t familiar with it would get ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • Greens don’t shy from promoting a candidate’s queerness but are quiet about govt announcement on...
    There was a time when a political party’s publicity people would counsel against promoting a candidate as queer. No matter which of two dictionary meanings the voting public might choose to apply – the old meaning of odd, strange, weird, or aberrant, or the more recent meaning of gay, homosexual ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Ask Me Anything about the week to March 17
    Photo by Joakim Honkasalo on UnsplashIt’s that time of the week for an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session for paying subscribers about the week that was for the next hour, including:PM Chris Hipkins announcement of the rest of a policy bonfire to save a combined $1.7 billion, but which blew up ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Slow consenting could create $16b climate liability by 2050
    Even though concern over the climate change threat is becoming more mainstream, our governments continue to opt out of the difficult decisions at the expense of time, and cost for future generations. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTLDR: Now we have a climate liability number to measure the potential failure of the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • THOMAS CRANMER: Challenging progressivism in New Zealand’s culture wars
    Thomas Cranmer writes  Like it or not, the culture wars have entered New Zealand politics and look set to broaden and intensify. The culture wars are often viewed as an exclusively American phenomenon, but the reality is that they are becoming increasingly prominent in countries around the world, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges.  Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson Tasman
    A new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • National’s education policy: where’s the funding?
    After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment.  “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventors
    People aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economy
    A cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times
    77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business Forum
    Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island
    $2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government future-proofs EV charging
    Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZers
    Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners Court
    Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floods
    The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • New appointment to Māori Land Court bench
    E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work
    113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Vertical farming partnership has upward momentum
    The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
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